Metro Weekly

Photo

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:50:50 -0400

Photo

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:23:24 -0400

"If proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love…then surely,..."

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 23:40:54 -0400

““If proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love…then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream.””

- First Lady Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention.

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) with his husband, Jim Ready, at...

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:25:01 -0400

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) with his husband, Jim Ready, at their wedding reception this evening, July 7, 2012. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Frank’s office by Fotique 2012.)

The Month Before -- And Hours After -- Anderson Cooper Came Out

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:22:00 -0400

Less than a month ago, Kathy Griffin talked with Metro Weekly about people coming out on their own timeline, in part, because, “keep in mind it’s a big world out there and there are people – you know, obviously journalists – that go to parts of the world where they will assassinate you the minute they think you’re gay.”

Then, Anderson Cooper went on Griffin’s Bravo show, Kathy, talking about being on a flight with Johnny Weir and telling a person on the flight trying to take a picture of him, “Bitch, what the fuck are you doing?” The first commenter on a Gawker post about the appearance had written, “So this this part of his plan to be ever more gradually out?”

Today, Cooper ended any “gradual” coming out, telling Andrew Sullivan, “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.”

That move prompted out MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts to tell Metro Weekly, “I don’t think his raw honesty will hurt him and, with or without knowing it, he has helped many.” The Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart, also out, agreed, telling Metro Weekly the decision to come out publicly “only enhances his stature as a an honest and thorough journalist.”

Obama Talks About Maryland Marriage Equality Referendum

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:59:36 -0400

This afternoon in Baltimore, Maryland, President Obama spoke about LGBT issues at a campaign event.

According to the transcript provided by the White House, he said, “We’re not going back to the days when you could be kicked out of the United States military just because of who you are and who you love. (Applause.) We’re moving forward to a country where we treat everybody fairly and everybody equally, with dignity and respect. And here in Maryland, thanks to the leadership of committed citizens and Governor O’Malley, you have a chance to reaffirm that principle in the voting booth in November. It’s the right thing to do. (Applause.)”

"I’d like to think that hitting the ‘share’ button on FaceBook late that August night has..."

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:05:00 -0400

“I’d like to think that hitting the ‘share’ button on FaceBook late that August night has been one of the most impacting and important moments thus far.”

- High-school volleyball player Galen Dodd, who came out in a Facebook post in August 2011, to OutSports

Fundraiser Line About "Going Down" That Pool Reporter Says Obama Let Hang "Naughtily"

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:10:52 -0400

President Barack Obama, in Beverly Hills, California: “I want to thank my wonderful friend who accepts a little bit of teasing about Michelle beating her in pushups — (laughter) — but I think she claims Michelle didn’t go all the way down. (Laughter.) That’s what I heard. I just want to set the record straight — Michelle outdoes me in pushups as well. (Laughter.) So she shouldn’t feel bad. She’s an extraordinary talent and she’s just a dear, dear friend — Ellen DeGeneres. Give Ellen a big round of applause. (Applause.)”

From the White House Press Gaggle en route to California, June 6, 2012

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:41:26 -0400

Q Can I ask you one fundraiser question about tonight? The President is going to be serenaded by Darren Criss. He’s going to be in Ryan Murphy’s house. When was the last time he watched “Glee”? How often does he watch it? Does he have a favorite character?

MR. CARNEY: I haven’t heard the President talk about that. I think he has referenced some of the shows he does watch, so I don’t know — I don’t know the answer to your question.

Q Is he a fan?

MR. CARNEY: I don’t know the answer to your question.

President Obama's LGBT Pride Month Proclamation, 2012

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:17:00 -0400

From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led
a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full
equality under the law — not just for some, but for all. Ours
is a heritage forged by those who organized, agitated, and
advocated for change; who wielded love stronger than hate and
hope more powerful than insult or injury; who fought to build
for themselves and their families a Nation where no one is a
second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of
us are free to live and love as we see fit.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
community has written a proud chapter in this fundamentally
American story. From brave men and women who came out and spoke
out, to union and faith leaders who rallied for equality, to
activists and advocates who challenged unjust laws and marched
on Washington, LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once
seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring
legacy, celebrate the movement that has made progress possible,
and recommit to securing the fullest blessings of freedom for
all Americans.

Since I took office, my Administration has worked to
broaden opportunity, advance equality, and level the playing
field for LGBT people and communities. We have fought to secure
justice for all under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr.,
Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and we have taken action to end
housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights for LGBT
patients and their loved ones, and under the Affordable Care
Act, we ensured that insurance companies will no longer be able
to deny coverage to someone just because they are lesbian, gay,
bisexual, or transgender. Because we understand that LGBT
rights are human rights, we continue to engage with the
international community in promoting and protecting the rights
of LGBT persons around the world. Because we repealed “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell,” gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans can serve
their country openly, honestly, and without fear of losing their
jobs because of whom they love. And because we must treat
others the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in
marriage equality for same-sex couples.

More remains to be done to ensure every single American is
treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity. Moving forward, my Administration will continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT Americans. This month, as we
reflect on how far we have come and how far we have yet to go,
let us recall that the progress we have made is built on the
words and deeds of ordinary Americans. Let us pay tribute to
those who came before us, and those who continue their work
today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task that is
unending — the pursuit of a Nation where all are equal, and all
have the full and unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness and
live openly and freely.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim June 2012 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists,
and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

News Analysis: The DOMA Decision Is A Narrow One -- Which Could Be Key at the Supreme Court - Poliglot

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:23:30 -0400

News Analysis: The DOMA Decision Is A Narrow One -- Which Could Be Key at the Supreme Court - Poliglot:

Read what our senior political editor, Chris Geidner, thinks about Thursday’s federal appellate court decision striking down the federal definition of “marriage” and “spouse” as unconstitutional.

Bring Your "Plus One" to Dinner With Mitt

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:02:32 -0400

“My wife Ann has been my ‘plus one’ for over 40 years now. And since I’m inviting her to join me for our next Grab a Bite meal, I want each lucky winner to bring his or her favorite ‘plus one’ along too,” Mitt Romney wrote in an email to supporters on Wednesday, May 23.

Romney opposes marriage equality or civil unions for same-sex couples, but apparently would allow a person to bring a same-sex “plus one” to dinner.

Obama "Saddened" by Donna Summer's Death

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:58:31 -0400

From President Barack Obama: “Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Donna truly was the ‘Queen of Disco.’ Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna’s family and her dedicated fans.”

"Women are receivers and men are givers. Two homosexuals cannot do that. One is by design and one is..."

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:25:15 -0400

“Women are receivers and men are givers. Two homosexuals cannot do that. One is by design and one is unnatural.”

- Rev. Dwight McKissic of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Texas, as quoted in National Review Online

Will Smith Backs Obama's Marriage Equality Support

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:40:45 -0400

In Berlin, Will Smith called President Obama’s move “brave,” according to the Associated Press.

Of marriage equality, Smith said, “[I]f anybody can find someone to love them and to help them through this difficult thing that we call life, I support that in any shape or form.”

Congratulations to DC’s Favorite Otter: Paul B! After a...

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:23:18 -0400

Congratulations to DC’s Favorite Otter: Paul B!

After a week of voting, with 41 percent of the vote, Paul B, was the winner of the Metro Weekly and Otter Crossing contest held to celebrate the new Asian small-clawed otters unveiled earlier today at the National Zoo!

Congrats, Paul, and everyone should be sure to come to next month’s Otter Crossing at DC Eagle!

GOProud Threatens Not to Support Romney

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:25:06 -0400

GOProud executive director Jimmy LaSalvia was not happy with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R)’s speech at Liberty University today.

“We have said since our founding in 2009, that we are committed to defeating Barack Obama. We remain committed to Obama’s defeat. However, if Governor Romney expects to be the candidate who can beat Obama in November then he needs to embrace a strategy that makes victory possible – falling into the culture war trap laid by Obama is a guaranteed electoral loser,” LaSalvia said in a statement.

“It is not too late. If Governor Romney wants to unite conservatives and motivate Tea Party voters then he needs to embrace bolder positions on taxes, entitlement reform, healthcare and spending, not pander to big government theocrats.”

VP Biden Is "Absolutely Comfortable With" Marriage Equality

Sun, 06 May 2012 15:57:07 -0400

“It is as if the administration wants to be on record not opposing marriage equality — while at the same time not actually supporting it, either.”

- Metro Weekly senior political editor Chris Geidner, looking at the White House and Obama campaign’s response to Vice President Biden’s comments supporting marriage equality today on Meet the Press, “Through the Obama Administration’s Marriage Equality Looking-Glass”

Exclusive: EEOC Rules for Trans Woman in Sex-Discrimination Case

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:51:16 -0400

Big news exclusively at Metro Weekly:

An employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to an opinion issued on April 20 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The opinion, experts say, could dramatically alter the legal landscape for transgender workers across the nation.

READ THE FULL METRO WEEKLY REPORT.

Metro Weekly Sneak Peek: Dining Out for Life... Hirshhorn's Cylindrical Cinema... Bully Pulpit... Gavin Creel... More...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:10:29 -0400

Metro Weekly Sneak Peek: Dining Out for Life... Hirshhorn's Cylindrical Cinema... Bully Pulpit... Gavin Creel... More...:

This week’s issue!