News

Primary election approaches in Milwaukee

Patrick Flaherty, a candidate for Milwaukee Common Council, faces a competitive Feb. 19 primary. His election would make him the council's first openly LGBT member.

Chat with the nation’s first lesbian, African-American mayor

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=features&sc3=&id=55525 

Lawmakers aim to expand domestic partnerships

http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2008/01/lawmakers_aim_to_expand_domest.html

OLYMPIA - After Washington enacted a law in July 2007 that gave same-sex couples legal recognition, more than 3,300 couples from all parts of the state registered as domestic partners.

In hearings Tuesday in the state's Legislature, several of those couples voiced support for a bill that would expand that law to give same-sex couples the same rights that married couples have in divorces, property, estates, taxes, and guardianships.

Lowe helps Gainesville pass non-discrimination ordinance

Out commissioner Craig Lowe joins fellow city commissioners in protecting the rights of transgender citizens.

Gusciora bills to improve municipal court system advance

The New Jersey Assembly's Judiciary Committee released three bills sponsored by out Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, which will greatly improve the efficiency of municipal courts by helping municipal prosecutors more effectively carry out their assignments. 

Pereira endorsed by Jewish Herald-Voice

The Jewish Herald-Voice has endorsed Pereira's candidacy as Judge for the 190th Civil District Court of Harris County.

Vermont Lawmaker Does Double Duty As Comic

Rep. Jason Lorber does stand-up comedy when he's not legislating.

Simmons hopes to protect stalking victims

Newly elected mayor Denise Simmons pushes for broader criteria for receiving a restraining order and more protections for victims of stalking.

AP: Washington state gains sixth LGBT legislator

Appointment of openly gay Democrat Marko Liias gives state six openly gay lawmakers. "Voters are making decisions on people's character, and not their sexual orientation," said state Sen. Ed Murray.

Salt Lake Tribune praises lesbian Utah Rep. Christine Johnson

Editorial supports Johnson's legislation aimed at protecting LGBT citizens from workplace discrimination.

Cambridge elects nation's first out black lesbian mayor

Out lesbian Denise Simmons, a Victory endorsee who was re-elected to the Cambridge, Massachusetts City Council last year, has been elected mayor by her council peers.  She is the second openly LGBT African-American to hold the post, and the first out black lesbian mayor in U.S. history.

Dan Savage endorses Sam Adams

Nationally syndicated columnist endorses Portland mayoral candidate.

Sonoma County candidate Maddy Hirshfield featured in Bay Area Reporter

Paper reports that Sonoma County has the highest concentration of same-sex households in the state. "Considering that kind of demographic, it is about time we had somebody on the Board of Supervisors who can really support all the people," said Hirshfield.

Randy Bishop featured in article on gay elected officials

Home News Tribune editorial entitled "On to the day when sexuality doesn't matter" hopes for day when sexual orientation is irrelevant in electoral politics.

Victory Fund scores first win of the year in Guam

Victory endorsee Benjamin Cruz won a special senatorial election on Saturday, capturing 41 percent of the vote.

Lovell named Houston vice mayor pro-tem

Former Victory endorsee unanimously voted in by fellow City Council members

Bishop to be named mayor of Neptune Township, N.J.

Victory endorsee expected to be one of two openly gay mayors in the state.

Frank Ferri sworn in as Rhode Island Assemblyman

Victory endorsee Frank Ferri was sworn into office on Dec. 19, after winning a special election in Rhode Island's 22nd District. Click through to see video of the ceremony.

Being gay not hindering Polis' race

The fact that Polis is gay has hardly come up in Colorado — minus some derogatory name-calling on a right-wing blog — where he is locked in an intense, ultra-expensive primary battle to replace Senate contender Mark Udall.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram renews Joel Burns endorsement

"Our opinion hasn't changed: The Star-Telegram Editorial Board still feels strongly that Burns, 38, a Realtor and resident of the Ryan Place neighborhood, should be the voters' choice to succeed Wendy Davis."

Miami City Council approves domestic partner health benefit policy

The North Miami City Council adopted a new Procurement Ordinance which requires certain contractors wishing to do business with the City to provide equal health benefits to domestic partners of their own employees.

Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidate Jim Roth praised in editorial

Daily Oklahoman editorial praises Roth's diligence, omits mentions of his sexuality.

McAffrey proposes adding sexual orientation and gender to hate crimes law

Oklahoma's only gay state legislator proposes legislation, prompted by the murder of a 62-year-old gay man.

Ferri wins seat in Rhode Island Assembly

Victory-endorsed candidate Frank Ferri won a special election to fill a vacant Assembly seat, crediting his door-to-door campaigning and strong fundraising for the win.

Georgia candidate loses after anti-trans lawsuit

Riverdale, Ga., City Councilwoman Michelle Bruce, one of the few openly transgender elected officials in the U.S., lost her runoff election Tuesday following a high-profile lawsuit by opponents who charged she deceived the public by identifying as female.

Frank Ferri faces two challengers in special election

Aspiring Rhode Island Assemblymember faces two tough opponents in the general election Nov. 27.

Cloutier's mayoral race too close to call

The race for Vallejo's top political seat was a statistical dead heat after voters went to the polls Tuesday.

Troy Record endorses Zalewski

Zalewski wants to bring integrity to City Council

Lydia Lavelle receives endorsement

Independent Weekly endorses Lavelle in her race for Carrboro Board of Aldermen.

Mayor Villaraigosa appoints Saltzman to LA Police Commission

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today nominated City Ethics Commission Vice President Robert Saltzman to the Los Angeles Police Commission. Saltzman, who also serves as Associate Dean of the University of Southern California law school, will replace outgoing Commissioner Shelley Freeman.

The SunPost Endorses Frank Kruszewski

Frank Kruszewski is the only candidate who not only demonstrates a solid grasp of key issues, but also has a personable demeanor that makes him accessible to all Miami Beach citizens.

Councilman raises issue of homosexuality in city race

Fort Worth City Councilman Chuck Silcox urged a group of Republicans on Wednesday to vote for Chris Turner in the nonpartisan District 9 council race because Turner is Republican and straight.

Libertarian, 2 independents enliven City Council races

"I haven't stopped since the primary," Kraus said. "We've kept it in campaign mode the entire time."

Rep. Joe McDermott appointed to replace Poulsen in Senate

Openly gay state Rep. Joe McDermott will succeed Sen. Erik Poulson to represent Washington's 34th District.

Ken Zalewski featured in Metroland

Troy City Council candidate Ken Zalewski was featured in an article in Metroland.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram endorses Joel Burns

Newspaper says the Victory endorsee "is the most knowledgeable about city issues and takes the wisest positions."

Out California assemblyman has bills signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger

Openly gay California Assemblyman John Laird had two bills signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday -- one regarding water conservation and another involving the establishment of a coastal trail.

Anti-gay flyer targets Miami Beach Commission candidate

A mysterious flier recently appeared in Miami Beach featuring, in part, a crossed-out image of the supposedly gay Teletubby Tinky-Winky. Presumably, the notice is a shot at openly gay commission candidate Frank Kruszewski.

San Diego mayor backs marriage equality

The city's GOP mayor surprised just about everyone yesterday when he unexpectedly changed his position on a city council decision to support marriage rights for same-sex couples.  Councilmember Toni Atkins, an open lesbian, championed the measure.

Victory makes eight new endorsements

Eight new candidates have received the endorsement of the Victory Fund, bringing to 55 the total number of endorsed candidates so far this year.

California Senate may take up marriage bill again

Out Assemblyman Mark Leno will once again shepherd through the legislature a bill that would grant marriage rights to same-sex couples. 

Commissioner Michael Góngora Chair of “Green Ad-Hoc Committee” Holds First Meeting

The Miami Beach Mayor’s Green Ad-Hoc Committee held its first meeting since its establishment on July 17, 2007. In attendance were the following members of the committee: John Corey, Robin Jacobs, Debra Leibowitz, Mitch Novick, Patxi Pastor and Luiz Rodrigues. Commissioner Michael Góngora, chair of the committee, was also present.

Coluzzi elected in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Community activist and consultant Pat Coluzzi has become the first open lesbian elected in the state of Delaware.

Historic Japanese election ends in loss

Kanako Otsuji has lost her bid for a seat in parliament.  She was the first openly LGBT candidate backed by a major party in Japan.

Domestic partners register in Washington state

A new domestic partnership law, championed by the state's LGBT legislators, took effect this week. 

Eleven new endorsements

The Victory Fund announced 11 new endorsements, bringing the total number of endorsed candidates this year to 46.

Penn. Senate confirms openly gay judge

Dan Anders, a Victory-endorsed candidate for a judgeship on the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, has been unanimously confirmed by the State Senate.

Many Groups Banking on Social Issues to Garner Votes

Organizations championing social agendas are hoping cultural issues will gain traction among voters and help shape the strategies of the party's presidential hopefuls.http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2008/jan-june07/dem_social_issues.html

Gay Candidate Loses in Dallas Mayor's Race

Despite loss, Oakley's bid for mayor was still historic.http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=1944

Cicilline Endorses Hillary Clinton

Providence mayor David Cicilline endorses Hillary Clinton for president and is named Co-Chair of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign.

U.S. Gay-Rights Groups Heartened by Political Gains

Gay rights leaders encouraged by America's progress in regards to LGBT issues.

Gay Loses Out in Dallas

Gay Candidate Loses Mayoral Bid

Ed Oakley loses Mayoral bid, but still made LGBT history.http://www.towleroad.com/2007/06/gay_candidate_e.html

No Gay Mayor For Dallas

Despite Oakley's loss, this election was a notable landmark in LGBT politics.http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-gay-mayor-for-dallas.html

Not Quite Time for an Openly Gay Mayor in Dallas

According to blogger Pam Spaulding, Ed Oakley's campaign was plagued by robocalls and his opponent's extraordinary financial edge.http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2041

Leppert Elected Dallas Mayor

Tom Leppert is elected Dallas Mayor, though Oakley's campaign still historic.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/061707dnmetelexdalmayor.973d5d9.html#

Gay Councilmember Misses Bid To Become Dallas Mayor

Longtime Dallas City Council member Ed Oakley lost the runoff for Dallas mayor to businsesman Tom Leppert.http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/06/061707dallas.htm

Dallas Chooses Leppert as Mayor

Tom Leppert wins Dallas mayoral race.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8PQB3HG1.html

Victory applauds Oakley campaign

Ed Oakley lost his bid to become the next mayor of Dallas.  Victory Fund president & CEO Chuck Wolfe issued a statement applauding Ed's historic campaign. Click through for the full text.

Pearson Announces Boulder Council Run

Eugene Peason announces his candidacy for the Boulder City Council.http://www.outfrontcolorado.com/news.php

Martin Sheen to Speak at Black-Tie Dinner

Acclaimed actor Martin Sheen continues to support LGBT issues and events, including his participation in the Victory Fund podcast.http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_5846.php

Dallas 1st Big City with Gay Mayor?

Newsweek looks at whether Oakley's homosexuality is an issue in his campaign for Dallas Mayor.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19249594/site/newsweek/

Frank, Baldwin speak up for gay Iraqis

In a letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, the two openly gay members of Congress urged the administration to take action to protect the LGBT citizens in Iraq.

Victory Fund reflects on progress

The Victory Fund says Oakley's campaign is an "amazing statement about our progress."http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/06/first-gay-mayor-of-major-us-city.html

Gay history in the making?

Queerty discusses the impact Oakley's election would have not only in Dallas, but throughout Texas.http://www.queerty.com/news/gay-history-in-the-making-20070612/

Q&A with Ed Oakley

Ed Oakley speaks with 365gay.com about the national attention he's received as a candidate for mayor of Dallas.http://365gay.com/lifestylechannel/family/061207family.htm

Dead heat in Dallas mayoral race

According to a poll conducted by the Dallas Morning News, Ed Oakley and Tom Leppert are running neck and neck in the race to become the next mayor of Dallas.

New TX rallying cry: 'Remember that Ed's a mo!'

goodasyou.com blogs about the anti-Ed Oakley/anti-gay automated calls being made by the Heritage Alliance PAC just days before the Dallas run-off.http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2007/06/texas_new_antig.html

First openly bisexual man elected to NY State Assembly

With 64% of the vote, Micah Kellner became the first openly bisexual man elected to the New York State Assembly.http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid45793.asp

Single payer health plan begins again

http://www.mtshastanews.com/articles/2007/06/06/news/area_news/03singlepayer.txt

Kellner defeats Camp in NY Assembly election

Openly bisexual Micah Kellner defeated opponent Gregory Camp in a NY Assembly special election.  According to unofficial returns, Kellner received 65 percent of the votes, while Camp received 35 percent.

New York gets 5th LGBT legislator

Micah Kellner won a special election June 5th to represent the 65th District in the New York State Assembly.  He joins four other out legislators in the state legislature. 

Read more at NY1 news .

National media tunes in to Dallas election

Ed Oakley’s historic race for mayor has garnered national attention this week, but will local voters turn out for Ed?

Runoff could make Dallas largest U.S. city with openly gay mayor

While once considered a hotbed of conservativism, Dallas is slowly moving to the middle of the political isle as more progressive voices are heard and a more diverse field of candidates become elected officials.

Dallas more progressive than outsiders perceive

Jacquielynn Floyd of the Dallas Morning News explains that Dallas is not the closed-minded, ultra-conservative city that many outsiders believe it to be. 

Colorado morphs from hate to great state

The political infrastructure of Colorado is changing as Denver and other cities elect openly LGBT leaders.

Sexual orientation decreasing as issue in Dallas politics

The Dallas Morning News reports that as more and more openly LGBT candidates and elected officials pepper the Dallas political landscape, sexual orientation becomes more of a non-issue.

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

Although civil unions are becoming increasingly available across the United States, some same-sex couples insist that only marriage will provide equal benefits/recognition under the law.

Gay or Experienced?

One blogger questions why his "knee-jerk reaction" is to always vote for the gay guy.

Dallas May Get Gay Mayor

A win for Ed Oakley would make Dallas, Texas the first top-ten US city with a gay Mayor.http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=20765

Concern for Party Led to Exit From Virginia House Race

Jeff Dion withdrew his candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates race amid blog attacks and smears over his sexual orientation.

Happy Anniversary, Barney Frank!

Congressman Barney Frank came out publicly 20 years ago this week.http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=20762

Todd responds to party chair's gay-baiting remarks

Representative Patricia Todd responds to the gay-baiting remarks by Alabama Democratic Party Chair Joe Turnham.

Dallas may become first major US City with openly gay mayor

If Ed Oakley is elected this June, Dallas will become the first major US city with an openly gay mayor.

Jeff Dion withdraws from Virginia House of Delegates Race

Jeff Dion, a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, has withdrawn from the race after weeks of attacks on his sexual orientation.

Gay candidates faring well in big city races

Openly gay political candidates and elected officials are making noticeable strides — and in some cases making history — around the country in high-profile races. http://www.washblade.com/2007/5-25/news/national/10649.cfm

Domestic Partner legislation passes in Minnesota

Domestic partner legislation passes in Minnesota.  Read more here: http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=292562&z=2

Oakley endorsed by Police groups

Dallas police groups say Oakley is “committed to public safety,” and is their choice for mayor.

Oklahoma Governor appoints Jim Roth to statewide position

Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth was recently appointed to the prestigious Oklahoma Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry.  This appointment is one of the most significant political appointments achieved by a member of the LGBT community anywhere in the United States.

Is Sally Clark Untouchable?

http://seattleweekly.com/2007-05-16/news/is-sally-clark-untouchable.php

BREAKthrough in Pittsburgh!

Bruce Kraus will become the first openly gay elected official in the city of Pittsburgh after winning the Democratic primary to represent District 3 on the city council.

Senator criticizes her colleagues: Justus cites lack of action on increasing child-care subsidies during the session

In an emotional speech last week, Sen. Jolie Justus lashed out at lawmakers for lavishing tax credits on businesses this year but failing to increase child-care subsidies.http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/106017.html

Oklahoma Gov. appoints first openly gay statewide official

Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, who was twice endorsed by the Victory Fund, has been appointed to the state's Corporation Commission.

Governor appoints Jim Roth to Corporation Commission seat

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070514_1__Oklah20728&breadcrumb=Breaking%20News

Gay lawmaker's agenda includes environment, health care

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/05/13/news/051307lrkathywebb.txt

Oakley advances in Dallas mayoral race

Councilman Ed Oakley is a step closer to becoming the nation's first openly gay mayor of one of the largest U.S. cities after Saturday's election in Dallas.

Oregon's out lawmakers celebrate new laws

Oregon’s two LGBT legislators, Rep. Tina Kotek and Sen. Kate Brown, pictured here to the right of Gov. Ted Kulongoski, at the signing of two new pro-equality laws.  Terry Bean, one of the founders of the Victory Fund, is pictured to the left of the governor.

Victory in Colorado!

State Sen. Jennifer Veiga has prevailed in her decade-long quest to pass a bill protecting gays and lesbians from employment discrimination.

Oregon DP bill to become law

The state's two openly LGBT legislators celebrate passage of marriage-like rights for same sex couples.

Bruce Kraus endorsed by Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Victory endorsee Bruce Kraus, who would become the city’s first openly gay elected official, was endorsed today by Pittsburgh’s largest daily paper.