Anne E. DeChant performs during the opening ceremonies of Gay Games 9

BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com

The thousands of participants gathered at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland for the opening ceremony of the International Gay Games were welcomed by President Barack Obama who made a surprise appearance via videotape Saturday.

Obama gave context to the event stating, “Since 1982, the Gay Games have given lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender athletes and supporters around the world a chance to come together to compete, celebrate and inspire others. It’s been remarkable to see the Games thrive over the years. We’ve come a long way in our commitment to the equal rights of LGBT people here (in America) and around the world.”

The President went on to acknowledge those athletes who face serious human rights challenges in their home countries. “Some of you have come from places where it requires courage, even defiance, to come out, sometimes at great personal risk,” Obama said. “You should know that the United States stands with you and for your human rights.”

Athletes from around the world are gathered in the Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, area to compete in more than 35 sports and cultural events. In addition to President Obama’s welcoming remarks, attendees at the opening ceremony were treated to an opening number by a trio of drag singers lip-syncing “Proud Mary,” a Mexican athlete decked out in a sombrero, knee-high, red, platform boots and skimpy silver shorts, and performances by Lance Bass and the Pointer Sisters.

The competition runs through Saturday, August 16.

Watch President Obama’s full Gay Games 9 address below.

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BY CANDY PARKER

What did you miss this week in the world of LGBT news? Check out our Lesbian.com round-up and you’ll be ready to gather ’round the rainbow-colored water cooler to talk about five of the biggest, best and most interesting stories for June 15-21.

5 marriage equality cases get their day in court

On Monday, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals set August 6 as the date on which it will hear arguments for the five marriage equality cases pending before the court. The Cincinnati-seated court announced that arguments for cases in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee would take place at 1p.m. in what could be a historic day for marriage equality in those states.

Only the Michigan case pertains directly to the right of same-sex couples to marry. The others address issues related to birth and death certificates and state recognition for same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

Obama announces executive order protecting LGBT workers

Speaking at a Democratic National Committee gala in New York City Tuesday, President Obama received a standing ovation after announcing an executive order which would bar federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT workers.

“We don’t benefit as a country or an economy – businesses don’t benefit if they’re leaving talent off the field,” Obama said. “And that’s why I’ve directed my staff to prepare for my signature, an executive order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity… Because in the United States of America, who you are and who you love shouldn’t be a fireable offense.”

Obama went on to encourage passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

“It would be better, by the way, if Congress passed a more comprehensive law that didn’t just cover federal workers. And we need to keep working on that, so don’t take pressure off Congress,” Obama added.

Texas Governor skewered for comparing homosexuality to alcoholism

Comedians and late night talk show hosts continued to lambaste Texas Governor Rick Perry for comments he made the previous week before a gathering at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club. Stephen Colbert, John Stewart and others chided Perry for comparing homosexuality to alcoholism.

“Whether or not you feel compelled to follow a particular lifestyle or not, you have the ability to decide not to do that,” said Perry. “I may have the genetic coding that I’m inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way.”

The latest to take aim at Perry’s remarks is Funny or Die who rebuked the governor in the best way possible – with uproarious hilarity – in the following NSFW video released this week.

Dutch “gay-only village” hoax goes viral

The gay rights group Pink Monday Foundation pulled the rainbow-colored wool over the eyes of international news outlets this week with the announcement of plans for the establishment of GayVillage, a purportedly “protected,” LGBT-only community to be constructed in the Netherlands.

The elaborate hoax gained credibility via a professional-looking website and promotional videos touting the development, as well endorsement by the mayor of Tilburg, the GayVillage’s announced location.

Pink Monday said that the outrage sparked by the stunt was exactly what they were hoping for. “The negative reactions we got are positive for Pink Monday. We are happy that people think a gay village is a crazy idea.”

News outlets were incensed by Mayor Peter Noordanus’ participation in the ruse, claiming that their credibility had been impacted. Noordanus said he had “underestimated the impact of my quote,” adding, “I did this with the aim of drawing attention to gay rights and not to trick the media and society.”

Presbyterian Church USA approves same-sex marriage

On Thursday, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) voted to amend its Book of Order to redefine marriage, replacing the phrase “a man and a woman” to “two persons.”

The 429-175 vote by leaders of the PCUSA launches a path toward gay marriage throughout the denominations 10,000 churches across the country. A majority of the churches 172 regional bodies must now approve the change before it becomes official, a process which could take up to a year.

“This is a glorious day for the church and for LGBT people who have been seeking full inclusion here for decades,” said Rev. Randy Bush, the co-moderator of the board for Covenant Network, a pro-LGBT church group.

In a separate vote, the PCUSA also voted to allow pastors to officiate same-sex marriages in states where marriage equality is the law. No further approvals are needed on that measure, made final by the group’s 371-238 vote.

The post LGBT week in review: Marriage equality advances, gay village hoax goes viral first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) are circulating a letter among their Senate colleagues that calls on President Barack Obama to issue an executive order extending workplace nondiscrimination protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

“We are writing to urge you to fulfill the promise in your State of the Union address to make this a ‘year of action’ and build upon the momentum of 2013 by signing an executive order banning federal contractors from engaging in employment discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. As you have said before, ‘now is the time to end this kind of discrimination, not enable it,'” reads the letter, which was provided to The Huffington Post.

Read more at Huffington Post Gay Voices

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U.S. President Barack Obama made an official statement on Sunday, Feb. 16, following the passage of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill. It is below in its entirety.

“As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights. We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.

Read the rest of President Obama’s statement at TheSeattleLesbian.com

The Seattle Lesbian online magazine reaches more than 188,000 readers per week globally.

The post Obama issues statement in response to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill first appeared on Lesbian.com.

President Obama added to his list of openly gay judicial appointments on Thursday by naming a black lesbian to serve on the federal court.

Obama nominated Staci Michelle Yandle for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on Thursday as part of a group of four nominees.

“I am pleased to nominate these distinguished individuals to serve on the United States District Court bench,” Obama said in a statement. “I am confident they will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

Read more at Washington Blade

Washington Blade is America’s leading gay news source.

The post Obama nominates first black lesbian judge in 20 years first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Some artful editing of President Obama‘s speeches by ORHS Art Media Productions provided this tribute to Lady Gaga‘s “Born This Way,” the gay anthem of 2011.

The post President Obama: ‘Born This Way’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY CHRIS JOHNSON

President Obama issued a statement shortly after the Hawaii legislature gave final approval to a bill to legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday, saying he’s “proud” of his birth state for enacting marriage equality.

“Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger,” Obama said. “By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation. I’ve always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even prouder.”

Read more at Washington Blade

Washington Blade is America’s leading gay news sources

The post Obama proud of Hawaiian marriage equality victory first appeared on Lesbian.com.

President Obama said the work of Russian activists is “critically important” to maintaining an open society during a roundtable he held with civil society leaders in St. Petersburg.

Obama met with leaders of two Russian LGBT groups — Igor Kochetkov, director of the LGBT Network, and Olga Lenkova, spokesperson for Coming Out — as part of a discussion he had with a total of nine activists, according to the White House pool report from the New York Times’ Peter Baker. The meeting took place as part of Obama’s visit to St. Petersburg for the G-20 summit.

The work of these activists, Obama said, is “critically important” because they help maintain a free society, according to a transcript of his remarks from the White House.

Read more at Washington Blade

Washington Blade is America’s leading gay news source.

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President Obama is set to meet with a group of human rights advocates in Russia on Friday, including representatives of LGBT rights groups and many observers are hopeful that he will take the opportunity to express continued opposition to the country’s controversial anti-gay propaganda law.

During a stopover in Stockholm on Wednesday, Obama expressed solidarity with Sweden during opening remarks at a news conference by saying both the Nordic country and the United States have a shared belief in equality under the law, including for gay citizens.

“We share a belief in the dignity and equality of every human being; that our daughters deserve the same opportunities as our sons; that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters must be treated equally under the law; that our societies are strengthened and not weakened by diversity,” Obama said.

Read more at Washington Blade

Washington Blade is America’s leading gay news source.

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The White House on Wednesday announced President Obama has cancelled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that had been scheduled to take place next month in Moscow.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement the Kremlin’s decision to grant temporary asylum to National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden last week is among the factors that contributed to the decision to cancel the meeting that was to have taken place after the G-20 summit in St. Petersburg. An administration official told the Washington Blade that Russia’s LGBT rights record also played a role in Obama’s decision to cancel the talks with his Russian counterpart.

Obama is still scheduled to travel to the G-20 summit that will take place Sept. 5-6.

Read more at Washington Blade

Washington Blade is America’s leading gay news source.

The post LGBT rights a factor as Obama cancels Putin meeting first appeared on Lesbian.com.