It’s been impossible to find a presidential candidate of either party to openly support gay marriage. Even President Barack Obama, who has presided over great strides in LGBT equality during his term, is still officially “evolving” on the issue.

But of those candidates, Rick Santorum is a true believer. All you have to do is watch this video taken yesterday during a campaign stop in Fulton, Missouri, to see that the former Pennsylvania senator is no friends of the LGBT community and doesn’t pretend to be.

Thanks to loyal reader and friend Lorna Harris for sending me this link to The Colbert Report where the host has lunch with his new gay BFF Andy Cohen to discuss his ambivalence over whether or not to support Mitt Romney. Plenty of funny double entendre and martinis.
Enjoy!

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in a speech on human rights issues at United Nations headquarters in Geneva, called on world leaders to stop discrimination against gays and lesbians.

“I speak about this subject knowing that my own country’s record on human rights for gay people is far from perfect,” Clinton acknowledged. “Until 2003, it was still a crime in parts of our country. Many LGBT Americans have endured violence and harassment in their own lives, and for some, including many young people, bullying and exclusion are daily experiences. So we, like all nations, have more work to do to protect human rights at home.

She also said in her remarkable speech: “Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.”

Here is video of the speech in its entirety:

The openly gay politician appeared on Rachel Maddow’s MSNBC’s show last night. My friend Ted Johnson, on his terrific Wilshire & Washington blog, notes that the highlight may have been Maddow’s reel of some of the more memorable moments from his career. Included is an infamous clip in which he confronts a questioner at a health care forum with the answer, “What planet are you from?” Asked which of his achievements he is most proud, Frank put coming out in the mid-1980s atop the list, the first congressman to do so.

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But the 71-year-old congressman, an outspoken liberal with a very sharp tongue, announced earlier today that his current 16th term will be his last.

After facing one of his toughest re-election bids in 2010, Frank faced an even tougher battle at the polls next year due to congressional redistricting.

“I don’t want to be torn [between] a full-fledged campaign… and my obligation to my current constituents,” Frank said at a press conference held at Newton, Massachusetts City Hall.

Frank first took office in Massachusetts’ fourth district in 1980. From 2007-2011, he served as chairman of the House Financial Services committee and it was during that time that he spearheaded work on the landmark financial regulation legislation that rewrote the rules for Wall Street after the 2008 financial crisis.

But this and his liberal positions made him a target for conservatives and his newly-configurated district included more conservative areas.

In a written statement, President Barack Obama said the House of Representatives “will not be the same without him. Barney has been a fierce advocate for the people of Massachusetts and Americans everywhere who needed a voice.

The president praised Frank for helping to make housing more affordable and for fighting to end discrimination against lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered Americans.

At his press conference, Frank was his characteristic outspoken self when asked about Newt Gingrich’s recent rise among potential Republican party presidential nominees in the polls.

“I did not think I had lived a good enough life to be rewarded by having Newt Gingrich be the Republican nominee,” Frank said.

He added that Gingrich, who has been married three times, “is an ideal opponent for us when we talk about just who it is threatening the sanctity of marriage.”

The battle for marriage equality in California suffered a setback today with the California Supreme Court that the sponsors of Proposition 8 and other ballot measures are entitled to defend them in court when the state refuses to do so. The governor and the attorney general have refused to defend the measure banning same-sex marriages approved by voters in 2008.

The effect of today’s ruling is that the backers of Prop. 8 can now take the case to federal court and potentially to the US Supreme Court.

“While we respect the recommendations that the California Supreme Court made to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals– that they grant standing to the proponents of the so-called ProtectMarriage.com — it is only a recommendation,” said Rick Jacobs, (pictured, left) chair and founder of the 750,000 member Courage Campaign. “Allowing the Prop 8 proponents to have special rights in Court may open the floodgates to wealthy special interests to do the same. The judges of the 9th Circuit must determine if people who had enough money to buy a ballot measure that calls for people to vote on each other’s rights should have special rights in federal court. Regardless, we are confident that justice and love will prevail.”

The opinion was issued at the request of the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard the appeal of the 2010 ruling that struck down Proposition 8. The case will now return to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which will make a federal ruling on whether proponents of Prop 8 have standing to appeal the 2010 ruling and, if so, will consider whether Proposition 8 is invalid.

“Handing the authority and decision-making power of the state to a small group of citizens with an extremist agenda sets an extraordinary precedent that could complicate efforts to challenge future unconstitutional initiatives and prolong the harm suffered by Californians impacted by those initiatives,” said David Codell, who serves as pro bono counsel for Equality California along with colleagues at Caldwell Leslie & Proctor, PC. “Equality California is disappointed in today’s decision because we do not believe that initiative proponents such as the sponsors of Proposition 8 should be deemed to have any authority to represent the interests of the State of California. That authority should lie in the hands of our elected officials, such as the governor and the attorney General, both of whom recognize that Proposition 8 violates the federal Constitution.”

Sure, it would have been wonderful to have President Barack Obama announce that he is officially in favor of same-sex marriage when he made his address at the Human Rights Campaign’s national dinner last night.

But, of course, it did not happen.

But of gay marriage, he did say: “I am still hopeful, because of a deeper shift that we’re seeing; a transformation not only written into our laws, but woven into the fabric of our society. It’s progress led not by Washington but by ordinary citizens, who are propelled not just by politics but by love and friendship and a sense of mutual regard.  (Applause.)  It’s playing out in legislatures like New York, and courtrooms and in the ballot box.”

On Progress in Fight for LGBT Equality: “We’ve got more work ahead of us. But we can also be proud of the progress we’ve made these past two and a half years. Think about it,” he said, mentioning the repeal of DADT, new hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples and hate crimes legislation protecting LGBT individuals. “I need your help to fight for equality, to pass a repeal of DOMA, to pass an inclusive employment non-discrimination bill, so that being gay is never again a fireable offensive in America. … I vowed to keep up the fight against the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.  There’s a bill to repeal this discriminatory law in Congress, and I want to see that passed.  But until we reach that day, my administration is no longer defending DOMA in the courts.”

On bullying: “Together, we also have to keep sending a message to every young person in this country who might feel alone or afraid because they’re transgender,” he said. “They may be getting picked on or pushed around because they’re different. We’ve got to make sure they know there are adults they can talk to, that they are never alone, that there is a whole world waiting for them, filled with possibility. … And I want all those kids to know the president and the first lady is standing right by them every inch of the way. I want them to know we love them and care about them, and they’re not by themselves.”

Outgoing HRC President Joe Solmonese had generous words for the president in introducing him: “No president has done more to improve the lives of LGBT people than President Obama. No longer will gay and lesbian couples be kept apart when we are at our most vulnerable, at the hospital, thanks to President Obama. He kept his word, and he ushered in the end of DADT while others promised to reopen the wounds of that discriminatory policy. And unlike those who want to keep same-sex couples as strangers under federal law, our president has called the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and indefensible.”

Here is a LINK to the full text of the president’s remarks.

It finally happened, officially, this week.

So the timing is perfect for the president, who is facing re-election, to make a return visit and once again address the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.

It was announced today announced that Obama will deliver the keynote address at the organization’s 15th Annual National Dinner on Saturday, October 1, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

“We are honored to share this night with President Obama who has a tremendous record of accomplishment for LGBT people,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “On the heels of the end to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we look forward to celebrating our victories and redoubling our efforts for the fights that remain ahead.”

The event, which is expected to draw nearly 3,000 attendees, will be held at the Washington Convention Center.

More information is available at www.hrcnationaldinner.org.

I’ve never had more respect for Congressman Barney Frank than I do after watching his very moving video for the It Gets Better project.

He’s one of I believe only three openly gay members of Congress and in this video, he speaks from the heart.

“I used to be 15 and I know what it was like to be so frightened back then that anybody, event the people who loved me like my parents would find out who I was. It’s gotten better … but it’s still not perfect.”

He also talks about how it gets better as you get older because you are around people who are more mature and don’t inflict the kind of abuse teenagers often do on each other.

“But it’s also getting better because of projects like this, because of the courage of the people of your generation. … LGBT youth all over America no longer hide the way my generation did. By being honest about yourself, you’re liberating people of their prejudices.”

“Leading HRC has been an inspiring experience and a complete privilege,” Solmonese says in a statement. “I could not be more proud of our staff, our volunteer leadership and of the extraordinary progress we’ve made together as a community.”

“HRC has never been stronger and after nearly seven years, this is the right moment for me to move on,” he added. “As I explore new professional possibilities, I plan on continuing to pour my heart and soul into improving the lives of members of our community – from battling proposed marriage amendments to creating more equitable workplaces to ensuring the President Obama is reelected for a second term.”

Tim Downing, who co-chairs the HRC Board of Directors, praised Solmonese’s leadership on such milestones as the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, and the recent passage marriage equality in New York.

“Joe has made sure that HRC is an effective and strategic force for positive change,” Downing said. “Over the course of his tenure, he’s set the tone for delivering real reform that matters in peoples’ everyday lives.”

Solmonese’s leadership has taken the organization from 750,000 members and supporters to more than 1,000,000. Read more on the community’s record of success during Solmonese’s tenure.

No one expects a Republican candidate for president to be supportive of the LGBT community but Michele Bachmann’s husband seems to be going a bit too far.

The Think Progress blog reports that Marcus Bachmann was a guest on the Christian-based “Point of View” radio talk show in May and came out strongly against the LGBT community: “We have to understand: Barbarians need to be educated. They need to be disciplined. Just because someone feels it or thinks it doesn’t mean that we are supposed to go down that road. That’s what is called the sinful nature. We have a responsibility as parents and as authority figures not to encourage such thoughts and feelings from moving into the action steps.”

Uh boy.

Anyway, Cher took to Twitter earlier tonight and had some choice Tweets for the guy including her impressions of him: I’m thinking GAYGAYGAYGAYGAYGAYGAYGAY Without Style! … please utube this asshole & tell me what u think … Cause My Gay-Dar is GOING OFF !!!

Here are a few more:

cher Cher: omg ! Is This true ? He has a Christian clinic where he de-programs gay Boys & Girls ! I’m gonna strangle him with my Boa !

cher Cher: Is it true? is this one of those”CURED” gay men ? C’mon u guys r Kidding me!!!

Cher Cher: I’m not talking about Real Christians! The Love thy neighbor as thy self ones These Bachmann’s r CRAZY !

*******************************

UPDATE: Thomas Roberts covered this story on MSNBC yesterday. Here is the video:

It’s awkward to have President Obama celebrating LGBT Pride at The White House at a time when he refuses to support same-sex marriage which just became legal in New York.

“I’ve met my commitments to the LGBT community,” he told the crowd during remarks made last night in the East Room. “I have delivered on what I promised. Now, that doesn’t mean our work is done. There are going to be times where you’re still frustrated with me. I know there are going to be times where you’re still frustrated at the pace of change. I understand that. I know I can count on you to let me know. This is not a shy group.”

With marriage equality won in New York last week, the president was asked about his position on same-sex marriage at a news conference today and he said: “I’m not going to make news on that today. I’ll keep giving you the same answer until I give you a different one. And that won’t be today.”

Let’s face it, the president is simply not going to support same-sex marriage with an election coming up next year to give ammunition to his opponents with so many battleground states key to his reelection.

It’s a pity though because with the civil rights battle of our time in full swing, it’s such an opportunity for the president to speak out for full equality.

Instead, he retreated to the states argument: “I think it is important for us to work through these issues – because each community is going to be different and each state’s going to be different – to work through them.”

He said he believe that ultimately the principle of equality will “win out.”

“It’s not going to be perfectly smooth,” the president said. “And it turns out that the president – I discovered since I’ve been in this office – can’t dictate precisely how this process moves. But I think we’re moving in a direction of greater equality, and I think that’s a good thing.”

He defended his administration’s overall record on equality: “This administration, under my direction, has consistently said we cannot discriminate as a country against people on the basis of sexual orientation,” Mr. Obama said. “We have done more in the two and a half years that I been in here than the previous 43 presidents to uphold that principle, whether it’s ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ making sure that gay and lesbian partners can visit each other in hospitals, making sure that federal benefits can be provided to same-sex couples, across the board – hate crimes – we have made sure that that is a central principle of this administration because I think it’s a central principle of America.”

Not sure what Sarah Palin is trying to accomplish on her current bus tour of the USA but she sure is getting a lot of attention for doing things like riding on the back of a motorcycle and eating pizza with Donald Trump.

Jane Lynch, appearing at the D9 tech conference earlier today, managed to make one of the funnier Palin jokes in recent memory.

The Emmy-winning star of Glee jokingly announced that she had become acting CEO of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire News Corp. (D9 is put on by the Wall Street Journal owned by Murdoch) and she announced some of her “plans.”

“I’ve … convinced Glenn Beck to stay on at Fox for one final gig, as a dying patient on ‘House.’ His sickness is consuming him from the inside out.”

Then there was this zinger: “I’m pretty sure we got Sarah Palin to do a guest spot on ‘Glee.’ She’ll perform an original tune I penned, ‘Look at Me, I’m Bats-Crazy.”

It is our most important civil rights issue at this time and it’s just a glaring omission. But strides have been made and for that reason, I’m posting his proclamation here in its entirety:

The story of America’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect Union. It is a story about the struggle to realize the great American promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under the law. Each June, we commemorate the courageous individuals who have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Since taking office, my Administration has made significant progress towards achieving equality for LGBT Americans. Last December, I was proud to sign the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. With this repeal, gay and lesbian Americans will be able to serve openly in our Armed Forces for the first time in our Nation’s history. Our national security will be strengthened and the heroic contributions these Americans make to our military, and have made throughout our history, will be fully recognized.

My Administration has also taken steps to eliminate discrimination against LGBT Americans in Federal housing programs and to give LGBT Americans the right to visit their loved ones in the hospital. We have made clear through executive branch nondiscrimination policies that discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the Federal workplace will not be tolerated. I have continued to nominate and appoint highly qualified, openly LGBT individuals to executive branch and judicial positions. Because we recognize that LGBT rights are human rights, my Administration stands with advocates of equality around the world in leading the fight against pernicious laws targeting LGBT persons and malicious attempts to exclude LGBT organizations from full participation in the international system. We led a global campaign to ensure “sexual orientation” was included in the United Nations resolution on extrajudicial execution — the only United Nations resolution that specifically mentions LGBT people — to send the unequivocal message that no matter where it occurs, state-sanctioned killing of gays and lesbians is indefensible. No one should be harmed because of who they are or who they love, and my Administration has mobilized unprecedented public commitments from countries around the world to join in the fight against hate and homophobia.

At home, we are working to address and eliminate violence against LGBT individuals through our enforcement and implementation of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. We are also working to reduce the threat of bullying against young people, including LGBT youth. My Administration is actively engaged with educators and community leaders across America to reduce violence and discrimination in schools. To help dispel the myth that bullying is a harmless or inevitable part of growing up, the First Lady and I hosted the first White House Conference on Bullying Prevention in March. Many senior Administration officials have also joined me in reaching out to LGBT youth who have been bullied by recording “It Gets Better” video messages to assure them they are not alone.

This month also marks the 30th anniversary of the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has had a profound impact on the LGBT community. Though we have made strides in combating this devastating disease, more work remains to be done, and I am committed to expanding access to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Last year, I announced the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. This strategy focuses on combinations of evidence-based approaches to decrease new HIV infections in high risk communities, improve care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and reduce health disparities.

My Administration also increased domestic HIV/AIDS funding to support the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and HIV prevention, and to invest in HIV/AIDS-related research. However, government cannot take on this disease alone. This landmark anniversary is an opportunity for the LGBT community and allies to recommit to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and continuing the fight against this deadly pandemic.

Every generation of Americans has brought our Nation closer to fulfilling its promise of equality. While progress has taken time, our achievements in advancing the rights of LGBT Americans remind us that history is on our side, and that the American people will never stop striving toward liberty and justice for all.

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 2011 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 thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

I’m sure she’s a swell kid and maybe I was just being cranky because I’d been forced to sit through one too many episodes of Hannah Montana with my niece and nephew.

Anyway, I’ve come around on Miley because she is publicly sticking up for the gays!

Cyrus, who has more than a million Twitter followers, blasted fashion store Urban Outfitters after accusations arose that the company ripped off a Chicago designer’s necklace line: “Love that everybody is hating on Urban Outfitters.” “Not only do they steal from artists but every time you give them money you help finance a campaign against gay equality.”

Her criticism continued to reference Urban Outfitters’ connection to the campaign of former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), who vehemently opposes gay marriage. Urban Outfitters president Richard Hayne and his wife contributed $17,350 to Santorum and his Fight-PAC over the course of his U.S. Senate career, according to the website OpenSecrets.org.

If Hawaii Five-O star Daniel Dae Kim and Matthew Morrison of Glee were a couple, they would have been the best looking twosome at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner after-party on Saturday night.

They are not gay, not a couple. I only included their photo, focusing on the gay folks at the event, in this post because they are so darned cute.

Also darned cute is Oscar winning screenwriter, film director and political activist Dustin Lance Black (pictured with Joseph Mazzello), newlyweds Jane Lynch and Dr. Lara Embry, and Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson (pictured above with a group of people including actress Elizabeth Banks.

My friend Ted Johnson was in town to cover the scene for Variety and you can read his terrific coverage on his blog Wilshire & Washington.

Links to his posts are HERE and HERE.

Here’s an excerpt from an article in today’s New York Times:

He compared his opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage to his reluctance to use a new kind of putter.

“It’s like in golf,” he said. “A lot of people — I don’t want this to sound trivial — but a lot of people are switching to these really long putters, very unattractive,” said Mr. Trump, a Republican. “It’s weird. You see these great players with these really long putters, because they can’t sink three-footers anymore. And, I hate it. I am a traditionalist. I have so many fabulous friends who happen to be gay, but I am a traditionalist.”