Lesley Goldberg’s Girl Talk: Portia’s new name; Jane Lynch’s SNL gig; and Anna Paquin’s new movie!

By Lesley Goldberg, columnist

Welcome back to Girl Talk! Thank you, Greg, and all of your loyal — and friendly — readers for such a warm welcome! Now let’s get down to business …

First up, it’s another good week where it’s good to be gay! Can you stand it?! Technically, it’s always a good week to be gay, but I was referring to my new BFF, Judge Walker’s latest decision about Prop. 8. Anyway, my favorite person this week was Portia de Rossi, who took yet another huge leap for lezzies everywhere and officially filed papers this week to legally change her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres. I don’t think it’s possible for me to love them more than I already do. After nearly two years fighting Prop. 8, it’s incredibly fulfilling to hear such heartwarming stories like this. It’s especially meaningful considering Portia has a career and name recognition on her own. Can you see Angelina Jolie taking Brad Pitt’s last name? I can’t either. Hopefully the more time that goes by — and the more Judge Walker has to say on the subject in California — stories like this won’t really be news anymore.

Second, I’m wicked excited about the upcoming fall TV season and news broke this week that everyone’s favorite snarky cheerleading coach will be hosting NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It’s actually surprising when you consider how long Jane Lynch has been stealing scenes that she hasn’t already hosted the landmark show. Set your DVRs for Oct. 9 and let’s hope the two-time Emmy nominee will treat us to another homage to Madonna. Personally, I’d love to see a Best in Show sketch with Jennifer Coolidge making a nice cameo. Or better yet, let’s put my two favorite celebrgays on at once and get Neil Patrick Harris to make it a gay ol’ time — and Glee reunion.

Third, since lesbians know what to do after the second date (cough, U-haul, cough) Autostraddle.com decided this week that it was time to coach the ladies on how to actually get to the U-haul stage. Their How to Date Girls: 10 Simple Rules for Properly Courting a Lesbian was absolutely amazeballs. I admit it: I’ve been out for 16 years and pointers like these still come in handy, plus guides on what not to do in the Internet overshare age are beyond helpful. (No, ladies, don’t tweet about your date!) It really can be simple: Pay attention, plan ahead, be clear that you’re making a date. But really, be cute. And don’t say, “Let’s hang out.” Nuts, there went my best move.

Finally, I’m going to confess to my new friends here that I’m a complete sucker for chick flicks. Why am I sharing this? Because my Queen of the Chick Flick, Julia Roberts, has this tiny little movie opening this weekend called Eat Pray Love. But more important than that — OK, maybe a little less important — is the trailer for The Romantics that debuted this week. Take a look at the cast: Katie Holmes, Anna Paquin, Malin Akerman, Candice Bergen, Elijah Wood, Josh Duhamel and Glee’s Dianna Agron. Check it out.

I know. I had you at Katie Holmes and Anna Paquin.

That’s all for me this week. Wish me luck, I have a date with my DVR to marathon Pretty Little Liars! Come back next week for more Girl Talk!

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