Big Gay News

WWE Partners With GLAAD Over Wrestler’s Antigay Tirade

Following antigay statements by wrestler John Cena, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced that it is partnering with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to create and promote an antibullying initiative aimed at the young men who make up the organization’s core audience.

Fort Worth Pays in Gay Bar Raid

The Houston Chronicle reports that the Fort Worth City Council approved a $400,000 settlement with Chad Gibson, who claimed he was the victim of excessive force by Fort Worth Police and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission during a controversial 2009 raid on a local gay bar.

Harassed Dutch Gay Couple Sues Authorities

According to Radio Netherlands, a gay couple is suing the Dutch city of Utrecht for failing to protect them from continual vandalism and harassment. They say authorities didn’t take adequate action following the couple’s eight police reports going back to 2009.

Maryland Gay Marriage Bill Dies with No Final Vote

The Associated Press reports that Maryland’s House failed to pass same-sex legislation after Democratic legislators were unable to garner enough votes to overcome opposition by Republicans and religious groups.

Maupin Shocked at Aussie “Real Men” Jibe

According to Agence France-Presse, author and activist Armistead Maupin said he was shocked after a bartender in Australia told Maupin’s partner that the men’s restroom was “reserved for real men.” The couple was at Bojangles restaurant in Alice Springs, Australia, when Christopher Turner, who married Maupin in 2007, was refused entry to the restroom.

Outed City Council Candidate Outs Rival

The Montrose Patch reports that Glendale, California, City Council candidate Mike Mohill revealed that he previously was arrested for having gay sex in public. Mohill, who has been married to his wife since 1977, says he is a happily-married gay man. He then went on to state that his opponent, John Drayman, is “reputed to be gay himself.”

US Senate Hearing for Gay Judicial Nominee

According to United Press International, US Senator Chuck Schumer presided over a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for openly-gay federal judge candidate J. Paul Oetken. Schumer said he was “shocked” that no openly-gay men currently are serving as federal judges in the United States.

Straight New York Teen Killed by Attackers Yelling Antigay Slurs

Gothamist reports that 18-year-old Anthony Collao, who was not gay, was beaten and stomped to death by four men allegedly yelling antigay slurs during the attack, which took place at a birthday party thrown by two gay men in New York City. The teens have been arraigned on charges of manslaughter and assault.

Isle of Man Gay Couples Get Right to Civil Partnerships

According to the BBC, gay couples on the Isle of Man have received the right to enter into civil partnerships. The new law was signed by the country’s parliament. The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. The new legislation grants same-sex couples the same rights as married couples in matters of inheritance, pensions and tax allowances.

Remafedi Says “Gay Cure” App Misinterprets His Research

PCMag.com reports that Dr. Gary Remafedi, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, and Director of the Youth and AIDS Project, claims his research was misinterpreted in an Apple iPhone app by the antigay organization Exodus International. He sent a letter to Apple demanding that the so-called “gay cure” app be removed, saying it “erroneously cites my research in support of claims that homosexuality can be changed….Associating my work with that of the ex-gay ministry and other unfounded treatments is professionally injurious and grievous.” Exodus International responded to controversy over the app by stating, “In no way, shape, or form is our message about trying to cure, or do we try to promote that type of methodology or message. Really, the point of the application is to provide the material that is also on our website in smartphone format….” Apple since has pulled the app from the app store.