Lesbian Islanders Lose Lesbian Lawsuit

Ellen DeGeneres calls Constance McMillen a leader for gay rights

(NEWSER) - Ellen DeGeneres honored the Mississippi teen who stood up for her right to take a same-sex partner to the prom on her show today, presenting her with a $30,000 college scholarship check. DeGeneres hailed Constance McMillen as part of a new generation of leaders in gay rights. The school district canceled the prom rather than let McMillen attend. "I admire you so much," DeGeneres told the 18-year-old. "When I was your age I never would have had the strength to do what you are doing." More»

(NEWSER) - Experts are still debating the effects of gay parenting on children, but so-called "Gayby Boomers" are now old enough to speak up for themselves. Several in their 20s and 30s tell CNN that they grew up more empathetic than their peers, developed the courage to take unpopular stands, and never missed a mom or dad. Critics, the 'Boomers say, talk cruelly about them, but never bother talking to them. More»

Blair had passed Duffy over fearing public wouldn't accept lesbian

(NEWSER) - The UK looks set to honor a woman as poet for the first time, the Independent reports, and an openly gay woman at that. At 53, Carol Ann Duffy is Great Britain’s most widely read poet, and might’ve already been named poet laureate but for former PM Tony Blair, who thought that a lesbian wouldn’t be accepted by Middle England. More»

Security more desirable than love: Thomas

(NEWSER) - Secret Service agents have become popular protagonists in lesbian romance mysteries because they embody traits readers covet, June Thomas writes for Slate. "They are the ultimate strong, silent type—they fade into the background without hiding, they keep their mouths shut, and they have your back," she observes. "Since our relationships aren't recognized by the state, we aren't always able to shield our partners from hardship." More»

Rights group to honor columnist's accepting 'mainstream voice'

(NEWSER) - 'Dear Abby' takes a simple stance on gay marriage: "I believe if two people want to commit to each other, God bless 'em." Over the years Jeanne Phillips, aka Abigail Van Buren, has consistently urged support for gay family members in her nationally syndicated column. Now she's being honored by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays for using her “mainstream voice” to advocate for gay civil rights. More»