Justine Valinotti

Poet, essayist and blogger

"Why now?" That's what people asked me when I "came out" and started my transition. In fact, just about every trans person with whom I've spoken has heard the same question.

A.J. Walkley

Author of Vuto, Queer Greer & Choice

When we see a potentially promising character like Piper, oftentimes we become hopeful that there is finally a positive bisexual role for us to watch. When that role eschews the term "bisexual" in every single instance for another term, however, that hope diminishes.

Kyle Kleiboeker

TV Personality

Growing up in the small town of Prairie Village, Kansas, I always knew I was unique. Instead of playing T-ball, I wanted to be in dance class. Instead of playing at recess, I was designing costumes for my future "Sold Out World Tour."

Alex Hayden DiLalla

First year student, The University of Chicago

The reports about Manning's coming out are simply emblematic of a widespread attitude that offending the "T" and "Q" of LGBTQ is not as egregious as offending or perpetuating negative cultural assumptions about the former three letters, and that those brave enough to present as their true gender identity should not be supported or affirmed by the public for doing so.

Jim Werner

Co-owner, fagabond.com

Our straight friends don't know what it's like to face raised eyebrows when they ask for one bed instead of two in their hotel room. They don't get stares, whispers or worse when they hold hands with their partner.

Louis Virtel

West Coast Entertainment Editor, TheBacklot.com

Katy Perry or Lady Gaga? Colonial law dictates that you can only enjoy one, so which is it going to be? In this edition of Weeklings!, I tell you why Katy Perry's new (and very successful) single "Roar" is unworthy of your vote, time, $1.29, and grace.

Rea Carey

Executive director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Fifty years ago, a broad coalition of people from across the United States were preparing to march on our nation's capital for jobs and freedom. The march would both make history and hurry history for the millions hungry for jobs, equality and freedom.

Francesca Lia Block

Margaret A. Edwards LIfetime Achievement Award Winner

I'm not trying to shock or taunt anyone by writing LGBT characters. I'm just writing about my life and the people I love. And hope that others might recognize a small piece of themselves in these characters, and fall in love with them, too.

Binky Philips

Music aficionado

"The easiest way I can explain it is this: Sexual orientation is who I go to bed WITH.  Gender Identity is who I go to bed AS."

George Heymont

San Francisco-based arts critic

A series of shorts that were screened at the recent Frameline 37 Film Festival revealed thrilling combinations of imagination and technique. Some were animated, some were not. What each film boasted, however, was an abundance of fantastical possibilities.

Xaque Gruber

Writer

The truth is Annie Lennox has been one of the best influences in my life. I continue to be amazed and inspired by her words, her music, and her integrity. Today

Tyler Curry

Freelance columnist and fiction writer; creator, The Needle Prick Project

HIV stigma doesn't only affect those carrying the virus. The gay community is quick to place it on anyone who deviates from the boundaries of pluses and minuses.

Julie Tarney

Business consultant

His curly blond hair was long. He often traveled with a Barbie doll. And those telltale pink shorts were apparently code among the ignorant that I was a bad mother. Because if a boy wore pink back then it meant he was going to be gay.

Andrew Park

Human rights strategist and advocate

Consumer boycotts are one of the ways the American LGBT community communicates with itself. Some communities start conversations with buttons, or gestures, or cups of coffee. Americans boycott.

Damian Ugwu

Regional Program Director of Africa, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

One or two said they would 'tone down' their activism or operate from home instead of in public places where they might be associated with the LGBTI movement. Others were fearful that they could be next.

Zach J. Hoag

Author & Freelance Minister

Oops, they did it again. The Gospel Coalition, that is. This time, it's a post from Thabiti Anyabwile going above and beyond in confirming my perspective on the politicization of the neo-reformed around gay marriage legislation, creating something of a new religious right.

Planet Ivy

News for the bored generation

Rather than placing responsibility on the athletes, it might be more effective for the sponsors of the 2014 games to pull out of their lucrative deals with the IOC. According to the official Olympics website, commercial partnerships generally contribute up to 40% of Olympic revenue. If the corporations that sponsor the Olympics revoked their support then the IOC will take note.