News

U.S. Gay-Rights Groups Heartened by Political Gains

Gay rights leaders encouraged by America's progress in regards to LGBT issues.

Gay Loses Out in Dallas

Gay Candidate Loses Mayoral Bid

Ed Oakley loses Mayoral bid, but still made LGBT history.http://www.towleroad.com/2007/06/gay_candidate_e.html

No Gay Mayor For Dallas

Despite Oakley's loss, this election was a notable landmark in LGBT politics.http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-gay-mayor-for-dallas.html

Not Quite Time for an Openly Gay Mayor in Dallas

According to blogger Pam Spaulding, Ed Oakley's campaign was plagued by robocalls and his opponent's extraordinary financial edge.http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2041

Leppert Elected Dallas Mayor

Tom Leppert is elected Dallas Mayor, though Oakley's campaign still historic.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/061707dnmetelexdalmayor.973d5d9.html#

Gay Councilmember Misses Bid To Become Dallas Mayor

Longtime Dallas City Council member Ed Oakley lost the runoff for Dallas mayor to businsesman Tom Leppert.http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/06/061707dallas.htm

Dallas Chooses Leppert as Mayor

Tom Leppert wins Dallas mayoral race.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8PQB3HG1.html

Victory applauds Oakley campaign

Ed Oakley lost his bid to become the next mayor of Dallas.  Victory Fund president & CEO Chuck Wolfe issued a statement applauding Ed's historic campaign. Click through for the full text.

Pearson Announces Boulder Council Run

Eugene Peason announces his candidacy for the Boulder City Council.http://www.outfrontcolorado.com/news.php

Martin Sheen to Speak at Black-Tie Dinner

Acclaimed actor Martin Sheen continues to support LGBT issues and events, including his participation in the Victory Fund podcast.http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_5846.php

Dallas 1st Big City with Gay Mayor?

Newsweek looks at whether Oakley's homosexuality is an issue in his campaign for Dallas Mayor.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19249594/site/newsweek/

Frank, Baldwin speak up for gay Iraqis

In a letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, the two openly gay members of Congress urged the administration to take action to protect the LGBT citizens in Iraq.

Victory Fund reflects on progress

The Victory Fund says Oakley's campaign is an "amazing statement about our progress."http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/06/first-gay-mayor-of-major-us-city.html

Gay history in the making?

Queerty discusses the impact Oakley's election would have not only in Dallas, but throughout Texas.http://www.queerty.com/news/gay-history-in-the-making-20070612/

Q&A with Ed Oakley

Ed Oakley speaks with 365gay.com about the national attention he's received as a candidate for mayor of Dallas.http://365gay.com/lifestylechannel/family/061207family.htm

Dead heat in Dallas mayoral race

According to a poll conducted by the Dallas Morning News, Ed Oakley and Tom Leppert are running neck and neck in the race to become the next mayor of Dallas.

New TX rallying cry: 'Remember that Ed's a mo!'

goodasyou.com blogs about the anti-Ed Oakley/anti-gay automated calls being made by the Heritage Alliance PAC just days before the Dallas run-off.http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2007/06/texas_new_antig.html

First openly bisexual man elected to NY State Assembly

With 64% of the vote, Micah Kellner became the first openly bisexual man elected to the New York State Assembly.http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid45793.asp

Single payer health plan begins again

http://www.mtshastanews.com/articles/2007/06/06/news/area_news/03singlepayer.txt

Kellner defeats Camp in NY Assembly election

Openly bisexual Micah Kellner defeated opponent Gregory Camp in a NY Assembly special election.  According to unofficial returns, Kellner received 65 percent of the votes, while Camp received 35 percent.

New York gets 5th LGBT legislator

Micah Kellner won a special election June 5th to represent the 65th District in the New York State Assembly.  He joins four other out legislators in the state legislature. 

Read more at NY1 news .

National media tunes in to Dallas election

Ed Oakley’s historic race for mayor has garnered national attention this week, but will local voters turn out for Ed?

Runoff could make Dallas largest U.S. city with openly gay mayor

While once considered a hotbed of conservativism, Dallas is slowly moving to the middle of the political isle as more progressive voices are heard and a more diverse field of candidates become elected officials.

Dallas more progressive than outsiders perceive

Jacquielynn Floyd of the Dallas Morning News explains that Dallas is not the closed-minded, ultra-conservative city that many outsiders believe it to be. 

Colorado morphs from hate to great state

The political infrastructure of Colorado is changing as Denver and other cities elect openly LGBT leaders.

Sexual orientation decreasing as issue in Dallas politics

The Dallas Morning News reports that as more and more openly LGBT candidates and elected officials pepper the Dallas political landscape, sexual orientation becomes more of a non-issue.

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

Although civil unions are becoming increasingly available across the United States, some same-sex couples insist that only marriage will provide equal benefits/recognition under the law.

Gay or Experienced?

One blogger questions why his "knee-jerk reaction" is to always vote for the gay guy.

Dallas May Get Gay Mayor

A win for Ed Oakley would make Dallas, Texas the first top-ten US city with a gay Mayor.http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=20765

Concern for Party Led to Exit From Virginia House Race

Jeff Dion withdrew his candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates race amid blog attacks and smears over his sexual orientation.

Happy Anniversary, Barney Frank!

Congressman Barney Frank came out publicly 20 years ago this week.http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=20762

Todd responds to party chair's gay-baiting remarks

Representative Patricia Todd responds to the gay-baiting remarks by Alabama Democratic Party Chair Joe Turnham.

Dallas may become first major US City with openly gay mayor

If Ed Oakley is elected this June, Dallas will become the first major US city with an openly gay mayor.

Jeff Dion withdraws from Virginia House of Delegates Race

Jeff Dion, a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, has withdrawn from the race after weeks of attacks on his sexual orientation.

Gay candidates faring well in big city races

Openly gay political candidates and elected officials are making noticeable strides — and in some cases making history — around the country in high-profile races. http://www.washblade.com/2007/5-25/news/national/10649.cfm

Domestic Partner legislation passes in Minnesota

Domestic partner legislation passes in Minnesota.  Read more here: http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=292562&z=2

Oakley endorsed by Police groups

Dallas police groups say Oakley is “committed to public safety,” and is their choice for mayor.

Oklahoma Governor appoints Jim Roth to statewide position

Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth was recently appointed to the prestigious Oklahoma Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry.  This appointment is one of the most significant political appointments achieved by a member of the LGBT community anywhere in the United States.

Is Sally Clark Untouchable?

http://seattleweekly.com/2007-05-16/news/is-sally-clark-untouchable.php

BREAKthrough in Pittsburgh!

Bruce Kraus will become the first openly gay elected official in the city of Pittsburgh after winning the Democratic primary to represent District 3 on the city council.

Senator criticizes her colleagues: Justus cites lack of action on increasing child-care subsidies during the session

In an emotional speech last week, Sen. Jolie Justus lashed out at lawmakers for lavishing tax credits on businesses this year but failing to increase child-care subsidies.http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/106017.html

Oklahoma Gov. appoints first openly gay statewide official

Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, who was twice endorsed by the Victory Fund, has been appointed to the state's Corporation Commission.

Governor appoints Jim Roth to Corporation Commission seat

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070514_1__Oklah20728&breadcrumb=Breaking%20News

Gay lawmaker's agenda includes environment, health care

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/05/13/news/051307lrkathywebb.txt

Oakley advances in Dallas mayoral race

Councilman Ed Oakley is a step closer to becoming the nation's first openly gay mayor of one of the largest U.S. cities after Saturday's election in Dallas.

Oregon's out lawmakers celebrate new laws

Oregon’s two LGBT legislators, Rep. Tina Kotek and Sen. Kate Brown, pictured here to the right of Gov. Ted Kulongoski, at the signing of two new pro-equality laws.  Terry Bean, one of the founders of the Victory Fund, is pictured to the left of the governor.

Victory in Colorado!

State Sen. Jennifer Veiga has prevailed in her decade-long quest to pass a bill protecting gays and lesbians from employment discrimination.

Oregon DP bill to become law

The state's two openly LGBT legislators celebrate passage of marriage-like rights for same sex couples.

Bruce Kraus endorsed by Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Victory endorsee Bruce Kraus, who would become the city’s first openly gay elected official, was endorsed today by Pittsburgh’s largest daily paper.