The news for LGBT youth in Tel Aviv is atrocious. During a gathering of LGBT youth, a shooting has killed three people. Be thankful for the work of the GLCC, Persad and GLSEN to create safe spaces for our youth.  Just imagine discovering your child identifies as queer in the midst of this carnage. So sad.  I'd like the folks in West Mifflin to keep that in mind when negotiating with GLSEN to do some training.

Another tragedy closer to home is the apparent suicide of a member of the military accused in the murder of a gay soldier. 

Something disappointing in today's Post-Gazette.  Big Ben isn't talking and Casey Hampton shouldn't be.

Nose tackle Casey Hampton did not think Roethlisberger needed to apologize.

"I don think he had to say nothing because everybody knows what it is," Hampton said. "That's crazy, man. He didn't have to say that to me. I know how the world is, I know how females are. ... In today's society, man, if anybody says something, you're guilty until proven innocent anyway, you know what I mean?

"He handled it good, but it's BS, everybody knows that."

Sigh.  "I know how females are."  What more do you need to know?  I'd like to see the NFL do something incredibly proactive like donate a portion of the proceeds from their women's wear to domestic violence programs.  Or programs to promote girl's self-esteem.  Anything to mitigate the flow of stupid from Hampton's thoughts on his female fans.  Keep that in mind ladies when you slap down your $80 for this year's Steeler's gear.  Is this the guy you want your sons to emulate?  Or your daughters to date?

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Have you checked out Ning?  I don't really understand it, but it seems to be a network defined by groups.  I joined Pittsburgh's Out

I'm sitting down with Kevin Acklin today so look for that posting in the next few days. 

Coming on August 9 (next Sunday) is the GLCC and Lambda Foundation Family picnic.

Where:
North Park Gold Star Grove

When:
Sunday, August 9, 2009 12:00 to 6:00pm

Fishing contest and games for the kids
Prizes and plenty of food
Pets welcome
Tickets:$20 per family
$10 singles

Please call:412-521-5444 for tickets.