Panti Bliss Broadcast a Must-Watch Irish TV Message About Handling Change and Cherishing Others
Ireland’s outspoken drag queen Panti Bliss addressed the nation … the children of the nation equally but until May we failed to live up to that promise for gay people. The referendum result felt like an acknowledgement of that failure and the closest …

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Pride at centre ice
gay, bisexual, trans and queer community. “Canada is known for two great things: hockey and human rights,” he said. “We want to combine them together in one roll of tape.” Research shows that LGBTQ youth often don’t feel safe participating in …

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Kelly Clarkson talks Piece by Piece, tattoos and her gay fans
We’re in the presidential suite of Kelly Clarkson’s UK record label and she’s recycling a teabag to see her through our lengthy chat about her latest record … the other month with an intimate gig in a gay bar in London. “Most amazing time …

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LIVE CHAT: Independence Bowl
The Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) will kick off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-6) at 5:45 PM on ESPN. It will be head coach Frank Beamer’s final game as his retirement becomes official at the close of the season.

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United States lifts lifetime ban on gay blood donations
“In practice”, Louie said, “the new policy is still a continuation of the lifetime ban and ignores the modern science of HIV-testing technology while perpetuating the stereotype that all gay and bisexual men are inherently risky”. The federal agency of the …

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FDA Announces Major Change in Who's Allowed to Donate Blood
The FDA lifted the ban based on a study by the government in Australia, which, along with the United Kingdom and New Zealand, dropped a lifelong ban on gay men as blood donors to 12 months. The Federal health officials have shown readiness to lifting up …

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Catholic Ireland's saints and sinners
But upon arriving home, O’Gorman felt gripped by fear – homosexuality was still illegal in Ireland and he had previously told his sister that he was gay. But, to his relief and surprise, he was welcomed. “Where were you?” his father asked. “Where were you …

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#Bestof2015: Marriage Equality Sweeps the Nation

Six months ago today, in a historic 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States sided with loving, committed same-sex couples and made marriage equality the law of the land. The Court found bans on marriage equality to be unconstitutional.

Millions around the country celebrated the moment, sharing their reactions on social media. President Obama even called the day one of his favorite moments of 2015.

The road to marriage equality was not easy. Dozens of cases were filed in court and same-sex plaintiff couples across the nation put their privacy on the line. State-by-state, groups of people organized campaigns in favor of marriage equality. Their efforts raised awareness of LGBT issues and even brought marriage equality to a vote on several occasions. It didn’t just take years. It took decades to make this hard work become a reality.

While June 26, 2015, will remain a special day for many, there were other pivotal points in the movement. In 2013, the Supreme Court heard two other historic marriage equality cases: United States v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry. Prior to the decision this year, we celebrated state-by-state as each state gained marriage equality.

Nationwide marriage equality ensures that same-sex couples are recognized on the state level for tax purposes, healthcare decision-making, and inheritance determinations.  On the federal level, these couples gain access to critical lifeline benefits like Social Security and veteran’s spousal benefits– programs that have remained out of reach for couples living in states that do not recognize their marriage.

Thanks to tireless efforts of so many LGBT people and allies, we have helped change the minds and hearts of citizens around the country and bolstered unprecedented support for marriage equality. It wouldn’t have happened without and your support.

Learn more about the nationwide marriage equality here.

Counting down to 2016, HRC is celebrating our greatest milestones and victories in 2015. It has been another incredible year for LGBT equality and we could not have done it without you — our members, readers and supporters–and we look forward to continuing our work in 2016. Stay tuned for more highlights from 2015.

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BOZICH | Homecourt makes Kentucky slight favorite against Louisville
Kentucky game before the game begins. It’s Christmas Eve-Eve — and that means a special holiday edition of the Sports Page Live chat with Rick Bozich and Eric Crawford. What’s the line for the Louisville-Kentucky game on Saturday? It depends upon who you ask.

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