Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to honor Facebook

Summary: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced it will be honoring Facebook during its 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Marriott Marquis Times Square later this week.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced the people and groups it plans to honor during its 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Marriott Marquis Times Square on March 24, 2012. Among the honorees are film and television producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, financial services company Wells Fargo, and Facebook.

You might be wondering what Facebook has done to get a nod from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization. Facebook will receive a Special Recognition Award at the ceremony for its company’s strong stand and leadership around bullying prevention as well as its inclusive options for LGBT users. The video embedded above is just one example.

Another is what happened following anti-gay comments on a memorial page for LGBT youth. Facebook worked with GLAAD to monitor the highly visible page and launched, in conjunction with several LGBT organizations, and its Network of Support, which serves in a consultative capacity on issues of importance to the LGBT community like bullying prevention.

In February 2011, Facebook added two new relationship status options: “in a civil union” and “in a domestic partnership.” The following month, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama used Facebook to promote their anti-bullying message in a video and Facebook announced two new safety improvements in conjunction with the White House summit for preventing bullying.

Last but not least, Facebook was among corporate leaders that participated in Spirit Day with GLAAD. The day’s goal is to encourage employees to turn Facebook photos purple and wear the color on October 20 as a sign of support for LGBT youth.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/gay-lesbian-alliance-against-defamation-to-honor-facebook/10562

Lesbian Lawyers First to Get Civil Union in Delaware

Lawyers Drewry Fennell and Lisa Goodman became the first same-sex couple to legally wed in Delaware, after a new civil union law went into effect on Sunday, according to theAssociated Press. The couple, together 14 years, were joined by Rev. Patricia Downing, director of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington, in front of more than 400 people, including U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del., who delivered a sermon) and Lt. Gov. Matt Denns (who read a scripture). The crowd reportedly gave the women a standing ovation after the service was complete.

AP reported that Goodman helped lead Equality Delaware's fight for state's new law while Fennell heads the state's Criminal Justice Council. The New Castle County Clerk of the Peace, Ken Boulden Jr., had opened his office on a Sunday, New Year's day, so that eight couples — including the Goodman-Fennells — could get their licenses on the first day they were legally available. 

Boulden was a guest at the Goodman-Fennel wedding, telling CBS News, "It was a great way to begin the new year."

Delaware and Hawaii both join Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island in allowing civil unions, with new laws that went into effect on Sunday. Six states plus the District of Columbia now allow same-sex marriage.


http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/01/02/Lesbian_Lawyers_First_to_Marry_in_Deleware/