Latino rights group officially closes its doors
Former executive received large salary increase in final year
By JOE CREA

WASHINGTON — The board of directors of the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization officially announced the group’s closing this week, as a lawyer for Martín Ornelas-Quintero confirmed that the former LLEGÓ president was receiving an annual salary of $111,632 at the time of his resignation in June.


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City Council passes anti-bully law
By MIKE LAVERS


A bill that activists claimed would help protect gay and transgender students in particular from harassment has become a political football in New York City.

The New York City Council on Sept. 9, in a 44-3 vote, overrode Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s veto of the Dignity in All Schools Act (known as DASA), which sponsors say would protect public school students from continued harassment and violence based on factors including sexual orientation and gender identity.


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Drag queens can march, after all
Riaan Wolmarans and Sapa | Johannesburg, South Africa


Drag queens are most welcome at Johannesburg's 15th Gay Pride march next weekend, despite media rumours to the contrary, the organisers said on Friday.

"Pride 2004 is open to all who wish to attend. Drag queens are an intrinsic part of the [gay] community and we stand by our constitutional right of freedom of expression," said Sean Lucas, promoter of the event.

Pride 2004 will take place as scheduled on September 25 with the approval of the police, said event organiser Gary Bath.


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Gay Catholic group to be launched tonight
By MaltaMedia News


A new group aimed at supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning individuals in their bid to integrate their sexual identity and their Catholic beliefs, has been set up.

An introductory meeting will be launched today, September 17, at 1930CET at the Millennium Chapel in Paceville. The coordinator of the group will explain its scope and perspectives.

The 'LGBT Catholic Group', which is encouraged and supported by the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), will be meeting twice a month in the evening as from October. The group will be run by gay individuals who practice Catholics.

MGRM coordinator Sandro Mangion said, "The aim of the group will be to enable individuals to deepen their spiritual life through self acceptance and self love." He continued that, "This can be achieved through prayer and spiritual exercises."