Washington Post defends photo of same-sex kiss

(Gay Politics) An ombudsman has strongly defended a photo of a same-sex couple kissing that accompanied a Washington Post front page story about marriage equality. Dozens of subscribers complained about the picture, with some using anti-gay rhetoric to make their points. But Post ombudsman Andrew Alexander said the paper was right to publish the photo where it did: News photos capture reality.

Uganda Preferred Trade Status to be Reviewed; State Department Seeks Report on Criminalization of Homosexuality in Africa

(HRC Back Story) Responding to a January 12th letter from Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), the State Department said that the “Anti-homosexuality Bill, 2009” pending in the Ugandan Parliament is “a serious affront to internationally accepted human rights standards.” Senator Wyden’s letter called for a review of Uganda’s preferred trade status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which authorizes duty-free importation of certain goods from preferred status countries. As a condition of receiving preferred status under AGOA, a country must not be engaged in “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.” In its letter, the State Department said that it will work closely with Congress and other stakeholders during its yearly review of AGOA eligibility. The letter also stated that the State Department has asked all of its embassies in Africa to report on host country laws and pending legislation that criminalizes homosexuality.

Petraeus: I’ve Worked With Gay CIA Officers

(Advocate) General David Petraeus, the head of the U.S. Central Command, said Sunday that he’s worked with gay CIA officers and that he thinks “don’t ask, don’t tell” is “something that can be worked through.”

Antigay Group: Repealing DADT Will Bring “Sex-Crazed Gay Males”

(Advocate) Traditional Values Coalition Executive Director Andrea Lafferty has issued a call to action to members of the conservative antigay group, urging supporters to help “defends the military from the gay agenda.”

Fashion makeovers with transgender guidance in new reality show

(365 Gay) Transgender is the new black. In a “Queer Eye” meets “What Not to Wear” mix, VH1 is launching a new makeover reality show for those committing fashion faux pas. On “Transform Me,” three transgender women travel across the country responding to fashion emergencies.