81 years old gay man comes out

James Randi comes out as gay. He discusses his life as a closeted gay man, and why he is now at age 81 coming out, and why he hasn’t been publicly open about his sexuality sooner. He describes the possible impact his coming out may have on his tireless work advancing skepticism and critical thinking. He discusses his atheism, and whether it, or his sexual orientation, influences the mission of the James Randi Educational Foundation. He talks about gay rights issues such as marriage equality.  He discusses his detractors and what they might make of the news of his homosexuality. And he explores the relevance of gay rights to the skeptical movement. 

To listen the audio interview of James Randi, click http://www.forgoodreason.org/james_randi_a_skeptic_comes_out_at_81

James Randi comes out as gay. He discusses his life as a closeted gay man, and why he is now at age 81 coming out, and why he hasn’t been publicly open about his sexuality sooner. He describes the possible impact his coming out may have on his tireless work advancing skepticism and critical thinking. [...]

Catholic adoption society wins court battle over considering gay couples as parents

LONDON (Reuters) – An independent Catholic charity won a High Court battle on Wednesday over adoption laws that would have forced it to consider gay couples as parents.

Catholic Care, a registered adoption agency, wants special dispensation from sexual orientation regulations which forbid it from giving children solely to heterosexual couples.

The organisation argued that a clause in the act allows charities to discriminate by amending its objectives.

An earlier High Court judgement ruled against it, backing a decision by the Charity Commission to forbid exemptions.

The judgement by Mr Justice Briggs, sitting in London, means the commission must review its original decision, the Press Association reported.

The Right Rev Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds, welcomed the decision on behalf of the charity.

“We look forward to producing evidence to the Charity Commission to support the position that we have consistently taken through this process, that without being able to use this exemption children without families would be seriously disadvantaged,” he said.

Catholic Care, which has provided adoption services for more than a century, had threatened to stop its work finding homes for children.

Gay rights group Stonewall attacked the judgement.

read more at http://uk.reuters.com

LONDON (Reuters) – An independent Catholic charity won a High Court battle on Wednesday over adoption laws that would have forced it to consider gay couples as parents. Catholic Care, a registered adoption agency, wants special dispensation from sexual orientation regulations which forbid it from giving children solely to heterosexual couples. The organisation argued that [...]

Contest aims to boost community’s confidence in country where homosexuality was classed as illness until 2001

Winners of Mr. Gay China

INTERVIEW VIDEO LINK http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2010/jan/11/china-gay-pageant

There’s a swimwear round and a talent section where contestants can show off their singing and dancing. But organisers insist the contest to be held this Friday is a serious business. It is China‘s first gay pageant.

The event is a striking sign of how far attitudes in China have changed and of gay people’s increasing confidence. Gay sex was illegal until 1997. Homosexuality was classed as a mental illness for four years after that. Now an emerging gay community is busting stereotypes.

“We are intelligent, we’re professionals, we’re gorgeous – and we’re gay,” said contestant Emilio Liu, from Inner Mongolia. “I want the audience to know there are a whole bunch of people like us living in China. It’s a wonderful life and it’s not hidden any more.”

These days there are gay support groups and websites helping people to explore their sexuality and meet potential partners. There are gay venues in most major cities; last year, the first government-backed bar opened in Kunming, in south-western Yunnan. Shanghai held the first Gay Pride week and in Beijing, campaigners called for same-sex marriages.

Source: guardian.co.uk

Contest aims to boost community’s confidence in country where homosexuality was classed as illness until 2001 INTERVIEW VIDEO LINK http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2010/jan/11/china-gay-pageant There’s a swimwear round and a talent section where contestants can show off their singing and dancing. But organisers insist the contest to be held this Friday is a serious business. It is China‘s first [...]