Thursday, March 15, 2007

Tour to Support the Human Rights Campaign

Source: True Colors Concerts, LLC
Date: March 12, 2007

NEW YORK -- For the first time ever, music legends and today's hottest artists take the stage for a historical musical event -- Cyndi Lauper, Erasure, Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip and The Misshapes with host Margaret Cho join in celebration of the inaugural True Colors concert tour in support of the Human Rights Campaign. This 15 city nationwide tour, presented by Logo, kicks off Gay & Lesbian Pride Month on June 8th at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena. The concerts will feature five hours of nonstop music with other exciting special guests appearing on select dates throughout the tour including Rufus Wainwright, Rosie O'Donnell and Indigo Girls with additional guests to be announced.

The True Colors Tour was conceived by Cyndi Lauper stemming from her desire to give back to the community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career. Through a joint program with the Human Rights Campaign -- the nation's largest organization working for GLBT equality -- as well as PFLAG and The Matthew Shepard Foundation, the True Colors Tour will bring together Americans across the country to voice their solidarity against discrimination and for equality and raise public awareness about the issues facing the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. One dollar of every ticket sold will benefit the work of the Human Rights Campaign.

True Colors is a celebration of the basic values and freedoms that should be shared by all Americans. Fans will experience these values through the music of both legendary icons and the newest and coolest acts this generation has to offer. "As an American I was raised to believe that all people have the right to live with the same dignity, opportunity and safety. This should include everyone no matter what gender or sexual orientation," said Lauper. "This tour was created to celebrate our differences by raising awareness for liberty, fairness and dignity for everyone -- not just some of us. Our fans can come out to celebrate a great cause while also hearing some great music."

Host for the musical events Margaret Cho says, "I am thrilled to be part of this tour because I am about as colorful and as queer as it gets. Who else is going to keep all those Queens in line?"

Human Rights Campaign seeks to improve the lives of GLBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights for GLBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other GLBT organizations. HRC has close to 600,000 members -- all committed to making this vision of equality a reality. Visit http://www.hrc.org/ for more information.

"Without fear Cyndi Lauper has been a champion for equality for not only gay and lesbian Americans but for all people," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Cyndi has always stood with us and selflessly used her talents to promote fairness for everyone. We are honored to be a part of the True Colors tour which will empower both gay and straight Americans to show solidarity against discrimination."

Tickets for select cities will go on sale beginning March 16th and will be available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

The True Colors Tour is presented by Logo and produced by True Colors Concerts, LLC in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign.

Logo, the new digital cable channel from MTV Networks for the gay and lesbian audience, is now seen in 26 million homes and has 100 advertising partners supporting the channel which features original shows, movies and news.

"Cyndi was one of America's first true music video stars; her history with MTV Networks goes deep. She is one of our most endearing and enduring artists, and she stands with us on so many important issues. The Logo audiences loves her and will be thrilled by this partnership," said Brian Graden, President, Entertainment, MTV Networks Music Group, and President, Logo.

For official tour & ticket information visit: http://www.truecolorstour.com/.

About PFLAG:

PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten those who are ill-informed; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. With 200,000 members and supporters, and local affiliates in more than 500 communities across the U.S. and abroad, PFLAG is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind. Visit http://www.stayclose.org/ for more information.

"We're thrilled that Cyndi has asked us to be involved in the True Colors Tour," said Suzanne Ramos, PFLAG Mom and co-founder of the PFLAG Stay Close Campaign. "The Tour is a wonderful opportunity for us to reach cities across the country with the message of the PFLAG Stay Close Campaign: 'Stay Close because relationships are too precious to lose.'"

About The Matthew Shepard Foundation:

The Matthew Shepard Foundation is a multifaceted organization dedicated to erasing hate and using education to make communities more accepting of everyone regardless of sex, national origin, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.

"The Matthew Shepard Foundation is honored to have been invited to take part in the True Colors Tour," said Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. "Music is such a powerful tool to help erase hate and educate people about the values of diversity, respect and equality. I commend Cyndi and all of the artists involved for stepping up and using their extraordinary talents to help make this world a better place for all of us."

About Logo

Logo is the ad-supported network targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) viewers, launched by MTV Networks. The network launched June 30, 2005 with more than one thousand hours of content and has approximately 26 million subscribers across the United States. Logo provides LGBT audiences with a place where they can see themselves and be themselves through a mix of original and acquired entertainment programming that is authentic, smart and inclusive. Logo joins Viacom's roster of popular and highly targeted cable networks which includes MTV, Comedy Central, BET and Spike TV.

CONTACT: Fran Curtis, 212-445-8423, fcurtis@rogersandcowan.com, or Patrick Confrey, 212-445-8488, pconfrey@rogersandcowan.com, both of Rogers & Cowan

Posted by outonthenet at 1:03 PM 0 comments

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John Amaechi Signs Landmark Endorsement Deal

Source: The HeadBlade, Inc.
Date: March 12, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- In a landmark endorsement deal, The HeadBlade(R), Inc., creators of the ultimate head-shaving razor and the pioneers of head care, has signed former NBA player John Amaechi to a multi-year contract, marking the first time a mainstream company has sponsored an openly gay male athlete.

"I think it's fantastic that HeadBlade has approached me to endorse the brand," said Amaechi. "I jumped on the HeadBlade bandwagon the first time I found out about the product almost six years ago, and have been using it ever since. Whether you're black, white, straight or gay, a shaved head is a shaved head, and it requires specialized maintenance."

"John Amaechi is the newest face of the brand because he embodies many of the qualities representative of a HeadBlader," said HeadBlade CEO Todd Greene. "He is a man comfortable in his own skin and he's not afraid to go against the grain. The HeadBlade audience is diverse; we endorse MMA fighters, bodybuilders, Harley Davison drag racers, and other professional athletes. John not only represents a few of our target demographics; he's also a worldwide diplomat for the brand and a role model to many people. John has been a HeadBlader for a long time, and it's an honor to have him officially on the HeadBlade team."

Amaechi, whose recent acknowledgement he spent his entire NBA career as a closeted gay man in his controversial book, Man in the Middle, currently on The New York Times Best Seller List, initially referred to his fascination with the HeadBlade in a 2002 article in ESPN The Magazine. In the article, Amaechi explained, "It's made for your head, not your face, which is good, because with all the wrinkles up there, you need more control."

The multi-year contract, signed for an undisclosed sum of money, is the first major corporate endorsement deal of Amaechi's career.

About John Amaechi

The New York Times Best-Selling author John Amaechi is the first National Basketball Association player to acknowledge he is gay. His book, Man in the Middle, launched in February 2007 from ESPN Books, has garnered worldwide attention, creating a dialogue previously non-existent. Amaechi, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks, remains the only British athlete to have played in the league. Amaechi was honored as one of the NBA's most improved players in 2000 and was the only British member inducted into the United States Basketball Hall of Fame. Since his retirement from basketball, John has pursued a PhD in psychology and heads an executive coaching and training company, while speaking internationally on diversity, success planning and whole-life balance. Most importantly, John uses his experience with children, youth issues and interventions to further develop the unique experience that is manifested at his youth centers in England.

About HeadBlade, Inc.

HeadBlade, Inc. is the pioneer in head care. The Company has taken the head shaving niche and created a lifestyle brand for millions of people who shave their heads. The original HeadBlade was listed among the "Top Ten Designs in 2000" by Time Magazine and is now in the permanent collection at New York's Museum of Modern Art. The all new HeadBlade Sport comes standard with moving wheels and triple blade technology. Since the revolutionary HeadBlade was developed eight years ago, a complete head care line-up has launched, including HeadSlick, the world's first shaving cream specifically developed and formulated for the head; HeadLube, a moisturizer available in both "Gloss" and "Matte" finishes; and HeadShed, a pre-shave exfoliant that makes for a smoother, cleaner shave. Well-known HeadBladers include comedian and Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel, American Idol star Chris Daughtry, MLB catcher Todd Greene, and professional bodybuilder Toney Freeman. HeadBlade products can be purchased online (www.HeadBlade.com) or at Rite-Aid, CVS, Kmart, Walgreens, Meijer, and select Target and WalMart stores.

CONTACT: Ryan Croy, ryan@fifteenminutes.com, or Howard Bragman,
howard@fifteenminutes.com, both for The HeadBlade, Inc., 323-556-9700

Posted by outonthenet at 12:05 PM 0 comments

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Gay Democrats Respond to 'Morality' Statements

Source: National Stonewall Democrats
Date: March 15, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Today, the National Stonewall Democrats issued the following statement in response to remarks made by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Barack Obama (D-IL) when each was asked to clarify if a same-sex sexual orientation made someone immoral. Both Senators have refused to answer the question which followed comments made by Marine General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune in which he called American service personnel immoral:

"Most Democrats understand, and should understand, that morality isn't derived from sexual orientation or gender identity. Morality is how you treat your neighbor, support your community and sacrifice for your family and country. When I tuck my daughter into bed at night, those are the values I teach her. We expect Democratic candidates and elected officials to reaffirm those same values, to speak up when families or individuals are scapegoated or maligned for political gain, and to proactively argue the benefits of treating all Americans equally under the law without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Morality is also embodied in action. Our Democratic presidential candidates support employment non-discrimination legislation, the extension of health care benefits to our families, and oppose constitutional amendments that attack lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people for political gain. Those are moral actions and positions that each candidate should be proud to campaign on.

"National Stonewall Democrats looks forward to further working with our Democratic candidates so that, in the future, they can speak with moral clarity and continue to positively partner with our community."

-- Jo Wyrick, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats

In comments reported this week by the Chicago Tribune, General Peter Pace unfavorably compared homosexuality to adultery, saying he believed both were immoral. "I do not believe the United States is well served by a policy that says it is okay to be immoral in any way," Pace said. ""I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts."

Senators Clinton and Obama were each asked, in response to the comments made by General Pace, if sexual orientation was an immoral trait. Each Senator, so far, has declined to answer the question.

Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) has recently introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would revoke the current policy on gay personnel. The removal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy is supported by leading Democrats and is the official position of the Democratic Party as espoused in the 2004 platform of the Democratic National Convention.

National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

CONTACT: John Marble of National Stonewall Democrats, 202-436-5966
(cell), johnmarble@stonewalldemocrats.org

Posted by outonthenet at 11:58 AM 0 comments

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National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association to Give Award

Source: National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Date: March 13, 2007

WASHINGTON -- On Thursday, March 15, 2007, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) will present its second Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award at Headlines & Headliners: NLGJA's 12th Annual New York Benefit, to be held at ABC Times Square Studios. The 2007 award recipient is Colin Dugdale, a third-year journalism student at Indiana University Bloomington.

An Indiana native, Dugdale is a columnist and reporter for the university's award-winning Indiana Daily Student. While at the paper, he has been awarded nine "Best Column" awards and was twice voted "Best Columnist" (Fall 2005 and 2006).

David L. Adams, Indiana University Professor, Director of the Office of Student Media and NLGJA member, says that Dugdale's columns "tackle a number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues with great humor and understanding. I knew Roy Aarons personally; from the time he met with many of us and urged the student press to be more receptive to LGBT issues and coverage. He would have been proud to know Colin and see his work in our student media."

"There is something very empowering about writing," Dugdale says. "That's why I've chosen this profession. At the end of the day I can look at myself in the mirror and know that I've done something that's made a difference. That's journalism."

Named in memory of NLGJA's founder, the $5,000 award was established to support the education of an LGBT student who plans a career in journalism and is committed to furthering NLGJA's mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community. The fund is administered through a partnership between NLGJA and The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (a component of The Philadelphia Foundation), which serves to advance philanthropy within the LGBT community. The award will be presented by CNN's "American Morning" anchor Soledad O'Brien. In 2005, CNN contributed a $100,000 gift to support the scholarship award.

O'Brien will be one of a number of special guests joining NLGJA members, friends and supporters at the ABC Times Square Studios. The event will be hosted by ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross and will feature notables from the worlds of journalism, sports, and entertainment including: former NBA player and Human Rights Campaign Coming Out Project Spokesperson John Amaechi; former World No. 1 tennis player and Co-Founder of the Rainbow Visa Card, Martina Navratilova; Ted Allen and Kyan Douglas of Bravo's "Queer Eye;" Robert Lipsyte of The New York Times; Fox News Anchor Martha MacCallum; Meredith Vieira and Natalie Morales of NBC News' "Today Show;" Erin Moriarty and Russ Mitchell of CBS News; Tim Gunn and Kara Janx of Bravo's "Project Runway;" blogger Andy Towle of Towleroad.com; Anchor Jason Bellini from CBS News on LOGO; Carl Quintanilla of CNBC's "Squawk Box;" Barry Rice of Barry Rice Designs; screenwriter and playwright Douglas Carter Beane; and authors Tom Dolby, "The Trouble Boy," and Bob Smith, "Selfish & Perverse."

"For the second year in a row, we have been privileged to select the Aarons Scholarship Award winner from a pool of exceptional student journalists. Seeing the work being done by these students and knowing the work done by the participants in our National Convention Student Projects, it's impossible not to feel confident and optimistic about the future of journalism," said Thomas Cashman Avila, Acting Executive Director of NLGJA.

Avila; Bill Canacci, Home News Tribune and Leroy F. Aarons Journalism Education Program Chair; and Marshall McPeek, WCMH-TV and NLGJA National Secretary oversaw a selection process that included judges Edward Alwood, Quinnipiac University; Dane Claussen, Point Park University; Joe Cutbirth, Columbia University; Robert Dodge, Former Leroy F. Aarons Journalism Education Program Chair; Larry Gross, University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication; Mary Gray, Indiana University; Walt Swanston, National Public Radio; and Robyn Goodman, Alfred University.

Headlines & Headliners will begin at 6:30 PM with an intimate VIP reception with the evening's special guests. This will be followed at 7:30 PM with a cocktail reception and a silent auction.

Visit http://www.nlgja.org/news/newyork07.html for online ticket sales and further information.

About NLGJA

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.

Headlines & Headliners: NLGJA's 12th Annual New York Benefit is sponsored by the evening's host, ABC News, as well as Belo, CNN, JetBlue Airways, Kimpton Hotels, NBC Universal, Andrew Tobias & Charles Nolan, Bloomberg, CBS News, In Style, MGM Mirage, Passport Magazine, Rubenstein Communications, The Muse Hotel, 70 Park Avenue Hotel, Fox News Network, Newsday, Inc., Star/Rosen PR, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Hill + Knowlton, The Haworth Press, The New York Times, The Star-Ledger, The Record, Herald News and Toyota.

CONTACT: Jason Lloyd Clement of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists
Association, Office: 202-588-9888, ext. 12, Mobile: 202-386-2645,
jlclement@nlgja.org

Posted by outonthenet at 11:49 AM 0 comments

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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

First Circuit Hears 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Appeal

Source: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Date: March 7, 2007

BOSTON, March 7, 2007 -- The First Circuit heard oral arguments today in an appeal filed by veterans dismissed under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. The veterans, who all served during the current war on terror, asked the Court to reverse a lower court ruling dismissing their constitutional challenge to the law. The lawsuit, Cook v. Gates, was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and the law firm of WilmerHale.

"When we began this journey in December 2004, we were determined to have our stories heard and to present the facts about 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Today's hearing was an important step forward in that journey," the plaintiffs said in a statement issued today. "This morning, we have come to the First Circuit with unmovable confidence in our nation's promise of 'liberty and justice for all.' We believe the freedoms we defended as United States military personnel are alive and well in our country. We know our nation can do better than this law."

The twelve plaintiffs in Cook v. Gates are seeking reinstatement in the armed forces. Their lawsuit asserts that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" punishes lesbian, gay and bisexual service members for their sexual orientation and for their private, constitutionally protected conduct. As a result, the plaintiffs argue, it has denied and continues to deny them several constitutional rights, including the right to privacy, equal protection of the law, and freedom of speech. The challenge to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the plaintiffs' appeal brief asserts, is "grounded in basic principles of identity, equality, and freedom."

"There is no doubt in our mind that this law violates many of the core principles set forth in our constitution," said SLDN executive director C. Dixon Osburn. "Every day, lesbian, gay and bisexual service members are prohibited from simply identifying themselves as who they are. They are denied the fundamental right to privacy that every American should enjoy and they are set aside by our armed forces with a second class of citizenship. The freedoms they fight so hard for abroad are denied to them right here at home."

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit all served honorably in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Together, they have served more than sixty-five years in the armed forces. Three have served in direct support of operations in the Middle East. Among them, they have earned more than five dozen awards, medals and commendations.

For more information on Cook v. Gates, including biographies of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, visit http://www.sldn.org/.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is a national, non-profit legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and related forms of intolerance. For more information, visit http://www.sldn.org/.

CONTACT: Steve Ralls of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network,
202-328-3244, ext. 116, sralls@sldn.org

Posted by outonthenet at 12:46 PM 0 comments

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Organization Takes Pulse of Ohio Voters

Source: Equality Ohio Education Fund
Date: March 7, 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Today, Equality Ohio Education Fund, a statewide, equal-rights education and advocacy organization, released the results of a survey commissioned to determine where voters really stand on issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ohio.

The end of year survey, conducted by The Glengariff Group, Inc., polled 800 registered Ohio voters, and asked questions on a variety of topics including hospital visitation, workplace discrimination and same-sex marriage.

Overall, a majority of Ohioans support most equal rights and protections for LGBT individuals and families. The most significant research result indicates 91% support for legislation giving same-sex couples the guaranteed right to visit their partner in the hospital, should s/he become ill.

"This is an exceptional response to such an important issue facing many LGBT Ohioans," said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio Education Fund. "Everyone should have the guaranteed right to visit their sick or dying partner. Hospital visitation is an issue on which almost all Ohio voters can agree."

According to the research, more than two thirds of Ohio voters support legislation to protect people from discrimination in the workplace based on their sexual orientation. When polled, 68% of respondents said they would support a law making it illegal to fire or deny housing to an individual based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Current Ohio law falls short of protecting all Ohioans from discrimination by excluding sexual orientation and gender identity as fundamental human characteristics deserving of protection.

Not surprisingly, when Ohio voters were asked about their stance regarding same-sex marriage, only 34% of those who responded stated that they were in support of the legalization of marriage between two people of the same gender. This result closely mirrors the outcome of the 2004 November election where Ohioans voted to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage.

"We are working for an inclusive Ohio where equality and diversity are valued and protected by law," Bowman said. "This is not about special rights. This is about every Ohioan deserving equal rights and protections. Most Ohio voters understand and support that."

About The Equality Ohio Education Fund

 The Equality Ohio Education Fund is a not-for-profit, equal-rights education and advocacy organization that envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home, living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. On the web at www.equalityohio.org.

CONTACT: Lynne Bowman of Equality Ohio, +1-614-224-0400 (office),
614-202-8869 (cell), or lynne@equalityohio.org; Amy Kappler of Edward Howard
and Co., 614-224-4600 (office), 614-940-8264 (cell), or akappler@edwardhoward.com, for Equality Ohio


Posted by outonthenet at 12:37 PM 0 comments

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Florida Sheriff’s Department Offers Health Benefits to Same Sex Partners

One of the largest police departments on the west-central coast of Florida will begin offering health benefits to its gay and lesbian employees in 2007. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, with approximately 3,300 employees, will offer the department’s health plan to all same-sex employees and their children. Read more...

Posted by outonthenet at 7:33 AM 0 comments

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Maneuver Vancouver in a Gay Kind of Way

Look out Toronto and San Francisco, you’ve been bumped.

Paris? You ain’t so gay.

According to the latest ranking from Community Marketing, Inc., Vancouver tops the list as the No. 1 gay international travel destination. Read more about gay travel...

Posted by outonthenet at 7:23 AM 0 comments

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Logo Channel Shines Spotlight on Power of Gay Media

MTV Networks took an incredible risk when it launched Logo on June 30, 2005, or so thought industry experts who predicted a backlash for this cable TV channel designed exclusively for gay and lesbian viewers. Read more about Logo...

Posted by outonthenet at 7:30 AM 0 comments

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Top 10 Online Shopping Tips

There are few things that are more fun and convenient than shopping online. A multitude of Internet-based stores sell every conceivable type of product. Best of all, you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to make your purchases. There are, however, 10 guidelines you should follow to ensure that your online shopping experience is safe.
Read more about online shopping...

Posted by outonthenet at 2:21 PM 2 comments

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How To Find Gay-Friendly Investments

Members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) communities can choose investments that support their causes. Two financial companies — Domini Social Investments, LLC and Citizens Funds — have created mutual funds with stocks from socially responsible companies. Read more about gay-friendly investments...

Posted by outonthenet at 1:43 PM 0 comments

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