Los Angeles, CA - The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today congratulated the creative teams and casts of Milk and Vicky Cristina Barcelona which received a combined 9 Oscar nominations during today's announcement of nominees for the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

"Today's inauguration represents a paradigm shift. The pendulum has swung away from the anti-gay forces and toward a new president and vice president who acknowledge our equality," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "For the past eight years, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was out of reach and out of touch. Our community and do many others are looking at a new day of welcome and great promise. "

The New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department today upheld a lower court's ruling that the New York State Department of Civil Service (DCS), a state agency, acted in compliance with the law when it confirmed that it would recognize out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples. This was the first Appellate Court ruling in New York to address the Paterson administration's recognition of these marriages.

"The Human Rights Campaign congratulates Ray Buckley on his election as president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "I'm proud to note that Ray will be the first openly gay man to hold this position, and will be the highest-ranking openly gay Democratic Party official. Ray has been a strong and successful advocate for equality in New Hampshire, and HRC looks forward to continuing to work with him to advance equality for LGBT people."

Pink Choice (www.pinkchoice.com), the trusted website for gay and lesbian travelers seeking information about accommodations worldwide, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2008 Pink Choice Awards.

The year 2009 has finally arrived and we are collectively filled with such a dichotomy of emotions. President-Elect Obama is now the first African American president and at the same time, the economy is rearing its ugly head leaving us spinning with a sense of wonder.

The recession has obviously affected most of us on some level. It is possible that we will see at least one or more of our friends face a lay-off from their current place of employment. Sometimes life forces us to change our lives around despite our reluctant efforts to hold on. As scary as this appears, there is still hope.

Philly Dawgz is an easy concept: Anyone can do it and it can fit in virtually any space! We offer flexibility with the ability to change the menu to accommodate specific customers' wants and needs. A Philly Dawgz restaurant is also easy to set up and maintain. The equipment and procedures required are straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy to train new employees. And, few employees are required as the turn-around from the customer ordering to the customer receiving his or her food is minimal and quick.

1/24/2009 Upside Down Columbus Pride 2009.

1/28-2/1/09 Creating Change Conference

01/28/2009 Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

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