[Germany] [PR/Science]
Sex hormone signature indicates gender rather than just chromosomes

Help with assigning gender could one day be at hand for intersex individuals whose genital phenotypes and sex chromosomes don't match, thanks to the discovery of a stable sex hormone signature in our cells.

[Turkey]
Attempts to Close Gay Rights Organization

Excerpt: Lambda Istanbul has defended the Turkish LGBT community since its creation in 1993. It operates a telephone helpline to counsel LGBT people and raises awareness through cultural, educational, and political activities. It has actively lobbied for legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

[Australia]
Kylie TakesTips From Drag Queens

Kylie Minogue has reportedly taken inspiration from drag queens for her steamiest music video ever.

The 39-year-old singer – who vamps it up with a latex black catsuit, red lipstick and a big curly blonde wig for her 2 Hearts promo – asked London cross-dressing stars Tasty Tim and Princess Julia for advice on how to make her electro-pop video her most flamboyant yet.

[CA, USA]
California 'Mom,' 'Dad' ban garners international scorn

Excerpt: The organization's statement called it "unbelievable" that teachers and students who oppose same-sex marriage and suggest homosexuality isn't innate, or disapprove of cross-dressing and sex-change operations, could be disciplined as "harassers," and students may use the restrooms designated for the gender with which they identify.

[MA, USA] [Blog/News/Commentary]
IRS fights tax deduction claim for gender reassignment surgery

I heard this piece on NPR's All Things Considered <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15327911> while on the way home from work today. It's an interesting and frustrating case. Massachusetts resident Rhiannon O'Donnabhain spent more than $25,000 in 2001 to have gender reassignment surgery. When she filed her taxes she claimed a $5,000 medical deduction. The IRS denied it, saying it was for cosmetic purposes, not a medical necessity.

[GA,USA] [Entertainment]
RuPaul: Starrbooty's revenge

Excerpt: The queen of drag finally comes full circle – once a hopeful young gay man looking for acceptance, now a returning heroine – on his trip back to Atlanta for the Out on Film premiere of his first self-written and self-produced feature film, Starrbooty.
Photo: Mike Ruiz - MS. NEW BOOTY: "This is the RuPaul from the Atlanta years -- pushing boundaries."

[ENDA]
ENDA Must Be Stopped! Please Take Action Now!
Speaker promises trans ENDA if votes are there
Baldwin to introduce amendment to H.R. 3685
[Commentary] Does the 'T' Stand Alone?
[PR/News] Local Gender Group Responds
Lesbian Lawmaker Offers ENDA Compromise
ENDA: Gloves Come Off
Did they get it wrong? Vote!