NEWS: Vigil for Britney and Crystal, Murdered Texas Lesbian Couple

If you are in the areas of Austin, Corpus Christi and Dallas, GetEQUAL Texas is holding a memorial tonight in honor of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson.  It is a Statewide Vigil being held at the Montrose Center this evening to celebrate the lives of these young ladies and to discuss violence in the community. 

There still hasn't been any additional information beyond James Cosby being charged for tampering with evidence, but Britney's mother, Loranda McDonald believes he murdered Britney and Crystal because of their sexuality. 

Britney's 2006 Kia Sorrento is still missing.  If anyone has information about the case, contact the sheriff’s office at (866) 248-8477 or Galveston County Crime Stoppers at (409) 763-8477.

And if you cannot be in attendance tonight, at least wear yellow and take a stand against violence.  I'll have mine on.

Read More »

NEWS: Judith Levy First Michigan Lesbian Federal Judge

With a landslide win of 97-0, Judith Levy has become the first openly lesbian federal judge in Michigan.  She will preside over the Eastern District of Michigan and was nominated by the President in July 2013.  Although not the first member of the LGBT federal judges, she does add to the growing representation on the federal bench.

Read More »

NEWS: Texas Lesbian Couple Murder Update

It seems that Britney Crosby's father, James Larry Cosby, might have played a part in her and her girlfriend, Crystal Jackson's death.  He has been arrested for tampering with evidence in connection to the case and it is said the murders might have even happened in his home.  As the investigation continues, he stands to be charged with capital murder.  James Cosby is being held at Galveston County Jail with a $500,000 bond.

Britney's 2006 Kia Sorrento is still missing.  If anyone has information about the case, contact the sheriff’s office at (866) 248-8477 or Galveston County Crime Stoppers at (409) 763-8477.

Read More »

NEWS: Lesbian Couple Murdered In Texas

Crystal Jackson & Britney Cosby's bodies were found next to a dumpster at a convenience store in Port Bolivar, Texas.  

Family members say that the couple had been dating for 2 years and were on a trip to Galveston for Mardi Gras. Cosby's car (2006 Kia Sorento) is missing and the killer is yet to be identified.  It is unknown whether this is a gay hate crime or if the ladies are victims of a carjacking. 

A sketch of a person of interest has been released. Hopefully, the person responsible for these murders are found and prosecuted. 

sketch of the suspect

Detectives ask anyone who recognizes the man in the sketch to contact the sheriff’s office at 866-248-8477 or Galveston County Crime Stoppers 409-763-8477. 

Read More »

NEWS: Staci Michelle Yandle

Did you know, on 1.16.2014 President Obama nominated an openly lesbian judge, Staci Yandle, for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Illinois?

"If confirmed, Yandle would not only become the first openly gay judge on a court within the Seventh Circuit (which covers Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin), but she would also be the first African American judge to serve in the Southern District of Illinois.  Yandle will bring decades of experience in civil litigation as well public service."

The Judge she will be replacing is vacating his seat in mid-May; hopefully the nomination gets confirmed.

Read the rest of the article on the Human Rights Campaign Blog.

Read More »

NEWS: Judge Rules That Texas Same-sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

In the Republican state of Texas, District Judge Orlando Garcia ruled the state's same-sex marriage ban as unconstitutional.  He wrote

"These Texas laws deny Plaintiffs access to the institution of marriage and its numerous rights, privileges, and responsibilities for the sole reason that Plaintiffs wish to be married to a person of the same sex,"

Although the ban is still in affect; recognition of the issue in the courts is a major development on gay marriage in the very conservative state of Texas.  


Follow the story at my San Antonio 

Read More »

NEWS: Rep. Governor Brewer Rejects Arizona's Right-to-Discriminate Senate Bill 1062

On 2.26.14, Republican governor Brewer vetoed Arizona's right-to-discriminate Senate Bill 1062.  She explains the reason for her veto at a press conference.

“Senate bill 1062 does not address a specific or present concern related to religious liberty in Arizona. I’ve not heard one example in Arizona, where business owners’ religious liberty has been violated. The bill is broadly worded and could result in unintended and negative consequences. After weighing all of the arguments, I have vetoed Senate bill 1062 moments ago.”

 Republicans in the Arizona legislator agree that Arizona should allow religious discrimination. This would have allowed businesses to refuse service to anyone based on their own personal religious beliefs.  Such as refusing services to homosexuals. (talk about taking two steps back, its 2014 people)

Republicans that have supported the bill argue that the governor was "bullied" by gay rights groups to reject the bill. (OH REALLY)

Arizona is not the only state that has attempted and failed to pass a bill like this.  Other states are Oklahoma, West Virginia, Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio.

Read More »