September 2010: State news briefs

September 2010: State news briefs

Fla. joins brief opposing gay marriage
Florida and nine other states have filed a gay marriage opposition brief with the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in California, saying that the U.S. Constitution does not require marriage to include same-sex couples. The states argue that same-sex marriage is not a fundamental right. They seek to overturn a U.S. District Court ruling that California’s Proposition 8, a voter-passed ban on same-sex marriage, was unconstitutional.

Equality Florida kicks off youth training
Equality Florida is teaming up with Safe Schools South Florida, Pridelines and Advocates for Youth to host a weekend of youth and adult leadership training Oct. 1-2. The training, at Pridelines headquarters on Oct. 1, and at Coral Gables Congregational Church on Oct. 2, will help students learn how to create change on their campus, including formation of a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). For more information call 407-462-9692.

New bear site launches
BearCubHouse.com is a social network targeting the gay bear community that launched earlier this month. Described as a “Facebook for Bears,” the site’s core focus is on bringing the community together and creating friendships. There are also features for hookups and dating. Membership is free, but for $60/year users get video chat, greater photo capacity and other features. The site’s co-founders are Ryan Fowler and Christopher Chai.

New Key West anti-hate task force launched
A new task force in Key West is seeking to keep gays safe from hate crimes. The Anti-Hate Crimes Task Force hopes to bring more diversity training to Key West schools following an incident last month in which a man and his boyfriend were beaten and referred to with a gay slur. The Key West Citizen reports the Gay and Lesbian Community Center also is developing an information sheet to distribute to bars, restaurants, taxi drivers and other businesses that will contain tips on what to do if attacked, and on avoiding dangerous situations.

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