Why I care: Trans Woman murdered in London

It seems our bloods has been pouring quite freely of late - though, in truth, our physical integrity is never the safest out there

There does, sadly, seem to be a definite increase in hate crime against GBLT people. Another victim is added to the very sad tally with the death of Destiny Lauren, a trans woman in London

Again we have a reminder of how much more we have to fight - and how vulnerable GBLT bodies are.

NY state senative, Mr. Díaz: you may be a nice homophobe. But you're still a homophobe

New York State Senator Ruben Díaz Sr of the Bronx is confused about why people consider him a homophobe.

He loves gay people. He quotes his gay friends and relatives...

Ok can we step in right now, please? Look, I thought everyone knew this by now. If you feel the need to trumpet your friends and relatives as proof that you are not a homophobe (or hold any other ism or prejudice for that matter) then you probably are. The mere fact you feel the need to wave them around like shields is a pretty damn big sign.

So he loves gay people and isn’t a homophobe - but cannot vote for the legal right for gays to marry.

That, right there Mr. Díaz, is why you’re a homophobe.

It doesn’t matter how nice you are about your prejudice. It doesn’t matter how much you profess your love and affection for gay people around you. It, doesn’t matter how POLITE you are about your prejudice.

The bottom line is: If you believe that gay people are not due the same rights and privileges as heterosexuals then you are a homophobe. All your close friends and family who are gay show is that you are willing to sacrifice even the ones you care about on the altar of your straight privilege.