UK Children’s charity appeals for more Gays to adopt

Major UK Children’s charity Barnado’s says it’s looking for more gay couples and individuals to come forward to enquire about adoption.

In an interview this week with gay media site pinknews.co.uk, head of adoption for the charity, Carolyn Oliver, stated that the organisation would welcome more gay and lesbians as prospective parents.

Oliver told pinknews she wants to ensure the LGBT community is aware of their adoption rights.

She said: "There is a need for more parents, particularly for older children who are in the looked-after [care] system. We're looking for gay couples and individuals – many still don't realise that they can adopt and are reluctant to come forward to find out more.”

Oliver says that in some cases, same-sex couples could be highly suitable for children who have faced certain difficulties.

"Maybe one of the strengths of gay and lesbian parents is that they often have experience of issues like discrimination and so can understand these kind of problems. Another advantage is that sometimes it's preferable to place children in a single-sex household." She added.

Since the introduction of the Adoption and Children Act in 2005, permitting unmarried couples to adopt, the UK has seen a large increase in not only incidence but acceptance of gay and lesbian adoptive parenting.

In stark contrast to Barnardo’s open door policy to the LGBT community, religious adoption agency Catholic Care will go to the High Court next March to argue its case of banning gays and lesbians from its services.

The agency is hoping to take advantage of a legal loop hole it says it has found, that would allow them to operate but refuse applications from gay men and women.

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Related Link for this story:

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/19/barnados-calls-for-more-gay-couples-to-adopt/

It’s “Emotions” as Gay Mariah Carey fan proposes on stage

When Mariah Carey super-fan Mathew Almeida quipped to his boyfriend that he’d say yes to marriage - if he was asked in front of his idol - little did he know that’s what was about to happen - on stage in front of 5,000 Carey fans!

During last Saturday’s sell out performance in Las Vegas the “Emotions” star invited fans Maurie Sherman and Mathew on stage as a “birthday surprise”.

The proposal took Maurie six months of planning until he got the final go ahead just five minutes before the show commenced. After introducing the couple Carey retreated to a chaise lounge and beamed as Sherman got down on one knee and proposed saying "I’m hoping that my Mariah will accept his Nick Cannon" (in reference to Carey's husband).

The groom-to-be then produced a candy ring, just as Cannon had when he proposed to Carey in 2008. As Mathew accepted to rapturous applause the “Hero” singer embraced the couple and toasted them with champagne.

Gay marriage is not legal in the state of Nevada, although domestic partnerships were recently approved. The campaign for gays to have the right to marry remains in the media spotlight however, with only six of the fifty two states legalizing gay unions.

When asked if he thought the action would send a message to lawmakers, Sherman told gay media site advocate.com “all marriage is about is the union of love. So what are they saying, that two guys or two women can’t love each other like that? I think that absolutely it sends a message.”

Maurie and Mathew are planning a Mariah themed ceremony in their home town of Toronto, where same-sex marriage is allowed.

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The Lady goes GaGa for Gay equality

Pop icon Lady Gaga has announced she will be attending this weekend’s National Equality March in Washington.

The singer made the announcement during a fund raiser for the event in New York following her appearance on last week’s Saturday Night Live.

“Next week is the gay pride march, and I know that I’m going to be there marching with all of you” Gaga, real name Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, told the crowd.

Gay media news site advocate.com quipped that perhaps hair pulling between Gaga and pop queen Madonna (a couple of hours earlier during their mock cat-fight on Saturday Night Live) accounted for her mislabeling of the march taking place this Sunday.

In a statement released this week the singer said “On October 10th and 11th I will be in Washington DC to lend my support to the National Equality March.

"This march is a call to action for all people from all over the country to gather to march to be visible as one and to speak out and demand full equal rights for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in all 50 states.

"Now is the time to act so get your ass to DC and lend your support. Lend your voice and demand to be heard. I hope to see you there."

The singer who seems to have nabbed the spotlight from previous high profile gay advocate Madonna told Out magazine “When I started in the mainstream it was the gays that lifted me up. I committed myself to them and they committed themselves to me, and because of the gay community I’m where I am today.”

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Gay Adam rockets to No.1 in the U.S.

American Idol runner up Adam Lambert beats the bigots and scores a U.S. No.1 album.

Just a few weeks ago Adam Lambert had to contend with religious extremists picketing his performances on the American Idol tour. This week he’s celebrating topping the Amazon.com pre-sales chart with his as yet un-titled debut - All part and parcel of being the world’s newest high profile gay rock star.

The singer, who officially came out during a recent Rolling Stone interview, is currently outselling Barbra Streisand, Madonna and The Beatles on the Amazon.com bestsellers list.

Lambert’s sexuality stirred immense media interest during the latter part of the Idol competition when photos of the 27 year old dressed in drag and kissing another man surfaced on the internet.

His performances during the show’s live tour were picketed by members of the notoriously anti-gay and high profile Westboro Baptist Church.

The implications of such a high profile star coming out are seen as enormous by gay campaigners who will undoubtedly be championing Lambert as a gay role model.

“I’m proud of my sexuality” he told Rolling Stone “I embrace it. It’s just another part of me”

During his time in Idol (when speaking to the media is usually banned) Lambert says the show’s producers were completely supportive of his decision to come out, however the singer opted to wait until the show was done for fear of it overshadowing the competition.

Lambert’s debut is expected to top the coveted Billboard charts when officially available on November 24. However, stiff competition is coming from Susan Boyle, another talent show runner-up taking American by storm, who releases her debut on the same day.

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