Ken Mehlman, President Bush’s 2004 campaign manager and a former chair of the Republican National Committee, has come out as gay. He led the party when it was increasing its anti-gay campaign rhetoric and trying to rally voters around anti-gay initiatives.- After harshly criticizing the Pentagon survey of military spouses regarding Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Servicemembers United announced that members of the Pentagon’s working group on the policy will meet with a group of lesbian and gay military partners during Servicemembers United’s Military Partners Forum in September.
- The New York Times has a great piece on lesbian and gay cadets at West Point.
- The Advocate rounds up this week’s primary election results for LGBT candidates.
- Conservatives in Iowa are trying to get people to vote out of office three State Supreme Court judges who ruled last year that the state law barring marriage for same-sex couples is unconstitutional.
- Supporters withdrew a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance in Memphis, Tennessee, citing a lack of support from the City Council and the mayor.
Around the world:
- A recent government-backed poll in Bogotá, Colombia, found that 63 percent of residents in support marriage equality.
- Nepal held its first Pride parade.
- Conservative U.K. MP Crispin Blunt has separated from his wife and come out as gay.