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President Obama's department of justice is taking a stand for LGBTQA students. This very inspiring step forward is an example of a small yet very important change that has occurred from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. Read this story from the "Advocate" for more: The Justice Department is stepping in to defend a gay high school student who was bullied for being effeminate.

Yesterday, a powerful earthquake struck Haiti. The quake, measuring nearly 7.0 on the Richter scale, caused the collapse of many buildings and an unknown number of fatalities. At least 1.8 million people live within the area where the earthquake had its highest intensity. Text messages from Haiti simply read "S.O.S." You don't have to be a helpless spectator to the devastation- here's several ways to help right NOW:

Democrats finally have a viable candidate for the CFO cabinet slot. Until now, this was the only race in which Democrats did not have a candidate, oddly, for the only seat currently held by a Democrat. Ausley is now running to replace Alex Sink as she leaves to run for Governor.

With Day 2 of the Prop 8 trial about to begin, read this insightful analysis from NCLR attorney Shannon Minter on Pam's House Blend. Some very positive signs for our side.

The 2010 election is starting to get serious, and one indicator of who might prevail in the primaries and then finally the general in November, is how much cash a candidate has been able to rake in. 

Prop 8 Update: The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked, at least temporarily, the YouTube broadcast of the "Prop. 8" trial that is scheduled to begin later today in California. A final decision is due Wednesday. Court blocks taping of gay marriage trialBy MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is blocking a broadcast of the trial on California's same-sex marriage ban, at least for the first few days.

An attorney from Valrico has filed to run against Ronda Storms for state senate. Paul Phillips registered as a Republican for the District 10 seat which covers parts of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. 

by Theodore B. OlsonTheodore Olson explains his decision to challenge Proposition 8 in federal court and offers an expansive argument for why the government should not prevent gay and lesbian couples from marrying. Saturday 01.09.10 http://www.newsweek.com/id/229957 Why same-sex marriage is an American value. Excerpt:

Henry Woods, a stalwart in Florida Keys academia and politics, died at 10 a.m.

This morning the Crist for Senate campaign sent out a press release that said he would "fight for pro-life legislative efforts" if elected. During his 2006 gubernatorial campaign, then candidate Crist said he would not push for tougher restrictions on abortion saying he wanted to "change hearts, not laws." 

Denise King, mother of murdered 17-year-old transgender teen Simmie Williams, died of a heart attack Thursday night.

This afternoon the New Jersey state senate will vote on marriage equality. Friday is the last day the state legislature will be in session. In-coming governor Chris Christie takes office on Jan. 19 and opposes same-sex marriage. 

Word has just come from the Alex Sink 2010 campaign for Governor, that the campaign raised $5 million toward her campaign in 2009. 

For weeks now, Republicans have been calling for Republican Party State Chairman Jim Greer's resignation. Greer has resisted citing Governor Charlie Crist wishes him to stay- apparently until now. 

The US has lifted a 22-year immigration ban which has stopped anyone with HIV/Aids from entering the country.

This week our guests on As I Am Radio will be Sam Sussman, the 18 year old "straight" activist for the LBGT community who spoke at the Equality March on Washington this year. And, we will talk with Nadine Smith, the Executive Director of Equality Florida, she will talk about the wins of 2009 and the goals of 2010.

The new millennium has been a boon for LGBT rights At a glance, it may seem that 2009 was anything but a banner year for LGBT rights. Voters in every state with same-sex marriage on the ballot voted against us, and federal laws still don’t recognize same-sex marriages in the handful of states where it is legal. 'Don’t Ask Don’t Tell' has yet to be repealed, and foreign partners of American citizens are not allowed to immigrate to the United States as spouses.

In days we will be celebrating the start of 2010, a year that will be enormously important for Floridians. The 2010 election is the most important election we have had, or will have, for decades.  Voters will choose new leaders for many statewide offices as well as their state legislators.