• ELIXHER
• On June 3, 2011

Recipients of civil union license: ‘We wanted to make a statement’

In Cook County, Janean Watkins and Lakeesha Harris camped overnight outside the Daley Center to be the first in line as the state’s new civil-unions law kicked in.

“It’s historic,” said Watkins, who has been with Harris for 10 years. “We wanted to be first. We wanted to make a statement. For us, for our kids. It really means something.”

The couple has six children who will all be in attendance at a formal civil union ceremony tomorrow.

Author Keith Boykin’s new book: For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Still Not Enough

Magnus Books today announced that New York Times bestselling author Keith Boykin has signed a contract to produce a new book, For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Still Not Enough.

The book will be a collection of writings on “living life, confronting obstacles and believing in yourself,” according to a statement on a new web site, 4coloredboys.com.

Vanessa Williams for N.Y. Marriage Equality

Desperate Housewives star and Grammy award–winner Vanessa Williams contributes the latest video to the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign from the Human Rights Campaign.

“Children Of God” To Make Its TV Debut On Showtime Network

Kareem Mortimer’s Children of God (produced by Trevite Willis), which ended its 1-week run in New York City last week, at Quad Cinemas, will make its official television (cable TV) debut tomorrow, June 2nd.

The film will run on the Showtime Network for the next 3 weeks, with 10 screening slots allotted to it over that time period! Kudos to the team behind the film - one that you’re encouraged to see if you are a Showtime subscriber.

Obama Administration Seeks To Address Homeless Crisis Among Gay Teens

Jonathan had spent nearly a decade in Louisiana’s child welfare system. The safest places, the gay teen discovered, were the moldy homes he squatted in after Hurricane Katrina.

Roofs sagged, floors caved in, mold veined walls and there were always rats. “It was very uncomfortable,” said Jonathan. “Old, dark, lots of insects, rodents. … It was times I cried.” Often, he lit fires to keep the rats away.