I'm not shocked that John McCain chose a conservative running mate, but I am surprised that he tapped inexperienced Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Not much is known about Governor Palin's stance on individual gay rights issues like don't ask, don't tell and same-sex adoption yet, but what we do know that she strongly opposes same-sex marriage. Her support of teaching creationism in schools and her ties to conservative anti-gay groups like Family Research Council make it unlikely that she will support any other pro-gay legislation.

Palin has stated that she "has gay friends" and conservative media outlets are already using her taunt as an litmus test of fair policy-making. That political smokescreen may work in some closed circles, but I doubt she is very close to her "gay friends," since she has actively denied them equal rights. Her acrid "gay friend" remark is no different than that of the one racist we all know that claims she isn't racist because she has black friends.

Regardless, McCain's strategy has always been to wow ultra-conservatives, who are celebrating his choice, and not appease "the liberals." We know that together, McCain and Palin will not support pro-gay legislation, but are we willing to take a chance on any possible future attempts to strip us of the rights we already have?

The Showdown—Gay Rights Style:
Barack Obama and Joe Biden
vs.
John McCain and Sarah Palin

_{Image © Win McNamee/Getty Images.}

As I watched the Democratic National Convention last night, an interesting statistic flashed, perhaps appropriately, under Wolf Blitzer's head. It read: "Gays and Lesbians make up 12 percent of the Democratic delegates at the DNC. 250 in total." 12 percent or 250 delegates at the DNC were gay or lesbian? I knew that our out politicians were spread throughout the country in local, state and federal positions; but I was still surprised at the spread of gay and lesbian delegates at the convention.

Where did they come from, I asked? Perhaps a silly question, but there may be a reason why gays and lesbians have a significant presence at the convention this year. According to the 2008 DNC Rules Inclusion Programs, state Democratic Parties were required to "adopt and implement Inclusion Programs in order for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and for people with disabilities to achieve their full participation in the delegate selection process."

A result of 12 percent LGBT representation doesn't quite seem like "full" participation to me, but I'll take it. After all, the percentage definitely rises above the widely accepted gay and lesbian population standard of 10 percent and over more recent estimates of 5 percent. The number of delegates is staggering, given that in past years it's felt like we had very little representation at all. The percentage reports low when I think of what it could be and the political hurdles to come. Nonetheless, we are there, in Washington, out and representing.

Thus far, many DNC speakers, including former president Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy and out DNC Treasurer Andy Tobias, have included remarks about the need for equality for gay Americans.

As November clicks near, here's a recap of where the 2008 presidential candidates stand on LGBT issues:
Barack Obama on Gay Issues
Joe Biden on Gay Issues
John McCain on Gay Issues

And here are a couple of the gay politicians representing their districts, states and LGBT people in Washington:

Jason Bartlett, the highest ranking gay African-American politician.

Barney Frank, founder of the National Stonewall Democrats.

Sam Adams, Portland's first gay mayor.

Daniel J. O' Donnell, Rosie's gay brother.

Lawrence Webb, the first gay African-American official elected in Virginia.

_{Image © Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.}

Pop star and, uh, astronaut, Lance Bass will dance hand in hand with Lacey Schwimmer (the 2006 U.S. Youth Latin Champ and 2007 World Swing Dance Champ) in this season of Dancing With The Stars.

Since his 50 million record *NSYNC days, Lance has definitely skyrocketed himself in the news—several times. First, there was his attempt at going up into space, but fell head first when it came to paying for the trip. He was certified by both the Russian Space Program and NASA for a mission aboard a Soyuz capsule, you know. Then, in 2006 he came out amid (true) rumors of a relationship with stud Reichen Lehmkuhl. And Bass became the center of more recent gossip when it was leaked that his new man, trainer Sebastian Leal, has a wife. But, regardless of Lance's up and down stunts, he'll have a chance to redeem himself and show us his moves on season seven of Dancing With The Stars. It's been a while since we've seen him move with the boys from *NSYNC. Does he still have it?

The new season of DWTS premieres on September 22nd.

_{Image © Toby Canham/Getty Images.}

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