2006 Gay Year in Review

Memorable Gay Moments and News Headlines in 2006

2006 was a memorable year of gay marriage ups and downs, celebrity outings, gay animals and transgender soap opera characters. Here are the most memorable gay moments in 2006:

• Brokeback Mountain Shines at 2006 Oscars
  The landmark film about gay cowboy lovers was all the Oscar buzz. Though the film didn't win the much-deserved Best Picture award, it changed gay cinema in the mainstream forever.


• Transamerica Actress Wins Golden Globe
  Felicity Huffman also made headlines in the year of the gay movie with her stellar performance in TransAmerica, increasing transgender awareness.


• Gays Not The Origin of HIV
  Twenty five years ago AIDS was known as the "gay cancer" and until recently thought to be a gay disease. However, scientists linked the origin of AIDS to wild chimpanzees in Africa. Researchers hope the discovery will lead them one step closer to a cure.


• AIDS Turns 25
  The world morbidly acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the deadly pandemic with calls for action and a cure.


• South Africa Says Gays Can Discriminate
  South Africa's Commission on Gender Equality ruled that a pair of guest houses had the right to restrict its guest to gays, opening up a whirlwind of debate on whether gays have the right to discriminate.


• Pentagon Corrects Documents Listing Homosexuality as Disorder
  The U.S. military's archaic policy against gays made an embarrassing turn when watchdogs leaked Pentagon documents that still listed homosexuality as a mental disorder almost 25 years after the American Psychological Association removed it from list of illnesses.


• Oprah Says She's Not Gay
  The queen of media came clean about her close relationship with friend Gayle King, squashing rumors about her sexuality once and for all.


• George Michael Caught in Another Sex Scandal
  George Michael's scandal headlines trumped his music success in 2006 with arrests and sex rumors. The British pop star denied many of the allegations before launching his tour.


• Gay Games Held in Chicago
  Gamers from all over the world gathered in competitive sport despite smoldering Global Warming heat. The OutGames in Montreal also boasted record participant numbers.


• *NSync Star Lance Bass Comes Out
  The *NSync backup guy came out of the closet and announced his relationship with Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl. It's now reported that the couple has split. Another failed launch for Bass.


• Boy George Ordered to Collect Garbage
  After a string of misbehavior, the pop star was ordered to dumb his flashy wardrobe for a bright orange vest while he collected trash alongside the road. I wonder what he found in the garbage?


• Gay Partners Get Pension Benefits
  Gay partners listed on 401(k) and other retirement plans previously reserved for only legally married partners are granted benefits under the Pension Protection Act. Is your partner covered?


• Willi Ninja Passes On
  Madonna didn't invent voguing, but she was definitely inspired by the dance move made popular by the Harlem gay scene. It's legend, Willi Ninja, dies of AIDS complications at age 45.


• 2 Male Spanish Air Force Privates Wed
  27-year-old Alberto Linero and 24-year-old Alberto Sanchez tied the knot in what is believed to be the first gay marriage of two same-sex members of the Spanish armed forces.


• The CDC's Proactive HIV Test Plan
  Is the disease watchdog fed up? The CDC wants to make yearly HIV tests a routine part of doctor's visits. Patients see potential privacy issues. The CDC sees the move as a proactive step toward a cure.


• South Africa Allows Gay Blood Donors
  South Africa was once a human rights nightmare and now it's turn human right advocate by allowing gays to donate blood.


• 1st Openly Gay Congressman, Gerry Studds, Dies
  Gerry Studds made history as the first openly gay congressman. Unfortunately, Dean T. Hara, his partner of 17 years is not eligible for his federal pension benefits.


• Gay Animals Revealed at Exhibit
  An exhibition at the Oslo Natural History Museum curbed the myth that same-gender-loving animals don't exist. The exploration of 1,500 species sheds a whole new light on the queer animal kingdom.


• T. R. Knight, Says He's Gay
  The Grey's Anatomy star decided now was the time to come clean. Fans eagerly await how this will affect his career.


• Neil Patrick Harris Comes Out
  Neil Patrick Harris tossed his scrubby image as the nerdy Doogie Houser only to come out of the closet years later.


• 2006 Elections Swing A Little More Gay
  America wanted change and they got it as political power shifted. Eight states proposed gay marriage bans. One state shined as the sole advocate for equal rights.


• Gay Violence in Jerusalem
  Jerusalem was chosen as the site of WorldPride 2006 as a statement of peace. Visions of tranquility soon turned to violent protests and a major compromise by pride organizers.


• Israel Accept Outside Gay Marriages
  Gay marriage seemed like only a dream in the ultra-religious land. However, lawmakers circumvented tradition by giving benefits to gay couples married in other countries.


• All My Children's Transgender Character
  The long-running soap is no stranger to controversial topics, but now it sets its eyes on the transgender community. Will the powder blow up in their face?


• NJ OKs Civil Unions
  After a successful lawsuit by 7 couples, New Jersey became the third state to legalize gay civil unions.