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Major Victory For Transgender People

Commentary by Boyce Hinman
A federal tax court has issued a ruling which, if it stands, will be a major victory for transgender people. The court ruled that people who undergo sex reassignment surgery may claim the cost of the surgery as a tax deductible medical expense on their federal tax return.

The court said Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is an actual disease, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. It also said hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery, are valid forms of treatment for that disease, and the costs of such care are deductible under the Internal Revenue Code.

Olympic Gold Medal Diver To Attend 2010 Gay Games

Australian Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham has announced that he will take time off from training and travel to Cologne to make appearances at several events at the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, but won’t be competing in the sports program.

“I’m excited to be part of something so important for our communities around the globe,” said Mitcham. “This event brings lesbian and gay life out on the court, onto the track, and into the pool.”

Sac Pride Puts Call Out for Entertainers

Think you’ve got what it takes to thrill the masses in Sacramento? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite local band that does? Either way, The Sacramento Pride Entertainment Committee wants to hear from you.

The Committee has begun the search for performers and DJs to fill the schedule on three live entertainment stages for the upcoming 2010 Sacramento Pride Festival.

Gays to the Rescue in Haiti

Couple Runs Emergency Supplies to Survivors by Boat, Launch Website to Rally Support From LGBT Community

Jacmel, Haiti - February 11, 2010 –

A gay couple running emergency medicine, food and tents into Haiti by boat has taken their mission online to the Internet and launched CauseCommandos.com to rally support from the gay community. The site allows supporters to watch video of the duo in action and contribute directly to buy emergency supplies.

When disaster struck the impoverished island nation of Haiti, it also struck close to the hearts of boyfriends Luke Montgomery and Nate Gudias. Having lived in Haiti and founded an AIDS orphanage in the coastal town of Jacmel, Montgomery feared the worst when no word was received from the orphanage.

Step Up and Get your Marriage License - Oh Wait, not You!

On National Freedom to Marry Week, at local marriage counters in cities all over the country, same-sex couples will be requesting marriage licenses at their local County Clerk’s Offices and engage in other public education outreach to raise awareness of the harms and impact the inability to marry causes their families.

Locally, on February 11, from noon to 1 p.m. the Sacramento County Chapter of Marriage Equality USA will accompany same-sex couples requesting marriage licenses at the Sacramento County Clerk’s Office at 600 8th Street.