News Analysis: Virginia Gov. McDonnell's executive directive on employment discrimination is about appearances, not policy

Over the past month, three differing documents produced by two statewide elected officials in Virginia have led to a whole lot of confusion about where the Commonwealth stands on protection of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination.

Award winning actress - Cynthia Nixon - is helping a political group pass marriage equality in New York state. Initially, the group hopes to keep State Sen. Hiram Monserrate [Queens] - a "no" vote in the marriage equality debate - from winning back his seat.

Ellen Degeneres fans are calling on Ellen to pull an Oprah.

If you have been reading LGR lately, you have followed our coverage of the teenage lesbian, Constance McMillen, in Mississippi that is being grossly discriminated against by her school district. She was told that not only was she not allowed to bring a female date to the prom, but that she wouldn't be able to wear a tux to the event either. McMillen has already tried to enlist the help of the American Civil Liberties Union,who issued a beautifully writtern statement on her behalf, but to no avail. The Itawamba County School District canceled the prom, rather than let McMillen attend. They released this statement:

"It is our hope that private citizens will organize an event for the juniors and seniors". "However, at this time, we feel that it is in the best interest of the Itawamba County School District, after taking into consideration the education, safety and well being of our students."

No teenager should have to suffer the kind of alienation that McMillen will have to go through if there is no alternate prom. Please email Ellen at her show or message her on her facebook page to increase her awareness of this situation and get a LGBT friendly prom to Mississippi!

Gov. Bob McDonnell is directing state agencies not to discriminate against gays, essentially overriding the state attorney general's advice to colleges.

The Itawamba County school board announced today it would cancel the Itawamba County Agricultural High School prom after a gay student challenged the district on its policy forbidding same-sex dates.

Jose Peralta a progressive democrat is running for New York state senate against anti-gay incumbent Hiram Monserrate.