Carrie Prejean's Defenders

On the news that Carrie Prejean, Miss California, was joining up with the National Organization for Marriage we had quite a discussion on the show, with defenders of hers calling in and even defending her breast implants. Somehow, that is "biblically correct." One man, Jerry in Daytona Beach, used the usual "some of my best friends are..." argument. I spent quite some time with him, drawing him out, and eventually all his bigotry showed itself. That caused another hour of discussion on the show. Take a listen to the call.

On Show: Gun Loving, Obama Hating

4:30 ET. Max Blumental joines me with scary stories of paranoia and hate after visiting a few gun shows.

Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ. Sirius 109, XM 98. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free three-day pass.

On Show: Masters Of Deceit

3:30 ET, Thomas Maier, author of Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virgina Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love. Maier reveals in the book that the influential sex researcher of era of free (heterosexual) love pretty much made up their research claiming to "convert" homosexuals. Their fraudulent work has been seized up by charlatans who push "ex-gay" programs ever since. Lots to discuss.

Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ. Sirius 109, XM 98. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free three-day pass.

Hate Crimes Vote Today

Call your representative and urge passed of the hate crimes bill, which is being voted on today. The president has urged passage and promised to sign it swiftly. It would be the first piece of federal legislation ever passed protecting gays, lesbians and transgendered people. House switchboard is 202 224 3121.

Then call the show, after 2 ET, and tell us what your member's office is saying about how he or she will vote.

Signorile Show number: 866 305 6887

On Show: Hate Crimes Vote

4:30 ET Kerry Eleveld of the Advocate on the federal hate crimes bill soon to be voted on by the House, Obama's first 100 days on LGBT rights and Specter's switch to the Democratic Party.

On Show: Losing the H-Bomb

3:30 ET Science journalist Barbara Moran joins me to talk about her new book, The Day We Lost the H-Bomb: Cold War, Hot Nukes, and the Worst Nuclear Weapons Disaster in History, a book that has a lot of implications of nuclear weapons, government secrecy and doing lots of things -- like torture -- that seem like a good idea at the time.

Clips of the Week: "We Don't Fucking Torture"

Didn't post this on Friday, had some technical issues, so posting now. Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “We Don't Fucking Torture”

Outrage Panel This Friday

Per the speculation, Jim McGreevey will not be on the panel with me this Friday after the screening of Outrage at the Director's Guild Theater. But I'm totally jazzed that my good friend, ACT UP comrade and mentor Larry Kramer will be replacing him! It will be me and Larry, moderated by the sharp and witty activist Rodger McFarlane. Should be interesting. Friday, May 1, 8:00 pm (screening, followed by panel at 9:30), Directors Guild Theater (110 West 57th Street).

Off from the Show Today

Taking a day off and enjoying the weather. A "best of" will run today. Back tomorrow.

Did McGreevey "Storm Out" of Outrage?

Kevin Naff reports that Jim McGreevey "stormed out" of the Outrage premiere on Friday night. I guess it's how you define "storming out." I did hear later from the filmmakers at the party downtown that McGreevey wasn't happy about the film's inclusion of an interview with his former wife. He is scheduled to appear on a panel with me this Friday night after a screening at the Directors Guild of America, and perhaps he will cancel.

But I can say that I saw a very friendly and seemingly pleasant ex-governor after the film and not one who appeared to have "stormed out." McGreevey was sitting in front of me at the film. There was a Q & A after the film, with the director, Kirby Dick, and McGreevey sat through it. If he was so angry wasn't that the time to storm out? When that ended, we all exited the theater in the slow fashion that people do, and McGreevey spotted me and gave me a big, big, big hello. Smiling, hand-shaking, very jovial. A man then approached McGreevey and said, "You were the hero of the film." McGreevey smiled, and demurred, putting his hand on me and saying, "No, no, this guy is a hero every day." He then introduced me to his partner, I introduced them to my partner, and we all continued to file out. Perhaps he stormed out of the lobby after having a delayed reaction and a sudden flash of anger. And again, maybe he was not happy with the film. But I didn't see him "storming out."

Politico and the Republican Closet

I went to the Outrage premiere on Friday at the Tribeca Film Festival, and though I'd seen the film two days before at a press screening, it still packed a lot of punch. Very potent and effective, names a lot of names -- I'd actually not blogged about it until now, though I spoke with director Kirby Dick on the show on Thursday -- and I think it has great potential to shake things up. The analysis of the closet and its devastation is what's more important than the names -- many of which you know from the show and from the blogs, though now with more vivid sourcing, i.e., on Charlie Crist -- and that analysis is superb. (And hey, in full disclosure I should say the film opens with sentences flashing across the screen that are adapted from the opening of my book Queer in America, which the filmmakers used as a major resource re: the closet during filming.)

But something I wanted to clarify: I twittered about this story from Politico.com on Friday, just commenting that things were percolating about the film and and not taking note -- blinded, I suppose, to something so obvious -- of the slant of the story, with the headline touting an "ex-Clinton aide" as backing the film. In retrospect, it's both galling and quite revealing that Politico and its writer don't name any of the closeted gay Republican politicians discussed in the film, nor explain much about them and their motivations, but managed to find an angle that involves a former Clinton aide having "backed" the film. I was interviewed by writer Daniel Libit twice on the phone and I guess I had expected he'd discuss the names in the film. Considering Politico is a mouthpiece for the Republican Party, however, it's not surprising that he didn't, and I really don't know how I let that go by, except to say that I was glad to see the film making some waves already.

Honestly, having talked with director Kirby Dick from the outset of the project and having been interviewed by him various times and knowing his vision of exposing the closet and the horrors it does to gay people, it's both ludicrous and insulting to suggest that this film is some sort of politically-motivated hit job by Democrats against Republicans. It's not at all a stretch, however, to say that the article in Politico is a politically-motivated hit job meant to protect the Republican closet. Let's hope the film just blows that wide open.

Saturday Talk Back

Some of the listener survey comments that I read on the show this week. If you're a listener to the show, and haven't taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down and clicking through on the right.


Fayetteville, North Carolina (Sirius)
I like Michelangelo’s show because he shows that there is more to gay/bisexual men than sex. He has intelligent conversations and introduces thought-provoking ideas that get people talking. It is a great platform to debate the issues of the day.

West Lafayette, IN (XM)
Please stop mispronouncing the last name of Rush Limbaugh. Trust me, the man is the anti-Christ, but when you purposely mispronounce his last name, you give the "Right" more ammunition against you. Think about how much MORE powerful you would be with insightful commentary on how ridiculous and dangerous Rush is. It's LIMbaw (like 'caw'), not limBUH (like 'duh'). Take the high road. It's worth it. And please let your callers complete their thoughts; you are smart enough to know if they are going to drag or make a point. I listen to OutQ at least 2 hours a day and appreciate your work. Let Morning Jolt be hateful and be the even toned (and openly gay) journalist that Anderson Cooper could be.

Dallas TX, (XM)
I love your show! It is so refreshing to be able to engage in dialogue with other listeners and to have someone so well informed as you to guide the discussion and encourage all of us to consider all sides of an issue.

Douglasville, GA (XM)
Hi Michelangelo: Of all of the people I've listened to, you are the one I wish I had been a lifelong friend with. I admire your intelligence and your ability to stay focused during a heated debate, and never lose your cool.

Springfield, MI (Sirius)
I like the show pretty well, and think it's going in a good direction. I do wish that there was maybe a little bit more news, and interviews, but I do admit I usually only get to listen to the first hour. Maybe that goes on later in the show, and I just miss it.

Bakersfield, CA (XM)
I like the show. Listen as I drive around town. Thoughtful commentary, good interviews.

Manchester, NH (XM)
I enjoy how M.S. presents the information and the analysis of it. He handles the callers and guests very professionally, and courageously. It is a pleasure to listen to the show. Oh, and I saw him for the first time on CNN. OMG, he is really attractive.

El Faisan, Villa de Santiago, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (Sirius)
More information on how to contact the shows when you do not have access to toll free numbers (there are international audiences). So far, I've found the show to have substance and I'm enjoying it. Is there space for international gay news commentary? We're a global society and including this could reduce the amount of repetition on the station. Thanks for taking the time to read this and keep up the great work! I'll be listening.

Mesa, AZ (Sirius)
I love listening to mike. I think he is the greatest news MAN .

Newbury, OH (XM)
Very intelligent if not somewhat biased commentary and analysis. please never stop the flow of information. you are my hero of the air. I wouldn't need satellite radio if it weren't for you--and you should let them know that!

Coventry, RI (XM)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that OutQ radio is now on XM!!! Especially love the Michael Signorile show -- intelligent discourse and news that I can use! Have listened to many shows on OutQ for the past several months. All the shows are really fun, but Michael Signorile gets kudos and top billing in my book for educating and informing. Can't thank him enough for the service he provides to the LGBT community each and every day.

Bismarck, ND (XM)
I'm a gay conservative independent. Some days you really piss me off. But I still come back and listen.

Atlanta, GA (XM)
Totally love the sound bytes, especially when you host a contest to name them (Barbara Bush!). And enjoy hearing David/Aaron laugh in the background. Keep up the good work!

Boston, MA (Sirius)
The show is great, but sometimes Michelangelo takes LONG pauses, so long that I think there might be something wrong with my radio...I have actually changed the channel to make sure my unit was not on the fritz. I know he works hard in preparing for the show, but the dead air bugs the hell out of me. Other than that great job.

Las Vegas, NV (Sirius)
Really love listening. Am in my car all day picking up medical specimens and find the show very informative. Love when Mike is talking about something and a sound byte rings in! Like quotes from Sarah and the witch dr. LOL. Keep up the good work and cut Obama a little slack, all things in good time.

Atlanta, GA (XM)
At first I didn't care much for the show. I'm an original XM listener and stumbled across OutQ. However, after giving the show a few listens, I really came to enjoy the program and respect the opinion of Michelangelo and the guests he has on.

Winston, Salem NC (XM)
I'm a 58-year-old gay man who has been waiting for this station for 40 years.

From "Open Court" on truTV

I appeared on Lisa Bloom's Open Court on truTV on Thursday morning with Autumn Sandeen of PamsHouseBlend to discuss the verdict in the trial of Alan Andrade, convicted of killing 18-year-old transgender woman Angie Zapata. Autumn, as listeners to my show know, had been covering the trial from Greeley, Colorado, and came on the show several times to discuss it. Autumn not only gave us enormous insight and perspective; she transformed the mainstream media that covered this trial, becoming a valuable resource.

I cannot overstate what amazingly comprehensive, compassionate coverage that Open Court did on this trial, and part of that was their tapping into Autumn's insights. Lisa Bloom and her team were unapologetic in their advocacy of equality and justice. That shouldn't be eyebrow-raising, but with the state of TV news today, it sadly is. The trial was not only covered for days, but this discussion of the verdict and sentencing that Autumn and I participated in went on for two hours. We were both part of the discussion for well over an hour, and the coverage included long clips from the trial, interviews with Zapata's family, police, the district attorney and an interview with the openly transgender mayor of Silverton, Oregon, Stu Rassmussen. I was impressed and touched by it, and commend Lisa Bloom and her team. Here is a clip (temporarily I'm linking to PHB, but will have this and another clip on The Gist later), from the coverage and discussions in which we participated, though it's only just a small sampling.

Outrage Begins to Percolate

Politico.com reports on the new film and the Beltway Republican closets:

In the film, writer/director Kirby Dick probes the psychology of the closet with [Barney] Frank, former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey – who resigned from office in 2004 following the revelation of his extramarital affair with his homeland security advisor – and others.

Talk-radio host Michelangelo Signorile, who wrote the book “Queer in America” and is featured prominently in “Outrage,” thinks the film will put pressure on politicians at a pivotal moment in the debate.

“I honestly think the film is coming at a time when there is going to be such attention on gay issues and, obviously, the marriage issue, and the Republican Party is doing so much soul-searching, or whatever you want to call it, [that] I think this film could really have a lot of impact,” Signorile said. “It is just another pressure from another side.”

The premiere is Friday at the Tribeca Film Festival, and I'll be there.

On Show: Zapata Trial and Verdict

2:40 ET Autumn Sandeen joins me to talk about the trial, quick guilty verdict on all counts and sentencing in the Angie Zapata murder trial.

Debating About Miss California on CNN

Yes, it's crazy that this is still going on, but the right has been churning it and trying to cast her as a victim. This is a clip from my debate with CNN's Roland Martin about Carrie Prejean, Miss California, on CNN's AC360. I think it's important to read Martin's column first, to get an idea of where he's coming from in addition to knowing some of his not so good history on gay issues.

On Show: Marriage Hearing in Maine

4:30 ET, Betsy Smith of Maine Equality will discuss the historic public hearing that has been underway on a marriage equality bill. You can watch the public judiciary committee hearing live until 9 p.m. tonight. So far, things look good. We'll learn more from Betsy Smith.

On Show: Blocking Gay Sites

3:30 ET: ACLU's Christine Sun on Nashville school system filtering out "gay, "lesbian" "bisexual" and "transgender" sites. The ACLU is threatening a lawsuit against the school system for blocking access to P-FLAG, GLSEN, HRC and other sites has been blocked.

You Knew This Was Coming

Alabama resolution to support Miss California. (h/t @FRANkR1970)

Surveillance Society

The FBI and states are, more and more, taking DNA from people who haven't even been convicted of any crimes. In Britain, it has played out racially, where the vast majority of DNA collected is from groups that are a minority in the population. Why should the government have this information for petty crimes? Is this not discriminatory and invasive? Your thoughts. We'll be discussing in the last hour (5 ET) of the show:

The police say that the potential hazards of genetic surveillance are worth it because it solves crimes and because DNA is more accurate than other physical evidence. “I’ve watched women go from mug-book to mug-book looking for the man who raped her,” said Mitch Morrissey, the Denver district attorney and an advocate for more expansive DNA sampling. “It saves women’s lives.”

Mr. Morrissey pointed to Britain, which has fewer privacy protections than the United States and has been taking DNA upon arrest for years. It has a population of 61 million — and 4.5 million DNA profiles. “About 8 percent of the people commit about 70 percent of your crimes, so if you can get the majority of that community, you don’t have to do more than that,” he said.

In the United States, 8 percent of the population would be roughly 24 million people.

Britain may provide a window into America’s genetic surveillance future: As of March 2008, 857,000 people in the British database, or about one-fifth, have no current criminal record. In December, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Britain violated international law by collecting DNA profiles from innocent people, including children as young as 10.

Critics are also disturbed by the demographics of DNA databases. Again Britain is instructive. According to a House of Commons report, 27 percent of black people and 42 percent of black males are genetically registered, compared with 6 percent of white people.

On Show: Angie Zapata Murder Trial

4:30 ET: Transgender blogger and activist Autumn Sundeen joins us again from Greeley, Colorado where she has been covering the trial of Alan Ray Andrade, the man who bludgeoned 18-year-old transwoman Angie Zapata to death with a fire extinguisher. It's the first prosecution of a murderer under a trans-inclusive hate crimes law, which Colorado recently was passed. The case has huge implications, as the victim is using a "trans-panic" defense, and comes at a time when a hate crimes bill is going to be voted on in Congress.

On Show: The Gay Purge in Iraq

3:30 ET: Congressman Jared Polis is back from Iraq with outrageous details about government involvement in brutality, arrests and executions. I'll speak with the congressman on the show.

Congressman on Iraq Brutality Against Gays

Rep. Jared Polis says "egregious human rights violations" carried out by "Ministry of Interior."

A few weeks ago I interviewed Ali Hili of Iraqi LGBT from London on the show. He was getting reports of impending executions of gay men by the government, arrested on trumped up charges, something that some people -- among them gay reporters and some human rights groups -- questioned, since homosexuality is technically not illegal, though that is in dispute. Brutal killings have for a while been underway by Shiite militias but there had not previously been any evidence of government order or sanction. But now openly gay Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, who will be on the show this afternoon, says differently after visiting Iraq. Journalist Rex Wockner interviewed Polis:

Of the five or six members of Iraqi LGBT who reportedly have been sentenced to
death in Baghdad for belonging to a supposedly banned organization, one has
escaped custody and one has been executed, says U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo.

According to Polis, the "egregious human rights violations" are "being carried
out by Iraqi government officials from the Ministry of the Interior."

"While I do not know if these executions are being sanctioned at the highest
levels of the Iraqi government, it is nonetheless disturbing that government
officials and state-funded security forces are involved in the torturing and
execution of LGBT Iraqis," Polis wrote to Patricia Butenis, the chargé
d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq....

...Reports of the pending executions were first brought to light by Iraqi LGBT founder Ali Hili, who launched the group in London after escaping Iraq.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission also now reports on a new, horrific torture of gay men by militias involving gluing their anuses shut and inducing diarrhea. Abominable.

More on this on today's show, when I interview Polis, 3:30 ET.

Off From Show Today

Back tomorrow.  A "best of "show will air today, including replays of requested interviews and discussions.

Saturday Talk Back

These are some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week, edited for space. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down on the right. Thanks!

Urbandale, IA (XM)
I have been waiting for OutQ to come to XM since the merger and I have not been disappointed. I started listening to OutQ since the first day and it is by far the channel I listen to the most. I find most of your discussions quite engaging. I like that there is an emphasis on gay-themed topics and/or the gay perspective, but also like that it is not EXCLUSIVELY gay themed. In other words, it's wonderful that you talk about what is in the news and what is on people's minds, whether or not there is a gay angle to it You do your homework and it shows. I would like to see a bit more of the occasional fluff/silly piece (for just a few minutes) for the sake of comic relief in these troubled times. One criticism: Your listener survey does not have Spell-Check. [Note from MS: You're right about the spell-check, and we all make mistakes. I will do a spell-check of all the comments from now on before posting.]

Groton, CT (XM)
The show is interesting. In my view it would be even better if you stuck to current news and issues and told us less about your new sneakers or the mouse in your apartment. The day you dedicated so much time on the mouse issue I would have preferred to be at the dentist having a root canal.

Siloam Springs, AR (Sirius)
I am especially proud to find you on TV news offering your point of view.

Fort Worth TX, (XM)
Since I live in Texas & right-wingers surround me, I like to listen to the show so I can get talking points when I have to get in political discussions with those morons!!!!

Rural Retreat, VA (Sirius)
Please don't forget that country fags can be just as progressive as city fags.

Upper Sandusky, OH (XM)
I've only just recently discovered the show and I love listening to it every time I'm in the car. I feel like the topics and issues that are discussed are aimed specifically at me. All the discussions are topics that I want to hear about, and topics that are important to me. Thanks for putting on such an amazing show, and I wouldn't want you to change anything!
.
Tokyo, Japan (Sirius)
Sirius came with my car when I bought it about 2 years ago. I didn't discover OutQ until about 6 months later. I was driving over the course of the year from southern California up to Vancouver, across to Ottawa, and finishing in Miami as a part of my work, spending several months in a few major cities along the way. Several of these drives were 10 plus hours in one day, and when I got tired of the music channels I accidentally found OutQ and became addicted. I grew to enjoy your show so much that I started to tune in online while at work. I even called in a few times when I was particularly steamed or intrigued by a subject. Four months ago I was transferred to Tokyo, Japan for work. As you can imagine getting any kind of US news is difficult except by way of Internet and International CNN (which in itself is a very different view of the world). It took me awhile to adjust to the Japanese world, and eventually I began listening to the online Sirius on a regular basis. I can’t always catch your show since my work schedule doesn’t always allow the time to tune in for the replay, and the live version comes on at 3am local time here. It always brightens, or enlightens my day when I get to listen to your program even though I am no longer able to interact since it is a replay I am listening to and not a live broadcast. Although occasionally I may not agree with your take on a particular subject, I like and respect that you do make a decent argument for your opinion for a community. Although it seems like you are getting there, I really wish you were more mainstream and front and center to get your opinions and ideas out to the masses. Keep up the good work!

Hartford, CT (Sirius)
The show is so-so. Compared to the other lame shows, it is okay, but not great. It is obviously much deeper than the Fox "News" claptrap or the idiocy found on Joe Scarborough's morning show, but that is not saying much. I find the show very entertaining though and like the counter-attacks on the right wing on this program. This show is not afraid to go after the right wing idiots.

Rio Rancho, NM (XM)
I enjoy listening to the show. I always feel more informed after listening to the show and having political news explained in a way that makes sense. I appreciate hearing differing points of views and respectful debates. The worst thing a talk radio host can do is to invite someone on their show just so they can attack them.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sirius)
Your interviews are great, but sometimes you get just a bit too confrontational with your guests. They have a point of view; you should respect it on the air as you might expect them to respect yours.

Rutland, VT ( Sirius)
I love your show and look forward to listening every chance I get. I'm a lesbian who feels VERY isolated where I live, so it's comforting to have access to OUTQ. I subscribed to Sirius just for OUTQ. Thank you for all you do.

Dallas, TX (XM)
I think that this show has changed a lot for the better in just the past two weeks. I think Signorile strongest suit is playing devil's advocate, and I would really like to go through a segment and not have a clue about his personal thoughts. I think that he does articulate opposing viewpoints very well, and I like this aspect of the show. At times, I find his opinions personally confounding because they are so internally inconsistent, but I have seen a lot less of that in the past two to three weeks -- I had almost written the show off because I didn't care for the style of the host, but I think it has changed in some subtle way, and I do stay tuned to the show most of the time. To be fair, I usually tune out only if it's a topic that I either have only a tangential interest in or that I have heard beaten to death. I think in particular, his discussions on the Texas woman who wanted to preserve her son’s sperm were very well reasoned, and I think it's a good example of what a great talk show should do. Thanks for making it worth hanging in there.

San Diego, CA (Sirius)
I wish I could listen all day! Although, I have to say my husband is so glad I can't because I learn so much from your show, I regularly come home all worked up about one issue or another! Keep it up, we have to stay informed and I know no one else is telling us the truth!

Milwaukee WI (Sirius)
I think you and Rush have much in common. I know you both are really entertainers, but you try to come off as political talking heads. You both go after the other side for exactly the same stuff you defend your own side for. It is hard to take either of you seriously. If you are going to dislike a trait in someone then do so across the board. Don't hate the right for it and defend it in the left. But you can still be fun to listen to, so thanks for your hard work.

Maryville, TN (Sirius)
You know I love your show, but here's there is some extra info I'd like: 1. I'd like David to post the names of the various music he uses for his bumpers and intros. 2. I don't always get to listen to all the news around the world, but you find some pretty interesting stuff. I would like to know more. Can David post a reference for those and post a reference the music in Clips of the Week on your website? 3. When you interview an author about a new book, could post the author and book name on your website? 4. What is the name of the piece you play in your intro that has the didgeridoo in it? It's cool. Your program as well as QutQ News presents a wealth of information, but there is no way to ever reference it again. The bumper music and Clips of the Week is a great artistic production, but, it to can only be enjoyed once and then it's gone forever. Bitches, please archive this stuff for your listeners to access! Love you!

Clips of the Week: "Tea Bagging Day"

Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Tea Bagging Day”

On Show: Day of Silence

4:30 ET, I'll speak with Anthony Ramos of GLSEN and high school student Arny Zabarain about today's Day of Silence, in schools across the country.

This year it takes on an a more urgent and tragic tone, after the antigay bullying suicide of 11-year-old Carl Walker-Hoover.

On Show: Queer Business

3:30 ET, I'll speak with hosts of a new show on Sirius XM, "The Focus Group," which looks at business and careers from an LGBT perspective.

John Nash and Tim Bennett will debut their new weekly show on OutQ (Sirius 109, XM 98) this Saturday at 11 AM ET, 8 a.m. PT.

The Torture Memos

What's in them and what's to be done? We'll be discussing it all and taking your calls in first hour of the show.


Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ. Sirius 109, XM 98. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free three-day pass.

Just a Reminder

For those who are not subscribers to Sirius XM, you can always get a free trial to listen to the show at any time.

Palin's Antigay Nominee Rejected

Sarah Palin suffered a big loss as the Senate and House for the first time in Alaska history rejected the governor's attorney general nominee yesterday.

Anthony Wayne Ross (whose initials," WAR," graced his license plate, while his wife's plates blared "MRS WAR") had refused to disavow his statements that gays are "degenerates" and "immoral" and he'd called abortion "killing kids," among other things:

"I believed I knew what Alaskans wanted when I selected an individual who is a strong backer of Second Amendment rights, a staunch supporter of the state Constitution and a defender of life," Palin said in a statement.
"I'm surprised that legislators in this case really did not seem to represent their constituents and allowed themselves to be swayed by side issues," she said.

Mostly, it seems many Democrats who previously worked with her on issues as well as members of her own party are sick and tired of seeing Palin posturing for national office, supporting wingnuts and not accomplishing anything in this session in her state. As the news came down, she was in Indiana, speaking to an antiabortion group!

Meanwhile, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele, at that very same antiabortion event in Indiana with Palin, called Palin one of the party's leaders, which will certainly fuel some of the speculation -- which you might remember I was presented with on CNN a couple of weeks ago, responding with a laugh -- that they might run together, a Palin-Steele 2012 ticket:

During a news conference before the dinner, Steele cited Palin among other prominent party figures, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and two congressmen, Eric Cantor and Mike Pence.

Boy is this going to be fun.

On Show: The New Homocons

4:30 ET, Jimmy LaSalvia, head of the new gay Republican group GOProud. Log Cabin was too "left of center," some of them say.

I'll speak with LaSalvia about his group's goals and what they hope to accomplish in the current Republican Party.

Explicit Teabagging Coverage

In our first hour of the show: All the truly obscene things they did and said. Let us know your thoughts!

NY Marriage Battle

Gov. Paterson announces marriage bill today, and foes are gearing up. Newly installed Archibisop Dolan vowing to stop it, as is Archhomophobe State Senator Ruben Diaz:

Diaz, one of three Democrats in the state senate who have openly defected over this issue, has called on the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization to meet on Thursday, the same day that the bill is slated to be introduced according to the New York Daily News.

"I think this is the wrong time to do it," Diaz said, according to the New York Post. He added that the incoming legislation is a particular insult to the newly installed archbishop Timothy Dolan. "[Paterson] is doing this as a welcoming ceremony for the new Catholic? It's ridiculous."

Diaz also warned Paterson that he should refrain from attending Dolan's welcoming ceremony at New York's famed St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Today's Show: Radical Right Surge?

4:30 ET: David Niewert discusses the current fear-mongering on the right and the connection to the home-grown terrorism of the 90s. From tea parties to gun paranoia, the far right is being energized and whipped up by Glenn Beck, Fox News, Newt Gingrich and assorted other characters. White supremacist groups are in the mix too. The Department of Homeland Security produced a report last week warning of right-wing extremism and potential violence:

Right-wing extremists in the United States are gaining new recruits by exploiting fears about the economy and the election of the first black U.S. president, the Department of Homeland Security warned in a report to law enforcement officials.

The April 7 report, which Reuters and other news media obtained on Tuesday, said such fears were driving a resurgence in "recruitment and radicalization activity" by white supremacist groups, antigovernment extremists and militia movements.

David Neiwert is a journalist and author who has covered right-wing extremist and white supremacist groups for years and will join me to talk about what's going on.

Today's Show: Women Under Attack

3:30 ET: Eleanor Smeal discusses the plight of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where an upsurge in attacks on civil rights is underway.

A woman's rights activist was killed on Monday in Kandahar, and just today women who protested the Shiite family law which legalized marital rape were pelted with rocks. smeal, president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, will discuss the attack on civil rights for women and what the Obama administration and international leader are doing about it.

On Today's Show: Zapata Murder Trial

4:40 ET: Autumn Sundeen, covering the trial in the brutal murder of transgender woman Angie Zapata, joins me from Greeley, Colorado. The trial opens today and this is the first application of Colorado's transgender-inclusive hate crimes law. Sundeen will be covering the trial for PamsHouseblend.

On Today's News: Marriage Equality in New York

3:40 ET Paul Schindler of Gay City News on the governor's plans to make marriage equality happen. Governor Paterson will announce his plans on Thursday to introduce a marriage equality bill.

Esquire Issues Full Apology

Last week Esquire issued a lame non-apology for their "shit-sniffing faggot" comment. Now they've gone with a full-on mea culpa. Better late than never.

The article in question, you'll remember, was a lame piece called "How to Curse Well." After we sounded the alarm here -- brought to my attention by a listener to the show -- it was linked to by several other blogs and we had a long discussion about it on the show and lots of you were calling and emailing Esquire. Well, it worked.

Via Queerty we see that they have now admitted that it was an offensive joke and, well, not a joke at all to a lot of people:

The target of the parody was profanity itself and not the various people who might be its object, including gay people. But we used a particularly offensive phrase we shouldn't have. It certainly was not our intent to cause pain. Judging from the reaction, we did. For that we are sincerely sorry.

This was never about having a sense of humor and being edgy. Esquire, as we said, would not use the N-word because they don't want Al Sharpton breathing down their necks. If you want to be edgy then have some balls and go for the full thing. But don't be cowards, picking on homos and women for a few laughs, while leaving out all the other groups. That's just wimpy and shows that they're not about humor, sarcasm and free expression (as they'd like to believe), but rather about marketing. Well, we're tired of being sold as the group you can still defame.

I said they'd issue one of those non-apology apologies and I said on the show that that it wouldn't be adequate because people would call them on their not even thinking of using the N-word and they'd wind up making a fuller apology. Shouldn't they just listen to us from the beginning?

Amazon Still Hasn't Explained Mess

They've finally addressed it, but it's not adequate. I'm with Larry Kramer and others who find the whole thing suspect. A real bad taste in my mouth, though I will give them the benefit of the doubt for now. But, as Larry says, we have to watch them.

First they told author Mark Probst that it was a new policy of delisting "adult" titles and erotica, even though our books are nothing of the kind. Then they said it was a "glitch," then we heard someone hacked the site (they have refuted this). And now they say it was some sort of cataloging error. It's all really weird, and perhaps the truth will out itself in time.

My theory: Some zealot inside Amazon made the decision without consent of others and may even be fired, or quietly disappeared. This happened at Ford, when they pulled all their ads in gay publications and then we learned someone there had met with religious conservatives and made promises. But the CEO later came in and undid it all, seeming to contradict his own employee. It's just a hunch, based on nothing but speculation, yes. And I may be completely wrong, or we'll never know.

Anyway, we shall see.

UPDATE: Blame it on the French? Joke aside, this seems to be a plausible explanation, though they're still not saying it officially. Why this late, and why not actually say it on the record?

On Today's Show: Marriage in DC

How could Congress stop it? Gay DC Councilman David Catania joins me 3:30 ET.

Washington DC's city council voted unanimously to recognize marriages of gays and lesbians from states outside the district. But Congress could step in and try to stop that. What's the likelihood? What will happen? I'll speak with Catania all about it.

Media Picking up on Film "Outrage"

None of us yet know what closeted pols, if any, are exposed in the film. But the media frenzy is beginning.

Kirby Dick's film will open at the Tribeca Film Festival next week. I was interviewed for it, and my book Queer in America (the sales ranking of which was delisted from Amazon over the weekend) was also used by Dick as background.I'll be speaking on a panel discussion about the film at the festival on Friday, May 1, after the 8 p.m. screening. (I will see the film next week, but won't be able to reveal anything until the April 24 premiere). From New York Magazine:

The best actors of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival may be Larry Craig, Jim McGreevey, and Mark Foley—gay politicians who acted straight for most of their lives. Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated) says his new documentary, Outrage, examines “the issues surrounding closeted politicians and their hypocrisy in voting anti-gay—and how these people have harmed millions of Americans for many years." Sure to be the most controversial filmmaker at the fest, Dick wouldn’t screen the film for us or confirm how much new information he might reveal, but he did give some hints: The film examines the psychology, politics, and ethics of outing—and comes down hard in favor of it...

...Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin, and Larry Kramer all feature prominently in the film—along with outing pioneer Michelangelo Signorile and New Jersey’s McGreevey, both scheduled to answer questions after the premiere. “McGreevey said to me, ‘Being in the closet is actually good training for politics,’ ” the director recalls, “ ‘because you continually have to be able to spin.’ ”

Amazon: It was a "Glitch"

Lots of questions remain. How could there be "glitch" that cuts out only LGBT content? And why did some authors report this happening from as early as February?

Amazon now says the removal of sales rankings for LGBT books was all an innocent mistake, it was a "glitch" and that it will be corrected:

A groundswell of outrage, concern and confusion sprang up over the weekend, largely via Twitter, in response to what authors and others believed was a decision by Amazon to remove adult titles from its sales ranking. On Sunday evening, however, an Amazon spokesperson said that a glitch had occurred in its sales ranking feature that was in the process of being fixed. The spokesperson added that there was no new adult policy.

Do you buy it?

L.A. Times on Amazon Outrage

The LA Times reports on Amazon's dropping rankings of LGBT books:

Our research shows that these books have lost their ranking: "Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs; "Rubyfruit Jungle" by Rita Mae Brown, "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" by Alison Bechdel, "The History of Sexuality, Vol. 1" by Michel Foucault, "Bastard Out of Carolina" by Dorothy Allison (2005 Plume edition), "Little Birds: Erotica" by Anais Nin, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" by Jean-Dominque Bauby (1997 Knopf edition), "Maurice" by E.M. Forster (2005 W.W. Norton edition) and "Becoming a Man" by Paul Monette, which won the 1992 National Book Award.

Books that remain ranked include: "Naked" by David Sedaris; "Tropic of Cancer" by Henry Miller; "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis; "Wifey" by Judy Blume; "The Kiss" by Kathryn Harrison; the photobooks "Playboy: Helmut Newton" and "Playboy: Six Decades of Centerfolds"; "Naked Lunch" by William Burroughs; "Incest: From 'A Journal of Love'" by Anais Nin; "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" by Jean-Dominque Bauby (2007 Vintage International edition), "Maurice" by E.M. Forster (2005 Penguin Classics edition).

All of my books have lost ranking as well.

Apparently they were flagging "erotica." But my books and most of the others are not erotic by any stretch. In my case it is a clear suppression of political speech. It's that simple.

UPDATE: Want to make sure to point out that author Craig Seymour had been writing about this from as far back as February, and it was author Mark Probst who sounded the alarm over the weekend on his blog. It was author Alexander Chee who posted Mark's post on my Facebook page, and then I just started tweeting about it on Twitter. There's now a petition and facebook page, and you can sign the petition here.

Saturday Talk Back

Some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week, edited for space. If you're a regular listener to the show, and haven't taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down and clicking on the right. Thanks!


Dallas, Texas (Sirius)
I absolutely LOVE listening to the show every day on my lunch break. I listen in the car, and it is always SO hard to go back into the office when a hot topic is the news of the day. Some days I get fired up about the issue at hand, other days I feel like my exact thoughts are being publicly expressed. The Michelangelo Signorile Show keeps me informed, up to date, open minded, and constantly reminded of the importance of my voice in the GLBT struggle for equal rights. Thanks for a great lunch hour!

Lancaster, PA (Sirius)
I think that your show is very insightfull. I don't like that I get the feeling that you are anti-religion. I am homosexual, but I love my wife. I do not ever think of myself in a relationship with another man. With men it is mostly physical. I get so much out of my relationship with my wife. However, we do not have sex. So my choices are to be celibate or have an extra marrital affair. Can you give me advice?

Edmonton, AB, Canada (Sirius)
You are the first show I have listened to on this channel. It is great to sit and listen to you and your opinions during the day. Keep up the great job and I look forward to listening to you and your guests!

San Diego, CA (Sirius)
Michelangelo, you are one of the few trusted news sources I have left these days. I appreciate the way you enlighten your listeners every day with new insights and headlines that big news agencies ignore. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to even talk to lunatics like sally kern (ugh...) every week, but I'm so happy you do because more people should be aware of their disgusting behavior. Keep up the great work!

Palymyra, VA (Sirius)
You should know not all gay people are raging left wing liberals. Some of us are independent thinkers and embrace more centrist or conservative philosophies. I am proud of being a gay man. Please do not assume that all of us think as you do. For you, everything is "black or white".

Binghamton, NY (XM)
I don't think this survey is too personal! But, it does ask questions I wasn't expecting to see. Only criticism... Use more nouns and verbs!!!! You talk in phrases and it's a little distracting sometimes... ok A LOT. :) GREAT SHOW keep talking (complete sentences or not) and I'll keep listening

Laurel MD (Sirius)
I've been listening since the beginning, and agree with Mike on most issues. The show makes my hour commute, go quickly. The changes over the years have all seemed to be for the better. I recently started following you on twitter and facebook as well.

Trustin, CA (Sirius)
I really appreciate and enjoy the show! I'm a young heterosexual female with little experience with the broad views of the gay community. I appreciate the forum that you've presented to all listeners. Since getting sirius I've found my favorite station to be OutQ, and really enjoy the topics and discussion.

Houston, TX (Sirius)
I like your show because it talks about timely subjects that I find interesting. Also, you often make it more thought provoking. In addition, you treat your callers with respect, even if they may not agree with you and most of us listeners.

Columbus, OH (Sirius)
I like the show - sometimes I disagree with your opinions, but overall I enjoy listening to the show - the callers are probably my favorite part of the show - but the feedback letters are funny too. Can't wait for the Sirius iPhone app - so I can listen during the day - my SL10 just doesn't get good enough reception outside my car to be able to listen during the day.

Hickory, NC (Sirius)
Being from a small town with even smaller minds, I love your show for it's open dialogue on many issues. I care about the LGBT community and wish that middle/small town America would open their minds. Thanks for the words of wisdom and keeping the faith in humanity for all alive!!! I love all that you do and you've made me become more of an activist in my own small part of this world. ‘

Lynbrook, NY (XM)
Love the show--intelligent, topical, great call-ins, and you don't resort to cheap shots.

Chicago, IL (Sirius)
I love your show. I like to change your name and call you Michaelangelicus. I listen to your show everyday. It has made me more informed sometimes too much. I crack up when you laugh on the show as it takes some of the seriousness out of the show and makes me think that your not constantly reading up on new material or always have your nose in a book. Keep up the good work!

Clips of the Week: “You Have Voted to Override the Veto”

Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “You Have Voted to Override the Veto”

Esquire Issues "Apology"

Esquire has issues a non-apology "apology" for the F-word usage:

In the “How to Curse” section of our May 2009 feature, “How to Skin a Moose,” we presented a parody of extreme profanity and its users, contrasting exaggerated examples of offensive language with ordinary situations. The target of the parody was profanity itself and not the various people who might be its object, whether nine-year-old-boys, female police officers, gay people, or the vision-impaired. The absurdity of the context should be clear. But to those who take particular offense at our mocking of offensive language, we apologize.

Today's Show: Day of Decision

at 4:30 ET Robin Tyler, co-founder of Day of Decision will join me to talk about the national protests are are planned to occur within 24 hours of the California Supreme Court's decision on Prop 8.

OutQ's Award for Laramie Project Special

Romaine Patterson and Derek Hartley of "Derek And Romaine," which follows my show on OutQ on Sirius XM (6-10 ET), accepted a Special Recognition GLAAD Award for '"THE LARAMIE PROJECT: 10 YEARS LATER – THE LASTING LEGACY OF MATTHEW SHEPARD', a radio special on OutQ which was conceived and produced my Romaine, who was a friend of Matthew Shepard's. It aired on OutQ on the 10th anniversary of his brutal murder. You can watch them accepting the award, introduced by Stockard Channing here, and you can download "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later," on the Sirius OutQ homepage.

Also, take a read of Derek's rightful criticism of the media, particularly LGBT media, for ignoring this important production and recognition. Seeing as a lot of GLAAD Awards go to mainstream media that really don't deserve it -- you all know my take on that -- it would have been nice to focus on a project that deserved credit. Go DNR!

Esquire's F-Word Problem

In a section titled "Curse Well" in the May issue, Esquire magazine offers ways for the hip and cool straight guy to use bad words to his best advantage -- such as urging him to hurl out terms like "shit-sniffing faggot." Nothing like a little gay-bashing to make a real man feel satisfied and successful, after all. Oh, and did I mention that it's their "How to be A Man" issue?

Now of course they will say it's all, um, tongue in cheek. But as a listener to the show pointed out to me when he tipped me off to the piece, would they use the N-word even in a half-joking manner? And how much are they really joking here? Why is it necessary to use the word "faggot" unless they like debasing those annoying homos at least a teensy weensy bit, getting off on the hot hate words? (They think "cocksucker" is a good one too.) Here's the line, with the pdf below that:

The purpose of swearing is to cause a small explosion...Let the context do the work. Calling your neighbor's nosy nine-year-old boy a prick or even a "shit-sniffing faggot" will have a leveraged impact...

Curent Esquire Magazine

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Magazines & Newspape esquire

UPDATE: Esquire issues "apology"

Today's Show: Obama Defends Bush Policies

At 3:30 ET, blogger,author and constitutional attorney Glenn Greenwald joins me to talk about how the Obama administration is again invoking government secrecy in defending Bush administration policy.

At 4:30 ET. Is the administration now waffling on gun control, even in the face of so much recent gun violence? We'll open the phones for a discussion about attorney general Eric Holder's interview with Katie Couric.

New York Gov Introduces Marriage Bill

New York and New Jersey could both be next up in passing marriage equality as the Vermont legislative win gives momentum to the movement. Governor Paterson has now introduced the marriage bill, after previously pulling back because Senate leaders said the votes weren't there.

Harvesting Sperm?

Only in Texas. We'll get into on the show, as it dovetails in a weird way with the discussion we were having about Rupert Everett's comments and the focus on genetic lineage.

Today's Show: The Big Picture

AT 3:30 ET. After the big wins in Iowa and Vermont, where does the marriage movement go? There is certainly momentum, but how long will it last? What states are next? What about those with constitutional amendments that ban marriage? And what do we do about California? Tireless marriage mastermind Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry will join me to give us the big picture.



At4:30 ET: I'll speak with Michael Ratner, author of The Trial of Donald Rumsfeld: A Prosecution by Book. You'll enjoy this.

Obama's Pathetic Stance

Kerry Eleyveld's piece on Advocate.com is along the lines of what I've been saying on the show, particularly today. They're out of touch, still thinking in campaign mode on the gay issue and just don't get it. There was Obama in Turkey, boldly saying he comes from an Islamic background, and even using his own middle name "Hussein." It was ballsy for someone who was demonized by the right as a "muslim terrorrist," but he is now appearing comfortable showing his origins, backgrounds and beliefs. And yet, on marriage equality -- which he claimed to have supported, don't forget, in a questionnaire in the 90s that surfaced weeks ago -- he doesn't seem to be able or want to simply drop the caution and embrace the future. That's pretty disappointing and a bit pathetic.

Today's Show: Marriage Marches On

At 4:30 ET: The woman who won civil unions and, now, marriage for gays and lesbians in Vermont. Activist and attorney Beth Robinson of Vermont Freedom to Marry has been on the show several times in the past few weeks. She now joins us to celebrate about the big win on marriage in her state and what it means.

At 3:30 ET: Dave Cullen, author of Columbine, a richly detailed book ten-years in the making, joins me to tell you everything you thought about the Columbine shootings was wrong, and how it's even more mind-boggling and scary than you think.

Vermont Votes for Marriage Equality!

The Vermont Legislature just overrode the veto from Governor Jim Douglas and passed marriage equality. Vermont now becomes to fourth state to allow for allow gays and lesbians to marry, literally days after Iowa. Great news.

Vermont Vote Right Now

The Vermont Senate a little while ago overrode the veto of the marriage equality bill by Gov. Jim Douglas (the veto was last night). The senate override was expected. The House is debating now and will vote this morning, and it is there where activists are not sure what will happen but remain confident. We'll be talking about it all on the show today, and I hope we'll be celebrating. You can watch the House debate and the vote here right now.

My CNN Debate From Weekend

This is just one clip from my discussion on CNN on Saturday with columnist David Sirota and Florida RNC chair Jim Greer. The discussion was wide-ranging from Obama's overseas trip to right-wingers calling the stimulus package "fascism" to the Iowa marriage ruling. It was 20 minutes live and then we even taped a segment that played later. Unfortunately, CNN only posted our discussion on guns and the recent shootings -- an important issue -- on their web site. This is a clip of that discussion.

A Day Off From the Show

I'm taking a day off today, but a "best of" show will run with requested interviews and caller discussions. I'll be back tomorrow live.

I will also try to get the clip from my debate on CNN over the weekend, and post it here today. Went pretty well -- 20 minutes discussing all of the news of the week, including the big marriage equality win in Iowa.

On CNN Tonight, 7:30 ET

I'll be on CNN tonight at 7:30 debating Florida Republican National Committee Chair Jim Greer again, like last Saturday. We'll be talking about all the news of the week. Don Lemon will be the moderator.

Saturday Talk Back

These are some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week, edited for space. If you're a listener and haven't taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down and clicking on the right. Thanks!


Iraq (Sirius)
Two weeks of heaven. I had two weeks at home on leave from Iraq (second tour). Thanks you so much for the intelligent, thoughtful conversation. Loved hearing about the RAT in your apartment, KnightsOUT, multiple states opening their thinking, interposing of speach, Doggy Pampering, and every other thing you had to say. After a year in Iraq, your show put a huge smile on my face yet again. Also, your debate with the legislator from TN and your debate  with the RNC Chairman from FL proves yet again the RNC is on the ropes and we are starting to win. I wanted to tell you more than anything the KnightsOUT and Marriage Survey segments were my favorite. I got Twitter so I can try and follow you for the next 2 months as I finish up my tour in Iraq knowing that I cannot get Sirius in iraq. I wanted to add, regarding your thoughts about nature versus nurture: I agree that the science leads me to believe that nature is the truth, but the fact remains that even if it is chosen like one's religion it should still be protected. You are one of the few people that point that out time and again. THANK YOU!


Virginia Beach, VA (Sirius)
Please keep up the good work....engage more of the neocons and religious right(wrong) and continue to expose all things of related to hate and the myths of hate.

Solon, OH ( XM)
After watching MILK, I think it's time for a major march on Washington. I think the movement has gotten passive and we have limited sight on gay rights. We can't just be concerned about marriage and have to really see the big picture and not feel like we will always have to fight for every individual right that anyone in this country should have. I want there to come a point when our rights are not a question anymore. When we won't have to think about it just like straight people. For that to happen we can't hide anymore. We really need to show our numbers Thank you for what you do.

Rossville, MN (Sirius)
MY HUSBAND AND I LOVE YOU! WE ARE STRAIGHT WITH 2 CHILDREN AND 6 GRANDKIDS. WE WISH YOU HAD A SHOW ON CNN (TV). KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Ortley Beach, NJ (XM)
I was suprised to see a good looking man behind this voice, which I thought was an middle aged nerd with a black comb over and bottle thick glasses, but styling in a designer suit, lavender shirt, and navy blue thick tie. PS your show is great!

Monmouth, NJ (Sirius)
I purchased a lifetime subscription to Sirius back in 2005 because Sirius offered OutQ in their channel lineup. The one show that I tune into every day is the Michaelangelo Signorile Show, because of the content. I know that Michaelangelo is going to have discussions from the latest news, topics affecting the LGBT communities, and guests who speak their minds, pro and con, regarding issues touching our lives every day. I think The Michaelangelo Signorile Show has got it right. Sometimes I want to scream at the radio! Sometimes I want to cheer! Thankyou to Michaelangelo, David, and everyone there that makes this show so great.

Las Vegas, NV (XM)
This survey is PERSONAL! lol Sure you don't want to ask cock size too? HA

Corning, NY (Sirius)
Being a Sirius listener for over 1 year, when the 2008 election took place, and wanting more info on prop 8, I became a listener to find info that was important to gays in CA and myself being from NY. As a single, father, gay, truck driver, I want to be an activist, Sirius radio does offer a great deal of info to meet my needs. The Michelangelo Signorile Show gave me the info I needed at a time of need. To me The Michelangelo Signorile Show indeed is where I find myself drawn to each day to keep in touch with the right, left and middle of the road facts offered in life around me.

Albuquerque, NM (XM)
I'm fairly right compared to Michaelangelo but I consider myself more Libertarian than Republican. While I disagree with him, I still listen for intellectual stimulation.

Marquette, MI (Sirius)
Love the show Mike. I think you have it pretty well dialed in. Keep working hard, we all appreciate it!

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Sirius)
I love the interviews and the listener call ins. Normally, I don't care what other people think but your listeners (for the most part) seem to have some intelligent things to add to the discussions. You should sell tapes of your shows so people can share the ideas and arguments with family and friends who have no way of listening.

Temple, TX (XM)
It's nice to see that there's someone that can show that LGBTQ folks can be SERIOUS and we're not all fluff and f'ing this and f'ing that. Thank you.

Kansas City, MO (Sirius)
I appreciate your show most for your coverage of current new issues affecting the gay community. Every once in a while, you piss me off, such as you badgering of Rachel Maddow when she was a guest on your show. And I have far less interest in trivial "scandal" features, such as the Anna Nicole Smith/Larry Burkhead/Howard Smith feature. Who cares? Far better to give airtime to the fantastic 17 year old boy who testified before the Vermont Senate. Nevertheless, you're an important and public Voice for gay people. I've followed your career both in print and radio, and I deeply appreciate your energy and leadership.

Clips of the Week: “Will Not Let Our Auto Industry Vanish”

Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Will Not Let Our Auto Industry Vanish”

Today's Show: A Victory in Iowa

At 3:30 ET: Brad Clark, Director of Policy & Education of the group One Iowa will talk me about the historic Iowa Supreme Court unanimous decision today bringing marriage equality to the state and what options antigay activists now have to turn things around.




At 4:30 ET Beryl Satter, author of Family Properties: Race, Real Estate, and the Exploitation of Black Urban America, a landmark investigation of segregation and urban decay in Chicago and cities across the nation.




At 4:30 ET: Jennifer Pizer of Lambda Legal, one of the attorneys who argued the case on behalf of six couples that had the Iowa Supreme Court today throw out a ban on marriage for gays and lesbians in that state.

Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ. Sirius 109, XM 98. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free three-day pass.

Huge Win on Marriage in Iowa!

A unanimous decision, just handed down: Marriage is legal for gays and lesbians in Iowa. We'll be getting into it all on the show, hearing from people in Iowa and across the country. We'll also be speaking with attorneys from Lambda Legal who represented the six couples in this historic win.

UPDATE: Here is the decision, very well-written, thoughtful and sound, addressing all the pertinent issues.

Powell, Former Army Sec'y on Gay Military Ban

There are two interviews in this clip, one with Colin Powell by Rachel Maddow and one with former Army Secretary Clifford Alexander by Andrea Mitchell. Powell does the political thing, and is a bit disingenuous about his role under Bill Clinton, though he does say he now would support lifting DADT if the Congress should decide to do so. Alexander is just astounding, really taking on the band homophobia in a powerful way. Watch the clip and listen to what he has to say.

Crazy Days

Didn't get to post today, a crazy busy day, but promise to do so tomorrow. We will be getting big news: Iowa Supreme Court will hand down its ruling on marriage equality at 8:30 a.m. local time. We'll either be celebrating or dealing with another defeat.

Meanwhile, The Vermont House voted to pass the marriage equality bill there today, following up on the Senate, but it fell five votes short of as overriding the Republican Jim Douglas's expected veto. They will vote a couple of more times before finalizing it, however, and then activists hope they'll go back and get enough votes after the governor vetoes. We'll know more on Friday.

Today's Show: Doubletalk on DADT

At 4:30 ET: Aubrey Sarvis, Executive Director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) will talk to me about the Obama administration's backtracking ending the "don't ask, don't tell" law, with Secretary Gates saying they were going to it "pushed down the road a bit." This after Obama campaigned on ending the ban.

Letting Crooks Go Free

Department of Justice dropping all charges against Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. This is NOT an April fool's joke! Or, well, it is -- we've all been made the fools. It appears the Obama administration may have had no choice since it was Bush administration prosecutors who screwed up the case and made it difficult if not impossible to proceed. At least, that's the spin so far.

Should Prop 8 Go Back to Ballot?

It's a question that Pam Spaulding poses, after posting Evan Wolfson's excellent piece on Huffington Post about the injustice that would prevail if the California Supreme Court doesn't overturn Prop 8. Pam isn't so sure we should bring this back to a ballot and thus buy into a system that that allows a minority's rights to come up for vote by the majority. I completely agree on how wrong the latter point is, but how else will Prop 8 ever be overturned if it's not a ballot measure? Do we have a choice? Says Pam:

The matter of "letting the people decide" is why I'm personally not keen on trying to put the whole matter back onto the ballot in 2010. Why do we want to legitimize an illegitimate process of putting civil rights up for a majority vote? In NC, we're fighting to keep an amendment off of the ballot because of the very principle that our rights shouldn't be determined by mob rule. The proposition system in California obviously works to our disadvantage, but that's not going away any time soon. The bottom line is that if the California Supreme Court is not ready and able to see the error it seemingly is about to make, it means we have to look to other states, rather than setting a precedent of putting the matter on a ballot. We have to pick the battles that place us on firmer, not shakier, legal ground. Ballot initiatives that go our way only lay the groundwork for the opposition to try to repeatedly overturn what it doesn't like, as we've seen with the anti-discrimination ordinances. The last thing our movement needs to have to do is re-win rights that have been won, then overturned because we affirmed majority rule in this important case.

And then there's the very real possibility we will lose as well. Then what? I will bring this up for a discussion the show today.