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National Headlines

LGBT stories that made the news in 2011.

Chaz Bono, Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Gaga

LGBT National Headlines

  • President Barack Omaba signed legislation repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell at the end of 2010, but it wasn't until September 2011, after top officials finally certified the end to the policy, that LGBT members of the military could finally serve openly.
  • Marriage equality was on the march with its biggest victory yet when New York State approved same-sex marriage in June. Other jurisdictions offering same-sex marriage are Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C.
  • Obama instructed his Justice Department to discontinue defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives moved to take up DOMA's defense.
  • Deliberations over the appeal of California's Proposition 8 case continued as the community awaited a ruling from an appeals court that's certain to land in the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • The 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS was observed by the community and health professionals.
  • The LGBT community mourned the passing of one of its icons and heroes when actress and activist Elizabeth Taylor died in March at age 79. Besides her movie career, she was known for her support for AIDS causes.
  • Chaz Bono did his part for trans awareness by appearing as a contestant on TV's Dancing With the Stars, despite protests from conservative groups.
  • Lady Gaga released "Born This Way," a song that instantly became an anthem for youth in the community.