Lesbian.com, June 9, 2012
Despite increasingly accepting and sympathetic views on same-sex marriage and other gay equality issues, growing up gay in America remains a less-than-pleasant undertaking. A survey released Thursday by the Human Rights Campaign indicates that gay and lesbian teenagers in the U.S. are less likely to be happy, more likely to report harassment and more inclined to experiment with drugs and alcohol than the nation’s straight teens.
The nationwide online survey considered more than 10,000 gay and lesbian young people and is one of the largest ever to focus on the nation’s gay youth. LGBT participants aged 13 to 17 were polled, as were approximately 500 13- to 17-year-olds who identified as “straight.”
Linda Spears, vice president of policy for the Child Welfare League of America, said the study bears out “our worst fears about LGBT kids. These kids are often so vulnerable in the way their lives are being led because of the lack of support they have. They need what all young people need, parents and others who are there for them and nurture their development.”
HRC’s new president Chad Griffin said the survey “is yet another reminder that we still have a lot to do in this country so that young people can grow up healthy.”
World’s first out and proud LGBT brewery
Just in time for Pride San Diego’s Hillcrest Brewing Company (HBC) has come out as the “world’s first out and proud LGBT brewery.” The HBC will join the Mo’s Universe family of LGBT-friendly establishments, which include Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill, Baja Betty’s and Gossip Grill.
While big name brewers have started paying more attention to their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers, and beers targeted at gay consumers have been marketed in Mexico and Europe, HBC has setting itself apart as the “Queens of Beer” and the first and only openly gay brewing company in the world.
The owner of Mo’s Universe, Chris Shaw, explained that they were selling so much beer at their three other locations that when brewmaster David White proposed the idea for a brewery, they figured, “Why not start brewing our own?”
Shaw added that he hopes the HBC will be a place where “our old friends can gather and feel like part of the community.”
HBC is located at 1458 University Avenue in San Diego, Calif.
Sarah Silverman named Grand Marshall for San Francisco Pride
Sarah Silverman has been announced as the Grand Marshal for this year’s San Francisco Pride parade. Silverman joins “Glee’s” Dot Jones and well-known drag performer Carmen Carrera at the June 24 event.
San Francisco Pride officially kicks off June 23. A full list of events is available at the San Francisco Pride website.
