And The 2008 GLBT Person of the Year Is…

GayAgenda.com ask you, our viewers to vote for the “GLBT Person of the Year” for 2008! You voted by filling out a short survey. Contenders this year were selected from the GLBT community which included those straight allies who have contributed greatly to equality.

Those who were voted for this this year included Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Rachel Maddow, Russ Buchanan, Wanda Sykes, Susan Stryker, Bishop Gene Robinson, Barack Obama and Barney Frank.

Our top three runners up this year were:

Meghan Chavalier, Conny Van Dyke and Jamal Brown. You can find out more about them by clicking on their names.

And now…drum roll please…the winner of the 2008 GayAgenda GLBT person of the Year Award is…

Ramon Johnson!

Ramon Johnson is a gay activist and the About.com Guide to Gay Life, a position he’s held since 2002. On About.com he covers a range of topics including coming out tips, relationship advice and same-sex marriage. Ramon is also the co-host of the AfterElton.com vlog The Mocha Lounge.

Ramon was named one of Clik Magazine’s Elite 25 in media for his contributions to the LGBT community. He has also been a guest gay lifestyle expert on Proper Television’s “TV Made Me Do It,” here! Television’s “Sex Talk With Robin Byrd,” Q Television’s “On Q Live,” “The Derek and Romaine Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio and New York’s Power 105 morning radio show.

Ramon has been quoted in The New York Times and was a featured panelist on the New York Times “TimesTalks” Gay and Lesbian Speaker Series. Ramon volunteers for The Ali Forney Center, which provides services and support for LGBT homeless youth. He is also a member of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.

Congratulations to Ramon for being this year’s award recipient.

Gay Agenda would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ramon, Conny, Jamal, Meghan and all of you, who through your hard work and contributions, have made the world a better place for the GLBT community and the entire human race. We can all do good, but together we can do great things!

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gandhi

Ramon Johnson - Gay Agenda's 2008 GLBT Person of the Year Award Recipient

We Are All Citizens of the United States of America

Citizens For Equality was created after the passage of Proposition 8 in California, the measure that took away rights that had been granted to members of the gay community. It is not solely about marriage or any other single issue, but about equality for all citizens of the United States regardless of race, gender, religion, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Find out more and join at Citizens For Equality!

Conny Van Dyke Returns to Television

When I was a kid, I’d run home from school to see my Mom on television – one of a few ways in which I was different from other kids. Around 1975 or so, a she left Hollywood to retire to Naples, Florida and be a full-time Mom. I’ve always wished that she could return to acting, as entertainment has always been her love, and great gift.

Thirty-three years later, she makes her return to television, as a guest star on one of the best shows on TV, Cold Case. It’s just her style to come back in a big way. It airs this Sunday, October 26th at 9pm on CBS.

Anyone in Hollywood will tell you that it’s hard enough to become an actor here, and harder when you have a 33-year gap in your acting resume, but she’s doing it, and it’s a testament to her talent. I have never been prouder of her. Way to go, Mom!

Read more at her son’s blog lovesickbilly.com, or read the GayAgenda interview with Conny by clicking here.

When and If You Are Ready to Come Out

I have taught my son many things. To be honest, he has taught me much more. What I want to leave you with now is the product of these things. The most important thing in life, as far as I am concerned, is to be who you are. Unfortunately, being who you are sometimes comes at a price. I wish that I could say that the person/s whom you fear hurting the most will “come around”. I wish that I could say that all parents, relatives, friends, employers, fellow employees, all peripheral people will come to understand and accept who you are. I cannot say that; I would never give you a hope like that.

Read the rest of this amazing post at connyvandyke.wordpress.com.

Dear Senator Obama, Gay Marriage?

After last night’s debate, I am more convinced than ever that you are the right person for the job as President of the United States. The directness and sincerity you exude further exemplifies some of your leadership qualities that have made you my choice. Your views on how to move the economy to a stable state, foreign policy, Osama Bin Laden, Al Quada, energy, health care and education fit well with my own views for the prosperity of this country. Now for one more very important point that effects millions of voters…gay marriage.

Read the Rest at connyvandyke.wordpress.com.

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