I am proud to have the support of the Dolphin Democrats, Equality Florida, and the Sun-Sentinel for my re-election as the Broward County School Board Member, Countywide. 

(CNN) -- A couple of weeks ago, the rally cry that had been bubbling in the wake of "The Imitation Game" suddenly grew louder. Matt Breen, editor-in-chief of The Advocate and one of the most impassioned, trustworthy voices out there when it comes to politics and civil liberties, started a petition. Visit Pardon49k.org and you'll see that it's gathered more than 140,000 signatures already and counting.

Sitting at last week’s city commission meeting feeling frustrated and tired, the first news on the primary election made me sit up and feel a bit of wonderment.  

Most of us grew up with definite do’s and don’ts. Don’t wear white after Labor Day, no eating oysters in months that don’t contain an "R" in the spelling, no swimming for 30 minutes after eating, brown shoes should always have a brown belt and, of course, your socks should match your shoes.  

As I have for the last several years, I am writing my mid-August column from Orlando, site of the annual Florida Realtors convention. Election years are (or can be) a time when we should not just reflect on the past, but consider the kind of future we want to have – not just in South Florida generally, but in the real estate and related industries specifically. 

Have you seen the new trans-positive ad that’s going to run on FOX the final night of the Republican National Convention? It’s a really terrific piece of advertising…that is, if you’re someone who’s neutral or supportive of transgender rights.

The fight for medical marijuana in Florida is at an all-time high. Things are not getting better, because our government is broken. And there is no clearer example of our broken government, than this issue. 

United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale is a family church! We believe in family! We are a part of mainstream Christianity with 5,600 churches and 1.3 million members.

In 2005 I wrote a column, “I Want My Gay TV,” about the state of LGBT television, with emphasis on two then-new program services: the cable network Logo and the pay-per-view service Here TV. As I wrote back then, “before Logo and Here TV came along, People of the Rainbow had to make do with programs on mainstream networks. With Logo and Here TV, those of us who want our gay TV can have it 24/7.

Grindr, the popular gay dating and hook up app, surveyed its users to reveal this year’s ‘Best of Awards.’ Grindr users from the U.S., the U.K. and Australia weighed in on everything from their gay icon of the year, and best coming out story, to the biggest enemy of the LGBT community and the next celebrity to come out.

Warning: This is one of the strongest columns I’ve ever written. It’s a subject that LGBT people must take seriously, and nationally since the church has used what they have been institutionally practicing against us for years.

Gay men have long been attracted to strong female figures, especially those in the entertainment field. From Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand to Lady Gaga and Kesha, divas have enjoyed huge gay followings; and gay drag queens continue to honor them by impersonating them. 

One of the items in my bucket list, now that I am (semi)retired, is to write my life’s story. Though this might sound vain, I believe that I have had a life worth writing about; and that I am the best one to write it. 

I want to thank the editor of SFGN and the WMG for publishing recent article regarding the ongoing personal attacks on me by Boyd Corbin, the acrid candidate for Mayor of Wilton Manors. For several years, Corbin has defamed, slandered and made libelous comments about me, the Wilton Manors Police Department, City Officials, and countless others who have been leaders in our community.  

Dear Editor:

Thank you for writing an updated story on Clarence Collins as incomplete as it was. Many of us who know Clarence are concerned that he has been through at least three Public Defenders in four months. That’s unconscionable to us, but unfortunately, the way the system is set up. As soon as we establish a relationship with one PD, which doesn’t always allow free flow of information due to client privilege, we must start all over in identifying the new PD and establishing a new relationship; hence, “spinning our wheels.”

I must take issue with Mr. Kent’s assertion that, “the money should have already been used to get him out of jail.” While I, personally, have been working hard to obtain Clarence’s release, I was advised by his Public Defender to hold off on bailing him out. Doing so would force a timetable for his release. Without a proper legal residence, established in advance, Clarence would be forced to live someplace like the homeless encampment under an overpass. That is unacceptable to the people who care for Clarence. Although jail is not an ideal situation for anyone, it beats the alternative society has forced on people like Clarence (living in unsafe, indignant  places like an overpass). There are just so many legal residences for the large number of Registered Sex Offenders. As soon as we find one with an opening we will proceed with bailing Clarence out.

Michael A Gagne

Around the world, Facebook and other social networking platforms are facing backlash over their failures to safeguard privacy, combat disinformation and curtail the digital reach of hate groups. 

The greatest single contribution made by Facebook to society is an unintended byproduct of the ubiquitous social media platform. By having a Facebook Page you can no longer hide in the closet. The process of "coming out" is a thing of the past. 

Eons ago I signed up on Facebook. The whole experience lasted exactly three hours. 

(OpEd) I was not writing a column today.