After 14 years of effort, the New York City AIDS Monument was dedicated yesterday in Hudson River Park. From 1985 to 2002, over 81,000 AIDS deaths were reported in New York City and the monument, a 42-foot long, 2-foot tall, 12-inch deep curved granite bench, is meant to be a place to quietly reflect the lives lost . An inscription on the side facing the river says, "I can sail without wind, I can row without oars, but I cannot part from my friend without tears."

Columbus Circle in New York City was filled with chants of "Gay, Straight, Black, White, Marriage is a Civil Right!" as thousands of protesters came out in opposition to California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California last week. The event was the largest protest outside of California so far and shows how quickly and rapidly organized opposition to Prop 8. has sprung up across the country.

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We're as shocked as anyone that Southern California has become a hotbed of political activism, but nothing's more surprising than Angelino Prop. 8 protesters' willingness to walk long distances for many hours to make their point. This is a city where people drive to the corner market– maybe we were just saving it up for good use.

As inspiration/throw-down for tonight's protest in New York City at 6:30 pm, by the Manhattan Mormon Temple (125 Columbus Ave at 65th Street), we're including a map of Saturday's Los Angeles protest route– and the equivalent distance overlaid on Manhattan. We sent you to Greenpoint, because we have a secret kielbasa agenda.

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Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has erected a new website site, Join Rudy 2012, which leads us to believe he's hoping the next president only makes it one term. Or he just likes the attention.

Wait, Rudy, didn't you drop out of the primary because people didn't like your comedic cross-dressing past? Or was it because you failed miserably in the primaries. We can't keep your storied past straight! Also, how does John McCAin, whom you've endorsed, feel about this? Aren't you essentially saying that, if he does win, he won't do a good enough job to get a second term?

Regardless, good luck with all that…

[Join Rudy 2012 via Political Base]

A gay New York City cop offered the worst explanation for allegedly sexually harassing his colleagues:

A gay NYPD lieutenant found guilty of sexually harassing two sergeants retired Wednesday, but vowed to keep fighting to clear his name.

Lt. Kieran Crowe, a 23-year-veteran, was suspended 60 days without pay for rubbing his crotch, simulating masturbation and wiggling his tongue at the male sergeants in his Equal Employment Opportunity office at Police Headquarters.

Crowe admitted at his department hearing that he may have scratched his groin area, but said it was because he suffered from jock itch.

Crowe says he's sure he can clear all of this up, although we suggest he focus his energies on clearing up his nether region…

Jeromie Cancel could be the poster child for "horror." And, frighteningly enough, he'd probably enjoy the title.

The 22-year old yesterday again admitted to murdering 19-year old Kevin Pravia because he was "bored." This we already knew.

Cancel remarks yesterday, however, give us an even deeper view into the gruesome killing.

According to the Cancel, a "drifter," he first met Pravia in Time Square, where the gay college student was allegedly looking for drugs. The men then headed back to Pravia's Chelsea apartment, where the victim fell asleep. Cancel seized the moment to get his sick kicks

Cancel recalled how the sleeping Pravia's eyes flew open as he felt the murderer's noose around his neck.

And even as Pravia's struggles grew faint, Cancel kept his free hand - the one not pulling the cord - on his cigarette and his eyes on the movie in the DVD player, "Saw," a gory horror flick.

Cancel also stuffed a plastic bag in Pravia's mouth. He has, for the record, feels no remorse and said, "I'd do it again." Fucking sick.

Gray gays are getting lots of love as of late.

Non-profit Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders received serious press last week when the AP ran a story on a conference on elderly gay folk, a conference SAGE is co-hosting with the AARP.

Today comes word that SAGE will soon take even more steps to highlight the older generations' ongoing existence:

Portraits of gay and lesbian seniors will soon adorn New York City subways and buses as part of an advocacy organization's campaign.

The $350,000 campaign is backed by SAGE.

The organization's executive director, Michael Adams, says that elderly people in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community are "invisible."
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Sixty-one-year-old Gregory Terry says he hopes the ad campaign will change the perception of gay seniors as an "oddity."

The English and Spanish ads feature the motto, "There's no expiration date on a full, active life."

Well, there is, but one never does know their own date. Thankfully - that would be stressful!

Meanwhile, how awesome is this 82-year old?

Once popular with her politico peers, New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn lost some support after this summer's slush fund scandal. And, with all the bad press, the openly gay Quinn's dreams of becoming mayor became quite dim.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Quinn supports Mayor Mike Bloomberg's bid for a third-term, a rare move for the city.

We originally assumed Quinn wanted more time to regain people's confidence, but NY Post claims there's more nuance than just that:

Quinn's support for a term-limit extension for Mayor Bloomberg comes at a price, according to City Hall insiders. They say that Quinn , who has lost the confidence of her colleagues, will not be re-elected speaker.

Rather than go back to being an ordinary council member and have to give up her big staff and SUV, Quinn will leave the council and become a deputy mayor under Bloomberg. The deal for extending term limits also includes Bloomberg - who regards Quinn highly - endorsing her for mayor in 2013.

The move would also give Quinn a leg up on the experience side, which would no doubt come into play in a rhetorical campaign. Say what you will about Quinn, but this lady's one crafty, adept politician.