The Log Cabin Republicans this week endorsed John McCain, calling him inclusive and declaring that he has "stood by" gay citizens.

We've already discussed their perspective, but it's worth readdressing for some of the rhetoric coming out of St. Paul right now.

Unlike previous conventions, the Republicans this year steered clear of sexual politics. Though their platform still makes a point of excluding the gays, marriage and the evils of same-sex loving are no longer central to the party's public image. The Advocate's Sean Kennedy notes:

Except for a remark by McCain's former rival Mike Huckabee about not changing "the very definition of marriage from what it has always meant throughout recorded human history," there was an utter lack of rhetoric on gay issues — contrary to the strong statements of support heard at the Democratic convention in Denver last week.

Gay voters were positively thrilled to hear so much pro-gay speak from the Democrats. Queer Republicans, meanwhile, are thrilled not to have been mentioned.

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Before you get too excited, be clear that The Advocate's Anderson Cooper cover story is not a coming out story. Sad, yes, but what can you do? Rather, the fag-rag's dedicated it feature article on the always attractive silver fox.

And, also, homo-journo Sean Kennedy's coming of gray age:

I first spotted the gray a couple of months before my 30th birthday–three or four strands glistening on my left temple. I leaned into the mirror for a closer look and confirmed my worst nightmare: I was officially old. Sure, there were only a few hairs now, but it was only a matter of time — months, maybe a year? — before I’d be totally gray and my youth would be lost forever.

Oh, Kennedy! We know you - you'll be young forever. In spirit, at least.

[via Soup Cans]

What would you do if hunky homo-journo Thomas Roberts hiked you out into the wilderness? Whatever it is, we bet you didn't think "Interview him!"

Well, that's what The Advocate's Sean Kennedy did - fool! - and got the 35-year old to open up on about his very public exit from CNN. Contrary to rumors, says Roberts, he was not fired suspiciously close to coming out. His contract was over and, you know, he had personal shit.

The boys then get into the reality of news television - and how it's too conservative for an openly gay anchor. In fact, Kennedy shares some interesting insight into his own experience trying to nail Roberts. For an interview, that is:

…When I first inquired about an interview with Roberts before he started at The Insider, a spokesperson for the show instantly said no. When I followed up two months later, it was no dice again. Roberts says he doesn’t recall being contacted either time.

This January, though, he got involved directly, when I learned through a mutual contact that he was interested in talking. Yet when he ran the idea up the flagpole, he too was denied. Roberts won’t cite the reasons on the record, but he was clearly disappointed by the decision.

But then The Insider gave him the green light, Roberts let loose and the world continues to spin. Incredible!

It's been quite a year for The Advocate. Not only did the news mag celebrate it's 40th year and a new, controversial design, but now they're celebrating their 1000th issue.

And, as you can see, they decided to put Lance Bass on the cover. But, like a true champ, former boy bander Bass rationalizes popular skepticism:

You know, every community is hard to please. Our community is very fickle. It’s a touchy community because it’s the last civil rights movement we have left here in America. So when someone new like myself comes along and says off-the-mark things, yeah, I can see how people would get pissed.

The performer also gabs about former love Reichen, saying, "We've already established that Reichen is someone who wanted the fame and the spotlight…" Touchy?

While some of us may doubt Bass' validity as a cover boy, homo-journos Sean Kennedy and John Cloud duke it out over where we queers stand…

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South Carolina sheriff's investigator Paul Silvaggio testified last week that Stephen Andrew Moller did not attack Sean Kennedy because he was gay.

Through an extensive investigation I found that the defendant did not strike the victim because he was a homosexual. It was only later that he knew the victim was a homosexual.

Kennedy died in May after Moller punched him and Kennedy fell to the ground, sustaining fatal injuries. Moller's set to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter, but has been released on $25,000 bond. He's currently living with his mother.

Kennedy's activist mother, Elke, still describes the crime as murder, but refuses to wallow in despair. She's set up a foundation to raise awareness about South Carolina's impotent hate crime laws. Go mama!

There's some judicial drama surrounding 20-year old. Sean Kennedy's May 16th death. A grand jury has reduced accused killer Andrew Holler's murder rap to involuntarily manslaughter. And Kennedy's mother ain't happy.

I feel like my son has been murdered again.

There's not justice for Sean, and this position makes it very clear that we need hate crime laws in South Carolina and in this nation. We need to make sure that nothing like this will ever happen to any one of our children or citizen.

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Hillary Clinton may want your lavender vote, but the Democratic Presidential candidate doesn't believe in your right to marry.

While some delude themselves by saying she's playing politics by supporting civil unions, Clinton tells The Advocate's Sean Kennedy she's "authentically" against gay marriage:

This is an issue that I’ve had very few years of my life to think about when you really look at it, when you compare it to a whole life span. I am where I am right now, and it is a position that I come to authentically.

Hmm… So, when's the next HRC event?

Gee whiz, readers! Another spectacular five days here at Queerty. Thanks for all your wonderful comments. We really appreciate it.

Queerty ReBUTTal's usually dedicated to our comments on your comments, but we're opening the floor to our editor this week.

If you're feeling brave, check out what he's been up to over the past five days as he jetted from New York to LA, met porn stars, politicians and prolific journalists.

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Paris Hilton wasn't the only big draw last night on CNN.

Paula Zahn and her lisp spent an hour exploring the ins and outs of homosexuality on last night's Paula Zahn Now. Like any good journo, Zahn took some time to explore that old nature v. nurture debate, changing opinion on the gays and scientific and moralistic missions to "cure" those who are bit bent.

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No doubt South Carolina homo Sean Kennedy would be touched to know that over 250 people turned out to mourn his death yesterday in Greeville. 20-year old Kennedy died May 16th after being punched once by 18-year old Stephen Andrew Moller, according to police.

While eulogizing her son with dozens of onlookers, Elke Kennedy remembered a strong, proud young man…

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