On Outbeat Extra we take a look back at the people, events, and music that made LGBT news headlines. The Huffington Post said that was, “the best of times and the worst of times” for the LGBT community.  Celebrities and professional athletes “came out” with little or no fanfare and we saw the social conscious of the country change in November when the first president to support marriage equality for same-sex couples was re-elected to a second term. More LGBT candidates were elected into office in one election than ever before. Tami Baldwin became the first “out” member of the United State Senate as Barney Frank, the first “out” member of the United States Congress retired. Religious extremists, including the Pope, spoke out loudly and frequently against us while the Boy Scouts of America re-affirmed its policy prohibiting gay people from participating in their programs. The year concluded with the United States Supreme Court deciding to hear California’s Proposition 8 appeal and several appeals related to the Defense of Marriage Act. 2013 promises to be just as exciting as 2012.
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