mens volleyball

Julie Hermann, Rutgers University's athletic director, caused quite a stir by quietly coming out as a lesbian.

Forty-two professional athletes and figures in pro sports have sent a friend of the court brief to the Supreme Court supporting marriage equality in a case next week challenging California's Proposition 8. The brief was spearheaded by Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens and Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings, who were both honored by GLAAD last weekend for their outward support of LGBT rights. Supporters of the brief include openly gay retired athletes, Robbie Rogers, Esera Tuaolo, Wade Davis, Jr., David Kopay, as well as out Minnesota Lynx player Seimone Augustus.

OK. First things first: Turkey’s proximity to some more dangerous areas of the world has given it a bad rap. While a move toward a more conservative government has prompted more women to wear head scarves (and even the occasional burka), Istanbul is as modern — and safe — as any other European city. You’ll even find a couple of lesbian bars, but in this Muslim-centric city, gay couples might want to keep PDA to a minimum.

There are lesbian-friendly destinations in cities, large and small, across the US and around the world. This list is by no means all inclusive but here are some of the most popular lesbian-friendly destinations to include in your summer travel plans.

It's the year in lesbian gossip including plenty of The L Word, Ellen Degeneres' and Portia's wedding, Tina Fey's Palin Mania, South of Nowhere, Jodie Foster, Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson,  Wanda Sykes coming out, Ellen Page hugging woman with her legs, Sara Ramirez and Brooke Smith and more...