White House Silent So Far On Massachusetts Defense Of Marriage Act Ruling, Police Investigate Possible Hate Crime In Staten Island, Vandals Damage Dayton Gay Historic Marker, Reports That Yoann Gorcuff Victim Of Homophobia, Lionel Messi Beached, Tom Brady Nee Justin Bieber, Zac Efron, Male Model Underwear Hotness

The White House, specifically the Department of Justice have so far remained silent on a ruling Thursday by United States District Judge Joseph Tauro who found that a part of the Defense of Marriage Act that denies federal benefits to married same sex couples was unconstitutional, and it is not known when or whether the Obama administration intends to appeal the decision. The president is on record repeatedly in favour of repealing the 1996 law that defines marriage as that only existing between one man and one woman, forbids the federal government from recognising gay marriage, and allows states to deny recognising same sex unions performed elsewhere. Tauro ruled that the Act itself is unconstitutional because it interferes with the right afforded to the state to define marriage, and, more importantly, that it frustrates any and all attempts by gay married couples from receiving federal benefits given to opposite sex married couples. He based his ruling on two separate suits – one filed on behalf of seven married gay couples and three widows, the other by the state’s attorney general office, and his decision affects only Massachusetts.

The New York City Police Department Hate Crimes unit is investigating an attack in Staten Island on a gay couple in the early hours of Wednesday. According to reports Luis Vieira, 47 years old and his partner Richard Vieira, 39 years old, were at an area White Castle, and were approached by three men, one of whom said “what the fuck are you looking at fag” to the couple. The youth repeated the threat, and then appeared to leave. However, moments later, the couple was attacked. Richard Vieira was taken to hospital, treated for wounds, and released.

Vandals in Dayton, Ohio have damaged a historical marker – the only one in the state honouring either a gay or lesbian – that recognised Natalie Barney, a literary patron and lesbian author. The marker, which was installed in Cooper Park last fall, was torn from its post and was cracked.

According to reports, Yoann Gorcuff was the victim of homophobia by his France FINA World Cup 2010 teammates.

Argentine player Lionel Messi seen on the beach in Brazil, the 23 year old seeking some much needed sun.



Tom Brady continues to channel Justin Bieber.

Zac Efron spotted Thursday in West Hollywood, hot, natch.

The smoking sexy – seriously – Patrick O’donnell models a series of homemade underwear for the newest issue of Wallpaper.

Mr. South Africa runner-up (the runner-up?) Brandon van Bergen models new Access Briefs from Bonewear underwear.