The Associated Press (AP) revealed recently that its new stylebook will no longer include the words “homophobia” and “Islamophobia” in political or social contexts. AP Deputy Standards Editor Dave Minthorn told Politico that the terms are “just off the mark” and “seems inaccurate.”

Well hello 2013, where did you come from?  It sure seems to me that we were celebrating Independence Day, and Labor Day not too long ago, and here it is the start of a new year!

I don’t have to remind people that many of our customs for starting the year off deal with a New Year resolution, losing weight, stopping this, doing that, and everything in between.  I offer a couple of new words for us all to consider how they fit: mindful and intentional.

Wired That Way

This spring will mark two years worth of Wired That Way. How time flies. I have covered a number of topics in that time, made a number of predictions and broke a few news stories. I figure it's about bloody time I did a recap of those stories, so when Arthur Breur told me he was doing a whole issue of favorites I jumped at it.

Minor Details

2012 ended with the Associated Press publishing a new stylebook for journalists that bans the use of the words “homophobia” and “Islamophobia.” The AP argues that “phobia” describes an illness or mental disability and, thus, isn’t accurate in “political or social” reporting.

Drag Kings & Queens Talk About Drag History

January is Drag History month and we celebrate the local Midwest pioneers of drag. Drag Queens and Drag Kings have their own unique place in LGBT history. The I.C. Kings and The New Kings on the Block talk about their inspiration and motivation as Drag Kings, and JD Lesbiani takes the time to answer a few questions on his career.

Davey Wavey is a YouTube personality and certified personal trainer, who has become one of the leading online voices for the gay and lesbian community. With more than 100 million video views in more than 160 countries around the world, he uses his platform to spread a message of love and acceptance sprinkled with his own unique sense of humor. Famous for his authentic and often irreverent approach, some of Davey’s 500+ videos include Straight Guy Sexy Underwear Crisis, 250 Balloons to Remember the Fallen, Coming Out to Siri and Coming Out: A Game Changer.

From 1997–2009, Republican Jeff Angelo was Iowa’s state senator for the 48th district.  In 2011 he announced that he would be leading the “Iowa Republicans for Freedom”, an organization that would highlight conservative support for the freedom to marry for same sex couples. The ACCESSline’s Arthur Breur spoke with Mr. Angelo about how he changed his position on marriage, the results of the recent election, and what his hopes and plans are for the future on this issue.