2010: The Year That Was "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

No live show today, taking the week off. But my five- part special, "2010: The Year That Was 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" will begin today during the regular show time (2-6 ET, 11-3 PT), running from Monday through Friday. (We're back with the live show next week.) It's an inside look at the seat-of-your pants, contentious and often angry debate -- the roller coaster ride that was "don't ask, don't tell" repeal, and which finally ended in victory for the LGBT movement. We revisit some of the most fascinating interviews from the show, zero in on the key players and all the dramatic protests, and listen in to some of the caller discussions from the show throughout the year as we analyze what it all means for the U.S military and for LGBT rights. Thanks to our associate producer Sean Bertollo for the great job on the special.

And, don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter and Facebook!


Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ: Sirius 109, XM 98 and on the Sirius XM iPhone app. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free seven-day pass or, if you have an iPhone or Blackberry, go to the app store and download Sirius XM for free, for a 7-day trial, and listen on your phone.

Holiday Book Bonanza

Back on the show live today, kicking off our annual Holiday Book Bonanza, giving away books by authors who've been on the show throughout the year. At any point in the show I'll put out a question about something we've discussed within the hour. The first person to call in with the correct answer gets the book. We'll do a book or so a day -- we have many! -- and then toward the last days of the year we'll give a way Book Bundles on specific topics. We'll kick it off today giving away a copy of Harvard neuroscientist Simon LeVay's Gay, Straight and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation.

Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ: Sirius 109, XM 98 and on the Sirius XM iPhone app. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free seven-day pass or, if you have an iPhone or Blackberry, go to the app store and download Sirius XM for free, for a 7-day trial, and listen on your phone.

Saturday Back Talk

Finally posting some of the listener survey comments we read on the show in recent weeks. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down and clicking through on the right. Thanks!


Los Angeles, CA (Sirius)
I think you treat callers you don't agree with just fine...Still waiting on that chocolate tofu pie recipe ...Cheers!

Johnson City, NY (Sirius)
I will not be listening for the immediate future, and it's a shame because I'm a loyal listener of more than 4 years. Last night I heard the rebroadcast of your second "gays voting Republican" show and, sadly, I heard, for the first time, the intolerance, smugness, the intellectual superiority of the activist overwhelm the radio host - and it was really ugly. Basically, any gay who admitted they voted Republican for any office was vilified, called "stupid", called "greedy." I'm going to take a vacation from "The Michelangelo Signorile Show" for a while. To be honest, Michelangelo, last night you know what you sounded just like? The Christian Right - the intolerant bastards we've been fighting all these years. You need to rethink your intolerance and name-calling, Michelangelo, before you turn into the Fred Phelps of the Gay Left. I am so disappointed.

Riverhead, NY (Sirius)
I enjoy listening to your show because it shows me why it is so difficult to get DADT repealed, gay marriage and many other issues. When I listen to some of the callers, it tells me we are our worst supporters. When I hear GLBTQ people identifying as a Republican I see all the inner homophobia our community suffers from. All due to the attitudes of our laws, political leaders, religious and ourselves.

Tallahassee, FL (Sirius)
Heard the show today, 11/10/10. As a straight ally, listening to people who voted republican really makes me wonder about their mental state.

Gleneden Beach, OR (Sirius)
As an older straight woman I enjoy hearing another view of the world I might not ordinarily be exposed to. I have come to realize that the new civil rights movements are for the LGBT community and the Latino community (I can't believe that new immigration law in Arizona was written with the help of the private prison groups. thank you NPR for exposing that). Your listeners who say they voted republican because they are not experiencing discrimination remind me of the decedents of slave holders who bragged that after their slaves were emancipated they stayed on at the plantation because they "loved their masters". When you explained to Todd how he had no civil rights he didn't see it. I am old enough to have lived in the times when my sister's brother in law died of aids in the early 80's he was refused burial in his families cemetery plot in a catholic cemetery, The fear and cries that it was somehow god's punishment were incredible. Why would you elect a party full of people who still think this way. Anyhow, I love your show and usually agree or at least am challenged by your conversations.

Tibury, ON Canada (Sirius)
First of all, I listen as much as I can and have never seen any pictures of Mr. Signorile. I saw him on the Joy Behar show and he looked nothing like I imagined. Just want to say, what a hottie!! I would like to say that it is a mixed bag of emotions listening to the show depending on the topics. It just floors me with the mentality of some people in this world and especially in the States as you still fight for equality. I'm Canadian and feel very lucky, my grandfather was American and I sometimes wonder what it would be like to live under such bullshit. I love listening to this show as Mr. Signorile is a brilliant man and gets to the heart of the issues and allows free thought but shoots down the stupid! Love listening and will call in one day again!

Dallas, TX (Sirius)
I really like to listen to your show. You are very passionate and that passion comes through in a lot of your shows. I have to say thank you, Michael: recently you had a discussion about the use of the word "gay." At first, I did not have a problem with it, until I heard a co-worker keep using it to refer to things that went bad, or things that were broken. I have corrected him several times. He did it again last night and when I corrected him, he apologized for using it. He said that he would make an effort to stop using it and to make his teenage sons stop using it. Thank you again Michael, and keep up the good.

Grand Rapids, MI (Sirius)
Though I'm straight, Michelangelo is a breath of "Fresh Air." I live in an ultra conservative part of the country; my hubby and daughter are both Aspie's and my son is dyslexic so I'm no stranger to adversity. LGBT is another way of life with struggles I understand. I love Michaelangelo's thoughtful monologues, and usually respectful conversations with the audience.

Valley Stream, NY (XM)
I very much enjoy your insight on current events. You keep me challenged, informed and very much aware of current events. I also am very much impressed with the way you handle your callers, and with the man (sorry I didn't get your name!) who screens your call. There's a lot of compassion and passion in the Signorile show. Thank you for sharing it with your audience.

Fort Worth, TX (Sirius)
You get a bit edgy and condescending during listener/guest interactions for my taste. That Said, You provide a unique and valuable service to our community.

Indianapolis, IN (XM)
Michael, I love your show and the terrific job you do on keeping us informed and exposing hypocrisy. I listen to you, Keith Olbermann, and Rachel Maddow nearly everyday. I feel you made a mountain out of a molehill with the Glaad/Glee/"Tranny" situation. I can't believe you wasted so much valuable air time on this subject. YOU blew it out of proportion. I really think you simply enjoyed the attention of being in a pissing match with Glaad and being on Joy Behar show. Make a comment, state your opinion, and be done. Let it go! There are much more important issues you could be investing your time with. Again, love your show, love and appreciate most of your hard work.

Sac City, IA (XM)
Thank you for your coverage of the mid-term elections. I especially appreciated your commentary on the Iowa Supreme Court retention vote. Living in a county that had more than 70% of its voters vote to oust the justices, it is refreshing to hear your voice of reason and sanity. In the weeks prior to the elections, the robocalls were rampant; my personal favorite was being blessed by Mr. Huckabee for supporting his cause because I listened to the entire message (of course, when I hung up early, the phone rang again with the same message and would not stop calling until I heard the message in its entirety!) I do hope that those outside the state of Iowa know not all people are as closed minded as the vote would indicate.

Las Vegas, NV (Sirius)
Love the show, listen daily on my drive from Vegas to AZ as a medical courier. Only complaint is the talking to death of certain topics. I understand that many can't hear all the show each day and that is probably why you revisit topics repeatedly. Would like to hear more variety on the topics and maybe less about Obama and what he isn't doing and won't ever do. Keep up the good work Mike!

Hemet, CA (XM)
I really, really appreciate that you are actually talking about some of the things that get ignored or just covered up with stuff throughout the days. It is very important to me to hear both sides and to listen closely to what is being said and done by everyone involved. Thank you for pointing out disturbing facts, kool-aid moments, and (I'm sure at times) the other side of thought to help us down here to make important decisions about voting and communicating with our government officials. It's crazy out there, and in this frantic time, I am grateful for someone who is there to shine the light for the sane of us who don't have time to succumb to the craziness. So, thank you again.

On Joy Behar Show Last Night

A clip from my appearance on Joy Behar, including discussion of Glee, GLAAD and the use of the word "tranny."

Part II: Rosie Calls Re: GOP-Voting Gays

The day after I took calls on the show from those gay people who explained why they cast a ballot for a Republican, I asked listeners to respond to the prior day's calls. Todd from Phoenix, a gay man, called to tell me that he didn't like my criticism of the GOP voters, that he too voted Republican, and that gay issues (marriage in particular) just don't matter to him. Then Rex from South Carolina called to say, "I used to be just like Todd" until I heard Rosie O'Donnell interviewed on the show, telling her story. Rosie happened to be listening at that moment and called in to explain how it was Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry who convinced her why marriage equality is important. A terrific exchange of ideas and an example of how great a format radio is for discussion.

"Why I Voted Republican"

Two days after Election Day 2010, for the last hour of the show, I asked those LGBT people who voted Republican to call in to the show and explain why. The phones lit up with people calling from all across the U.S.

Exit polling shows gay, lesbian, bisexual voters cast a ballot for Republicans in double the numbers from 2008: from 19% to 31%. True, the sample is small, and any such polling should be taken with a grain of salt. But it's undeniable that many LGBT voters were disappointed with the White House and Democrats, and it's plausable that many stayed home or voted for another party.

And yet, the Republican takeover of the House and many statehouses means there will be no votes expanding gay civil rights protections, in Congress and in most of the states that went GOP (and there likely will be antigay votes, such as in Minnesota where Republican pledge to push a marriage amendment), which begs the question of why gay people would vote Republican in this election. The phones were jammed with people who voted GOP who wanted to offer their explanations for casting votes for politicians like David Vitter in Louisiana, for Rand Paul in Kentucky, for Rick Scott in the governor's race in Florida, and for various other, Senate, House and local races.

This clip includes a few of those calls, two from Kentucky and one from Maine, where the caller voted for Paul LePage, the Republican governor-elect who has actually floated that the Maine Human Rights Act -- which gives basic anti-discrimination protection to gays -- should to be revisited, in addition to be against marriage equality, which Maine could have been on the brink of voting in again (after voter rescinded the newly-passed law in a ballot measure) if Republicans didn't take the statehouse and the governorship for the first time since 1964.

I took calls from GOP-voting gays for the full last hour of the show, devoting the time to them (the following day we took calls from those responding) and at the end of the show the lines were still fully lit and many callers could not get through at all.

UPDATE: Rosie O'Donnell called the show responding to the callers in this video. Be sure to check that out too.

Saturday Back Talk

These are a bunch of the listener survey comments I read over the past few weeks on the show, some of which we had some interesting or funny discussions about. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey please do so by scrolling down clicking through on the right, or just go right here. Thanks!


West Babylon, NY (XM)
I thought I’d finally take the survey and comment. Especially considering how important today is. My youngest brother recently came out. We actually had to ask him. A family friend had asked us if “he was gay?” We had no idea, totally clueless. It turns out that he struggled with his sexuality for most of his life; he kept it from the family for fear of rejection. He told us that he knew that he was gay since he was 12, he is now 30. He was always angry and depressed. We tried to talk or get him to talk with someone. He would have no part of it. We were always fearful that he would do something (suicide). When he told us it was almost a relief. Since he has come out, he is such a different person. He is happy and in love with a wonderful man. We are so happy for him and his partner. We love them both unconditionally. Thanks for letting me share. I love your show, keep fighting the good fight.

Macomb, IL (Sirius)
Idea! When you have a guest in the first hour include it in the replay instead of the fourth hour. As for those always wanting less serious topics, they can listen to the rest of the schedule. Thanks. Listener from end of November 2003.

Las Vegas, NV (Sirius)
Great show, and a I listen every day! I especially like listening to your guest hosts when you are away. Keep up the good work.

Durango, CO (XM)
I find that I will turn your program off because of the tone you take with the callers. There was an occasion when you read a listener comment and accented certain words ( in a condescending tone, when the opinion seems to be across the board.) Treat people as you would like to be treated, even if you disagree with there position. It's the golden rule. Thank you for your time.

Spokane, WA (Sirius)
Great show. I try to listen as often as possible during the day at my office. I especially enjoy Friday's show and the awards of the week. Keep up the great work!

Marietta, GA (XM)
I have been an avid listener for several years now, and I have really respected your opinion on "gay groups" such as GLAAD and HRC. I have come to see them as more just "fund raiser" type groups than actually getting anything done politically. Can you recommend another group that you support that someone like myself could support either through volunteering and/or financial?

Las Vegas, NV (XM)
I called in Friday night to discuss the topic of the word "gay" being used in a movie from Vince Vaughn. While waiting on hold to discuss this with you i was met with a VERY rude individual who apparently wouldn't let me speak my mind unless I agreed with you.Which I find weird because even though you cut everyone off when they don't agree with you, the majority of people who call in tend to NOT agree with you. Maybe you had filled your quota of the day that day, but to have your phone answerer argue against me, even though I still believe in my point, and then HANG UP on me, is ludicrous.

Boyertown, PA (Sirius)
Hey Mike. Right on with your chastisement of James in Louisiana. You were dead-on when you said that he called because he felt guilty and wanted you to convince him that he wasn't "one of them". You did what needed to be done and perhaps now he will think about where his own beliefs are and what they might be doing to others around them. Mike, so many Christians are blissfully unaware of the pain their beliefs cause to those around them. Most of their anti-gay sentiment is passive-aggressive, but that is exactly what fosters anti-gay violence and bullying and harassment, which in turn leads to depression, substance abuse, and suicide among LGBT youth. I really hope that you shook this caller to his very foundations, Mike.

San Francisco, CA (Sirius)
Michelangelo, when I hear people like James in Louisiana I want to rip my hair from my head, but then you are there to provide the voice of sanity, reason and logic all in a very soothing voice. Please never change. Please continue to get in people's face when they are wrong. We need more of that and you are one of the few talk show hosts willing to do that. Keep up the fight. Keep up the good work.

Chillicothe, OH (XM)
I love to listen to your show. Your direct, no-nonsense style is something that I enjoy. I especially appreciate that yours is not the only opinion that matters which is very different from most commentators. Love your show!

Georgetown, KY (Sirius)
I am grateful for the thoughtful, professional approach of Mr. Signorile in all aspects of his program and I'd Love to be a guest on his show anytime.

Marietta, OH (XM)
I also listen to the OutQ show on Saturday--Focus Group. (Did not see on your list.) Really like the channel and you should be on in drive time for the east coast. People need to hear what you have to say. I think there should split the channel into 2. One with serious smart shows and one just for entertaining dirty talk. I understand there is room for everything, it just seems to weird to go from Frank and Doria to you and then Derek and Romaine.

Loylsville, PA (Sirius)
You will stand befor a holy God who sent his son JESUS CHRIST to die for our sins you are deceived and will pearish in your sin if you dont repent you may not give a dam about the BIBLE now but beleave me one day very soon you will and you will meet the one you so dont beleave his word your an advocate for the devil and i pray your eyes get opened befor its to late the antichrist is about to apear on the world secene.

San Francisco, (Sirius)
If anyone says something is "Wicked" and they're not talking about the musical please hang up on them. You don't have to do a Derek Hartley hangup (Click dialtone) but you can do your ever polite "Thank you for your call" Thanks for being out there for those of us stuck at a desk all day.

Boston, MA (Sirius)
I love your show, it is always so current with our times and your voice is SO important. I listen to you every day on my way home from work and I respect and admire how wonderful your thoughts and ideas are. Please keep at it and never let anyone tell you that your thoughts and ideas are not important!! One thing I am big on is the relevance of TG issues as well, many of my friends are also trans and having a voice is always important!

Escondido, CA XM
Thank you for doing what you do. I lost my political apathy during the 2000 presidential campaign. Now I participate and you are my anchor. Because of you and Derek, I can't keep my mouth shut when I see injustice.

Houston, TX (Sirius)
Like most talk/interview shows, when a discussion gets heated, both "sides" tend to talk over each other to the point you can't understand either. I usually "tune out" when this occurs, as do most of my friends who try to listen. Other than that annoying issue, I love your show. Just remember, not all Texans are uneducated rednecks.

Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ: Sirius 109, XM 98 and on the Sirius XM iPhone, Blackberry or Android apps. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free seven-day pass or, if you have an iPhone or Blackberry, go to the app store and download Sirius XM for free, for a 7-day trial, and listen on your phone.

A "Christian" Calls in on LGBT Suicides

In discussing the tragedy of the recent suicides by gay teens who were brutally bullied in school and online, I played a clip of Mormon leader Boyd Packer railing against homosexuality in recent days. The hate coming from the pulpits of most faiths cannot be denied as a factor in these suicides, and in gay-bashings. But many Christians don't want to believe that, even as they condemn homosexuality. One of them, James from Louisiana, called in yesterday. I was definitely not in the mood to put up with any crap!

Antigay Grandpa Responds to Lady Gaga

In this clip, Victor in Oklahoma calls in after Lady Gaga's speech in Portland, Maine, calling for "don't ask, don't tell" to be repealed. He said he genuinely wanted to understand and it was why he listens to the show. But then he said he didn't think homosexuality was "normal" and would not want his grandchildren to be gay.

Audio: Outing 20 Years Later

Here is the full audio, in two parts, of our special live show from San Francisco at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association convention, "Outing 20 Years Later: The Ethics of Reporting on the Sexual Orientation of Public Figures."

Weekend Back Talk

Here are some of the listener survey comments from last week which I read on the show. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey please do so by scrolling down and clicking through on the right. Thanks!


Kansas City, MO (XM)
I used to enjoy your show, but since you have taken up the cause for the NY mosque, I've lost a lot of respect for you. It isn't as cut and dried as you make it out to be. It's turned into a pro Islamic rant fest. Also, just because one is gay doesn't mean they agree with you on this issue. Move on to things relevant to the gay community!

Colorado Springs, CO (Sirius)
I started listening in the months leading to the last election. Almost immediately, I knew this was a different radio talk show. Michelangelo definitely welcomes differing viewpoints and opinions. Equal time (sometimes more than equal) is given to the guests/callers who disagree. I honestly don't have any complaints about the show – at least no complaints about things over which you have control. I'm referring to the recent callers against the Islamic Center near ground zero who really don't have a valid argument. It's been said before, but I agree that you truly do have the patience of a saint to listen to them parrot the same tired talking points and still keep your cool. Keep up the good work.

Orlando, FL (XM)
It's time to stop complaining about what Obama has NOT done, and start cheering about what he has. As a gay "leader", stop contributing to the enthusiasm gap!

Arlington, TX (Sirius)
I've been listening to your show for about 4 years and really enjoy it. I don't know how you are able to keep your cool with some of the idiots that call in. I'm a cross country truck driver and I experience the prejudice of the closed minds and bigots all over the country. I'm not a flamboyant queen, but I don't hide it either. I do get looks and stares and sometimes comments all the time. I find it best to ignore the closed minds most of the time.

Glastonbury, CT (Sirius)
I tell everyone I know to listen to Michelangelo before deciding anything. His opinions are always underpinned by a keen sense of right vs. wrong and articulated with a passionate clarity that is so persuasive, one finds oneself being pulled along, nodding in agreement. Thank you, Michelangelo.

Indianapolis, IN (Sirius)
OMG you are gonna caused your own city to get blown up! i love your show but please! arent you OUT Q RAdio GAY RADIO? i blame you and the other media for the violence happening around and to the Muslum Center! My God the Media will Not let it go away!!! quit talking about it and the violence will go away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marion, MA (Sirius)
I love it when you patiently yet powerfully engage opposition voices on the radio. Your interview with WorldNetDaily's Joseph Farah was a model of restraint and illumination. By the way, I called in recently, attempting to explain that those who assert Obama is a Muslim are bearing false witness. Isn't bearing false witness a sin for self-professed Christians? Unfortunately, I stumbled in my explanation and got cut off as a result. Just wanted to correct the record.

Evanston, IL (Sirius)
Michael I hate to say this but I think you are the weakness part of OutQ. The rest of the shows on OutQ actually care about their listeners and try to bring topics of interest that their listeners are interested in. You on the other hand expect your listeners to be interested in only the things you are interested in and if they don't have the exact opinion that you have you put them down. You need to get over yourself and make the focus about your listeners and not just about yourself.

Potosi, MO (XM)
I love the show. Since I have started listening I have begun to pay more attention to the news and news that affects the gay community. Also I am wanting to get more involved in supporting gay rights.

Dallas, TX (XM)
ENOUGH of Ken Mehlman. Seriously? Three days of wall-to-wall Mehlman? There's NOTHING else in the world going on?

Hayward, CA (XM)
This is my personal way to show my appreciation by taking your listener survey. I enjoy your show and I will admit that I have wanted to call you off and on in the last 2 years that I have listened but didn't have the nerve!....and I am gay! Your show topics have opened a dialogue between me and my partner Chris, on those timely topics that not only affect gay life but within our society in general. You are one handsome, intelligent young man, thank-you for all that you do for our community.

Doylstown, PA (Sirius)
Often when your read these comments on the air, many listeners protest your "passion" which some view as "aggression" to the callers -- however, some may lose sight that this is your show. In turn, you dutifully poll your audience on these observations. However, if there is any assessment, from someone who appreciates your no-nonsense handling of the uneducated, misinformed, or confused, it's this: the power of your convictions may cause some bright, yet, timid, individuals who have excellent contributions to hold back from calling. I have learned as a diversity and inclusion trainer that these voices often provide some of the best fodder for discussion.

Outing: 20 Years Later

Though we’d planned it for months, the timing of our special show on Friday, live from San Francisco, couldn’t be more perfect. In the wake of national discussions about former Bush-Cheney '04 campaign manager and RNC chairman Ken Mehlman (who recently came out as gay), federal Judge Vaughn Walker (who overturned Prop 8) and Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan (who, in the end, had a friend come forward to confirm she is straight), “The Michelangelo Signorile Show” hosts a special live broadcast and panel discussion: “Outing, 20 Years Later: The Ethics of Reporting on the Sexual Orientation of Public Figures.”

The two-hour event takes place at the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association (NLGJA) 20th annual convention at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, as a plenary discussion on Friday, September 3rd, 11 PT, 2 ET and broacasts live on Sirius XM OutQ (Sirius 109, XM 98). It will air live for the first two hours of our regular show (it will rebroadcast during the last two ours of our regular show).

Our panel includes Mike Rogers of Blogactive, who was at the forefront of reporting on Senator Larry Craig, Congressman Mark Foley, Ken Mehlman and many others; LZ Granderson, columnist for ESPN Page 2, host of the web-based ESPN360 talk show “Game Night” and a frequent commentator for CNN.com; and Michael Triplett, a contributor for the media analysis site Mediaite, assistant chief of correspondents for the Bureau of National Affairs, and a board member of NLGJA. They and other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender NLGJA members in the audience, journalists from across the country, will be participating, asking questions and commenting, as will be listeners from coast to coast calling in.

It was 20 years ago when the issue of “outing” first exploded on the national scene, shortly after I wrote a cover story for OutWeek magazine, titled “The Secret Gay Live of Malcolm Forbes,” within weeks of the multimillionaire’s death. The issue dominated the 1st convention of NLGJA in 1992, as newly out journalists in the mainstream media grappled with how to report on gays and lesbians in public life.

The late Randy Shilts, the groundbreaking reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle and author of the acclaimed "And the Band Played On," spoke out against reporting on the sexual orientation of public figures and dubbed gay journalists who promoted such reporting as "lavender fascists," while the late Advocate editor Richard Roulard defended outing antigay hypocrites in government. Gay conservative Andrew Sullivan, then the editor of The New Republic, came out forcefully against outing, battling with me and others at the convention. The New York Times published a terrible and biased report on the convention and on the outing debate, which actually claimed to be able to delineate our positions by the way we dressed! (Honestly, don’t believe much in this bad article, though it is an interesting artifact to take a look at.)

Twenty years later, positions have changed dramatically: Andrew Sullivan, for one, formerly attacking “the gay left” for outing, focused a great deal of time and effort in early 2010 trying to get the corporate media to report on the sexual orientation of Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan – to the consternation of many, including those who normally support reporting on closeted hypocrites. Openly gay journalist Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic, to whom Ken Mehlman came out, now says he would have outed Mehlman years ago if he had the evidence. California State Senator Roy Ashburn was outed on Facebook by the mayor of West Sacramento, but no one in the media took notice. Not until he was arrested on a DUI after leaving a gay bar did the truth come out though editors and reporters had known for a long time. Meanwhile, Judge Vaughn Walker was reported on as gay based on nothing but an “open secret,” something which media from across the country would pick up on months later, spurred by antigay zealots after he handed down his decision overturning Proposition 8.

All of these and many other revelations over the past 20 years – from Congressman Mark Foley to Senator Larry Craig -- show that the ethics and standards for reporting are still very uneven even if such reporting has moved forward. And so, we’ll exchange ideas and raise many of the questions that need to be raised in this ongoing discussion and debate. I hope you’ll all join us, Friday, 2 East, 11 West.

Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ: Sirius 109, XM 98 and on the Sirius XM iPhone, Blackberry and Android apps. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free seven-day pass or, if you have an iPhone, Blackberry, or Android-based phone go to the app store and download Sirius XM for free, for a 7-day trial, and listen on your phone.

The Moment Prop 8 was Overturned

It was an exhilarating day last Wednesday, waiting for the Prop 8 decision to come down and then reporting it all live on the show at around 4:30 ET. That hour,which encompassed a few minutes before and a while after Judge Walker's ruling -- and that moment we got it confirmed -- was pretty exciting for me and for many listeners. It really was privilege to do it all live on the show. I've shortened it down to this 8 minute or so clip. Check it out.

Pastor Terry Jones: Why I'm Burning Qu'rans on 9/11

Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center first gained notoriety when he held "No Homo Mayor" protests (and had another one last week) in Gainesville, FL, battling against the election of Craig Lowe who became that city's first openly gay mayor this year.

Now he has announced "International Burn a Qu'ran Day" in which he and his followers will be burning the holy book of Islam on the ninth anniversary of 9/11. I brought him on the show on Friday to discuss Islam, Christianity and homosexuality. Watch the video as he gets tripped up about the Old Testament:

Signorile: The bigger threats in this country are from Christians who want to see the Bible enacted as the law of the land...There are people who would like to see this country enact a Christianity that is very violent. If you read the Bible it has many things that are in the Koran. It has, you know, that people should be stoned, and people should be killed.

Jones: You’re taking about Old Testament and we no longer adhere to that because of Jesus…

Signorile: What do you think about what Muslims think about homosexuality?

Jones: I do not agree that homosexuals should be stoned. I believe that homosexuality is a sin that leads to hell and they need to repent.

Signorile: Now why do you believe that?

Jones: Because we believe it is very clear in the Bible.

Signorile: Where?

Jones: It’s in Romans, it’s in the Old Testament.

Signorile: I thought we don’t use the Old Testament.

Jones: Well, we…um.

Signorile: No, we only [use it] when it’s about homosexuality.

Saturday Back Talk

Here are a bunch of listener survey comments, some of which I read on the show this week. If you're listener to the show and haven't taken the survey please scroll down and click through on the right. Thanks!


Parachute, CO (Sirius)
Living in rural America limits the news that I have access to. The information that Mr Signorile offers is super and a necessity to really understand what is going on the in the nation and the world. Thank you for being a big part of my day.

Royal Oak, MI (Sirius)
I would like to hear less of this show. While I tend to agree with most of what Michelangelo says, the way he says it makes me want to go all Republican. It feels like he sensationalizes things, he takes things out of context, blows things up. We need to fight gay rights, but we aren't going to get anywhere by alienating and demonizing the opposition.

Palm Springs, CA (XM)
I was pleasantly surprised by Jack in Arizona's apology for not supporting gay rights in the past. He is an honorable person. I enjoy your show! Thank you!

Portsmouth, RI (Sirius)
I was driven to complete the survey today primarily to plead with you: Please, please, please no more 'debates.' I admire your skills as an interviewer and value the careful questions you pose and the thoughtful responses they elicit. I changed the station three times today during the discussion of the Manchester Hyatt boycott, and each time that I tried to resume listening, I heard antagonistic, hostile exchanges. If I want to listen to people shriek at one another and accuse the other of 'whoring themselves out' there are plenty of shows taking that approach to the news. (None of which I watch.) By all means, engage various viewpoints. But please continue to play to your own strengths and do it one-on-one.

Vancouver, WA (XM)
Surprise Me. There are many Transsexuals who do not see themselves as Transgenders. Please try to find guests the have that view. One person that I would recommend is Susan (Suzy) Cook. She is a long time Post OP woman born TS, who was also a early feminist.

Indianapolis, IN (XM)
Mike, I wish you weren't so dismissive of callers who disagree with you. You always go out of your way to prove that you are fair, but even the way you argue with those who call you dismissive is dismissive. In fact, you're probably already formulating a way to dismiss this feedback right now! The way we can tell is if trying to be "balanced" you'll say someone else's view is their opinion while implying that they are wrong, but your opposing opinion is not presented as 'opinion' but fact. To color all of this, let me say that it's not so much the words you actually say, but more so the tonality which does in fact communicate how you are looking down upon anyone who disagrees with you. You're welcome in advance (since honest feedback is a gift!)

Las Vegas, NV (Sirius)
I love your show. Being from Nevada,I thought it was funny when I visited your website there was a pro Sharon Angle ad! (adsbygoogle) Keep up the good work. You are always a joy to listen to.

Flagstaff, AZ (Sirius)
Michael, you are such a bleeding heart liberal. Nothing wrong with liberal, but you don't have to bleed all over the microphone.We live in a time/place where we as a country need to be more selective about who we allow to enter the country. Time was that folks who emigrated here WANTED to embrace America. Nowadays, they want to set up an enclave where they can practice their language/culture/practices from their home country. They aren't interested in assimilating into American culture. To this I say, "stay home". You also have a way of cutting off callers who don't agree with you. By the way, I think you're HOT. :)

Hartford, CT (Sirius)
What some of the people are saying in the survey is accurate: David can be a real bitch when he answers the phone. I don't know if working at a gay station has rubbed off on him but the queeny bitchy attitude he has at times when answering the phone is frustrating. I have actually stopped calling because of his attitude. I can understand and forgive him when he may need to be short with people but I can't excuse bitchiness. He can be sarcastic at times when answering the phone. If I wanted attitude like that I would just go to the local store and get it from one of the working high school kids. Love the show, hate the call screener ;-(

Wichita, KS (Sirius)
I like the show, but often people complain about not being able to get through. Maybe you could take something from Frank's show, and have a segment of about 20 minutes, where you let anyone call in about ANY topic. For the call, you might find a new topic that you hadn't thought of talking about, and those callers that get through, would be able to say, that they weren't SCREENED out of making a call to talk to you. It could happen once a week, or even once a month. Otherwise, love the show, and yes DAVID does a great job.

Naples, FL (Sirius)
I've been listening to your show for a year and it's the only political information I listen to. I don't get into political debates, but if I'm at a social event and someone is getting on my nerve because they don't know what the hell they're talking about, I just say "Michaelangelo Signorile said such an such". OMG! I become everyone's hero. I love using your information to make me sound smart. I would also like to thank David for convincing me to tell my story on air. It was the first time I have ever called any talk show and he was so caring and made me feel very comfortable (although I was a hot mess).

Carpinteria, CA (Sirius)
You could cut down on the monologues a little. If anyone thinks Obama is supportive of the gay community they need to get back to reality. Repeal of don't ask don't tell will not occur under his watch. The Pentagon is laying the ground work to show that it can't be done this is being orchestrated by Sec. Gates and the "good old boys" at the top.

Owensboro, KY (Sirius)
I have to admit I didn't really like the show at first but my ex convinced me to try again. I don"t always agree with your views but do find you very informative. I am an older lesbian and grew up in a small town and therefore am not as comfortable about outing people although you do give convincing arguments on why we should.

Grand Island, NE (Sirius)
I love the show so much. I couldn't make the listener meet-up in DC but can't wait until you have another one. I would love to meet you and some of the iconic callers like 'Jay in New Haven'. Thank you so much for what you do.

More from Netroots Nation

At Netroots Nation in Las Vegas I interviewed bloggers and good friends (of mine, and of the show) Pam Spaulding of PamsHouseBlend and Joe Sudbay of Americablog.

I spoke with both of them, in separate interviews, about the LGBT organizing at Netroots. But mostly, we discussed the Democrats, the mid-term elections and the Obama administration on LGBT rights and the anger and disappointment in the community. The interviews are particularly relevant today as the Prop 8 decision comes down and we once again wait to see if the president responds. Listen in.

Interview with Pam Spaulding



Interview with Joe Sudbay (two segments)

Prop 8 Decision Today

The much anticipated decision from federal judge Vaughn Walker on the challenge to Proposition 8 will be announced today. The decision is expected between 1 and 3 Pacific Time (between 4 and 6 Eastern Time), and we will be live on the air when the decision is announced. So listen in and please call in with your thoughts toll-free, 866 305 6887, and join the discussion. Also, give me your thoughts here as well and on the Facebook fan group page and we will be reading them live on air.

Rallies are being planned all across the country, a response from the grass roots no matter what the decision is. It's a big day, and lots to talk about.

Weekend Back Talk

A few listener survey comments I read on the show last week. If you're a listener and haven't taken the survey, please scroll down and click through on the right. Thanks!


Audubon, NJ (XM)
I love the factual information that Michelangelo comes up with. His interviewing skills are fantastic. I'd be interested in having a segment on OutQ like Michelangelo's show that involves a Lesbian perspective...or maybe just a weekly segment as part of his show, to allow some conversation between the two of them as well as an alternative perspective. Of course, I'm interested ;). Thanks for being there for our community and providing a classy, informative, factual, and safe place to communicate and debate the issues that face the gay community!!!

Indianapolis, IN (Sirius)
I believe the Pentagon is trying to sabotage Don't ask, Don't tell" repeal with their questionnaire. The other day on the news Barbara Starr was reporting that gay troops were being warned: "You could be outed if you fill This out," which I believe is just a fear tactic to keep gay troops from from filling out the forms. Of course they don't want gay troops to fill out the form!

Attica, NY (Sirius)
I was amused by your comment last week about how someone pronounced his name. But under what scenario is "ile" pronounced "elli"? Shouldn't your name be pronounced "Signor-relay"?

Pinedale, WY (Sirius)
You mentioned today on the show if there are any atheists out there that are against gay marriage. I believe there are. No matter how hard we try to get rid of the influence because it is so ingrained in our culture its almost hard to get rid of completely. i believe it will take at least 2 to 3 generations before the enshrinement of religious culture leaves our society or at least becomes less influential on our culture.

Hugo, OK (Sirius)
The story about the Taliban was interesting but I still feel that as an informed citizen I can get this information from other news organizations. It isn't like I don't want to be well rounded and know about information that isn't specific to the GLBT community but again I can get that in other news show or talk shows. I listen to OutQ because I want a gay perspective and again although I found the story interesting this time I didn't get the GLBT connection. Still love your show.

Gainsville, TX (XM)
Mike just because we live in Texas doesn't mean we voted Republican. And David why do you laugh when you say Hugo,OK? I find both of you condescending to those of us who pay your salary. The people who but trucks that use gasoline and help provide energy so that we can listen to your show in our trucks. New York isn't immune from conservative legislatures so quit being so condescending to us in Texas and Oklahoma.

Broadalbin, NY (Sirius)
My husband and I both enjoy your show very much and appreciate your perspective and knowledge. I often learn new information through your interviews and commentaries and then follow-up with further research on my own. I appreciate feeling updated on current LGBT issues. Have been listening for about 3-4 years. ** Listeners who think you are single-minded or inconsiderate are unfortunately not as well informed as they could be, and I hope you never change too much of HOW you run your show. ** Keep up the fantastic

Weekend Back Talk

These are some of the listener survey comments from last week, some of which I read on the show. If you're a listener and haven't taken the survey please do so by scrolling down and clicking through on the right. Thanks!

Southlake, TX (XM)
Michael, how dare you assume that if someone has to get off the phone it is because they lost the argument. If someone comes to my office while I am talking I would have to respectfully say goodbye. Whenever someone doesn't agree with you, you start calling them names and assume that they are conservative even when they don't sound conservative. These are just bullying tactics and you are smart enough to not have to engage in these tactics. It will be interesting to see how you bash me if you choose to talk about this comment on air.

Huntington, NY (Sirius)
Both my partner and I listen to your show all the time and have been for several years. We have noticed recently that you have been getting very angry with the "cowards" that call and can't back up the claims they make about you or the subject at large, then hang up or say "gotta go". It's like a hit and run accident. We back you 101%. You should continue to get mad as hell at them with more verbal tantrums.

Raleigh, NC (Sirius)
The caller saying ALL PEOPLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION HATE THE MILITARY, obviously doesn't realize that Robert Gates is in the Administration, at least the last time I looked he was Secretary of Defense. He was pretty much ignorant as are a lot of the opposition to Mr. Obama and his administration.

Kansas City, MO (XM)
I have a bit of a bone to pick with you! You say 866-305-6887 SO much...Seriously it is all the time! It seems to have become your verbal pause and filler. What makes me angry (not actually angry but laughable angry) is when I was filling out my Out-of-Office Outlook message I typed out the OutQ number instead of my companies customer care number! You have the phone number stuck so far in my head that I can't get it out. The kicker is that I didn't realize I put the call-in number on my away message until my boss called my personal phone and was like "what the hell is this radio station you put on your away message?!" Blast you Mike! Good thing she caught it..(after 2 days). Anyway, the show is great and I very much enjoy the content. I wish we could see more of you on CNN or MSNBC.

Star City, AR (XM)
This show is one of the reasons that I have not yet canceled my XM subscription. The MSS is one of the few places that I can hear no-bullshit news about the LGBT community and not only that but Signorile is pro T* which is lacking from many white-gay males in the "gay media."

Denver, CO (XM)
Mike, I enjoy your show. But clearly you've crossed the line from journalist to commentator. I used to think you were fairly balanced but in the last 3 years you've moved completely to the role of instigator and dropped any semblance of impartiality. I first noticed it during the 2008 election cycle. Clearly you were supporting Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. When Hillary would do something that was embarrassing to the Obama camp it was "Sleazy, scummy, vile, disgusting" but when Obama's camp would do something to embarrass Clinton it was "disingenuous, or silly". Go back and listen to the tapes. You have no journalistic integrity left, sir. And I am disappointed that you've continued to move from serious journalist to a parody of what was once a good show. Fortunately I've found Pete Dominick on Sirius XM's POTUS channel.

Jacksonville, FL (XM)
I love all the OutQ shows. It's so much fun to be inundated with Gay positivity while just driving to and from work. What I love most about your show in particular are the intense, in depth discussions.

Meade, KS (XM)
Michael, you make fun of serious people who write comments but I thought your discussion about the mosque at WTC was awful. How would you like it if a Catholic Church wanted to build a church where Matthew Shepard was murder and I don't even think that the murders were Catholic. Yes Not all Muslims are bad people just like not all Catholic people are bad people but building a church on scared ground that goes against everything that is scared about that ground is just wrong. You say you listen to your callers but you don't really. All you do is argue with them and try to make them look like idiots. Just because we don't agree with you doesn't make us idiots.

Ridgefield, CT (XM)
Michelangelo ROCKS! I love that he isn't afraid to be serious or to get into detail about news stories or political issues. I also love that he respectfully but assertively stands up to guests who strongly disagree with him and/or criticize him. I don't always agree with him myself (such as, recently, on immigration and pedophiles), but I still appreciate his articulateness and ability to present information in an engaging and educational way. He seems immune to fashion and the pressure to be "entertaining" (read: mindlessly pandering to the lowest common denominator and insulting the audience's intelligence) or the typical plastic, fake, numbingly middle-of-the-road talking head one sees pretty much everywhere else on TV, radio and the mainstream press. Love the stuff on environmental issues even tho it isn't specifically LGBT-oriented. No real suggestions or requests except "More of the same, please!"

St. Petersburg, FL (Sirius)
I'm glad you pronounce the letter "H" now or that you have at least made an effort to do so. The one positive thing to say is that you give us information and discussion we cannot find anywhere else and you do not let people get away without answering your questions. The one negative thing I would say is you sometimes drone on with excruciating detail over the minutia of a story leading to tangents that require breadcrumbs to once again find the original purpose of your comment(s). Love the show, warts and all.

Weekend Back Talk

These are some of the listener survey comments I read in the show in the past few weeks. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey please do so by scrolling down clicking through on the right. Thanks!

Tyrone, GA (Sirius)
Just want to say thank you for educating and getting GLBT issues heard. Having grown up without any positive source of GLBT news or data, your show makes me more informed and because of that, I have a more activist mindset. If we do not stand up and speak out we will not be heard.

Glenn Rose, TX (XM)
Michael, how dare you call others (Glenn Beck) authoritarian. You are the most authoritarian person I listen to. You don't listen to others and think you are smarter than anyone else. I wish we had true diversity of Gay News reporting on OutQ.

Lewisburg, TN (XM)
I just love your show. The out-q channel is the main reason I've kept my XM subscription. I live in a VERY conservative area. It's encouraging to listen to people with the same views talking about things I'm interested in. Lets me know I'm not alone in liberal land. I feel I have more in common with gay/lesbian individuals than straights most of the time, as I was raised by a gay father and I now have a 14 year old son who (although he hasn't declared) straddles the gay/straight fence. He's still questioning. And that's ok. If he is straight, good. If he's gay, good. I just want him to be himself and be happy. I will be so proud either way. I AM so PROUD either way. Thank you for your positivity and for keeping me abreast on the latest issues of the day.

Wlliamsburg, VA (XM)
I disagree with most of what Mr. Signorile pontificates, but I find his arguments thought-provoking. He needs to learn much more about the real causes of the War of Northern Aggression. However, he is no more ignorant than most other socialists in the media. Mr. Signorile is one of my favorite left-wing talk-show hosts...keep up the good work.

Lubbock, TX (Sirius)
I am sick and tired of whinyass people bitching about the content on your show! There are 100+ other channels on Sirius/XM, if you do not like wtf is being said, or how it is being said CHANGE THE CHANNEL! Quit being a whiner ... I'm trans woman and have a 9yr old daughter who does not complain and WHINE as much as some of the listeners do. FFS it is his (Michelangelo's) show and he can do wtf he wants to with it. All in all I feel you do a sufficient job at presenting topics in a fair and balanced way.

Wilton Manors, FL (Sirius)
Just this. So often you cover topics that are so important yet so under examined. How refreshing to experience an informed , intelligent public figure with the balls to tell it like it is.

Boston, MA (XM)
I find that you are very disrespectful of your callers into the show and that is the reason I never call into the show. When a caller disagrees with you and they give you the reason why you don't try to understand where they are coming from but keep on insisting that the only valid conclusion is the conclusion that you have already come to. Even if I agree with your conclusion I don't agree with how you talk to your callers that disagree with you.

Tallahassee, AL (Sirius)
love the show and would like to say don't change a thing and the people that nip pick at you can go to other channels love you and your show mike keep it coming and i will be listening.

Dallas, TX (XM)
Your show is the main reason I have subscribed to satellite radio, starting 7 years ago with a Sirius portable radio, then 3 years ago switched to XM with the new car. I love the political talk, and the recent addition of the gassy, angel and turkey awards on Friday's.

Wilton Manors, FL (Sirius)
Been listening for a couple of years. Love the way you approach an argument, very logical and focused. OK, here is my HUGE pet peeve about your show... This actually makes me change the channel to the Sirius Left station and stay there...i listen to the show in my car, and at the end of many segments you have these "bumpers" to commercials which are so LOUD, like an explosion or series of explosions, they are so much louder than your voice level, which already has a booster...sucks big time! I find myself switching stations as you finish your statement before the "bumper." Truly annoying and cheapens the show. Other than that I am a big admirer.

McAlester, OK (Sirius)
You take more callers than most talk shows. This can be distracting at times as often the callers seems unable to discuss thoughtfully. I do enjoy those callers that do engage in thoughtful discussion though.

Palm Springs, CA (Sirius)
I love your kick-ass style. Keep giving it to the homophobes, the religious bigots,
and the hypocrites of the world. Great job.