I thought this sign, "You're Making Ellen Sad" was hysterical when I saw it. Although it didn't make the list of the Top 40 Funny Protest Signs of 2009, it would have been on my list. Well, I guess that photo was taken in 2008, at the Prop 8 protests, so it couldn't have made the list anyway.

But we gays do have a good sense of humor. That's why so many of the signs on this list are from the LGBT community.

_{© Justin Sullivan/Getty Images}

I've been so impressed with Ellen DeGeneres. More and more, I think she's seeing what a difference she can make in the world. I think one of the reasons her show is so popular, besides her dead-on sense of humor, is that she is a genuinely caring person who understands that she can make the world a better place.

She's been taking a stand about things that matter to her, like animal welfare and Prop 8. Now Ellen is speaking out about the dire situation for gays and lesbians and their supporters in Uganda. She released the following statement on her website:

I'm so thankful for the freedoms that we have in this country; the freedom of speech, the freedom to vote and the freedom to love who we want.

And I want to say that what's happening in Uganda makes me incredibly sad. There's an "Anti-Gay Bill" that's proposing to jail homosexuals. They are trying to give life sentences to same-sex couples, and the bill even proposes that they jail anyone who fails to report "gay activity" to the police within 24 hours.

This is a horrible violation of human rights and I can't believe something like this is being discussed in this day and age.

I think we should be grateful for our freedoms this holiday season. Be thankful for the people who fight for them. And let's continue to be an example to the world through our love and compassion.

If you haven't already, please join the world-wide protest of this scary proposed law by signing an online petition.

_{© Frederick M. Brown}

Dear Lesbian Life:

I'm 14 years old and I am currently dating a girl who is 18. My feelings for her are very strong and I am more than positive that I love her and she loves me. We have been together for 10 months. I am very happy I am with her, but good thing my mom does not know.

You see my mom does not approve of my girlfriend because she does not want me being with the same sex or being gay period...

But mainly the question I've been wanting to ask you is, when I turn 18 and I may still be with Lucy who will be 22. Can my mom still report anything against Lucy that will cause Lucy to have problems with law, even after I am 18?

Dear Young Lover:

Wow, that is a good question. If you are having a sexual relationship with your girlfriend, then depending on the laws of your state, she can be charged with statutory rape. Even if you want to have sex with her, it doesn't matter in the eyes of the law. These laws are in place to protect young people from unwanted sexual encounters. If you want to prevent her from getting into trouble with the law, try to keep the relationship non-sexual.
If you have already had sex, then your mom or anyone else can turn her in...keep reading.

More:

• Dealing with Homophobic Parents
• Coming Out to Parents
• Meeting her Parents

_{© Adam Kurzok}

Yesterday the District of Columbia's City Council voted to legalize gay marriage. That means couples could begin getting married in D.C. as early as March. Congress, which has authority over laws passed in D.C. and the mayor still have to sign the bill, but it is expected that they will.

Earlier this year, the District of Columbia voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Now gay and lesbian couples can also get married there.

Washington, D.C. joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire in legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States.

_{© Brendan Smialowski/Stringer}