My nephew just graduated from high school and is looking forward to heading off to college at the end of next month. Right about now, he should be receiving the name and contact info for his new college roommate. Like any kid heading off to college, he's got some trepidation about meeting his roommate. He wonders, will they get along, will his roommate be messy or like to party in the room when he wants to study.

One thing my nephew doesn't have to worry about is if his new roommate is homophobic or not. For gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans youth heading off to college and about to meet their roommates for the first time, this can be a valid concern. On the one hand many are looking forward to college as this new opportunity to be away from home and live their lives more openly. On the other hand, they have to figure out how to let a complete stranger, whom they will be sharing intimate space with, know that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans.

If you're a gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans student heading off to college, do you come out to your roommate right away, or do you wait until you've gotten to know him or her a little first? And either, way, how do you come out to your roommate?

My nephew is straight, but maybe his roommate will be gay. What should he do, how should he react? Here's some advice for what to do when if your roommate comes out to you.

Certain colleges have a reputation for being gay-friendly. Others, not so much. How can you know if the college you are going to is gay-friendly or not?
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Much like New York State, gay and lesbian couples who are married in a place where same-sex marriage is legal will have their marriage recognized in Washington, DC beginning today.

So, if you were married in one of the states or countries that recognizes same-sex marriage, here is what you need to know about the new rights granted to you today in Washington, DC.

Of course, because of the Defense of Marriage Law, no federal benefits will be available to married same-sex couples.
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I haven't watched the new incarnation of 90210, but I might start now. Rumor has it that Rumor Willis will be playing a lesbian on the show next season. She'll be playing a girl named Gia who is a "punky, cute lesbian who isn't afraid to speak her mind." And she works at the school paper. Just my kind of gal!

Rumor Willis is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. As of now, she is slated to be on one episode. It would be nice if that got extended. I can't think of one network TV show that has an on-going lesbian character. Are there any? Enlighten me.
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Yesterday the US military decided to fire Lt. Dan Choi. Even though he has given ten years of his life to the military, is a skilled Arabic translator and has severed in Iraq, Dan Choi is not wanted because he is gay. A military panel has recommended that Dan Choi be discharged for "moral and professional dereliction" under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Even though President Obama promised us that he would do away with this archaic, discriminatory and unnecessary policy, he has made no moves to do so. In the meantime, our country is less safe, as 265 gay, lesbian or bisexual soldiers have been discharged since he took office in January.

Since President Obama is not taking action on this matter, it's time for members of Congress to step up. Lt. Dan Choi is asking that you sign a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by July 4th to begin the process to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Consider adding your name to the list before you head out to see fireworks this Independence Day.
_{© Photo of Dan Choi by David Paul Morris/Getty Images}