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.
_{© Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images}

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.
_{© Photo by Getty Images}

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}

The patrons of The Stonewall Inn were fighting back against police harassment that hot summer evening in 1969. In some ways we've come a long way since then. But I was saddened and shocked to read several cases of police harassment and one video of a man being taunted and followed by a group of teenagers.

We Hate Gay People

A man posted a video on YouTube of his friend being harassed by a group of teenagers who shouted out that they hate gay people, "gay is not the way" and "F**k gay people." The men were leaving gay pride celebration in Minneapolis, MN when confronted by a group of 12-15 teens. Several people walk by, including a security guard and no one intervenes. The man being followed claims in the video that he is not scared, but how could he not be?
(Note: I just checked back on this video and I have to say, I feel sick to my stomach. The comments posted are so hate-filled. Who is posting these? There's violent homophobic comments and even more disturbing racist remarks. We will never defeat homophobia by fighting it with racism. I am ashamed. We in the LGBT community - assuming it is gay people posting the racist remarks- clearly also have a long ways to go. )

Gay Bar Raided by Police

Was it a raid or "alcohol beverage code inspection" as the police claim? Either way, seven men were arrested and one is in intensive care with head injuries after police showed up at a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar Sunday night. The police officers claim they were "groped" and acted appropriately. Bar patrons say nothing like that happened. Columnist Dan Savage is calling the police reaction the "gay panic defense." Human Rights Campaign is calling for an investigation.

Is No One Safe?

Going to a fundraising garden party at a older lesbian couple's home is not the first place I would think to fear being subject to police harassment. But apparently it happened in California. A 60-year-old lesbian and her partner were hosting a political fundraiser in their backyard when a neighbor called the police, saying the party was too loud. Details about what happened after the police arrived are disputed, but the woman claims she was thrown to the ground and her guests were pepper-sprayed and threatened with a taser.

All these events show that there is still much work to be done. Consider getting involved in an organization working for LGBT rights or join the National Equality March in Washington October 11, 2009.

What else can we do? Post your ideas in the comments section below.