Despite having a higher rate of acceptance in American society and greater media presence than ever before, being gay or transgendered is still difficult, especially for those living in non-metropolitan areas. Approximately 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBT, experiencing a higher rate of suicide than heterosexuals. But sometimes discrimination and pressure to conform comes just as much from inside the gay community as it does from the outside.

Misogynistic and homophobic lyrics are part and parcel of mainstream rap music's hyper-masculine culture. But over the last year, as part of a larger conversation about homophobia and bullying, more and more stars have spoken out against the community's anti-gay attitudes. 

In the upcoming edition of The New York Times Sunday Magazine advice columnist Dan Savage has some words of wisdom for married couples, gay or straight. Savage, the sex-advice columnist best known for his "It Gets Better" project to help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens deal with the cruelties of fellow high school students, says that married couples should not put so much stock in fidelity and monogamy, and should focus instead on honesty.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon's top leaders said the 17-year-old "don't ask, don't tell" law, which prohibits gay and lesbian armed forces members from openly admitting their sexuality, would not pose a problem if scrapped. A survey conducted among troops showed that over 70 percent wouldn't have a problem serving alongside gay troops. The poll results put new pressure on Republican opponents to repeal the law; President Barack Obama is urging the Senate to do so before adjourning in the next few weeks.

24-year-old Jennifer Keeton was pursuing a master’s degree in education at Georgia’s Augusta State University until the school became aware of her religious opposition to homosexuality. At that point, the school demanded that Ms. Keeton participate in diversity sensitivity training, and suggested that she attend a gay pride parade in order to complete her training. Ms. Keeton has sued the school in federal court for infringing on her civil rights.

Today, the Obama administration unveils a new plan to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this country. Currently, more than 1.1 million Americans are infected with the virus, and infection rates are highest in the African-American community. African-Americans make up 12 percent of the US population, but make up more than half of new HIV/AIDS cases. It seems conventional methods of education on prevention and access to medicine are not effectively reaching this high-risk community. Many people pay attention to words from the pulpit: In some communities, the church might be the place where HIV prevention can best be taught.