I scream, you scream, we all scream for (Ben & Jerry’s) ice cream (for marriage equality in the UK), the same-sex marriage debate in the black community, and other recent LGBTQ news selected by Sara Boesser in Juneau, Alaska.

1) Vt.’s Ben & Jerry’s issues pro-gay marriage flavor
Montpelier, Vermont, Associated Press, March 16, 2012

Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s is supporting gay marriage in Britain by relabeling an apple pie flavor as Apple-y Ever After.

2) Survey: DADT repeal has less impact than expected
Washington, Navy Times, March 12, 2012

Prior to the repeal of DADT, advocates on both sides of the debate about open service by gays put high stakes on the outcome.

The Center for Military Readiness warned of “harmful consequences” in the week after top Pentagon officials certified that the military was ready for repeal, as required by Congress.

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, in contrast, said repeal was “a significant step toward equality for all who want to serve their country in uniform,” one that would no longer force gay, lesbian and bisexual service members to “hide a part of themselves.”

But neither prediction is being realized, based on responses to the 2012 Military Times Poll from the 25 active-duty service members who indicated that they are gay, lesbian or bisexual.

3) NBJC Celebrates Black Gay Civil Rights Leader Bayard Rustin’s 100th Birthday: 1912–2012
National Black Justice Coalition, March 16, 2012

Saturday, March 17, 2012, will mark the 100th birthday of the late civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.  Rustin was a proud Black gay man who was an indispensable architect of the Civil Rights Movement.

4) Obama Condemns Proposed N.C. Marriage Ban
North Carolina, Advocate, March 16, 2012

President Barack Obama has come out against North Carolina’s Amendment 1, which would constitutionally ban marriage for same-sex couples. Voters will decide on the ballot initiative in the key battleground state on May 8.

5) Film wrestles with gay marriage in black community
National Black Justice Coalition, February 24, 2012

This is a topic — black pastors against gay marriage — that touches off fierce debate inside and outside churches….

After reading Marc’s piece — and the comments — I went looking for more black voices on the topic. I found The Rev. Al Sharpton’s video supporting gay marriage. I found coverage of the topic in Black Church News. And I stumbled on an excerpt from a documentary commissioned by the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights organization supporting black gay, lesbian and transgendered people.

The film follows four black gay and lesbian couples and includes footage of some of the first married couples in D.C.

Watch it:

6) Rev. Marcel Guarnizo Suspended: Priest Who Denied Communion To Lesbian Barbara Johnson, Put on Leave
Washington, D.C., Huffington Post, March 11, 2012

Rev. Marcel Guarnizo, the priest who denied a lesbian woman communion at her mother’s funeral, has been withdrawn and placed on administrative leave

7) LGBT Protection Added to Violence Against Women Act
Washington, Advocate, March 16, 2012

Senate Democrats have added new provisions to the Violence Against Women Act, originally passed with broad support from both parties in 1994.

The act already seeks to combat violence against women and funds services for victims. The new provisions would extend the act to cover LGBT and immigrant victims, according to the Associated Press.

8) Why Are so Many Kids Changing Sexes?
Yahoo News, February 20, 2012

As the Associated Press’ Lindsey Tanner reports, “A small but growing number of teens and even younger children” are beginning to identify as transsexuals,and are receiving medical treatment to alleviate their dysphoria. These treatments include male or female sex hormones, and (in some cases) prescription drugs which block puberty from occurring.

 The reasons why some kids and teens want do this are difficult to relate to for some cisgender (not transgender) parents because their kids may not fit the typical psychological profiles of troubled or rebellious children. In fact, they may be scrupulously obedient, or even seem confident and well-adjusted. Because of this, trying to understand their children’s behavior the same way that they understand other “misbehaviors” will not work.

9) Bruising gay-marriage showdowns likely in 5 states
Advocate, March 8, 2012

Foes and supporters of same-sex marriage are gearing up for five costly and bruising statewide showdowns in the coming months on an issue that evenly divides Americans.

It’s an election year subplot sure to stir up heated emotions — even beyond the confines of North Carolina, Minnesota, Maryland, Maine and Washington state. National advocacy groups will be deeply engaged, and advertising is likely to surface from each side that outrages the other.