‘I have been struck by how much more immediate ‘unearned’ credibility and respect I get as a completely average-looking man than I did as a visibly masculine-appearing woman. The difference is stark—whether it is service in a restaurant or on a plane, or appearing in court.’ — Shannon Minter (pictured) , legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and lead lawyer for the successful gay side in the California marriage case, to the Palm Springs gay magazine The BottomLine, Aug. 1. Minter had a sex-change operation in 1996.

‘We are proud to join NO on 8 and Equality California to protect the freedom to marry for all Californians. For years, PG&E has advocated for equality and fairness in the workplace, and across California. In that same spirit, PG&E is honored to be a founding member of the Equality Business Advisory Council and urge our business colleagues to join us as we work to guarantee the same rights and freedoms for every Californian.’ — Nancy McFadden, senior vice president of public affairs for Pacific Gas and Electric Co., announcing a $250,000 contribution to the campaign to defeat the effort to amend the California Constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, July 29.

‘I have already said that it was slander and lies.’ — Haiti’s new prime minister, Michéle Pierre-Louis, when asked if she’s gay by Radio Caraibes, July 30.

‘If we defeat this proposition (on marriage in California), as I believe we will, that victory will resonate across the country. Not only will marriage in California be secure, but we will have demonstrated that efforts to politically exploit anti-gay bias no longer work. We have a chance here in California to deal a crushing defeat to the anti-gay forces that have caused incalculable damage to our community for years. This is our opportunity to make a difference that will go down in history books as a critical turning point.’ — Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and lead lawyer for the successful gay side in the California marriage case, to the Palm Springs gay magazine The BottomLine, Aug. 1.

‘If you notice, since Britney started wearing clothes and behaving, Paris is out of town not bothering anybody anymore—thank God—and evidently, Lindsay Lohan has gone gay, we don’t seem to have much of an issue (with the paparazzi).’ — Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton to KNBC-TV, July 31.

‘Police chiefs shouldn’t get involved in everyone else’s business when it comes to their personal life. It’s inappropriate.’ — Lindsay Lohan in a video response posted at TMZ.com, Aug. 1.

‘I grew up at a time when there were no role models: To be gay or lesbian was to be a failure. Oh, I shared the fact that I was attracted to men within two weeks of meeting (my ex-wife) Isabella. All of my real romantic relations previous to her had been with men. I felt ready for a relationship with her, but I was still unsure about marriage. Isabella assured me we’d deal with it together. And we did, 13 years later.’ — Openly gay and noncelibate New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson to The Times of London, July 27.

—Assistance: Bill Kelley