Morning pride

Welcome to The Morning Pride, ThinkProgress LGBT’s round-up of the latest in LGBT policy, politics, and some culture too! Here’s what we’re reading this morning, but let us know what you’re checking out too. Follow us all day on Twitter at @TPEquality.

- Thirteen years ago today, Matthew Shepard was fatally attacked because he was gay. Read reflections from bloggers John Aravosis, David Badash, and Jamie McGonnigal.

- The Values Voters Summit kicks off today. Watch all the anti-gay rhetoric live online, review the speaker schedule, and make sure to follow the #vvs11 hashtag on Twitter.

- The LGBT community continues to make itself visible as part of the 99 Percent Movement.

- Republican frontrunner Herman Cain doubled down on Lawrence O’Donnell last night this belief that being gay is a choice is “a difference of opinion.”

- The “Rank & File” United Electrical Radio, and Machine Workers of America approved a pro-LGBT resolution last week that included support for non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity and called upon President Obama to issue an executive order prohibiting federal money from going to contractors who do discriminate.

- The National Organization for Marriage is attempting to paint New York town clerks who refuse to do their job as victims of “defamation.”

- Also, take a look at how NOM is evaluating the Republican presidential candidates.

- Equality Matters points out that Tony Perkins of the anti-gay Family Research Council continues to have significant presence among major news outlets.

- A group of transgender DC residents have graduated from the country’s first jobs training program aimed at supporting the transgender community.

- Performing artist JD Samson chronicles the economic hardship she’s faced as a queer woman.

- Read the touching story of a mom who has supported the transition of her 10-year-old daughter.

- Faithful America is petitioning a Tennessee church to apologize for assaulting a gay couple who attempted to attend a service.

- Rachel Maddow is concerned that marriage equality could compromise the uniqueness of gay culture.

- Community Board 4 in Hell’s Kitchen has recommended against granting the gay sports bar Boxers a liquor license, saying its “Hooter-esque” atmosphere and the mere presence of gay men would be harmful to a nearby school.

- This week’s editorial cartoon from The Dallas Voice ponders how Beyoncé might have responded to President Obama’s speech at the Human Rights Campaign dinner last week: