#10 -  ISIS KING - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL'S 1ST TRANSGENDER CONTESTANT

The eleventh cycle of America's Next Top Model premiered with a controversial surprise when contestant Isis King revealed that she was born a male. King, a fashion model and fashion designer became one of the most visible transgender people on television following her appearance on the show. In February 2009, King underwent the sex reassignment surgery sponsored by America's Next Top Model creator and lead judge Tyra banks.

#9 - PROP 8 

Prop 8 (or the California Marriage protection Act) was the ballot proposition and constitutional amendment passed in November 2008 state election. The new provision, Section 7.5 of Article I, to the California Constitution section reads:

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

The proposition did not affect domestic partnership in California or same-sex marriages performed before November 5, 2008.

#8 - LOGO NETWORK

The network owned by Viacom's MTV Network launched in 2005 with programming geared towards the lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual audience. Some of it's original programming created opportunities for new faces and ideals in entertainment. 

#7 - Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson Coupled Up

It was a surprise to many when news reports surfaced of former Paris Hilton BFF and party girl Lindsay Lohan hanging regularly and being affectionate with DJ Samantha Ronson. In the December 2008 issue of Harper's Bazaar Lohan said "I think it's pretty obvious who I'm seeing...I think it's no shock to anyone that it's been going on for quite some time." While speaking of her sexual orientation, Lohan said she was not a lesbian, but when asked if she was bisexual, she responded "Maybe. Yeah." She added "I don't want to classify myself."

The on again, off again relationship reportedly ended in summer 2009. *pout*

#6 - The L Word Premiere

The L Word premiered on cable network Showtime in 2004 with groundbreaking lesbian characters that never existed in television before it's creation. Set in Los Angeles area in California but filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. The show follows the lives of a group of fashionable Los Angeles lesbians addressing issues of dating, marriage and career. The series ca <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"></script> me to an end in early 2009.

#5 - NJ Governor Comes Out The Close and Resigns

The 52nd Governor of New Jersey James McGreevery shocked the nation in 2004 when he resigned and publicly admitted homosexual extra-marital affair with Golan Cipel whom McGreevey had appointed New Jersey homeland security adviser.McGreevey's announcement made him the first openly gay state governor in the United States.

#4 - Noah's Arc Premiere

Cited as the gay version of Girlfriends, the show "Noah's Arc" premiered on Logo Network as a groundbreaking showcase of gay African-American lives. It addressed issues on same sex dating, marriage, HIV/AIDS awareness and adoption. The series ran from October 19 2005 to October 4th 2006 and was adapted into the 2008 film "Noah's Arc: Jumping The Broom"

#3 - Chastity Bono's Sex Change

Cher and Sonny Bono's girl the world watched grow up made headlines almost 20 years ago when she came out as a lesbian. Two decades later in June of 2009 she's brought a new awareness for the LGBT community by publicly announcing her gender transition from Chastity to Chaz. Bono an LGBT rights advocate, journalist, author and musician began the hormone transition process following his 40th birthday. In a public statement, Bono thanked his family for their support. 

#2 - DOWNELINK.COM 

The website DOWNELINK.COM powered by Logo Network is an online social network similar to Myspace but geared towards the LGBT community. According to the site mission statement "The foundation of DowneLink is to provide a space for Downe people and their friends to exchange ideas, build friendships, and utilize local and nationwide services. As with any community, we hope to grow and introduce new and innovative services that will suit their wants and needs."

A majority of the members are Black, Asian (primarily Filipino and Vietnamese) and Latin. White members are uncommon. 

#1 - The Pregnant Man 

Who can forget the amazement caused by the announcement of America's first pregnant man. The news stirred curiosity into the lives of Thomas Beatie a female-to-male transgender and his wife Nancy. Thomas debuted his pregnant belly in ADVOCATE then on Oprah Show in the spring of 2008. Thomas kept female reproductive organs, surgically removed breasts and legally changed gender &amp; name. The couple welcomed a healthy baby girl in June 2008 and another boy in the Summer of 2009.

List complied and edited by Taj 'Kola for DaVillage.TV