Dustin Lance Black, whose script for Milk won the award for original screenplay, and Sean Penn who played the slain gay rights leader in the same movie both made a plea for same-sex marriage rights in their acceptance speeches.
British officials have barred anti-gay US pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter from entering the country after announcing plans to protest against a play based on a gay hate crime.
Four firefighters ordered to take part in a gay pride parade have been awarded over US$34,300 after successfully suing San Diego city for sexual harassment.
In the first known case of its kind in Asia, a gay couple and a middleman have been sentenced to jail for organising a bogus marriage between a Malaysian man and a Hong Kong woman to gain residency.
Gathered near Tiananmen Square, two lesbian and gay male couples in traditional white wedding gowns and black tuxedoes respectively held mock wedding photo sessions in front of curious and bewildered passersby.
Sean Penn's performance as gay rights activist and California's first openly gay elected official has earned him a Best Actor nomination; Gus Van Sant is nominated for Best Director and Dustin Lance Black for Original Screenplay.
Newly sworn-in US President Barack Obama commits to oppose a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, support full civil unions and federal rights of same-sex couples, expand adoption rights, fight workplace discrimination among others.