Anyone in St. Paul who forgets they live in a state that's soon to allow marriage equality will remember when they're trying to cross the Mississippi River. Ahead of expected approval by the state Senate later today, Mayor Chris Coleman has renamed a landmark bridge in honor of civil rights. 

New York City's mayoral contest is getting a lot of attention not only due to the battle between Democratic candidates Christine Quinn (who would be the city's first openly gay mayor) and Bill de Blasio, but also because of discussion of de Blasio's wife's sexual orientation. 

De Blasio's wife, Chirlane McCray famously wrote the 1979 essay, "I Am A Lesbian" for Essence magazine. Now 34 years later, McCray has been happily married to de Blasio for 19 years and is a mother of two. 

McCray speaks to Essence about her journey after the jump!

When you think of the myriad of ways the government wastes things (money, time, manpower, etc.), do you think extending equal rights to all its citizens fits the category? 

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings does!

Updated Tuesday at 5:01 p.m. PST

Murdered gay mayoral candidate Marco McMillian's murder may have been the result of "gay panic." That's at least according to The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. 

See what they have to say after the jump.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel put some of his political capital to use by emailing his wide network of supporters on Monday, asking that they contact their state representatives to demand a vote in favor of marriage equality. 

Newark, New Jersey Mayor and LGBT advocate Cory Booker may be headed to the United States Senate now that NJ Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg has announced his retirement. 

Booker announced his interest in the seat last month. 

More after the jump.

And a bully goes DOWN!

Bigoted Pomeroy, Ohio Mayor Mary McAngus has resigned after Police Chief Mark E. Proffitt filed a formal complaint against her following her harassment of a gay police officer. 

More after the jump!

The Human Rights Campaign is shining a national light on the New York City mayoral race by officially endorsing Christine Quinn for mayor. 

Quinn, the Speaker of the New York City Council, married her wife, Kim Catullo, last year. 

More after the jump.

Famed former New York City Mayor Ed Koch has passed away at 88 years old, coincidentally on the same day that his eponymous documentary Koch opened in New York.

Queerty brought our attention to a recent interview Koch gave to DuJour where he reflects on openly gay politicians and the groundbreaking work he did to protect LGBT equality.

More after the jump!

Twenty10, an Australian LGBT youth group, hoped to lend a helping hand and listening ear to attendees of the Rediscover the River Festival in Parramatta, New South Wales. But after festival organizers noticed the gay-positive signage Twenty10's plan to support LGBT-youth were squashed. 

Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker has proven to be one of the most impassioned defenders of LGBT rights and one of our most vocal political allies, but like many he didn't start out that way. 

Booker charts his own evolution from "hating" gays and tolerating them, to embracing the LGBT community and advocating for it in an op-ed piece written for The Stanford Daily in 1992. 

It's honest and provides great insight into the man that he's become and it's an excellent read. Check it out after the jump!

While some groups are questioning the decision to wait on the Illinois marriage equality vote until the next session of the state's General Assembly rather than the current lame duck sssion, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel remains confident that the legislation will pass.

More after the jump.