We know you've been dying for an intimate evening with past Instinct cover star Mika so have we got the Valentine's Day present for you!

Updated 12:30 p.m. CST

The Illinois state Senate has returned from a short break and is hearing marriage equality at this moment. Head here to celebrate Valentine's Day with the Illinois state Senate and stay tuned to Instinct today for breaking news out of the Midwest!

The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory website to include a notice for LGBT Americans considering travel to foreign countries. So, what does the advisory say?

It looks like the gays may have the best seat in the house at President Obama's State Of The Union address.

Tracey Hepner, co-founder of the Military Partners and Families Coalition, which works as a support group for LGBT military famlies has scored a plum seat with First Lady Michelle Obama!

More after the jump.

Success in Colorado!

A bill legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples has passed in the state Senate.

Details after the jump!

Evan Woflson's wonderful Freedom to Marry has pledged $2 million dollars to states fighting for same-sex marriage in 2013. It all kicks off with a $800,000 donation to six states. 

Our girl/diva/icon Hillary Rodham Clinton bid the U.S. State Department adieu today and we're extremely proud of the legacy that she's left.

Check out Madame Secretary's goodbye to the State Department after the jump!

Great news after a rocky January in Illinois where state Senate President John Cullerton has announced a Valentine's Day vote for marriage equality. How romantic!

While we applauded Wyoming for putting issues like marriage equality and sexual orientation-based discrimination on the table in the state's House and Senate, we can't say we're thrilled by the results. 

Though we already knew that they'd rejected a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage, today the Wyoming Senate rejected a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity 

Details after the jump. 

Well it looks like Maryland's Boy Scout Pack 442 has been bullied into submission. 

The inclusive scouting pack, that publicly noted their support of scouts and  leaders regardless of their sexual orientation, folded to pressure from Boy Scouts of America higher ups.

Details after the jump.

Gay state employees in Virginia have reason to celebrate!

Today the state Senate passed legislation prohibiting the state government from discriminating against employees based on sexual orientation. 

More after the jump.

Connecticut's General Assembly today confirmed Andrew J. McDonald as the state's first openly gay state Supreme Court justice.

More after the jump.