As we kick off 2013, we want to take a few moments to reflect upon the last year of progress towards dignity, justice, and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.  Feel free to share this email with your colleagues and networks, and please encourage them to sign up for updates!

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Senate Democrats of the Illinois General Assembly have confirmed that a bill carrying legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage will not be heard this week and will likely be picked up for consideration next week.

The Senate Executive Committee will still consider the measure Thursday, despite the meeting having been delayed several hours.

The Democrats issued a statement following increasing uncertainty around a potential vote on the measure due to senators who are absent for family emergencies, and later said it will be heard next week.

LOS ANGELES – As more states prepare to debate marriage equality, a new study shows that psychological distress is lower among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals who are legally married to a person of the same sex, compared with those not in legally recognized unions.

The study, led by Richard G. Wight from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the UCLA Williams Institute, was published in the American Journal of Public Health.

LOS ANGELES – Proud papa Ryan Murphy on New Year’s Day tweeted the first public photograph of his infant son Logan Phineas Miller Murphy, who was born on Christmas Eve.

“Thanks to everyone for the kind wishes. Logan is one week old and doing great. Happy new year!” Murphy tweeted.