WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation that would provide full health benefits to to domestic partners of gay and lesbian federal employees took a significant step toward passage Thursday when the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia voted 3-2 along party lines in support of the measure.

In June, President Obama extended some federal health benefits to same sex partners of federal employees, but said at the time that changes to the law were needed for all benefits such as health care and retirement benefits.

HR 2517, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, is intended to fill the void by providing access to health care coverage, retirement and disability plans, and life and long-term care insurance.

LOS ANGELES—Gay performer and director Robert Van Damme will make two live appearances within the next two weeks at clubs in the South.

The first, slated for Wednesday, will occur during “Hook Up Wednesday” at Blake’s on the Park in Atlanta. On Aug. 8, Van Damme will appear in conjunction with the “Fire & Ice” contest at Parliament House resort in Orlando. He will dance, sign autographs, give away free movies and shake hands with fans at both locations, according to tour promoter Howard Andrew.

WINDSOR, U.K. - With respect to the official acceptance of gay soldiers in the military, Britain has opened up a decided lead over America, which remains stubbornly committed to policies that all but scream divisiveness and inequality.

This month, for the first time in its history, the cover of Soldier, the British Army's official publication, will feature an openly gay trooper in uniform, with the word "Pride" highlighted.

The United Kingdom was not always so tolerant, to say the least. A mere nine years ago, gays were banned from the military, subject to discharge if outed, and routinely subjected to interrogations by commanding officers if reported by other soldiers, who were expected to inform on their colleagues.

LOS ANGELES – Chi Chi LaRue and the men of Club Channel 1 plan several appearances around the U.S. during the summer months. The “sweaty summer tour” kicks off July 18 in Seattle and is expected to end Sept. 4 in New Orleans.

In Seattle, LaRue, Sister Roma, Jason Sechrest and Josh Griffin will join the fun at the Annual Grants Party, OZ. Presented by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the shindig will occur at the Abbey of St. Joan.

NEW YORK – Lucas Entertainment has finalized plans to open a European headquarters in Paris. The facility will serve as a centralized location for production services including casting, filming and promotion.

SAN FRANCISCO – NakedSword has merged its formerly standalone affiliate program into gay affiliate network GunzBlazing. According to spokesmen for both operations, the merger offers affiliates of both entities more options for moneymaking.

“NakedSword (NSFW) has been the leading consumer gay porn brand for a decade,” NakedSword Chief Executive Officer Tim Valenti said. “We’ve always had tremendous success marketing our site to consumers, so now we’re able to devote ourselves to affiliate marketing. After years of fine-tuning our approach, we now have the tools in place to partner with webmasters in a multitude of different ways.”