Sirius Radio host Michaelangelo Signorile had HRC director Joe Solmonese on yesterday, to get his response to the hail of criticism he and his organization endured since President Barack Obama’s ambiguous speech, promising an end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the night before Sunday’s National Equality March.

In between equivocating his way around complaints that the organization didn’t represent many in the LGBT community who are impatient with Obama’s lack of a visible track record on passing significant measures protecting LGBT rights, Solmonese said that while Obama “didn’t tell anyone (or me personally), ‘let me walk you through the exact vote count in the senate [for DADT] and give you a timetable,'” he was doing it to avoid political embarrassment if he fails to meet his goals on time.

The message: Trust us…we just won’t tell you the score until we’re done, even if it looks like the President’s not getting anything done because his advisors keep saying progress is going to have to wait.
When asked about the many marchers on Sunday claiming the his organization did not represent them, Solmonese didn’t seem to mind Signorile’s chiding for not doing more to win back the large segment of the LGBT community alienated by the HRC, playing down the divisions because both sides are working towards the same goals. Perhaps he doesn’t think participants in the National Equality March will amount to much?

Elsewhere…

NYC – The first HIV vaccine study to show positive results may be less exciting than we all thought. A Wall Street Journal story points out it’s possibly due to random chance. (via Box Turtle Bulletin)

D.C. – The Justice Department says they want to take leadership on anti-LGBT hate crimes, an area where they’ve traditionally focused on hate crimes based on race or religion. (AP)

Chicago – Chicago teacher who asked several classes “How do you feel about your tax dollars being spent to fund black fags taking pictures of other black fags in New York?” gets a slap on the wrist from the School Board, warning of further consequences if there are any more improprieties. (Joe.My.God)

Austin – Austin gets painted red for AIDS awareness week.

San Francisco – Fans of homophobic reggae artist Buju Banton and protesters scream at each other. Not much accomplished. (Bay Area Reporter)