Friends often ask me where I find a lot of the information I use for this blog. I spend over four to five hours a day doing research, much of it online. So that you can enjoy many of the incredible blogs and Internet sites that I use, I will share with you some of my favorites.

The following favorite blogs are mostly focused on LGBT issues. Not included in my list are such general topic blogs as Andrew Sullivan's "The Daily Dish" and Americablog although both have significant coverage of LGBT issues. Americablog recently announced they would have an entire section for LGBT issues. Hopefully soon, "The Huffington Post" will follow suit and devote a section to the LGBT civil rights movement. Finally there are incredible writers like Wayne Besen in Truth Wins Out that write important pieces but not on a daily basis.

Here are my five favorite LGBT blogs that I check more than once a day:

1. Towleroad.com:  If there is a 'king of the hill' in the LGBT blog world it would have to go to Andy Towle's magnificent blog. Getting as many page views as the national circulation of USA Today, the blog has an extraordinarily large readership. In addition, Towleroad.com has become the breaking story site for LGBT news. Without a doubt, Andy's work on hate crimes is the best in the nation. His extensive coverage of the LGBT civil rights movement makes this blog a must read. Laced throughout his news coverage are reviews, entertainment industry stories and some wonderful male beefcake. At some time in their lives, every blogger wishes they were Andy Towle, not only because of his blog, but also because of his incredible principles and passionate commitment to the community.

2. Pam's House Blend: You can find important news on Pam Spaulding's blog that you will not find in any of the other sites. I would love to be able to tap into her network and know where she gets her tips. She has uncovered many stories on the religious right, has excellent coverage of the Trangender Community and is the best on lesbian coverage of all the blogs. This well written blog, often with a cutting sense of humor, is crucial to read to be fully informed of what is happening in the LGBT community. Pam's House Blend is never boring and always informative. Pam has a take no prisoners approach to the enemies of the LGBT community and her powerful voice has broken new ground.

3. Joe.My.God: Always look forward to reading Joe first thing in the morning. Without a doubt, Joe has the best use of videos in his blog and he covers the bear and leather communities more than the others. His blog provides front row coverage of the LGBT civil rights movement and of the latest breaking news in the LGBT community. He is always current, well written and an important read. Joe's "This Week in Holy Crimes" is absolutely one of my favorites postings of any blog. He lists all the crimes committed by religious leaders across the nation every week. It is an amazing list and makes me laugh out loud at their hypocrisy. A well written, well laid out and informative blog that is constantly being updated to stay current and it has worked marvelously well.

4. PageOneQ: With Mike Rogers working hard on this site, it has become a major information source for the community. Covering its own stories, often in blaring headlines, it keeps us informed. Also, PageOneQ gives extensive coverage to other blogs but especially LGBT writers who might not have their own outlet. This is an important blog to read to find what you normally would not discover elsewhere.  I love the headlines and wish they could be just a little bit more clever and have fun with there headlines!

5. Queerty: Recently this blog underwent major changes and it's appearance makes it The Huffington Post of LGBT blogs. With a layout that allows more extensive coverage, some fun items and male beefcake, it is a great source of information. The blog tends at times to be more conservative then others and tougher on holding people accountable. This blog might have a little bit of New York Post in it with stories like "The Naked Guys in Michael Stripe's Bathroom" or "Was Michael Jackson Gay? No But He Wasn't Exactly Straight!" You can find those stories right next to serious pieces on the Supreme Court nomination. It is an informative and fun stop on the Internet.