AfterElton Briefs: An Historic Day for Gay Americans, Biryan Meets Reichen, LeAnn Rimes Sweetens "The Rose," and More!

• Congratulations to CCWayne, whose photo and story have been added to the NOH8 site. Just further proof that AE readers are a cut above. (h/t Miz Liz)

• Well, the debacle that was ABC's Skating With The Stars is over, and the winner is that girl who plays Greensleeves on All My Children. I love that song, but I prefer Chopsticks. Where was I? Oh yeah, SWTS stunk on ice, and between the abysmal ratings, bruised and battered celebrities, and the slicing of important body parts, it seems unlikely that the show will return. But if it does I'll be here, patiently waiting for a chance to work "Looking Through The Black And Blue Eyes of Love" into the conversation.

• OMG Blog has named their Top Ten Gayest Songs of the Year, and I admit that some of the names are unfamiliar to me, but I did squeal a bit when I saw Lady Miss Kier. My succotash wish!

• Biryan George Safi continues his A-List: Los Angeles quest, and below you can see a hilarious interview with the biggest "A" from the "A-List," Reichen. Biryan's ditty leaves a priceless look on Reichen's face.

• Brian Burke opens up in GQ about the death of his son Brendan, and how Brendan's legacy continues to live on. But if you read the article prepare to start blubbering. "Brendan died alone in the snow," he sobs. "And it haunts me that the last ten seconds of his life were filled with terror."

• Remember when Target apologized profusely and promised to make amends after it was revealed that they donated to anti-gay politicians? It turns out that they never stopped the donations..

• Do you also remember that Indianapolis cookie shop that refused to make rainbow cupcakes for Coming Out Day? What do you mean "No?" Anyway, they've settled the complaint by "acknowledging they understand the city's equal opportunity ordinance," and ... updating their website.

• I've loved LeAnn Rimes ever since her yodeling days. She's got talent, spirit, and Eddie Cibrian (yeah, I know, she's a "man-stealer." It's time to move on). Below you can see her perform an emotional version of the Bette Midler karaoke classic "The Rose" with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, dedicated to the GLBT youth who took their lives this year.

• In related news, the parents of the late Rutgers student Tyler Clementi intend to sue the university, contending they failed to protect him against “unlawful or otherwise improper acts."

• Finally, there's this:

And today's Briefs are brought to you by...