Miami

President Barack Obama apologized by phone to a woman prevented from seeing her dying partner at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Just a few years ago, Janice Langbehn [left] pleaded with doctors to get hospital visitation - as her partner of 17 years slipped into a coma. Eight hours passed before Langbehn would be allowed into the Trauma Center. By then, she could only say her final farewell as a priest performed the last rites on 39-year-old Lisa Marie Pond [right].

Industry veteran Charles Perez was recently fired from his anchor position with Miami's major television news program. He's suing the TV station, claiming they fired him because he is gay, and saying the station pressured him not to get married or have children with his partner.

He shared his story with the Daily Beast.

Janice Langbehn made national news two years ago when she wasn’t allowed to be with her dying partner of 18 years, Lisa Pond, at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. Lambda Legal later sued JMH on behalf of Langbehn and the couple’s children.

During 15 years as a child-welfare judge, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman has been a lawyer, a social worker and even a bit of a cheerleader, encouraging troubled parents to make better choices.

When Lederman rules later this month on a gay foster father's petition to adopt the two small boys he has raised since 2004, she will have to wear yet another hat: social scientist.

Florida is the only state that outright prohibits gays and lesbians from adopting.

Now, those who support and oppose gay adoption are awaiting a decision in a Miami court case they think could provide ammunition to overturn the state law.

The case involves Frank Martin Gill and his unidentified male partner. In 2004, the state encouraged the couple to provide a foster home for two boys. Gill hopes to become their adopted father.

Lambda Legal has filed a lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for the negligent and outrageous treatment towards the family of Lisa Pond, a lesbian whose partner of 18 years and their three children were not allowed to see her as she slipped into a coma and died.

A year ago Janice Langbehn's partner of nearly 18 years was pronounced brain dead after being stricken with a brain aneurysm. While at Jackson Memorial Hospital - in Miami - she was met with prejudice and apathy. Janice and her family were consistently denied visitation and didn't see her partner, Lisa Pond, until many hours after she was admitted. Lambda Legal has officially sent a notice of intent to sue to the hospital on Janice's behalf.