Just a few short weeks ago when Len Downie was running the Washington Post, the paper had been carrying a reputation among some in the gay community for being less than friendly to the fagalas. Stories, like the one about the death of gay soldier Maj. Alan Rogers, were scrubbed of all gay references, seemingly as a matter of policy. (Downie personally edited the Rogers article, and removed any mention of his sexuality.)

To some onlookers, the Post had an unwritten clause in its style guide to remove any mention of someone begin gay; in fact, the official style guide says one's sexual orientation isn't worth mentioning unless its relevant, citing privacy issues.

But to a different set of eyes, the Post is making progress. A few years back, the paper began including same-sex couple in its marriage announcements.

So, with Marcus Brauchli now being named to the top spot, can we expect even more progress? Or will the word "homosexual" always be used in place of "gay"?

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