Two Top Think Tanks Merge

One of the nation's leading research groups on the military and issues of gender and sexuality announced Monday that it is merging with the Williams Institute, another top think tank for policy-making and tracking statistics about the gay population.

Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, announced the move to work as a distinct center operating under the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"The Williams Institute brings the highest scholarly standards to its research, and it is an honor to become a part of the Williams family," he said.

The Williams Institute is currently celebrating its 10th year in operation. It released figures last week showing approximately 4% of Americans identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.