Saturday, December 31, 2011
Gay-Owned Travel Agencies Becoming Popular in India
I'm not quite sure anyone anticipated the speed with which gay travel would take off in India following that country's landmark decision to decriminalize homosexuality in early July of 2009. Since then, a number of cities have held Gay Pride marches, including the thriving metropolis of Delhi, whose fourth annual Queer Pride Parade took place yesterday (November 28) and drew hundreds of participants....Read Full Post
Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony
The Tony-winning Broadway star and television, film, and recording artist Idina Menzel Wicked, Rent, Glee in the world premiere of a concert taped recently at the Royal Conservatory's beautiful Koerner Hall in Toronto. Idina will be live in our studios for this wide-ranging journey through the Broadway classics, Idina's personal catalogue, and fresh musical spins on contemporary songs, threaded together by her irresistible charm and wit. Also appearing is her husband Taye Diggs Rent, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, with Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch "The Way We Were" leading the orchestra.
Click Click Expose Gay Podcast Network - Weekly Update June 17, 2011
Hey Podcast Fans...another week...another round of podcast shows from Click Click Expose (Gay Entertainment Media) CELEBRATING OUR 5TH YEAR OF PODCASTING FOR THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY. What is the Click Click Expose Gay Podcast Network? We are a network of different podcast shows either produced by Click Click Expose (Gay Entertainment Media) or distributed by our official content producers and supporters. Our goal is to bring you a wide variety of LGBT podcast shows designed to enrich, entertain and enlighten the gay and lesbian community. Check out the new redesigned Click Click Expose Website - Click Click Expose and let us know what you think. It's easier now to listen to Click Click Expose Radio, hear your favorite podcast shows, watch the hottest videos, read the latest news, and so much more.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY:
Subscribe via RSS Feed HERE!
THIS WEEK'S SYNOPSIS: 1. Gay News Week In Review - "Week Ending 6/17/2011" 2. This Show Is So Gay - "Rainbow Rewind: Singer Jennifer Knapp" 3. This Show Is So Gay - "AIDS Life Cycle 10" 4. House Music Show - DJ Carlos Dali - "Run The Tribal Techie Trip Mix"
LISTEN:
Gay News Week In Review w/e 06/17/2011 (Podcast)
This Show Is So Gay - Singer Jennifer Knapp (Podcast)
This Show Is So Gay - AIDS Life Cycle 10 (Podcast)
DJ Carlos Dali - Run the Tribal Techie Trip Mix - Episode 80 (Podcast)
read more
SUBSCRIBE TODAY:
Subscribe via RSS Feed HERE!
THIS WEEK'S SYNOPSIS: 1. Gay News Week In Review - "Week Ending 6/17/2011" 2. This Show Is So Gay - "Rainbow Rewind: Singer Jennifer Knapp" 3. This Show Is So Gay - "AIDS Life Cycle 10" 4. House Music Show - DJ Carlos Dali - "Run The Tribal Techie Trip Mix"
LISTEN:
Gay News Week In Review w/e 06/17/2011 (Podcast)
This Show Is So Gay - Singer Jennifer Knapp (Podcast)
This Show Is So Gay - AIDS Life Cycle 10 (Podcast)
DJ Carlos Dali - Run the Tribal Techie Trip Mix - Episode 80 (Podcast)
read more
Gallery: Same-Sex Marriage Revolution
San Francisco Valentine Weekend Revolution It was an "I do" heard around the world. Same-sex marriages with the papers to prove them - endorsed by the mayor - performed beneath the grand rotunda of San Francisco...
Release of names on same-sex petition blocked
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has temporarily blocked Washington state officials from releasing the names of people who signed a ballot measure that could restrict the legal rights of same-sex couples. Kennedy's...
Friday, December 30, 2011
Happy New Years (Eve) New York City
(model Chris Downs by the amazing Rick Day)
HAPPY NEW YEARS
NEW YORK!
Players
Players Two PioneersFrom Eater NY - New Year's Eve is the worst night of the entire year to go out in New York City. Why is it so bad? Besides the rip off "All You Can Drink" VIP parties overrun with winter breaking college kids, lack of cabs below 42nd Street, wild packs of tourists making a mess of our streets, and every other scourge, the night has become big business for a handful of entrepreneurs who prey on the feeble who think that New Year's Eve in New York is actually swell. Like Andrew Fox, a man who has purchased 600 different NYE websites in order to become the US Steel of the night and even found a way to sell a private table for two at the T.G.I.Friday's on 50th Street! For $1300! Are you kidding? The two people who bought this "deal" have to be the two dumbest people on the entire planet.So remember that if you are stuck in New York and didn't manage to make it to Miami, St. Barts, or Vegas and still want to go out, remember that the Eater New Year's Eve Survival Guide still applies and that almost every big club (save for the Jane at $250 a ticket or Red Egg for free) has rented itself out to outside promoters, every party has to end at 4 AM this year, and the reason everything seems like a rip off is because it is. Party with friends at home!
HAPPY NEW YEARS
NEW YORK!
Players
Players Two PioneersFrom Eater NY - New Year's Eve is the worst night of the entire year to go out in New York City. Why is it so bad? Besides the rip off "All You Can Drink" VIP parties overrun with winter breaking college kids, lack of cabs below 42nd Street, wild packs of tourists making a mess of our streets, and every other scourge, the night has become big business for a handful of entrepreneurs who prey on the feeble who think that New Year's Eve in New York is actually swell. Like Andrew Fox, a man who has purchased 600 different NYE websites in order to become the US Steel of the night and even found a way to sell a private table for two at the T.G.I.Friday's on 50th Street! For $1300! Are you kidding? The two people who bought this "deal" have to be the two dumbest people on the entire planet.So remember that if you are stuck in New York and didn't manage to make it to Miami, St. Barts, or Vegas and still want to go out, remember that the Eater New Year's Eve Survival Guide still applies and that almost every big club (save for the Jane at $250 a ticket or Red Egg for free) has rented itself out to outside promoters, every party has to end at 4 AM this year, and the reason everything seems like a rip off is because it is. Party with friends at home!
Op-ed: 14 Reasons That Made 2011 Great for Trans People
This has been a game-changing year for transgender rights, says Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Back by popular demand: 'Otep is my homogirl' & 'homegirl' tshirts!
New tshirts, hoodies & tanks!In association with Otep Shamaya:(scroll down for HOMOgirl version)shirt, tank or hoodie? Tshirt $20.00 USD Tank $18.00 USD Hoodie $35.00 USD Tshirt + Hoodie combo $55.00 USD Homogirl or Homegirl? Homogirl Homegirl Color white army green cardinal yellow heather gray charcoal blue black (w/white ink!) Size: women's small women's medium women's large women's XL men's/unisex small men's/unisex medium men's/unisex large men's/unisex XL men's/unisex 2XL men's/unisex 3XL If combo, hoodie size/color?Cardinal | Turquoise | Hot Pink | Silver | BLACKSand | Charcoal | Army Greenand more! Men's/Unisex cut size chart: HEREWomen's cut size chart: HERE*As seen on Otep's Live Confrontation DVD!!!* 'Thank you so much... I received my hoodie today and I love it. Soft and cuddly on the inside and perfect for a New York winter. It fits just the way I want it to...' - Joanna Jenkins, Brooklyn, NY*This is a busy, crazy shipping season. Every effort will be made to deliver your package in time for Christmas, but because we cannot control the United States Postal Service, we can make no guarantees of a delivery date. You can contact me at any time at interludemagazine@yahoo.com for a status on your shipping so you can at least be aware of its progress. Please note that the USPS cutoff time for international orders to make it in time for Christmas has already passed (Dec 3). You can still order from overseas, but you may not receive your item until January.**super soft & durable Tultex & American Apparel shirtsshirt, tank or hoodie? Tshirt $20.00 USD Tank $18.00 USD Hoodie $35.00 USD Tshirt + Hoodie combo $55.00 USD Homogirl or Homegirl? Homogirl Homegirl Color white army green cardinal yellow heather gray charcoal blue black (w/white ink!) Size: women's small women's medium women's large women's XL men's/unisex small men's/unisex medium men's/unisex large men's/unisex XL men's/unisex 2XL men's/unisex 3XL If combo, hoodie size/color?*super soft & durable Tultex & American Apparel shirts"Otep is my HOMOgirl"
Amen, Hitch: Love him or hate him, Christopher Hitchens did his part to promote free thought
Opinion: Like countless others, I posted a tribute on Dec. 16 to writer Christopher Hitchens, who died the previous day at age 62. Someone on Facebook replied with a long rant alleging he was homophobic. The evidence was a quote about fellatio. Grievance collectors are free to mine Hitch's extensive output for errors and offenses. He claimed no infallibility. Let me point, however, to a portion of his New Commandments: "3. Despise those who use violence or the threat of it in sexual relations. 4. Hide your face and weep if you dare to harm a child. 5. Do not condemn people for their inborn nature. Why would God create so many homosexuals only in order to torture and destroy them?" At the Intelligence Squared debate in London in October 2009, after cataloging many crimes by the Catholic Church, including the complicity of priests and nuns in the Rwandan genocide, Hitchens denounced the church "for condemning my friend Stephen Fry for his nature, for saying you couldn't be a member of our church, you're born in sin. He's not being condemned for what he does, he's being condemned for what he is. You're a child made in the image of God? Oh no you're not, you're a faggot. And you can't join your church and you can't go to heaven. This is disgraceful, it's inhuman, it's obscene, and it comes from a clutch of hysterical, sinister virgins who've already betrayed their charge in the children of their own church. For shame!" ... (more)
Rural North Carolina LGBT Rights Group Met by Homophobic Christian Protesters at First Meeting: VIDEO
This was posted last month but I hadn't seen it until this week and thought it deserved some exposure.
The Mitchell County Gay Straight Alliance, a group that "works toward ensuring equal rights and justice for lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Mitchell County, North Carolina" was formed last month.
When the group tried to meet for the first time at a public location in Bakersville, the county seat, they were met by religious, homophobic protesters threatened by the meeting. Videographer 'lifeinMitchellCounty' interviewed the protesters and Allison Bov�e and Amy Waller, who formed the LGBT group.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Bov�e and Waller explained in a post on Mountain Xpress earlier this month that their GSA does not have anything to do with those formed in schools but is a broader LGBT rights group:
We formed the Mitchell County Gay Straight Alliance so that gay and straight people who believe in equality could work together toward ensuring equal rights and justice for gay people in Mitchell County. We understand that some people may disagree with our views. We respect the rights of those who came to express their views the night of our meeting, and we appreciate that they did so in a civil manner. We hope that by being more visible in our community we may make Mitchell County more welcoming to gay people and their friends and family members who care for them.
Here's their Facebook page, for those who would like to offer some support.
The Mitchell County Gay Straight Alliance, a group that "works toward ensuring equal rights and justice for lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Mitchell County, North Carolina" was formed last month.
When the group tried to meet for the first time at a public location in Bakersville, the county seat, they were met by religious, homophobic protesters threatened by the meeting. Videographer 'lifeinMitchellCounty' interviewed the protesters and Allison Bov�e and Amy Waller, who formed the LGBT group.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Bov�e and Waller explained in a post on Mountain Xpress earlier this month that their GSA does not have anything to do with those formed in schools but is a broader LGBT rights group:
We formed the Mitchell County Gay Straight Alliance so that gay and straight people who believe in equality could work together toward ensuring equal rights and justice for gay people in Mitchell County. We understand that some people may disagree with our views. We respect the rights of those who came to express their views the night of our meeting, and we appreciate that they did so in a civil manner. We hope that by being more visible in our community we may make Mitchell County more welcoming to gay people and their friends and family members who care for them.
Here's their Facebook page, for those who would like to offer some support.
GLAAD finds fewer gay characters on network TV
(New York) The number of gay and bisexual characters on scripted broadcast network TV has dipped slightly this season to 19 out of nearly 650 roles, according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
The 16th annual "Where We Are on TV" report released Wednesday by GLAAD found that 2.9 percent of actors appearing regularly on prime-time network drama and comedy series in the 2011-12 season will portray gay, lesbian or bisexual characters.
That's down from 3 percent in the 2009-10 season and 3.9 percent last season, when there were 23 out of a total of nearly 600 roles.
The 2008-09 season saw an increased representation of 2.6 percent.
Only five of the 19 gay and lesbian characters this season are nonwhite, GLAAD found.
Using information provided by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and CW, the group reviewed 91 scripted series announced to air this season.
Among broadcast series with gay and bisexual characters, GLAAD cited CBS' "The Good Wife," the CW's "Ringer" and NBC's "The Playboy Club." Comedies include ABC's "Modern Family" and Fox's "Glee."
Fox leads the networks in gay representation, with eight regular characters out of a total of 117.
The number of gay and bisexual characters on cable networks has also fallen slightly, from 35 last season to 29 in the upcoming season.
As it did last year, HBO has the greatest number of gay and bisexual characters, with 11 regular and recurring characters. Showtime is close behind with 10.
The HBO drama "True Blood" remains among the most inclusive series on television, featuring six characters, tied with the Showtime series "Shameless," the group found.
Some of TV's most popular shows "weave story lines about gay and lesbian characters into the fabric of the show," said GLAAD acting President Mike Thompson. "Americans expect to see the diversity of our country represented in their favorite programs, and that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people."
The 16th annual "Where We Are on TV" report released Wednesday by GLAAD found that 2.9 percent of actors appearing regularly on prime-time network drama and comedy series in the 2011-12 season will portray gay, lesbian or bisexual characters.
That's down from 3 percent in the 2009-10 season and 3.9 percent last season, when there were 23 out of a total of nearly 600 roles.
The 2008-09 season saw an increased representation of 2.6 percent.
Only five of the 19 gay and lesbian characters this season are nonwhite, GLAAD found.
Using information provided by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and CW, the group reviewed 91 scripted series announced to air this season.
Among broadcast series with gay and bisexual characters, GLAAD cited CBS' "The Good Wife," the CW's "Ringer" and NBC's "The Playboy Club." Comedies include ABC's "Modern Family" and Fox's "Glee."
Fox leads the networks in gay representation, with eight regular characters out of a total of 117.
The number of gay and bisexual characters on cable networks has also fallen slightly, from 35 last season to 29 in the upcoming season.
As it did last year, HBO has the greatest number of gay and bisexual characters, with 11 regular and recurring characters. Showtime is close behind with 10.
The HBO drama "True Blood" remains among the most inclusive series on television, featuring six characters, tied with the Showtime series "Shameless," the group found.
Some of TV's most popular shows "weave story lines about gay and lesbian characters into the fabric of the show," said GLAAD acting President Mike Thompson. "Americans expect to see the diversity of our country represented in their favorite programs, and that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people."
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I'm Not Your Friend
According to Bishop Ellis Mack of Chicago's New Faith Church, I am not your friend. I can never be a friend. I am not interested in your friendship because I am only after "strange flesh". He also says that animals should have rights because God made them but gays should not because He did not create us this way. See for yourself:If You Know People That Are In Homosexuality, Those Are Not Your Friends. They Are After Strange Flesh Not Friendship from Connie Jackson on Vimeo.I wish liars like Bishop Mack would stop making this Kool-Ade for people to drink so we wouldn't have to continuously battle the perception that we choose to be animals who not only shouldn't have rights, but should be treated with disgust and disdain.
Valentine's Day - Matthew Presidente on BTGWTV, Vancouver, Canada
BTGWTV Productions is proud to present Matthew Presidente's new performance video, Valentine's Day directed by Tara C Taylor and filmed/edited by Stephen Emery.
Check it out at
Beyond the Ghetto / Within the Village videocast blog.
read more
Check it out at
Beyond the Ghetto / Within the Village videocast blog.
read more
AIDS: The Global Fund approaches 10 years of lifesaving efforts
During its meeting in November 2011, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria set the stage for the next five years, 2012-2016.
The Green
A very well made "Lifetime for Gay Men" film, "The Green" is a compelling look at a loving gay couple that is torn apart when one of them is accused of molesting a student.
Gay Marriage Moves One Step Closer to the Supreme Court
The debate over the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the
controversial voter initiative which added the phrase ?only
marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in
California? to the state constitution, just moved one step closer
to the Supreme Court. In a unanimous ruling issued
today, the California Supreme Court held that the ballot
measure?s official proponents possess the legal standing to defend
the measure in court. This matters because state officials
currently refuse to provide a legal defense of Prop. 8. Today?s
decision permits the law's defenders to seek a ruling from the
federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which in turn sets the stage
for an appeal to
the Supreme Court.
controversial voter initiative which added the phrase ?only
marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in
California? to the state constitution, just moved one step closer
to the Supreme Court. In a unanimous ruling issued
today, the California Supreme Court held that the ballot
measure?s official proponents possess the legal standing to defend
the measure in court. This matters because state officials
currently refuse to provide a legal defense of Prop. 8. Today?s
decision permits the law's defenders to seek a ruling from the
federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which in turn sets the stage
for an appeal to
the Supreme Court.
Adam Lambert Now Laughing About Arrest
Adam Lambert has tweeted a message about being arrested along with
boyfriend Sauli Koskinen, saying jet lag and vodka are to blame for the
public altercation between them, but they've learned their lessons and
are now laughing about it.
boyfriend Sauli Koskinen, saying jet lag and vodka are to blame for the
public altercation between them, but they've learned their lessons and
are now laughing about it.
Movies To Remember from 2011: The year gave us a bounty of film magic, as well as cinematic sore points
Film:
The past year has been fantastic for moviegoers. More so than any other year in recent memory, the best films of 2011 are incredibly different – in tone, in style, and in direction. Sure, there were duds too. But in between, a handful of directors took risks and played against type to create things thoughtful, compelling and wholly entertaining.
The Best
1. Drive -- Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Winding Refn distill the action drama to its coolest core with Drive, a thematic heir to Le Samouraï, A Fistful of Dollars or any film that throws strong, silent badasses into danger. Gosling's iconic turn smolders against a doe-eyed Carey Mulligan, while Albert Brooks's performance as a sociopathic mobster is downright revelatory. Sprinkle on Cliff Martinez's ethereal '80s synth-pop soundtrack, and Drive becomes the rarest of action movies – it tells its story in the quiet moments, between bullets.
2. Weekend -- Director Andrew Haigh's risk was simple enough: Follow two men as their relationship sprouts, entangles itself, and takes on a thrilling life of its own. That Weekend is his writing and directing debut makes it all the more impressive. By embracing what it is – and adding a few deft touches along the way – Haigh made a love story to remember.
3. Another Earth -- When a soon-to-be MIT student (Brit Marling), drunk and driving, leans out her window to spot a mirror image of our planet in the sky, only one thing is obvious – Another Earth is sci-fi like we've never seen before. Mike Cahill's directorial debut uses this cosmic crisis to explore a kind more immediately existential, creating an affective movie that's as grim as it is delicate.
4. The Tree of Life -- Terrence Malick's examination of our relationship with nature incomprehensible is a brilliant movie. The Tree of Life splits God and man, amid the story of a boy growing up in 1950s Texas, with a poetic approach to life's big questions that's equally gorgeous and inventive.
5. Bridesmaids -- That Bridesmaids worked is no surprise. That it worked so well – sprinting past Judd Apatow's man-boy formula to become a genuine comedy about women, their friendships and their love lives – is an unexpected delight.
6. The Descendants -- Alexander Payne (Sideways) brushes off the camera for his first feature-length work in seven years, and it was worth the wait. George Clooney stars as a Hawaiian landowner whose wife lands in a coma. His stellar performance, as well as Shailene Woodley's, make The Descendants one of the best of the year. Payne's wry sincerity, though, will make it last.
7. Pariah -- The closing film at Reel Affirmations 20 is awesome in its ambition. In the wrong hands, Pariah would be provocative. Instead, first-time writer and director Dee Rees poignantly explores a variety of social conflicts through the eyes of a black, lesbian teenager who struggles with sexuality and identity. The film will get a theatrical release in our area in January.
8. Hugo -- Martin Scorsese trying his hand at 3D will turn heads. But gimmick aside, Hugo deserves credit for telling such an intimate story within a movie so expansive. When the movie's second act kicks in and it suddenly becomes a movie about movies, Hugo is as good as anything else in 2011.
9. A Separation -- There's an aching intensity to A Separation, director Asghar Farhadi's vivid dissection of a domestic tragedy between an Iranian man and woman with a strained marriage. Farhadi masterfully tugs at each thread as their relationship unravels, turning A Separation into something much more, about marriage, honor and punishment.
10. Hanna -- Joe Wright's Hanna, with its booming Chemical Brothers soundtrack and cold-blooded, teenage assassin (Saoirse Ronan), isn't the most innovative movie out there. It's simply action, mainlined through gracefully meticulous sequences of violence. And it's done damn well.
The Worst
1. Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star -- A movie that has neither charm nor purpose, it's an offensive attempt to churn out another Happy Madison branded star. On cue, there's Nick Swardson, Prince Valiant wig in hand, ready to torpedo any semblance of wit, intelligence or taste as an oafish Midwesterner with a tiny prick. Bucky Larson isn't a star being born – it's a black hole.
2. Jack and Jill -- That whole "Happy Madison branded star" thing? It's all because of Adam Sandler and the nonsense like Jack and Jill he slops out year after year. While he's the only genuine moneymaker to rise out of the gang, he's still guilty of their crimes. Jack and Jill is humor of the lowest common denominator, outfitted in a 90-minute Dunkin Donuts commercial.
3. Atlas Shrugged -- Everyone else did too when they heard about this poor excuse for a movie.
4. Conan the Barbarian -- Here are some of the ways I described Conan the Barbarian in August: "Sucks gloriously … treats men and women like mouth-breathing caricatures of violence and sex … a hodgepodge of images thrown at you both expositionally and literally." Four months later, I'm still not entirely sure Conan was anything but a bad fever dream.
5. Apollo 18 -- Boy, this was disappointing. Apollo 18 takes the found-footage style of Paranormal Activity to lunar heights with a conspiratorial mission to the moon that flails and fails to make a lick of sense.
...more
The past year has been fantastic for moviegoers. More so than any other year in recent memory, the best films of 2011 are incredibly different – in tone, in style, and in direction. Sure, there were duds too. But in between, a handful of directors took risks and played against type to create things thoughtful, compelling and wholly entertaining.
The Best
1. Drive -- Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Winding Refn distill the action drama to its coolest core with Drive, a thematic heir to Le Samouraï, A Fistful of Dollars or any film that throws strong, silent badasses into danger. Gosling's iconic turn smolders against a doe-eyed Carey Mulligan, while Albert Brooks's performance as a sociopathic mobster is downright revelatory. Sprinkle on Cliff Martinez's ethereal '80s synth-pop soundtrack, and Drive becomes the rarest of action movies – it tells its story in the quiet moments, between bullets.
2. Weekend -- Director Andrew Haigh's risk was simple enough: Follow two men as their relationship sprouts, entangles itself, and takes on a thrilling life of its own. That Weekend is his writing and directing debut makes it all the more impressive. By embracing what it is – and adding a few deft touches along the way – Haigh made a love story to remember.
3. Another Earth -- When a soon-to-be MIT student (Brit Marling), drunk and driving, leans out her window to spot a mirror image of our planet in the sky, only one thing is obvious – Another Earth is sci-fi like we've never seen before. Mike Cahill's directorial debut uses this cosmic crisis to explore a kind more immediately existential, creating an affective movie that's as grim as it is delicate.
4. The Tree of Life -- Terrence Malick's examination of our relationship with nature incomprehensible is a brilliant movie. The Tree of Life splits God and man, amid the story of a boy growing up in 1950s Texas, with a poetic approach to life's big questions that's equally gorgeous and inventive.
5. Bridesmaids -- That Bridesmaids worked is no surprise. That it worked so well – sprinting past Judd Apatow's man-boy formula to become a genuine comedy about women, their friendships and their love lives – is an unexpected delight.
6. The Descendants -- Alexander Payne (Sideways) brushes off the camera for his first feature-length work in seven years, and it was worth the wait. George Clooney stars as a Hawaiian landowner whose wife lands in a coma. His stellar performance, as well as Shailene Woodley's, make The Descendants one of the best of the year. Payne's wry sincerity, though, will make it last.
7. Pariah -- The closing film at Reel Affirmations 20 is awesome in its ambition. In the wrong hands, Pariah would be provocative. Instead, first-time writer and director Dee Rees poignantly explores a variety of social conflicts through the eyes of a black, lesbian teenager who struggles with sexuality and identity. The film will get a theatrical release in our area in January.
8. Hugo -- Martin Scorsese trying his hand at 3D will turn heads. But gimmick aside, Hugo deserves credit for telling such an intimate story within a movie so expansive. When the movie's second act kicks in and it suddenly becomes a movie about movies, Hugo is as good as anything else in 2011.
9. A Separation -- There's an aching intensity to A Separation, director Asghar Farhadi's vivid dissection of a domestic tragedy between an Iranian man and woman with a strained marriage. Farhadi masterfully tugs at each thread as their relationship unravels, turning A Separation into something much more, about marriage, honor and punishment.
10. Hanna -- Joe Wright's Hanna, with its booming Chemical Brothers soundtrack and cold-blooded, teenage assassin (Saoirse Ronan), isn't the most innovative movie out there. It's simply action, mainlined through gracefully meticulous sequences of violence. And it's done damn well.
The Worst
1. Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star -- A movie that has neither charm nor purpose, it's an offensive attempt to churn out another Happy Madison branded star. On cue, there's Nick Swardson, Prince Valiant wig in hand, ready to torpedo any semblance of wit, intelligence or taste as an oafish Midwesterner with a tiny prick. Bucky Larson isn't a star being born – it's a black hole.
2. Jack and Jill -- That whole "Happy Madison branded star" thing? It's all because of Adam Sandler and the nonsense like Jack and Jill he slops out year after year. While he's the only genuine moneymaker to rise out of the gang, he's still guilty of their crimes. Jack and Jill is humor of the lowest common denominator, outfitted in a 90-minute Dunkin Donuts commercial.
3. Atlas Shrugged -- Everyone else did too when they heard about this poor excuse for a movie.
4. Conan the Barbarian -- Here are some of the ways I described Conan the Barbarian in August: "Sucks gloriously … treats men and women like mouth-breathing caricatures of violence and sex … a hodgepodge of images thrown at you both expositionally and literally." Four months later, I'm still not entirely sure Conan was anything but a bad fever dream.
5. Apollo 18 -- Boy, this was disappointing. Apollo 18 takes the found-footage style of Paranormal Activity to lunar heights with a conspiratorial mission to the moon that flails and fails to make a lick of sense.
...more
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Official AIDS Walk & Run San Diego Event Guide
Early Registration
You can fast track your AIDS Walk & Run experience by turning in the funds you’ve raised at one of our pre-event collection events:
Thurs., Sept. 23, 4-8pm
Fri., Sept. 24, 4-8pm
Sat., Sept. 25, noon-4pm
Early registration will take place at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103. For more information call (619) 291-WALK (9255).
NEW! 10K AIDS Run participants can pickup race packets and bibs on Sat., Sept. 25 from noon-4pm at The Center, 3909 Centre St., or at AIDS Run Registration in Balboa Park, located on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Quince, from 6-8am on Sun., Sept. 26.
Day of event registration is welcome for both the Walk and the Run! Please have your $35 registration fee ($25 f…
Read More
You can fast track your AIDS Walk & Run experience by turning in the funds you’ve raised at one of our pre-event collection events:
Thurs., Sept. 23, 4-8pm
Fri., Sept. 24, 4-8pm
Sat., Sept. 25, noon-4pm
Early registration will take place at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103. For more information call (619) 291-WALK (9255).
NEW! 10K AIDS Run participants can pickup race packets and bibs on Sat., Sept. 25 from noon-4pm at The Center, 3909 Centre St., or at AIDS Run Registration in Balboa Park, located on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Quince, from 6-8am on Sun., Sept. 26.
Day of event registration is welcome for both the Walk and the Run! Please have your $35 registration fee ($25 f…
Read More
Ron Paul's '90s Newsletters Spew Antigay Sentiment
The New Republic has uncovered newsletters from current presidential candidate Ron Paul that are loaded with antigay and racist rants.
An interview with Monica Fontanoza, Army Reservist
Being that she was displaced as a youth, it took her many years to find herself and realize her potential. She joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 and later joined the Army Reserves in 2008. Her relationship at that time had gone sour after she signed the contract because her ex did not agree with gays in the service. However Monica disagreed and felt it was an honor to represent GLBT people anyway and anywhere she could.
Monica went on to become a Civil Affairs Specialist and fell in love with it, realizing that there are people out there with integrity and compassion for others. Fortunately for her she says, they are the men and women she gladly serves with.
Monica’s partner Vanessa was a firefighter in the Navy. She felt a sense of du…
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Monica went on to become a Civil Affairs Specialist and fell in love with it, realizing that there are people out there with integrity and compassion for others. Fortunately for her she says, they are the men and women she gladly serves with.
Monica’s partner Vanessa was a firefighter in the Navy. She felt a sense of du…
Read More | View Comments (1 comment)
Real Estate News
Lorie Zapf follow up
Last Friday, our community got some good news from the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which decided to suspend its endorsement of Lorie Zapf for City Council. Zapf failed to disclose a number of crippling personal details including her open gay-hatred and her operation of a short sale scam with husband Eric. Zapf is now forced to remove the Realtor thumbs-up from all campaign material and won’t have access to the organization’s PAC funds. Thanks to all who took a moment to contact SDAR, both as Realtors and as clients. Your direct involvement helped immensely. Professional credit is owed to SD City Beat’s Dave Maass and Realtor Pat Flannery from blogofsandiego.com.
Before we uncork the Prosecco in victory, let me offer a more dir…
Read More
Last Friday, our community got some good news from the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which decided to suspend its endorsement of Lorie Zapf for City Council. Zapf failed to disclose a number of crippling personal details including her open gay-hatred and her operation of a short sale scam with husband Eric. Zapf is now forced to remove the Realtor thumbs-up from all campaign material and won’t have access to the organization’s PAC funds. Thanks to all who took a moment to contact SDAR, both as Realtors and as clients. Your direct involvement helped immensely. Professional credit is owed to SD City Beat’s Dave Maass and Realtor Pat Flannery from blogofsandiego.com.
Before we uncork the Prosecco in victory, let me offer a more dir…
Read More
Withers: This is it
For this� final post, let's return to the first. It was September 2007. We were Visiblevote then. The staff was me, Jay [1], Pauline Park [2], and John Polly of NewNowNext [3]. My first post was a disaster. Our writing program kept jamming, the photo didn't format correctly, and the writing was drivel. Screamed at the computer that entire morning. The insanity was so over the top that poor Billie [4] looked at me, slowly got up, and found a more comfortable spot to dream of snacks and tennis balls.
In that September, Democrats and Republicans were gearing up for the 2008 primary season. The lines were drawn in the sand. Anything we wrote that was remotely negative about then Sen. Hillary Clinton was quickly dismissed as "Hillary hate." Words that weren't supportive of the guy with the funny name, and big ears, were called press releases from Camp Clinton.
[5]
Despite those partisan charges, our coverage of the 2008 election season matches anything done. Anything. Jay, John, and Pauline� made me a better writer and thinker. I thank them for that.
While the thanks are being dispensed, I must talk about Ali Davis [6]. If you need to listen to a crazy man [7] bring Ali along. She wears the best shoes. Sooooooo many Beck fans asked me about her� sneakers. Ali: I better get an invite to the commitment ceremony between you and Melinda. She loved you!
Also want to give thanks to John Culhane, Lisa Neff, John Corvino, and Emma Ruby-Sachs. I've learned much from your words.
Have to give Jay a big hug. She's unparalleled as an editor. Always willing to listen. Here is what you need to know: any decent post of mine is because of her. All the lousy ones? My sole responsibility. This site's success is due to her efforts.
Before this turns into the last episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show [8] (don't mock Polly!), kudos to those who gave us your time. I can be found here [9]. Drop by and cuss me out.
Best of luck. Keep keeping on. Peace.
[1] http://www.JenniferVanasco.com
[2] http://www.paulinepark.com/
[3] http://www.newnownext.com/
[4] http://whattheworlddoesnotneed.blogspot.com/2008/10/billie.html?zx=90880988f9d4a64c
[5] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/News-foggy-road-top.jpg
[6] http://www.365gay.com http://davisexmachina.wordpress.com/
[7] http://www.365gay.com/topics/news_politics/fear-and-learning-at-the-glenn-beck-rally/
[8] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKwZ_aejLw8
[9] http://whattheworlddoesnotneed.blogspot.com/
In that September, Democrats and Republicans were gearing up for the 2008 primary season. The lines were drawn in the sand. Anything we wrote that was remotely negative about then Sen. Hillary Clinton was quickly dismissed as "Hillary hate." Words that weren't supportive of the guy with the funny name, and big ears, were called press releases from Camp Clinton.
[5]
Despite those partisan charges, our coverage of the 2008 election season matches anything done. Anything. Jay, John, and Pauline� made me a better writer and thinker. I thank them for that.
While the thanks are being dispensed, I must talk about Ali Davis [6]. If you need to listen to a crazy man [7] bring Ali along. She wears the best shoes. Sooooooo many Beck fans asked me about her� sneakers. Ali: I better get an invite to the commitment ceremony between you and Melinda. She loved you!
Also want to give thanks to John Culhane, Lisa Neff, John Corvino, and Emma Ruby-Sachs. I've learned much from your words.
Have to give Jay a big hug. She's unparalleled as an editor. Always willing to listen. Here is what you need to know: any decent post of mine is because of her. All the lousy ones? My sole responsibility. This site's success is due to her efforts.
Before this turns into the last episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show [8] (don't mock Polly!), kudos to those who gave us your time. I can be found here [9]. Drop by and cuss me out.
Best of luck. Keep keeping on. Peace.
[1] http://www.JenniferVanasco.com
[2] http://www.paulinepark.com/
[3] http://www.newnownext.com/
[4] http://whattheworlddoesnotneed.blogspot.com/2008/10/billie.html?zx=90880988f9d4a64c
[5] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/News-foggy-road-top.jpg
[6] http://www.365gay.com http://davisexmachina.wordpress.com/
[7] http://www.365gay.com/topics/news_politics/fear-and-learning-at-the-glenn-beck-rally/
[8] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKwZ_aejLw8
[9] http://whattheworlddoesnotneed.blogspot.com/
Books for unaccepting parents
Please help me compile a list of PFLAG-style books for someone. My partner has been out to her family for roughly six years. They live in the midwest, and are quite religious (Evangelical), her mother in particular. Most of her family seems to ignore the fact she's gay (note ignoring being different from accepting); however, her mom still cries whenever she talks about it - when she does actually mention it, which is very rarely. She's never met me, and only learned I existed a year ago.
Her father is in ill health and we're past the Dan Savage recommended point of, "Give the parents an option, they can have you in their lives as an open gay person, or not at all." They have a relationship, as stilted as it is, and she is not willing to give that up nor do I want her to, so please don't suggest that.
However, her mother has offered to read some books, and we'd hopefully like to get her to a PFLAG meeting eventually. If you can, please recommend any books or pieces of reading material for parents of gay children, accepting/grieving/understanding/moving beyond. Thank you so much.
Her father is in ill health and we're past the Dan Savage recommended point of, "Give the parents an option, they can have you in their lives as an open gay person, or not at all." They have a relationship, as stilted as it is, and she is not willing to give that up nor do I want her to, so please don't suggest that.
However, her mother has offered to read some books, and we'd hopefully like to get her to a PFLAG meeting eventually. If you can, please recommend any books or pieces of reading material for parents of gay children, accepting/grieving/understanding/moving beyond. Thank you so much.
Beating Back Buyer?s Remorse
Overspending during the holiday season often leads to post-holiday blues. Here?s what you can do to stop the cycle.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
More to come?
This is a courtesy post to let my readers know that there is a lot more coming from me and this blog…soon! My following has grown and I couldn’t be more excited. I didn’t think that people were reading, but you are and I appreciate it. So stay posted and you will see more posts, [...]
(73) Karma by Dog Leash
Mark Dadoff; Feminazis who are just as man-hating as misogynists are woman-hating; Liberal Nimbyism; Reactionary righty pundits who play the game and believe w/o bothering to thoroughly examining their beliefs… Mark Madoff, oldest son of Bernie Madoff, hangs himself with dog leash in SoHo apartment http://is.gd/iDPAZ Music: All I Want For Christmas Is You – [...]
Hello Faithful Friends
Hey, remember when Dipstick and I used to post stuff here? For those of you who haven't given up on us, THANK YOU!Have you ever felt caught up in a vortex, where things are spinning so fast around you that you actually see colors and bright shiny things in the clouds (no hallucinogenics involved)? That is how I've been feeling and it's been hard to hold onto the reigns. Beyond basking in glee and drinking packets of EmergenC, that also means any free time I've had has been dedicated to sleep, so sincere apologies for being MIA.Anyhoodle, for now, I'll fill you in on all things Lipstick since I last wrote.A little over a week ago, we shot our first short film Til Death To Us Toby. For Patty (who was an awesome Assistant Director) and I, it was a 22 hour day. We got up at 3:45am, crew call was at 5:45 and we were rolling by 6:30. We shot until 11:11pm non-stop, save 15 minutes for lunch and 15 minutes for dinner. I thought it was killer that I said "that's a wrap" at 11:11 (I'm superstitious that way). We partied with the cast + crew until nearly 1am. The cast and crew were beyond AMAZING! Seriously, what a stellar team we had, who never complained or ran out of energy. Can't wait for the big wrap party!If you're out of the loop, you can follow the thread the Hot Pink Shorts HERE.It's been an amazing journey with OUTtv and this Hot Pink Shorts program. I'm gushing with gratitude and spinning at the sight of exciting things on the horizon, finally truly within grasp. I told the folks at OUTtv that I felt like a caterpillar who'd transformed into butterfly throughout this process. Week One, I was a furry little larvae and slowly, as we ate all the mentors had to offer, and set out on our own journey into the sticks and leaves, my wings actually began to take shape and I could eventually lift off the ground. And now, well, there's no stopping me as I fly around this wonderful world of opportunity.More to come soon, for sure, as there are some really cool things simmering on the TV front.**Small caveat for you Portland peeps: in the upcoming month, we'll be filming a little music video for the original song Christine Havrilla and I are co-writing for Toby. It's called Hightail and it's addictive. Think Jack Black meets Melissa Etheridge. For the video, which will also be part of the credits for the film, we'll need people to come out and help us, so stay tuned. We'll need as many people as we can get for the shoot, which is slated to happen at Laurelhurst Park.Enjoy the little slideshow below of our shoot, both of the action and behind the scenes. Cate Cameron captured these amazing moments. Be sure to check her out online. She rocks!*photos by Cate Cameron
A Christmas Story, The Musical!
Music and lyrics: by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, book by Joseph Robinette, based on writings of Jean Shepherd and 1983 film. At: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets: http://thechicagotheatre.com; 800-745-3000; $35-79 . Runs through: Dec. 30
Oh no, I see a darkness. Oh no, I see a darkness. Oh no, I see a darkness.
The parents kicked me out for being gay. What can I do now to make sure I stay emotionally healthy, and how do I deal with my complicated feelings surrounding this? Has anyone else been through this? By "the parents" I mean Mom and her boyfriend. Bio Dad has been quite supportive and is the main reason I'm not on the streets right now; I can't stay with him but I'm using the money he gave me to stay in a hotel until I find a roommate or an apartment. I'm 21. I came out in June. This happened around a week ago.
I went out to see my girlfriend and my parents tried to follow me around to find her (we'd stopped meeting at the house at their request) and talk to her. This hasn't gone well in the past and usually consisted of BF telling her he'd call the police on her, etc.
I went back to the house so I wouldn't lead them to her, and Mom said she just wanted to have a civil talk. Just her, because of BF's actions last time. We agreed, were having the talk, which was about how my seeing a woman was causing problems between her and BF.
Then BF rolls up some ten minutes later. That's when things got bad. He basically told the girlfriend that she couldn't offer me anything other than sex, called her a bulldyke, said our relationship didn't mean anything, etc etc. Then they both threatened to call the police to get her information, and drive up to her house and out her to her Mom. When GF said the police wouldn't give out that information, BF said that money talks and insinuated that he'd hired a private investigator. Then they started trying to accuse me of sleeping around, cycling through people, etc. Basically trying to tell my girlfriend that I wasn't really serious about her.
Sometime in that conversation they told me that if I chose to stay with her the door would be locked and they wouldn't let me back in. BF doesn't want homosexuals on his property, and Mom wanted me out because of the problems I was causing between them.
GF started to cry as they were driving way, so I wrapped my arms around her. They had to drive past us to get out of the complex so when they passed us hugging BF yelled out the window "That's sick!"
The thing that gets to me about this is that Mom didn't seem to care much about me seeing a woman. She'd be fine, then he would say something to her and THEN she would get upset with me. She told me that he would get angry with her for being unable to "control" the situation, and wasn't happy with her parenting style. She said that he went from wanting to marry her to wanting her to move out, would complain to her every day for hours, etc and that she was stressed out and that things didn't feel like "home" anymore. The night before this happened she told me she was moving out because since he wasn't going to change and I wasn't going to change, that was the only option. I felt really guilty at the time because I felt like it was my fault, but after all this I just don't know how to feel.
I feel like she picked him over me. Their relationship has lasted six years or so, but still, I'm her kid. I can understand that she felt torn, but, I dunno. Before this incident I was angry with him for blaming things on her, but now it's like... I never blamed her for his actions, so why am I the one who gets the short end of the stick?
I grew up thinking she didn't love me because of certain things that happened, but in the past few years I started to think, "Well, she does love me, she just doesn't know how to show it and the things she says when she's upset are just words." But now I feel like this is just "proof" that she really doesn't love me, and it really hurts. She had no idea that Dad had given me a substantial amount of money the last time this happened (no arguing, they just locked the door when I came back and wouldn't let me back in. I was on the streets for a few hours, called up Dad to take me to get my stuff, but Mom said she wanted to work things out and so I moved back in) so as far as she knew I'd have to be on the streets.
She has texted me and called me about "working things out," but I know that BF's feelings haven't changed so I haven't responded. I haven't spoken to her because what happened really, really hurts. I don't want her to think everything is OK. I know she does care, in a way, or she wouldn't be texting me. At the same time, she basically stood there and let BF call my girlfriend a bulldyke, say we were sick, and laughed along with him. (she's said similar things but hasn't in a few months), so it's like... why is she now like "how were classes today?"
I'm not trying to say she's all bad, because I know she's human and feels torn between her child and her BF. And maybe I shouldn't feel entitled because I'm her child, I don't know. I know she's probably upset over the situation too. My Dad suggested to me awhile ago that I start lying about who I was going out with, or just not tell them at all (I always tell them with who, where, and when/if I'll be back). It seems like Mom would have preferred I lie to BF (I suspect she was lying about it since I didn't have any problems with him for about a month, then he saw her picking me up one day andyeah.) So, to be fair, I could have tried harder to keep BF oblivious. I didn't know the problems between them had gotten that bad until the night before the incident, when Mom told me.
I'm prone to depression and I know that if I don't head this off I could get into a really dark place emotionally. I was quite happy before all this happened and I just want to be OK. I'm not really close to any of my family and I feel like I just don't have one. I mean, Mom's are supposed to love you no matter what, right? But BF basically asked her to choose between me and him and she picked him. That really, really hurts.
I know exercise and eating right helps, but... how do I process this? I can't afford a therapist right now. I've been OK at times and at times I just get randomly down and snippy with GF. I just got out of a major depression not too long ago, was learning that life is about perception, etc. Heck, my last journal entry before this happened was about how happy I was. But now I just feel sad a lot of the time again, and GF is generally a happy and chipper person, and I feel upset with myself that I can't get back to that place. I can't tell you how long it took me to get out of pessimistic mood and generally be an optimistic person. It was a lot of hard work and I feel like this incident just undid that.
I realize I'll be upset for a bit but I don't want it to change me and put me in some dark place again. What can I do to stay positive?
I went out to see my girlfriend and my parents tried to follow me around to find her (we'd stopped meeting at the house at their request) and talk to her. This hasn't gone well in the past and usually consisted of BF telling her he'd call the police on her, etc.
I went back to the house so I wouldn't lead them to her, and Mom said she just wanted to have a civil talk. Just her, because of BF's actions last time. We agreed, were having the talk, which was about how my seeing a woman was causing problems between her and BF.
Then BF rolls up some ten minutes later. That's when things got bad. He basically told the girlfriend that she couldn't offer me anything other than sex, called her a bulldyke, said our relationship didn't mean anything, etc etc. Then they both threatened to call the police to get her information, and drive up to her house and out her to her Mom. When GF said the police wouldn't give out that information, BF said that money talks and insinuated that he'd hired a private investigator. Then they started trying to accuse me of sleeping around, cycling through people, etc. Basically trying to tell my girlfriend that I wasn't really serious about her.
Sometime in that conversation they told me that if I chose to stay with her the door would be locked and they wouldn't let me back in. BF doesn't want homosexuals on his property, and Mom wanted me out because of the problems I was causing between them.
GF started to cry as they were driving way, so I wrapped my arms around her. They had to drive past us to get out of the complex so when they passed us hugging BF yelled out the window "That's sick!"
The thing that gets to me about this is that Mom didn't seem to care much about me seeing a woman. She'd be fine, then he would say something to her and THEN she would get upset with me. She told me that he would get angry with her for being unable to "control" the situation, and wasn't happy with her parenting style. She said that he went from wanting to marry her to wanting her to move out, would complain to her every day for hours, etc and that she was stressed out and that things didn't feel like "home" anymore. The night before this happened she told me she was moving out because since he wasn't going to change and I wasn't going to change, that was the only option. I felt really guilty at the time because I felt like it was my fault, but after all this I just don't know how to feel.
I feel like she picked him over me. Their relationship has lasted six years or so, but still, I'm her kid. I can understand that she felt torn, but, I dunno. Before this incident I was angry with him for blaming things on her, but now it's like... I never blamed her for his actions, so why am I the one who gets the short end of the stick?
I grew up thinking she didn't love me because of certain things that happened, but in the past few years I started to think, "Well, she does love me, she just doesn't know how to show it and the things she says when she's upset are just words." But now I feel like this is just "proof" that she really doesn't love me, and it really hurts. She had no idea that Dad had given me a substantial amount of money the last time this happened (no arguing, they just locked the door when I came back and wouldn't let me back in. I was on the streets for a few hours, called up Dad to take me to get my stuff, but Mom said she wanted to work things out and so I moved back in) so as far as she knew I'd have to be on the streets.
She has texted me and called me about "working things out," but I know that BF's feelings haven't changed so I haven't responded. I haven't spoken to her because what happened really, really hurts. I don't want her to think everything is OK. I know she does care, in a way, or she wouldn't be texting me. At the same time, she basically stood there and let BF call my girlfriend a bulldyke, say we were sick, and laughed along with him. (she's said similar things but hasn't in a few months), so it's like... why is she now like "how were classes today?"
I'm not trying to say she's all bad, because I know she's human and feels torn between her child and her BF. And maybe I shouldn't feel entitled because I'm her child, I don't know. I know she's probably upset over the situation too. My Dad suggested to me awhile ago that I start lying about who I was going out with, or just not tell them at all (I always tell them with who, where, and when/if I'll be back). It seems like Mom would have preferred I lie to BF (I suspect she was lying about it since I didn't have any problems with him for about a month, then he saw her picking me up one day andyeah.) So, to be fair, I could have tried harder to keep BF oblivious. I didn't know the problems between them had gotten that bad until the night before the incident, when Mom told me.
I'm prone to depression and I know that if I don't head this off I could get into a really dark place emotionally. I was quite happy before all this happened and I just want to be OK. I'm not really close to any of my family and I feel like I just don't have one. I mean, Mom's are supposed to love you no matter what, right? But BF basically asked her to choose between me and him and she picked him. That really, really hurts.
I know exercise and eating right helps, but... how do I process this? I can't afford a therapist right now. I've been OK at times and at times I just get randomly down and snippy with GF. I just got out of a major depression not too long ago, was learning that life is about perception, etc. Heck, my last journal entry before this happened was about how happy I was. But now I just feel sad a lot of the time again, and GF is generally a happy and chipper person, and I feel upset with myself that I can't get back to that place. I can't tell you how long it took me to get out of pessimistic mood and generally be an optimistic person. It was a lot of hard work and I feel like this incident just undid that.
I realize I'll be upset for a bit but I don't want it to change me and put me in some dark place again. What can I do to stay positive?
Coming Out at Christmas Dinner
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2011-12-25
AGG Coming Out at Christmas Dinner
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2011-12-25
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Monday, December 26, 2011
Curve Auction :: Dani Campbell + the Real L Word Ladies
FW: Curve Magazine Auction: Lunch with Dani Campbell ++ EDEN Party with THE REAL L WORLD CAST!Exclusive eBay Curve Auction....
This is a chance of a lifetime!
Hang out with the smoking hot Curve magazine cover girl... lesbian firefighter DANI CAMPBELL from MTV's A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila!
Now's your chance to hang out with Dani Campbell in San Francisco during Pride Weekend (June 26-27, 2010)
If you are the highest bidder, you and a friend will party with Dani Campbell and the Curve magazine editors in San Francisco during Pride Weekend!
Here's what's included:
? Lunch for you and a friend with Dani Campbell (Saturday, June 26th) in San Francisco
? Two (2) ALL-ACCESS general admission passes to EDEN - All Women, All Weekend.
EDEN: The official women's events at San Francisco Pride: with Dani Campbell and cast members from Showtime's new series, The Real L Word.
Include general admission passes to:
EDEN Welcome Party (Thursday, June 24th)
Lesbian Comedy Show (Friday, June 25th)
Tease Dance Party (Friday, June 25th)
EDEN Signature Dance party (Saturday, June 26th)
Good Times after party in Oakland (Sunday, June 27th)
? One (1) autographed copy of Dani's Curve magazine cover
? One (1) official limited edition Curve magazine 20th Anniversary Tee Shirt
? Two (2) Grandstand tickets for at San Francisco?s Pride Parade (Saturday, June 26th)
FW: Curve Magazine Auction: Lunch with Dani Campbell ++ EDEN Party with THE REAL L WORLD CAST!
*** NOTE: This package does not include hotel, air travel or transportation.
????????
ABOUT EDEN:SIX MONTHS in the making...
Movement Productions and Curve Magazine present in conjunction with Olivia Travel, BoiBlue Events and FullCircle Events
The 1st ANNUAL All Women, All Weekend Pride Event
EDEN is the 1st Annual All Women, All Weekend San Francisco Pride Event co-produced by Movement Productions and Curve Magazine in conjunction with Olivia Travel, BoiBlue Events and FullCircle Events. Welcome to four days of non-stop parties, women and more. For information on ticket prices please click here (http://edensf.eventbrite.com/)
THURSDAY - June 24tn
EDEN Welcome Party
Parc55, SF
7pm-9pm
Only available to ALL ACCESS and ALL ACCESS VIP Ticket Holders
FRIDAY - June 25th
EDEN Comedy Show co-sponsored by Olivia Travel
Parc55, SF
7pm-9pm
Featured Comedians: Dana Goldberg, Sandra Valls, Julie Goldman, Gina Yashere
FRIDAY - June 25th
TEASE
Suite 181
181 Eddy, SF
9pm-3am
Featured DJs: DJ Olga T, DJ C-L.A. DJ Calalo, DJ Campbell, DJ Rockaway
Hosted by: Aysha of Flourish and Miranda of Afterglow
2 Floors
3 Dancefloors
5 DJs
Gorgeous, Hosted VIP areas
Bottle Service (VIP only)
Hot Go-Gos
Hotter Celesbians
SATURDAY - June 26th
EDEN
Taste the Forbidden Fruit
434 Brannan, SF
Inside the historic Olivia Travel Building, 3rd Floor
9pm-3am
Featured DJs: DJ Olga T, DJ Ms. Jackson, DJ Rockaway
Be transported into the Garden of Eden with 180 degree views overlooking the city, Movement Productions and FullCircle Events have created San Francisco's very own Eden inside the historic Olivia Travel building. Come taste of the Forbidden Fruit.
The Flyest Music
Hot Go-Gos
Drink Specials
Meet our Comedians
Special Guest Celesbians from THE REAL L WORD
Hosted VIP section
Hosted Bottle Service
Red Carpet
Valet Parking
SUNDAY - June 27th
GOOD TIMES
The Den, Oakland
7pm-midnight
Featured DJs: DJ Olga T, DJ Rapture, DJ Ryan, DJ Trinity, DJ Jacatac
End your party weekend right at one of the most popular All Women's event in the Bay, GOOD TIMES in the city with the largest lesbian population in the country, Oakland! GOOD TIMES is hosted at one of the most beautifully appointed venues in Oakland, The Den. Right across from the 17th street Bart, it takes less than 20 minutes to Bart over from the city and trust it is well worth the trip!
To bid, go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300434151013&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123
This is a chance of a lifetime!
Hang out with the smoking hot Curve magazine cover girl... lesbian firefighter DANI CAMPBELL from MTV's A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila!
Now's your chance to hang out with Dani Campbell in San Francisco during Pride Weekend (June 26-27, 2010)
If you are the highest bidder, you and a friend will party with Dani Campbell and the Curve magazine editors in San Francisco during Pride Weekend!
Here's what's included:
? Lunch for you and a friend with Dani Campbell (Saturday, June 26th) in San Francisco
? Two (2) ALL-ACCESS general admission passes to EDEN - All Women, All Weekend.
EDEN: The official women's events at San Francisco Pride: with Dani Campbell and cast members from Showtime's new series, The Real L Word.
Include general admission passes to:
EDEN Welcome Party (Thursday, June 24th)
Lesbian Comedy Show (Friday, June 25th)
Tease Dance Party (Friday, June 25th)
EDEN Signature Dance party (Saturday, June 26th)
Good Times after party in Oakland (Sunday, June 27th)
? One (1) autographed copy of Dani's Curve magazine cover
? One (1) official limited edition Curve magazine 20th Anniversary Tee Shirt
? Two (2) Grandstand tickets for at San Francisco?s Pride Parade (Saturday, June 26th)
FW: Curve Magazine Auction: Lunch with Dani Campbell ++ EDEN Party with THE REAL L WORLD CAST!
*** NOTE: This package does not include hotel, air travel or transportation.
????????
ABOUT EDEN:SIX MONTHS in the making...
Movement Productions and Curve Magazine present in conjunction with Olivia Travel, BoiBlue Events and FullCircle Events
The 1st ANNUAL All Women, All Weekend Pride Event
EDEN is the 1st Annual All Women, All Weekend San Francisco Pride Event co-produced by Movement Productions and Curve Magazine in conjunction with Olivia Travel, BoiBlue Events and FullCircle Events. Welcome to four days of non-stop parties, women and more. For information on ticket prices please click here (http://edensf.eventbrite.com/)
THURSDAY - June 24tn
EDEN Welcome Party
Parc55, SF
7pm-9pm
Only available to ALL ACCESS and ALL ACCESS VIP Ticket Holders
FRIDAY - June 25th
EDEN Comedy Show co-sponsored by Olivia Travel
Parc55, SF
7pm-9pm
Featured Comedians: Dana Goldberg, Sandra Valls, Julie Goldman, Gina Yashere
FRIDAY - June 25th
TEASE
Suite 181
181 Eddy, SF
9pm-3am
Featured DJs: DJ Olga T, DJ C-L.A. DJ Calalo, DJ Campbell, DJ Rockaway
Hosted by: Aysha of Flourish and Miranda of Afterglow
2 Floors
3 Dancefloors
5 DJs
Gorgeous, Hosted VIP areas
Bottle Service (VIP only)
Hot Go-Gos
Hotter Celesbians
SATURDAY - June 26th
EDEN
Taste the Forbidden Fruit
434 Brannan, SF
Inside the historic Olivia Travel Building, 3rd Floor
9pm-3am
Featured DJs: DJ Olga T, DJ Ms. Jackson, DJ Rockaway
Be transported into the Garden of Eden with 180 degree views overlooking the city, Movement Productions and FullCircle Events have created San Francisco's very own Eden inside the historic Olivia Travel building. Come taste of the Forbidden Fruit.
The Flyest Music
Hot Go-Gos
Drink Specials
Meet our Comedians
Special Guest Celesbians from THE REAL L WORD
Hosted VIP section
Hosted Bottle Service
Red Carpet
Valet Parking
SUNDAY - June 27th
GOOD TIMES
The Den, Oakland
7pm-midnight
Featured DJs: DJ Olga T, DJ Rapture, DJ Ryan, DJ Trinity, DJ Jacatac
End your party weekend right at one of the most popular All Women's event in the Bay, GOOD TIMES in the city with the largest lesbian population in the country, Oakland! GOOD TIMES is hosted at one of the most beautifully appointed venues in Oakland, The Den. Right across from the 17th street Bart, it takes less than 20 minutes to Bart over from the city and trust it is well worth the trip!
To bid, go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300434151013&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123
Do you expect LGBT issues will play a role in the general presidential election later next year?
Yes, I think the parties' two nominees will be talking about LGBT issues.
66.29%
-More-
66.29%
-More-
ACLU Announces Representation of Family of Unioto High School Assault Victim
Hopes to Change Climate at School System to End Bullying and Discrimination of Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
CHILLICOTHE, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced at a press conference today that it would represent the family of a Unioto High School student who was assaulted because of his sexual orientation. The assault occurred on October 17, 2011 at the school, and was recorded by another student. The victim, Zach, suffered physical injuries as a result of the severe beating. In the days following the attack, the video of the incident was posted online, and sparked nationwide outrage at the treatment Zach faced because of his sexual orientation.
At the press conference, the ACLU announced it was considering a wide range of legal actions to protect Zach and other students from future instances of bullying. In addition, the ACLU sent a letter to school officials informing them of their representation of the family, and inviting them to discuss solutions before formal legal action is filed.
“Every child deserves a safe learning environment, free from violence and cruelty,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director James L. Hardiman. “The school had a responsibility to protect Zach, but looked the other way for over a year while he was verbally and physically bullied. Schools must proactively address bullying by engaging with students and teachers on the effects of harmful words and actions, or else risk even greater incidents of violence. This education must start at a young age in order to change the school’s culture, so this behavior is no longer acceptable.”
According to Zach and his family, he has been the victim of escalating verbal and physical school bullying for at least a year. His mother, Rebecca Collins, reported the incidences to the school several times, but no action was taken.
“This has been an ongoing nightmare for our family. No parent wants to see their child in danger, and it has been a constant fear that Zach or one of our loved ones would be harmed,” said Zach’s mother, Rebecca Collins. “Through Zach’s ordeal, I hope schools recognize they must take reports of bullying seriously and educate others on how it affects families.”
“Union-Scioto School District failed to keep Zach from harm. Now, they must take proactive steps to change the culture of their school so that discrimination based on sexual orientation is no longer tolerated. It will be a long road that must begin when children are young, but can be achieved through creative and honest dialogue on the impact of bullying and discrimination,” concluded Hardiman.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
CHILLICOTHE, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced at a press conference today that it would represent the family of a Unioto High School student who was assaulted because of his sexual orientation. The assault occurred on October 17, 2011 at the school, and was recorded by another student. The victim, Zach, suffered physical injuries as a result of the severe beating. In the days following the attack, the video of the incident was posted online, and sparked nationwide outrage at the treatment Zach faced because of his sexual orientation.
At the press conference, the ACLU announced it was considering a wide range of legal actions to protect Zach and other students from future instances of bullying. In addition, the ACLU sent a letter to school officials informing them of their representation of the family, and inviting them to discuss solutions before formal legal action is filed.
“Every child deserves a safe learning environment, free from violence and cruelty,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director James L. Hardiman. “The school had a responsibility to protect Zach, but looked the other way for over a year while he was verbally and physically bullied. Schools must proactively address bullying by engaging with students and teachers on the effects of harmful words and actions, or else risk even greater incidents of violence. This education must start at a young age in order to change the school’s culture, so this behavior is no longer acceptable.”
According to Zach and his family, he has been the victim of escalating verbal and physical school bullying for at least a year. His mother, Rebecca Collins, reported the incidences to the school several times, but no action was taken.
“This has been an ongoing nightmare for our family. No parent wants to see their child in danger, and it has been a constant fear that Zach or one of our loved ones would be harmed,” said Zach’s mother, Rebecca Collins. “Through Zach’s ordeal, I hope schools recognize they must take reports of bullying seriously and educate others on how it affects families.”
“Union-Scioto School District failed to keep Zach from harm. Now, they must take proactive steps to change the culture of their school so that discrimination based on sexual orientation is no longer tolerated. It will be a long road that must begin when children are young, but can be achieved through creative and honest dialogue on the impact of bullying and discrimination,” concluded Hardiman.
Uber Sexy Carishma and Glow in the Dark
2011 has brought us CARISHMA. Fresh on the scene, the uber sexy Carishma is a rare jewel in the
music industry. An American-born beauty with an exotic
Indian background, she's created a fun and flirty pop sound.
At a young age, Carishma discovered her natural abilities and the
joy of performing for others. Her drive and desire inspired her to work
relentlessly to develop her triple-threat skill set as a singer, dancer,
and actor. At age 9, she starred in the lead role in an HBO movie;
by age 10, she won several dance competitions; and by 14, she was signed
to an indie label, recording dozens of songs.
Upon
graduating high school, Carishma decided to split with her label after
being accepted to NYU's prestigious Music Business and Performing Arts
programs. While at NYU, several up-and-coming producers took notice of
her talent, and before long, she gained the attention of renown
producer Timbaland. She auditioned for him at The Hit Factory in Miami,
which resulted in her record, "Keep Hangin' On" (feat. Timbaland).
Since
graduating, Carishma's talent has attracted some of the industry's top
producers and songwriters. She recorded her first single, "Glow in the
Dark," with hit producer Rodney "Darkchild"
Jerkins, which just premiered on MTV, and has also recorded with Claude Kelly and JR Rotem, amongst others.
WATCH NOW - Glow In The Dark video
Glow in the Dark STREAM and FREE DOWNLOAD
music industry. An American-born beauty with an exotic
Indian background, she's created a fun and flirty pop sound.
At a young age, Carishma discovered her natural abilities and the
joy of performing for others. Her drive and desire inspired her to work
relentlessly to develop her triple-threat skill set as a singer, dancer,
and actor. At age 9, she starred in the lead role in an HBO movie;
by age 10, she won several dance competitions; and by 14, she was signed
to an indie label, recording dozens of songs.
Upon
graduating high school, Carishma decided to split with her label after
being accepted to NYU's prestigious Music Business and Performing Arts
programs. While at NYU, several up-and-coming producers took notice of
her talent, and before long, she gained the attention of renown
producer Timbaland. She auditioned for him at The Hit Factory in Miami,
which resulted in her record, "Keep Hangin' On" (feat. Timbaland).
Since
graduating, Carishma's talent has attracted some of the industry's top
producers and songwriters. She recorded her first single, "Glow in the
Dark," with hit producer Rodney "Darkchild"
Jerkins, which just premiered on MTV, and has also recorded with Claude Kelly and JR Rotem, amongst others.
WATCH NOW - Glow In The Dark video
Glow in the Dark STREAM and FREE DOWNLOAD
I'll stop being obsessed with talented English chicks when England stops producing them, innit.
I've wanted to propose to Jessie J for a few months now, but after seeing/hearing this song, I basically want to live in her vagina for the rest of my life. And for those of you who think that's crass, watch the video and then see if you're not calling dibs on a 2-bedroom condo in Jessie J's region. And if you haven't seen her video for "Do It Like a Dude," RUN...don't walk...to a youtube near you!
Provincetown's Famous ICONS Show Comes to New York City
"Summer's
super smash hit drag show" (Provincetown Magazine) has been the toast
of Ptown for 2 years and the queens of ICONS are ready to make their
Off-Broadway debut. ICONS is a wildly entertaining trip through pop
culture that recreates your favorite music videos, legendary
performances, and unforgettable moments that turned the stars into
ICONS! Featuring performances from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Madonna,
Britney, Whitney, Janet, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Tina
Turner, and more, ICONS will have you singing, screaming, and dancing
all night long. This high energy revue features expert choreography,
stunning costumes, hot boys, your favorite Top40 hits, and the fiercest
drag queens in NYC! Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls
night out, boys night out, and people looking for a one-of-a-kind post
Broadway experience that you'll never forget!In a town bursting at the seams with entertainment, Icons
distinguishes itself with impeccable and dynamic choreography and
dancing. It also takes the concept of a drag revue and turns it into a
really, really fun party where the energy between the performers and the
audience continues to build at a frenetic pace full of hoots, hollers,
and laughter. In short, Icons is a very good time.Performances begin November 25th at The Snapple Theater Center in Times Square!1627 Broadway (the corner of 50th)ICONS NYC
super smash hit drag show" (Provincetown Magazine) has been the toast
of Ptown for 2 years and the queens of ICONS are ready to make their
Off-Broadway debut. ICONS is a wildly entertaining trip through pop
culture that recreates your favorite music videos, legendary
performances, and unforgettable moments that turned the stars into
ICONS! Featuring performances from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Madonna,
Britney, Whitney, Janet, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Tina
Turner, and more, ICONS will have you singing, screaming, and dancing
all night long. This high energy revue features expert choreography,
stunning costumes, hot boys, your favorite Top40 hits, and the fiercest
drag queens in NYC! Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls
night out, boys night out, and people looking for a one-of-a-kind post
Broadway experience that you'll never forget!In a town bursting at the seams with entertainment, Icons
distinguishes itself with impeccable and dynamic choreography and
dancing. It also takes the concept of a drag revue and turns it into a
really, really fun party where the energy between the performers and the
audience continues to build at a frenetic pace full of hoots, hollers,
and laughter. In short, Icons is a very good time.Performances begin November 25th at The Snapple Theater Center in Times Square!1627 Broadway (the corner of 50th)ICONS NYC
Hyatt protests heating up
In a fight that has dragged on for more than two years and embroiled the LGBT community, the clash between Chicago-based hotel chain Hyatt and hospitality union UNITE HERE Local 1 appears to be growing in hostility.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Conversations with Nicole
In past columns in the last few years I have written about the issue of Bullying in our schools many times…I hope and pray that now all Americans….especially our community has awoken to this crisis. In one of my past columns I wrote that if “only1/4” of the energy, money, time that has been spent on Marriage Equality and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was focused on GLBT suicides and bullying this issue would have gotten further…we must make our GLBT youth/students who are coming out every day at younger ages our community’s No. 1 PRIORITY!
Take a stand against School Bullying: October 17
San Diegans will be coming together on Sunday, October 17 to take a united stand against all bullying…this …
Read More | View Comments (8 comments)
Take a stand against School Bullying: October 17
San Diegans will be coming together on Sunday, October 17 to take a united stand against all bullying…this …
Read More | View Comments (8 comments)
"Amazon Store" For Single Gay Men Launches Today
(10-19-11) -- Quick! How do you start a clever conversation with that hottie in the corner? Quick! How do you get his phone number without his friends noticing? The answers are on the first online bookstore for single gay men who want to improve their love lives...
Gay attorney helps boxer face murder charge
Hollywood screenplay writers couldn't have created a better story: A teen boxing prodigy with Olympic dreams is accused of murder, then acquitted after a dramatic jury trial and goes on to win the USA Boxing National Championship six months later.
San Diego community prepares to step off for 21st Annual AIDS Walk
As local service organizations continue to feel the impact of government funding cuts for HIV/AIDS services, the San Diego community will again come together in a display of support and compassion at the 21st annual AIDS Walk & Run. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Balboa Park.
Registration for both walkers and runners will begin at 6am at Balboa Park, along Sixth Avenue (early registration is also available, see the official event guide here for more information) on Sunday. The 10K run will start at 8am, with the Walk step off at 8:10am.
Local elected officials will also take part in the day’s ceremonies, including U.S. Representative Susan Davis, California State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, and San Diego City Councilmemb…
Read More
Registration for both walkers and runners will begin at 6am at Balboa Park, along Sixth Avenue (early registration is also available, see the official event guide here for more information) on Sunday. The 10K run will start at 8am, with the Walk step off at 8:10am.
Local elected officials will also take part in the day’s ceremonies, including U.S. Representative Susan Davis, California State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, and San Diego City Councilmemb…
Read More
Governor OKs Harvey Milk Day, marriage bill
Capping a remarkable year for slain San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill to create a state day of recognition for Milk, making him only the second Californian, after naturalist...
D.C. considers divorce bill for same-sex spouses
Legislation before the City Council of the District of Columbia would allow same-sex couples who married in the city, but who -More-
Lesbian couple wondering what to be for Halloween!
Lesbian couple wondering what to be for Halloween! So, my girlfriend and I are looking for something unique or original to be for Halloween. Last year we were Catwoman and Batwoman... it was a last minute costume and not overly original. This year, I'd like to find a fantastic couple costume where people will hopefully know what we are.
Some of my ideas so far:
- two members of the Peaches baseball team (from the movie "A League of their Own").
- Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune from the Sailor Moon series. They were lesbian characters (it was censored in North America). The only problem is, I doubt most people know they were lesbians.
- Xena and Gabrielle (it's often been rumoured that they were lesbians).
As for our physiques... she's short, very fit and muscular, dykey style and not very feminine. She has short dark hair. She doesn't like to wear make up or anything like that... but if I want her to, she will let me cover her in makeup and put her in dresses for Halloween. Myself, I'm short, thin(with curves), long blonde hair and very feminine. I love high fashion and like to be glamorous. Often described as a lipstick lesbian (a lesbian that adopts a feminine appearance and typically looks straight).
If you have any interesting ideas, I'd love to hear them! She also doesn't mind being 'the boy' in the costume (ie. if I were Tinkerbell she wouldn't mind being PeterPan).
Some of my ideas so far:
- two members of the Peaches baseball team (from the movie "A League of their Own").
- Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune from the Sailor Moon series. They were lesbian characters (it was censored in North America). The only problem is, I doubt most people know they were lesbians.
- Xena and Gabrielle (it's often been rumoured that they were lesbians).
As for our physiques... she's short, very fit and muscular, dykey style and not very feminine. She has short dark hair. She doesn't like to wear make up or anything like that... but if I want her to, she will let me cover her in makeup and put her in dresses for Halloween. Myself, I'm short, thin(with curves), long blonde hair and very feminine. I love high fashion and like to be glamorous. Often described as a lipstick lesbian (a lesbian that adopts a feminine appearance and typically looks straight).
If you have any interesting ideas, I'd love to hear them! She also doesn't mind being 'the boy' in the costume (ie. if I were Tinkerbell she wouldn't mind being PeterPan).
Video of the day: Bloomberg Spanish
NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg held a presser a few minutes ago, and it was broadcast on major media. It was unremarkable at the outset, noting it's too late to evacuate at this point, to take precautions using candles, etc.
But then he decided to offer up a summary in Spanish. I want to give him props for trying, but it was so heinous that I burst out laughing. And I don't even speak Spanish. I can't imagine what that sounded like to native Spanish speakers.
This is one for the ages; it's at least nice to laugh during what's a pretty tough time to laugh with Irene barreling up the Northeast corridor.
Thanks @robrcb.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
George Michaels Condition Worsens
Doctors treating singer George Michael on the 13th floor of the Vienna
AKH general hospital say his condition has worsened overnight.
He
was hospitalized on Monday after a doctor was called to his suite at
the Hotel imperial in Vienna's posh first district and diagnosed
breathing difficulties.He was taken by ambulance to the city's
top Rudolfiner private hospital in the 19th district of the city, where a
decision was taken to move him to the main general hospital - the AKH.It is believed it
was decided that the singer's condition was so acute that it would be
better if he was moved to the AKH - the biggest in Europe and where many
of the continent's top medical experts are based because of the
advanced facilities it offers.On Thursday afternoon he was fitted into a special
full-body bed designed to keep all the pressure off his lungs and to
help them to function - so far without any sign of improvement.Head
doctor from the nearby Otto Wagner Hospital, Norbert Vetter, said that
the reason a person with a lung problem was being treated in the cardiac
unit probably lay in the fact that if there was a lung problem - and
not enough oxygen being taken into the body - then that could affect the
heart especially if the heart had already been damaged in some way. He
added in the worst case the heart could cease to function.Insiders at the facility say he is getting much worse.
AKH general hospital say his condition has worsened overnight.
He
was hospitalized on Monday after a doctor was called to his suite at
the Hotel imperial in Vienna's posh first district and diagnosed
breathing difficulties.He was taken by ambulance to the city's
top Rudolfiner private hospital in the 19th district of the city, where a
decision was taken to move him to the main general hospital - the AKH.It is believed it
was decided that the singer's condition was so acute that it would be
better if he was moved to the AKH - the biggest in Europe and where many
of the continent's top medical experts are based because of the
advanced facilities it offers.On Thursday afternoon he was fitted into a special
full-body bed designed to keep all the pressure off his lungs and to
help them to function - so far without any sign of improvement.Head
doctor from the nearby Otto Wagner Hospital, Norbert Vetter, said that
the reason a person with a lung problem was being treated in the cardiac
unit probably lay in the fact that if there was a lung problem - and
not enough oxygen being taken into the body - then that could affect the
heart especially if the heart had already been damaged in some way. He
added in the worst case the heart could cease to function.Insiders at the facility say he is getting much worse.
Kelsey Grammer's Libertarianism; Scott Dilbert's Federalism
On
CNN, Frasier talks to Piers Morgan about his political
beliefs:
The actor pointed out that, like the tea party, he believes
"smaller government's a good idea. Always have. I think lower taxes
are a good idea. Always have."
Grammer does, however, fully support gay marriage, which many
tea partiers oppose.
"I guess I'm more libertarian in that way," Grammer said. "I
think marriage is up to two people that love each other, and if you
find a church that you want to get married in, you go right ahead."
Grammer added that he doesn't believe the government should be
involved in marriage.
Whole thing, including video (and four marriages, and laments
about greed)
here.
Meanwhile, on
his blog,
Dilbert creator Scott Adams is talking constitutional reboot:
I like the idea of states operating as test sites for social and
economic programs. In some ways, that's the opposite of how things
are operating now. For example, the federal government is clamping
down on California's state-legalized medical marijuana industry.
Does that look like a government system that is worth keeping?
If you want the rich to pay more taxes, there are two ways to do
it. One way is to use force, but that path leads to ruin or
gridlock because the rich have plenty of force of their own. The
other way is to change the system to make it worth the extra taxes.
I'll gladly pay 5% more in taxes in exchange for a better system of
government, under the theory that a better government will create a
better economy and give me a return on my investment.
Whole thing, including creepy capitalization of titles like
"Transitional Leader," here.
Previously at Reason, Kelsey Grammer slammed
the stimulus as benefiting "evildoers," and former editor
Virginia Postrel interviewed Scott Adams in a memorable, if not
quite ideologically coherent,
February 1999 Q&A. Excerpt from that:
Reason: How do you define yourself
politically?
Adams: I find that I do not align with any
well-established political viewpoint that has a name associated
with it. So I've called myself pro-death. I looked for what
commonality there is in all of my work and in all of my political
views and realized that I support abortion, capital punishment, and
a strong military. When I put together the things I'm in favor of,
the only thing they had in common was that they all ended up
killing someone, whether it was a fetus or a terrorist.
Reason: What's your idea of how government
should work?
Adams: I've always thought that, if I led the
world--and God help us all if that ever happened--that the first
thing I would do is make a list of what I considered the top
priorities. And I'd have a criterion for why they were the worst
problems. Probably on the top of my list would be something like
tobacco and cigarette smoking, because it kills people.
Reason: Smoking is at the top of your list of
the world's priorities?
Adams: Well, of the United States'. Maybe a
strong military is at the top of the list--but it seems to be under
control and nobody is attacking us. Anyway, I would have my top 10
problems and then I would bring together the experts. Let's say the
problem was what to do about teen smoking. I'd get 100 of them in a
room. Sixty of them say we should do this one thing, 40 of them say
to do this other thing. By and large, not knowing anything more
than these experts know, I'd go with the 60. I'd say, here's the
experts, here are their credentials, so this is my policy. You'd
never see that because it would never be politically viable to do
that. But I've always imagined that it was the most sensible form
of government.
First Dilbert link courtesy of Scott Ross.
CNN, Frasier talks to Piers Morgan about his political
beliefs:
The actor pointed out that, like the tea party, he believes
"smaller government's a good idea. Always have. I think lower taxes
are a good idea. Always have."
Grammer does, however, fully support gay marriage, which many
tea partiers oppose.
"I guess I'm more libertarian in that way," Grammer said. "I
think marriage is up to two people that love each other, and if you
find a church that you want to get married in, you go right ahead."
Grammer added that he doesn't believe the government should be
involved in marriage.
Whole thing, including video (and four marriages, and laments
about greed)
here.
Meanwhile, on
his blog,
Dilbert creator Scott Adams is talking constitutional reboot:
I like the idea of states operating as test sites for social and
economic programs. In some ways, that's the opposite of how things
are operating now. For example, the federal government is clamping
down on California's state-legalized medical marijuana industry.
Does that look like a government system that is worth keeping?
If you want the rich to pay more taxes, there are two ways to do
it. One way is to use force, but that path leads to ruin or
gridlock because the rich have plenty of force of their own. The
other way is to change the system to make it worth the extra taxes.
I'll gladly pay 5% more in taxes in exchange for a better system of
government, under the theory that a better government will create a
better economy and give me a return on my investment.
Whole thing, including creepy capitalization of titles like
"Transitional Leader," here.
Previously at Reason, Kelsey Grammer slammed
the stimulus as benefiting "evildoers," and former editor
Virginia Postrel interviewed Scott Adams in a memorable, if not
quite ideologically coherent,
February 1999 Q&A. Excerpt from that:
Reason: How do you define yourself
politically?
Adams: I find that I do not align with any
well-established political viewpoint that has a name associated
with it. So I've called myself pro-death. I looked for what
commonality there is in all of my work and in all of my political
views and realized that I support abortion, capital punishment, and
a strong military. When I put together the things I'm in favor of,
the only thing they had in common was that they all ended up
killing someone, whether it was a fetus or a terrorist.
Reason: What's your idea of how government
should work?
Adams: I've always thought that, if I led the
world--and God help us all if that ever happened--that the first
thing I would do is make a list of what I considered the top
priorities. And I'd have a criterion for why they were the worst
problems. Probably on the top of my list would be something like
tobacco and cigarette smoking, because it kills people.
Reason: Smoking is at the top of your list of
the world's priorities?
Adams: Well, of the United States'. Maybe a
strong military is at the top of the list--but it seems to be under
control and nobody is attacking us. Anyway, I would have my top 10
problems and then I would bring together the experts. Let's say the
problem was what to do about teen smoking. I'd get 100 of them in a
room. Sixty of them say we should do this one thing, 40 of them say
to do this other thing. By and large, not knowing anything more
than these experts know, I'd go with the 60. I'd say, here's the
experts, here are their credentials, so this is my policy. You'd
never see that because it would never be politically viable to do
that. But I've always imagined that it was the most sensible form
of government.
First Dilbert link courtesy of Scott Ross.
Jim Winsor's Out & About: A guide to Christmas weekend nightlife
Christmas is this coming Sunday!
Here's a list of holiday-inspired events going on this weekend that have come across my radar screen:
A Very Babette Christmas at Urban Mo's
Jim Winsor spreads holiday cheer with a list of Christmas weekend events!
read more
Here's a list of holiday-inspired events going on this weekend that have come across my radar screen:
A Very Babette Christmas at Urban Mo's
Jim Winsor spreads holiday cheer with a list of Christmas weekend events!
read more
New Podcast: This Week In Gay
Just wanted to make you aware (if you weren't already) of our new podcast 'This Week in Gay'. We invite all fellow LGBT podcasters to join us each Sunday night talking about the Gay News of the week.
www.ThisWeekInGay.com
Come Join us and feel free to spread the good news!
www.ThisWeekInGay.com
Come Join us and feel free to spread the good news!
Marriage Equality in the New York Times: ?2011: The Year in Pictures?
Marriage Equality in New York is one of the stories of the year! The New York Times features this beautiful wedding photo in “2011: The Year in Pictures”: “Stephanie Spahr-LaFroscia, left, and Theresa LaFroscia married at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau … Continue reading →
Friday, December 23, 2011
Marriage Equality in the New York Times: ?2011: The Year in Pictures?
Marriage Equality in New York is one of the stories of the year! The New York Times features this beautiful wedding photo in “2011: The Year in Pictures”: “Stephanie Spahr-LaFroscia, left, and Theresa LaFroscia married at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau … Continue reading →
Real Estate News
Lorie Zapf follow up
Last Friday, our community got some good news from the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which decided to suspend its endorsement of Lorie Zapf for City Council. Zapf failed to disclose a number of crippling personal details including her open gay-hatred and her operation of a short sale scam with husband Eric. Zapf is now forced to remove the Realtor thumbs-up from all campaign material and won’t have access to the organization’s PAC funds. Thanks to all who took a moment to contact SDAR, both as Realtors and as clients. Your direct involvement helped immensely. Professional credit is owed to SD City Beat’s Dave Maass and Realtor Pat Flannery from blogofsandiego.com.
Before we uncork the Prosecco in victory, let me offer a more dir…
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Last Friday, our community got some good news from the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which decided to suspend its endorsement of Lorie Zapf for City Council. Zapf failed to disclose a number of crippling personal details including her open gay-hatred and her operation of a short sale scam with husband Eric. Zapf is now forced to remove the Realtor thumbs-up from all campaign material and won’t have access to the organization’s PAC funds. Thanks to all who took a moment to contact SDAR, both as Realtors and as clients. Your direct involvement helped immensely. Professional credit is owed to SD City Beat’s Dave Maass and Realtor Pat Flannery from blogofsandiego.com.
Before we uncork the Prosecco in victory, let me offer a more dir…
Read More
Center Stage
Powerful Steps
On Sunday, Sept. 26, our community will come together in a hopeful, beautiful and powerful display of commitment and compassion – AIDS Walk & Run San Diego.
Each year for the last 21 years, our community has worked together to ensure the success of the event and make certain that urgently needed funds are raised for our local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
AIDS Walk continues to be a vitally important source of support for San Diegans impacted by HIV/AIDS. And it happens each year because so many people are willing to help and to give in whatever ways they are able.
On the morning of AIDS Walk, you’ll see the best of San Diego. A diverse lineup of people all committed to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and who share a common dream …
Read More
On Sunday, Sept. 26, our community will come together in a hopeful, beautiful and powerful display of commitment and compassion – AIDS Walk & Run San Diego.
Each year for the last 21 years, our community has worked together to ensure the success of the event and make certain that urgently needed funds are raised for our local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
AIDS Walk continues to be a vitally important source of support for San Diegans impacted by HIV/AIDS. And it happens each year because so many people are willing to help and to give in whatever ways they are able.
On the morning of AIDS Walk, you’ll see the best of San Diego. A diverse lineup of people all committed to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and who share a common dream …
Read More
Rub a Dub Dub, 2 Chicks in My Scrubs
While one of my besties Dianne and I TOTES remind me of JD and Turk's guy love, there sure was a lot of lady lovin' coming from Carla and Elliot. I love how they were never afraid to poke all of the fun:Snaps...Who's up for a Scrubs movie? Eh?___Featured Juliet & Juliet member: Ruth, 18, Peoria, ILVisit her profile HERE!Juliet & Juliet is my new matchmaking and social network. If YOU'd like to be featured and be seen by thousands of chicks who dig chicks worldwide, join today and use this form:) -ArlanYou must be a paid member to access the nearly 500 member profiles and/or be featured.
Melissa Etheridge gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star
(Los Angeles) Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, a breast cancer survivor, has received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
Tuesday's ceremony in front of the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood also marked the launch of Hard Rock's month-long Pinktober campaign, a series of concerts and celebrity events held to raise money and breast cancer awareness.
The 50-year-old Etheridge, an open lesbian, is best known for the songs "Come to My Window" and "I'm the Only One." She received the 2,450th sidewalk star in Hollywood.
Etheridge, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, has been an artist ambassador for Pinktober for six years.
Tuesday's ceremony in front of the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood also marked the launch of Hard Rock's month-long Pinktober campaign, a series of concerts and celebrity events held to raise money and breast cancer awareness.
The 50-year-old Etheridge, an open lesbian, is best known for the songs "Come to My Window" and "I'm the Only One." She received the 2,450th sidewalk star in Hollywood.
Etheridge, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, has been an artist ambassador for Pinktober for six years.
Good LGBT blogs and websites?
I'm looking for some good blogs and sites related to LGBT issues So I'm trying to expand my horizons, and I'd like to read more about LGBT issues. I'm looking for well written blogs, sites, and feeds relating to queer issues or current events from a queer perspective, preferably written by/for LGBT men and women. Ready, GO!
It All Starts With A Kiss
In some ways, it seems like a really small thing. It was just a kiss. A G-rated kiss. The kind of kiss that most folks wouldn’t pay much attention to if they walked past the embrace on a city block.
But this was no ordinary kiss.
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But this was no ordinary kiss.
read more
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Washington Blade fails to acknowledge PHB's scoop of Solmonese resignation; updates w/correction
UPDATE (Sat., 2:41 PM ET): The Blade has updated its piece to reflect proper credit to PHB for breaking the story:
Joe Solmonese, who has served for more than six years as president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group, will step down from his job when his current contract ends on March 30, 2012. The news of Solmonese's departure was first reported by Pam's House Blend.
Thank you, Kevin Naff, for promptly addressing this matter. I encourage a clear and open discussion about how blogs and traditional media can have a two-way street of professional respect.
We've discussed the relative tension between the traditional LGBT press and blogs before. I tend to view our relationship as symbiotic and always link up to their publications when they have important stories worth covering in order to 1) spread the word on the blog to direct readers to the appropriate source, and 2) help boost traffic by using my large social media reach as well. You'd think there would be professional reciprocation, but sometimes you get such an egregious example of shoddy journalism by traditional media outlets that I have to say something. What kind of reporting is this? Joe Solmonese, who has served for more than six years as president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group, will step down from his job when his current contract ends on March 30, 2012, according to a source familiar with HRC. The source, who spoke on condition of not being identified, said HRC was expected to release a statement on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 27, announcing Solmonese's decision to leave the organization and plans by the HRC board to begin a search process for his successor. According to the source, reports by a number of bloggers that Solmonese's resignation was part of a sweeping staff shakeup initiated by the HRC board and that his departure came about under less than amicable circumstances are inaccurate. Pam's House Blend broke the story last night, August 26, about Joe Solmonese's departure from HRC. It was the only blog or news outlet to bring you this news first. The Washington Blade either 1) doesn't know how to count; or 2) doesn't know how to fact check; or 3) doesn't think a blog deserves credit for committing the sin of "journalism." And I'm not just referring to PHB; it also applies to my colleagues in the LGBT blogosphere who step beyond commentary and do first-hand reporting. This sounds like a topic for discussion at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists' Association conference that is currently going on (hashtag #NLGJA2011). Barista Scott Wooledge is there live tweeting. Maybe the Blade doesn't want PHB promoting its work any longer - we can take the hint.
We've discussed the relative tension between the traditional LGBT press and blogs before. I tend to view our relationship as symbiotic and always link up to their publications when they have important stories worth covering in order to 1) spread the word on the blog to direct readers to the appropriate source, and 2) help boost traffic by using my large social media reach as well. You'd think there would be professional reciprocation, but sometimes you get such an egregious example of shoddy journalism by traditional media outlets that I have to say something. What kind of reporting is this? Joe Solmonese, who has served for more than six years as president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group, will step down from his job when his current contract ends on March 30, 2012, according to a source familiar with HRC. The source, who spoke on condition of not being identified, said HRC was expected to release a statement on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 27, announcing Solmonese's decision to leave the organization and plans by the HRC board to begin a search process for his successor. According to the source, reports by a number of bloggers that Solmonese's resignation was part of a sweeping staff shakeup initiated by the HRC board and that his departure came about under less than amicable circumstances are inaccurate. Pam's House Blend broke the story last night, August 26, about Joe Solmonese's departure from HRC. It was the only blog or news outlet to bring you this news first. The Washington Blade either 1) doesn't know how to count; or 2) doesn't know how to fact check; or 3) doesn't think a blog deserves credit for committing the sin of "journalism." And I'm not just referring to PHB; it also applies to my colleagues in the LGBT blogosphere who step beyond commentary and do first-hand reporting. This sounds like a topic for discussion at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists' Association conference that is currently going on (hashtag #NLGJA2011). Barista Scott Wooledge is there live tweeting. Maybe the Blade doesn't want PHB promoting its work any longer - we can take the hint.
Report shows big changes in teen girls sexual behavior
New analysis of the U.S. National Survey of Family Growth NSFG compared data collected in the 6th cycle 2002 to data collected in 2006-2008 7th cycle. It found that 17-year-old girls in the later cohort were significantly less likely to have been heterosexually active 63% v. 46% and more than twice as likely to have had same-sex contact 5% v. 11%. This group of teens was also more than three times as likely to have used emergency contraception 5% v. 17% and less likely to have been pregnant 18% v. 12%.
A Beautiful Wedding Video!
John Hoel just shared with us this fabulous wedding video from Patrick and Scott's recent wedding. It was an incredible ceremony and the footage and editing is beautiful! Enjoy the video and stop in on the VibrantFilm.com Vimeo page to learn more.
Patrick + Scott from John Hoel on Vimeo.
Patrick + Scott from John Hoel on Vimeo.
Judge Rules in Favor of Gay Couple in Custody Dispute
A New Jersey judge has ruled in favor of a gay couple in a contentious custody battle over 5-year-old twin girls.
GOP lawyer defends denying benefits to gay spouses
A lawyer for House Republicans defending the ban on federal benefits for gay and lesbian spouses encountered tough questioning Friday from a federal judge in San Francisco. Conor Dugan, a member of a law firm hired by...
Real Estate News
Lorie Zapf follow up
Last Friday, our community got some good news from the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which decided to suspend its endorsement of Lorie Zapf for City Council. Zapf failed to disclose a number of crippling personal details including her open gay-hatred and her operation of a short sale scam with husband Eric. Zapf is now forced to remove the Realtor thumbs-up from all campaign material and won’t have access to the organization’s PAC funds. Thanks to all who took a moment to contact SDAR, both as Realtors and as clients. Your direct involvement helped immensely. Professional credit is owed to SD City Beat’s Dave Maass and Realtor Pat Flannery from blogofsandiego.com.
Before we uncork the Prosecco in victory, let me offer a more dir…
Read More
Last Friday, our community got some good news from the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which decided to suspend its endorsement of Lorie Zapf for City Council. Zapf failed to disclose a number of crippling personal details including her open gay-hatred and her operation of a short sale scam with husband Eric. Zapf is now forced to remove the Realtor thumbs-up from all campaign material and won’t have access to the organization’s PAC funds. Thanks to all who took a moment to contact SDAR, both as Realtors and as clients. Your direct involvement helped immensely. Professional credit is owed to SD City Beat’s Dave Maass and Realtor Pat Flannery from blogofsandiego.com.
Before we uncork the Prosecco in victory, let me offer a more dir…
Read More
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
GOP lawyer defends denying benefits to gay spouses
A lawyer for House Republicans defending the ban on federal benefits for gay and lesbian spouses encountered tough questioning Friday from a federal judge in San Francisco. Conor Dugan, a member of a law firm hired by...
(78) Lezbun Sessions
mono is super short and TBFTGOG plays for too long but what are ya gonna do? experimenting on skype with Lale in LA and of course the sound is dreadful. we talk cigs, lesbian repair men, and more!!! Nicole and I chat about her leaving the psych ward gig, coming out at her new one, [...]
Log Cabin or GOProud? Who best represents LGBT conservatives?: Take our poll and then enter to win free movie passes!
Poll:
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.
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Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.
Fill out my Wufoo form! ...more
City Council discusses medical marijuana dispensaries
Medical marijuana dispensaries were debated Monday by the San Diego City Council, which voted 6-1 to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance regulating dispensaries and making them legal with a list of qualifications and conditions.
But this isn’t a quick fix. City staff estimated that City Attorney Jan Goldsmith will return to the Council with an ordinance in mid-January, 2011.
It will be a different Council then, as Councilmember Donna Frye is termed out of office and Council President Ben Hueso is running for State Assembly.
Third District Councilmember Todd Gloria authored the motion which was seconded by Hueso. Carl DeMaio voted no and Marti Emerald was absent. Voting in favor were Sherri Lightner, Tony Young, Kevin Faulconer, Frye, Glor…
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But this isn’t a quick fix. City staff estimated that City Attorney Jan Goldsmith will return to the Council with an ordinance in mid-January, 2011.
It will be a different Council then, as Councilmember Donna Frye is termed out of office and Council President Ben Hueso is running for State Assembly.
Third District Councilmember Todd Gloria authored the motion which was seconded by Hueso. Carl DeMaio voted no and Marti Emerald was absent. Voting in favor were Sherri Lightner, Tony Young, Kevin Faulconer, Frye, Glor…
Read More
Act Now To Support The Marriage Bill in New York
Become a Friend-Setter!
If you follow us, you've no doubt heard our calls to become active -- like Kristen Bell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Chelsea Handler, among others -- in the Freindfactor network. And, as the time winds down on the chance for New Yorkers to call their legislators and encourage them to vote in favor of marriage equality, we offer this longer (and more descriptive!) plea to join in on the fun.
read more
If you follow us, you've no doubt heard our calls to become active -- like Kristen Bell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Chelsea Handler, among others -- in the Freindfactor network. And, as the time winds down on the chance for New Yorkers to call their legislators and encourage them to vote in favor of marriage equality, we offer this longer (and more descriptive!) plea to join in on the fun.
read more
Gossiping with Moe
Understanding the vision of Moe Girton: Manager and Bartender at Gossip Grill
Moe Girton is one of San Diego’s favorite bartenders and is now also manager at Gossip Grill. She and her staff have worked hard to create a place that lesbians and just about everyone else love to go. They have some of the fairest drinks prices in town along with a friendly staff of very diverse girls and guys. Moe and Gossip have given San Diego lesbians a place again, that was much needed. After the closing of other lesbian bars there was a dry spell in San Diego. For a lot of lesbians a gay bar holding a lesbian night could not replace a real seven days a week place that was lesbian oriented. Thankfully that has all changed and Gossip Grill along with Moe have paved the way for a place for lesbians and their friends to go have a drink, socialize, h…
Read More | View Comments (1 comment)
Moe Girton is one of San Diego’s favorite bartenders and is now also manager at Gossip Grill. She and her staff have worked hard to create a place that lesbians and just about everyone else love to go. They have some of the fairest drinks prices in town along with a friendly staff of very diverse girls and guys. Moe and Gossip have given San Diego lesbians a place again, that was much needed. After the closing of other lesbian bars there was a dry spell in San Diego. For a lot of lesbians a gay bar holding a lesbian night could not replace a real seven days a week place that was lesbian oriented. Thankfully that has all changed and Gossip Grill along with Moe have paved the way for a place for lesbians and their friends to go have a drink, socialize, h…
Read More | View Comments (1 comment)
San Diego community prepares to step off for 21st Annual AIDS Walk
As local service organizations continue to feel the impact of government funding cuts for HIV/AIDS services, the San Diego community will again come together in a display of support and compassion at the 21st annual AIDS Walk & Run. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Balboa Park.
Registration for both walkers and runners will begin at 6am at Balboa Park, along Sixth Avenue (early registration is also available, see the official event guide here for more information) on Sunday. The 10K run will start at 8am, with the Walk step off at 8:10am.
Local elected officials will also take part in the day’s ceremonies, including U.S. Representative Susan Davis, California State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, and San Diego City Councilmemb…
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Registration for both walkers and runners will begin at 6am at Balboa Park, along Sixth Avenue (early registration is also available, see the official event guide here for more information) on Sunday. The 10K run will start at 8am, with the Walk step off at 8:10am.
Local elected officials will also take part in the day’s ceremonies, including U.S. Representative Susan Davis, California State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, and San Diego City Councilmemb…
Read More
"Pink is my HOMEgirl" reprint: 2 days only!
ORDER BELOW! DEC 14th VIDEO!!shirt, tank or hoodie? Tshirt $25.00 USD Tank $23.00 USD Hoodie $40.00 USD Tshirt + Hoodie combo $60.00 USD Color white army green cardinal red yellow heather gray charcoal blue hot pink light pink Size: women's small women's medium women's large women's XL men's/unisex small men's/unisex medium men's/unisex large men's/unisex XL men's/unisex 2XL men's/unisex 3XL If combo, hoodie size/color?2nd color if 1st not available
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The New York Marriage Vote -- Live
Keep tabs on the vote throughout the evening! You might also enjoy following the trending topics #NY4M and #SSM and #LGBT on Twitter.
And, while you're at it, please leave a comment below with your thoughts on legal marriage having a chance in New York!
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And, while you're at it, please leave a comment below with your thoughts on legal marriage having a chance in New York!
read more
The morality and politics of sex, its contradictions and hypocrisy...
Liberty alone demands for its realisation the limitation of the public authority, for liberty is the only object which benefits all alike and provokes no similar opposition.
Traditional marriage declines in U.S., study shows
When it comes to saying "I do," more and more Americans seem to really mean, "Not so much," according to a new analysis of the increasingly troubled institution of marriage. Just over half of all adult Americans, 51...
Indiana recognizes Brennon's civil union in stage collapse settlement
Indiana State Fair stage collapse survivors, including Alisha Brennon, have accepted a settlement from the state over the accident.
Advocates Tell Puerto Rico: Do Not Eliminate Hate Crimes Protections
In the past two years, more than two dozen LGBT people in Puerto Rico have been murdered, often in very graphic and violent crimes. Puerto Rico's own police department has been singled out by the Justice Department for failing to deal with the high levels of violence faced by LGBT citizens.
Yet at a time when violence toward the LGBT community in Puerto Rico is high, the territory's legislature is poised to remove protections from their existing hate crimes law for people based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Outraged that the government would consider removing hate crimes protections for a population already facing epic levels of violence, Jorge Supelveda started a petition on Change.org urging the Puerto Rico House of Representatives to keep the country's hate crimes laws intact.
Jorge grew up in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, and went to college in San Juan. In 2003, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he works for the Federal government. Jorge's parents and brothers still live in Puerto Rico.
Having lived in D.C. for the last several years, he has learned how good life can be for gays and lesbians. But someday he would like to return home.
?I saw how different things can be,? Jorge said. ?I would hate to return home to a place where me and my people are not protected.?
In recent years, Puerto Rico has been plagued with hate crimes against LGBT people, yet the police neglected to prosecute anyone under this statute. As Michael Lavers has reported:
Nearly two dozen LGBT Puerto Ricans have been murdered on the island since gay teenager Jorge Steven L�pez Mercado?s decapitated, dismembered and partially burned body was found along a remote roadside near Cayey in 2009. With more than 1,000 reported homicides so far this year, 2011 has already proven to be the deadliest year in Puerto Rico.
Many elected officials, including U.S. Representative�Nydia M. Vel�zquez, spoke out against the possible elimination of hate crimes protections for LGBT Puerto Ricans.
?Prejudice, discrimination and hate crimes cannot be tolerated, whether they are based on race, religion or sexual orientation,? said U.S. Rep Nydia M. Vel�zquez. "The current effort to weaken hate crime protections is an unconscionable affront to our community and Puerto Rico?s legislature should defeat it.?
Jorge hopes his petition on Change.org will show Puerto Rico's House that Puerto Ricans want all people protected under the law.
Sign Jorge's petition on Change.org:
http://www.change.org/petitions/president-puerto-rico-house-of-representatives-do-not-eliminate-hate-crime-protections
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Yet at a time when violence toward the LGBT community in Puerto Rico is high, the territory's legislature is poised to remove protections from their existing hate crimes law for people based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Outraged that the government would consider removing hate crimes protections for a population already facing epic levels of violence, Jorge Supelveda started a petition on Change.org urging the Puerto Rico House of Representatives to keep the country's hate crimes laws intact.
Jorge grew up in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, and went to college in San Juan. In 2003, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he works for the Federal government. Jorge's parents and brothers still live in Puerto Rico.
Having lived in D.C. for the last several years, he has learned how good life can be for gays and lesbians. But someday he would like to return home.
?I saw how different things can be,? Jorge said. ?I would hate to return home to a place where me and my people are not protected.?
In recent years, Puerto Rico has been plagued with hate crimes against LGBT people, yet the police neglected to prosecute anyone under this statute. As Michael Lavers has reported:
Nearly two dozen LGBT Puerto Ricans have been murdered on the island since gay teenager Jorge Steven L�pez Mercado?s decapitated, dismembered and partially burned body was found along a remote roadside near Cayey in 2009. With more than 1,000 reported homicides so far this year, 2011 has already proven to be the deadliest year in Puerto Rico.
Many elected officials, including U.S. Representative�Nydia M. Vel�zquez, spoke out against the possible elimination of hate crimes protections for LGBT Puerto Ricans.
?Prejudice, discrimination and hate crimes cannot be tolerated, whether they are based on race, religion or sexual orientation,? said U.S. Rep Nydia M. Vel�zquez. "The current effort to weaken hate crime protections is an unconscionable affront to our community and Puerto Rico?s legislature should defeat it.?
Jorge hopes his petition on Change.org will show Puerto Rico's House that Puerto Ricans want all people protected under the law.
Sign Jorge's petition on Change.org:
http://www.change.org/petitions/president-puerto-rico-house-of-representatives-do-not-eliminate-hate-crime-protections
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
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