Monday, April 30, 2012
Joffrey Ballet's 'Spring Desire' April 25-May 6
The Joffrey Ballet's season will conclude with 10 performances of the program "Spring Desire" April 25-May 6 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy.
Transgender people and pregnancy, babies, kids?
My partner and I are a lesbian couple. One half of our happy couple is pregnant with our first child, the other half is a transsexual woman, and because of that we have been able to conceive a child that is genetically related to both of us. We know one other couple in the world who has dealt with these issues. Is anyone else out there? There are a lot of unusual issues we?ve already had to deal with, like being the only woman in the deposit line at the sperm bank. Now that we?re expecting, we?re realizing we have a lot more fun things to figure out, like how to explain the ?facts of life? to our child in age-appropriate ways.* Can you teach a kid that families are different and she should be proud of hers, but also that it?s not appropriate to ?out? her trans mom to her class and therefore the whole neighborhood?* How do we deal when that inevitably happens anyway?*
Two-mom families get asked ?who?s baby is it?? all the time, and that?s insulting to the relationship and to the mother who didn?t carry the pregnancy -- so we?ve decided like some other lesbian couples that we?re not going to share how we made our family with anyone other than our closest friends and immediate family. Fine, but how do you say that to lesbian friends who are trying to conceive and want to talk shop?*
There is zero information online about this sort of thing. All of the resources for transgender parents are geared toward later-transitioning folks and are mostly about how to explain your upcoming gender transition to your adult or teenage children. That is great and valuable but not relevant to us at all.
We only know of one other couple who has dealt with this stuff, and we?re thinking about putting together some online resources for others, sharing our experiences and what we?ve learned. We?d also like to include experiences from trans men as well. But I keep thinking, what if we really are the only people ever going through this? What if there are no resources because no one needs them? Is this worth the effort at all?
So here?s my question: Are there MeFites who are have had or are now going through similar situations? If so, do you have awesome advice?* If not, then do you know of anyone and would you be willing to put them in touch with us? If you can?t or don?t want to reply here, we?d love an email at newtransmoms@gmail.com.
* PLEASE NOTE: We are not seeking opinions on parenting from people who have no personal experience with this specific situation. We?ve been thinking about this stuff for a while. If no one close to you has had this experience, and you only started thinking about these questions as you were reading this post, you can bet we?ve already thought of or heard what you?re going to say! We would love to read helpful, non-prescriptive thoughts on this from others who can relate to our situation.
Two-mom families get asked ?who?s baby is it?? all the time, and that?s insulting to the relationship and to the mother who didn?t carry the pregnancy -- so we?ve decided like some other lesbian couples that we?re not going to share how we made our family with anyone other than our closest friends and immediate family. Fine, but how do you say that to lesbian friends who are trying to conceive and want to talk shop?*
There is zero information online about this sort of thing. All of the resources for transgender parents are geared toward later-transitioning folks and are mostly about how to explain your upcoming gender transition to your adult or teenage children. That is great and valuable but not relevant to us at all.
We only know of one other couple who has dealt with this stuff, and we?re thinking about putting together some online resources for others, sharing our experiences and what we?ve learned. We?d also like to include experiences from trans men as well. But I keep thinking, what if we really are the only people ever going through this? What if there are no resources because no one needs them? Is this worth the effort at all?
So here?s my question: Are there MeFites who are have had or are now going through similar situations? If so, do you have awesome advice?* If not, then do you know of anyone and would you be willing to put them in touch with us? If you can?t or don?t want to reply here, we?d love an email at newtransmoms@gmail.com.
* PLEASE NOTE: We are not seeking opinions on parenting from people who have no personal experience with this specific situation. We?ve been thinking about this stuff for a while. If no one close to you has had this experience, and you only started thinking about these questions as you were reading this post, you can bet we?ve already thought of or heard what you?re going to say! We would love to read helpful, non-prescriptive thoughts on this from others who can relate to our situation.
FEAST OF FUN!!
Hello and thanks for visiting my semi retired blog. Since April I have been blogging and podcasting on my SNAZZY NEW WEBSITE. Granted I do need to increase my output over there but I just hooked up my wii to … Continue reading →
Batman is Very, Very Gay
Playboy: Batman megawriter (Batman, Batman & Robin, Batman Inc.,) Grant Morrison explains what makes Batman tick in Playboy magazine. The secret? ?Batman is very, very gay.? ?I got interested in the class element of Batman: He?s a rich man who beats up poor people. It?s quite a bizarre mission to go out at night dressed [...]
A San Francisco Icon Turns 75 - Golden Gate Celebration Set for Late May
It's one of the most storied feats of structural engineering in the world, and on May 27, 2012, the familiarly orange suspension bridge that spans the 6,700-foot-wide strait near the ...Read Full Post
Help me find this epistolary novel
Help me find this epistolary novel Some years ago I read a novel about the relationship between a teacher and a student (two women). I'm sure the whole novel was in letter format. It's not "Landing" by Emma Donaghue. Any clues?
January 2012 - Life on the road (and my own bed)
I've been wanting to share a lot that's happened over the last 5 or so weeks with you guys, but it seemed so overwhelming because I didn't know exactly where/how to start. Yesterday I read a musician's blog and what she does is summarizes her work by the month. So a few days into a month, she'll write about the preceding month. I dig that, so I shall henceforth be stealing this idea from Hannah:)I won't bore you with ALL of the details of how I got to this point, but basically, I spent months and months in my early-mid 20s booking and tour managing some of my indie friends' tours. This was thousands of miles traveled, several hotels and friends' couches crashed, and lots and lots of gas station food partaken...ofeth. All of this was of course after spending weeks booking the actual shows one by one, and talking to people with names like 'Snake' and 'Timber' asking if my friend(s) could play at their venue. For every show I booked, I got at least 10 'no's. I also heard hundreds of 'no's when I was publishing my music magazine INTERLUDE.So things haven't always been easy and I've spent plenty of time sleeping on the floor, the couch, and every once in a while, in beds. All the while though, I've been networking and making friends in various production roles, at various levels of success. The tenacity paid off when just a couple of days before New Year's, I was asked to help out with the production of a show out of town.The artist was CeeLo Green, and the show was the headlining Allstate BCS Fanfest event in New Orleans. So on New Year's Eve, I watched my new boss sing during the NYE countdown in Times Square, and a few hours later, I was hard at work helping to advance his next show.It was in New Orleans that I met CeeLo, the Goodie Mob, and CeeLo's incredible band for the first time. They're all amazingly talented and some of the nicest people I've ever met. The city was SO full of energy during these few days in particular because of the big game, and aside from being physically exhausted from all the work we did, I was on cloud 9 the entire time. I also got to meet this cool performer named DJ Ruckus. You guys should check him out. He is a REALLY sweet guy, and kinda blew my mind with how talented he is.(New Orleans stage during soundcheck!>(CeeLo's lighting/video director Fraser and me after the New Orleans show...right outside our production office/backstage area)I flew back to my new home in Houston for a few days to work on the next shows...and then it was back in the air. I can already tell that this year I will probably spend more time in the security line at airports than in my own bedroom. But do you see me complaining? Nope! And if you ever do, please feel free to slap me about my person.January was capped off the same way it started: EPIC...ly. Or whatever.I was flown to Miami and Montego Bay, Jamaica for 2 big shows. Miami's show was at the Fontainebleau hotel in their venue LIV and Jamaica's was the Jazz and Blues Festival where CeeLo was Saturday night's headliner. Friday night's headliner was Celine Dion! I definitely got spoiled with our accommodations that week and I'm not sure I'll know how to do anything without wearing a plush robe and having room service every 3 hours now that I've tasted the good life. I was also in the same room with Bobby Brown for a couple of hours while a Jamaican lady sang a 45 minute Whitney Houston medley to about 25k people...needless to say it was all sorts of awkward, but thats another story for another time. Anyhoo...I love robes!(My awesome view from my room in Miami)(The view from the hotel's private beach....cause THAT happens)It's pretty awesome to get to see everyone at the top of their game. Everyone in this team comes in ready to work hard, do their thing, and then celebrate just as passionately. I dig the pace of it all. And I think I'm going to like it here. I feel like Annie just moved into Mr. Warbucks' place and having a look around.(My view of soundcheck in Jamaica, mon!)While I was at the hotel in Jamaica, I saw these two chicks playing pool. My dar went into overdrive. I said to myself, I says 'Self...I spy homosexuals.' And Self agreed with me. But we were in Jamaica which isn't very lezzy friendly, AND I didn't wanna just walk up to them and say "LESBIANS!...welcome." No, this wasn't Weho, after all. So I did what any self-respecting gay blogger would have done: I walked up to them and I said 'If I said 'Shane is my homegirl,' would it mean anything to you?" They paused...stared at me for a while--enough time for me to be frightened even though they were a good 6 inches shorter than me and I could TOTALLY outrun them--and then one of them said, "HELL YEAH IT WOULD!" and we all hugged. It was awesome!! I recommend it as an icebreaker at your local deli or Jamaican hotel situation.Oh and did I mention everyone is British?? Well, not everyone. But like...more than half of the people I deal with are incredibly English and it rocks my world. Here are background singers Annabel and Jodie. The girls were drinking TEA. Can't make this stuff up!Not sure what's on the horizon for February and the rest of 2012, but I do know it will be filled with experiences I've never had before, new friends, hard work, hard play, and more robes than you can shake a robe at!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
NOM Rabbi Yehuda Levin says God unleashed the 5.9 quake because of TEH GAY
Guess who was first out of the box to blame gays/same-sex marriage on the earthquake? Not Pat Robertson; he was my first pick. No, this one actually is a better, bigger batsh*t piece of work.
NOM BFF NYC Rabbi Yehuda Levin erupted with this gem...
"One of the reasons that God brings earthquakes to the world is because of the transgression of homosexuality. The Talmud states, 'You have shaken your male member in a place where it doesn't belong. I too, will shake the earth.'"
Glee Gay Re-Cap: Brittana's Got Somebody Who Loves Them
McKinley High?s most adorable girl / girl Cheerio couple Santana and Brittany appear to have recovered from last week?s leaked sex tape scandal. This week?s episode featured the pair singing, dancing, hugging, frolicking and hand holding throughout the Whitney Houston-themed episode.
Adam Lambert Performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live: VIDEO
Adam Lambert brought two tracks from his forthcoming album Trespassing to Jimmy Kimmel Live last night.
Check out his latest efforts "Trespassing" and "Never Close Our Eyes", AFTER THE JUMP...
In an interview with Instinct magazine, Lambert recently suggested that it hasn't been easy getting a solid gay male following:
The outspoken entertainer, one of very few openly gay recording artists signed to a major American label, didn?t shy away from discussing what he sees as the elusive gay demographic early on and without prompting when he sat down to chat with Instinct.?As a community, we?re a little bit resistant to a gay male pop star ourselves,? Lambert says. He?s confident. His delivery indicates he?s spent time thinking about the topic. ?It?s very easy for people to look at my origin, which is American Idol, and automatically assume that I?m a commercial sellout or a puppet or a flash in the pan. I don?t think I?m any of those things.?A laugh, marinated in tension, inspires him to get a little more personal.?There?s something weird there. We?re very eager to celebrate a strong female. But to celebrate a fellow gay man?it gets catty sometimes.?
Check out his performance on Kimmel, AFTER THE JUMP...
Check out his latest efforts "Trespassing" and "Never Close Our Eyes", AFTER THE JUMP...
In an interview with Instinct magazine, Lambert recently suggested that it hasn't been easy getting a solid gay male following:
The outspoken entertainer, one of very few openly gay recording artists signed to a major American label, didn?t shy away from discussing what he sees as the elusive gay demographic early on and without prompting when he sat down to chat with Instinct.?As a community, we?re a little bit resistant to a gay male pop star ourselves,? Lambert says. He?s confident. His delivery indicates he?s spent time thinking about the topic. ?It?s very easy for people to look at my origin, which is American Idol, and automatically assume that I?m a commercial sellout or a puppet or a flash in the pan. I don?t think I?m any of those things.?A laugh, marinated in tension, inspires him to get a little more personal.?There?s something weird there. We?re very eager to celebrate a strong female. But to celebrate a fellow gay man?it gets catty sometimes.?
Check out his performance on Kimmel, AFTER THE JUMP...
Judge orders lesbian reinstated to Air Force
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) – A federal judge ruled Friday that a decorated flight nurse discharged from the Air Force for being gay should be given her job back as soon as possible in the latest legal setback to the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton came in a closely watched case as a tense debate has been playing out over the policy. Senate Republicans blocked an effort to lift the ban this week, but Leighton is now the second federal judge this month to deem the policy unconstitutional.
Maj. Margaret Witt was suspended in 2004 and subsequently discharged under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy after the Air Force learned she had been in a lon…
Read More
The decision by U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton came in a closely watched case as a tense debate has been playing out over the policy. Senate Republicans blocked an effort to lift the ban this week, but Leighton is now the second federal judge this month to deem the policy unconstitutional.
Maj. Margaret Witt was suspended in 2004 and subsequently discharged under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy after the Air Force learned she had been in a lon…
Read More
Teen Christians Vs. Dan Savage At Student Journalism Conference: VIDEO
A great brouhaha is stirring in the nation's conservative publications over comments Dan Savage made two weeks ago while addressing the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. The convention was entitled "Journalism On The Edge," which you'd think would prep participants for a certain amount of edginess in the presentations. Alas, the audience was not prepared for edginess. Savage's subject was to be bullying, and he got right to the point:
The Bible. We'll just talk about the Bible for a second. People often point out that they can't help it -- they can't help with the anti-gay bullying, because it says right there in Leviticus, it says right there in Timothy, it says right there in Romans, that being gay is wrong.
We can learn to ignore the bulls**t in the Bible about gay people. The same way, the same way we have learned to ignore the bulls**t in the Bible about shellfish, about slavery, about dinner, about farming, about menstruation, about virginity, about masturbation. We ignore bulls**t in the Bible about all sorts of things. The Bible is a radically pro-slavery document. Slave owners waved Bibles over their heads during the Civil War and justified it. The shortest book in the New Testament is a letter from Paul to a Christian slave owner about owning his Christian slave. And Paul doesn't say "Christians don't own people." Paul talks about how Christians own people.
We ignore what the Bible says about slavery, because the Bible got slavery wrong. Tim -- uh, Sam Harris, in A Letter To A Christian Nation, points out that the Bible got the easiest moral question that humanity has ever faced wrong. Slavery. What're the odds that the Bible got something as complicated as human sexuality wrong? One hundred percent.
The Bible says that if your daughter's not a virgin on her wedding night -- if a woman isn't a virgin on her wedding night, she shall be dragged to her father's doorstep and stoned to death. Callista Gingrich lives. And there is no effort to amend state constitutions to make it legal to stone women to death on their wedding night if they're not virgins. At least not yet. We don't know where the GOP is going these days.
People are dying because people can't clear this one last hurdle. They can't get past this one last thing in the Bible about homosexuality.
Um, one other thing I wanna talk about is -- [chuckles] -- so, you can tell the Bible guys in the hall that they can come back now, because I'm done beating up the Bible. It's funny, as someone who's on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the Bible, how pansy-assed some people react when you push back.
I apologize if I hurt anyone's feelings. But. I have a right to defend myself. And to point out the hypocrisy of people who justify anti-gay bigotry by pointing to the Bible, and insisting we must live by the code of Leviticus on this one issue and no other.
As Savage noted, Christian students in the thousands-strong audience fled from his address, first in a trickle, and then in a great flood. The exodus began right around the time Savage started talking about slavery. Very soon, the offended students were talking to the press. From the rightist rag Citizen Link:
A 17-year-old from California who was attending with half a dozen other students from her high school yearbook staff, was one of several students to walk out in the middle of Savage?s speech.
?The first thing he told the audience was, ?I hope you?re all using birth control!? ? she recalled. Then ?he said there are people using the Bible as an excuse for gay bullying, because it says in Leviticus and Romans that being gay is wrong. Right after that, he said we can ignore all the ?B.S.? in the Bible.
?I was thinking, ?This is not going a good direction at all,? Then he started going off about the Bible. He said somehow the Bible was pro-slavery. I?m really shy. I?m not really someone to, like, stir up anything. But all of a sudden I just blurted out, ?That?s bull!? ?
As she and several other students walked out of the auditorium, Savage noticed them leaving and called them ?pansies.?
The story has now been picked up by FOX News Radio, under the headline "Anti-Bullying Speaker Curses Christian Teens." Today, that article was one of the top links at Drudge Report, which suggests the story will get bigger very soon.
It's too bad the Christian kids left the hall. They're supposed to be journalists, and we in the journalism biz must often dirty our ears with others' distasteful utterances. While Savage might have profitably avoided the use of profanities (which, when used to describe allegedly sacred documents, tend to make believers less than receptive to whatever might come next), what he said was materially true, and good journalism students of any creed ought to know it. And inquisitive Christians also ought to know the standard argument against Dan's point: That Jesus's "new covenant" rendered the Old Testament's "ceremonial law" meaningless (making it okay for humans to eat shellfish and pork) but left in place the Old Testament's "moral laws," which include prohibitions against homosexuality. And smart people in general should know the counter-argument to that counter-argument, which is: Really? Stoning women to death isn't a moral issue?
That's where believers and doubters tend to part ways, which is a shame. Apparently these journalism students are too delicate to get even that far.
Watch the allegedly objectionable bits of Savage's address AFTER THE JUMP ...
The Bible. We'll just talk about the Bible for a second. People often point out that they can't help it -- they can't help with the anti-gay bullying, because it says right there in Leviticus, it says right there in Timothy, it says right there in Romans, that being gay is wrong.
We can learn to ignore the bulls**t in the Bible about gay people. The same way, the same way we have learned to ignore the bulls**t in the Bible about shellfish, about slavery, about dinner, about farming, about menstruation, about virginity, about masturbation. We ignore bulls**t in the Bible about all sorts of things. The Bible is a radically pro-slavery document. Slave owners waved Bibles over their heads during the Civil War and justified it. The shortest book in the New Testament is a letter from Paul to a Christian slave owner about owning his Christian slave. And Paul doesn't say "Christians don't own people." Paul talks about how Christians own people.
We ignore what the Bible says about slavery, because the Bible got slavery wrong. Tim -- uh, Sam Harris, in A Letter To A Christian Nation, points out that the Bible got the easiest moral question that humanity has ever faced wrong. Slavery. What're the odds that the Bible got something as complicated as human sexuality wrong? One hundred percent.
The Bible says that if your daughter's not a virgin on her wedding night -- if a woman isn't a virgin on her wedding night, she shall be dragged to her father's doorstep and stoned to death. Callista Gingrich lives. And there is no effort to amend state constitutions to make it legal to stone women to death on their wedding night if they're not virgins. At least not yet. We don't know where the GOP is going these days.
People are dying because people can't clear this one last hurdle. They can't get past this one last thing in the Bible about homosexuality.
Um, one other thing I wanna talk about is -- [chuckles] -- so, you can tell the Bible guys in the hall that they can come back now, because I'm done beating up the Bible. It's funny, as someone who's on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the Bible, how pansy-assed some people react when you push back.
I apologize if I hurt anyone's feelings. But. I have a right to defend myself. And to point out the hypocrisy of people who justify anti-gay bigotry by pointing to the Bible, and insisting we must live by the code of Leviticus on this one issue and no other.
As Savage noted, Christian students in the thousands-strong audience fled from his address, first in a trickle, and then in a great flood. The exodus began right around the time Savage started talking about slavery. Very soon, the offended students were talking to the press. From the rightist rag Citizen Link:
A 17-year-old from California who was attending with half a dozen other students from her high school yearbook staff, was one of several students to walk out in the middle of Savage?s speech.
?The first thing he told the audience was, ?I hope you?re all using birth control!? ? she recalled. Then ?he said there are people using the Bible as an excuse for gay bullying, because it says in Leviticus and Romans that being gay is wrong. Right after that, he said we can ignore all the ?B.S.? in the Bible.
?I was thinking, ?This is not going a good direction at all,? Then he started going off about the Bible. He said somehow the Bible was pro-slavery. I?m really shy. I?m not really someone to, like, stir up anything. But all of a sudden I just blurted out, ?That?s bull!? ?
As she and several other students walked out of the auditorium, Savage noticed them leaving and called them ?pansies.?
The story has now been picked up by FOX News Radio, under the headline "Anti-Bullying Speaker Curses Christian Teens." Today, that article was one of the top links at Drudge Report, which suggests the story will get bigger very soon.
It's too bad the Christian kids left the hall. They're supposed to be journalists, and we in the journalism biz must often dirty our ears with others' distasteful utterances. While Savage might have profitably avoided the use of profanities (which, when used to describe allegedly sacred documents, tend to make believers less than receptive to whatever might come next), what he said was materially true, and good journalism students of any creed ought to know it. And inquisitive Christians also ought to know the standard argument against Dan's point: That Jesus's "new covenant" rendered the Old Testament's "ceremonial law" meaningless (making it okay for humans to eat shellfish and pork) but left in place the Old Testament's "moral laws," which include prohibitions against homosexuality. And smart people in general should know the counter-argument to that counter-argument, which is: Really? Stoning women to death isn't a moral issue?
That's where believers and doubters tend to part ways, which is a shame. Apparently these journalism students are too delicate to get even that far.
Watch the allegedly objectionable bits of Savage's address AFTER THE JUMP ...
No Sex Tape, No Outing in Tyler Clementi Case
One reason some people think
Dharun Ravi deserves
harsh punishment for spying on a college roommate who later
committed suicide is the persistent misconception that he made
video of Tyler Clementi's homosexual encounter publicly available.
A week after Clementi killed himself in September 2010, The New
York Times reported
that Ravi "used a camera in his dormitory room to stream the
roommate's intimate encounter live on the Internet." The story was
headlined "Private Moment Made Public, Then a Fatal Jump." The New
York Daily News said Ravi
"spied on [Clementi's] gay tryst and streamed it live with a
webcam." ABC News
claimed Ravi "secretly filmed [Clementi] during a 'sexual
encounter' in his dorm room and posted it live on the Internet."
The headline: "Victim of Secret Dorm Sex Tape Posts Facebook
Goodbye, Jumps to His Death." Presumably based on such reports,
Ellen Degeneres declared
that Clementi "was outed as being gay on the Internet and he killed
himself."
But as
testimony during Ravi's trial has confirmed, there was no sex
tape, and the images were never available to the general public. On
the evening of September 19, 2010, Ravi set the webcam on his
computer to automatically accept video chats, then went across the
hall to a friend's room, where they saw a few seconds of Clementi
and his visitor kissing, fully clothed, before shutting off the
feed. The images were not recorded, and they were not transmitted
anywhere except across the hall. The New York
Times summary of the case, last updated on February 24,
nevertheless still
says Ravi "secretly used a webcam to stream Mr. Clementi's
romantic interlude with another man over the Internet."
Technically, I suppose that's true, in the sense that any video
chat is streamed over the Internet. But the implication?that Ravi
enabled the whole world to see what Clementi was doing in their
room?is false.
In his measured and illuminating New Yorker
article about the case, Ian Parker also notes that Clementi was
not trying to hide his sexual orientation, so it's hard to see how
Ravi could have outed him. Although Clementi was upset about his
roommate's spying, Parker writes, "there's little to support the
idea that he was mortified by the thought that he'd been outed." He
suggests "the enduring false belief that Ravi was responsible for
outing Tyler Clementi, and for putting a sex tape on the Internet,
can be seen as a collective effort to balance a terrible event with
a terrible cause."
Look for more about Ravi's prosecution in my column
tomorrow.
Dharun Ravi deserves
harsh punishment for spying on a college roommate who later
committed suicide is the persistent misconception that he made
video of Tyler Clementi's homosexual encounter publicly available.
A week after Clementi killed himself in September 2010, The New
York Times reported
that Ravi "used a camera in his dormitory room to stream the
roommate's intimate encounter live on the Internet." The story was
headlined "Private Moment Made Public, Then a Fatal Jump." The New
York Daily News said Ravi
"spied on [Clementi's] gay tryst and streamed it live with a
webcam." ABC News
claimed Ravi "secretly filmed [Clementi] during a 'sexual
encounter' in his dorm room and posted it live on the Internet."
The headline: "Victim of Secret Dorm Sex Tape Posts Facebook
Goodbye, Jumps to His Death." Presumably based on such reports,
Ellen Degeneres declared
that Clementi "was outed as being gay on the Internet and he killed
himself."
But as
testimony during Ravi's trial has confirmed, there was no sex
tape, and the images were never available to the general public. On
the evening of September 19, 2010, Ravi set the webcam on his
computer to automatically accept video chats, then went across the
hall to a friend's room, where they saw a few seconds of Clementi
and his visitor kissing, fully clothed, before shutting off the
feed. The images were not recorded, and they were not transmitted
anywhere except across the hall. The New York
Times summary of the case, last updated on February 24,
nevertheless still
says Ravi "secretly used a webcam to stream Mr. Clementi's
romantic interlude with another man over the Internet."
Technically, I suppose that's true, in the sense that any video
chat is streamed over the Internet. But the implication?that Ravi
enabled the whole world to see what Clementi was doing in their
room?is false.
In his measured and illuminating New Yorker
article about the case, Ian Parker also notes that Clementi was
not trying to hide his sexual orientation, so it's hard to see how
Ravi could have outed him. Although Clementi was upset about his
roommate's spying, Parker writes, "there's little to support the
idea that he was mortified by the thought that he'd been outed." He
suggests "the enduring false belief that Ravi was responsible for
outing Tyler Clementi, and for putting a sex tape on the Internet,
can be seen as a collective effort to balance a terrible event with
a terrible cause."
Look for more about Ravi's prosecution in my column
tomorrow.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
I Can NOT Look Away!
Robyn tweeted about this earlier today and I haven't been able to take my eyes off of it. This, my friends, is what you call DEDICATION to the craft of humor:
Before She Cheats...
When I read this letter, I kept thinking of the Carrie Underwood song Before He Cheats.
A young lesbian, who has only been married for six months is already thinking of having an affair on her wife. Emily Wilcox has some excellent advice for her and how to deal with the temptation....Read Full Post
A young lesbian, who has only been married for six months is already thinking of having an affair on her wife. Emily Wilcox has some excellent advice for her and how to deal with the temptation....Read Full Post
Gay Gym Opens in Palm Springs
(Palm Springs, CA 01-04-12) WorkOUT Gym (tm) is pleased to announce the opening of a New 4,000 square foot gay gym in North Palm Springs. The fitness club, formally a massage school, is conveniently situated at 2100 N Palm Canyon Drive next to Toucan?s, a popular gay club. The new personalized fitness facility features cardio equipment with individual viewing TV's, selector circuit machines, a free weight area, locker rooms with private showers as well as other special member amenities.
Lesbian News - 28 Apr 2012
Teachers Taught to Combat HomophobiaThe New New Queer CinemaShe doesn?t owe taxes, but she is a lesbianTwo Thumbs Up for 14th Annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film FestivalUK VOICE: Lesbian's fight against deportation ?is not over yetLesbian Restrained and Beaten Outside Bar, Told To Take a Hit Like a Man
Culhane: One last salvo against the misuse of religion
My last column is kind of an angry one.
Once again, I?m compelled to write about the collision of religious beliefs and civil rights, and ? as has become typical ? the tension arises in a case involving marriage equality.
As this story [1] details, the town clerk in the small village of Ledyard, New York, has unilaterally decided that she won?t issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. So she now requires that all couples (gay and straight) make an appointment for her deputy (who seems to work part-time) to do the job that she?d previously done.
On the surface, this accommodation might look reasonable. The woman gets to honor her own religious beliefs, and now all couples are being treated equally. Everyone has to wait for an appointment. And in general, I support creative means of conflict resolution as long as they neither stigmatize a legally protected class nor cause undue inconvenience. If, say, there were several clerks working different lines in a large city and one objected to issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples, an unobtrusive switch of clerks would bother no one.
Beyond that kind of practical accommodation, though, allowing this kind of� refusal would be a terrible mistake, and one that would sets very dangerous precedent. Consider this example:
State A passes a marriage equality law. The Attorney General?s religious beliefs are offended by the bill, and he decides that all marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples are without legal force. Of course, such an AG would likely be swiftly fired, or in any event overruled by a court. But until that happened, one might expect him to argue that he simply ?couldn?t? do otherwise, as same-sex marriages were against God?s law.
But God?s law ? whatever it might be in this case, and there?s no clear agreement among religions on this or any other issue ? is beside the point. The AG has a civil law responsibility that he?s failing to discharge.
Much further down on the government food chain, the Ledyard clerk, one Rose Marie Belforti, is doing much the same thing. The similarity can be hard to see, because her refusal to comply with the law ? unlike the AG's ? can be sidestepped. But in both cases, we have a public official deciding for themselves when and whether to recognize a law of general application. The AG wouldn?t be able to stay in office were he to insist on his own, law-defying interpretation of what God?s law requires; and the result should be no different here. If Belforti couldn?t figure out a way to do this behind the scenes, too bad for her.
And the consequences of allowing religious beliefs to interfere with clear civic responsibilities can?t be limited to the issue of same-sex marriage licenses. What if a clerk didn?t want to marry two people who?d been divorced? Who?d had sex before marriage? And what would those defending Ms. Belforti say about a judge who granted men, but not women, a unilateral divorce because of his belief that that Sharia law required that interpretation?
We expect judges to follow the prevailing law. We have the right to expect clerks to do the same.
I could respect Ms. Belforti if, like several other clerks with religious objections to same-sex marriages, she resigned from her job. But I have nothing but contempt for the rhetoric being put forward by the likes of Maggie Gallagher and Robbie George. Read this article [2], which details how the pair is trying to turn back marriage equality by appealing openly to the idea that religion should take precedence over equality. Gallagher likens New York state?s insistence on having its laws followed in the clerk cases to the dictates of Caesar, ?forgetting? that the democratically elected legislature passed the marriage equality law. But the reference to this dictator is a way of making her point about the supposed religious persecutions.
George, co-author of the much-downloaded, but intellectually dishonest, article ?What is Marriage?, [3]? continues to rail against schools that teach about the existence of (let alone the positive results linked to)� families headed by gay and lesbian parents. It?s just too bad for parents who don?t want their children ?indoctrinated? into this world, he says.
Worse, he ?loathes? the ?bad faith? of our ?strategy? of demonizing people like Belforti �by deploying the ?weapons? of anti-discrimination law. But to insist that validly enacted laws, like New York?s, be interpreted in a way that favors no religion over another is only to follow the rules of democracy itself. George and Gallagher are so sure of their own (rigidly Catholic) version of God that they fail to understand that the best way to respect religion is to insist on its separation from the civil, legal sphere.
For once religion is allowed to set the rules, there?s no guarantee that the faith chosen will be one either of them would endorse. It might even be Muslim.
I can?t end this column without a last goodbye to my faithful readers (some of whom I know by user name; others of whom simply read without weighing in). I?d love for you to follow me over to my own site, Word in Edgewise [4], where I promise to keep up the fight. (And I might soon be blogging for another site; you?ll have to go to WiE to find out if and where.) I hope to see some of you tonight! And a fond farewell to JV and JW. Thanks to both of you. Excelsior!
John Culhane [5] is Professor of Law and Director of the Health Law Institute at Widener University School of Law. He has edited and contributed to a book on ?hot? legal and social issues [6], and just taped a show for The American Law Journal on the legal rights of unmarried cohabitants (gay and straight). It will be available for viewing on this website [7] by late October. Follow him on Facebook [8] and Twitter [9].
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/nyregion/rights-clash-as-town-clerk-rejects-her-role-in-gay-marriages.html
[2] http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/observers-see-clash-between-gay-marriage-and-religious-freedom-growing/
[3] http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
[4] http://wordinedgewise.org
[5] http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx
[6] http://www.amazon.com/Reconsidering-Law-Policy-Debates-Perspective/dp/0521195055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317253625&sr=8-1
[7] http://www.lawjournaltv.com
[8] http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1544553665
[9] http://twitter.com/#!/johnculhane/
Once again, I?m compelled to write about the collision of religious beliefs and civil rights, and ? as has become typical ? the tension arises in a case involving marriage equality.
As this story [1] details, the town clerk in the small village of Ledyard, New York, has unilaterally decided that she won?t issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. So she now requires that all couples (gay and straight) make an appointment for her deputy (who seems to work part-time) to do the job that she?d previously done.
On the surface, this accommodation might look reasonable. The woman gets to honor her own religious beliefs, and now all couples are being treated equally. Everyone has to wait for an appointment. And in general, I support creative means of conflict resolution as long as they neither stigmatize a legally protected class nor cause undue inconvenience. If, say, there were several clerks working different lines in a large city and one objected to issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples, an unobtrusive switch of clerks would bother no one.
Beyond that kind of practical accommodation, though, allowing this kind of� refusal would be a terrible mistake, and one that would sets very dangerous precedent. Consider this example:
State A passes a marriage equality law. The Attorney General?s religious beliefs are offended by the bill, and he decides that all marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples are without legal force. Of course, such an AG would likely be swiftly fired, or in any event overruled by a court. But until that happened, one might expect him to argue that he simply ?couldn?t? do otherwise, as same-sex marriages were against God?s law.
But God?s law ? whatever it might be in this case, and there?s no clear agreement among religions on this or any other issue ? is beside the point. The AG has a civil law responsibility that he?s failing to discharge.
Much further down on the government food chain, the Ledyard clerk, one Rose Marie Belforti, is doing much the same thing. The similarity can be hard to see, because her refusal to comply with the law ? unlike the AG's ? can be sidestepped. But in both cases, we have a public official deciding for themselves when and whether to recognize a law of general application. The AG wouldn?t be able to stay in office were he to insist on his own, law-defying interpretation of what God?s law requires; and the result should be no different here. If Belforti couldn?t figure out a way to do this behind the scenes, too bad for her.
And the consequences of allowing religious beliefs to interfere with clear civic responsibilities can?t be limited to the issue of same-sex marriage licenses. What if a clerk didn?t want to marry two people who?d been divorced? Who?d had sex before marriage? And what would those defending Ms. Belforti say about a judge who granted men, but not women, a unilateral divorce because of his belief that that Sharia law required that interpretation?
We expect judges to follow the prevailing law. We have the right to expect clerks to do the same.
I could respect Ms. Belforti if, like several other clerks with religious objections to same-sex marriages, she resigned from her job. But I have nothing but contempt for the rhetoric being put forward by the likes of Maggie Gallagher and Robbie George. Read this article [2], which details how the pair is trying to turn back marriage equality by appealing openly to the idea that religion should take precedence over equality. Gallagher likens New York state?s insistence on having its laws followed in the clerk cases to the dictates of Caesar, ?forgetting? that the democratically elected legislature passed the marriage equality law. But the reference to this dictator is a way of making her point about the supposed religious persecutions.
George, co-author of the much-downloaded, but intellectually dishonest, article ?What is Marriage?, [3]? continues to rail against schools that teach about the existence of (let alone the positive results linked to)� families headed by gay and lesbian parents. It?s just too bad for parents who don?t want their children ?indoctrinated? into this world, he says.
Worse, he ?loathes? the ?bad faith? of our ?strategy? of demonizing people like Belforti �by deploying the ?weapons? of anti-discrimination law. But to insist that validly enacted laws, like New York?s, be interpreted in a way that favors no religion over another is only to follow the rules of democracy itself. George and Gallagher are so sure of their own (rigidly Catholic) version of God that they fail to understand that the best way to respect religion is to insist on its separation from the civil, legal sphere.
For once religion is allowed to set the rules, there?s no guarantee that the faith chosen will be one either of them would endorse. It might even be Muslim.
I can?t end this column without a last goodbye to my faithful readers (some of whom I know by user name; others of whom simply read without weighing in). I?d love for you to follow me over to my own site, Word in Edgewise [4], where I promise to keep up the fight. (And I might soon be blogging for another site; you?ll have to go to WiE to find out if and where.) I hope to see some of you tonight! And a fond farewell to JV and JW. Thanks to both of you. Excelsior!
John Culhane [5] is Professor of Law and Director of the Health Law Institute at Widener University School of Law. He has edited and contributed to a book on ?hot? legal and social issues [6], and just taped a show for The American Law Journal on the legal rights of unmarried cohabitants (gay and straight). It will be available for viewing on this website [7] by late October. Follow him on Facebook [8] and Twitter [9].
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/nyregion/rights-clash-as-town-clerk-rejects-her-role-in-gay-marriages.html
[2] http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/observers-see-clash-between-gay-marriage-and-religious-freedom-growing/
[3] http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
[4] http://wordinedgewise.org
[5] http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx
[6] http://www.amazon.com/Reconsidering-Law-Policy-Debates-Perspective/dp/0521195055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317253625&sr=8-1
[7] http://www.lawjournaltv.com
[8] http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1544553665
[9] http://twitter.com/#!/johnculhane/
SLDN Releases Statement on Major Margaret Witt Ruling
Statement from Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network:
“This is a stunning victory for Major Witt and all gay and lesbian patriots serving our country today. Clearly federal courts are trending towards allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. It is only a matter of time before this happens throughout the armed forces, but these cases are slowly working their way through the legal process and it could well be years before there is finality in the courts. The favorable Witt decision, like the Log Cabin Republicans ruling, only underscores the urgent need for the Senate to take up repeal in the lame duck session.”
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org) is a national, non-profit …
Read More
“This is a stunning victory for Major Witt and all gay and lesbian patriots serving our country today. Clearly federal courts are trending towards allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. It is only a matter of time before this happens throughout the armed forces, but these cases are slowly working their way through the legal process and it could well be years before there is finality in the courts. The favorable Witt decision, like the Log Cabin Republicans ruling, only underscores the urgent need for the Senate to take up repeal in the lame duck session.”
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org) is a national, non-profit …
Read More
Out and About
Friday, September 24
Come and get WIRED this Friday at the Brass Rail with Ashley Matte at 9:30 p.m. followed by Dj Kiki Koenig at 11:00 p.m. , The Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue - San Diego 92103. Great Drink Specials, Live Music and amazing DJs!!!- (619) 298 - 2233
Saturday, September 25
Tony and Pulitzer Award winner Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical plays follow the life of Eugene Morris Jerome from the foibles of youth in late-1930s Brooklyn to a career as a comedy writer for radio. Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound are performed in a rotating repertory schedule at The Old Globe Theatre. Brighton Beach Memoirs first regular performance is on Saturday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. Broadway Bound first regular performance is on Sunday, Septe…
Read More
Come and get WIRED this Friday at the Brass Rail with Ashley Matte at 9:30 p.m. followed by Dj Kiki Koenig at 11:00 p.m. , The Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue - San Diego 92103. Great Drink Specials, Live Music and amazing DJs!!!- (619) 298 - 2233
Saturday, September 25
Tony and Pulitzer Award winner Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical plays follow the life of Eugene Morris Jerome from the foibles of youth in late-1930s Brooklyn to a career as a comedy writer for radio. Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound are performed in a rotating repertory schedule at The Old Globe Theatre. Brighton Beach Memoirs first regular performance is on Saturday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. Broadway Bound first regular performance is on Sunday, Septe…
Read More
Friday, April 27, 2012
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
SNL = Saturday Night's Lesbian?
Congratulations to Kate Mckinnon for being the first openly gay human to be on SNL :) Thank you to my pizza pie Sarah for letting me know!MSN had this to say: "Saturday Night Live" has increased their collection of XX chromosomes by adding Upright Citizen's Brigade sketchtress Kate McKinnon to the show. McKinnon, formerly of LOGO's "Big Gay Sketch Show," becomes the fourth female in the current cast and will make her Studio 8H debut on the April 7, Sofia Vergara-hosted episode. McKinnon has done several UCB solo shows and has cast herself in delightfully demented roles. McKinnon also becomes SNL's first openly lesbian cast member, one who outed herself at a church-sponsored theatre camp. "I was speaking in front of 250 people and thought 'Wouldn't it be wacky if I came out during this speech,'" she told OutImpact. "It was scary but it was fun."She sounds fun. Now if only they could get a black woman on the show, we'd be good!
Bullied high schooler convinces MPAA to change ?Bully? rating to ?PG-13?
Director Lee Hirsch and The Weinstein Company have announced that the documentary ?Bully? will receive a ?PG-13? rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) after more than 500,000 people, including 35 Members of Congress and celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Meryl Streep, joined a campaign on Change.org started by a bullied high school student.
Katy Butler, a 17 year-old student from Michigan who experienced extensive bullying when she came out as a lesbian in middle school, launched a petition on Change.org after learning that the MPAA had rejected an appeal to change the rating of "Bully" from "R" to "PG-13" so students could see the film.
Following news of the rating change, Butler issued a thank you to those who supported her campaign: ?On behalf of the more than half a million supporters who joined me on Change.org in petitioning the MPAA, I want to express how grateful I am not only to the MPAA for lowering the rating without cutting a vital scene, but to all of the people who used their voices to put a national spotlight on this movie and its mission,? said Butler.
Butler?s campaign on Change.org attracted support from major international celebrities, with Ellen DeGeneres and Anderson Cooper inviting Butler to appear on their shows and urging their viewers to support her petition. In addition, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Demi Lovato, Randy Jackson, Kelly Ripa, Justin Bieber, Drew Brees, and several other celebrities all encouraged their fans to sign Katy?s petition or show support to ?Bully."
Butler?s petition also gained support from 35 Members of Congress, who endorsed a congressional sign-on letter issued by Rep. Mike Honda (D-California) urging the MPAA to change ?Bully?s? rating from ?R? to ?PG-13.? Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also tweeted their support for Katy's campaign to their followers on Twitter.
Butler started her petition on Change.org because she thought it was ridiculous that the "R" rating -- given for coarse, but real words used by bullies in the film -- was keeping the target audience from seeing this film: bullies and bully victims.
?The brief usage of language in this film reflects what so many kids hear each day in school when they?re being bullied," said Butler.
To view Katy Butler's Change.org petition, click here.
To view a Washington Post profile of Katy Butler, click here.
To view Katy Butler?s appearance on CBS This Morning, click here.�
To view Katy Butler?s appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, click here.
To view Katy Butler?s appearance on FOX & Friends, click here.
Photo credit: Change.org
Katy Butler, a 17 year-old student from Michigan who experienced extensive bullying when she came out as a lesbian in middle school, launched a petition on Change.org after learning that the MPAA had rejected an appeal to change the rating of "Bully" from "R" to "PG-13" so students could see the film.
Following news of the rating change, Butler issued a thank you to those who supported her campaign: ?On behalf of the more than half a million supporters who joined me on Change.org in petitioning the MPAA, I want to express how grateful I am not only to the MPAA for lowering the rating without cutting a vital scene, but to all of the people who used their voices to put a national spotlight on this movie and its mission,? said Butler.
Butler?s campaign on Change.org attracted support from major international celebrities, with Ellen DeGeneres and Anderson Cooper inviting Butler to appear on their shows and urging their viewers to support her petition. In addition, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Demi Lovato, Randy Jackson, Kelly Ripa, Justin Bieber, Drew Brees, and several other celebrities all encouraged their fans to sign Katy?s petition or show support to ?Bully."
Butler?s petition also gained support from 35 Members of Congress, who endorsed a congressional sign-on letter issued by Rep. Mike Honda (D-California) urging the MPAA to change ?Bully?s? rating from ?R? to ?PG-13.? Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also tweeted their support for Katy's campaign to their followers on Twitter.
Butler started her petition on Change.org because she thought it was ridiculous that the "R" rating -- given for coarse, but real words used by bullies in the film -- was keeping the target audience from seeing this film: bullies and bully victims.
?The brief usage of language in this film reflects what so many kids hear each day in school when they?re being bullied," said Butler.
To view Katy Butler's Change.org petition, click here.
To view a Washington Post profile of Katy Butler, click here.
To view Katy Butler?s appearance on CBS This Morning, click here.�
To view Katy Butler?s appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, click here.
To view Katy Butler?s appearance on FOX & Friends, click here.
Photo credit: Change.org
Culhane: One last salvo against the misuse of religion
We can't allow religion to interfere with civic responsibilities.
Colorado Senate Considers Civil Unions Bill: WATCH LIVE
Debate on a civil union bill is underway in the Colorado Senate.
Watch it live HERE.
ABC7 Denver reports:
The measure has simmered in the state Legislature since January. Its approval in the Democratic Senate seems assured because it passed 23-12 last year. But it's still unclear whether the GOP House will agree to civil unions in the final weeks of the 2012 session.
Senate Bill 2 has some support among Republicans. But gay rights activists say the measure could again be defeated in the Republican House. Last year, a similar civil unions proposal cleared the Senate but failed by a single vote in a House committee controlled by the GOP.
Watch it live HERE.
ABC7 Denver reports:
The measure has simmered in the state Legislature since January. Its approval in the Democratic Senate seems assured because it passed 23-12 last year. But it's still unclear whether the GOP House will agree to civil unions in the final weeks of the 2012 session.
Senate Bill 2 has some support among Republicans. But gay rights activists say the measure could again be defeated in the Republican House. Last year, a similar civil unions proposal cleared the Senate but failed by a single vote in a House committee controlled by the GOP.
Was Illinois Student Attack a Hate Crime?
Eric Unger, Illinois State University student who was attacked last weekend, said in a TV interview that his assailants hurled antigay epithets at him.
Tell RuPaul to select Chad Michaels as "America's Next Drag Superstar"
SAN DIEGO -- With RuPaul's surprise announcement Monday night that the winner of this season's "Drag Race" would not be announced for another week, many San Diegans are rallying in support of homegrown contestant Chad Michaels.
San Diegan Chad Michaels might be "America's Next Drag Superstar." Tell RuPaul you are on Team Chad!
read more
San Diegan Chad Michaels might be "America's Next Drag Superstar." Tell RuPaul you are on Team Chad!
read more
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Montana GOP policy: Make homosexuality illegal
HELENA, Mont. (AP) – At a time when gays have been gaining victories across the country, the Republican Party in Montana still wants to make homosexuality illegal.
The party adopted an official platform in June that keeps a long-held position in support of making homosexual acts illegal, a policy adopted after the Montana Supreme Court struck down such laws in 1997.
The fact that it’s still the official party policy more than 12 years later, despite a tidal shift in public attitudes since then and the party’s own pledge of support for individual freedoms, has exasperated some GOP members.
“I looked at that and said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’” state Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson, said last week. “…
Read More | View Comments (1 comment)
The party adopted an official platform in June that keeps a long-held position in support of making homosexual acts illegal, a policy adopted after the Montana Supreme Court struck down such laws in 1997.
The fact that it’s still the official party policy more than 12 years later, despite a tidal shift in public attitudes since then and the party’s own pledge of support for individual freedoms, has exasperated some GOP members.
“I looked at that and said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’” state Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson, said last week. “…
Read More | View Comments (1 comment)
Ricky Martin Spices Things up in Evita Revival
Ricky Martin is receiving some positive reviews for his charming turn as Che in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
According to early reviews, Ricky Martin is all swoon-inducing charm in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber?s Evita.Unless you ask the bitter and jaded Rex Reed! Reed describes the production as "sprawling, overproduced, clumsily
directed and strangely emotionless." He writes that Andrew Lloyd
Webber's music is "derivative" and that Tim Rice's lyrics are
"repetitive," reducing the story of Eva Peron to a "second-rate
operetta."The revival, which opened at New York?s Marriot Marquis recently, has
already garnered plenty of buzz for its casting of openly gay Martin as
the revolutionary Che. But now that early reviews have heaped praise
upon Martin (one review called his performance ?a supernova of
charisma?), the musical will no doubt attract even more ticket-buyers. - Ticket sales have been brisk so far.
According to early reviews, Ricky Martin is all swoon-inducing charm in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber?s Evita.Unless you ask the bitter and jaded Rex Reed! Reed describes the production as "sprawling, overproduced, clumsily
directed and strangely emotionless." He writes that Andrew Lloyd
Webber's music is "derivative" and that Tim Rice's lyrics are
"repetitive," reducing the story of Eva Peron to a "second-rate
operetta."The revival, which opened at New York?s Marriot Marquis recently, has
already garnered plenty of buzz for its casting of openly gay Martin as
the revolutionary Che. But now that early reviews have heaped praise
upon Martin (one review called his performance ?a supernova of
charisma?), the musical will no doubt attract even more ticket-buyers. - Ticket sales have been brisk so far.
Equality Forum Sets Impressive Goals
Now celebrating its 20th year, Equality Forum's mission is to advance national and international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights through education programs, documentary videos and sponsorships for high-profile initiatives designed to raise social consciousness about LGBT stigma and discrimination, both in the United States and ... (more)
Help Curve Keep Publishing!
We know these are tough economic times. And print media is struggling to figure out its place in the wide world of instant internet gratification. If you value Curve magazine, the place that gave Lipstick & Dipstick it's start and the place that continues to publish our monthly column, please do what you can to help out.This year Curve is celebrating it's 20th year. But unless the community comes out to support it, Curve will not make it to its 21st birthday. Curve is struggling financially. There are a few ways you can help.Make a donation. Subscribe. And when you do, you're entered to win a trip to Cozumel with Sweet Vacations. Unlike most magazines that rely on advertising dollars to sustain them, Curve relies on its subscribers. So don't just pick an issue up at the newsstand. Become a regular subscriber. Advertise. If you own a business, consider advertising in Curve magazine. Buy your tickets to the 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco. We love Curve and we know you do too. So please, do what you can. If you already subscribe, consider buying one for a friend. Where would our community be without Curve?
News: Nick Gruber, Hulu, Anthony Wong, The Wanted, TED
Hulu adds LGBT category...
Elton John and David Furnish plan to have another child: ?I would like Zachary to have a sibling. I think he would be better with a sibling than on his own. It?s something we talk about all the time. But in terms of when, where and how, nothing?s decided yet."
Calvin Klein boyfriend Nick Gruber appears in court on charges of assault, resisting arrest and criminal possession of a controlled substance: "Nick Gruber, 22, a model and former gay porn star, was accused of bloodying New Jersey college student Calvin Swint, 20, during the 4:20 a.m. fisticuffs."
Digestive systems cower in fear.
Patrick Breen Luke MacFarlane, and Christopher Hanke to lead national tour of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart: "Arena Stage today announced initial casting for its limited engagement of THE NORMAL HEART, which will run June 8 to July 29, 2012 and will coincide with AIDS 2012, the biennial international AIDS conference that returns to the United States for the first time in 22 years."
Kardashians ink $40 million deal with E!
Hong Kong pop star Anthony Wong comes out of the closet at the end of a concert: ?People don?t need to guess whether or not I?m a tongzhi [Chinese slang for homosexual] anymore. I?m saying, I?m gay. I?m a homosexual. G-A-Y.? VIDEO.
Judge refuses to throw out charges against Wikileaks soldier Bradley Manning: "Army Col. Denise Lind denied the defense motion to dismiss all 22 charges during a pretrial hearing in the court-martial of Pfc. Bradley Manning. The ruling means the hearing that's mainly concerned with the exchange of evidence will continue."
TED launches new initiative for assisting educators in the classroom.
Justin Bieber gets his mascara on.
Adam Sandler snatched Chris Colfer's Candy Land dreams: "When I was fourteen, I was obsessed with Candy Land, and I wanted to make it into a Broadway musical. I thought Candy Land could be the next Wicked. Candy Land the game was invented for kids with polio, so the story would start out with a boy who had polio and was magically transported into Candy Land and got to have all these adventures that he normally couldn't because he was chained to a hospital bed. So when I found that Adam Sandler had snatched up the rights to the movie, I was so bummed!"
Romney wins New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island, sets record.
UK boy band The Wanted premiere new video for "Chasing the Sun".
Rufus Wainwright buttons up for Vman.
California Senate panel advances bill protecting citizens from "ex-gay" therapy: "he law does not outright ban all ex-gay therapy, but it does prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from undergoing sexual orientation change efforts."
Gay cop sues NYPD after poor evaluation, claims supervisor taunted him: "In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, the probationary sergeant, Michael Fox, said Lt. Roger Lurch routinely sneered things at him in the West 100th Street station house like, 'You?re not a real cop,' 'You belong at a desk,' and, 'In the real world, we have to lay hands on people and make arrests.'"
22 elephants massacred by poachers in Congo.
Family of slain gay Nova Scotia activist Raymond Taavel thanks supporters: "We are overwhelmed by the people of Halifax and Nova Scotia and your explosion of compassion and love for our son and brother. We are so grateful for what you have done and are doing in Raymond?s memory. We do not mourn alone when you mourn with us. You will never know what this meant for us...Raymond died the way he lived, helping people. He is our hero, and you are heroes for what you are doing for him, and also for us. Nova Scotia is a good place to be. Our hope is that all the ?Raymonds? of the world can someday find their own ?Nova Scotia?."
Elton John and David Furnish plan to have another child: ?I would like Zachary to have a sibling. I think he would be better with a sibling than on his own. It?s something we talk about all the time. But in terms of when, where and how, nothing?s decided yet."
Calvin Klein boyfriend Nick Gruber appears in court on charges of assault, resisting arrest and criminal possession of a controlled substance: "Nick Gruber, 22, a model and former gay porn star, was accused of bloodying New Jersey college student Calvin Swint, 20, during the 4:20 a.m. fisticuffs."
Digestive systems cower in fear.
Patrick Breen Luke MacFarlane, and Christopher Hanke to lead national tour of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart: "Arena Stage today announced initial casting for its limited engagement of THE NORMAL HEART, which will run June 8 to July 29, 2012 and will coincide with AIDS 2012, the biennial international AIDS conference that returns to the United States for the first time in 22 years."
Kardashians ink $40 million deal with E!
Hong Kong pop star Anthony Wong comes out of the closet at the end of a concert: ?People don?t need to guess whether or not I?m a tongzhi [Chinese slang for homosexual] anymore. I?m saying, I?m gay. I?m a homosexual. G-A-Y.? VIDEO.
Judge refuses to throw out charges against Wikileaks soldier Bradley Manning: "Army Col. Denise Lind denied the defense motion to dismiss all 22 charges during a pretrial hearing in the court-martial of Pfc. Bradley Manning. The ruling means the hearing that's mainly concerned with the exchange of evidence will continue."
TED launches new initiative for assisting educators in the classroom.
Justin Bieber gets his mascara on.
Adam Sandler snatched Chris Colfer's Candy Land dreams: "When I was fourteen, I was obsessed with Candy Land, and I wanted to make it into a Broadway musical. I thought Candy Land could be the next Wicked. Candy Land the game was invented for kids with polio, so the story would start out with a boy who had polio and was magically transported into Candy Land and got to have all these adventures that he normally couldn't because he was chained to a hospital bed. So when I found that Adam Sandler had snatched up the rights to the movie, I was so bummed!"
Romney wins New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island, sets record.
UK boy band The Wanted premiere new video for "Chasing the Sun".
Rufus Wainwright buttons up for Vman.
California Senate panel advances bill protecting citizens from "ex-gay" therapy: "he law does not outright ban all ex-gay therapy, but it does prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from undergoing sexual orientation change efforts."
Gay cop sues NYPD after poor evaluation, claims supervisor taunted him: "In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, the probationary sergeant, Michael Fox, said Lt. Roger Lurch routinely sneered things at him in the West 100th Street station house like, 'You?re not a real cop,' 'You belong at a desk,' and, 'In the real world, we have to lay hands on people and make arrests.'"
22 elephants massacred by poachers in Congo.
Family of slain gay Nova Scotia activist Raymond Taavel thanks supporters: "We are overwhelmed by the people of Halifax and Nova Scotia and your explosion of compassion and love for our son and brother. We are so grateful for what you have done and are doing in Raymond?s memory. We do not mourn alone when you mourn with us. You will never know what this meant for us...Raymond died the way he lived, helping people. He is our hero, and you are heroes for what you are doing for him, and also for us. Nova Scotia is a good place to be. Our hope is that all the ?Raymonds? of the world can someday find their own ?Nova Scotia?."
Appeals court tosses gays in military lawsuit
(San Francisco)� A federal appeals court refused Thursday to decide the constitutionality of the military's now-repealed "don't ask, don't tell" policy banning openly gay troops, saying the issue has been resolved since Americans can enlist and serve in the armed forces without regard to sexual orientation.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco tossed out a lawsuit that had challenged the military policy as a violation of gay service members' civil rights. In doing so, the appeals court also dismissed a Southern California trial judge's year-old ruling that the policy was unconstitutional.
The gay rights group Log Cabin Republicans filed the lawsuit in 2004 challenging the policy. The group's lawyer, Dan Woods, said he would ask the full 9th Circuit to review the panel's decision.
The group recently argued the lower court ruling, which also barred enforcement of "don't ask, don't tell" should remain in effect despite this month's repeal because future administrations and lawmakers could reintroduce a ban on gay service.
The three judges strongly disagreed in their Thursday opinion, saying the case is moot because there is nothing left to challenge regarding the policy enacted as section 654.
"This suit became moot when the repeal of section 654 took effect on Sept. 20," the ruling said. "If Log Cabin filed suit today seeking a declaration that section 654 is unconstitutional or an injunction against its application (or both), there would be no Article III controversy because there is no section 654."
The panel specifically rejected Log Cabins' assertion that the appeals court should decide the underlying constitutional issues to prevent future limitations or outright bans on military service by gay and lesbian Americans.
"We cannot say with virtual certainty that the Congress that passed the Repeal Act - or a future Congress whose composition, agenda, and circumstances we cannot know - will reenact don't ask, don't tell," the judges said. "We can only speculate, and our speculation cannot breathe life into this case."
Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper said he was disappointed, noting that the favorable ruling his group obtained in the lower court played a major role in persuading policy makers to repeal "don't ask, don't tell."
"Log Cabin Republicans v. United States said more than `don't ask, don't tell' should be repealed - it stood for the fundamental constitutional rights of service members not to be discriminated against by the nation they serve," Cooper said. "This decision by the 9th Circuit denies more than 14,000 discharged gay and lesbian service members an important means of obtaining justice for the wrong perpetuated against them under the ban, and leaves open the possibility of future violations of service members' rights."
One of the three panelists, Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain, went out of his way in a concurring opinion to dispute that either the U.S. Constitution or the Supreme Court's interpretation of it provided "a member of the armed forces (with) a constitutionally protected right to engage in homosexual acts or to state that he or she is a homosexual while continuing to serve in the military."
O'Scannlain also criticized the lower court judge who invalidated "don't ask, don't tell" last year, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips. He accused Phillips of willfully failing "to apply established law" so she could issue a ruling "that invalidated a considered congressional policy and imposed a wholly novel view of constitutional liberty on the entire United States."
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco tossed out a lawsuit that had challenged the military policy as a violation of gay service members' civil rights. In doing so, the appeals court also dismissed a Southern California trial judge's year-old ruling that the policy was unconstitutional.
The gay rights group Log Cabin Republicans filed the lawsuit in 2004 challenging the policy. The group's lawyer, Dan Woods, said he would ask the full 9th Circuit to review the panel's decision.
The group recently argued the lower court ruling, which also barred enforcement of "don't ask, don't tell" should remain in effect despite this month's repeal because future administrations and lawmakers could reintroduce a ban on gay service.
The three judges strongly disagreed in their Thursday opinion, saying the case is moot because there is nothing left to challenge regarding the policy enacted as section 654.
"This suit became moot when the repeal of section 654 took effect on Sept. 20," the ruling said. "If Log Cabin filed suit today seeking a declaration that section 654 is unconstitutional or an injunction against its application (or both), there would be no Article III controversy because there is no section 654."
The panel specifically rejected Log Cabins' assertion that the appeals court should decide the underlying constitutional issues to prevent future limitations or outright bans on military service by gay and lesbian Americans.
"We cannot say with virtual certainty that the Congress that passed the Repeal Act - or a future Congress whose composition, agenda, and circumstances we cannot know - will reenact don't ask, don't tell," the judges said. "We can only speculate, and our speculation cannot breathe life into this case."
Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper said he was disappointed, noting that the favorable ruling his group obtained in the lower court played a major role in persuading policy makers to repeal "don't ask, don't tell."
"Log Cabin Republicans v. United States said more than `don't ask, don't tell' should be repealed - it stood for the fundamental constitutional rights of service members not to be discriminated against by the nation they serve," Cooper said. "This decision by the 9th Circuit denies more than 14,000 discharged gay and lesbian service members an important means of obtaining justice for the wrong perpetuated against them under the ban, and leaves open the possibility of future violations of service members' rights."
One of the three panelists, Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain, went out of his way in a concurring opinion to dispute that either the U.S. Constitution or the Supreme Court's interpretation of it provided "a member of the armed forces (with) a constitutionally protected right to engage in homosexual acts or to state that he or she is a homosexual while continuing to serve in the military."
O'Scannlain also criticized the lower court judge who invalidated "don't ask, don't tell" last year, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips. He accused Phillips of willfully failing "to apply established law" so she could issue a ruling "that invalidated a considered congressional policy and imposed a wholly novel view of constitutional liberty on the entire United States."
Newt Gingrich to End Bid for Presidency
Next week, CNN reports:
While details are still being worked out, Gingrich is likely to hold his final campaign event Tuesday in Washington, DC where he will make the announcement surrounded by his family and supporters.It is not surprising that Gingrich is suspending his campaign for the White House as he has all but acknowledged it is winding down and Romney is the presumptive GOP nominee."When he says he is transitioning, what he means is that he is trying to determine as a citizen how he will pro-actively help Mitt Romney become president and the Republican Party win back the Senate and help (House Speaker) John Boehner keep his majority in the House," said one of the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Gingrich will reportedly drop out on May 1.
Meanwhile, taxpayers are shelling out $40,000 a day for his Secret Service protection.
While details are still being worked out, Gingrich is likely to hold his final campaign event Tuesday in Washington, DC where he will make the announcement surrounded by his family and supporters.It is not surprising that Gingrich is suspending his campaign for the White House as he has all but acknowledged it is winding down and Romney is the presumptive GOP nominee."When he says he is transitioning, what he means is that he is trying to determine as a citizen how he will pro-actively help Mitt Romney become president and the Republican Party win back the Senate and help (House Speaker) John Boehner keep his majority in the House," said one of the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Gingrich will reportedly drop out on May 1.
Meanwhile, taxpayers are shelling out $40,000 a day for his Secret Service protection.
Landmark Employment Ruling Protects Against Anti-Transgender Discrimination
In a decision described by one legal expert as ?game-changing,? the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that existing federal law protects transgender individuals from sex discrimination on the basis of their gender identity.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
'It's a Whore-Ratio...'
LOL, I just watched this video after not seeing it in YEARS. So funny...such a great time with these ladies. I'd love to do this again. Visit the ladies of CHERRY BOMB at http://www.cherrybombtv.comNow keep in mind this was a few years AND girlfriends ago and my opinions then don't necessarily reflect the ones I have today. Oh, to be young and naive again...Get More: Video & Movies, Logo: Fierce TV
Lesbian News - 24 Apr 2012
Musical memoirs chronicle lesbian's liberating journeyBar Owners plan a ReunionRemembering the persecution of gay men and lesbians on Yom HaShoahDADT Is Repealed, But Lesbians Still Can't Be Cub Scout Den LeadersMary ???Merian & the Lavender ReviewIsrael?s Masorti movement to ordain gays and lesbians as rabbis
Lipstick's Novel - Jukebox
Hi friends, although we've moved our blog over to Curve's website, I thought I'd post some info about my debut novel, Jukebox here, too.You can read all about it HERE.Sign up for the mailing list (click on link above then "subscribe") and I'll be sure to keep you posted on events and readings.Get your copy today!
Kate McKinnon is ****ing Hilarious!
The comical genius Kate McKinnon is at it again--making us laugh our asses off. Recently, she was part of a skit about the BP oil spill (with the UBC Theater). The skit made its way to the Rachel Maddow Show. If you haven't seen it, you must! Go Kate! Keep on keeping on. We need humor in light of the unstoppable awfulness that is happening down south.
Come Be a Part of Til Death Do Us Toby!
Portland!We are coming to town this week to film a portion of the short film Til Death Do Us Toby and want YOU to be a part of it.DETAILSSaturday, June 26, 20105 - 6pmLaurelhurst Park**meet at the bathroom area (click on map embedded here) We will be filming Christine Havrilla singing a song called Hightail, co-written by Gina Daggett and Patricia McKenny. With her jammin' acoustic guitar, we are going to film Havrilla in front of all of you, who will sing along with the chorus, which is super duper catchy...Gotta break freeGotta surviveGotta find a way to stay aliveI just wanna runI just wanna screamI just wanna hightail out of this dream What is this Til Death Do Us Toby movie anyway?It's a short film about a girl named Sam and a neurotic dog named Toby, who are both trying to find freedom. In Sam's case, she's trying to break free from her controlling mother, Mimi, who doesn't like Sam's best friend who's quite the edgy dyke. In Toby's case, he misunderstands a conversation between Mimi and Sam and thinks they're out to kill him, so he's just trying to hightail out of electric chair (aka their house). >>>>>>>>>>>>>> It's going to be a ton of fun and won't take up a bunch of time, so come on out and be in the short film, which will be making the queer festival rounds next year. Lipstick would be forever grateful!If you're coming, let us know on FACEBOOK!
Tenn. 'Don't Say Gay' law moves forward
NASHVILLE — Yesterday the Tennessee General Assembly House Education Committee voted to recommend the so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill for passage, despite prior reports that the bill's sponsor, Rep. Joey Hensley R-Hohenwald, did not plan to move the bill forward. The bill is aimed at prohibiting discussion about sexual orientation in Tennessee public elementary and middle schools, regardless of educational purpose.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Simon Cowell Is Really Really Not Gay
Get ready for this bombshell, people. There's a new book coming out about the life of American Idol and X-Factor producer and judge Simon Cowell where he comes out of the closet.
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/
AIDS: WHARP coordinates West Side response
Like so many of the organizations that arose during the AIDS epidemic's early years, the West Side HIV/AIDS Regional Planning Council WHARP got its start with two simple elements: concerned citizens and a problem.
Dining Out for Life April 26
Dining Out for Life, an international fundraiser for groups battling AIDS/HIV, will be held April 26. On average, $4 million are raised on just one day of dining, thanks to generous donations from more than 3,000 participating restaurants in 60 cities across North America.
Violence Against Women Act Needs Your Voice NOW!
http://action.now.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5704Take action today by calling AND emailing your senators and urging them to co-sponsor, if they are not already on the bill, and to support a "clean" VAWA, with no harmful amendments. Republican senators who have joined as co-sponsors also need positive reinforcement.
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/
Two Powerful New Ads Opposing 'Amendment 1' in North Carolina Reveal Measure's Harmful Consequences: VIDEO
Protect All NC Families has released its first two commercials. succinct powerful spots that put into focus two of the awful consequences should Amendment One, the ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships in North Carolina.
The campaign's ads focus on two of the most powerful elements which angered people in the polling about Amendment One - that it would take away children's health insurance and jeopardy the safety of domestic violence victims - and feature real North Carolinians.
Watch them, AFTER THE JUMP...
Early voting has already begun in the state and campaign organizers report that voting has seen overwhelming response on campuses. The campaign has a remarkable amount of bipartisan opposition to a referendum of this kind.
One of the most urgent needs at the moment for this campaign is to get national attention, so the more you can spread this message far and wide, the better.
$95,000 towards the match has been raised out of the $100,000 challenge from straight philanthropist Todd Stiefel.
Watch the new ads, which began airing at 5:30am this morning, AFTER THE JUMP...
You can donate HERE to expand their ad buy, and donate HERE to contribute to straight philanthropist Todd Stiefel's matching gift to air the ads.
Melissa:
Consequences:
The campaign's ads focus on two of the most powerful elements which angered people in the polling about Amendment One - that it would take away children's health insurance and jeopardy the safety of domestic violence victims - and feature real North Carolinians.
Watch them, AFTER THE JUMP...
Early voting has already begun in the state and campaign organizers report that voting has seen overwhelming response on campuses. The campaign has a remarkable amount of bipartisan opposition to a referendum of this kind.
One of the most urgent needs at the moment for this campaign is to get national attention, so the more you can spread this message far and wide, the better.
$95,000 towards the match has been raised out of the $100,000 challenge from straight philanthropist Todd Stiefel.
Watch the new ads, which began airing at 5:30am this morning, AFTER THE JUMP...
You can donate HERE to expand their ad buy, and donate HERE to contribute to straight philanthropist Todd Stiefel's matching gift to air the ads.
Melissa:
Consequences:
Monday, April 23, 2012
Is Simon Cowell Gay?
With the X-factor back on prime time TV in Britain, all of the tabloids are busy scraping up as much muck as they can and slinging it at everyone in the hope it will stick to someone. This week it was Simon Cowell's turn. Tough as an old leather handbag, Simon Cowell is not going to blink an eye at the rumours going around that he is gay.
I don't think Cowell is on anyones gaydar, but co judge Louis Walsh this week cleared it up for us, stating this week that his 51-year-old friend is easily "distracted by a pair of breasts".
Lois Walsh told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper this week that, "He's not gay. Not at all. He's camp. He's theatrical. But he's absolutely not gay. No way. He loves women. Haven't you seen the way he looks at girls? He'll get distracted by a pair of breasts."
Well I guess that clears it up then.
Gay news
View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
I don't think Cowell is on anyones gaydar, but co judge Louis Walsh this week cleared it up for us, stating this week that his 51-year-old friend is easily "distracted by a pair of breasts".
Lois Walsh told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper this week that, "He's not gay. Not at all. He's camp. He's theatrical. But he's absolutely not gay. No way. He loves women. Haven't you seen the way he looks at girls? He'll get distracted by a pair of breasts."
Well I guess that clears it up then.
Gay news
View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
UCSD to host Out and Proud Week from April 23 to April 27
SAN DIEGO -- University of California San Diego's (UCSD)'s LGBT Resource Center will host its annual "Out and Proud Week" on the La Jolla campus April 23-27.
The purpose of the series of events is to give the LGBT community on the campus an opportunity to promote visibility, while celebrating and reflecting on the achievements of LGBTQI-identified students, staff, faculty and their allies.
Organizers also use the week to create public awareness and spark discussion about current LGBT issues on the state and national levels.
The week of events will promote awareness of the LGBT community on the UCSD campus.
read more
The purpose of the series of events is to give the LGBT community on the campus an opportunity to promote visibility, while celebrating and reflecting on the achievements of LGBTQI-identified students, staff, faculty and their allies.
Organizers also use the week to create public awareness and spark discussion about current LGBT issues on the state and national levels.
The week of events will promote awareness of the LGBT community on the UCSD campus.
read more
Mercy McKay: Compassionate cabaret/pop artist Nellie McKay has displayed impressive musical versatility in her decade-long career
Music:
''I often think, 'Where's Rosie when you need her?''' laughs Nellie McKay.
Rosie O'Donnell was nowhere to be found last year, after the New York-based cabaret/pop artist McKay performed a couple workshops of a musical about two gay soldiers during World War II. Yank! A WWII Love Story apparently lacks funding to do a full production. ''I think heterosexual producers are really scared of a gay love story,'' says McKay (pronounced ''ma-KAI''). ''And that's pathetic. I just think they need some gay people with money to step up.''
In conversation, McKay comes across as gentle, smart, eccentric, pensive, funny and compassionate.
Nellie McKay
(Photo by Rick Gonzalez)
But she's also, apparently, lazy.
''I'm an essentially lazy person,'' says McKay, who was born in England but grew up in various parts of the U.S. raised by her mother. ''I love [making] music, but I'm just not that disciplined.''
''I think I wanted the easy way out,'' she responds when asked if she wanted to pursue a singing career as a child. ''I was kind of discouraged from singing, but I noticed that singers got all the attention and they didn't even know how to play an instrument, and I didn't think that was fair…I played piano and would just wind up accompanying the singers. I thought, 'You know, this ain't right.'''
Though she hasn't, in fact, had it so easy in her decade-long career, McKay has displayed impressive musical versatility – in two separate reviews The New York Times's Stephen Holden has called her ''a protean talent'' and one with ''virtually unlimited gifts.'' All told, her dexterity has served her well. She's released five solo studio albums, including 2004's genre-hopping, major-label breakthrough Get Away from Me and 2009's eerily spot-on Normal as Blueberry Pie – A Tribute to Doris Day. McKay made her Broadway debut starring alongside Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper in a 2006 production of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's The Threepenny Opera, for which she won a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance. She's also had small roles in a couple films, including 2007's P.S. I Love You starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.
''I wish I could say, 'Oh, I've turned down this and turned down that,''' McKay says, when asked if she has plans for more acting work. ''But generally we just don't get asked. But that's okay, because it's really nice to do your own thing, if you can somehow make it happen.''
In addition to her pop albums, McKay has also made it happen in the cabaret world. The past couple years she's performed well-received original shows at Feinstein's, including I Want to Live! McKay will perform this ''Death Row Musical Revue,'' accompanied by a jazz quartet, next Thursday, April 26, at the Birchmere. The show focuses on the executed criminal Barbara Graham, who was only the third woman in California sent to the gas chamber, in 1955.
McKay is convinced Graham, whose previous crimes had all been nonviolent, didn't commit the murder for which she was executed. In the show McKay ties questions about Graham's execution to more present-day examples of death penalty fallibility. ''Her story is sadly still relevant,'' she says.
And then there's the lesbian angle.
''Barbara really confided in a fellow inmate, and that was what she was most embarrassed about at her trial,'' McKay says. ''Not the accusations of murder, but that she had been that close to another woman. That speaks to the homophobia of the time.''
McKay's asked if it would be any different today.
Would it be any different today, McKay's asked.
''I think people see the writing on the wall. It's like white people want to be black; straight people [will] want to be gay. It's only a matter of time.''
Does McKay want to be gay? ''Oh, gee,'' she responds. ''Well, you know…I guess I'm pretty hetero. But a girl can't help hoping!''
Nellie McKay performs Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $25. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.
...more
''I often think, 'Where's Rosie when you need her?''' laughs Nellie McKay.
Rosie O'Donnell was nowhere to be found last year, after the New York-based cabaret/pop artist McKay performed a couple workshops of a musical about two gay soldiers during World War II. Yank! A WWII Love Story apparently lacks funding to do a full production. ''I think heterosexual producers are really scared of a gay love story,'' says McKay (pronounced ''ma-KAI''). ''And that's pathetic. I just think they need some gay people with money to step up.''
In conversation, McKay comes across as gentle, smart, eccentric, pensive, funny and compassionate.
Nellie McKay
(Photo by Rick Gonzalez)
But she's also, apparently, lazy.
''I'm an essentially lazy person,'' says McKay, who was born in England but grew up in various parts of the U.S. raised by her mother. ''I love [making] music, but I'm just not that disciplined.''
''I think I wanted the easy way out,'' she responds when asked if she wanted to pursue a singing career as a child. ''I was kind of discouraged from singing, but I noticed that singers got all the attention and they didn't even know how to play an instrument, and I didn't think that was fair…I played piano and would just wind up accompanying the singers. I thought, 'You know, this ain't right.'''
Though she hasn't, in fact, had it so easy in her decade-long career, McKay has displayed impressive musical versatility – in two separate reviews The New York Times's Stephen Holden has called her ''a protean talent'' and one with ''virtually unlimited gifts.'' All told, her dexterity has served her well. She's released five solo studio albums, including 2004's genre-hopping, major-label breakthrough Get Away from Me and 2009's eerily spot-on Normal as Blueberry Pie – A Tribute to Doris Day. McKay made her Broadway debut starring alongside Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper in a 2006 production of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's The Threepenny Opera, for which she won a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance. She's also had small roles in a couple films, including 2007's P.S. I Love You starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.
''I wish I could say, 'Oh, I've turned down this and turned down that,''' McKay says, when asked if she has plans for more acting work. ''But generally we just don't get asked. But that's okay, because it's really nice to do your own thing, if you can somehow make it happen.''
In addition to her pop albums, McKay has also made it happen in the cabaret world. The past couple years she's performed well-received original shows at Feinstein's, including I Want to Live! McKay will perform this ''Death Row Musical Revue,'' accompanied by a jazz quartet, next Thursday, April 26, at the Birchmere. The show focuses on the executed criminal Barbara Graham, who was only the third woman in California sent to the gas chamber, in 1955.
McKay is convinced Graham, whose previous crimes had all been nonviolent, didn't commit the murder for which she was executed. In the show McKay ties questions about Graham's execution to more present-day examples of death penalty fallibility. ''Her story is sadly still relevant,'' she says.
And then there's the lesbian angle.
''Barbara really confided in a fellow inmate, and that was what she was most embarrassed about at her trial,'' McKay says. ''Not the accusations of murder, but that she had been that close to another woman. That speaks to the homophobia of the time.''
McKay's asked if it would be any different today.
Would it be any different today, McKay's asked.
''I think people see the writing on the wall. It's like white people want to be black; straight people [will] want to be gay. It's only a matter of time.''
Does McKay want to be gay? ''Oh, gee,'' she responds. ''Well, you know…I guess I'm pretty hetero. But a girl can't help hoping!''
Nellie McKay performs Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $25. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.
...more
Gay Texts From Hillary Get Texas Guys an Invite
Adam Smith and Stacy Lambe are getting their 15 minutes of fame.
The two are the guys behind Texts From Hillary Clinton. a site which posts satirical photo
compilations of possible conversations between the former First Lady and
other politicians and celebrities.
In less than a month I think, the Tumblr site has went viral, and of course, it was brought to Hillary's attention.
Showing that she is hip to the latest
trends, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton poked fun at her alter-ego
that is the subject of an internet meme. She invited the guys to meet her.
Adam Smith, who created the Tumblr account that has quickly gone viral
with his friend Stacy Lambe ? both communications professionals based in
Washington, D.C. ? told POLITICO soon after meeting the secretary of
state Tuesday that he was ?still in shock? about the invitation to the
State Department.
?It was great. She came out, she was all smiles, told
us how much she likes the site and that people have been telling her all
about it,? Smith said. ?She just thinks it?s great.?
Adding even more to Smith and Lambe?s excitement was a submission to
?Texts From Hillary? from Clinton herself, featuring pictures of the two
men.
?I think it?s hysterical,? Smith said. ?I think it?s a terrible
picture of me so I clearly need to add a little more privacy and
security on Facebook!?
Clinton even autographed a copy of her creation, writing, ?Adam ? Thanks for the many LOLZ,? and signed it, ?Hillary ?Hillz.??
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0412/74994.html#ixzz1rk2QSPjG
The two are the guys behind Texts From Hillary Clinton. a site which posts satirical photo
compilations of possible conversations between the former First Lady and
other politicians and celebrities.
In less than a month I think, the Tumblr site has went viral, and of course, it was brought to Hillary's attention.
Showing that she is hip to the latest
trends, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton poked fun at her alter-ego
that is the subject of an internet meme. She invited the guys to meet her.
Adam Smith, who created the Tumblr account that has quickly gone viral
with his friend Stacy Lambe ? both communications professionals based in
Washington, D.C. ? told POLITICO soon after meeting the secretary of
state Tuesday that he was ?still in shock? about the invitation to the
State Department.
?It was great. She came out, she was all smiles, told
us how much she likes the site and that people have been telling her all
about it,? Smith said. ?She just thinks it?s great.?
Adding even more to Smith and Lambe?s excitement was a submission to
?Texts From Hillary? from Clinton herself, featuring pictures of the two
men.
?I think it?s hysterical,? Smith said. ?I think it?s a terrible
picture of me so I clearly need to add a little more privacy and
security on Facebook!?
Clinton even autographed a copy of her creation, writing, ?Adam ? Thanks for the many LOLZ,? and signed it, ?Hillary ?Hillz.??
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0412/74994.html#ixzz1rk2QSPjG
One Direction - Trouble in Da House
There is trouble in the house - the X Factor house that is, between the boys in One Direction.
Inside the house the boys are bitchin and fighting for the mirror. Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Zain Malik and Niall Horan have been doing really well with X factor fans, so much so that there is plenty of cat calling and nail scratching over who is the most popular.
There is so much friction in the group. The other boys are jealous that Harry and Liam are getting all the press attention. It?s a real sore point.
Louis [Tomlinson], Niall [Horan] and Zain [Malik] are worried that they aren?t as popular and that no-one knows who they are.
Liam?s mother is adding to the heat by telling him to scratch those other boys eyes out, as he is the most popular. She said this week
?Liam has a very strong following.
?I can?t speak for the other boys, I don?t know about their solo careers, but Liam gigged all over the country so he has both options open really.?
Well there you go.
Mums the word.View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Inside the house the boys are bitchin and fighting for the mirror. Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Zain Malik and Niall Horan have been doing really well with X factor fans, so much so that there is plenty of cat calling and nail scratching over who is the most popular.
There is so much friction in the group. The other boys are jealous that Harry and Liam are getting all the press attention. It?s a real sore point.
Louis [Tomlinson], Niall [Horan] and Zain [Malik] are worried that they aren?t as popular and that no-one knows who they are.
Liam?s mother is adding to the heat by telling him to scratch those other boys eyes out, as he is the most popular. She said this week
?Liam has a very strong following.
?I can?t speak for the other boys, I don?t know about their solo careers, but Liam gigged all over the country so he has both options open really.?
Well there you go.
Mums the word.View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
friends with everyone
if you are a jew, i will read you the torah if you are a quaker, i will pray with you if you are a christian, i will call you my brother if you are a sufi, i will dance … Continue reading →
Country Fried Fetishes, Sounds Yummy.
Are fetishes healthy? The reason I ask is because people all around me are talking fetishes. I can see that some are understandable, but others are just plain strange. Not that they aren’t sexy to those who have them, but are even the ones that are weird to me, healthy? Do you think someone who [...]
Winter woof land
Thanks Chris for this photo from Electric Orange. Winter woofs!
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Sunday, April 22, 2012
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...
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...
Rich, Levy at Steppenwolf May 7
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., will host an evening of conversation Monday, May 7 between renowned journalist and former New York Times drama critic Frank Rich and Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey.
Perez Hilton Reflects On His Spiritual Journey With Oprah
Perez Hilton will open up to Oprah Winfrey about the positive direction
he's consciously taken in his career and lifestyle during an episode of Oprah's Life Class: The Tour.
he's consciously taken in his career and lifestyle during an episode of Oprah's Life Class: The Tour.
Gay Girl in Amsterdam for 2 Days: Where to stay and what to do???
Where should I stay in Amsterdam and what should I check out?
I'm going to Amsterdam for two days and two nights the first week of January. I am a 26 year old single lesbian who is very interested in checking out the local hotspots for gay women and also visiting some art galleries. I would like to see some unusual art installations and/or performance art while I am there. Thank you! : ) I have plans to go back to Amsterdam in the summer for a few weeks so if you can think of any intriguing things happening art-wise or women-wise, let me know, please! : ) I appreciate it!
I'm going to Amsterdam for two days and two nights the first week of January. I am a 26 year old single lesbian who is very interested in checking out the local hotspots for gay women and also visiting some art galleries. I would like to see some unusual art installations and/or performance art while I am there. Thank you! : ) I have plans to go back to Amsterdam in the summer for a few weeks so if you can think of any intriguing things happening art-wise or women-wise, let me know, please! : ) I appreciate it!
Is Simon Cowell Gay?
With the X-factor back on prime time TV in Britain, all of the tabloids are busy scraping up as much muck as they can and slinging it at everyone in the hope it will stick to someone. This week it was Simon Cowell's turn. Tough as an old leather handbag, Simon Cowell is not going to blink an eye at the rumours going around that he is gay.
I don't think Cowell is on anyones gaydar, but co judge Louis Walsh this week cleared it up for us, stating this week that his 51-year-old friend is easily "distracted by a pair of breasts".
Lois Walsh told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper this week that, "He's not gay. Not at all. He's camp. He's theatrical. But he's absolutely not gay. No way. He loves women. Haven't you seen the way he looks at girls? He'll get distracted by a pair of breasts."
Well I guess that clears it up then.
Gay news
View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
I don't think Cowell is on anyones gaydar, but co judge Louis Walsh this week cleared it up for us, stating this week that his 51-year-old friend is easily "distracted by a pair of breasts".
Lois Walsh told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper this week that, "He's not gay. Not at all. He's camp. He's theatrical. But he's absolutely not gay. No way. He loves women. Haven't you seen the way he looks at girls? He'll get distracted by a pair of breasts."
Well I guess that clears it up then.
Gay news
View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Obama backs Safe Schools and Student Non-Discrimination bills
NEW YORK - April 20, 2012 - Today, on GLSEN's 17th annual Day of Silence, the White House released the following statement of support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act:
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sweet 16 in Dupont: Youth Pride Day returns to the circle for 2012
News:
While Youth Pride Day may have gotten its start in Dupont Circle, there was much more room out of the way down at P Street Beach. Marking the 15th anniversary of the Youth Pride Alliance's annual signature event, however, Youth Pride Day returned to the circle in 2011.
Turns out all the extra space at P Street Beach wasn't so great after all.
''Oh, my God, I can't tell you how many people were like, 'You'll be in the circle again, right?''' shares Nikisha Carpenter, president of the Youth Pride Alliance, confirming the 16th anniversary celebration, Saturday, April 28, will stick to its Dupont roots. ''There's something about that closeness, having everybody right there, people walking through, just hanging out and everyone being involved. There's no need to be spread out.''
What there is a need for, however, is more youth entertainment. Carpenter says that after polling 2011 attendees, there was a clear desire to see more young people in the Youth Pride Day spotlight, so that's the tack Carpenter and the rest of her board have taken.
''This year we have all sorts of youth entertainment,'' Carpenter promises, pointing to singers, drag performers and more. ''There's a lot of very talented youth excited to be onstage.''
Along with the entertainment, there will also be several speakers addressing the crowd, says Carpenter, representing city government and various organizations. Of course, congressional Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton is scheduled to speak as part of Youth Pride Day tradition.
''We're so excited to have her,'' Carpenter says of D.C.'s delegate.
But while Carpenter and the rest of her board have taken care of the preparations, securing the venue and entertainment, taking care of myriad variables, one thing that will forever remain beyond the board's control is the weather. At this particular time of year, Washington never really knows what's coming, weather-wise, and Youth Pride Day has had to call off the happening more than once. The alliance has, however, done what it can and has set a rain date, May 12, in case Mother Nature is in a foul mood.
''Unfortunately, we won't know until the night before, at the earliest,'' Carpenter warns, explaining that the alliance takes its cue on whether to postpone from the National Park Service, which manages Dupont Circle. There are multiple ways to keep current on any postponement, though, such as the Youth Pride Alliance Facebook page, the group's own website or its Twitter feed.
Youth Pride Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, in Dupont Circle park, from noon to 5 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the rain date is Saturday, May 12. For more information, visit youthpridedc.org. ...more
While Youth Pride Day may have gotten its start in Dupont Circle, there was much more room out of the way down at P Street Beach. Marking the 15th anniversary of the Youth Pride Alliance's annual signature event, however, Youth Pride Day returned to the circle in 2011.
Turns out all the extra space at P Street Beach wasn't so great after all.
''Oh, my God, I can't tell you how many people were like, 'You'll be in the circle again, right?''' shares Nikisha Carpenter, president of the Youth Pride Alliance, confirming the 16th anniversary celebration, Saturday, April 28, will stick to its Dupont roots. ''There's something about that closeness, having everybody right there, people walking through, just hanging out and everyone being involved. There's no need to be spread out.''
What there is a need for, however, is more youth entertainment. Carpenter says that after polling 2011 attendees, there was a clear desire to see more young people in the Youth Pride Day spotlight, so that's the tack Carpenter and the rest of her board have taken.
''This year we have all sorts of youth entertainment,'' Carpenter promises, pointing to singers, drag performers and more. ''There's a lot of very talented youth excited to be onstage.''
Along with the entertainment, there will also be several speakers addressing the crowd, says Carpenter, representing city government and various organizations. Of course, congressional Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton is scheduled to speak as part of Youth Pride Day tradition.
''We're so excited to have her,'' Carpenter says of D.C.'s delegate.
But while Carpenter and the rest of her board have taken care of the preparations, securing the venue and entertainment, taking care of myriad variables, one thing that will forever remain beyond the board's control is the weather. At this particular time of year, Washington never really knows what's coming, weather-wise, and Youth Pride Day has had to call off the happening more than once. The alliance has, however, done what it can and has set a rain date, May 12, in case Mother Nature is in a foul mood.
''Unfortunately, we won't know until the night before, at the earliest,'' Carpenter warns, explaining that the alliance takes its cue on whether to postpone from the National Park Service, which manages Dupont Circle. There are multiple ways to keep current on any postponement, though, such as the Youth Pride Alliance Facebook page, the group's own website or its Twitter feed.
Youth Pride Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, in Dupont Circle park, from noon to 5 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the rain date is Saturday, May 12. For more information, visit youthpridedc.org. ...more
'Bad cable repair' causes gay porn on morning TV show
So there were viewers of CHCH TV in Hamilton, Ontario, munching on their morning croissants and offering one eye to their morning newscast.
In the Pit
Look out…. for BEARQUAKE 2010
Get ready for BearQuake 2010! I don’t know if that means they’ll be shaking, rocking or rolling but the Southern California Bear Club Alliance wants to welcome all their hirsute brothers, their chasers and maybe a few sisters to San Diego for “Cirque De L’Ours” on the weekend of October 14-17. This means you have approximately three weeks to grow your beard, chest and back hair so you too can be “without the trappings”. Bear events are still some of my favorites because of the names they come up with (bears can insert the word “bear” anyplace and have a jolly good time) and more importantly because there is food, everywhere!
“Cirque De L’Ours” is hosted by Bears San Diego and Bears L…
Read More
Get ready for BearQuake 2010! I don’t know if that means they’ll be shaking, rocking or rolling but the Southern California Bear Club Alliance wants to welcome all their hirsute brothers, their chasers and maybe a few sisters to San Diego for “Cirque De L’Ours” on the weekend of October 14-17. This means you have approximately three weeks to grow your beard, chest and back hair so you too can be “without the trappings”. Bear events are still some of my favorites because of the names they come up with (bears can insert the word “bear” anyplace and have a jolly good time) and more importantly because there is food, everywhere!
“Cirque De L’Ours” is hosted by Bears San Diego and Bears L…
Read More
Gay pride march banned in Serbia
(Belgrade, Serbia) �Serbian authorities have banned a gay pride march and an anti-gay protest planned in the nation's capital this weekend to avoid violence.
When two similar events occurred side by side in Serbia's capital last year, about 100 people were injured, cars were burned and shops were looted in clashes between police and the anti-gay, far-right extremists.
So the gay pride march and the anti-gay protest planned in Belgrade on Sunday have been banned "to avoid bloodshed," Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said Friday.
Anti-gay prejudice is widespread in Serbia, a predominantly conservative Balkan country. The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irinej, has called gay pride marches a "parade of shame" that are "foreign to our history, tradition and culture."
But Serbia has been urged by the West to protect the human rights of gays and other minorities, if it wants to one day join the European Union.
On Friday, Serbia's President Boris Tadic backed the ban of Sunday's events, saying it was imposed to "prevent violence and the possible loss of lives."
Gay pride organizers said the ban represents a defeat for the state and shows that authorities have not cracked down on the far-right extremists since the clashes a year ago.
"It is totally unbelievable that police have not clamped down against the extremists," said Goran Miletic of the organizing committee. "We have spent four months preparing the gay pride march, and the authorities have done nothing."
But the ultranationalist Obraz, or Honor, group said that the ban presented a "victory for the Serb patriots."
Police said anti-gay extremists had planned to set buildings on fire in the suburbs of Belgrade on Sunday and to clash with police in the center of the capital.
Foreign diplomats had planned to attend the gay pride march in a show of support for human rights in Serbia.
Minister Dacic said the ban would prevent a possible repeat of the burning of U.S. and other Western embassies in the capital that occurred in 2008 during protests against Kosovo's declaration of independence.
When two similar events occurred side by side in Serbia's capital last year, about 100 people were injured, cars were burned and shops were looted in clashes between police and the anti-gay, far-right extremists.
So the gay pride march and the anti-gay protest planned in Belgrade on Sunday have been banned "to avoid bloodshed," Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said Friday.
Anti-gay prejudice is widespread in Serbia, a predominantly conservative Balkan country. The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irinej, has called gay pride marches a "parade of shame" that are "foreign to our history, tradition and culture."
But Serbia has been urged by the West to protect the human rights of gays and other minorities, if it wants to one day join the European Union.
On Friday, Serbia's President Boris Tadic backed the ban of Sunday's events, saying it was imposed to "prevent violence and the possible loss of lives."
Gay pride organizers said the ban represents a defeat for the state and shows that authorities have not cracked down on the far-right extremists since the clashes a year ago.
"It is totally unbelievable that police have not clamped down against the extremists," said Goran Miletic of the organizing committee. "We have spent four months preparing the gay pride march, and the authorities have done nothing."
But the ultranationalist Obraz, or Honor, group said that the ban presented a "victory for the Serb patriots."
Police said anti-gay extremists had planned to set buildings on fire in the suburbs of Belgrade on Sunday and to clash with police in the center of the capital.
Foreign diplomats had planned to attend the gay pride march in a show of support for human rights in Serbia.
Minister Dacic said the ban would prevent a possible repeat of the burning of U.S. and other Western embassies in the capital that occurred in 2008 during protests against Kosovo's declaration of independence.
Lesbian News - 03 Apr 2012
Two lesbian literary titans take on their greatest demon: M um.
Battle over federal Defense of Marriage Act heads to appeals court in Mass.
Dear Pamela: Am I a Lesbian?
The Dinah 2012 Blog
SoCal LGBT Centre Backs Potential California College Sexuality QuestionVag Magazine Episode 1: "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy" - watch more funny videos
'The Secret History of Love' review: Soul mates
Hoteliers differ when casting the LGBT net
Battle over federal Defense of Marriage Act heads to appeals court in Mass.
Dear Pamela: Am I a Lesbian?
The Dinah 2012 Blog
SoCal LGBT Centre Backs Potential California College Sexuality QuestionVag Magazine Episode 1: "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy" - watch more funny videos
'The Secret History of Love' review: Soul mates
Hoteliers differ when casting the LGBT net
Lesbian Life Readers' Choice Winners for 2012
Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted in the 2012 About.com Lesbian Life Readers' Choice Awards. This was the first year Lesbian Life participated in the award competition and we had some great nominees and quite a heated competition....Read Full Post
Be prepared.
Help me stock my house for 24-hr sex-a-thon. After a number of very hot and fun dates (where sex was consciously avoided) my new romantic partner and I have settled on date in the near future to spend a whole day on a sexual adventure. We'll be starting out w an early dinner and then retiring to my place. We're both kinky lesbians excited for the rollercoaster of the day. Help me stock the house with supplies that will enhance our fun. I'm thinking everything from basic practicalities like food and drink (gatorade? Red bull?) to haptic toys (feathers, ice). Music suggestions. Fun erotic activities. Lay it on me!
Friday, April 20, 2012
First & Only Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art Launches in New York City
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City Receives Museum Accreditation from State of New York
Even well after the cultural wars of the mid 1980?s, the representation of sexual difference in art has been aggressively policed. And America's museums, with few notable exceptions, have been silent in the face of what is now the most vocal contemporary civil rights frontier. But there has never been a shortage of gay and lesbian art on display in America's museums; what has been lacking is the courage to articulate that fact and to illustrate how the artist?s sexuality influenced his/her art. Now, for the first time, a new museum in New York will finally show what has been hiding in plain sight. With the recent accreditation by the State of New York as an official Museum, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art (MoGLA) has become the first and only museum of gay and lesbian art in the world.
Charles Leslie and his late partner Fritz Lohman ? who organized their first small exhibition of gay art the same year as the Stonewall riots in 1969 ? founded the new Museum with their multi-million dollar gift. It is now run by a Board of Directors, helmed by Prof. Jonathan David Katz, the co-curator of the recent Hide/Seek - the first major museum exhibit to focus on themes of gender and sexuality in modern American portraiture. The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art focuses on gender and sexuality, in the still relatively unexplored historical, socio-political and cultural context in which these gay and lesbian artists lived.
?While until recently, queer art exhibitions assumed an audience of mostly queer visitors, a new generation of queer cultural institutions instead seeks to make queer art visible to a mainstream audience. If we learned anything from the record setting attendance of Hide/Seek it was that people of all stripes were hungry for precisely the information the big museums have been censoring for decades now,? said Katz.
The museum has announced an aggressive programming schedule for the Fall of 2012, featuring the first major American retrospective of transgender photographer Del LaGrace Volcano. (http://www.dellagracevolcano.com/index.html). Widely exhibited in European museums, the American- born Volcano has been almost completely ignored in this country, and represents, according to Katz, ?exactly the rationale for this new museum.? This fall will also see a major exhibit of legendary American artist Paul Thek?s early work in the context of his gay social circle of the fifties and sixties, and will include many works never exhibited before. While there was an exhibit of Paul Thek?s work at the Whitney Museum in 2010-11, these early works were not shown. ?This will be the first exhibition of Thek ever mounted that reveals how powerfully his gayness structured his early work,? said Katz. (There will be a separate announcement about these shows coming later.).
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art has a permanent collection of more than 6,000 objects spanning more than three centuries of gay and lesbian art. The new museum will mount historical, thematic, and survey exhibitions drawn not only from its permanent collection but also from museums and private collections around the world. Its programs include 6-8 major exhibitions a year, film screenings, plays, poetry readings, artist and curator talks, panel discussions, THE ARCHIVE (a quarterly newsletter focusing on gay and lesbian art and artists), a membership program, a research library and an archive of the permanent collection.
Though newly accredited as the first dedicated gay and lesbian art museum in the world, the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation, founded by Charles W. Leslie and Fritz Lohman, has for more than 20 years, persevered in its mission to exhibit, preserve and foster the works of gay and lesbian art and artists. The new museum will now exhibit and analyze a wider range of art and artists, national and international, while staying true to its mission. A non-profit, membership organization, the museum is committed to offering all of its exhibitions with no admission charge.
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art (MoGLA)
26 Wooster Street
(btwn Canal & Grand)
New, York, NY 10013
212.431.2609
Gallery Hours: Tues ? Sat: Noon-6pm
www.leslielohman.org
Even well after the cultural wars of the mid 1980?s, the representation of sexual difference in art has been aggressively policed. And America's museums, with few notable exceptions, have been silent in the face of what is now the most vocal contemporary civil rights frontier. But there has never been a shortage of gay and lesbian art on display in America's museums; what has been lacking is the courage to articulate that fact and to illustrate how the artist?s sexuality influenced his/her art. Now, for the first time, a new museum in New York will finally show what has been hiding in plain sight. With the recent accreditation by the State of New York as an official Museum, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art (MoGLA) has become the first and only museum of gay and lesbian art in the world.
Charles Leslie and his late partner Fritz Lohman ? who organized their first small exhibition of gay art the same year as the Stonewall riots in 1969 ? founded the new Museum with their multi-million dollar gift. It is now run by a Board of Directors, helmed by Prof. Jonathan David Katz, the co-curator of the recent Hide/Seek - the first major museum exhibit to focus on themes of gender and sexuality in modern American portraiture. The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art focuses on gender and sexuality, in the still relatively unexplored historical, socio-political and cultural context in which these gay and lesbian artists lived.
?While until recently, queer art exhibitions assumed an audience of mostly queer visitors, a new generation of queer cultural institutions instead seeks to make queer art visible to a mainstream audience. If we learned anything from the record setting attendance of Hide/Seek it was that people of all stripes were hungry for precisely the information the big museums have been censoring for decades now,? said Katz.
The museum has announced an aggressive programming schedule for the Fall of 2012, featuring the first major American retrospective of transgender photographer Del LaGrace Volcano. (http://www.dellagracevolcano.com/index.html). Widely exhibited in European museums, the American- born Volcano has been almost completely ignored in this country, and represents, according to Katz, ?exactly the rationale for this new museum.? This fall will also see a major exhibit of legendary American artist Paul Thek?s early work in the context of his gay social circle of the fifties and sixties, and will include many works never exhibited before. While there was an exhibit of Paul Thek?s work at the Whitney Museum in 2010-11, these early works were not shown. ?This will be the first exhibition of Thek ever mounted that reveals how powerfully his gayness structured his early work,? said Katz. (There will be a separate announcement about these shows coming later.).
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art has a permanent collection of more than 6,000 objects spanning more than three centuries of gay and lesbian art. The new museum will mount historical, thematic, and survey exhibitions drawn not only from its permanent collection but also from museums and private collections around the world. Its programs include 6-8 major exhibitions a year, film screenings, plays, poetry readings, artist and curator talks, panel discussions, THE ARCHIVE (a quarterly newsletter focusing on gay and lesbian art and artists), a membership program, a research library and an archive of the permanent collection.
Though newly accredited as the first dedicated gay and lesbian art museum in the world, the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation, founded by Charles W. Leslie and Fritz Lohman, has for more than 20 years, persevered in its mission to exhibit, preserve and foster the works of gay and lesbian art and artists. The new museum will now exhibit and analyze a wider range of art and artists, national and international, while staying true to its mission. A non-profit, membership organization, the museum is committed to offering all of its exhibitions with no admission charge.
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art (MoGLA)
26 Wooster Street
(btwn Canal & Grand)
New, York, NY 10013
212.431.2609
Gallery Hours: Tues ? Sat: Noon-6pm
www.leslielohman.org
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