Thursday, October 31, 2013

Nevada: Ask Senator Dean Heller to SUPPORT the Employment Non-Discrimination Act


On Monday, the US Senate will vote on ENDA — the Employment Non-Discrimination Act — which aims to protect all Americans in the workforce, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Even though more than 50% of people in every state support ENDA,  Nevada's Senator Dean Heller is still undecided on this very important piece of legislation. If the voters agree, then it's time our own Senator does as well.

It has taken 20 years just to get a vote on this bill.

Right now, every Democratic US Senator supports the bill, plus a few Republicans.  We  have 59 votes, but we need 60 — Senator Hell is that vote we need.

Please call Senator Heller at 202.224.6244. Your message to Senator Heller can be as simple as saying:

“Hello, my name is ___________ and I live in _________. I oppose discrimination in the workplace, and I strongly ask Senator Heller to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.”

If you live in a state other than Nevada, and your Republican senator isn't onboard yet, please give them a call and send this message.

You can find your senator's phone number by clicking here.

Calendar: Shirtless hunky guys pose with kittens in fundraiser for animal shelter

Hunky guys pose with kittens in fund raising calendar for animal shelter
Hunky guys donate time and images to help animal shelter with fundraiser and bring awareness to shelter animals and adoption.

From the Kittendales website:

The Kittendales project was conceived in early 2007 when the board of directors at Hull Seaside Animal Rescue was brainstorming about how to raise money for their cat shelter.

Chris Crotty, one of the founding members of the shelter decided it would be a good idea to put together a calendar of hunky men and cats. The concept was proposed to photographer Joanne Berman, who offered to shoot the calendar at no cost. Susan Davis, a board member at the time, offered to coordinate and give freely of her time to make the calendar happen. Susan and Joanne made it their “pet” project, and in the Spring of 2007, their hunt for a few good men began!

The response from the guys was overwhelming. Their willingness to donate their time, and desire to be a part of this venture, for the benefit of the kitties, was extraordinary!” (Kittendales.com)

(source)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sets up Monday vote on ENDA

Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada

The Washington Blade has the details:

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) officially set up a Monday vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by filing cloture for the bill on the Senate floor Thursday evening.

Reid made the announcement on the Senate with little fanfare. He didn’t explicitly address ENDA during his remarks before he moved on to other business and adjourned the Senate until Monday at 2 pm.

Falz Shakir, a Reid spokesperson, estimated the cloture vote on ENDA would take place around 5:45 on Monday.

By filing cloture on the bill, Reid starts for the time period for when cloture vote will take place to enable the bill to move to the floor. After filing for cloture, the vote will take place after an intervening day and one hour pass. For a successful vote on cloture, 60 votes are required in the Senate.

After cloture is invoked, up to 30 hours of debate can take place before a vote happens on final passage, which requires a simple majority. But the vote for final passage could take place sooner if both parties agree to give up the time.

The bill currently is supported by all 55 members of the Democratic caucus, plus co-sponsors Republicans Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted for the bill in committee so they are considered supporters. One more vote is needed to get over the threshold.

Music: Matt Alber "Tightrope"

Matt Alber in his music video for "Tightrope"

Matt Alber releases his newest track "Tightrope."

Nice chill vibe to the track, and the four "Matt Albers" are fun.

Now available on iTunes proceeds benefit Larkin Street Youth Services.

One of the things I love about Matt's music is he never boxes himself into one style of music.  From "End of the World" to his gorgeous cover of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" to "Velvet Goldmine" - he's always finding new ground to cover. 

Check out the new song below.



When the Wicked Witch of the West visited Mr. Rogers Neighborhood


Just charming. Margaret Hamilton, who played the "Wicked Witch of the West" in THE WIZARD OF OZ drops by Mr. Rogers to talk about the making of the film, and why the Wicked Witch seemed "mean."

Two entertainment legends chatting on witches.


FAA to drop guidelines banning use of electronic devices during take-off and landing


After years of saying electronic devices made for unsafe travel, the FAA announced today that fliers WILL be allowed to use smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices during take-off and landings.

Huffington Post has the details:

"Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions," the agency wrote in a release.

Previously, passengers needed to turn off all electronics before a plane could take off, and only power them back up again above 10,000 feet. When the plane dipped back below 10,000 feet as it descended to land, devices needed to be shut off again.

Knowing that modern fliers bristled at the ban, the FAA will now allow those flying on qualified airlines to keep devices on during all stages of flight. Electronics will need to be placed in the seat back pocket during takeoff and landing.

However, a few activities will still not be allowed under the new rules. Passengers are still prohibited to make cell phone calls in the air. Connecting to the Internet, if a plane offers that service, will still be banned under 10,000 feet.

Airlines will need to pass testing on aircraft to make sure there will be no problem before allowing the use of the devices.

Morning Joe

Shirtless and ripped Joe Manganiello giving you his best "werewolf" pose
Joe Manganiello

Because what's Halloween without a werewolf?

Joe Manganiello of HBO's True Blood



Cory Booker sworn in as the newest US Senator for New Jersey


Cory Booker becomes the newest junior senator from New Jersey.

Booker's election brings the number of African Americans in the US Senate to 2.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina (R) is the only other African-American currently serving in the US Senate.


Trailer: "Sharknado Too" with Ian Ziering, Cher, Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ian Ziering in the "trailer" for Sharknado Too

Halloween parody for the trailer of "Sharknado Too" on Live with Kelly and Michael:

"LIVE's Best Halloween Show Ever" shows you the trailer for "Sharknado Too." 

With a star studded cast: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cher, Robin WIlliams, Michonne, Long Island Medium Theresa Caput, Ian Somerhalder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Samuel L, Jackson.



Cher and Robin Williams in the "trailer" for Sharknado Too

Robert Deniro in cameo appearance in the "trailer" for Sharknado Too

Happy Halloween

Snoopy says "boo!"  Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Hawaii: Marriage equality passes in state Senate 20-4


Yes! Yes! Yes!
Happy dance time!

Hawaii: State Senate to vote on marriage equality - watch live


Popular thought is this vote is a done deal for the good guys, but it's sometimes fascinating to watch history happen. I think it's quite moving to be present when these steps forward in society happen.

The vote is expected to be in the realm of 21-4, but we never know what the real numbers will be here.

The real drama will be in House, although there are some reports that we have the necessary 26 votes there.

Matthew McConaughey intros behind-the-scenes of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB


Matthew McConaughey introduces an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at DALLAS BUYERS CLUB with co-stars Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto. 

The film is based on the inspirational, true-life story of Ron Woodroof, a man given thirty days to live who decided to fight both his illness and the government agency blocking his treatment:

A son of Texas, Ron Woodroof is an electrician and rodeo cowboy. In 1985, he is well into an unexamined existence with a devil-may-care lifestyle. Suddenly, Ron is blindsided by being diagnosed as H.I.V.-positive and given 30 days to live. Yet he will not, and does not, accept a death sentence.


In theatres November 1, 2013. 

For more info visit http://DallasBuyersClub.com.


Justice Sandra Day O'Connor officiated same-sex wedding at Supreme Court

The Associated Press is reporting that retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor officiated the wedding of a gay couple at the Supreme Court yesterday:
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

The Associated Press is reporting that retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor officiated the wedding of a gay couple at the Supreme Court yesterday:
Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says O'Connor presided over the private ceremony Tuesday in the court's lawyers' lounge for Jeffrey Trammell and Stuart Serkin of Washington.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg officiated at a weekend ceremony at the court in which two New Yorkers, including a former Ginsburg student at Columbia Law School, were married. Ginsburg has officiated at three same-sex weddings.

Nevada: Tea Party Assemblyman Jim Wheeler says he'd vote for slavery if his constituents wanted it

Nevada Assemblyman Jim Wheeler would support bringing back slavery if his constituents asked him to
Nevada Assemblyman Jim Wheeler
Well, it would figure a "politician" would say something this asinine in my state...

Republican Nevada state assemblyman Jim Wheeler of Gardnerville said that he would vote for legislation in favor of slavery if his constituents wanted him to. According to the Las Vegas Sun, the assemblyman was speaking to the Storey County Republican Party when he made the remarks last August, although they are only now coming to light.

"If that's what they wanted, I'd have to hold my nose, I'd have to bite my tongue and they'd probably have to hold a gun to my head, but yeah, if that's what the citizens of the, if that's what the constituency wants that elected me, that's what they elected me for," he said. "That's what a republic is about."

The remarks have kicked off a firestorm with Republicans and Democrats alike rushing to denounce Wheeler, who rode the 2010 wave of tea party fervor into his spot on the state assembly.

The Associated Press quoted a statement by Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval that said, in part, "Assemblyman Wheeler's comments are deeply offensive and have no place in our society. He should retract his remarks and apologize."

I understand the assemblyman was trying to make a point that he represents his constituents.  But is it always a black and white case that the politician ALWAYS vote how a district feels?  Or at some point does the elected officials thoughts, experience and position factor into decision making?

What if the KKK actually moved into Wheeler's district and said they would like more segregated legislation?  Would he REALLY vote that way?

OR - what if thousands of LGBT Nevadans moved to Gardnerville?  Would he suddenly support marriage equality?

Hmm....


The Daily Show - Which state will legalize marriage equality last?


The Birmingham News has a recap of The Daily Show's funny assessment of "which state will be the last to legalize marriage equality":
Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" put its satirical eye on Alabama Tuesday night, asking what people in Alabama – a state the show noted "still has segregated sororities" – and our cousins in Mississippi really think about gay rights. One segment of the show, "Last Gay Standing," was built around a prediction made by Nate Silver, likely the nation's most famous elections and sports statistician, that a majority of voters in a majority of states would approve gay marriage in a ballot initiative by 2020.

"The states that are probably going to be the slowest to move toward legalization are mostly in the South, particularly in the Deep South," Silver told The Daily Show correspondent Al Madrigal. "In particular, Alabama and Mississippi are maybe the last two." Former U.S. Attorney for North Alabama Doug Jones and Mississippi newspaper columnist Slim Smith told Madrigal the same: each suggested that their respective states would be the last to approve gay marriage in the U.S. But then The Daily Show started pushing real buttons.


Senators Joe Manchin and Mark Pryor give their support to ENDA


It would appear the last two Democratic senators who had not made a commitment to ENDA have finally come on board with their support.

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), the last Democratic holdout, says he'll vote 'yes' on ENDA, according to a tweet from NYT reporter Jeremy Peters.


Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) said he'd vote for it last night.

After Manchin's 'yes' vote leaves supporters just one vote shy of having the 60 votes needed to avoid a Republican-led filibuster.

Republican Sen. Rob Portman (who has a gay son) has indicated he's leaning 'yes' but has not formally announced support.

Stay tuned.

Oh, and yeah, the bill has no chance in the GOP-led House. But still, it's taken 20 years to get even a vote on the legislation in the Senate. So it's a big deal.

(via Towleroad)

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Jonas Brothers: "It's over for now"


Since I've posted about the Jonas Brothers recently (especially Nick Jonas and his ever-fab biceps), I thought I'd share this from PEOPLE, who seem to have the inside scoop on the recent cancellation of the Jo-Bro tour:

Nearly three weeks after the Jonas Brothers announced they were canceling their tour due to a "deep rift within the band," the brothers tell PEOPLE that they've decided to call it quits.

"It's over for now," Kevin Jonas says.

"It's really hard to say 'forever,' " says Nick. "We're closing a chapter, for sure."

"It was a unanimous decision," says Joe.

Although drug abuse rumors abounded, PEOPLE quotes Nick Jonas as saying he "felt trapped" and had to tell his brother how he felt, which led to the break up of the band.


Virgin America's new pre-flight video starring American Idol's Todrick Hall


American Idol finalist Todrick Hall stars in Virgin America's newest pre-flight safety video. And what a video this is!

The rapping flight attendants on Southwest have NOTHING on this production.

From the video description: Buckle up to get down. We've enlisted the help of Virgin Produced, Director Jon M. Chu, Choreographers Jamal Sims and Christopher Scott, Virgin America teammates, and dance stars like Todrick Hall and Madd Chadd to give our safety video a new song and dance -- literally. From the exit doors to the oxygen masks, no seat belt was left unbuckled.

In related news, Todrick recently released his "Spell Block Tango" video complete with Disney villains for Halloween. Check it here if you missed it.



(h/t JMG)

Bryan Fischer could not "choose" to have sex with a man


Bryan Fischer, of the anti-gay hate group American Family Association, has long shared that he does not believe gays and lesbians are born gay. That their sexual behavior is by choice. That they can CHOOSE to have same-sex relations.

But when caller to his radio show asked if Fischer could have sex with a man (it's a "choice" you know...) Fischer was a little dumbfounded because he simply couldn't "choose" to do the "deed" with a man:
Caller: Could you have sex with a man?

Fischer: I’m sorry?

Caller: Could you have sex with a man?

Fischer: Would I?

Caller: Could you?

Fischer: No.

Caller: I thought it was a choice?

Fischer: Sure it is, I’m just saying it’s emotionally, morally, mentally impossible for me—

Caller: But you just told me that you couldn’t do it?

Fischer: Yeah, I couldn’t do it, there was no way; there is nothing in me that would let me do that.

Caller: OK. How do you think I feel about women?

Fischer: I don’t know. How do you feel about women?

Caller: There ain’t no way.

So when gays and lesbians don't choose to have sex with someone of the opposite sex, it's their own choice and a sin. When Bryan Fischer can't choose to have sex with a man, it's just impossible.

But remember - Fischer says it's all a choice...



(via Right Wing Watch)

Olivia Newton-John, Lynda Carter and Veronic on THE VIEW

Michael with Olivia Newton-John, Veronic and Lynda Carter

My husband accompanied Olivia Newton-John to NYC for an appearance on The View set to air this Friday.

Other guests the same day are the fab Lynda Carter and Las Vegas headliner and vocal impersonator Veronic.

Of all the trips I DIDN'T  tag along on... darn.

Ohio State University Marching Band - Superman and T-Rex showstopper


After a moon-walking Michael Jackson last week, the Ohio State University marching band goes viral again with a performance that includes Superman saving a toppling building and a striding T-rex.

6.8 million views in three days...


Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida becomes 56th sponsor of ENDA

Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) has agreed to co-sponsor ENDA, which Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid promised yesterday will get a hearing before Thanksgiving. That leaves the bill just three votes short of the 60 needed to pass.

From Huffington Post:

There are now just two Democratic senators -- Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) -- who are not co-sponsors of the legislation, which would bar workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is already illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, nationality, religion, age or disability.

Only two Republicans -- Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) -- have so far signed on as co-sponsors, although Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted for the bill in committee in July. With Nelson's support, there are now 56 ENDA supporters currently in the Senate, and when Sen.-elect Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is sworn in on Friday, that number will rise to 57.

Among the GOP Senators targeted for support are John McCain, whose wife Cindy has signed a petition urging him to vote for the bill.

Beyond all this good news in the US Senate, ENDA has no chance of passing in the Republican controlled House.

Three minute video: Can stress kill you?


Can stress kill you? And what does the hormone Oxytocin have to do with saving your stressed out life?

Be smarter in three minutes.

From my favorite science guys at AsapSCIENCE.


Omaha: Straight man beaten standing up for his gay friends

Ryan Langenegger left bloody after standing up for his gay friends
Ryan Langenegger, a straight man in Omaha, was punched, beaten and left with a bloody gash and chipped teeth for standing up for his gay friends.

KMTV has the story:

Out with two of his gay friends in the Old Market Saturday night, they decided to grab a bite at PepperJax Bar and Grill.

Inside a group of three guys started to verbally harass his friends. Ryan said, to avoid confrontation they left PepperJax.

The three men followed them outside.

"My friend then said, yes, I know I'm a boy in a dress. After that he said, "yes I know", some "colorful words" and disgusting. I said hey guys, we're not looking for any trouble, just trying to get home. Just trying to get home", said Langenegger.

Ryan stepped forward and tried to stop the incident. Instead he took a hard blow to the face.

"It's sad, it's really sad, disgusting. It just makes no sense this day and age and in Omaha, for all of this stuff to still be happening and out in the streets."

A police report was filed but the attackers were long gone by the time police arrived at the scene of the attack.  However, surveillance video and credit card records may end up identifying them.

Check out the news report at KMTV.

Trailer: "X-Men - Days of Future Past"


Youtube description: The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST.

The beloved characters from the original "X-Men" film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from "X-Men: First Class," in an epic battle that must change the past -- to save our future.

You know I can't wait! Squee!  Opens May 23, 2014

(as I "comic book" geek-out....)



Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in "X-Men: Days of Future Past"
Ripped and shirtless Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in "X-Men: Days of Future Past"

Hawaii: Marriage equality bill passes out of Senate committee



After 12 hours of hearing from hundreds of people on both sides of the contentious gay marriage issue, the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 1 allowing same-sex couples to marry in Hawaii.

The committee voted 5-2 shortly after 10 p.m. Sens. Sam Slom, a Republican, and Mike Gabbard, a Democrat, voted against the bill.

The bill heads to the full Senate where many believe it will pass with vote close to 21-4. From there, it's the House's turn.

HawaiiNewsNow has polled the state reps and there appear to be 27 votes FOR the bill. Twenty-six are needed for passage. There are 7 undecided votes at this time. All are from Democrat districts.

Stay tuned.

(source)

Monday, October 28, 2013

Spell Block Tango by Todrick Hall


From Todrick Hall:

The real Divas of Disney have collaborated with yours truly to give you a very special Halloween gift.

Thank you so much to Adam Lambert, Shoshana Bean, Cassie Scerbo, Amber Riley, Blake McGrath, Kimberly Cole and Pia Toscano for lending me your talents.

Special thanks to the dancers, Drew Reese, Peter Gill, Chester Lockhart, Davis Rahal, Steven Dehler, Jared North, Hondo Tey, Noelle Boney and Aaron McGuire.

And a HUGE thank you to Jean-Yeves a.k.a. Jeeve Ducournet for doing the music, producing and recording.

I have always had a strange fascination with the Disney villains' side of the classic fairy tales and now through the music of Chicago you'll get to hear their stories.


Chris Brown arrested for another alleged violent attack

Singer Chris Brown appears to be in trouble yet again for an alleged violent attack. This time some homophobic slurs are alleged to have been slung around by Mr. Brown:
The Grammy Award-winning singer allegedly punched the man in the face early Sunday morning outside of the W Hotel in Washington, D.C., after the victim, Issac Adams Parker, tried to jump into a photograph being taken of Brown and a witness, reports to the Associated Press.

The report notes that Brown, who was in D.C. to perform at a club, said, "I'm not into that gay shit,” and "I feel like boxing," before punching the 20-year-old man in the face. Brown’s companion and supposed bodyguard, Christopher Hollosy, 35, also stepped into the fray and punched Parker in the face. Officials say the incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m.

Parker was treated for his injuries, including a broken nose, at a local hospital and released Sunday. Police say the felony charge is related to the extent of the damage Parker sustained.

The R&B singer is currently on probation, which he initially received for assaulting Rihanna, his girlfriend at the time, in 2009. The probation was reinstated in August, after his involvement with an alleged hit-and-run occurrence.

(source)

Pennsylvania: Lesbian widow suing for equal treatment under inheritance laws

Barbara Baus (L) and Cathy Burgi-Rios (R)
Pennsylvania now has it's own Edie Windsor/same-sex marriage inheritance law suit:

A Bethlehem woman who legally married her same-sex partner in 2011 in Connecticut is suing to seek equal tax treatment in the wake of her partner's death last year.

Barbara Baus and Cathy Burgi-Rios, who lived together for more than 15 years, married on April 29, 2011, in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Burgi-Rios died on Sept. 21, 2012, from leukemia. She was 55.

According to a news release issued this morning by the law firm representing Baus, she sought the spousal tax rate of 0 percent from Pennsylvania for what she inherited from Burgi-Rios.

The state Department of Revenue responded to her request by stating her marriage was not valid in Pennsylvania; the department said she would instead be required to pay a 15 percent rate that applies to legal strangers, according to the news release from the law firm Jerner & Palmer, P.C.

Senate set to hear ENDA before Thanksgiving


Senate Majority Leader announced today that he will bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to the floor of the US Senate before Thanksgiving.

From Buzzfeed:

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would ban most employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, was passed out of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee with bipartisan support earlier this year.

“When the Senate convenes at 2 pm today, Senator Reid will announce that he will bring ENDA to the floor this work period, which ends just before Thanksgiving,” Reid adviser Faiz Shakir told BuzzFeed. “Exact floor timing remains to be determined based on how votes go this week, but it could come up as early as next week.”

In order to pass the legislation, it likely will require 60 votes to meet the threshold to overcome any filibuster attempt from opposition — a threshold advocates say they are “optimistic” they will secure by the time any vote is taken.

Due to Republican control of the House of Representatives, there is virtually no chance of the legislation passing in that chamber.

(via JMG)

Jury Duty today


I'll be serving on Jury Duty today, so it may be a bit light in terms of posts for a Monday.

I've somehow never done the Jury Duty thing.  Work kept moving me around the country or I'd be on tour with a show, blah, blah...

I don't cringe from it as much as many do.  Although I'm not digging the 8am report time.

More coffee...

UPDATE: Yay!  Wi-fi in the house.

Rally in Illinois for marriage equality - "Pass the damn bill"


From the YouTube description: "October 26, 2013 outside the invisible Greg Harris's office the beginning of what is going to be a series of protests throughout the state to politicians to get this message to pass this bill now. They should see this as a warning about how the LGBTQ community is going to vote. We will be watching. We will be waiting. We will not forget. We WILL run better candidates against those Democratic legislators who fail to live up to doing the right thing for all Illinois citizens."


Michael Musto interviews Steve Grand for OUT

Out singer/songwriter Steve Grand

Michael Musto interviews "All-American Boy" Steve Grand for OUT, where he talks on being kind of "weird" in high school, his famous first music video and more. Here's just a bit:

Did conversion therapy scar you for life?

I want to make it clear that it’s been misrepresented that I went through what most people know as conversion therapy. I saw a Christian therapist who, among many other beliefs, believed I’d be happier in a straight life. He didn’t shame me for being gay. Most of the focus, we weren’t even talking about my sexuality. But certainly his belief that I’d be living a happier life as a heterosexual was indeed harmful. In no way, shape, or form—I can’t even believe I have to clarify this—do I condone ex-gay therapy. I think it’s a horrible practice. There’s no scientific basis for it. A person’s sexuality is a part of who they are. And I certainly suffered for not having my sexuality affirmed.

Can you be a happy gay within the church?

We need to learn to applaud the gradual changes. The church has been around for thousands of years. Like it or not, they’re gonna be here for a long time. One of the great ways to make a change is showing we’re just like everyone else and we love the same and we’re just as diverse as the straight community. By having more visibility within the church, that can only be a good thing. I certainly don’t support the church’s stance on gay issues as they are right now. They have a long way to go. But I think there’s a great power to being present—to having openly gay people in church and having the congregation witness and embrace. I got up in front of a congregation and said I was gay and I believed there was nothing wrong with that, and I was applauded for that. There’s a quiet majority that’s growing that wants to say, “Hey, these are our brothers and sisters too. Make sure we’re sending the message that all are welcome.”

Read the whole exchange with the hunky singer at OUT.com

Marriage News Watch - October 28, 2013


Marriage equality turns one week old in New Jersey. And before the year is over, we could gain marriage in New Mexico, Illinois, and Hawaii. Plus, there's a new lawsuit in Tennessee and progress in Nevada.


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Red Sox caught on obstruction call


I'm pulling for Boston, but you can see Will Middlebrooks gets in the way during a wild throw in the bottom of the 9th inning.

The city of Boston and the Red Sox were left frustrated, confused and angry by an unprecedented and wild finish to the game against the St Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.

In 109 years, no World Series game has ended with an obstruction call. But this one was decided by the controversial ruling against Boston third baseman Will Middlebrooks. This allowed Cardinals runner Allen Craig to score with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and lifted St. Louis over Boston 5-4 for a 2-1 edge.

Both sets of players and fans were left in shock.


Sean Hayes - I always felt like I owed the gay community an apology for coming out too late


In a new interview with the LA Times, out actor Sean Hayes addresses some of the personal battles he fought being a closeted actor during his time on the LGBT inclusive TV series Will and Grace:


“I was so young. It made me go back in the closet [with the media] because I was so overwhelmed at 26 or 27. I didn't want the responsibility, I didn't know how to handle the responsibility of speaking for the gay community,” Hayes told the Los Angeles times.

“I always felt like I owed them a huge apology for coming out too late. Some people in the gay community were very upset with me for not coming out on their terms. They don't stop to think about what's going on in somebody's personal life, and the struggles that they're having. It was all very scary. We got death threats. It was a really rough time for me, but I was also having the time of my life.”

Hayes has a new series that's currently struggling with ratings and the critics. You have to wonder if this is a bit of outreach to the LGBT community coming a bit too late?  And perhaps to help his struggling series?

Video: Ben Cohen 2014 Calendar shoot


The proceeds for the Ben Cohen 2014 calendar go towards Ben's anti-bullying organization, Stand Up Foundation.

Click here to buy a full year of this world class athlete and LGBT ally.