Monday, March 31, 2014

Louisiana lawmakers kill LGBT housing non-discrimination law


By a vote of 13-5, lawmakers in the Louisiana House Commerce Committee torpedoed a bill that would have prohibited housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

From Nola.com:

Much of the debate around Brossett's bill hinged on a property owners' rights to deny housing to anyone they believe would jeopardize the "safety" and "family" oriented-nature of their community.

Maurice Dugas, a property owner from Pineville, said he thought the bill "could create some major problems" by allowing LGBT Louisianians to sue for actual and punitive damages if they were denied access to housing. Without directly referencing the gay community, he questioned his ability to provide a safe living environment if he was not able to block certain people from his properties.

Kathleen Benfield, from the conservative Christian organization the American Family Association of New Orleans, also testified against the bill on behalf of the Louisiana Family Forum's Gene Mills, who she said could not make the hearing.

She said the issue presented by the bill was "to protect certain sexual practices outside of marriage" and said this isn't a civil rights issue since sexual identity and gender expression are not "immutable" like race and "can change over time." She also said Brossett didn't present proof that homosexuals are being discriminated against in Louisiana.

Muslim Boston Marathon victim sues Glenn Beck for slander and defamation

Muslim victim of Boston Marathon bombing sues Glenn Beck for defamation and slander (via Raw Story )
A Muslim victim of the Boston Marathon bombing has sued Glenn Beck for defamation and slander after the talk show host accused him of funding the attacks. Race spectator Abdulrahman Alharbi filed a federal lawsuit against Beck and his companies, The…

What's in a name?

Click pic to enlarge

I'm a "Dirty Shipwreck."

Sounds about right... :)

Obamacare site gets record traffic as public support moves into positive territory



The federal Obamacare website is experiencing "record volume" Monday, the deadline for enrolling in coverage, the Obama administration said.

At the same time, news comes that the Affordable Healthcare Act has more support than naysayers for the first time.

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll found 49 percent of Americans support the law and 48 percent oppose it.

Support surged among Democrats, jumping from 65 percent in January to 76 percent today.

Even among conservatives, support doubled to 36 percent of them backing it now compared to 17 percent in November. Still negative numbers, but a strong sign of improvement.

Also, on the constantly voted upon issue of repealing the law, Americans were also narrowly split: 49 percent of all respondents oppose those efforts, and 47 percent support them.  Among registered voters the split was a slightly wider 50 percent oppose versus 46 percent support.

The current state of workplace protections for LGBT employees state by state


Lambda Legal has this handy dandy map to show what protections exist for LGBT employees in each state of the US as of today.  I'm proud to say my home state of Nevada has protections in the public and private sector for not only sexual orientation, but gender identity and/or gender expression as well.

The point of passing ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) in Congress is to protect employees in all fifty states.

From Lambda Legal:

All government employees are protected by the U.S. Constitution against irrational discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

In addition, some measure of protection already exists under Title VII based on gender, which has been held to include gender identity and expression.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and several courts have interpreted Title VII to protect transgender employees, and the EEOC has interpreted Title VII to cover sexual orientation discrimination.

The Supreme Court has held that the EEOC's interpretation of Title VII are entitled to "great deference."

THE TALK's Sara Gilbert marries long-time girlfriend Linda Perry


In a ceremony overlooking the ocean, THE TALK host Sara Gilbert married her long-time girl friend Linda Perry yesterday.

The ceremony capped a year-long engagement that began with a park, a guitar player and a brass band.

Gilbert told E! Online:

"We go to a park, and we have food and we're eating it, it's really sweet and there's this guy sitting playing guitar, like a street musician, and he starts playing this song that we love," Gilbert recalled.

"I'm like, 'Oh, that's so weird, this is so magical and amazing.'"

She continued, "So that ends, and she's like, 'Oh, I'm gonna ask him to play this other song,' but this other song is really obscure and this guy wouldn't know it, but magically he knows it."

The next thing the Talk star knew, she said, their fellow picnickers pulled out instruments and joined the guitarist to serenade the couple with "Love Song." At which point, Perry put on a series of T-shirts that each had one word, eventually forming the question "Will You Marry Me?"

Congrats to the happy couple!



(via E!Online)

First look at Neil Patrick Harris in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" on Broadway


Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive first look of Neil Patrick Harris in full Hedwig drag in Broadway's Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Previews began this past Saturday with official opening on April 22 at the Belasco Theatre with the How I Met Your Mother star playing "Hedwig," a fictional East German rock singer living as a female after a botched gender-reassignment operation.

In a recent announcement, a portion of all ticket sales will benefit Hetrick-Martin Institute, "the nation's oldest and largest organization helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth to reach their full potential."

Click here for ticket info.

(via Advocate)

More Scott Lively on Uganda: Gays should get reparative therapy or go to jail


In an interview with SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorile, anti-gay crusader Scott Lively explains that his goal in advising Uganda on their recent Anti-Homosexuality Act was to have the government offer reparative or "ex-gay" therapy instead of punitive sanctions.

When asked what should happen if gays and lesbians in Uganda didn't WANT such therapy (which has been shown to be very damaging to patients to the point of becoming torture), Lively says those people would have to “take whatever the other alternative is, which was probably going to jail.”

Listen below:

College football defensive end Mitch Eby comes out

Mitch Eby of Chapman University
Mitch Eby, junior defensive end for the Chapman University football team, recently came out to his team after years of carrying what he considered "the stigma" of being gay in his head.

Playing football and baseball in high school, Eby refused to admit to himself he was gay. Years of locker room banter plus what he saw in the media in how gays were portrayed fed his fear of coming out.

And then he saw a story regarding Conner Mertens, freshman kicker at Willamette University who came out publicly as bisexual in January. Eby reached out to Mertens several weeks ago and the two hit it off.

"As soon as I got an email from him, it was exactly what I wanted, to see athletes like Mitch reaching out to me for help," Mertens said. "The first thing I asked him was, ‘Are you ready to start living your life?' He said he was very ready for it. Being out of the closet is so different from living life in it."

After weeks of talking with Conner, he addressed his team with a prepared speech.

From OutSports:

"I came up here today to talk to you guys about something that I've been dealing with for quite a while. It's something personal that I've always thought I could just bury away, but I can't. We live life so worried about how other people view us that we forget about ourselves. I can no longer go on living in fear, repressing myself because of how society may view me. I can no longer lie to my friends, family and teammates. It's time I lived life for myself for a change.

"With that being said, I am ready to share with you all that I am gay.

"It has taken me years to accept myself for who I truly am, so it's irrational to expect everybody to unconditionally accept me right away. However, the one thing that I hope that I can count on from each of you, my teammates, is your respect. Your respect as a friend, your respect as a teammate, and your respect as a man.

"Being gay may be something that defines me, but it does not limit me. It is such a small part of who I am. I am the same person you all know, no different than before. I'm still the kid that is obsessed with pretty much anything having to do with sports, I'm still the kid that some of you love to call stupid nicknames like ‘mom' and ‘hot dog,' and I'm still someone who will continue to go out there every day and push myself and push my teammates to be the best football team around. I am your teammate, I am your classmate and I am your brother. And I know that my brothers will continue to stand by my side, no matter what."

When he had finished speaking, the team erupted in applause. Eby smiled, taken aback by the overwhelming response. As the clapping ceased, Eby broke the silence with the most profound words he would share all night:

"So how about some pizza?"

As the team gathered for dinner, various teammates hugged Eby, thanking him for sharing himself and trusting them. One teammate even called Eby his "hero."

Read more about Mitch's coming out and how the pieces came together for him to live his life openly at OutSports.

Congrats Mitch on honoring who you are, and for sharing your story with the world. Like Conner before you, you are helping other young athletes fully own who they are with pride.

New Michael Jackson Album - "Xscape"


Epic Records is set to release a new album of songs by Michael Jackson utilizing his vocals from past songs but reworked by famous producers to "contemporize" the songs.

Via press release:

Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by Michael Jackson on May 13th.

XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid. After mining by the Estate of Jackson’s archives, Reid was granted unlimited access to the treasures spanning four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals. Reid then teamed up top producers to “contemporize” the songs while retaining Jackson’s essence and integrity, creating the best music you’ve never heard.

The list of producers includes Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain.

The new album will feature eight brand new recordings. A Deluxe Edition of XSCAPE will include a selection of the recordings in their original form. Both the standard and Deluxe Edition’s are available April 1st for pre-order on iTunes and elsewhere.

John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”

Grandson explains "wingmanning" to his grandfather


Grandson tries to explain "wingmanning" to his grandfather.

Anti-gay Scott Lively: President Obama is a homosexualist


Britain's Channel 4 interviewed rabidly anti-gay Scott Lively of Massachussetts, who aided Uganda in developing it's new law that targets the LGBT community with some of the harshest penalties in the world for being gay.

During the interview, Lively repeating attacked the reporter for trying to "inflame the far left." And then, throwing out some red meat to inflame the far right,  alluded that President Obama is, in his opinion, gay:

When I went on to point out that the President Obama is "wholeheartedly" against this legislation, Dr Lively chuckled and said: "I think Obama may as well be a homosexual himself. He is certainly a radical homosexualist - meaning a person, whether they are homosexual or not, meaning a person who is 100 per cent invested in the homosexual agenda."

Rather perplexed by his unexpected comment, I said; "So you think Obama is a homosexual?" He replied: "I think he may be."

You can read more of the exchange here. And watch the report from Channel 4 below:

Brooklyn Nets tie franchise record with 13 straight home wins

Openly gay Brooklyn Nets' Jason Collins

For a team that started 10-21, things have really turned around for the Brooklyn Nets, who could find themselves in the playoffs this season.

Hmmm, now what's changed lately with the Brooklyn Nets.  Let me think now...

Oklahoma liquor store offers discount on champagne after passing of Westboro Baptist Church founder dies


In light of the passing of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps, a liquor store owner in Moore, Oklahoma, offered 10% off all champagne sales.

His sign advertising the sale was meant to be provocative, says store owner Brian Kerr.  "That kind of hatred, and that kind of twisting of biblical principals really needs to be exposed and talked about. And people need to know that's not how real Christians act."



Of course, Westboro Baptist Church announced they will picket the liquor store this coming Sunday.

(h/t JMG)

Marriage News Watch - March 31, 3014



• Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has good news and bad news marriage in Michigan.

• One Missouri lawmaker is taking a stand for equality.

• More good news from national polling.

• Five couples in Mississippi requested marriage licenses last week.

ITN report on the arrival of marriage equality in the UK



ITN reports on the marriage ceremonies that took place across England and Wales this weekend as marriage equality arrived in the UK.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Happy birthday to Ian Ziering

Just one of many magazine covers that welcomed uber-fit Ian Ziering to Las Vegas in 2013

Today is Beverly Hills 90210/Sharknado star Ian Ziering's birthday. And man, does he make 50 looks awesome.

I got to meet and get to know Ian last year when he came roaring into Las Vegas last year as the most successful guest host Chippendales had seen since beginning a practice of bringing celebrity stars into the iconic Vegas production.

I knew of Ian's work of course - who could miss the mega-hit show "Beverly Hills 90210" in the 90s? With Broadway, TV and film under his belt, just about the only thing he hadn't conquered was headlining in Las Vegas.

As legend has it, when the call came to come front the Chipps in Vegas, Ian was quick to admit that in light of taking time to care for his family - he had a two year old at home and daughter number two on the way in mere weeks - he had in fact skipped some time at the gym. More impressively, with six weeks between offer and opening night, he hit the gym hard, pulled his nutrition into line and wowed the crowd at Chippendales the night of his Vegas debut.

Then came the massive success of "Sharknado" on Syfy Network. Ian was the first to really "get"  what the movie was and how pop culture would embrace it.  I understand the sequel "Sharknado 2: The Next One" just wrapped filming in NYC and promises to be an even bigger pop phenom than the first. Credit savvy Ian to "get it" all along the way.  Plus, he really proved himself as a bonefide action movie star. 


In addition, last year as I was reclaiming my own fitness getting ready to go into CHICAGO the Musical once again for the Hollywood Bowl, Ian was my "zen master" texting me daily, holding me to task and commitment. I thank Ian in great part for keeping me in line to my own weight loss and reaching my fitness goals. I got NO pass from Ian.  Every day there was another text message challenge - "Crack a deck of cards and whatever card comes up, do that many push-ups now!  Flip another card and do it again!"

Ian's terrific - a real pro, a great family man, and a guy anyone would like to hang with.  "Steve Sanders" was a role - Ian Ziering is the man.  And trust me, he knows the difference.

I hope he has time today to spend with his family, who I know is the center of his life, and he gets to kick back and enjoy reflecting maybe just a little of his first half-century.

Congrats on entering the 50 club man. You rock. Looking forward to what's next in your adventure.

Me with Shannen Doherty, Ian Ziering, Jennie Garth and hubby Michael Caprio

Jazz, sun and Chardonnay

Hope everyone is having an amazing Sunday. Exhale....

If the world was blind

Via my Facebook friend Yanet who "walks the walk"

Days Of Our Lives to feature first-ever same-sex wedding this week


This week, long-running Days Of Our Lives will feature the first same-sex wedding in the history of daytime drama.

From Advocate.com:

Starting April 1, in a storyline that goes on for three consecutive episodes, Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis (the fan-favorite couple affectionately dubbed “WilSon” by fans) will tie the knot in a ceremony presided by a surprise officiant.

In 2012, the character of Will came to terms with his sexual orientation in powerful episodes that had audiences around the world captivated and rooting for the character to find love. A romance and the culminating engagement earlier this year has been among soap's most popular storylines since then.

The announcement comes on the heels the show’s third GLAAD Award nomination for the storyline this year.


You can watch a tease of the upcoming ceremony below:

Steve Grand's "All-American Boy" Kickstarter campaign raises over $326,000


With an initial goal of $81,000, out singer/songwriter Steve Grand closed out his Kickstarter campaign at a staggering $326,593!

Steve's total makes his campaign the #1 most-funded music Kickstarter by a musician not affiliated with a label.

He's the #2 most-funded music project in the history of Kickstarter.

Steve had almost 5,000 individual backers.

Congrats to Steve, and to a community that clearly CAN rally around an out artist when moved to do so.


Disney's FROZEN becomes highest grossing animated film of all time


Disney's Frozen has become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and the number ten film  on the list for all movies.

From Variety:

The competition to beat was another Disney/Pixar title, “Toy Story 3,” which grossed $1.063 billion in 2010. “Frozen” earned $398.4 million domestically and $674 million internationally to take the title. In its run overseas, “Frozen” has become the top animated film in 27 territories. It has grossed $50.5 million in Japan thus far, and also broke into the top ten films of all time at the box office this weekend.

It was released more than four months ago in the U.S., where it had a late November opening. Since then, it has enjoyed both critical and major financial success, becoming the first billion-dollar film from Disney Animation Studios.

It won two Academy Awards as well, one for best animated film and the other for original song.

The soundtrack for Frozen has been #1 on Billboard's album chart for the last eight weeks.


Favorite Things: Ramin Karimloo of "Les Miserables" and "Phantom of the Opera"

Ramin Karimloo

Ok, so I've 'known' about Ramin Karimloo for a couple of years now. He was discovered in London and starred in "Love Never Dies," the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera."

He has also starred in "Les Miserables" playing all three leading male roles, including the 25th Anniversary Concert of "Les Miz" as "Enjolras" that was broadcast worldwide from the O2 Arena, and "the Phantom" in the 25th Anniversary performance of "Phantom of the Opera."

He just opened in the new revival of "Les Miserables" on Broadway as "Jean Valjean" to wild acclaim. From the New York Times:

Making a sterling Broadway debut, he sets a high standard in the prologue, performing Valjean’s angry soliloquy with fiery intensity and full-throttled vocalism that gradually shades into more nuanced coloring as Valjean puts behind him the grim shadows of his imprisonment and forges a new life.

The highlight of his performance, and perhaps the production as a whole, is Mr. Karimloo’s beautifully restrained but richly felt rendition of “Bring Him Home,” one of the score’s less thundering songs, in which Valjean sends up a prayer for Marius, who has fallen at the barricades after falling for Cosette (Samantha Hill), whom Valjean has raised after her mother’s death. Mr. Karimloo’s croon is as sweet as his belt is big.

So, there.

What I didn't know is how handsome he is. And his manner in his own concerts is so warm and congenial that you just want to sit for hours and take in the whole package - the voice, the face, the warmth. All of it.

The clip below is from a concert tour he did (this was in Tyler, TX) and he sings an unlikely "I Dreamed A Dream" (the female lead's song from Les Miz) with power, ease and sensitivity.  Just the right balance of masculinity and vulnerability.

And did I mention he's really hot? 

Ramin Karimloo is my new favorite thing.



Right before I was about to hit "Publish" on this post I found this version of Ramin singing "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miz," but from one of his own concerts. I had to add this.  

I seriously encourage you to get to NYC and see Ramin and the entire fab company if "Les Miserables" on Broadway.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Lead Me Not Into Temptation

Jason Segal and Neil Patrick Harris sing "The Confrontation" from Les Miz at the Actor's Studio

Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel sing "The Confrontation" from Les Miz on "At The Actor's Studio"

What happens when you ask two TV actors to sing a duet - on the fly LIVE - that has nothing to do with their TV series?

If you're a fan of musical theatre, this will makes you laugh. We've all done this in our living rooms at some point...

Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel of How I Met Your Mother Sing "Confrontation" from Les Miserables (Inside the Actors Studio (2014)

Apparently, Neil and Jason sing this together onset as an ongoing joke. I think the first time they did it on TV was 8 years ago on the now-defunct Megan Mullally Show.


When you dog reallllly wants you to get up

After Bruno gets me up and has breakfast, HE gets to go back to sleep
I'm guessing I'm lucky Bruno the wonder dog just sits and thumps his tail (really louding) to wake me at every morning.

Quadzilla


World cup gold medalist in team sprint cycling Robert Forstermann, AKA Quadzilla, showed off both his skills and his famous thighs in Berlin on Wednesday.

The German athlete has been focused on cycling for about 12 years and has quite a few titles under his mighty thighs.




(h/t Boy Culture)

Right Wing Rodeo - March 29, 2014



Roundup of the weeks worst moments in conservative media.


From MediaMatters.org

Friday, March 28, 2014

British Prime Minister David Cameron toasts the arrival of marriage equality to the UK

"The introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight or gay. That is so important in trying to create an environment where people are no longer bullied because of their sexuality – and where they can realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen or a wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare Balding.

"Together we should be proud to live in a country judged to be the best place to live in Europe if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. But we should equally be far from complacent about the challenges that remain – and I am just as committed as ever to working with you to challenge attitudes and stamp-out homophobic bullying and hate crimes.

"We are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast to that – and all those getting married this weekend."

- British Prime Minister David Cameron on the arrival of marriage equality to England and Wales

Same-sex marriage begins in England! Celebrate!

Peter McGraith and David Cabreza

Same-sex marriage has begun in England and Wales! Happy Dance Time!

Via Sky News:

The law changed at midnight, with a number of gay couples vying to claim the title of being the first to be married in Britain by trying to time it perfectly so their vows are being said just seconds after the clock struck midnight.

Among the first couples set to take advantage of the legalisation are Peter McGraith and David Cabreza, who have been together for 17 years.

Speaking before his wedding, Mr McGraith said: "We are thrilled to be getting married. It is a mark of significant social progress in the UK that the legal distinction between gay and straight relationships has been removed. "Very few countries afford their gay and lesbian citizens equal marriage rights and we believe that this change in law will bring hope and strength to gay men and lesbians in Nigeria, Uganda, Russia, India and elsewhere, who lack basic equality and are being criminalised for their sexual orientation."

David Badash of The New Civil Rights Movement assembled this Storify for the momentous occasion:

Corey Nichols and the story of two families


Queerty shares a very powerful story of Corey Nichols and the two families who would claim him.

Growing up, Corey heard loud and clear that being a "fag" was not an option according to his father - “If any fag lived in this house, I would shoot them in the head with a shotgun.”

According to Corey, his father would be beat him.  And eventually, the day came when Corey 'came out.'

“He was yelling and screaming about how a fag was living in his home and he can’t believe the devil was in his presence,” Corey told Out In Santa Cruz. “I locked myself in my room when my brother came home. The first thing my father did was tell him about how his brother was nothing but a worthless fag.”

Corey left home with no idea where he might land. He found refuge in the home of his friend, Aubrey. Aubrey's parents, Mindy and Dale, took Corey in and gave him a home. Eventually, Mindy and Dale filed to adopt Corey. The day of the adoption hearing Corey's birth parents didn't even show up. Today, Corey's birth family dispute the facts.

Perhaps this resonates with me not only because I'm gay, but my father took in kids when I was growing up. For months at a time. My entire life it's been normal to let people live in whatever home I have. I don't write that to try and acquire some "credit" for helping folks. It's what we all do. Or at least, it's what I was taught people do.

I can't tell Corey's story better than Graham Gremore has at Queerty.   I tried, but I really urge you to read the full story there.

This happens, believe it or not, in America. Still.

Dale says that he occasionally sees Corey’s birth father around town. “He knows how to put on a front,” he explained. “He smiles and acts like nothing is a big deal. He says, ‘thanks, appreciate what you are doing for my boy.”

Dale will nod his head and move along, then quietly whisper: “I have news for you. He is not your boy. He’s my son.”

Hear Corey and Mindy’s full interview with Out In Santa Cruz below.

Marriage equality begins tonight at midnight in England and Wales


Wedding cake at British Embassy in Washington DC to honor same-sex marriage law going into effect in England and Wales tonight at midnight.

Celebrate, you Brits!

Does this sound like an LGBT ally to you?


David Elliott, anchor for Biloxi's WLOX, posted on his Facebook Thursday:

"I'm all for the LGBT community's ongoing fight for equality. I support their fight in every way. But, it seems they've been in the news too much lately.  Maybe they should take a short break. Go on gaycation ... just for the weekend. Enjoy yourselves!"

Puerto Rico: Lesbian couple files lawsuit for marriage recognition


A lesbian couple married in Massachusetts has filed suit in their native Puerto Rico asking the US territory to recognize their marriage.

Together for 14 years and married since 2004, Ada Conde Vidal and Ivonne Álvarez Velez are unable to have their relationship recognized in their home territory because the 1999 amendment to Puerto Rico's civil code restricts marriage recognition to only those unions involving opposite-sex couples.

In the suit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico in San Juan, contends that the commonwealth's policy violates the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and heavily cites last summer's landmark Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality, U.S. v. Windsor.

In detailing the harm they've suffered through the territory's lack of equal marriage rights, Conde recounts how, when her daughter had open-heart surgery, she was unable to designate her wife, Alvarez, to make even "simple decisions or determinations regarding her health. This also included simple decisions and/or determinations regarding her education."

Ultimately, the suit contends that by denying the married same-sex couple the same rights afforded to other legally married couples, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico causes the plaintiffs "severe humiliation, emotional distress, pain, suffering, psychological harm and stigma."

(via the Advocate)

Guy gets tattoo of McDonalds receipt


This has got to be one of the dumbest things I've ever seen.

No mercy. One of the DUMBEST...

Taco Bell to Canada: You get breakfast when you take Bieber back


Ahhhhh, hahahaha....

I love this.

Taco Bell's president, Mr. Brian Niccol, took part in one of Reddit's popular "Ask Me Anything" chats this morning to talk on the launch of the chain's newest offering: a breakfast menu.

But the BEST of the interview? When asked when the new menu would be offered in Canada, Niccol responded "When you take Bieber back."

Makes my day... 


(source)

Quote of the day: Christopher Meloni


How do you not love a guy this cool?

LGBT ally and all around hottie Christopher Meloni talking to the Advocate:

“When it comes to homophobia, I think it’s a basic aspect of the human animal, which is to say we fear those things that we don’t know or understand. There’s comfort in tradition and change scares many people on a variety of levels.

"But it’s just sex. Everybody relax. All these arguments against [LGBT equality] is a bunch of flack being thrown up into the air to try to divert attention. Bigots love it when they can grab on to any kind of ‘gay perversion.’ But who are they kidding? Straights are just as perverse. We’re all a bunch of kinks, and we have a degree of kinkiness in all of us.”

Read the whole article because it's worth it. At one point, when asked if he's surprised he still has a big gay following since his bisexual role as Chris Keller on HBO's "Oz" he jokingly answers “With the ass that I’m sporting? No,” he jokes before bursting into laughter.

Don't miss Meloni's new series Surviving Jack airing Thursday nights at 9:30/8:30 Central on Fox.

Academy Award-winner Sally Field pens heart-warming letter in support of her gay son


Academy Award-winner Sally Field has written an open letter in which she says raising her gay son Sam Greisman is “one of the great privileges of my life.”

The letter is Field's contribution to a new campaign by the Human Rights Campaign to raise funds to combat anti-gay "License to Discriminate" laws popping up in several states.

From the open letter:

"Sam is my youngest son, by 18 years, and he's gay. To that, I say: So what?" writes the award-winning actress. "Growing up, Sam wanted desperately to just be like his older brothers — athletic, rambunctious and even a little bit macho. He wanted to beat Eli at tennis, trounce Peter at computer football and learn everything about every basketball player on the court. But Sam was different. And his journey to allow himself to be what nature intended him to be was not an easy one."

"Finally, at 20, long after he beat his brothers at tennis and computer games and knew as much as anyone about basketball, Sam was able to stand up proudly and say, 'I am a gay man,’” she continues. "Sam knows that if he ever marries, he'll have my full support. After all, I like to believe I raised him with the good sense to choose a great partner," Field writes. But there are people out there — organizations and politicians, strangers who have never even met Sam — who would rather devote themselves to denying his happiness. Why would anyone want to prevent my son — or anyone's son or daughter — from having basic legal safeguards like family medical leave, Social Security survivors benefits, or health insurance? It doesn't make any sense — but it won't change until people speak out. I'm proud to stand with HRC to add my voice. Will you join me?"

The HRC has set a goal of $150,000 by Monday. You can contribute by clicking here.

Florida tail-gater gets karma and 4 million YouTube views

Over 4 million views in two days.

From the YouTube poster:

This happened to me on SR 41 in Tampa on Monday March 24th.

This pathetic excuse for a human being tailgated me for about three minutes. After about a minute, and me shaking my head, I pulled out my phone and started recording.

I couldn't move over because there were trucks in the right lane, and I sure as heck wasn't going to speed on a rainy day with the roads being as slick as they were. I was turning left in about a half-mile when this happened.

Now bear in mind, that this guy had already passed a truck in a left turn lane, was tailgating and driving recklessly on a wet slick road, wasn't paying attention, and all in all being an ignorant ass. Not once was I mouthing off, I never brake checked him, and in fact until I watched the video after the accident I didn't even know he shot a bird at me because I wasn't looking at him at all, I was paying attention to the road while holding the phone up with my right hand. I've recorded circumstances like this before, catching idiots doing stupid things, but never ever had this happen.

He initially fled the scene of the accident, but thanks to this video he has been caught and charged. Massive props to the Sheriffs Department and most especially the Highway Patrol who responded to the scene. This moron could have easily killed somebody with his moronic behavior, and my laughing at the end would have been replaced with tears. Needless to say though, I've never seen Karma come back so fast.

Comments have now been disabled on the clip because apparently it was getting out of hand. While some supported the poster, some wished her dead (?), and some criticized her for using a phone camera while driving.

What I don't understand is, from what I can see on the video, why didn't the truck driver pass her when her could? He didn't need to tail-gate other than make an asshole comment. And that assholery is what got him in a wreck.

What do you think?

Poll: Voters find gays more favorable than evangelical Christians





A new poll questioning likely 2016 voters commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign asked voters whether they view gay people more or less favorably than they do evangelicals Christians.


The results might surprised some folks.  From the Huffington Post:

On Thursday the Human Rights Campaign and Americans for Marriage Equality released the results of a study, entitled "Victory In Sight", conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and TargetPoint Consulting that investigated the nuances of voters' views on marriage equality. More than a simple matter of "Should gays and lesbians be allowed to marry?", the poll looked at shifts in opinions over time, reasons for such shifts, and differing opinions among ages, faiths, geographic areas and more.

The first question addressed acceptance, comparing voters' favorable or unfavorable feelings towards gays and lesbians and towards evangelical Christians. In a nearly 80% Christian-identified country, the results might surprise you.

Fifty-three percent of voters said they felt favorably toward gays and lesbians, compared to 42% who felt favorably toward evangelicals. Eighteen percent said they felt unfavorably toward gays and lesbians, while 28% reported unfavorable feelings toward evangelicals.

The same trend was present among respondents when asked whether they could separate the issue from their faith (ie. "While some people object to gay marriage, it is not for me to judge.") Sixty-eight percent of monthly worshipers and 72% of yearly worshipers responded in the affirmative, while only 42% of weekly worshipers agreed with that statement.

AG Eric Holder: Federal government will recognize Michigan gay marriages


Last weekend, over 300 gay and lesbian couples got married after a federal judge ruled that the state of Michigan's ban on marriage equality was unconstitutional.

The state of Michigan requested and received a stay on the ruling during the appeals process. Gov. Rick Snyder has declared that the state will not recognize the same-sex marriages during that time. Now the federal government has weighed in on the issue.

From US Attorney General Eric Holder via press release:

"I have determined that the same-sex marriages performed last Saturday in Michigan will be recognized by the federal government. These families will be eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages. The Governor of Michigan has made clear that the marriages that took place on Saturday were lawful and valid when entered into, although Michigan will not extend state rights and benefits tied to these marriages pending further legal proceedings.

For purposes of federal law, as I announced in January with respect to similarly situated same-sex couples in Utah, these Michigan couples will not be asked to wait for further resolution in the courts before they may seek federal benefits to which they are entitled. Last June’s decision by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor was a victory for equal protection under the law and a historic step toward equality for all American families. The Department of Justice continues to work with its federal partners to implement this decision across the government. And we will remain steadfast in our commitment to realizing our country’s founding ideals of equality, opportunity, and justice for all.”

State Rep. Mike Colona introduces proposal to revisit same-sex marriage in Missouri

Missouri state Rep. Mike Colona

Missouri state Rep. Mike Colona has filed a proposal that would ask voters to revisit the state's current ban on marriage equality.

Via Ozarks First:

Representative Mike Colona (D-St. Louis) has filed HJR 85, a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters to add language saying that a marriage may exist between a man and a woman and a same-sex couple.

71 percent of Missouri voters approved Constitutional Amendment 2 in 2004 that said to be valid and recognized in Missouri, “a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman.”

Colona, who is openly gay, says he's not sure the proposal will clear the legislature but feels it's time to address the issue while two different court cases are being considered on the subject of same-sex marriage.




Brian Edwards' debut book "Enter Miss Thang" wins two Beverly Hills International Book Awards

Big congratulations are in order for my pal (and ultimate Hollywood insider) Brian Edwards, whose debut book "Enter Miss Thang" just won TWO Beverly Hills Book Awards.

"Enter Miss Thang," Brian's hilarious autobiographical look at the beginning of his successful career in entertainment was awarded "Best Gay, Lesbian, Transgender (Non-Fiction)" and "Best Cover Design (Non-Fiction)."

The Beverly Hills Book Awards are synonymous with excellence, the best of the best. After decades in the publishing industry and listening to colleagues talk about the ever-growing challenges when promoting books, the organization decided that since there were so many books being done well, they wanted to celebrate the physical book in print that has always and will always be a part of American culture. 

I wrote about the book last year when it was released, and couldn't be happier for Brian's success. Here's just part of my review of the book from last October when it was released:


The book is a fabulous romp through the career - highs and lows - of a man who has literally done it all in the world of show business. His career has led to campaigning for honors on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; serving as manager of celebrity talent to television networks American Movie Classics (AMC) and WE: Women’s Entertainment; and working side by side with some of the biggest names in Hollywood - Joan Rivers, Cindy Crawford, Vanessa Williams and legendary talent agent Sam Haskell — all of whom Edwards considers close, personal friends and confidantes.

I expected Enter Miss Thang to be fun and funny. And it is - a true reflection of it's author. What I didn't expect was the inspiration Edwards provides throughout his journey. In a world of "but I can't" and "but how do I," Edwards chronicles a spirit of determination and courage that gets things done one way or another. If he didn't know how to approach an obstacle, he made his own way. If he made a misstep, he self-corrected. Over and over, with a lot of humor, he shows an original "can-do" attitude that "does."

Awards aren't new to Brian - in 2012, the International Press Academy honored him with the Satellite Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Entertainment, making him only the third recipient of this honor in the academy’s history. 

Congratulations to Brian!

Check out the book on Amazon by clicking here.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Lynda Carter sends message of support to Sunnie Kahle


Earlier this week, I posted about young Sunnie Kahle, an 8 year-old girl who was kicked out of her Christian grade school for not acting like her "God-ordained identity."  Basically, she's a tom-boy.  At age 8, she has no idea what "gender identity" is.

Today, Lynda Carter posted on her Facebook page a message of support to young Sunnie, proving once again that Lynda is, was and always will be a Wonder Woman.

Obamacare enrollment passes 6 million mark


ObamaCare enrollment figures are on a sharp upward trajectory in March, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing Thursday that 6 million people have enrolled with four days to go before the March 31 deadline.

That means 1 million people have enrolled in the last 10 days, and 1.8 million have enrolled so far in March. That nearly equals the roughly 2 million who enrolled in January and February combined.

The 6 million enrollees hits the Congressional Budget Office forecast, which was reduced from 7 million because of early troubles with HealthCare.gov.

Read more at The Hill

Highlights from 2014 Broadway Backwards


Broadway's best filled a sold-out Al Hirschfeld Theatre for the ninth annual edition of Broadway Backwards on Monday, March 24, 2014, raising a record-breaking $423,182 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.

Broadway Backwards (#bwaybackwards) is an annual celebration where gays and lesbians see their stories told through the great songs of musical theatre with performers offering same-sex or reversed gender renditions sung by their favorite Broadway performers. It is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and was presented this year in the historic Hirschfeld Theatre.

Check out many of the performances below:









Michael Berresse and Tony Yazbeck

Cass Morgan and Debra Monk

Jonathan Groff

Kyle Dean Massey and Jose Llana

Rachel Bay Jones and Uzo Aduba