Sunday, August 31, 2014

I'll just need a moment, please...

I'll just need a moment and another beer, please.

Forward.

Joe Manganiello tweets pic from Magic Mike sequel

Magic Mike sequel begins filming

Joe Manganiello tweeted this pic from the set of the upcoming Magic Mike sequel "Magic Mike XXL" with the caption "It's On!"

Michael Sam goes "unclaimed" after being released by St. Louis Rams

Out NFL-er Michael Sam
UPDATE: CBS News is reporting that Sam met with Rams coach Jeff Fisher today after clearing waivers.  CBS says that Sam looks unlikely to sign on for the Rams 10-man practice squad due to the team's depth of talent on the current defensive roster.

***********************************************

After being released from the St. Louis Rams, Buzzfeed's Logan Rhoades reports that no team claimed Michael Sam.

Once the Rams dropped Sam from their final roster, he was on “waivers,” meaning that other NFL teams had until noon today to take him. Based on last year’s win-loss record, the worst team in the league had the first chance to pick him up, and the best team had the last chance.

Still, Sam can sign to the practice squad for any NFL team — and the Rams are expected to sign him to their 10-man practice unit, according to league sources cited by ESPN.

After being released yesterday, several sources were of the opinion that he was cut due to the already strong defensive line of the St. Louis Rams.

BUT - his preseason stats (11 tackles, 3 sacks) definitely make him worthy of a roster position somewhere in the league. Many, including folks over at OutSports, said that should Sam NOT get picked up by another team it would indicate that homophobia was indeed in the mix here.

I'd be curious to know if there were any rookies who made their rosters with lesser stats?



Catching up with Leeza Gibbons in Las Vegas


A highlight of this weekend was getting to catch up with FAB Leeza Gibbons and her handsome hubby Steven Fenton.

Leeza and Steven came to Vegas to catch her "Great Walk of China" pal Olivia Newton-John in concert at the Flamingo Las Vegas at her sold-out "Summer Nights" show.

After the show, we all headed over to Chayo (dee-lish) for a birthday celebration for Steve Real, Olivia's vocal coach and backup singer.

I adore Leeza.  She is one of the easiest peeps to sit and talk with.  It's not common in celeb circles but Leeza is one of the few famous folks who listens to you talk.  And she connects and hears what you're saying.

What could be better than Mexican food and catching up with friends on a Friday night in Vegas?

Btw - no official announcement has been made yet, but I internet rumors say Leeza is on the next season of Celebrity Apprentice.  If so, watch her.  She's smart and so good with people, I'd expect her to go far in the game.

The difference between dogs and cats

(source)

A wet and naked Steve Grand reinvents the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Naked and wet, out singer/songwriter Steve Grand does his own version of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Wet and naked Steve Grand

Out singer/songwriter Steve Grand shared a pic of himself after diving into Lake Superior naked putting his own nude spin on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Along with the pic, Steve wrote this:

"I don't always get naked, but when I do, it's for a good cause. I didn't want to waste fresh water (since there are so many without) so naturally, I jumped into Lake Superior, naked, after my performance here in Duluth, MN. Video to come soon.

"I'm donating to ALS (visit alsa.org/donate) as well as 2 other charities I am passionate about. (Thewaterproject.org and a local LGBTQ homeless youth charity).

"I nominate ALL of you, to find a charity you are passionate about (in addition to ALS), do your research, and donate according to your means. Love you all! -Steve"

Saturday, August 30, 2014

$55 Fried Chicken


You know, on the right day - this could work for me.

Joan Rivers reportedly on life support


According to TMZ Joan Rivers is now on life support requiring the use of machines to stay alive:

According to our sources, the family will have to decide in the next couple of days whether to keep the 81-year-old on life support. We're told the family remains hopeful that if they do decide to turn off the machines, she will make a turn for the better and fight through it.

Rivers was rushed to the hospital after she stopped breathing during throat surgery on Thursday.

Celebs from all walks sent best thoughts out onto the Twitterverse:









Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie blames marriage equality support for primary loss


Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is pointing to his support of marriage equality for his lop-sided loss in the recent Democratic primary for reelection.

The winner, state Sen. David Ige, also supports marriage equality and voted for it during the special session called by Abercrombie last year to pass the new law. But Abercrombie told reporters, according to the Associated Press and Honolulu Star-Advertiser, that his theory is "Republicans crossed over en masse" to vote in the Democratic primary as revenge for legalizing same-sex marriage.

As a result, Abercrombie says the loss was worth it. "There's no way I could live with myself if I thought I was diminishing another human being's ability to reach their full capacity," said Abercrombie, according the AP.

Abercrombie was handily defeated, earning only 31 percent of the vote compared to Ige taking 67 percent.

Abercrombie is the first sitting Democratic governor in Hawaii to lose in a primary.

Sen. Ige is heavily favored to win the general election due to the political makeup of Hawaii.

Michael Sam responds to release by the St. Louis Rams

Out NFL-er Michael Sam responds to being released by St. Louis Rams
Michael Sam

Out NFL-er Michael Sam sent a series of tweets once it was announced that he was being released by the St. Louis Rams, once again demonstrating the class act that he is a class act.







It's clear to everyone watching that this isn't the "finish line" for Sam.

In the next 24 hours it's very possible one of the other 31 NFL teams will pick up Sam. If not, it's pretty certain he will be signed to the Rams' practice squad - giving him more time to hone his skills waiting to either be activated by the Rams or picked up by another team.

But today is not a destination.

Just a detour.

Trust and believe.

Michael Sam released by St. Louis Rams

Openly gay NFL hopeful Michael Sam was released by the St. Louis Rams today
Michael Sam

Outsports is reporting that Michael Sam, 7th round draft pick and SEC Defensive Player of the Year hoping to become the first gay man to make an NFL regular season roster, has been released by the St. Louis Rams.

The next 24 hours will determine Sam's immediate NFL fate. The other 31 NFL teams can put in a claim for his services and Sam would go to the team that claimed him first. If Sam is unclaimed, there is a strong chance he will be signed as one of 10 practice squad players by the Rams.

If that happens, Sam can practice with the Rams but not play in a game. For that to happen, he will have to be placed on the active 53-man roster, something that can occur, for example, with injuries to other players. Practice squad players earn a minimum $6,300 per week they are on the team. This amounts to $107,100 if he lasts all 17 regular season weeks on the squad. Had Sam made the Rams roster, he would have earned $420,000 this season. He gets to keep the $45,000 signing bonus he was given after the draft.

It would appear the decision came down to a choice between Sam and undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks. Westbrooks is one of nine defensive linemen to land a roster spot.

Throughout the preseason Sam has shown he has the skill and determination to play in the NFL. Dropping 13 pounds prior to camp, he upped his speed. And his stats warrant a spot in the league: in four preseason games, Sam stacked up 10.5 tackles and three sacks in the preseason, including two sacks of Johnny Manziel last weekend.

I think it's clear both on and off the field, Sam has shown tremendous poise, confidence and talent.  The LGBT community can feel proud that Sam has handled himself so ably.

Here's hoping we have good news in the next 24 hours.

Go Michael Sam!

Italy: Court approves step-child adoption by same-sex couple


A terrific step forward for Italy as an Italian court approves the step-child adoption of a girl by the female partner of her biological mother.

From Gay Star News:

For the first time in Italian history, a court has granted permission for the adoption of a child living with a gay couple. The child is the biological daughter of one of the women, and her partner has been allowed to legally become her co-parent through adoption.

The couple have been living together in Rome since 2003, and the decision was taken by the city’s Juvenile Court. It’s believed that the child was conceived through IVF treatment abroad – where the couple also underwent a marriage ceremony.

In a statement, the women told Italy’s Republica newspaper that they were, ‘happy, almost incredulous’, with the decision.

‘This is a victory for children and all those children who are in the same situation of our child.’

Highlights from Day 2 of the 2014 Bingham Cup


Sir Peter Cosgrove (Governor-General of Australia) visited the Bingham Cup grounds on Day 2 of the world cup of gay rugby as teams from around the world prepared to do battle.





Friday, August 29, 2014

St. Louis Rams announce 17 players cut - Michael Sam still in the mix


The St. Louis Rams cut 17 players today, and Michael Sam remains in the mix so far.

The roster is now down to 58 players. NFL rules state teams must cut to 53 players by 4pmET on Saturday.

USA Today's TomPelissero tweeted:



NFL.com's Michael Silver sent this to his followers:



Today's cuts leave 11 defensive lineman still on the team. Conventional wisdom says the Rams will keep nine or 10 DL players.

According to Jim Buzinski, these are the possible scenarios facing Sam:

• The Rams go with nine defensive lineman, keep Sam and cut Westbrooks.
• The Rams go with nine defensive lineman, keep Westbrooks and cut Sam.
• Rams go with nine defensive lineman, keep both Sam and Westbrooks, and trade a veteran for a need elsewhere.
• Rams go with 10 defensive lineman, keep both Sam and Westbrooks.

If cut, Sam will be available to the other 31 teams for 24 hours. If he gets claimed, he will have a spot on the roster of that team. If he is not claimed, he can be added to the Rams' 10-man practice squad. This means he can practice with the team but not play, and his salary would be much less than the $440,000 he would get for making the roster; practice players are guaranteed a minimum salary of $6,300 per week for the 17-week season.

Interesting to note: the Rams have already cut the 214th and 226th picks made in the 2014 NFL Draft. As we all know, Michael Sam was famously selected with the 249th pick.

A press conference has been scheduled by the Rams for 4:30pmET on Saturday.

(via OutSports)

Florida: Charlie Crist asks Gov. Rick Scott to drop appeals against same-sex marriage


Democratic candidate for governor Charlie Crist wrote an open op-ed letter to GOP Gov. Rick Scott on Friday asking him to drop any appeals to the recent court rulings that found Florida's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

Via the Miami Herald:

"Dear Governor Scott: Four years ago, a district court of appeals ruled Florida’s ban on gay and lesbian adoption unconstitutional. When the ruling came down, I believed it was my job as Governor to exercise the authority vested in me by the people and our Constitution. The day the judge ruled, I declared Florida’s adoption ban over. Gay and lesbian parents began adopting the children they loved immediately. It is one of my proudest moments as an elected official.

"Last Thursday Federal District Judge Robert Hinkle gave you the same chance to speak out for what is right when, in a ruling that would apply statewide, he struck down Florida’s ban on same sex marriage. By declaring the marriage ban finished you could discourage any future appeals and end the nightmare that loving same sex couples all across our state endure every single day, ending court battles that could drag on for months or years.

[snip]

"You have the power to end the suffering of people like Arlene Goldberg. Last March, Arlene lost her wife and partner of 47 years, Carol Goldwasser. At a moment of enormous and understandable grief, Arlene had to suffer the humiliation of not being listed as Carol’s wife on the death certificate. Even worse, she lost her home because she was denied the social security benefits they had earned.

"When faced with a very similar decision four years ago I did what I believed was best for Florida and best for the thousands of children waiting to be adopted by loving parents. Today, I urge you to do what’s best for Floridians and declare the state will not be challenging Judge Hinkle’s Order or any other orders supporting the rights of all Floridians to marry." - Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who supported his state's ban on same-sex marriage while in office."

It should be noted that when Crist previously served as the governor of Florida (as a Republican), he supported the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

President Obama's tan suit throws Twitter-verse into turmoil


Apparently, the world was rocked by the fact that President Obama appeared at a press conference in a tan suit.  In fact, the tan suit gained it's own hashtag (#tansuit) and Twitter handle.

Summer sartorial decisions are now dominating the news cycle?

SRSLY?

Just a sample of tweets below:









California man sues Little Caesars for denying health benefits for his legal spouse


A California man is suing pizza company Little Caesars (crappy pizza anyway) because he was denied health benefits for his husband - a benefit that every other legally married employee receives.

The Advocate has the details:

Frank Bernard started working as a manager for the pizza chain in March and became eligible for benefits after 90 days, reports Courthouse News Service. However, the company declined to insure his husband, Carl.

He complained multiple times to Little Caesars Enterprises and its parent company, Ilitch Holdings, both based in Michigan, and he was told company policy is not to offer benefits to same-sex spouses. He received a letter from human resources explaining the company’s definition of spouse for benefits purposes: “Spouse means the one person to whom you are legally married under the laws of the state in which you reside, including a common law spouse, and who is the opposite gender from you.”

In a marriage equality state like California, if employers offer benefits to opposite-sex spouses, they generally have to offer them to legally married same-sex spouses as well, noted Bernard and his attorney, Gloria Allred. But Ilitch Holdings officials told Bernard that since the company is based in Michigan, where same-sex couples do not have marriage rights, it did not have to offer the benefits.

Watch the report from Los Angeles ABC affiliate KABC:


Georgia: Young man who experienced physical abuse in coming out to family shares with Dr. Drew


Daniel Ashley Pierce, whose coming out to his family turned into physical abuse resulting in his being "disowned" and thrown out of his home, was interviewed via phone by Dr. Drew Pinsky on HLN today.

Pierce was asked about his outlook at life having experienced both the ugliness of his family's reaction and the widespread positive support he's received, in part through a GoFundMe campaign set up by his boyfriend to help him get on his feet.

Via the Advocate:

"I am so overwhelmed with joy," Pierce told the panelists of the massive outpouring of support sparked by the video's viral fame. "I am very blessed to have all of the comments and the messages and everything that everyone has done — the donations, all of that — has been a big surprise. It's helping me get through the day."

"I want to give a portion of it back to the cause," Pierce said. "I'm going to get actively involved with as many organizations as I can. My main focus with the video was … I want to bring awareness that this is still happening. If it saves one kid the misery of what I went through, I will be satisfied."

At this writing, the GoFundMe campaign - originally set up with a goal of $2,000 has raised more than $80,000. Pierce says he plans to use part of the funds to help other LGBT youth.

Another flight diverted over "recline rage"


I'm sure everyone heard about the big "Knee Defender" story on a United Airlines flight from Newerk, New Jersey to Denver which had to divert to Chicago when two passengers got into such a heated argument about "reclining rights" that one threw a cup of water in the other's face.

Well - a flight has been diverted AGAIN due to "recline rage" and this time someone was arrested.

The flight was going from Miami to Paris. A man on the flight grew very cross with the woman reclining in front of her, and reportedly blew a gasket over it. He got so angry that when a crew member tried to calm him down, he followed him and grabbed his arm.

Two air marshals ended up handcuffing the rowdy man and the flight diverted to Boston. State police arrested him, and he was brought to the hospital immediately for a health evaluation.

I haven't weighed in on the big "reclining rights" debate but I do solidly land in the "if your seat CAN recline, you have the right to do so." I feel like the reclining aspect of the seat I purchase is part of my contract with the airline.

Certainly, if the flight is short and the person behind me is seriously long-legged, I'm not such an ass that I can't deal with being "recline-free" for an hour perhaps.

But, I specifically book only aisle seats, and only seats that recline. I purposefully do not book a seat in the row directly in front of the exit row because experience shows those do not recline (mainly because if there was an emergency a reclining seat would block the exit).

I know there are tall people who are crowded for space. I know there are folks who don't want someone's head in their nose. I know, I know.

But given the odd curve of an airline seat, I can't sit with my back "rounded" for three, four or five hours. Just can't do it.

I do find that by consolidating the majority of my travel on one airline, I at least gain some "status" in a frequent flier program so that when I book travel I can choose the slightly roomier "Economy Plus" seats when I'm traveling in Coach (ugh). I encourage everyone to do the same.

Valium is also a very useful additive to any travel day I find.

And, of course, more wine :)

California Assembly passes ban on so-called "gay panic" defense


According to the Fresno Bee, California may soon become the first state in the country to ban the use of "gay panic" defense in murder cases.

The California Assembly approved AB2501 by a vote of 50-10 this past Wednesday. The legislation would bar defendants from using a victims' sexual orientation or gender as a basis for a so-called "panic defense."

Currently, California allows for murder charges to be reduced to lesser crimes like manslaughter if the killer claims they "panicked" upon discovering someone was gay or transgender.

The American Bar Association has previously announced it's support for reducing the use of panic defenses.

The bill is now on it's way to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.

Trailer: Transparent


Amazon  will release a full 10-episode season of it's latest original series programming, Transparent on September 26th.

Created by award-winning director Jill Soloway (Six Feet Under, United States of Tara), the half-hour dark comedy, family-centric series starring Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light (a major favorite of mine), Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker and Jay Duplass.

Quirks, neuroses and family dynamics are front and center including father figure Tambor's embrace of his cross-dressing self.  Gay, straight, lesbian, trans - it's all in here.

Check out the trailer below:






(h/t JMG)

Las Vegas: Cast of "Michael Jackson ONE" gives sexy Vegas treatment to "A Place With No Name"


Dancers from the cast of  Michael Jackson ONE in Las Vegas celebrate the release of single number two - "A Place With No Name" - from Michael’s album XSCAPE.

With a nod to America's "A Horse With No Name" and the official video for "A Place With No Name," the gorgeous and creative cast takes you on a journey through the Nevada desert to the oasis that is Michael Jackson ONE.

Michael Jackson ONE, currently in long-term residence at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, is easily one of my favorite shows to hit the Strip.  With stunning choreography and lighting, the show utilizes Jackson's music perfectly.

Be sure and catch a performance of the show on your next visit to Las Vegas; and pick up your copy of XSCAPE on iTunes or Amazon.




Las Vegas Mens Chorus tonight - "United In Song"


Tonight, at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center, the Las Vegas Mens Chorus will present ONE VOICE - United In Song, a concert to kick off Las Vegas Pride Week.  So, get out tonight and get your pride on!

Details below:

Friday, August 29 - 7:30 p.m.

At The Gay & Lesbian Community Center
401 S. Maryland Parkway - (between Charleston & Fremont)
Las Vegas, Nevada

$10 at the door - (16 and under - FREE)
OPEN TO ALL - doors open at 7 p.m.

20 year old Georgia man finds physical abuse in coming out to family, but kindness from strangers


I'm updating this post from yesterday when I reported on a 20 year-old man in Georgia who found verbal and physical abuse in coming out to his family.

The good news appears to be that good-hearted strangers are opening their wallets to help young Daniel Ashley Pierce avoid being homeless with a GoFundMe campaign that, at this writing, has raised over $63K.

The story began with the posting of a video made by Daniel as he tried to address coming out to his family.

On Facebook, Daniel Ashley Pierce posted this yesterday:

“What a day…. i thought that waking up at 9:48 and being 15 mins late to work was going to be the biggest problem today. but i didn’t know that my biggest problem was going to be getting disowned and kicked out of my home of almost twenty years. to add insult to injury my step mother punched me in the face repeatedly with my grandmother cheering her along. i am still in complete shock and disbelief….”

Daniel added to the original Facebook video thread "Physically i am okay my step mother did a number on my face and lip but its not worth me worrying about."

Daniel's family has not contacted the media, but Daniel does share that his family asked that he take down the video that captures their repugnant behavior.  I hope the video stays on the internet forever to remind folks of the dangers and hideous behavior that can be inflicted on youth as they deal with who they are.

I'm glad to see that Daniel is now in safe quarters with supportive family and friends.

There are thousands of "at-risk" homeless LGBT youth who are out in the cold without support because of similar experiences in coming out.  As I celebrate the internet's fantastic support of Daniel, I do ask that if you are moved by this story, to remember shelters like the fantastic Ali Forney Center in NYC which helps over 1,000 young people a year if and when you have a few dollars to donate.

2014 Bingham Cup begins in Australia


Did someone say "Rugby?"

The Bingham Cup is held every two years, inviting rugby players from all over the world - regardless of their sexual orientation - to come enjoy the sport they love without fear of judgement or discrimination.

Called the "World Cup of Gay Rugby," the event is named after Mark Bingham who died standing up to terrorists on Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Bingham was a sports enthusiast who played rugby for the San Francisco Fog.

Thirty rugby teams from 15 countries will take part in this year's event, which runs through August 31.



Brad Thorson - San Francisco Fog Centre

Chris Buckmaster - Kings Cross Steelers Captain

Joan Rivers in medically induced coma, resting comfortably


According to reports, Joan Rivers is resting comfortably in a medically induced coma after a near-fatal incident at an Upper East Side clinic where the comic superstar suffered respiratory failure.

Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where her daughter Melissa is by her side:

Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, dashed from LA to New York and arrived at the hospital at around 8pm and was ushered to the 11th floor luxury room in which her mother is now said by doctors to be in a stable condition.

She released a statement thanking everyone for their messages of support and gave a brief update on her mother's condition.

'I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support for my mother,' Melissa Rivers said in a statement.

'She is resting comfortably and is with our family. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.'

Thursday, August 28, 2014

It's National Bow Tie Day!

Chippendales celebrates National Bow Tie Day with instructions on how to  put that bow tie on - before you take it off...

And when I think of bow ties, you know who crosses my mind :)

Chippendales celebrates National Bow Tie Day with instructions on how to  put that bow tie on - before you take it off.

So You Think You Can Dance - Final 4 "Wind Beneath My Wings"


Well, I really like this.

This dance, choreographed by Travis Wall, opened last night's show and is apparently one of the few times, SYTYCD has utilized same-sex partners actually dancing with each other in a some-what romantic scenario.

Clearly the theme of the dance references LGBT equality and same-sex marriage. On top of the excellent execution by the final four dancers (Valerie Rockey, Ricky Ubeda, Jessica Richens, and Zack Everhart Jr.), the choreography is creative, current and thoughtful.

By the way, the recording of "Wind Beneath My Wings" was by Canadian twins RyanDan. You can find the recording here on iTunes.




New "Survivor" cast members - Josh and Reed


Meet Josh (the blond) & Reed (the brunette). This dating couple from NYC, who are both Broadway performers, will be competing on the new season of Survivor for the million dollar prize.

Reed and Josh both feel that because they are "fun" folks won't be so quick to vote them off. Although, Reed doubts Josh's ability to fool people saying he doesn't have a good poker face.

The couple also mention that their shared faith - both are Christian - is a big part of their relationship.

Check out the duo below, and tune in for the Season Premiere of Survivor: San Juan del Sur - Blood vs. Water Wednesday, September 24th at 8/7c. Only CBS

Where The Bears Are - Season 3: Episode 6 "Country Bear Jamboree"



This episode: The Bears don cowboy hats to blend in with the crowd at a country western bar in the valley where the Chunk models hang out in order to find out who may have had a motive to off Cody Summers.

Meanwhile, Wood works to win back Austin’s trust, Reggie clashes with rival news reporter Ronnie Bishop and Todd is threatened by Buzz’s obvious attraction to Nelson.

Warning - NSFW

Joan Rivers in critical condition after outpatient surgery


According to reports, Joan Rivers stopped breathing during an outpatient surgical procedure on her vocal chords.  She was immediately rushed to a NYC hospital.

From TMZ:

Joan Rivers was rushed to a hospital in New York City moments ago ... after she stopped breathing during a surgery on her throat ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Rivers was undergoing the throat procedure in a clinic (specifically on her vocal chords) ... when she stopped breathing during the surgery.

Sources say 81-year-old Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in New York.

We're told ... at one point, Joan's heart stopped beating.

It's unclear if doctors were able to restart the comic's heart.

UPDATE: AFP reports that Rivers' condition is "stable." Good news. Stay tuned.

via Chexy Decimal

Your brain on coffee - the world's favorite drug


How does the world's favorite drug ACTUALLY affect your brain? And can you overdoes on caffeine?

There's a little bit more to it than you think.

From the smart guys at AsapSCIENCE.

Dolly Parton takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge


She said we'd never see her in a wet t-shirt but here she is, and she's as charming as ever.

When asked if she wanted to take off her shoes first, she replies "No, my shoes are plastic.  But then again, so's the rest of me."

What a great sport. Donate to the ALS by clicking here.

And make sure you check out Dolly's latest album, "Blue Smoke," by clicking here.

Son comes out to family, gets physically abused and disowned


Very sad story. A young Georgia man comes out to his family - probably one of the most vulnerable moments in his life.

From the clip description, Daniel was given two choices - attend a "pray the gay away" intervention or be disowned by his family.  The discussion quickly escalates to shouting and then physical abuse.

It's tough to listen to but this is how coming out can go for some folks. And it's hideous. From the grandmother:

“Since you have chosen that path, we will not support you any longer. You will need to move out and find wherever you can to live, and do what you want to. ‘Cause I will not let people believe that I condone what you do.”
I do encourage everyone to listen and hear the bile in his family's voices. It's important to understand the hate young people coming out can face. Then, please share this link.  If you ever wondered why LGBT advocates raise their voices, here you go.

A post on Reddit by someone who says they are his boyfriend wrote this:

Bros, my boyfriend got kicked out of his home and disowned yesterday. It's been a really traumatic experience for him, and I feel so terrible and angry that this happened.
Fortunately, he's living with a friend for now. Seems like he can be there long-term until he's able to support himself.
I'm so sad that so many people have to go something like this. For any of you that have, what's the best way I can support him?

A fundraiser has been set up to help Daniel get on his feet since he was kicked out of his home.

Thinking best thoughts for Daniel. Please do the same.


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Another right wing myth goes down: Obama's vacation days


It's a popular myth for the right wing to bellow about the "extreme" number of days that President Obama has taken.

Except...

The last couple of 2-term GOP Presidents took a WHOLE lot more vacation days than Obama.

I don't remember them complaining about that, do you?

Oh - and the stock market didn't double under them, either.

And we have never had 53 straight months of positive job growth until Obama.

Pesky, pesky facts...

Read full details at Politifact.

Colton Haynes on the set of ARROW giving you sexy leather costume

Can't wait for the new season of ARROW!

Accuser drops sex abuse lawsuit against X-MEN director Bryan Singer

Bryan Singer

Variety reports that after a whole lot of bluster and attention, the sex abuse lawsuit against X-MEN director Bryan Singer has died a quiet, voluntary death:

The sexual abuse suit against Bryan Singer has been dropped by accuser Michael Egan, four months after the “X-Men: Days of Future Past” director was accused of abusing Egan when he was a minor.

A federal judge granted Egan’s motion for motion for voluntary dismissal in U.S. District Court in Hawaii on Wednesday.

Egan has also dropped his lawsuits against former Disney executive David Neuman and former TV exec Garth Ancier.

SCOTUS sees more requests for same-sex marriage appeals from Oklahoma and Virginia


Plenty of requests for the US Supreme Court regarding marriage equality today.

Lawyers for Oklahoma couple Mary Bishop and Sharon Baldwin have filed a request for SCOUTS to take up their case. The couple successfully sued Tulsa County Clerk Sally Howe Smith for refusing to issue a marriage license due to a state ban on same-sex marriage.

Last month the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judges ruling that Oklahoma's ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional.

Smith's lawyers have already filed a similar appeal to SCOTUS earlier this month.

Over in Virginia, the American Foundation for Equal Rights have filed what is now the third request to SCOTUS regarding that state's same-sex marriage ban.

“Forty-seven years ago, Mildred and Richard Loving passionately argued that the Supreme Court must end the unjust laws that dare to tell us who we can and cannot love,” said Plaintiffs’ lead co-counsel Ted Olson.

“Today, almost half a century later, it is time thousands of gay and lesbian couples across America are extended that same promise of equality and freedom that the Supreme Court granted to the Lovings. Our plaintiffs have already fought for, in two separate courts, a constitutional promise they have been denied. Now, the Supreme Court must take up the Bostic case, answer once and for all the surpassingly important constitutional question of marriage equality, and rule decisively in favor of the fundamental right to marry for every same-sex couple.”

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and the Alliance Defending Freedom (acting for the Norfolk County Clerk) had both recently filed similar requests for review.