News Round-Up: April 17, 2018

Christian Olivo

Some news items you might have missed:

• Actor, model and man-in-motion Christian Olivo (above) already had my "abs-olute" attention but then sealed the deal with an 80s caption - “Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?" Photography by David Wagner

• A gay music teacher in Burlington, Illinois, was reprimanded after his husband sent him flowers on Valentine's Day. Now, if it had been his wife, do you think anyone would have said anything?

• Last of a dying breed, moderate Republican Congressman Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania surprised many today with his announcement that he will retire in a matter of weeks. Back in December, Dent had shared he planned to leave office after the November mid-terms this fall. I'm not sure what happened that led him to depart early.

After discussions with my family & careful reflection, I have decided to leave Congress in the coming weeks. Serving the people of #PA15 has been a tremendous responsibility & the privilege of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/p8mik6s8ix

— Rep. Charlie Dent (@RepCharlieDent) April 17, 2018

• JoeMyGod notes that not one anti-LGBT bill has passed in state legislatures this year. But Joe rightfully points out the looming SCOTUS ruling on the anti-gay Masterpiece Bakery ruling which could have a huge impact on LGBT rights.

• A new video series, “No Longer Alone,” highlights queer voices from the Middle East and North Africa.

• A 23-year-old man in the UK says the painkiller Lyrica turned him gay.

Hello, Walmart, I'd like to order a case of Lyrica to be delivered to Chris Pratt...

A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Aug 16, 2016 at 9:36am PDT