LGBTQ News: FL cuts access to HIV meds assistance, new Bob Mackie Doc-Film, and more

The latest episode of "The Randy Report" podcast is up, including reports on: 

• The state of Florida drastically reduced the number of people who are eligible for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program

• The terrific new documentary "Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion" chronicling the creative genius of the legendary fashion/costume designer, now on HBO Max, featuring interviews with Cher, Carol Burnett, and Elton John

• Two major medical groups are shifting their positions on gender-affirming care for young people

• Plus more LGBTQ news in a quick 10-min listen. 

Link (no ads!): https://soundcloud.com/randyslovacek/lgbtq-news-the-netherlands

The Randy Report - LGBTQ News · LGBTQ News: The Netherlands' out gay Prime Minister, Bob Mackie documentary + more

Jimmy Kimmel Returns To The Air

Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air and spoke about all of the people who have reached out over the last six days, including fellow late-night talk show hosts, fans of the show, and those who don’t support what he believes but support his right to share those beliefs anyway. 

 He also made a point to say that it was never his intention to make light of the murder of far-right activist Charlie Kirk, and how important it is to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. 

 While he started out on the more sober side, he did lean into some laughs. 

 Jimmy also chatted with the new FCC Chairman (Academy Award winner Robert De Niro) and dove into Trump’s day addressing the United Nations, the escalator breaking, the teleprompter having trouble, and the headache he’s creating with Bobby Brainworm over Tylenol.

   

 And yes, the viewership was waaaaaaay up. The YouTube clip has nearly 12 million views less than 12 hours later. 

By the way, YouTube is my preferred way to catch Kimmel's monologue. So much so that YouTube puts his latest monologue in my 'Recommended' feed the minute I log on :) 
Of course, the Donald took to his failing Truth Social platform to toss a word salad or two about Kimmel's return. 

Florida Tries To Erase Pulse Nightclub Memorial Crosswalk + More LGBTQ News

In this week’s episode of The Randy Report podcast: The Florida Department of Transportation erased the Pulse Nightclub memorial rainbow crosswalk in the middle of the night. Plus... 

 • An appeals court has ruled that West Texas A&M University’s ban on drag shows is likely to be unconstitutional 

 • A trans woman has been found guilty of “sexual assault” after not revealing her gender identity to a male sexual partner 

 • And the new Netflix series “BOOTS” is an offbeat comedic drama series following a closeted young man and his best friend through U.S. Marines boot camp (photo)

 All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

 

Podcast: New Web Series 'The Nature Of Us' + More LGBTQ News

In this week's episode of The Randy Report podcast: 

• The enchanting new web series "The Nature Of Us" follows two young gays fresh out of high school, looking for a sign to lead them to what comes next. 

 • The Air Force has reversed on an option for transgender military service members to take early retirement, opting instead to force them out with no retirement benefits

 • The U.S. Supreme Court has been formally asked to reconsider its 2015 ruling that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide

 All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report. Find past episodes on all major podcast platforms.
   

Podcast: Navy To Remove Harvey Milk's Name + Best States For LGBTQ Safety + More LGBTQ News

In this week’s episode of The Randy Report podcast:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the US Navy to remove pioneering gay rights activist Harvey Milk’s name from a ship. Plus...

• A new report ranks the best and worst states for LGBTQ safety.

• The Missoula city council designates Pride flag as "official city flag" in order to sidestep a new Montana law banning Pride flags.

• Pride Flags fly over Hawaii’s capital for the first time this Pride Month

All that and more LGBTQ news in this episode of The Randy Report. Hit the play button below. 

Happy Pride!

The Randy Report Podcast - LGBTQ News · LGBTQ News: Defense Sec orders Harvey Milk's name removed from ship, Pride flags in Hawaii, and more

Exciting News Here At The Randy Report

I can't believe I'm actually writing this!

After over 8 years of hosting The Randy Report on Blogger.com, I've finally launched the blog at my own domain, TheRandyReport.com.

I've been meaning to do this for years but never made the time. Thank you to everyone who has followed me here since 2011.

Please bookmark the new site - www.TheRandyReport.com - and visit me there (often, I hope). 

You can also follow me on my award-winning podcast, The Randy Report, here.

In addition to being a more sleek, modern style, the new website loads and functions much faster.

Here's a sample of what you'll find.

All of my previous content has been copied over to the new site, but I plan on leaving this version of TRR here on Blogger as an archive because, you know, just in case...

There will be some kinks to work out as I get used to the workflow, but I'm excited about this next chapter for The Randy Report.

#Forward

First Look At New Netflix Series 'The Politician' Starring Ben Platt

Ben Platt in The Politician

Check out the latest from producer Ryan Murphy, who gave us Glee, American Horror Story, and Pose - the new original comedy series, The Politician.

This is the first series for the streaming service from Murphy, who last year signed a five-year $300 million contract with the company.

The show will be an anthology series, like Murphy's American Horror Story and American Crime Story, wherein each season will tell its own tale.

In Season One, Payton Hobart, played by Tony Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen), is a wealthy student from Santa Barbara, California, who's known since age seven that he's going to be the President of the United States.

But before he can get to the White House, he'll have to navigate the most treacherous political landscape of all: Saint Sebastian High School.

The longterm plan is: get elected Student Body President, get into Harvard, and no matter what - keep his eye on that Oval Office prize.

But first, Payton will have to outmaneuver his cold-blooded, cunning classmates without sacrificing his own morality and carefully crafted image.

Even his mother, played by Oscar-winner Gywneth Paltrow, admits to Payton, "Your ambition frightens me."

The sly, satirical dark comedy offers a rare glimpse into just what it takes to make a politician.

The trailer is a fast-paced affair and includes a same-sex kiss for Platt - so don't blink.

Bette Midler recently announced on Twitter that she and LGBTQ ally Judith Light have also joined the cast.

It's worth hitting the play button just to see Jessica Lange wonder why calling a gay man a 'butt-muncher' would be a scandal: "It's what gays do - munch butt and celebrate Halloween..."

The Politician premieres on Netflix September 27.

Magnum Ice Cream Apologizes For Comparing Eating Ice Cream To Being Imprisoned For Being Gay

(image via Magnum Ice Cream)

After receiving a ton of heat on social media, Magnum Ice Cream has issued an apology for a Spotify ad in the U.K. that compared the 'guilty pleasure' of eating ice cream to gay people being imprisoned.

In the spot, a voiceover says, “A hug for my boyfriend—that’s my guilty pleasure. Because in my country, just a simple hug with the man I love could send me to prison for more than 10 years.”

The ad didn't specify which country by name.

Folks on social media clapped back calling the spot "racist" and "homophobic."

@MagnumIceCream your advert comparing the potential to be killed if you're gay to the guilty pleasure of eating a magnum is disgusting, racist and homophobic. Please withdraw it immediately.

— nell blane (@firegoat67) August 5, 2019

At the beginning of the backlash, a Magnum spokesperson told Newsweek that the aim of the spot was “to remind people that what is considered a guilty pleasure isn’t always what you would expect.”

A Magnum spokesperson has now issued a statement apologizing for the ad.

“Magnum has a history of championing LGBTQ+ rights and Pride Month is a moment when lots of us celebrate progress," read the statement. "We’re sorry for any offence caused by the advert, which aimed to bring awareness to the injustices people still face around the world."

NYPD Fires Officer For Chokehold Death Of Eric Garner

New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill

From The New York Times:

The New York City police officer whose chokehold was partly blamed for Eric Garner’s death in police custody in 2014 was fired from the Police Department on Monday, ending a bitter, five-year legal battle that had cast a shadow over the nation’s largest police force and the city it protects.

The police commissioner, James P. O’Neill, dismissed the officer, Daniel Pantaleo, just over two weeks after a police administrative judge found him guilty of violating a department ban on chokeholds.

“The unintended consequence of Mr. Garner’s death must have a consequence of its own,” Mr. O’Neill said. “Therefore I agree with the deputy commissioner of trial’s legal findings and recommendations. It is clear that Daniel Pantaleo can no longer effectively serve as a New York City police officer.”

The leader of the city’s largest police union immediately denounced the decision, saying Mr. O’Neill had bowed to “anti-police extremists” and that Mr. Pantaleo’s dismissal sent a message that the city did not stand behind its officers when they make arrests.

BREAKING: "The unintended consequence of Mr. Garner's death must have a consequence of its own."

NYPD officer involved in Eric Garner's death fired, NYPD commissioner announces: https://t.co/p5TX3vVZ3M pic.twitter.com/r6NMl9ny0Y

— ABC News (@ABC) August 19, 2019

“Eric Garner was killed five years ago. It took five years for the officer to be fired. I don’t want another Eric Garner,” says one of his daughters, Emerald Garner, after the firing of NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo. https://t.co/2yCV0s6rPc pic.twitter.com/ijoSsxKHzY

— CNN (@CNN) August 19, 2019

Garner died on July 17, 2014, after Officer Pantaleo tackled him from behind, then, along with other officers, jumped on top of Garner.

Video footage of the arrest showing Garner struggling for breath and repeatedly saying — “I can’t breathe” — quickly went viral and galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement.

Garner was being arrested on charges of selling untaxed, individual cigarettes on a street corner. For that crime, he was choked to death.

After watching the video himself, O'Neill said he came to two conclusions: Garner should not have resisted arrest; and that while Pantaleo began the interaction appropriately, the officer escalated to a prohibited chokehold.

I have this to say: at the time of his death, there were four - FOUR - police officers holding Garner down.

Nine times Garner, who was unarmed, said, "I can't breathe."

With three other police officers with him, couldn't Pantaleo have loosened his (prohibited) chokehold just a bit?

Eric Garner’s final words before then Officer Daniel Pantaleo used an illegal and fatal chokehold on Garner in 2014. pic.twitter.com/Wegv7DXmh2

— Karine Jean-Pierre (@K_JeanPierre) August 19, 2019

When someone claims white privilege is a myth, tell him/her about the tragic death of Eric Garner pic.twitter.com/OQDmzYnUOI

— elenadreams (@elenadreams2) August 19, 2019

Trump Lies Again Claiming He Won 2016 Popular Vote

Donald Trump

Citing a conservative group known for spreading false conspiracy theories, Donald Trump again claimed his 2016 electoral was "even bigger than thought" as he accused Google of "manipulating" votes in the last presidential election.

"Wow, Report Just Out! Google manipulated from 2.6 million to 16 million votes for Hillary Clinton in 2016 Election!" Trump tweeted. "This was put out by a Clinton supporter, not a Trump Supporter! Google should be sued. My victory was even bigger than thought!"

Trump tagged Judicial Watch, which has a long history of targeting Democrats via unsubstantiated lawsuits.

However, study after study, investigation after investigation, show that no tangible voter fraud has ever been found, let alone millions and millions of manipulated votes.

As has been well-documented, Hillary Clinton lost the electoral college to Trump 304 to 227. But, due to high population blue states like California and New York, he garnered nearly 3 million more votes than Trump.

My question is: if the election was rigged in Hillary's favor by such powerful interests like Google and Russia (as Trump claims), why isn't she president?

Wow, Report Just Out! Google manipulated from 2.6 million to 16 million votes for Hillary Clinton in 2016 Election! This was put out by a Clinton supporter, not a Trump Supporter! Google should be sued. My victory was even bigger than thought! @JudicialWatch

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2019

Even Hillary Clinton clapped back at the nonsense:

The debunked study you’re referring to was based on 21 undecided voters. For context that’s about half the number of people associated with your campaign who have been indicted. https://t.co/0zHnWvGjSv

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 19, 2019

When I was in my polling station I saw Google walking around pressing buttons on the voting machines. Wondered what he was doing there. 16M you say? So this Google dude manipulated over 1M votes an hour on election day. If he's that fast you should hire him to count your lies.

— "CRAZY" Facts Do Matter (@WilDonnelly) August 19, 2019

This comes in a long string of allegations of election fraud by Trump.

Last week, at a New Hampshire rally, the Donald told his followers that voter fraud was to blame for his losing the Granite State’s four electoral votes in 2016. He told the crowd in Manchester, "It was taken away from us."

And over the weekend, he insinuated to reporters in New Jersey that undocumented immigrants were to blame saying “many, many people voted that shouldn't have been voted,” coming back repeatedly to “some people voted many times.”

But Ellen Weintraub, the chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission, quickly dispatched a letter to Trump calling for him “to provide any evidence” that could back up those statements.

“To put it in terms a former casino operator should understand: There comes a time when you need to lay your cards on the table or fold,” wrote Weintraub.

"Facts matter. And people of America need to be able to believe what their leaders tell them,” Weintraub said Monday.

He'll never get over losing by 3 million votes, even with Russia's help.

— Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) August 19, 2019

Colton Haynes: 'I Don't Want Worrying If I Look Hot On Instagram To Be My Legacy'

Colton Haynes (images via Instagram)

Sunday evening, Arrow star Colton Haynes took a different tone on his Instagram account as he addressed how projecting “a curated life” has taken a toll on his mental health.

The post, which he labeled ‘Throwback,’ included a collection of selfies from what appear to be past hospital stays. The images are a stark contrast from his Instagram’s usual fare of frolicsome, sunlit beach moments and model-perfect photos.

And that would be the point.

“I don’t want worrying about if I look hot or not on Instagram to be my legacy,’ penned the 31-year-old. “I don’t want to skirt around the truth to please other people or to gain economic success.”

The former Teen Wolf actor shared with his 6.4 million followers that today he feels “immense joy” when someone shares that his “willingness to open up about depression, anxiety, alcoholism, & addiction has helped them in some way.”

In March of this year, Haynes openly addressed his struggles with mental health and addiction with Attitude Magazine saying, “In 10 years, there were maybe 25 days I didn’t drink.”

(image via Instagram)

He added that he had achieved six months of sobriety at the time.

In his recent Instagram post, he admits that while he’s “struggled the past year” with trying to “find his voice,” he regards the journey as “the most beautiful struggle I’ve ever had to go through.”

Pointing to his social media accounts, Haynes says he regrets the time he's spent worrying about "what time to post on social media so I can maximize my likes," calling those concerns " a complete waste of why I was put on this earth."

The point of the hospital photos, which he says were taken a year ago, is to “let y’all in on my truth.”

Reflecting on what he describes as “dark” times, he offers candidly, “I’m a human being with flaws like you.”

He closes the note with a word of encouragement to his fans: “If ur in the middle of the dark times…I promise you it doesn’t have to last forever.”

You can read the full Instagram post from Haynes below.

View this post on Instagram

Throwback. I don’t want worrying about if I look hot or not on Instagram to be my legacy. I don’t want to skirt around the truth to please other people or to gain economic success. I have far more important things to say than what magazine I just shot for or what tv show I’m a part of (Although I’m very thankful I still get to do what I love). I no longer want to project a curated life. I get immense joy when someone comes up to me & says that my willingness to open up about depression, anxiety, alcoholism, & addiction has helped them in some way. I’ve struggled the past year with trying to find my voice and where I fit in & that has been the most beautiful struggle I’ve ever had to go through. Worrying about what time to post on social media so I can maximize my likes or being mad at myself that I don’t look the same way I did when I was addicted to pills is a complete waste of why I was put on this earth. I’m posting these photos to let y’all in on my truth. I’m so grateful to be where I am now ( a year after these photos were taken) but man these times were dark. I’m a human being with flaws just like you. If ur in the middle of the dark times...I promise you it doesn’t have to last forever. Love y’all ❤️

A post shared by Colton Haynes (@coltonlhaynes) on Aug 18, 2019 at 4:04pm PDT

The practice of chasing 'Likes' on Instagram has become an issue of late as Facebook (which owns Instagram) recently announced the platform is currently running a test in seven countries where 'Likes' will no longer be visible to followers.

Instagram says it wants viewers to "focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.”

Podcast: Chatting With Journalist, Recording Artist & Red Carpet Ninja Corey Andrew

Join me as I chat with my Instinct Magazine colleague, Corey Andrew.

In addition to the terrific writing Corey contributes to Instinct, he also has an international music career as an accomplished singer/songwriter and producer with songs that have been streamed over a million times.

Working together, Corey and I realized we have many interests and friends in common having both arrived in New York City at around the same time in the late 1980s. So, our perspective on many topics jives with each other.

Corey Andrew

When I asked Corey to join me for a chat for the podcast, I said I’m going to hit record and we’ll go from there.

Along the way, we touch on how Corey approaches writing, bringing style to his red carpet interviews, his adventures covering World Pride this year in New York City, how music took his talents around the world, plus we chat on our connections to a certain famous Australian, and an Emmy nominated actor from the cast of POSE.

You can find Corey's music on Spotify here.

And make sure you check out his articles for Instinct Magazine here.

InstaHunk Round-Up: Weekend Edition

Ignacio Pérez Rey

Checking in with the Hunks of InstaLand.

First up - a rare photo of hunky Ignacio Pérez Rey NOT on a beach (above).

Next, Matthew Camp shows off his buffed up biceps:

View this post on Instagram

#gymrat #fatasss #cookiemonster #cakedecorating #buttercream #studmuffin #muffintop #allthat #wholegrainlowfat #iknowyouwantapieceofthat #butimjustheretodance

A post shared by Matthew Camp (@matthewcamp) on Aug 12, 2019 at 9:06am PDT

Fitness trainer Austin Martin flexed for the camera while zip-lining through the trees in St. Lucia:

View this post on Instagram

They told us to pose for the camera... what else was I supposed to do? 😂 From one of our stops during the cruise, St. Lucia. Such a great time with the fam🙌

A post shared by Austin Martin (@austin.mfit) on Aug 18, 2019 at 10:10am PDT

America's Got Talent alum Brian Justin Crum showed pride in his cactus:

View this post on Instagram

Like my 🌵?

A post shared by BrianJustinCrum (@brianjustincrum) on Aug 15, 2019 at 10:35am PDT

'Beef'-y Joel Buck was on the menu at Fire Island:

View this post on Instagram

it’s what’s for dinner

A post shared by Joel Buck (@joel_buck) on Aug 7, 2019 at 11:19am PDT

Handsome sax man Dave Koz is jazzed about headlining tonight's Smooth Summer Jazz concert at the iconic Hollywood Bowl tonight:

View this post on Instagram

There simply is no place like it, the iconic @hollywoodbowl It’s going down tonight!! Amazing blessing to headline this stage!! Tonight: #summerhorns plus #commodores #Hiroshima and @adamhawleymusic THE BEST!!

A post shared by Dave Koz (@davidstephenkoz) on Aug 18, 2019 at 12:27pm PDT

Fitness guru Ramses Principe (looking snack AF) is waxing wise today: "Character cannot be develop in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthen, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

View this post on Instagram

Character cannot be develop in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthen, ambition inspired, and success achieved. - Double tap if you’re chasing GREATNESS today!😎 - - 12 week & 30 day transformation programs available for weight loss or muscle gain!🚺🚹 ⏫CLICK LINK IN BIO TO GET STARTED NOW⏫

A post shared by Ramses Principe ✪ (@mia_fitness) on Aug 17, 2019 at 3:03pm PDT

And a 'cute but muddy' Max Emerson took a break from biking in Inyo National Forest:

View this post on Instagram

Cute. But muddy.

A post shared by Max Emerson (@maxisms) on Aug 18, 2019 at 12:38pm PDT