Kelly Clarkson Claps Back At Anti-LGBT Trolls On Twitter

Kelly Clarkson

Do not come for the gays on Kelly Clarkson’s Twitter account or you will be named and shamed.

On Sunday, the ever-and-always American Idol offered congrats to a couple of fans who had just tied the knot.

Congrats you two!! https://t.co/3l3jiq6EPL

— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) August 20, 2018

But one fan wasn’t down with Clarkson’s support for same-sex marriage, tweeting, “Sorry Kelly…. love your music but I don’t dig the dikes…still a sin any way you cut it.”

Sorry Kelly.... love your music but I don't dig the dikes...still a sin any way you cut it.

— Terri D Fallis (@Wildvine74104) August 20, 2018

The Voice judge clapped back saying originally she wasn’t going to give the hate a spotlight, but decided the truth was more important.

Clarkson tweeted: “I almost didn’t respond 2 this because hate doesn’t deserve a spotlight but u know what, truth does, & the truth is that God is Love, & Love shared between two people should be praised not condemned in my personal opinion. I love u 2 although we see the world/love differently.”

I almost didn’t respond 2 this because hate doesn’t deserve a spotlight but u know what, truth does, & the truth is that God is Love, & Love shared between two people should be praised not condemned in my personal opinion. I love u 2 although we see the world/love differently. https://t.co/63KjhMrZVU

— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) August 20, 2018

BOOM!

#WeLoveYouKellyClarkson

Years After Defending His Two Moms, Zach Wahls Wins Nomination For State Senate

Zach Wahls

It was just days after I launched The Randy Report that 19-year-old Zach Wahls of Iowa stood up in front of state lawmakers to introduce his two mothers as he argued for marriage equality in his state.

It was one of the most moving speeches I'd ever seen.

"I'm not really so different from any of your children. My family really isn't so different from yours. After all, your family doesn't derive its sense of worth from being told by the state, 'You're married—congratulations!' No, the sense of family comes from the commitment we make to each other, to work through the hard times so we can enjoy the good ones; it comes from the love that binds us. That's what makes a family."

Speaking to legislators about the importance of marriage equality to his family, Zach was beyond poised and focused. Here's the speech:

The Advocate called it "the most popular political video of 2011."

In 2012, the handsome 20-year-old Wahls released his book, My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family.

Last night, now-26-year-old Zach won his primary in Iowa as he runs to become a state senator in Iowa's District 37. The woofy Wahls garnered 60% of the vote in his race.

We won.

— Zach Wahls (@ZachWahls) June 6, 2018

Wahls moves on to the November election to fill the seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Bob Dvorsky, who announced his retirement after more than 30 years in the Iowa legislature.

If Wahls wins the seat, he will be one of the youngest people to ever serve in the state Senate.

Janet Jackson: LGBTs Are An All-Embracing Community That Has Always Inspired Me

(image via Instagram)

Speaking to Billboard, Janet Jackson shares how the LGBTQ community has inspired her work:

It’s a loving, all-embracing community that has always inspired me.

I don’t often listen to my own work, but when I go back to [1997’s] Velvet Rope, I put on “Together Again” and remember the friends I lost to AIDS.

It was important to me to honor them not mournfully but joyously in a celebratory song. Their spirit did so much to bolster mine.

Sometimes when people talk about Velvet Rope, they call it my edgiest or sexiest record. Yet the heart of the record is not about sex at all. It’s about how, in defiance of death, we will all be “together again.”

It’s an anthem to undying love.

MSNBC's Joy Reid Issues Apology Over "Hurtful" Old LGBT Blog Posts From Late 2000s

MSNBC's Joy Reid took time this morning on her show to address the ongoing debacle of whether she did or did not write homophobic/transphobic comments on her now-defunct blog during the mid-to-late 2000s.

The old posts were brought to light in December and at the time, Reid apologized for the content.

But then new posts were found by a social media adversary, and Reid told the press she didn't remember writing these new findings.

She hired a cybersecurity expert to explore if a hacker had modified and added content. But the expert hasn't been able to prove that theory.

So today Reid offered a flat-out unqualified apology.

“I’ve not been exempt from being dumb or cruel or hurtful to the very people I want to advocate for. I own that. I get it. And for that I am truly, truly sorry.”

"I genuinely do not believe I wrote those hateful things ... But I can definitely understand, based on things I have tweeted and have written in the past, why some people don't believe me."

Reid brings up the fact that the country is in a different place than it was ten or twelve years ago. And it's true.

People and attitudes do change. I've seen that from my perch here at The Randy Report.

In owning the transphobic and homophobic comments - comments I've heard many in the gay lesbian community make as well - she seems to come with a true apology.

I believe her, I accept her apology.

She is not our enemy. We have much bigger issues to address today.

Thank you, Joy Reid. Apology accepted.

Forward.

.@MSNBC's Joy Reid addresses homophobic blog posts:

"I genuinely do not believe I wrote those hateful things ... But I can definitely understand, based on things I have tweeted and have written in the past, why some people don't believe me." pic.twitter.com/PWjdPfs5KB

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 28, 2018

What’s the point of successfully changing the hearts and minds of people if we’re just going to throw their 10 year old comments back in their face?
Personally speaking, Joy Reid’s apology is accepted, with thanks for her continued support and advocacy.pic.twitter.com/IIJZ5EyLjR

— Greg Hogben (@MyDaughtersArmy) April 28, 2018

Allies show up.

I’m watching @JoyAnnReid.

Joy, you have my full support.

— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) April 28, 2018

What @JoyAnnReid just did is why I love & admire her. And I hope her heartfelt apology is accepted. That she is making no excuses & is taking full responsibility & is doing this panel says so much about her. It is something that I wish many would do. #StandWithJoy #AMJoy

— Lynn (@lynnv378) April 28, 2018

If #AMJoy is not good enough for the left, or for LGBTQ people as an ally, no one is. Whatever she wrote pales in comparison to things actual LGBTQ people sometimes write and never disown. Her apology is nuanced, sincere, contextualized. I accept it. You? https://t.co/5tzthqwf30 pic.twitter.com/MgiXXckSdq

— Boy Culture Blog (@mattrett) April 28, 2018

If anything, this targeted attack has strengthened Reid's support and credibility.#AMJOY https://t.co/iq2hImnCaq

— David Badash (@davidbadash) April 28, 2018

The weirdest part of this Joy Reid kerfuffle is watching viciously anti-gay right wingers pretending for a hot second that they actually care about civil rights for LGBT Americans just so they can attack a liberal media personality.

— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) April 28, 2018

Journalist Ronan Farrow Comes Out As "Part Of The LGBT Community"

Ronan Farrow at 2018 Point Foundation Gala
Photo credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Journalist Ronan Farrow came out as "part of the LGBT community" last night in New York City as he was presented with the Point Courage Award by MSNBC's Thomas Roberts, himself a past Point honoree.

The Point Courage Award recognizes those who have advocated for the future of the LGBTQ and allied community and believe investing in today's potential will produce a brighter tomorrow.

In his acceptance speech, Farrow said, in part:

"Being a part of the LGBT community – which recognized that reporting I was doing early on and elevated it, and has been such a stalwart source of support through the sexual assault reporting I did involving survivors who felt equally invisible – that has been an incredible source of strength for me.

"LGBT people are some of the bravest and most potent change agents and leaders I have encountered, and the most forceful defenders of the vulnerable and voiceless, because they know what it's like to be there."

Farrow's sexuality has been the source of quiet gossip since 2013. The 30-year-old didn't specify if he identifies as gay or bisexual.

Farrow has earned kudos for his in-depth reporting on the allegations of sexual misconduct by Harvey Weinstein and the emerging #MeToo movement.

Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti was honored as well with the Point Impact Award, which recognizes those who make a significant impact on improving the LGBT and allied community.

Wrestling Superstar Finn Bálor Makes His Wrestlemania Debut With Huge Show Of LGBTQ Support

Irish WWE wrestler Finn Bálor made a huge rainbow splash this weekend as he competed in his very first Wrestlemania in New Orleans.

Bálor entered the Mercedes-Benz SuperDome stadium surrounded by members of the New Orleans LBGQT community spreading a huge message of inclusion. His entourage was decked out in “For Everyone” t-shirts with a rainbow design.

Profits from Bálor's entrance t-shirt – black with a rainbow design - will be donated to LGBT advocacy group GLAAD, whose motto is "To promote understanding, increase acceptance, and advance equality.”

Finn Balor with the message of inclusion joined by the #LGBTQ community in his entrance hella respect for #BalorClub #WrestleMania #ICTitle pic.twitter.com/fWfEQVRTIS

— Jeremy (@Jeremy1P1) April 8, 2018

WWE is proud to announce that a portion of sales from my new shirt will benefit @GLAAD. Everyone deserves to be accepted & included! #BalorClubforEveryone https://t.co/8AzHINbhNr

— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) April 2, 2018

Finn's entrance still gives me such goosebumps and really makes me teary eyed. A wrestler of his magnitude having an entrance like that at the grandest stage of them all of professional wrestling is amazing. Thank you, @FinnBalor! 🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/6hpJA0cECY

— Emre. (@inzaynxprogress) April 9, 2018

Forreal
Forever
Foreveryone pic.twitter.com/uqgLeZW4Bw

— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) April 2, 2018

Imagine all the people living life in peace...💙💚💛🧡❤️
BálorClub fOreVERyone pic.twitter.com/poJjUhZEfp

— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) April 9, 2018

For real Forever For-everyone WWE is proud to announce that a portion of sales from my new shirt will benefit GLAAD. Everyone deserves to be accepted & included! #BalorClubforEveryone

A post shared by Finn Bálor Forever (@finnbalor) on Apr 2, 2018 at 12:16pm PDT

Cher Thrills 300K+ Crowd At Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

(Photo: YouTuber Frank Patti)

Thrilling her fans 'down under,' Cher dazzled the packed crowd of over 300,000 at Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras last night delivering a 20 minute set that included hits like “All or Nothing,” “Strong Enough," “Believe,” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.”

The international icon also made a surprise appearance earlier in the evening during the parade.

From The Guardian:

The singer, sporting bright orange hair and a low-cut black top with a silver-embroidered jacket, mingled with her many fans.

She said she loved the feeling of the parade and even chimed in about Australia’s passing of same-sex marriage laws.

“It’s about time,” Cher told reporters.

The American singer praised the Mardi Gras and said she wished she had attended one earlier.

“I love that everybody is having such a good time and there’s no feeling of any kind of anger, there’s no negativity and that’s what I like most,” Cher said.

“All the people with everything hanging out, and fabulous girls with their slap on and big hair and no clothes – I love it.”

Check out Cher's after-party performance below.

Burberry To Include New "Rainbow Check" In Honor Of LGBTQ Youth Organizations

Iconic fashion house Burberry shared on Instagram yesterday:

“Today we reveal #TheRainbowcheck and announce that #Burberry is supporting three LGBTQ+ charities, @AlbertKennedyTrust, @ILGAWorld and @TrevorProject, dedicated to broadening support for this community around the world. The rainbow, a symbol of inclusiveness and joy, is celebrated throughout the February 2018 collection.”

Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey added:

“My final collection here at Burberry is dedicated to and in support of – some of the best and brightest organisations supporting LGBTQ+ youth around the world. There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity lies our strength and our creativity.”

The autumn/winter 2018 collection will use the colors of the LGBTQ+ rainbow in the new rainbow pattern shown above. The collection will be presented on February 17 at London Fashion Week.

Today we reveal #TheRainbowcheck and announce that #Burberry is supporting three LGBTQ+ charities, @AlbertKennedyTrust, @ILGAWorld and @TrevorProject, dedicated to broadening support for this community around the world. The rainbow, a symbol of inclusiveness and joy, is celebrated throughout the February 2018 collection . ‘My final collection here at Burberry is dedicated to and in support of - some of the best and brightest organisations supporting LGBTQ+ youth around the world. There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity lies our strength, and our creativity.’ Christopher Bailey . #BurberryShow #LFW

A post shared by Burberry (@burberry) on Feb 12, 2018 at 6:27am PST

Britney Spears To Be Honored With Vanguard Award At Los Angeles GLAAD Media Awards

Britney Spears

GLAAD announced today that pop superstar Britney Spears will be honored with this year's Vanguard Award at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 12.

Via press release:

GLAAD’s Vanguard Award is presented to media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people. Previous honorees include Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Taylor, Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Barrymore, Janet Jackson, Demi Lovato, and Patricia Arquette.

Britney Spears is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon, and one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history with more than 100 million records sold worldwide. Spears is a longtime ally and supporter of the LGBTQ community. She has reliably stood up for LGBTQ youth on GLAAD’s Spirit Day by going purple on social media to speak out against bullying. In 2017, Spears was among 140 entertainers including Jennifer Lawrence, Ariana Grande, and Laverne Cox to speak out in an open letter against two anti-LGBTQ bills which targeted transgender youth in Texas and were later defeated.

Spears has a legacy of embracing her LGBTQ fans. Most recently, Spears penned a heartwarming love letter to the LGBTQ community with Billboard Pride in which she shared that the community’s unwavering loyalty and acceptance both uplift and inspire her. “I have a secret to share with you,” Spears wrote. “You see it’s actually you that lifts me up. The unwavering loyalty. The lack of judgment. The unapologetic truth. Acceptance! Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy, and make me and my sons strive to be better people.”

For information on how you can attend this year’s GLAAD Media Awards, visit glaad.org/mediaawards.

Chef Duff Goldman On Gay Wedding Cake Lawsuit At SCOTUS: "This Is Discrimination"

Chef Duff Goldman

Duff Goldman, celebrity baker and star of Food Network's Ace of Cakes, has penned an essay sharing his thoughts on the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.

As many know, baker Jack Phillips, who owns Masterpiece Cakeshop, refused to sell a gay couple a wedding cake in 2012 for their reception to be held in Colorado due to his being a "Christian."

Colorado has a long-standing public accommodations law that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. Goldman was sanctioned for breaking the state's anti-discrimination ordinance.

Phillips has appealed and lost a couple of times, and now heads to the U.S. Supreme Court to try and fight for legalized discrimination.

In his essay, fellow baker Duff explains why Phillips is wrong.

Here's an excerpt via People:

This is not about the cake. This is plainly and clearly distorting constitutional rights to justify discrimination against a LGBT people.

When a business chooses to open its doors to the public, and then chooses to sell cakes for wedding receptions, it doesn’t have the right to refuse to sell the product to people just because of their sexual orientation, or their gender identity, their race, or their religion.

I take a tremendous amount of pride in the products I create for my customers. As do a lot of people. Plenty of businesses sell products and services every day that include creativity: salons, caterers, retail outlets, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. But that doesn’t mean they are allowed to refuse service to people because they are gay, and it doesn’t mean that providing a service means you endorse an idea or message. It just means you are a public business and as such you are open to everyone in the public. I have a responsibility to treat all of my customers with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We decided a really long time ago that businesses don’t get to discriminate against their customers because of who they are. I mean, permitting business owners to pick and choose who they serve would be the equivalent of displaying a “wedding cakes for heterosexual people only” sign in storefront windows. And, if the Court decides that he can do that, what’s to stop another business owner from putting a sign that says “Men Only” or “Whites Only” or “Christians Only,” or any other sign that allows them to pick and choose?

This is wrong. We know it’s wrong. This is discrimination.

So as a business owner, and a maker of cakes, I am creative in making my products, and following laws against discrimination doesn’t encroach on my freedom of speech. But more importantly, this isn’t about cakes. It’s about discrimination.

Duff has also signed on to a "friend of the court" brief - Chefs for Equality - that has been filed in the SCOTUS case.

Hillary Clinton At The Human Rights Campaign National Dinner 2017

What can I say? Hillary Clinton addressed the Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in Washington, D.C. last night.

Via Politico:

Clinton took aim at the White House’s efforts to roll back the Affordable Care Act and ban transgender service members, as well as its silence on international LGBT issues, during her remarks at the national dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT rights organization.

…”You know and [Trump] knows that transgender people have fought and died for this country,” Clinton said, adding that it was “insulting and wrong” for his administration to suggest transgender troops are unfit to serve.

Trump’s Justice Department has also argued in court that LGBT people are not protected from discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, reversing a legal position trumpeted by the Obama administration. It also voted against a United Nations resolution that condemned use of the death penalty against those who engage in consensual same-sex relationships.

“We cannot rely on this administration or the Supreme Court to uphold LGBT rights,” Clinton said. “We need to be agitating to pass the Equality Act,” she added, referring to proposed legislation that would make housing and workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity illegal.

Clinton touched on many other topics, including the upcoming anti-gay Colorado baker lawsuit coming to SCOTUS: “It is just wrong that in 2017 you can lose your job, lose your home, or, if this administration gets its way, be denied a wedding cake simply because of who you are or who you love,” she said.

There's much more, but really, hit the play button below.

Please watch. Please. #ShesWithUs

Music Video: Maggie Szabo's "Don't Give Up" Is A Love Letter To Trans Youth

Maggie Szabo

Acclaimed Canadian pop singer/songwriter Maggie Szabo recently released her moving and uplifting new music video, "Don’t Give Up On Love," from her upcoming EP Worthy.

The video, a love letter of support to the LGBTQ community, tells the story of a transgender high school student attending prom.

Szabo's soaring vocals sweep across an emotional, anthemic musical landscape accompanied by gospel-tinged backing vocals. The lyrics share an empowering message of hope and acceptance.

When your back’s against the wall
Cuz you feel you've lost it all
There’s nowhere left to turn and no one left to call
There is someone just like you
Who feels the same way too
Why would you surrender?
Don’t give up on love

Touching and authentic, the video is dedicated to transgender youth around the world who live in fear and suffer from rejection and exclusion.

Via press release:

The powerful and poignant narrative of ‘Don’t Give Up' is reflected in an exquisitely cinematic video, that follows a girl who is struggling with her gender identity and the pressures of conformity in high school. Szabo’s ultimate messages to fight for social justice and equality, “people are people, love is love. Society needs to stand up” professes Szabo. “I can’t stand by and watch millions of transgender youth live in fear for their safety, outcast from their homes and marginalized by society simply because they are struggling to understand their gender identity. I want to stand with them.”

"Don’t Give Up" was written and recorded in Los Angeles along with Stefan Lit (One Direction) and Chaz Mason.

With over 14 + million Youtube views, Szabo has been featured on several high profile media outlets including Billboard, Perez Hilton, Huffington Post and Yahoo Music!

A portion of the proceeds from this music video will be donated to the Ali Forney Center whose mission is to protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently.

Watch "Don't Give Up" below.

Podcast: Interview With Pop Music Superstar & LGBT Ally Richard Marx

In this episode of The Randy Report podcast, I chat with Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer - and LGBT ally - Richard Marx, who has made a gorgeous debut as a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip with his limited engagement residency, “Satisfied: Only The Hits,” at Flamingo Las Vegas now through Sept. 2, 2017.

Among his many achievements, Marx is distinguished for having written a #1 song in four different decades across various charts.

Having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and notching an amazing 14 #1 singles (his latest - Keith Urban’s #1 smash “Long Hot Summer”) both as a performer and songwriter/producer including “Hold on to the Nights,” “Satisfied” and “Now and Forever,” fans get to experience the pop/rock artist up close in an intimate Las Vegas showroom as Marx performs acoustic versions of his greatest hits backed by a gorgeous string quartet. The evening also includes the true, personal stories behind his hits.

We chat about one of his favorite music collaborations, his Las Vegas gig at the Flamingo, his terrific podcast “Song Talks with Richard Marx,” plus as a staunch LGBT ally, he shares how and why he speaks out for LGBTs.

After I quoted a few of his social media posts made in support of the LGBT community ("Anybody gay, bi or transgender out there I hope you have someone who loves you exactly as you are. Especially your parents. G'night."), Marx had this to say:

I'm lucky in that I was born to two parents who when it came to gay rights, when it came to civil rights, when it came to race relations, from the time I was old enough to comprehend it, I had two parents that taught me what was right. And that any kind of judgment or prejudice or hatred or anybody who's different than you is so fucked up.

And so I was raised in an atmosphere where the idea of that was just anathema. It moved me that you quoted that, because I've had friends, gay or bisexual friends, who I've witnessed them be hurt. Especially by their family. I've been friends with gay men whose fathers never talked to them again. And I've seen that pain. And it just kills me.

Along the way, I also share a couple of snippets of his live performance on stage at the Flamingo Las Vegas :)

Hit play and listen below.

ARROW Star Stephen Amell To Haters: "Go Be On The Wrong Side Of History" On Someone Else's Facebook Page

ARROW star Stephen Amell at Vancouver Pride

ARROW star Stephen Amell posted two pics on Facebook yesterday from his weekend in Vancouver where he took in part of the local Pride festivities with friends.

This morning, Amell was appalled to find he had haters hating on the fact that he merely POSTED PHOTOS from a Pride event.

While most were supportive, several were definitely haters. At this writing the post has over 34,000 reactions.

The TV super-hero posted this in response:

Facebook! What's happening! So I'm scrolling through my page this morning and I was really taken aback by some of the back and forth commentary after I posted two photos from the Pride Parade / Festivities yesterday in Vancouver. The vast majority were positive, but a laughable amount were negative. I had a fantastic weekend in Vancouver with my wife and friends, met some terrific people and more than anything just tried to soak in all the positive energy from people living their best lives. If I'm in Vancouver next year I won't just go back, I'll walk in the parade. So for everyone in their negative pants: Go be on the wrong side of history on somebody else's Facebook page. xo

You basically had the run-of-the-mill, common hater complaints:

Why do you have to shove this down my throat? Why do TV stars think they get to have an opinion on gay people?

Good on Amell for standing up to the haters.

Vancouver Pride takeaways: 1. Hugs are free, 2. Wear clothes you don't mind getting glitter on, 3. Britney Spears is basically currency.

— Stephen Amell (@StephenAmell) August 6, 2017

I'm following this guy to the end of the parade and taking his balloon wings. Hopefully he watches Arrow. pic.twitter.com/b9iDtVPjDD

— Stephen Amell (@StephenAmell) August 6, 2017

Lady Gaga Raises Rainbow Flag At Debut Of "Joanne World Tour"

On the launch of Lady Gaga’s ‘Joanne World Tour’ in Vancouver, a fan threw a rainbow flag to her onstage.

Gaga picked up the flag and held it high in a triumphant pose, receiving loud cheers and applause.

Sitting down to the piano with the flag draped across her piano bench, she addressed the audience:

“Needless to say, I have a lot to say about this issue.

"But the most important thing that I have to say about it is that everybody’s got to love each other.

"You got to stop throwing stones at your sisters and your brothers. Cause now, it wasn’t that long ago we were all just living in the jungle.

So, for any of you who don't believe in equality, come to mama.”

"Guardians Of The Galaxy" Star To Homophobes: "You Can Suck My Balls"

(image via Instagram)

Twitter user David J recently tweeted: "I want to thank @DaveBautista for being a LGBT supporter and defender. It's important, esp for younger gen, to see that. A true Guardian!"

Imagine his surprise when the former WWE superstar and current Guardians of the Galaxy star tweeted back: “Obviously no thnx necessary but I appreciate the acknowledgement. Proud son of a lesbian and anyone who has issue w/ that can suck my balls😊”

Bautista isn't shy when it comes to standing up to homophobia.

Last year, when boxer Manny Pacquiao compared LGBTQ people to animals, Bautista had a clear message: “My mom happens to be a lesbian so I don’t f**king take that sh*t.”

“If anyone called my mother an animal I’d stick my foot in his ass.”

I like the way Dave thinks LOL...

I want to thank @DaveBautista for being a LGBT supporter and defender. It's important, esp for younger gen, to see that. A true Guardian!

— David J (@arlowe007) June 6, 2017

Obviously no thnx necessary but I appreciate the acknowledgement. Proud son of a lesbian and anyone who has issue w/ that can suck my balls😊 https://t.co/gHYC9puexP

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) June 6, 2017

New Music: Ariana And The Rose With RKCB "Love You Lately"

Ariana and the Rose, fueled by polar opposites love and loss, and personal uncertainty, releases her new synth-pop EP ‘Retrograde’ out now.

Check out her recently-released single “Love You Lately” below.

According to Noisey, the collaboration with LA electro-R&B duo RKCB "[brings] out a more sultry, R&B-toned side to Ariana," while the song "captures the sting of relationship disintegration" (Noisey)

“This EP marks the end of a period of my life that most literally felt like it was in retrograde,” says Ariana (real name Ariana DiLorenzo). “Each track encapsulates these moments over the last year or so where I was really defining myself personally and artistically and the music is a sonic exploration of that growth and ultimately personal transformation.”

With a background in theater performance, Ariana embraces an audio-visual approach to creativity, and has curated an interactive performance and music event called Light + Space, a performance that transcends the traditional boundaries of a concert.

The native New Yorker also finds her music reaches across the boundaries of sexuality and community.

As a longtime LGBT ally, Ariana told ChicagoPride in 2014:

Growing up in New York, the LGBT community never felt separate to me in anyway, they were just my friends, my best friends in most cases. I've witnessed, first hand, the trials and the triumphs of what it means to grow up in a society that is finally coming around to acceptance and I'm honored to get to stand by my friends while all of this is happening.

I've been so fortunate to be accepted as an artist by the LGBT community and am honored to get to perform at the celebrations. Honestly, it's the best reason to put on a show. To celebrate anyone and everyone who is living their lives the way that makes them happy. I'm just trying to make that special day even better and hopefully get everyone dancing in the process!

Debra Messing Accepts GLAAD's "Excellence In Media" Award Will A Call To Action

Debra Messing accepts GLAAD's Excellence in Media Award

Accepting GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award in New York City this past Saturday, honoree Debra Messing declared, "It's time to make America gay again!"

The Excellence in Media Award is presented to media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting LGTBQ acceptance.

During her remarks, Messing said, "Right now there is a very bad and very orange man in the White House. At least a few days a month."

But it wasn't just the president Messing had a message for. She also spoke directly to Ivanka Trump:

"It’s not enough to simply say that women’s issues are important to you. It’s time to do something. You can change the lives of millions of women and children just by telling your dad stories about real people who are suffering.

"Don’t let him separate immigrant mothers from their American-born children. Don’t let him take health care away from women who need it. Don’t allow him to make trans kids like Gavin [Grimm] fight in court for their basic human dignity."

This fall, Messing and her original Will & Grace costars will return to NBC for a 12 episode reboot of the iconic sitcom.

Hater Rips Down And Stomps Pride Flag On Display Outside Congressman Alan Lowenthal's Office

Via press release, we learn that California Congressman Alan Lowenthal, a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, had a visitor enter the Congressman’s office and angrily attack the Pride Flag outside the congressman's office.

Members of Congress have permanent fixtures outside each office to accommodate three flags, with two spaces going to the American flag and the member’s state flag. The third slot is used for a personal selection of the Congress member.

The flags are arranged so that they follow all laws regarding the display of the American flag.

From Lowenthal's Facebook page:

Yesterday, an individual barged into my office in Washington and made a disparaging remark about the fact that I fly the Pride Flag outside my office. He then went back out into the hallway outside my office, removed the flag from its holder, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it. He told my staff that the flag was "disgusting, immoral, and goes against everything that is right."

The Pride Flag is more than just a symbol of pride for the LGBT community--it stands for love, understanding, and unity.

As a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have flown this particular Pride Flag since 2013 in solidarity with the LGBT community. I have committed to fly it proudly until LGBT people have all of the same rights I have and until our laws protect LGBT people from discrimination and violence. Sadly, the violent and disturbing behavior of this individual yesterday demonstrated that we aren't there yet.

His actions yesterday--intended to intimidate and demean--only make me and those that love freedom and justice want to fight that much harder. We simply MUST pass the Equality Act now! Introduced by my colleague, Rep. Cicilline, the Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections that ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Congressman Lowenthal has been an LGBT community advocate and ally for more than four decades, sponsoring numerous pieces of legislation over the years in support of LGBT rights.

He has participated in the Long Beach Pride Parade since its inception, including the very first parade in 1984 where some parade members were forced to wear bulletproof vest due to death threats.

The flag that was stomped on has been on display outside the Congressman’s DC office since 2013, and visited the steps of the Supreme Court with the Congressman when the ruling on marriage equality was announced.

Yesterday, a man threw #PrideFlag outside my DC office 2 floor-stomped on it-called it disgusting & immoral. We must pass the #EqualityAct!

— Rep. Alan Lowenthal (@RepLowenthal) March 16, 2017

IBM Unveils New Logo Incorporating The Rainbow PRIDE Flag

IBM unveiled a new logo this week that utilizes the rainbow Pride flag. The symbol will be featured prominently at Pride events and programs focused on diversity.

 IBM’s Chief Diversity Officer, Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, issued a statement saying the multi-colored logo “will represent IBM’s ongoing push for diversity, acceptance, inclusion and equal opportunity.”

“The rainbow is recognized worldwide as the symbol of LGBT equality and we are proud to fuse it with the emblem that has represented our company for more than four decades.”

It's always worth noting that the uber-LGBT friendly IBM received a perfect 100 score on HRC’s Corporate Responsibility Index.

And, has been named "most gay-friendly employer in the world" by Workplace Pride Foundation.