News Round-Up: June 3, 2019

(image via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunk The Griffopotamous (above) is feeling fruity and fabulous this gorgeous Monday.

• The valedictorian for the 2019 Sheboygan Lutheran High School senior class says administrators banned him from speaking at commencement because he mentioned being gay in a draft of the speech.

• A federal grand jury charged a pair of Dallas men with conspiracy to commit hate crimes, kidnapping and carjacking. According to the 15-count indictment, suspects used the gay dating app Grindr to create fake profiles and pose as gay men interested in “dates” to lure gay men to an apartment complex in Dallas in order to commit violent crimes against them.

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the first British Royals to 'proudly' celebrate Pride Month on social media.

View this post on Instagram

Continuing with our tradition to rotate the accounts we follow based on causes and social issues that matter to us: For the month of June we “proudly” shine a light on PRIDE. This month we pay tribute to the accounts supporting the LGBTQ+ community - those young and old, their families and friends, accounts that reflect on the past and are hopeful for a deservedly more inclusive future. We stand with you and support you 🌈 Because it’s very simple: love is love. Images above from the accounts we are now following and artist Ruben Guadalupe Marquez

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on May 31, 2019 at 10:10pm PDT

• A Roman Catholic bishop who admitted last year to being “aware of incidents of sexual abuse” in the church but did nothing to stop them, warns Catholics that LGBTQ Pride Month is “harmful for children.”

• A former West Virginia Republican official who called Michelle Obama an "ape in heels" has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to embezzling $18,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), funds that were intended to help flood victims.

• Don't look now but there are more naked selfies by former Congressman Aaron Schock circulating the inter webs. Whatever you do, don't click here.

This is the most tame photo in the latest raft of Schock selfies

News Round-Up: March 1, 2019

Pietro Boselli (image via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• If anyone was ever born to wear a white Speedo, it's Pietro Boselli (above).

• Drag series Canada's a Drag will return for a second season.

• Mike Pence says he couldn't be more proud of his wife teaching at an anti-LGBTQ school.

• The mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska, vetoed legislation that would have protected LGBTQ people from discrimination.

• If you wanted to see this year's 'Hottest Chorus Boys on Broadway,' you could click here for a peek.

• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry plan to raise their child in a gender-neutral nursery and environment.

• The Jonas Brothers dropped their first new music in six years at midnight last night - "Sucker."

The first round of Jonas fame was a bit too young/teeny bopper for me, but now that the guys have grown up (and so well, may I add?) I'm happy to give them a peek.

The good news is the new track is a catchy pop bop that's easy to listen to, and the video is fun with the guys and their wives/significant others playing house in a huge Edwardian mansion.

They've taken some plot points from the recently Oscar-nominated The Favourite, but I'm not getting bogged down in that while Nick, Joe and Kevin offer such 'easy on the eyes' candy.

Take a look below.

News Round-Up: November 19, 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• I've been meaning to feature the oh-so-handsome blond man above for some time, but I don't know who he is. A reader sent his pic and I was quite smitten by the good looks. Anyone know who he is? #woof #BeardCameNice

• Folks have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a bronze plaque honoring Matthew Shepard at the Washington National Cathedral. The crypt where he lies isn't open to the public, so folks would like to design and install a plaque in the chapel.

• This Chinese author was sentenced to 10 years in prison for including gay sex scenes in her latest novel.

• Woofy Prince Harry carries on the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana, by raising awareness for HIV. Check out the new PSA as he flips the script on HIV testing saying it's something to be proud, not embarrassed, about.

Today is the start of National HIV Testing Week and The Duke of Sussex has shared an important message.

‘By getting tested you are helping stop the HIV epidemic in its tracks. You are helping to save lives,’ says The Duke of Sussex @KensingtonRoyal #HIVTestWeek pic.twitter.com/HbAx8qlNJ5

— Terrence Higgins Trust (@THTorguk) November 17, 2018

• The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, says religious schools in Australia should be accepting of gay teachers IF they keep their relationships hidden. He also thinks its better if they and their partners live far away from the school in which they teach.

• A gay councilman in Texas was removed from office after a homophobic political foe leaked his Grindr pics to the public.

• A new study by psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that too much Facebook can contribute to depression and loneliness. The study found those who cut back on their social media consumption found their moods improved.

• UK rugby legend Gareth Thomas was the victim of a hate crime by a 16-year-old in his hometown of Cardiff.

“Last night I was a victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality,” Thomas told his Twitter followers. “I want to say thank you to the police, who were involved and allowed me to do restorative justice to the people that did this because I thought they could learn more that way.”

Restorative justice is a system that “that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.”

It comes as no surprise that a champion of Thomas' caliber would opt for the teaching experience of restorative justice. The approach is also helpful to those who are assaulted to see their assailant be held accountable.

Watch Thomas' video below.

pic.twitter.com/TUSyVMLiWX

— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) November 18, 2018

This Was Not Your Average Royal Wedding

The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex

And they're married!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed today in a gorgeous ceremony that brought royal glamour into the 21st century.

In a nod to Markle's biracial background, the service featured a thoroughly American sermon served up with some gospel singing. This was not your average royal wedding.

And that's a good thing.

Attending the nuptials were celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, and tennis star Serena Williams.

Congrats to the happy couple!

Here’s how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brought the British royal family into the 21st century with a thoroughly modern wedding. pic.twitter.com/wIa8mVbGHz

— HuffPost (@HuffPost) May 19, 2018

"Imagine a world where love is the way."

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry flew across the pond from Chicago to Windsor, England, to deliver an impassioned sermon at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. https://t.co/GC7ifWoqs0 pic.twitter.com/EBBdQv5fYN

— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 19, 2018

The Twitter account of the @RoyalFamily has just posted this closeup look at the kiss Harry and Meghan shared after leaving St. George's Chapel as husband and wife. pic.twitter.com/HuF5iOp4Em

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) May 19, 2018

Podcast: Drag Queen Ada Vox Makes American Idol's Top 10; Massachusetts To Get LGBT Curriculum; New Study Says Gay Couples Are Least Likely To Part Ways

In this week’s podcast:

• Ada Vox becomes American Idol's first drag queen contestant in the Top 10

• A new study shows surprising results - gay male couples are least likely to part ways

• High school students in Massachusetts will soon have courses that will include LGBTQ history and literature by gay authors

• The Trump administration launches a new attack on transgender people

• Prince Harry and Suits' Meghan Merkle reaffirmed their commitment to LGBTQ rights

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

Royal Wedding Invitations Get Complicated For Harry, Barack & Donald

Problem: what to do when you want to invite your new bestie to your wedding and leave a jerk out of the whole event?

Doesn't sound complicated, does it?

But if you happen to be Prince Harry and it's the Obamas you want to invite to your royal wedding and politics between Donald Trump and the UK are a testy topic...?

Harry and fiancée Meghan Markle find themselves in a bind wanting to invite the Obamas to their big day on May 19, but Trump could throw a temper tantrum if snubbed.

From The Sun:

Britain’s relations with Trump’s White House have sunk to their lowest ebb since his election last year.

The property billionaire does not hide his loathing of Mr. Obama and is expected to be enraged if his predecessor gets the coveted call-up when he won’t.

The young Royal couple’s dislike of the new president is well known.

Meghan made disparaging comments about him on social media during his election campaign last year.

There are deep fears among senior Foreign Office and No10 officials that another perceived national snub will make it impossible for Theresa May to meaningfully engage with Trump.

A senior government source said: “Harry has made it clear he wants the Obamas at the wedding, so it’s causing a lot of nervousness.

“Trump could react very badly if the Obamas get to a Royal wedding before he has had a chance to meet the Queen."

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Observe #WorldAIDSDay In First Public Appearance Since Engagement

Prince Harry and new fiance Meghan Markle made their first public appearance today since their engagement was announced by observing World AIDS Day.

Prince Harry has long been involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS just as his mother, Princess Diana, was.

Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle make their first joint official public engagement at #WorldAIDSDay charity fair in Nottingham https://t.co/NkBdy4pD1i pic.twitter.com/dNg9mhV5ZQ

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 1, 2017

Prince Harry has been to Nottingham many times before and is delighted to be introducing the city to Ms. Markle. pic.twitter.com/wyLn1v0QfQ

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 1, 2017

Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle arrive at the Nottingham Contemporary Exhibition Centre for an event to mark #WorldAidsDay hosted by @THTorguk. pic.twitter.com/MAeEdQ0uyt

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 1, 2017

At each stall, HRH and Ms. Markle spoke to people who work with @THTorguk in Nottingham to encourage people to get tested. #WorldAidsDay pic.twitter.com/CwVeOWh3pR

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 1, 2017

The @THTorguk event on #WorldAidsDay wants to encourage everyone to #SeeRed in solidarity with people with HIV/AIDS and fight the stigmas that surrounds the disease. pic.twitter.com/Qbdfuyjnsg

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 1, 2017

Prince Harry Accepts Posthumous Award On Behalf Of Princess Diana For Her Work During The AIDS Crisis

Prince Harry

Earlier this week, Prince Harry became the first royal to accept an award from a gay magazine.

At the Attitude Awards, Harry showed up to accept a posthumous Attitude Legacy Award on behalf of his deceased mother, Princess Diana, Princess of Wales.

Following in his mother's footsteps, the Prince has actively campaigned on HIV/AIDS issues, while also praising the “amazing” work of a transgender children’s charity.

From Pink News:

Many in the gay community held a special affinity with the Princess, in part due to her work during the AIDS crisis.

During the AIDS crisis Princess Diana made many visits both officially and unofficially – and famously shook hands with a patient at the height of HIV stigma.

The charity named in her honour, The Diana Award, also works to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

The Prince has adopted HIV as one of his key campaigning issues, visiting a number of HIV clinics, attending the International AIDS Conference in South Africa, and speaking about his late mother’s work on the issue.

Last year the Prince made headlines by taking a HIV test himself in a Facebook Live video earlier this month, in an appeal for more people to get tested.

The Prince said of his mother: “She started very punchy [on AIDS].

“She smashed the stigma around HIV on more than one occasion. It had a huge impact, and a huge impact on my life as well.”

Prince Harry added: “I don’t consciously channel myself down certain avenues specifically because I think my mum would be proud. But she sure as hell would be proud of me, hopefully, that I’m doing it.”

He explained: “If you’re not going to get tested for yourself and you’re not going to go and get tested for your loved ones that you could possibly infect, then… I don’t know if it’s a selfish thing to say or not, but if you respect what my mother stood for, go and get tested for her.

“It’s 20 years next year since she died, and 30 years ago she was in this hospital [HIV clinic Mildmay] and she did something that no-one else had ever done before.

“If she were still here today, she would probably get tested every month, just to prove a point.”

The annual Attitude Awards are dedicated to honoring those who inspire, advance change, make LGBT lives better, influence and entertain. For the sixth year, funds raised at the event benefited the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Lots of big celebrities turned out for the event including Kylie Minogue, Nyle DiMarco, Laverne Cox, Sam Smith, Tom Daley, Harry Judd, Mel C and many more.

Watch Prince Harry's acceptance speech at the Attitude Awards below.

News Round-Up: February 3, 2017

N2N Bodywear's owner/designer Andrew Makay

Some news items you may have missed:

• Fashion designer Andrew Makay celebrates 20 years of success with his N2N Bodywear. The homegrown LGBT owned company grew from a corner in his bedroom to grossing millions each year in sexy, "next-to-nothing" swim, gym and fitness wear.

• According to Politico, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump were instrumental in convincing the president to not repeal President Obama's 2014 executive order on LGBT protections.

• Woofy Prince Harry is apparently no fan of Donald Trump.

• Nordstrom Department store says "you're fired" to Ivanka Trump's fashion line due to poor sales. Only three shoe designs and one dress (marked down 40%) remain on the department store's website.

• U.S. military officials say President Trump approved his first covert counterterrorism operation without sufficient intelligence, ground support or adequate backup preparations. Although White House spokesman Sean Spicer called the mission a success, one Navy Seal lost his life as well as at least 15 women and children. Strange definition of 'success.'

• House Republicans have introduced legislation that would allow churches and religious organizations to keep tax-exempt status AND participate in partisan political activities. Remember that 'separation of church and state thing...?

• German news magazine Der Spiegel's latest cover (below). According to the artist, the comparison of Trump to ISIS was deliberate: “Both sides are extremists.”

News Round-Up: January 5, 2017

Some news items you may have missed:

• Wild and woofy Prince Harry covers Town & Country for the magazine's "Hottest Bachelors" issue for his work on behalf of wild animals in Africa.

• Former American Idol contestant Bo Bice literally cries over being called "white boy" at a Georgia Popeye's Fried Chicken restaurant. Seriously?

• More than 50 Electoral College voters were sat illegally which could delay ratifying Donald Trump's election results.

• Just a day after Megyn Kelly announced her move to NBC News, former Fox News host Greta Van Susteren shares that she is heading to MSNBC to head up a new 6PM show, For The Record with Greta Van Susteren.

• British Prime Minister Theresa May has sent two senior aides on a quiet mission to attempt to improve her already frosty relationship with Donald Trump.

• But enough about "frosty" subjects, let's take a look at these hottie Australian firefighters :)

News Round-Up: September 17, 2016

Prince Harry

Some news stories you may have missed:

• Woofy Prince Harry is continuing his mother's work on behalf of those affected by HIV/AIDS.

• Did you know gay couples out-earn straight couples by more than $60K?

• Donald Trump's much ballyhooed family leave plans won't include gay same-sec couples who adopt.

• Did you hear the one about a douche math teacher who came up with a homophobic math question?

• North Carolina's Gov. Pat McCrory shows his nerves as he attempts to negotiate the repeal of anti-LGBT law, HB2 - but only if the city of Charlotte will first repeal their LBGT protections ordinance. #FatChance

• First look at the upcoming film, Tom of Finland, documenting the life and work of Finnish artist Touko Laaksonen, best known for works depicting hyper-masculine archetypes such as lumberjacks, motorcycle policemen, sailors, bikers, and leathermen.

Prince Harry Livestreams His Own HIV Test

Handsome Prince Harry, in an effort to raise awareness about knowing your HIV status, took an HIV test via livestream which was shown on the British royal family's Facebook page.

With over 100,000 people living in with HIV in the UK, the 31 year old ginger has made raising awareness about HIV status a focus of his public work.

From NBC News:

“It is amazing how quick it is,” the 31-year-old Harry said during his appointment at a London hospital. The famously red-headed royal added: “So whether you’re a man, woman, gay, straight, black or white — even ginger — why wouldn’t you come an have a test?”

The video hearkened back to groundbreaking images of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, reaching out to people with HIV in the 1980s. Diana’s gestures — including a photograph of her shaking hands with an HIV-positive man and hugging children with AIDS — went a long way toward removing the stigma around it.

Prince Harry Speaks On HIV Awareness At Sentebale Concert

Prince Harry and Coldplay at Sentebale Concert for raising awareness for HIV/AIDS

Prince Harry spoke last night at the Sentebale concert at Kensington Palace imploring young people to "please take a little bit of time to learn about the fight against HIV."

Handsome Harry also joined super rock band Coldplay for "Up & Up" during the concert.

"Please take a little bit of time to learn about the fight against HIV" – Prince Harry#SentebaleConcerthttps://t.co/WoX6NoMlEV

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 30, 2016

Prince Harry And His Woofy Beard

(h/t kenneth in the 212)

Harry Got Big

Remember when Prince Harry was just a little red-headed rug rat?

Not so much now, huh?

Woof.

Prince Harry Will Reveal A Secret About Himself For World AIDS Day

In a video released by Prince Harry and the Lesotho charity Sentebale, the handsome prince stated that he would share a secret about himself to show support for those living in secret with their status.

Others are encouraged to join the campaign by sharing a secret of their own via social media and using the hashtag, #FeelNoShame.

Check out the videos below where the rowdy red prince announces the campaign, and then below where he shares his secret:

News Round-up: October 25, 2014

Prince Harry mentors kids at rugby camp

Some stories you may have missed:

• Hunky Prince Harry looks hot even when mentoring kids at rugby.

• "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" cancelled cause Mama Boo Boo is allegedly dating a convicted child molester.

• Guess which new TV series is already the first to be cancelled this season?

• Costco's over 127,000 employees will definitely have Thanksgiving Day off to spend with their families. This is how to run a successful company, kids.

• North Carolina legislators consider legalizing "license to discriminate" for marriage officiants who don't want to perform same-sex marriages.

• New book - Streisand: In The Camera Eye - features a collection of 170 photos spanning over 50 years of Barbra Streisand's career, most of which have never been published.

Photo Finish: Prince Harry and Tom Hardy at Audi Polo Challenge

Tom Hard (L) and Prince Harry (R) at Audi Polo Challenge

I don't really need a good reason to post  a picture of two Randy Report favorites, do I?

Taken at the recent Audi Polo Challenge in Ascot, England last month.

(source)

Shirtless Prince Harry hangs poolside in Miami

Prince Harry, coping with his new "single" status, hangs by the pool in Miami.

Looks like he's going to be just fine... :)

(source)

Prince Harry defends young gay soldier in new book "Out in the Army"

Prince Harry of England

In Britain, Trooper James Wharton has written about his experiences alongside Prince Harry in his new book Out in the Army. In 2009, Wharton became the first homosexual soldier to appear on the front of the Armed Forces magazine.

Included in the book, Wharton describes an incident where Harry stood up to other members of the infantry for anti-gay behavior. From the Telegraph:

Trooper Wharton went to find the Prince and tearfully told him "I think I'm going to be murdered by the infantry,” the Mail on Sunday reported.

As he explained what had happened Harry had a “complete look of bewilderment” on his face and responded: “Right I'm going to sort this out once and for all."

Moments later Trooper Wharton poked his head out of the tank to “see him having a go”.

“I could see he wasn't holding back,” added Trooper Wharton, who was 21 at the time and has since left the forces.

Harry, a Troop Commander in the Blues and Royals, informed a senior officer of what was happening before assuring the soldier that it was “sorted”.

Trooper Wharton, who was on training in Canada with the Prince at the time of the 2008 incident, said: “I will always be grateful to Harry and I will never forget what happened. Until he went over and dealt with everything I was on track for a battering.”