News Round-Up: March 13, 2019

Some news items you might have missed:

• Paleontologist & InstaHunk Francesc Gascó saying 'good night.' #ImNotMad

• The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed a bill banning the practice of so-called 'conversion therapy' on minors. With full passage, Mass would become the 16th state (plus the District of Columbia) to ban conversion therapy for minors.

• Donald Trump has proposed cutting over $1 billion in HIV/AIDS funding in next fiscal budget.

• Former Broadway dancer Marcus Bellamy was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murdering his partner during a drug-fueled argument.

• Utah's House of Representatives approved a bill that would give teeth to the state's hate crime law - but only after making not only LGBTQ people but "political expression" protected by the law.

• Los Angeles-based electro-pop musician, Devin Tait, recently debuted his new music video, "By My Side," from his album, Art Damage.

The video is an wistful homage to late 80s-era Halloween nights, and two young men who discover that there may be more to be found in removing your mask than in hiding who you are.

Hit the play button below.

News Round-Up: September 4, 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• How about some 'Transformation Tuesday?' I've featured InstaHunk and paleontologist Francesc Gascó many times on The Randy Report. But check out his before/after pic above. Francesc notes, "The biggest change is on the inside."

• A new documentary, American Circumcision, looks at the effects of circumcision and a movement to end the practice in the United States.

• Donald Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, says the Trumpster will try to block the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's final report. Because that's what innocent people do? #AbuseOfPower

• The Vatican has now admitted representatives lied about whether the Pope knew who Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis was when he met with her in private in 2015.

• Scientists now say no amount of alcohol may be safe to drink. #RuhRoh

• Eminem released his new album last Friday and already there's scandal surrounding it as the rapper chooses to use the word "faggot." LGBTQ ally and Imagine Dragons front man Dan Reynolds was not having it:

it’s never ok to say a word that is filled with hate. I don’t care what year you were born in or what meaning it has to you.

if it contributes to hate and bigotry then it is hateful. period.

there is never an ok time to say the word fa**ot

I don’t care who you are.

— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) August 31, 2018

it’s disgusting to be told this is being “overly sensitive” or “millennial”.

LGBTQ kids are TAKING THEIR LIVES after being bullied with homophobic slurs.

it’s not “sensitive” to take a stand against a word that has been used to spread hate for years.

— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 2, 2018

I’ve lived enough of my life remaining silent on these issues because of fear or lack of education.

I don’t live in fear anymore.

I still have lots to learn. but no. I will not be a silent voice with this platform I have been given.

— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 2, 2018

2 things to say

1. in trying to be an ally it it’s v easy for a straight white “famous” man to be lauded as a hero for simply saying a few words and organizing an event. I have done v little and am no hero. I’m not seeking to be one. I want change. Period.

— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 3, 2018

2. I don’t speak for the LGBTQ community. If they want 2 reclaim the word for themselves that is their decision & their’s only. I was only speaking to someone of great influence thinking it’s ok for him to say it time after time for years. It’s not

and with that I’m done on this

— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 3, 2018