Podcast: HIV Diagnoses Drop In 2017, VP Mike Pence's World AIDS Day Speech, Levi Kreis' New Christmas Album

In this week’s Randy Report podcast:

• New HIV diagnoses in New York City drop to a record low for the second year in a row

• Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech for World AIDS Day without mentioning LGBTQ people while offering wildly misleading information

• As George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States has died at the age of 94, I discuss his legacy on the AIDS epidemic

• A Virginia fireman lost his job because he married his husband

• Polish couple propose in public more than 100 times to fight homophobia (video)

• And new Christmas music from Tony Award-winner, Levi Kreis

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Special request - if you enjoy catching up on LGBTQ news via my podcast, I’d really appreciate it if you would share with your friends on social media :)

George H.W. Bush, 41st President Of The United States, Dies At 94

President George H.W. Bush

From The New York Times:

George Bush, the 41st president of the United States and the father of the 43rd, who steered the nation through a tumultuous period in world affairs but was denied a second term after support for his presidency collapsed under the weight of an economic downturn and his seeming inattention to domestic affairs, died on Friday night at his home in Houston. He was 94.

His death, which was announced by his office, came less than eight months after that of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.

Mr. Bush had a form of Parkinson’s disease that forced him to use a wheelchair or motorized scooter in recent years, and he had been in and out of hospitals during that time as his health declined. In April, a day after attending Mrs. Bush’s funeral, he was treated for an infection that had spread to his blood. In 2013, he was in dire enough shape with bronchitis that former President George W. Bush, his son, solicited ideas for a eulogy.

But he proved resilient each time. In 2013 he told well-wishers, through an aide, to “put the harps back in the closet.”

America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example. pic.twitter.com/g9OUPu2pjY

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 1, 2018

Hillary and I mourn the passing of President George H. W. Bush, and give thanks for his great long life of service, love and friendship. I am grateful for every minute I spent with him and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts. https://t.co/1CYdrIeKmz

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 1, 2018

RIP George HW Bush. Here’s the letter he wrote to Bill Clinton as he left office: pic.twitter.com/ve5EQRlFQU

— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) December 1, 2018

Maine: Former President George HW Bush serves as witness at same-sex marriage

(Courtesy of Helen Thorgalsen and Bonnie Clement)

The Washington Post is reporting that former President George HW Bush was an official witness at a same-sex marriage this past weekend:

Another prominent Republican has come out in support of same-sex marriage — or at least, in support of one particular same-sex marriage. Former President George H.W. Bush served as an official witness this past weekend at the Maine wedding of Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen, co-owners of a Kennebunk general store. Thorgalsen posted a photo of the 41st commander-in-chief signing a set of documents for them at an outdoor celebration: “Getting our marriage license witnessed!”

No big statement from the ex-prez’s office. His rep Jim McGrath confirmed his and wife Barbara’s presence at the wedding: “They were private citizens attending a private ceremony for two friends.”

This is sure to drive the conservative blogosphere insane...

(via JMG)