Jeffrey Tambor Dedicates Emmy Award To Transgender Community

Jeffrey Tambor took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the Emmys on Sunday night for his role in “Transparent.” 

The actor, who plays a trans woman named Maura Pfefferman on the Amazon original series, dedicated his award to the trans community with a beautifully touching speech. This is the first time the actor has won the award, and he made sure to make it count.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to act because people’s lives depend on it,” the actor said while on stage. “Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your stories. Thank you for your inspiration.” 

Tambor beat out fellow actors Will Forte, William H. Macy, Don Cheadle, Louis C.K., Matt LeBlanc and Anthony Anderson. 

“Transparent” director Jill Soloway also took home an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. 

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Transparent creator makes powerful Emmy speech: ‘We have a trans civil rights problem’

Transparent creator Jill Soloway won an Emmy Sunday (20 September) for outstanding direction of a comedy series and used the moment to call for transgender equality.

The series, about a college professor who comes out to her three adult children as a transgender female, stems from Soloway’s personal experience as the child of a transgender parent.

She spoke of her father, a transgender woman, and said: ‘Thank you moppa for coming out and coming to LA and coming her tonight. Something interesting about my moppa, Carrie. She could tomorrow go and try to find an apartment, and in 32 states it would be legal for the landlord to look her in the eye and say, “We don’t rent to trans people.”‘

Soloway added: ‘We don’t have a trans tipping point yet, we have a trans civil rights problem.’

Greg Hernandez

www.gaystarnews.com/article/transparent-creator-makes-powerful-emmy-speech-we-have-a-trans-civil-rights-problem/

‘Go-Go Boy Interrupted’ Returns, Seeks Funding for Raucous Season 2 on Kickstarter: VIDEO

Last year, we told you about the sketch comedy show turned web series Go-Go Boy Interrupted created by actor/writer Jimmy Fowlie that follows a West Hollywood go-go boy who finds himself aged out of dancing on a box after he hits the big 3-0. Now, the series is back and seeking funding for a second season on Kickstarter.

After the show’s successful first season, the creative minds behind the show, which include Fowlie, co-star Brian Jordan Alvarez and director Jordan Black, began shopping the show to TV networks. While that process continues, they wanted to create more online episodes to thank the show’s fans for their support. The second season will follow go-go Danny (Fowlie) as he tries just about everything he hasn’t already, including porn, dating, and even listening to NPR.

The second season will also see the return of season 1 cast members Drew Droege and Lynn Stewart along with new additions such as Heather Morris (Glee), Scott Evans (One Life to Live), Briga Heelan (Cougar Town), Chris Riggi (Gossip Girl), Willam Belli, Fortune Feimster (Chelsea Lately), Broadway’s Nick Adams, and Karen Maruyama (Arrested Development).

From what we can tell the second season promises even more irreverent and raunchy humor than the first, not to mention more than enough eye candy to give you some cravings (e.g. below).

Check out the (slightly work-unfriendly) Kickstarter pitch below and visit the show’s Kickstarter page HERE to lend your support.

The post ‘Go-Go Boy Interrupted’ Returns, Seeks Funding for Raucous Season 2 on Kickstarter: VIDEO appeared first on Towleroad.

Sean Mandell

‘Go-Go Boy Interrupted’ Returns, Seeks Funding for Raucous Season 2 on Kickstarter: VIDEO

Bill Maher Compares Republican Politicians to Psychic Con Artists

During a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the show’s host compared the GOP to psychics who prey on gullible people, scamming them out of money with phony predictions.

The comparison came when Maher brought up the recent crackdowns happening in New York against psychics who had swindled large amounts of money out of desperate believers with false promises. Maher asked, “How is religion different?” before adding, “Tonight, folks, is not about religion. It’s about political religion and about how gullible people can be.”

He then rattled off a long list of outrageous predictions Republican politicians have made over the years. “You have to give it to Republicans,” he said. “They have big balls. They’re just not crystal balls.”

Maher went on to remind viewers about Rick Santorum’s fear-mongering prediction that “our country will fall” if same-sex marriage became the law of the land.

“For a party that’s so antigay, they sure pull a lot of stuff at of their ass,” Maher joked.

Watch the full clip in the video below. 

Jase Peeples

www.advocate.com/politics/2015/9/20/bill-maher-compares-republican-politicians-psychic-con-artists

New York pols call for Stonewall to be a national park site

Politicians and activists gathered today (20 September) in front of the Stonewall Inn to announce a new campaign to designate the first US national park site dedicated to LGBT history.

Stonewall, located in the New York City neighborhood of Greenwich Village, is considered the epicenter of the modern LGBT rights movement. In 1969 June, the Mafia run bar was raided by city police.

Tired of constant harassment, such raids were common, patrons fought against the officers causing riots and marches that lasted days.

A year later the first pride parade, sponsored by the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee,  was held.

‘The legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion mirrors that of our nation: a group of individuals standing together against all odds to demand their freedom,’ said Congressman Jerrold Nadler, according to  a release

‘As the struggle to ensure equality for all continues, I am proud to stand with this coalition to remember the spark that launched the LGBT civil rights movement,’ Nadler continued. ‘We urge President Obama to designate the first ever National Park Service site dedicated to the history of the LGBT community, so that this story may be preserved and retold for future generations.’

Approximately two-thirds of  the country’s 400 national park sites are dedicated to historic events. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848 July.

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama traces the march led by Martin Luther King, Jr in the struggle for equal voting rights.

‘We have a responsibility to preserve and respect the places important to our history, and the Stonewall Inn deserves our highest recognition,’ said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “Victories like the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the passage of marriage equality in New York State and the final, decisive Supreme Court ruling securing our freedom to marry, were borne from the modern equal rights movement launched at Stonewall. It’s time for a national monument honoring the legacy of people and events that took place here.’

Earlier this summer, the local community board that represents the Stonewall neighborhood, voted unanimously for a monument to be erected honoring the rebellion.

The building is listed on the federal National Register of Historic Places.

The post New York pols call for Stonewall to be a national park site appeared first on Gay Star News.

James Withers

www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-york-pols-call-for-stonewall-to-be-a-national-park-site/

Bill Donohue: President Obama Shows ‘Contempt for Catholics’ By Inviting LGBTs to Pope Ceremony

Speaking on CNN Saturday, Catholic League blowhard Bill Donohue bristled at the thought of  President Obama inviting LGBT guests to Pope Francis’ welcoming ceremony in Washington D.C. this upcoming week.

Said Donohue:

I find it astounding the president of the United States would actually show his contempt for Catholics by bringing in people like Dignity. Dignity brought in Dan Savage, the most foul mouthed, obscene anti-Catholic bigot to their convention in July…Look the Pope has already said the Vatican is speaking for him. They’re afraid these photo ops can be exploited to the extent that the Pope therefore sanctions them. It’s one thing to be welcoming and inclusive, it’s quite another to bring in people who are opposed stridently and publicly to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

DignityUSA is an organization working “for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities — especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons — in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.”

Related, HRC to Welcome Pope Francis to U.S. with Huge Banner Urging Him to Embrace LGBT Catholics 

Said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Friday:

“The goal here is to invite up to 15,00 people to the South Lawn of the White House, and the Ellipse, to welcome the pope to the White House. We would expect a wide variety of Americans who are enthused about the opportunity to see the pope. I think that reflects the pope’s stature and the significance of his visit, and the way he has inspired so many Americans, including a bunch of us who aren’t Catholic. So I would expect there would be a diverse crowd… to attend that ceremony. And I think the diversity of that crowd reflects the diversity of people in this country who are moved by the teaching and actions of this pope.”

Watch Donohue’s comments below:

The post Bill Donohue: President Obama Shows ‘Contempt for Catholics’ By Inviting LGBTs to Pope Ceremony appeared first on Towleroad.

Kyler Geoffroy

Bill Donohue: President Obama Shows ‘Contempt for Catholics’ By Inviting LGBTs to Pope Ceremony

WATCH: Madonna Spanks Anderson Cooper on Stage

Madonna gleefully made CNN anchor Anderson Cooper her “bitch” during her performance last night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The moment is a new tradition for the queen of pop on her Rebel Heart Tour. Before performing her track “Unapologetic Bitch” each night, Madge pulls one member of the audience on stage to dance with her before giving the chosen “unapologetic bitch” a spanking as well as a banana.

Cooper was the recipient of the pop performer’s “punishment” last night, commanding him to “bend over” and announcing he’d been “a bad boy” before spanking him on stage.

Following their collaboration, Madonna thanked Cooper on Instagram for being a good sport, saying, “Anderson thanks for being my Bitch tonight!!! Hope you enjoyed the Banana!!”

Watch Madonna playfully ‘punish’ Cooper in the video below. 

 

I was front & center as the unbelievably adorable, unbelievably dorky @andersoncooper became tonight’s #UnapologeticBitch for @Madonna’s #BarclaysCenter #Brooklyn debut. And we’re all the better for it. Watch him literally go #AC360. ❤️ #RebelArt #RebelHeart #RebelHeartTour #Madonna #AndersonCooper #Banana

A video posted by Erik Schut (@eriktla) on Sep 19, 2015 at 10:48pm PDT

Jase Peeples

www.advocate.com/music/2015/9/20/watch-madonna-spanks-anderson-cooper-stage

New poll suggests 56% of French people against gay marriage

A new poll released in France has revealed 56% of French people are against gay marriage.

Two years ago French president François Hollande ushered in the electoral promises he made, which included legalizing gay marriage.

However, according to a survey from IFOP – the French institute of public opinion, similar to YouGov or Gallup – a majority say they still don’t agree with the new laws.

In fact, 22% want ‘outright repeal of the law’; 32 percent say they want marriage for same sex couples to be ‘civil unions… without full rights to adoption.’

The poll was first published by the right-wing French weekly Valeurs Actuelles (‘Contemporary Values’).

Italian magazine Tempi (‘Times’) notes, however, this is an improvement. ‘During the discussion of the law [in 2013], the percentage was 37%. So it’s greater now.’

The law, so-called ‘loi Taubira’ after Holland’s minister of justice in 2013, grants same sex couples the opportunity to marry, full adoption rights, as well as for children conceived by a surrogate mother or through artificial insemination.

The post New poll suggests 56% of French people against gay marriage appeared first on Gay Star News.

Jack Flanagan

www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-poll-suggests-56-of-french-people-against-gay-marriage/

Mike Huckabee Blasts Obama's Nomination of Gay Man for Army Secretary

Republican Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee slammed President Barack Obama’s decision to nominate an out gay man to lead the Army, claiming the President is “more interested in appeasing America’s homosexuals than honoring America’s heroes,” reports CNN.

“Veterans suicide is out-of-control and military readiness is dangerously low, yet Obama is so obsessed with pandering to liberal interest groups he’s nominated an openly gay civilian to run the Army,” the former Arkansas governor said in a statement released Saturday by his campaign. “Homosexuality is not a job qualification. The U.S. military is designed to keep Americans safe and complete combat missions, not conduct social experiments.”

Obama’s nominee, announced Friday, is Eric Fanning , who has been a specialist on defense and national security issues for more than 25 years in Congress and the Pentagon. As secretary, he would head the Army in partnership with Gen. Mark Milley, named the branch’s top general last month.

Despite Fanning’s qualifications, Huckabee felt the need to highlight his sexuality as an area of concern. The Human Rights Campaign immediately reacted to Huckabee’s statement with one of their own, claiming the former Arkansas governor’s homophobia is a clear indicator he is “unfit to be commander in chief.”

“Mike Huckabee is so blinded by his own bigotry that he would oppose someone with two decades of national security experience just because of his sexual orientation,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs, in a statement. “Mike Huckabee’s naked prejudice and willingness to smear an experienced public servant shows he is unfit to be commander in chief. Other candidates should make immediately clear they won’t tolerate Huckabee’s bigotry and that they will make these decisions based on Eric Fanning’s experience and on the merits.”

Fanning now awaits confirmation by the Senate. If confirmed he nominee would become the first openly gay civilian secretary of any branch of the military on more than an interim basis.

Jase Peeples

www.advocate.com/politics/2015/9/20/mike-huckabee-blasts-obamas-nomination-gay-man-army-secretary

Writer Jackie Collins dies at 77

Jackie Collins, the novelist who told stories about Hollywood’s bold and beautiful, died yesterday in Los Angeles. She was 77.

Collins was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer in 2007.

According to the New York Times, the British born writer’s first book was published in 1968. The World Is Full of Married Men was banned in Australia and South Africa because of its open description of extramarital sex.

In a 2014 interview with The Advocate, Collins talked about when she discovered she had a large LGBTI following.

‘I had just written the book Hollywood Husbands and I went on the Tonight Show when Joan Rivers was hosting it,’  she said to The Advocate. 

‘I wore a jacket and a black shirt – with a couple of the buttons undone – and a white tie. It was a very sexy and effective outfit. Then a few weeks later, there was a gay parade in Hollywood and tons of people were dressed as me and Joan Rivers. It was crazy. My friends drove up and down the boulevard taking pictures of them and that’s when I knew.’

Hollywood Husbands was a follow-up to her 2001 Hollywood Wives: The New Generation. That book was made into a 2003 television movie, starring Farrah Fawcett, Robin Givens, Jack Scalia and Melissa Gilbert.

Collins is survived by three daughters, Tracy, Tiffany and Rory, and her older sister, actress Joan Collins.

Her family requests fans to consider donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization.

The post Writer Jackie Collins dies at 77 appeared first on Gay Star News.

James Withers

www.gaystarnews.com/article/writer-jackie-collins-dies-at-77/