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Hello, Adele… How Are You?
She got us again. Encapsulating lyrics. Beautiful message. Blah blah blah.
Adele, may I ask a question? Will you ever give us a solution to your break-ups, or do we have to wait until album 27? 32?
I keep hearing a hook, a lead in, but you keep Michael Moore-ing us. (That’s a US documentarian that sheds light on American problems, but never suggests a real solution.) Give us the clue on how to solve these woes! How do we get to the bloody point?! Or, is that your running joke; there is no point. We all get to cry to feigned sadness without figuring out that you can never really be happy with a reported (as of now) $55 million?
C’mon Adele. You were supposed to take five years off. Weren’t you supposed to leave us alone for a couple more years before manipulating our feelings?
Great! You made another album! Hurray! But, now, we have to deal with it…
Hear we go again, Adele. Like the last time – perhaps a follow-up – we get to see that you haven’t let go of that last guy, yet you’ve been in a relationship since your last album. And a new child as well! Congrats!
So the public gets to sit and cry while you have this magical life that has somewhat been bestowed upon you, while you dance under all our money and tears? (If readers are wondering of Adele’s background, she attended an Arts School where she was basically recruited into the recording industry.)
Here is where my main problem lies. Lays? Who knows… There are so many teenagers who believe that they can be Adele. They believe they can be superstars and all they have to do is sing. They can use work in pornography for upward mobility – “Look at Kim Kardashian,” I’ve heard. They can fly to L.A. and it’s solved! They can make a YouTube video and suddenly be the king and/or queen of all media. (By the way, Howard Stern still created and holds the title of “King of all Media.”)
Let me just say that not everyone – 7+ billion and counting – can be famous, happy all the time, sad all the time or everything in-between.
The point is, there are many people that believe acclaim is coming. That it’s inevitable. They believe relationships are futile, iPhone notices are more important that real interaction and The Voice auditions are going to make them famous.
And then we have Adele. We get Adele and her team of organizers to keep us all upset about the past, rather than see what’s really going on presently. Adele – I say directly: give us hope and help, or leave us alone.
If you’re going to distract us, at least make it joyful.
And just to let you know, Adele, landlines are a cute throwback, but because cell phones aren’t regulated, cell phone bills are like 10 times as much as they used to be when landlines where in fashion. Why do you think Apple has more cash on-hand than the US Government?
You can live in your secluded, hillside, rented mansion, but please stop using us – the sad, more-likely emotional, hardworking public – to pay for your social detachment.
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Open Question: How would giving LGBT people equal rights prevent these people from murder and suicide?
I need 3 or 4 supporting ideas for my assignment. Please help!
Marie’s Crisis: A Tribute to a NYC Downtown Show Tunes Institution – WATCH
American Theatre Wing has produced a great tribute to the New York downtown institution that is Marie’s Crisis Cafe.
“Marie’s is the island of misfit toys for people who love show tunes,” says bartender Doug Thompson (pictured above) in the 17-minute tribute, which features staff and patrons of the underground Greenwich Village piano bar, located on the site where Thomas Paine, the English-American political activist, philosopher, political theorist and revolutionary, died (the cafe is named for Paine’s book The American Crisis).
Anyone who has been to Marie’s Crisis knows how difficult it is not to get swept up in song upon entering, and for those who have never been and have any love for musical theatre at all, it’s a must visit.
Check out the heartwarming clip below:
The post Marie’s Crisis: A Tribute to a NYC Downtown Show Tunes Institution – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
Marie’s Crisis: A Tribute to a NYC Downtown Show Tunes Institution – WATCH
About Our Son: A Letter to My Late Husband
With Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead approaching, I decided to write a letter to my late husband Wilfredo. He was killed 27 years ago while I was pregnant with our son Danny. He loved children and they loved him, but he never got to meet his own son. This letter is an offering to Wilfredo, nicknamed Colocho for his curly hair.
Colocho,
So much has happened since I saw you. In the beginning, I wrote to you often. I needed to feel your comfort. Now I’m writing for another reason – to tell you about our son.
You visited me often in my dreams, and in one of those dreams, you almost got to meet little Danny. I was overjoyed that you had come back. You would finally get to meet our child! I couldn’t wait to wake Danny up, to see you take him in your arms. I had to see the tender look on your face, feel the warmth of the love between you, and be together as a family. But, the fear stopped me – the fear that you wouldn’t accept Danny for who he was, that you would come down on me for how I was raising him, that you’d even disappear again and never come back. Then it all became clear. You had to know the truth about your son, even if it meant I’d lose you forever. But the dream ended…Now, it’s time I shared that truth with you.
How can I possibly put into words who Danny is?
Danny took his sweet time being born. When I finally met him, he was just as beautiful and precious as any baby can be. The first days weren’t like I expected. He was thirsty and I was the milk supplier. What happened to that special bond I had been waiting for?
Danny’s personality came out little by little. He started to smile and respond and I fell in love in a way that I never dreamed possible. He was hard-headed, like his papa, and when his hair grew in, he became a curly headed colocho too. He was colicky and didn’t like being put down. He knew what he wanted, and didn’t hesitate to demand it. He was cuddly, and loved being tickled.
Without you by my side, I had to figure things out for myself. I tried to raise Danny in a way that would have made you proud. I did whatever I could so that he would feel a connection to you. I took him to see your family and your beloved El Salvador. I spoke to him in Spanish, introduced him to your friends, and told him stories about you. We sometimes lit candles and told you how much we loved you.
From the beginning, I promised Danny that I would support him to be his own person. He would learn from your example, but I wouldn’t push him to follow in your footsteps. I promised to let him find his own path. It wasn’t always easy, but I kept that promise.
I kept that promise as Danny’s personality blossomed. He loved little ponies, Barbie fashion shows, the Little Mermaid, the color purple, and dressing up like a princess. At the time, I didn’t appreciate how amazing he was. I was scared and confused. But, instead of forcing him to act like most other boys, I allowed him to be himself.
Danny’s path hasn’t always been easy, but it has been full of triumphs, large and small. At times, he stood up to bullies. At other times, he stifled part of his personality to fit in. During his toughest year, he struggled with loneliness and thoughts of taking his own life. Then he got the support he needed to embrace his gay identity and found a place he fit in. He learned to love himself in spite of the name-calling and pressure to change. He blossomed as an artist, dancing his way through high school and singing his first solo in the school musical. He fell in love with his first boyfriend, graduated from college, started paying off student loans, and made a new life for himself in New York. He marched in his first LGBT Pride parade with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.
Danny hasn’t followed in your footsteps, but I can see a lot of you in him, way more than just good looks. Like you, he’s got a big huge heart and cares deeply. He has strong convictions and lives by them. He is intense. He knows hard work, and knows how to play. He is loyal to his friends and his family. His dreams take him many places and music feeds his soul. I would like to believe that you would be just as stunned as I am by the incredible human being he has become.
I will never really know, but I choose to believe. I believe that your rigid ways of thinking would have softened. I believe you would’ve had the wisdom to realize that Danny is his own person, that he is not you. I believe you would’ve fought for your own son with the same courage that led you to fight for justice. I believe that your big huge heart would’ve found room to love your son without conditions.
I choose to believe that if you met Danny today, you would wrap your arms around him and never want to let him go. Danny would finally know his father’s love, and you would know what it’s like to love a child so fiercely that nothing can stand in your way. I picture you together now, father and son standing side by side. There are tears in your eyes and you are beaming with pride.
Con mucho cariño y amor eterno, L
P.S. I am remarried to a wonderful man, who understands how much you meant to me. I know you would be happy for me.
Readers, if you’re interested in resources for families with LGBTQ and gender-expansive children, check out my website and videos. Thanks Danny Moreno, for helping me put my thoughts and feelings into words.
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Former Australian Pro Rugby Player Casey Conway Talks for First Time About Being Gay
Casey Conway, a former National Rugby League (NRL) player for the Sydney Roosters, youth advocate, and fashion model, has come out as gay publicly in an interview with Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Conway tells the network that he was privately out to club officials during his time as a pro athlete, and came out to teammates after he left the Roosters.
But, he says, he was leading a “double life”, both hiding his sexual orientation from teammates and trying to navigate the club scene in Sydney, where he often found that his background as an indigenous Australian was an issue for some.
Says Conway: “I was out-and-about on the [gay] scene and meeting people. I was doing that undercover and it finally came to a point where I had to start accepting it. I wanted more than what I was having…There was a lot of casual racism. People would say things like, ‘You’re hot for an Aboriginal guy’ or ‘I’ve never been with a black guy’. I’d think, ‘You know that’s not a compliment?’.”
Conway, who was for a while the face of Aussiebum and is now the face of Sluggers, a swimwear brand, works as a youth development coordinator for a small non-profit in Queensland and says he sees the trouble LGBT youth face and wants to use his public profile as a platform:
“There are young people out there hearing comments like that and they’re questioning themselves. I know what it was like to be in the country and think, ‘Oh sh-t, I think I’m gay’. At that time there wasn’t really a big push in the media for equality. I’ve worked with kids who are homeless because they’ve been kicked out of home when they came out [as gay]. They’re suffering not only because they don’t have a home, but because of their mental health and a raft of other issues.”
The post Former Australian Pro Rugby Player Casey Conway Talks for First Time About Being Gay appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
Former Australian Pro Rugby Player Casey Conway Talks for First Time About Being Gay
LGBT Faith Leaders Got Together To Combat Religious Homophobia; 5 Takeaways
With the notoriously anti-LGBT conference for the World Congress of Families to be hosted nearby a week later, some 200 faith organizers got together to combat religious homophobia.
The National LGBTQ Task Force hosted the Faith & Family LGBTQ Power Summit in Salt Lake City this week with leaders from 33 states gathered for the four-day power summit. The planning committee wanted to unite both LGBTQ people of faith and those non-religious to combat religious homophobia.
“This conference lifts up the light: you can be fully [a person of faith] and LGBTQ. We must stop the exportation of hatred and homophobia to Africa,” clergyman Bishop Tolton said in a press conference. “We understand the issues are interconnected…. We want to build a campaign to lift up light and hope.”
The power summit equipped faith organizers with tools to address religious homophobia both domestically and internationally. Here are a few areas they addressed:
LGBT people of faith need to share their stories. In the opening keynote address, Bishop Flunder encouraged LGBT people to come out not just as queer individuals but also as people of faith in their faith communities. This message continued throughout the conference. For example, workshops like “Telling Effective Stories for Change,” sponsored by Believe Out Loud, which provided LGBT people of faith with tools to effectively tell their own stories.
Address Christian homogony. The conference was not Christian centered. In fact, Task Force organizers were intentional in including Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, and other faith traditions in the programming. Faith organizers were encouraged to be inclusive and use interfaith coalitions to address religious homophobia.
Racial justice is key. In the first day of the power summit, a four-hour racial justice institute was central to the program followed by a white caucus and people of color caucus. The institute taught attendees about privilege, colonialism, structural oppression, and intersectionality. The institute suggested ways to actively incorporate racial justice in faith organizing work.
Bisexual, trans, gender variant and non-binary inclusion. Conversations in faith traditions have focused on theology on same-sex relationships. More specifically, gays and lesbians have been the focal point. Workshops about bisexuality, trans, and gender variant identities educated attendees on the unique challenges of each community and on the importance to be inclusive of these marginalized communities.
Address broad religious exemption laws using faith voices. Post marriage equality, LGBT activists are gearing up for fighting broad Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs) that allow Americans to cite their religion as protection when discriminating against LGBT people. Movement for Advancement Map shared arenas in which messaging is most effective in fighting this legislation, and columnist Jay Michaelson informed attendees on the key players, and organizations, of the anti-LGBT right.
After the conference, The National LGBTQ Task Force gave attendees the homework of creating a “40 Days of Action” plan in their respective religious communities by using the tools learned at the power summit.
Eliel Cruz
A Trans Odyssey: The Impact of Dear Texas</em>
Virgil: “Being like everyone else is really boring — just be yourself.” (Dear Texas scene 6)
As I watched an intimate scene between father and son bonding over a shared experience, making popcorn, my adoration for live theatre was renewed. An open stage in a packed house. Entranced as you fall in love with fantastical characters. As a transgender woman it holds a certain appeal. Committed acting, costuming to sell the illusion feels frighteningly familiar. To protect myself from others I presented a male artifice to the world; adapted male clothing and behavior. Breaking free of assumed gender roles requires unfathomable sacrifice and courage. To capture that, what it is to be Trans, on stage — is miraculous.
I was honored to be a guest speaker at this October’s Your True Gender Conference. Held at Cal Poly in picturesque San Luis Obispo, organized by co-founders Jessica Lynn and Peggy Jones; this three day event quickly became the largest gathering of its kind on the west coast, thanks in part to the small army of dedicated volunteers and local LGBTQ groups.
At an event highlighting transgender healthcare, law and education; packed with guest speakers such as world renowned surgeons Dr. Marci Bowers and Dr. Joel Beck, celebrities Janet Mock and Isis King, the highlight for most in attendance was a the world premiere of Dear Texas.
Lyle: “I knew from an early age that I would have to deal with something big, something monumental.” (Dear Texas scene 9)
The brainchild behind the one act play, Dear Texas, is playwright Jane Eisner who was inspired by transgender stories she heard. After documenting the transition of a close friend, Eisner began working as a reporter/associate editor at San Francisco based FourTwoNine Magazine covering Transgender news, politics and culture, Eisner was given the opportunity to talk with a multitude of Trans identified people. She made the decision to leave the magazine and pursue her interest in Tran’s stories full time. Eisner wanted to focus on transition in a wider life context and on the beauty inherent in transitioning.
Dear Texas, began its life as a staged reading. However that all changed when Eisner brought in director John R. Lewis. What emerged was a bigger vision. A full stage play with costuming, set changes and music. When I first sat in the auditorium to view the play, I hadn’t known about the short 4 week rehearsal time or its evolution from script read to full blown production. All the more impressive in hindsight.
The play is brought to life by a small ensemble cast of diverse players. Eisner wanted to ensure the cast included Trans identified actors in Trans roles; bringing a modicum of authenticity often lacking in film and television productions which tend to hire cisgender (non-trans) actors for transgender parts. Every intimate moment, every tear and smile feels real. As one of the actors I spoke with pointed out, that no one in the cast was trying to care, they just did. The result was a truly riveting and credible portrayal of Trans lives.
A woman fighting to keep her son; a chance meeting between a boy and a girl; a loving couple awaiting a life changing procedure. None of these main themes are exclusive to the transgender community. They are universal; that was the point. Jane Eisner wanted to highlight human stories. They just happen to be transgender. That doesn’t mean the Trans narrative is secondary. They act as modifiers enhancing, putting a spotlight on the idea that transgender people face unique circumstances. Even in the context of common universal themes.
Isabel: “Dear Texas, I want to be able to walk down the street holding hands with my boyfriend.” (Dear Texas Scene 13)
The most powerful moments for me are done in between the set changes. Monologues preceded by Dear Texas, different characters of the play expressing internal thoughts. While the play covers three different stories created from the many interviews Eisner conducted, it is Virginia’s story that gave rise to the title of Dear Texas. Based in part on Your True Gender co-founder Jessica Lynn’s loss of her youngest child to her ex-wife in Texas; deciding that her transition was endangering the well being of her son. Jessica was in attendance to the premiere of the play. The actors playing her and the son both expressed what an honor it was to portray these roles in front of Jessica, and the sense of immense sadness they felt for her in those moments.
Todd: “Dear Texas, I want my dad back…” (Dear Texas scene 12)
The writing, directing and acting are as beautiful as they are profoundly heartbreaking. Dear Texas allows a perspective into Trans identified lives that cannot be ignored.
Its potency was an unexpected gut punch. A resurgence of every bad memory; every night I spent crying myself to sleep; every plea for help. It left me utterly destroyed. Breaking down the walls I built up to hide from the pain. With a waterfall raining down my blouse I wasn’t just impacted by it, I was irrevocably changed.
I may have been seated in the audience. But the play told my story. I was in it, part of it. A perfect reflection of my every thought; of my suffering and triumphs. It was no surprise to me when the conclusion was met with a standing ovation. Smiles upon tear drenched faces, cheering for this brilliant art piece. The lead in for some of its most powerful speeches, Dear Texas, has inspired me to contribute a part of myself, as I hope others will do the same.
Dear Texas, My identity is not up for debate. My womanhood promotes the very core of feminist thought. That women have worth beyond the notions of grace and beauty. That we are not our bodies, but our hearts, our minds.
Nan: “I wanted the world to see me the way that I saw myself. As a whole and true person.” (Dear Texas scene 5)
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Stuart Reardon Wants To Motivate You; Sam Smith And Justin Bieber Finally Make Contact
This week, The Leftovers‘ Chris Zylka bared all again, Jonathan Groff is helping to carry on the legacy of the late, great Elizabeth Taylor and Ian McKellen wants all closeted actors to come out now. Here’s what happened on Instagram:
E.J. Johnson served some lace-and-pearls realness.
Trevor Donovan popped his gym-selfie cherry.
My first gym selfie ever… I always ripped on people for doing it, now its my turn to be that guy… #picoftheday #instagood #me #trevordonovan #weekend #stupidselfie #gym A photo posted by Trevor Donovan (@trevordonovan) on
On your knees, Hugh Jackman.
Training with the awesome @dieterroylance. Mate, @matthewtargett is right — you are legend. #LEGday
A photo posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on
Chris Hardwick made some new friends for Halloween.
Made friends w/ an elderly lady at @ScreamfestLA tonight for @lydiahearst’s movie CONDEMNED. It is gooey! Also bloody! Dare I say FUCKTONS of fun?! Oh I dare. Nice work @ocularge & @iamdylanpenn. I will never get most of that imagery out of my brain AND I DON’T WANT TO. A photo posted by Chris Hardwick (@hardwick) on
Ryan Lochte got a wet kiss from his biggest fan.
Met my biggest fan today during my autograph signing for #roadtorio @teamusa
A photo posted by Ryanlochte (@ryanlochte) on
Try not to look away from Russell Tovey‘s beautiful… French bulldog.
Sunday selfie #rocky #nyc #newyork #frenchbully A photo posted by Russelltovey (@russelltovey) on
Colton Haynes knows how to jump-start the morning.
A photo posted by Colton Haynes (@coltonlhaynes) on
Andy Cohen threwback to the beginning of his close friendship with Carrie Bradshaw Sarah Jessica Parker.
Daniel Dae Kim found some rocks worth climbing.
Most people do find me rappelling. #H50 #climbinghumor #groan #dadjoke
A photo posted by Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) on
Does this mean Steve Grand will be dressing as Dolly Parton for Halloween?
Evidence. #SantaCruz A photo posted by Steve Grand (@stevegrandmusic) on
It’s a pretty safe bet that Sam Smith and Justin Bieber discussed shrinkage.
Is there room for two on that sofa, Ricky Martin?
I really like this sofa. I do. ? A photo posted by Ricky (@ricky_martin) on
Jeremy Irvine is so upset about Stonewall reviews that he…kidding, he lost weight for a 2013 movie.
At the height of my weight loss for #TheRailwayMan #tbt
A photo posted by Jeremy Irvine (@_jeremyirvine) on
Look at the whopper Jimmy Fallon caught.
Fish hookin’ with @jimmyfallon and @roryalbanese A photo posted by John Stamos (@johnstamos) on
The Queen Bey seems unamused by Jonathan Groff humor.
A photo posted by Jon Groff Updates (@jonathandrewgroff) on
Eliad Cohen is faster than a speeding bullet.
I need you PAPA ????? @papaworldtour A video posted by Eliad Cohen (@eliad_cohen) on
Kellan Lutz grew up on the mean Sesame streets.
I grew up on these streets! #sesamestreet #cookiemonster #tbt
A photo posted by Kellan Lutz (@kellanlutz) on
John Boyega is having the last laugh on haters who tried to boycott his upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
That looks painful, Todrick Hall.
Doing THE MOST and being SO EXTRA on @todayshow this morning! #sorryboutit
A photo posted by Todrick Hall (@toddyrockstar) on
Ellen’s gardner Billy Reilich has obviously been tending to his hair. Right, Murray Swanby?
#tbt throwing it wayyy back to my first runway with my buddy @murrayswanbyla for @marcosquared A photo posted by Billy Reilich (@billreilich) on
Cristiano needs his beauty rest.
Rugby star/fitness model Stuart Reardon is here to motivate you to be strong…and maybe wear acid wash jeans again.
Today’s motivation.?? . Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be fierce. Focus on your goals and don’t stop until you’ve succeeded. . Believe you can. ?? What we think we become. . #motivation #body #beard #beards #barcelona #barcelonagram #barcelonacity #StuartReardon #rugby #Reardon #Repost #abs #fitness #face #ink #inked #inspire #instafit #instagood #instalike #instamotivation #tattoos #positivemind #positive #thinkpositive
A photo posted by Stuart Reardon (@stureardon) on
Jeremy Kinser
Pakistan’s gay couple dreams of marrying in South Africa- country's first gay couple to openly announce plans of marriage
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Pakistan’s gay couple dreams of marrying in South Africa- country’s first gay couple to openly announce plans of marriage
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