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Daily Archives: May 7, 2016
Gay Iconography: The Future’s Bright For Alex Newell
Gay Iconography: The Future’s Bright For Alex Newell
It’s premature to call 23-year-old Alex Newell a gay icon just yet, but the gender-bending actor and singer has been the voice behind a recent string of irresistible dance tracks. Despite missing disco’s peak by nearly two decades, Newell’s powerful, soulful voice recalls the legendary Martha Wash, while his style and attitude reminds us of the true disco diva, Sylvester.
In addition to his music, you probably recognize Newell for his work on Fox’s Glee. Newell first gained attention competing on Oxygen’s reality competition The Glee Project which mined MySpace for actors to join the series at its creative and popular peak. He didn’t win, but his memorable performances (sometimes in full drag) struck a chord with the show’s creators. Newell brought us the first transgender teen on network primetime TV as Unique debuting in the show’s third season. He also appeared in the independent film Geography Club about a secret support group for gay teens.
Newell has also been active in the LGBT community, performing at Pride and charity events for The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign and others. He’s also received special recognition from GLAAD.
If your summer playlist is in desperate need of a disco boost, put on your dancing shoes and check out some of our favorite Alex Newell performances below.
Newell’s portrayal of Unique on Glee was a milestone for trans teen representation, but it wasn’t met without any ire. Commentator/neanderthal Bill O’Reilly expressed concern that the character would encourage children to be confused about their gender.
Newell said, “When people don’t understand something their first reaction is to hate it,” he said to The Advocate. “But [the LGBT community] isn’t going away. We’re a part of everyday life and people need to be educated.”
The above clip showcases Unique’s struggles with the bathrooms at school, an issue that’s become more prominent in recent headlines. The character would go on to deal with crushes and even performed a knockout number with a trans choir in later seasons. “Playing Unique hasn’t changed how I feel about myself,”
Newell told Out Magazine. “But it has changed how I hold myself. Unique is so confident that I found myself [saying], ‘You need to be the role model that your character intends you to be.’”
Newell’s been spotted singing at Pride events around the country, but one of his most memorable moments came at New York City’s AIDS Walk in 2013 where the young singer wowed the crowd (including Martha Wash) with his performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray.
When Newell lends vocals to a dance track, it immediately pumps up the power. Our favorite guest spot was on The Knocks’ tune “Collect My Love.” You can see director Austin Peters’ ode to the NY club scene in the video above. Additionally, Newell added must-hear vocals to Clean Bandit’s “Stronger” and Blonde’s “All Cried Out.”
Recently, Newell went full disco for HBO’s 1970s period drama Vinyl. The resulting “Kill the Lights,” with DJ Cassidy and Nile Rodgers, is a strong contender for Song of the Summer.
Newell’s own work is just as polished. On his debut EP, Power, released earlier this year, his voice soars over six dance-pop tracks. The debut single, “This Ain’t Over” was pure dance perfection, but we’re partial to “Basically Over You.” The video features Newell seeking revenge on an ex portrayed by America’s Next Top Model and Dancing With the Stars “sexually fluid” hunk Nyle DiMarco.
What’s your favorite Alex Newell jam?
The post Gay Iconography: The Future’s Bright For Alex Newell appeared first on Towleroad.
VIDEO: Powerful ad debuts featuring parents, their transgender kids
VIDEO: Powerful ad debuts featuring parents, their transgender kids
Trans United Fund
In light of the recent rise of anti-LGBT bills, the Trans United Fund has released a new ad, “Meet My Child,” that centers around the experiences of transgender youth and their families, who are calling on American politicians to get to know their trans families before continuing to legislate against them.
“Meet My Child” features transgender children and their parents in their daily life, playing basketball and helping out in the kitchen. With honest discussions from the parents about their families’ journey towards accepting their children’s trans identities, this video both educates the audience what being transgender means and raises awareness about trans families’ lived realities.
One mother, Zoila Fajardo, looking directly into the camera, delivers a message for her trans daughter: “I love you, I accept you as you are, never be scared.” A study published by Pediatrics shows that transgender kids whose gender identity is affirmed by their parents are as happy and healthy as their peers.
That message is followed by a mom and her trans son watching Ted Cruz spread harmful misinformation about the trans community to justify anti-LGBT legislation, such as in North Carolina, and an anti-trans political platform.The ad notes that in twenty states around the country, more than anti-trans pieces of legislation have been introduced recently, and the consequences for trans people and their families are real and life-threatening. 1 in 4 transgender people have been physically assaulted and as of May, 10 transgender people have been murdered this year, alone.
“The assaults, the deaths, the suicides,” says one mom, speaking about the climate in which her trans daughter is growing up. “She’s my heart. I don’t want to lose her.”
GLAAD asked Zoila why she chose to participate in this project and she answered:
“Because I am a mother who supports her daughter 100%. I love her unconditionally and it is my obligation and responsibility to work so that the world can be a better place for her. There is so much controversy around transgender issues because there is a lack of information and education about the topic. I have a mission…it is to share my story in order to educate others and in that way protect my daughter and other transgender people from the mistreatment, discrimination, insults, intolerance, disrespect, offensive jokes, and even hate crimes that they may face. I don’t want my child to have to face any of those things. Once, I was watching a video on the internet that showed a woman saying hateful things about transgender people, and my daughter happened by. She asked me about it and I explained to her that there were people who didn’t have any idea what it meant to be transgender and that’s why they talked this way. She said to me, “Mom, that’s your mission to educate others about us.” I’m glad that there are so many people out there with big hearts working to open hearts and minds. When I look into my daughter’s eyes I know I’m on the right path.”
According to the Public Religion Research Institute, those who share personal relationships with trans people are more likely to support trans equality, yet only less than 20% of Americans report knowing someone who is transgender. A spokesperson from Equality Federation notes, “Legislators and the public are getting to know trans people and recognizing that there are trans people in the community, and that there’s nothing scary about trans people. That humanizing is critical. It reduces that fear factor.” In amplifying the voices of trans families and their ask to be heard, “Meet My Child” helps introduce trans Americans to people worldwide.
May 6, 2016
Issues:
www.glaad.org/blog/video-powerful-ad-debuts-featuring-parents-their-transgender-kids
U.S. Diplomat Hanscom Smith Weds Eric Lu
U.S. Diplomat Hanscom Smith Weds Eric Lu
The wedding of an American diplomat has sparked conversation about same-sex marriage in China.
www.advocate.com/marriage-equality/2016/5/07/us-diplomat-hanscom-smith-weds-eric-lu
The Advocate Wins Maggie Award for Best Web Publication
The Advocate Wins Maggie Award for Best Web Publication
The Western Publishing Association honored The Advocate with two awards for excellence in journalism.
www.advocate.com/media/2016/5/07/advocate-wins-maggie-award-best-web-publication
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リンリン陳 posted a photo:
MANDATORY BYLINE: Jon Furniss / Corbis.Maisie Williams attends the Jameson Empire Film Awards 2016 at Grovesnor House, London on 20th March 2016…Pictured: Charlotte Spencer.Ref: SPL1249674 200316 .Picture by: Jon Furniss / Corbis..Splash News and Pictures.Los Angeles:310-821-2666.New York:212-619-2666.London:[email protected].
Donald Trump Made the Unwise Decision to Call Elizabeth Warren ‘Goofy’ on Twitter
Donald Trump Made the Unwise Decision to Call Elizabeth Warren ‘Goofy’ on Twitter
On Tuesday night, shortly after Donald Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee for President, Elizabeth Warren unleashed on Trump in a barrage of truth-telling. It took him three days to respond, but the results were glorious once again.
Read the Elizabeth Warren Donald Trump tweetstorm:
.@realDonaldTrump is now the leader of the @GOP. It’s real – he is one step away from the White House.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
Here’s what else is real: @realDonaldTrump has built his campaign on racism, sexism, and xenophobia.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
There’s more enthusiasm for @realDonaldTrump among leaders of the KKK than leaders of the political party he now controls.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
.@realDonaldTrump incites supporters to violence, praises Putin, and is “cool with being called an authoritarian.”
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
.@realDonaldTrump attacks vets like @SenJohnMcCain who were captured & puts our servicemembers at risk by cheerleading illegal torture.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
And @realDonaldTrump puts out out contradictory & nonsensical national security ideas one expert called “incoherent” & “truly bizarre.”
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
It will determine whether we move forward as one nation or splinter at the hands of one man’s narcissism and divisiveness.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
I’m going to fight my heart out to make sure @realDonaldTrump’s toxic stew of hatred & insecurity never reaches the White House.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 4, 2016
Trump waited until last night to respond, but Warren was ready.
Let’s properly check goofy Elizabeth Warren’s records to see if she is Native American. I say she’s a fraud!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2016
Goofy Elizabeth Warren, Hillary Clinton’s flunky, has a career that is totally based on a lie. She is not Native American.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2016
I called out @realDonaldTrump on Tuesday. 45 million saw it. He’s so confident about his “counter punch” he waited until Friday night. Lame.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
“Goofy,” @realDonaldTrump? For a guy with “the best words” that’s a pretty lame nickname. Weak!
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
We saw what happened when birthers like @realDonaldTrump attacked @BarackObama. They lost big. American voters knew better.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
We saw when Scott Brown attacked my family & his staff made tomahawk chops & war whoops. They lost big. MA voters knew better.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
RELATED: Scott Brown Staffers Mock Elizabeth Warren with Native American War Whoops, Tomahawk Chops: VIDEO
.@realdonaldtrump is a bully who has a single play in his playbook — offensive lies thrown at anyone who calls him out.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
.@realDonaldTrump spews insults and lies because he can’t have an honest conversation about his dangerous vision for America.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
But here’s the thing. You can beat a bully — not by tucking tail and running, but by holding your ground.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
RELATED: Elizabeth Warren Responds to Scott Brown’s Attacks on Her Race: VIDEO
If you think recycling Scott Brown’s hate-filled attacks on my family is going to shut me up, @realDonaldTrump, think again buddy. Weak.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
RELATED: Elizabeth Warren Wins U.S. Senate Race in Massachusetts
The @GOP‘s hate-filled lies didn’t scare me before, @realDonaldTrump. And they don’t scare me now.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
.@realDonaldTrump lied his way through the primaries without being held accountable. That’s over.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
Whatever @realDonaldTrump says, we won’t shut up. We won’t back down. This election is too important, & he won’t step foot in White House.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
Goofy Elizabeth Warren and her phony Native American heritage are on a Twitter rant. She is too easy! I’m driving her nuts.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2016
Goofy Elizabeth Warren is weak and ineffective. Does nothing. All talk, no action — maybe her Native American name?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2016
No, @realDonaldTrump – your racism, sexism & xenophobia doesn’t drive me nuts. It makes me sick. And I’m not alone.
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) May 7, 2016
The post Donald Trump Made the Unwise Decision to Call Elizabeth Warren ‘Goofy’ on Twitter appeared first on Towleroad.
Super-Expressive Dogs Steal the Show in the New Tegan and Sara Video ‘100x’ – WATCH
Super-Expressive Dogs Steal the Show in the New Tegan and Sara Video ‘100x’ – WATCH
Tegan and Sara released a third video this week for their upcoming LP Love you to Death, this one for the break-up ballad “100x”.
The duo enlisted Jess Rona, a groomer who has made a name for herself on Instagram by creating video portraits of her canine clients, and Rona’s style and the vulnerable nature of the pups who star in the clip suit the song perfectly.
Sara told VICE: “I met Jess Rona at a Mafia party in LA and we hit it off immediately. An actor, musician and dog groomer, ‘Jess Rona Grooming’ became my favorite Instagram account. I constantly direct people to her beautiful, heartbreaking mini-music videos of her furry clients, because they’re an endless delight. It was a true honor to have her do a long form version for our song 100x.”
Watch:
The post Super-Expressive Dogs Steal the Show in the New Tegan and Sara Video ‘100x’ – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Jesse Metcalfe Is A Big Fist Pumper; John Stamos Shows Off His Giant Meatball
Jesse Metcalfe Is A Big Fist Pumper; John Stamos Shows Off His Giant Meatball
This week, Colton Haynes publicly confirmed he’s gay, Steve Grand and Davey Wavey showed you how to hook up online, Ricky Martin found some movie love and Beyonce does not approve of discrimination against LGBT folks in N. Carolina. Here’s what happened recently on Instagram:
Channing Tatum knows a thing or two about magic men with perfect abs.
Introducing the #MenOfMML and their abs. #MagicMikeLive
A photo posted by Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) on
Colton Haynes is back on Grindr The Grinder.
A photo posted by Colton Haynes (@coltonlhaynes) on
Daniel Dae Kim is the new King.
The Royal Succession, a.k.a., a tough act to follow: ?@misterhoonlee ?@thejosellana ?#kenwatanabe @lctheater @kingandibway #6days. Tickets at www.LCT.org
A photo posted by Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) on
Max Emerson found a new place to call home.
It’s not a visit to #NYC without getting off #here. #theresNoPlaceLikeHome #obligatory #businessCasual #beatingADeadHorse
A photo posted by Max Emerson (@maxisms) on
The Game has found a very pleasing way to enjoy this coming summer.
A photo posted by The Game (@losangelesconfidential) on
Henry Cavill believes in the Force.
When Superman training, use your mind, you must. #Yoda #UseTheForce #SupermanTraining #JusticeLeague #Superman
A photo posted by Henry Cavill (@henrycavill) on
Idan Matalon hit the mean streets of Tel Aviv.
Andy Cohen and Sarah Jessica Parker got their groove back at the Met Gala.
A video posted by Andy Cohen (@bravoandy) on
Jared Leto wanted to remind us that he’s not human.
Not sure who made but funny. Amazing what a little human blood will do ?
A photo posted by JARED LETO (@jaredleto) on
Tom Ford is a vision of light.
Tom Ford in the ?#ManusxMachina Experience at the 2016 Met Gala. #TOMFORD #MetGala
A photo posted by TOM FORD (@tomford) on
Someone needs to show Jay Pharoah the proper way to take a bath.
I like taking my baths, ALL DECKED OUT lol #Phashion #ComedianRockstarShit #swag
A photo posted by Jay Pharoah (@jaypharoah) on
Jesse Metcalfe is all wet and in a mood to fist pump.
#SundayFunday #FistPumping to #DukeDumont ????
A video posted by Jesse Metcalfe (@realjessemetcalfe) on
That’s a big meatball you’ve got there, John Stamos.
Sending thanks to my friend @johnstamos for sharing our meatballs with this great group from @childhelp at @bucadibeppo #givingback #universalstudios #citywalk
A photo posted by John Stamos (@johnstamos) on
It’s Nev Schulman and his hair shirt for the win!
A photo posted by Nev Schulman (@nevschulman) on
Oliver Hudson needs your charity.
@harmlessharvest please.. I love these.. DM if you need my address..
A video posted by Oliver Hudson (@theoliverhudson) on
Franklin Graham Calls Stonewall Inn ‘a Monument to Sin’, Blasts Obama Plans to Recognize It
Franklin Graham Calls Stonewall Inn ‘a Monument to Sin’, Blasts Obama Plans to Recognize It
Evangelist Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham, attacked President Obama’s preparations to make the Stonewall Inn and its surroundings a National Park.
Said Graham on Facebook:
A monument to sin? That’s unbelievable. War heroes deserve a monument, our nation’s founding fathers deserve a monument, people who have helped to make America strong deserve a monument — but a monument to sin? The Washington Post reports that President Obama is poised to declare the first-ever national monument in New York recognizing “the struggle for gay rights.” It’s no surprise that the three officials who represent the area and support the monument are all openly gay. I can’t believe how far our country has digressed. I hope that the president will reconsider. Flaunting sin is a dangerous move. God’s Word tells us, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Among the other pro-gay things Graham hates: The Girl Scouts, Target, The White House, Wells Fargo, The Boy Scouts, and some parents.
Graham also went on a rant about NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio’s remarks this week urging New Yorkers not to patronize Chick-fil-A restaurants in the city.
Can you imagine a city where a popular, successful business is singled out and attacked by the mayor who calls for a boycott—all because the business owners let it be known that they operate by Christian principles and believe in God’s definition of marriage? You don’t have to imagine. That’s exactly what just happened to one of America’s most successful businesses. Chick-fil-A has almost 2000 restaurants and sales of more than $6 billion annually. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that doesn’t like their chicken sandwiches—and their high quality service. I have known the owners of Chick-fil-A, the Cathy family, for many years and have great respect for them. They just opened a new store in New York and Mayor De Blasio took the gloves off and came after them, calling for a boycott. Doesn’t this sound like bullying, intolerance, and discrimination? All because someone won’t roll over to the LGBT agenda.
I hope Chick-fil-A has record sales in their New York stores—and tell them how much you appreciate them in the comments below.
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