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Monthly Archives: May 2016
Study Suggests Having All The Hanky Panky In The World Won’t Make You Happy
Study Suggests Having All The Hanky Panky In The World Won’t Make You Happy
It’s Tuesday morning, so you have some sex. Random Grindr guy; grinding jaw. He shuffles in; shuffles out.
(Afterwards, you find a quick minute to call your boyfriend and accuse him of cheating.)
Breakfast-time; waiter shoots a glance. “Sex…?”
Bathroom door locks. Trash cans topple. Wadded paper towels. Love? Bodies thrash in urinal puddles. You pull up your pants, say something clever: “Bye, Felicia.”
(You fire off another few texts to your boyfriend, accuse him of being unfaithful. Again.)
Heading home. A shortcut through the park. You pass baseball practice. All-gay league. Dugout’s damp. Spit-out tobacco everywhere. You get to know each member of the team. And each member’s member.
Back at the apartment. Boyfriend comes home. You apologize. “Irrational fits of jealousy.” Amazing makeup sex. He cradles you: “You’re my world.”
Related: Bears Have Lower Self-Esteem And Engage In Much Riskier Sex, Study Finds
Well. According to a 2015 study from Carnegie Mellon University, all this sexy love-making simply isn’t enough to make you happy.
In fact, it might even make you unhappier.
As The Independent reports:
The experiment was straightforward: Measure how happy couples were with their current sex schedules. Then, split them into two groups and ask one group to have more sex (twice as much, to be exact) and ask the other group to change nothing about their sex lives. Finally, compare how happy they were afterward. (As part of the experiment, for example, couples having sex three times a week had sex six times a week; those having sex once a month had it twice a month.)
The experiment lasted 90 days, and the results genuinely surprised the scientists:
“Contrary to what one would expect if the causal story running from sexual frequency to happiness were true,” the team wrote in their paper, “we observed a weak negative impact of inducing people to have more sex on mood.”
In general, the researchers found that the couples who doubled the amount of sex didn’t enjoy the sex as much and were less happy overall. Although the team can only speculate as to why this was, they did answer their question: More sex does not make us happier.
And since the study more-or-less “forced” the subjects to have more sex than they’re accustomed to, it appears they developed “less motivation to have sex.”
Related: Study Finds People Who Like Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Have More Sex
The takeaway? According to George Leowenstein, a professor of economics and psychology, you should “concentrate on quality and not quantity if you want to be happy.”
Of course, you could always concentrate on both.
What do you think? Are these findings at all useful? Or is this study stupid and covertly moralistic? Weigh in in the “Comments” section below.
President Obama Issues 2016 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation
President Obama Issues 2016 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation
President Obama has unveiled his final LGBT Pride Month Proclamation.
Here’s to hoping our next president will be one who continues the tradition of issuing such declarations.
Read the proclamation, below.
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2016
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Since our founding, America has advanced on an unending path toward becoming a more perfect Union. This journey, led by forward-thinking individuals who have set their sights on reaching for a brighter tomorrow, has never been easy or smooth. The fight for dignity and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is reflected in the tireless dedication of advocates and allies who strive to forge a more inclusive society. They have spurred sweeping progress by changing hearts and minds and by demanding equal treatment — under our laws, from our courts, and in our politics. This month, we recognize all they have done to bring us to this point, and we recommit to bending the arc of our Nation toward justice.
Last year’s landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 States was a historic victory for LGBT Americans, ensuring dignity for same-sex couples and greater equality across State lines. For every partnership that was not previously recognized under the law and for every American who was denied their basic civil rights, this monumental ruling instilled newfound hope, affirming the belief that we are all more free when we are treated as equals.
LGBT individuals deserve to know their country stands beside them. That is why my Administration is striving to better understand the needs of LGBT adults and to provide affordable, welcoming, and supportive housing to aging LGBT Americans. It is also why we oppose subjecting minors to the harmful practice of conversion therapy, and why we are continuing to promote equality and foster safe and supportive learning environments for all students. We remain committed to addressing health disparities in the LGBT community — gay and bisexual men and transgender women of color are at a particularly high risk for HIV, and we have worked to strengthen our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reduce new infections, increase access to care, and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Despite the extraordinary progress of the past few years, LGBT Americans still face discrimination simply for being who they are. I signed an Executive Order in 2014 that prohibits discrimination against Federal employees and contractors on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge the Congress to enact legislation that builds upon the progress we have made, because no one should live in fear of losing their job simply because of who they are or who they love. And our commitment to combatting discrimination against the LGBT community does not stop at our borders: Advancing the fair treatment of all people has long been a cornerstone of American diplomacy, and we have made defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT individuals a priority in our engagement across the globe. In line with America’s commitment to the notion that all people should be treated fairly and with respect, champions of this cause at home and abroad are upholding the simple truth that LGBT rights are human rights.
There remains much work to do to extend the promise of our country to every American, but because of the acts of courage of the millions who came out and spoke out to demand justice and of those who quietly toiled and pushed for progress, our Nation has made great strides in recognizing what these brave individuals long knew to be true in their hearts — that love is love and that no person should be judged by anything but the content of their character. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, as Americans wave their flags of pride high and march boldly forward in parades and demonstrations, let us celebrate how far we have come and reaffirm our steadfast belief in the equal dignity of all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2016 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA
The post President Obama Issues 2016 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation appeared first on Towleroad.
Christian Rock Star Trey Pearson Comes Out As Gay: ‘I Tried My Whole Life To Be Straight’
Christian Rock Star Trey Pearson Comes Out As Gay: ‘I Tried My Whole Life To Be Straight’
Christian rock star Trey Pearson has come out as gay after years struggling to reconcile his faith with his sexuality.
Pearson has been part of the band Everyday Sunday for the past 15 years. Everyday Sunday has experienced phenomenal success on the Christian rock scene.
In an interview with Columbus, Ohio’s (614) Magazine, Pearson (35) reveals how he fought against his sexuality for years:
“I grew up in a very conservative Christian home where I was taught that my sexual orientation was a matter of choice, and had put all my faith into that. I had never before admitted to myself that I was gay, let alone to anyone else. I never wanted to be gay. I was scared of what God would think and what all of these people I loved would think about me; so it never was an option for me. I have been suppressing these attractions and feelings since adolescence. I’ve tried my whole life to be straight. I married a girl, and I even have two beautiful little kids. My daughter, Liv, is six and my son, Beckham, is two.”
To my fans and friends: I’m finally being honest with myself. I love you all. t.co/bfP5CXpuCx pic.twitter.com/0EmwHiljrz
— Everyday Sunday (@treypearson) May 31, 2016
Pearson, speaking with Religion News Service, added, “I finally decided to come out because I couldn’t keep trying to be something that I wasn’t.”
Religion News Service provides more background on just how impactful Pearson’s coming out is for the Christian rock community:
Pearson’s announcement is no small story. Since 2001, “Everyday Sunday” has sold around a quarter of a million albums. His song “Wake Up! Wake Up!” was the most played Christian rock song of 2007, and his 2009 album, “Best Night of Our Lives,” broke onto the coveted Billboard 200 chart. Pearson has toured in all 50 states and 20 countries, playing with top Christian musicians such as Toby Mac, Switchfoot, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp and others.
Pearson says that he ultimately came to realize that coming out was the right thing to do not only for himself but for his family:
“I was not making it an option to be gay so I could be loyal to her and my children. But then I realized the only way I was ever going to be my best for them was to be healthy myself.”
Pearson is not abandoning his faith, though he accepts that he may lose some fans because he came out. Still, he plans to release a new single later this year.
Pearson adds,
“There is absolutely no conflict with accepting who I am and following Jesus. God wants me to be healthy, authentic, whole, integrated and my truest self.”
“I definitely know how hard it was on my journey to be able to accept myself, and how other people’s voices and stories helped me. So I absolutely want to be a voice for other people. I know there are more and more Christians that realize how important this is, and I hope I can join with them in seeing this change.”
[Top photo via Twitter]
The post Christian Rock Star Trey Pearson Comes Out As Gay: ‘I Tried My Whole Life To Be Straight’ appeared first on Towleroad.
The ‘Gay of Thrones’ Recap of S6 E6 Is Here: ‘Beef Of My Butt’ – WATCH
The ‘Gay of Thrones’ Recap of S6 E6 Is Here: ‘Beef Of My Butt’ – WATCH
Game of Thrones season 6 is chugging along and this week’s episode saw the return of some characters we haven’t heard from in a while.
RELATED: Meanwhile, In Westeros: ‘Game Of Thrones’ 06×06 [RECAP] – SPOILERS
Jonathan van Ness recaps all that went down in Westeros with vintage Mia Farrow, Sporty Spice, Miss Cleo, Tubby Lubby, Leah Remini, Baby K, Soaking Wet Lord Frey, someone’s uncle, Brother D, Uncle Bear Grylls, Christina Aguilera, and more, below.
For more Gay of Thrones recaps, click HERE.
The post The ‘Gay of Thrones’ Recap of S6 E6 Is Here: ‘Beef Of My Butt’ – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
New Absolut Commercial Stars Transgender Actress; Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion
New Absolut Commercial Stars Transgender Actress; Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion
A new commercial from Absolut stars transgender actress Carol Marra as part of the company’s #AbsolutNights campaign.
It shows two friends, one of whom is transgender, reconnecting at a music festival.
“For 30+ years, Absolut has supported people’s rights to be their true selves with the help of our artistic collaborations and ongoing support of the LGBT community,” Absolut shared on Facebook. “Our mission statement to foster a more open and diverse world does exactly that. It invites you to be you, at your most authentic, true self. We cherish our heritage of inclusive practices and guard them dearly. We appreciate all the love and support from all those embracing our mission and we raise a glass to ‘you being you.’”
Pernod Ricard, which owns Absolut, received an 85 on HRC Foundation’s 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent LGBT employees. The company includes sexual orientation and gender identity in its non-discrimination policy and also offers transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits.
This is among one of the first few ads to feature a transgender-specific narrative. HRC Foundation Youth Ambassador Jazz Jennings stared in a commercial for “Clean and Clear” as part of the See The Real Me campaign last year. Hallmark released an emotional ad last year, featuring the special connection and love of a transgender son and his mother. H&M also launched a groundbreaking transgender-inclusive campaign in August.
According to a groundbreaking HRC national survey, more than one in three Americans personally know someone who is transgender. And increased visibility goes hand-in-hand with acceptance and progress. HRC research has shown that the significant uptick in the number of Americans who say they personally know or work with someone who is transgender overwhelmingly translates into favorable feelings toward transgender people.
Want to know more about the policies and practices of the brands you support? Check out “Buying for Workplace Equality: A Guide to Companies, Products and Services that Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workplace Inclusion” or download HRC’s iPhone or Android app for reference on the go.
Conservative Judaism’s Rabbinical Arm Passes Resolution Affirming the Rights of Transgender People
Conservative Judaism’s Rabbinical Arm Passes Resolution Affirming the Rights of Transgender People
Following an onslaught of anti-transgender legislation across the country, the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism, the international association of Conservative rabbis, made a historic move to protect transgender and gender non-conforming congregants.
Last week, the assembly passed a historic resolution urging officials in all levels of government to review their policies and practices to ensure the full equality of transgender people under the law.
The resolution will impact how Conservative synagogues, camps, schools and affiliated organizations address the safety and explicit inclusion of transgender and gender non-conforming people. It encourages all organizations affiliated with the Conservative Movement “to educate themselves and their employees about the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming people” and provide safe spaces, as well “evaluate their physical site needs, workplace needs, and language that impact gender and gender expression.”
Rabbi Gil Steinlauf, senior rabbi of Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C. and distinguished member of HRC’s Religion Council, expressed “pride” in the Conservative Movement for “its affirmation of the fundamental rights of transgender people within Judaism.”
“Since Talmudic times, our people have recognized that the human condition is not just binary. We have long known that God’s presence is manifest in a multiplicity of expressions of our genders and our lives,” Rabbi Steinlauf told HRC. “I hope this resolution will go far in promoting this deep truth of our religion in our society and in the world.”
The vote comes on the heels of a similar resolution passed by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) at its biennial last year in Orlando, Florida.
Ultimately, one principal affirmation prevails, as noted in the opening, that we are all created b’tzelem Elohim (in God’s Divine Image). In April, HRC Foundation released Coming Home to Judaism and to Self to help LGBTQ Jews who are seeking to reconnect with their faith and build more inclusive communities.
The trend toward greater inclusion has even a strong rabbinic tradition centered on kvod habriyot (human dignity). To learn more about the stance of Conservative Judaism on LGBT Issues, please visit HRC’s Positions of Faiths.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
George Takei Says ‘You Can Pee Next to Me' (Video)
George Takei Says ‘You Can Pee Next to Me' (Video)
In a Facebook Live video today, the out actor sat down with two transgender Americans to discuss how they came to live authentically and the obstacles still facing the trans community today.
www.advocate.com/transgender/2016/5/31/george-takei-says-you-can-pee-next-me-video
39 Sweltering Pics from the Ultimate Vegas Gay Pool Party
39 Sweltering Pics from the Ultimate Vegas Gay Pool Party
www.advocate.com/photography/2016/5/31/39-sweltering-pics-ultimate-vegas-gay-pool-party
23 Photos of Stars and Strippers at the Eagle LA
23 Photos of Stars and Strippers at the Eagle LA
www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2016/5/31/23-photos-stars-and-strippers-eagle-la
