PHOTOS: We Need To Talk About Some Of The Pictures Taken Inside #RNCinCLE

The teleprompters have been shut off. The balloons and confetti have been cleaned up. The male escorts have deposited their money. Time to debrief on what the hell we just witnessed at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Related: Donald Trump Promises To Protect The LGBTQ Community, Twitter Reacts

Melania Trump recited Michelle Obama’s speech from the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Rudy Giuliani reminded us to schedule that dentist appointment we’ve been putting off. Ben Carson suggested Hillary Clinton worships Lucifer. Laura Ingraham accidentally gave a Nazi salute. Peter Thiel told us money is more important than human rights. And then we watched 125,000 balloons fall from the ceiling.

Related: This Gay Republican Hates Democrats So Much He’s Willing To Give Up His Rights To Defeat Them

All that was very entertaining. But perhaps the most entertaining part of this years #RNCinCLE were the pictures posted on social media, which, frankly, seem to capture the present GOP mindset better than any of the keynotes did.

Scroll down for some of our favorite shots highlighting the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland…

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‘Looking’ Finale Makes A Fantastic Farewell – REVIEW

“Is it good to be back?” a cab driver asks Patrick (Jonathan Groff) in the opening of Looking’s wrap-up film, premiering tonight at 10 pm on HBO. If you weren’t already sold on the slow-paced drama, the 90-minute special finale likely won’t make you a convert. But if you were a fan of the first two seasons of the understated, slice-of-life look at a group of gay men in the Bay Area, the answer is yes, it’s very good.

ALSO: Murray Bartlett and Frankie J. Alvarez Reflect on the Legacy of ‘Looking’ – TOWLEROAD INTERVIEW

The film picks up nine months after Patrick fled San Francisco and all the messy relationships he left in his wake. His time spent in Denver has done wonders for his career, his maturity, even his haircut. To Groff’s credit, some of Patrick’s most shrill neuroses have been tempered some, and he’s carrying himself with a newfound confidence and assuredness that finally makes Patrick someone you want to root for.

It’s a change that couldn’t come soon enough considering how the film spends its entirety by Patrick’s side. He’s back in town for a wedding and to close a few chapters along the way. While Patrick’s maturity is a welcome change, the focus on him comes at the expense of more time that could’ve been spent with Agustín (Frankie J. Alvarez) and Dom (Murray Bartlett). The former character has come a long way from the acrid artist audiences largely loathed in season one. His growth is probably the most dramatic over the series’ run, and the film uses his scenes to underscore the seismic shift in his worldview (and, by extension, the gay community’s struggle to reconcile its radical roots with more acceptance in mainstream society).

But it’s Dom that seems to make the most with the smaller screen time he has. A brief, but memorable scene between him and Patrick crackles with an intimacy and familiarity between friends that rarely radiates so strongly on screen, especially between two men. The ease with which they relate is a testament to the actors’ natural chemistry, but it’s also a great example of what writer-director Andrew Haigh and series creator Michael Lannan do best.

Looking has always shined brightest when it isolates two characters (think Richie and Patrick’s day playing hooky in “Looking For the Future”). There’s an extra layer of vulnerability and honesty that they’ve nearly perfected. It’s the same quality that made Haigh’s film Weekend so electrifying, and Looking’s wrap-up film is the closest the series has ever come to capturing (or maybe even surpassing) that magic. Perhaps the longer runtime gave those moments more room to breathe, or maybe the sense of finality made it feel like all the ambling, navel-gazing conversations were heading toward some kind of destination.

Haigh’s and Lannan’s other strengths are on full display as well. San Francisco is still as gorgeously portrayed as ever, bathed in that romantic, sun-washed haze. Capturing San Francisco’s unique blend of bustling metropolis and wide-open natural wonder is no easy task, but Looking has found a way to accomplish this. A feast for the ears as well as the eyes, Looking’s musical choices have always been killer, and the film is no different. Though the fantastic use of the crescendo in Perfume Genius’ “Hood” is probably the most iconic in the film, even the way John Grant’s “No More Tangles” is playing in Patrick’s earphones expertly reinforces his point of view. It’s a wonder how much effort goes into making this lived-in world feel so effortless.

The artistry on display has rarely been a target for the heaps of criticism the show has weathered. Even in sunny San Francisco, Looking’s final farewell does find time for some shade, addressing some of its more pointed feedback head-on. “Stereotyped, cliché-ridden dross … what the f*ck is the point?” That’s what Patrick says people have been saying about his and Kevin’s gay-themed video game, but it’s also not a far cry from what folks were saying about Looking.

The most pointed response to critics comes via a shouting match between Patrick and Brady (Chris Perfetti), an entitled, whiny, social justice-minded, know-it-all blogger (wow, turns out, it is powerful to see yourself reflected on screen). They’re trading barbs about becoming dull, femmephobia, and “everything wrong with the gay community,“ as if they could solve it in this bar on this one night (or as if anyone could solve it with one TV show). Instead of declaring a victor, the argument ends with Doris (the always fabulous Lauren Weedman) breaking in: ”I love it when gays argue with other gays about being gays.”

Perhaps that’ll be the show’s legacy. It never was going to be the paragon of perfect representation, but it’s a lovingly-crafted piece of dramatic storytelling that had the community asking: When it comes to seeing ourselves on screen, what is it we’re really looking for?

The post ‘Looking’ Finale Makes A Fantastic Farewell – REVIEW appeared first on Towleroad.

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Happening NOW: Hillary Clinton Introduces Running Mate Tim Kaine at Miami Rally

Hillary Clinton is set to introduce her running mate Tim Kaine at a rally in Miami, Florida at approximately 12 pm.

The post Happening NOW: Hillary Clinton Introduces Running Mate Tim Kaine at Miami Rally appeared first on Towleroad.

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Following Orlando Shooting, National Council of La Raza Passes Gun Safety Resolution

Today, the National Council of La Raza adopted new policies in favor of reducing and preventing gun violence.

“Our announcement today comes as we hold our Annual Conference in Orlando, the site of the largest mass shooting in our nation’s history, which took the lives of 49 innocent people, most of whom were Latino,” said NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía said in a statement. “The tragic event at Pulse nightclub changed Orlando and it has changed NCLR. Today, by formally adopting this position, we join with the vast majority of Americans calling for an end to gun violence and we will urge policymakers to adopt common-sense measures to reduce mass shootings and gun violence, saving countless lives.”

Last month, HRC’s board adopted a resolution that addresses both the epidemic of hate that has fueled anti-LGBTQ-motivated murder, assault and discrimination as well as common-sense gun violence prevention policies that would help keep the LGBTQ community safe. The tragic killing of 49 innocent people on Latin Night at Pulse nightclub in Orlando — young lives taken solely because of who they were — has affected us all.

“As a society, we must hold accountable lawmakers, religious leaders and other public officials who put a target on the backs of LGBTQ people through hateful rhetoric and legislation, because they are complicit in the violence fueled by their words and actions,” HRC President Chad Griffin said. “The safety of the LGBTQ community depends on our ability to end both the hatred toward our community and the epidemic of gun violence that has spiraled out of control.”

Following the Orlando tragedy, it’s on all of us to keep the victims’ memories alive, and to ensure part of their legacy becomes meaningful action to end hate violence. Join HRC’s Stop the Hate campaign and urge your legislator to support legislation that will ensure LGBTQ people are safe and equal in every community and find out how to support the survivors and families of the Orlando victims.

www.hrc.org/blog/following-orlando-shooting-national-council-of-la-raza-passes-gun-safety-re?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Telling Our Stories: Bi Stories Project Launches at Comic Con

The veil of silence and shame that covers so many bisexual people will be lifted this weekend.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/7/23/telling-our-stories-bi-stories-project-launches-comic-con

“Looking” Stars Jonathan Groff and Russell Tovey: Our Acting Careers “Expanded” After Coming Out

From Tab Hunter to Colton Haynes, Hollywood has always been a tricky landmine for queer actors – regardless of whether they choose to come out or stay in the closet. On one hand, we have actors like Zachary Quinto and Ezra Miller wearing skintight suits in summer superhero blockbusters and TV stars like Nico Tortorella coming out as sexually-fluid. On the other, young actors like Noah Galvin may say stupid stuff, and next thing you know their show could be cancelled.

So, in a time when homophobia in the entertainment industry may not be so overt but still commonplace, Jonathan Groff and Russell Tovey should consider themselves #blessed. The stars of HBO’s Looking: The Movie, which premieres on Saturday, told Queerty that they have not had any personal experiences with homophobia in Hollywood (at least that they’re aware of). In fact, Groff and Tovey both agreed that their careers only got brighter after coming out, even if they have not ascended to the Hollywood A-list as of yet. A sentiment that has been echoed by Quinto. It’s ironic then that the actors in Looking, one of the bluest shows (both literally and figuratively), are the ones comforting us – that being a famous gay man is not always so tragic.

At the Looking red carpet in San Francisco, on the eve of the movie premier, Groff and Tovey talked with Oscar Raymundo about their bittersweet HBO finale, being out and proud in the spotlight, and what they’re really looking forward to next.

We’re so happy HBO is giving the show a proper finale, but are all the storylines going to get wrapped up in a little bow?

Groff: That’s the Michael Lannan-Andrew Haigh way (referring to the creator and executive producer) to give you your happy with your sad. We’ve always been aware of how temporary it is and how beautiful it is. I’m just grateful that we got an end. Period. But it’s sad as much as it is celebratory.

Tovey: And we’re at the Castro Theater. What a perfect sendoff for the show. It’s bittersweet that this is our last time together as a gang in San Francisco, but we’re very, very lucky that we got this film.

[To Tovey] And your character Kevin got to go blond. How does that play into the story?

Tovey: We’re seeing them six months after the end of the last season, so I wanted the character to seem like he’s had a bit of a breakdown. Like, “fuck you, I’m going to change, I’m going to make my hair different.” And when he sees Patrick [Groff’s character] he wants that to be a moment. But he doesn’t realize how immature it is.

Have you guys experienced homophobia in Hollywood?

Groff: I haven’t come across it yet that I’m aware. I came out when I was 23 right after I left Spring Awakening and opportunities for me expanded after I came out. Looking has been my favorite thing that I’ve ever been a part of. And it is very related to coming out and being open and being intimate and being honest with yourself. I never imagined when I came out that work would be better for me, that the experience of being an actor and getting work would improve. Oh sorry, I spit on you.

That’s ok.

Tovey: I haven’t experienced [homophobia in Hollywood], either, but I know others who have. Being a gay actor has actually opened up horizons for me, too, like with Looking. It has been an advantage, totally.

Groff: But I’m aware that it has a lot to do with timing. Had it been 10 years earlier or 20 years earlier, it might have been different. I was in the closet during Spring Awakening. I wasn’t lying and saying that I was straight, but we were so young that no one was asking us in interviews who we were dating.

Who were you dating?

Groff: [Laughs] Oh my god, it’s Armistead. I just have to kiss him really quick.

[At this point during the interview, Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin walks up and starts talking to the actors. Maupin introduces them to his friend].

Noah Galvin recently did an interview, and his show was almost cancelled because of it. Isn’t that weird: We want you guys to do these interviews where you’re honest and genuine, but the moment you speak your mind we drag you for it. Russell, you’ve apologized publicly before. Does it ever feel like you’re under attack?

Tovey: It makes you feel guarded because you want to say the right thing. And sometimes when you speak to [the media], things get taken out of context. Things get said that aren’t meant to be said. LGBT stuff is so important right now. With what happened in Orlando, it gives heightened importance, and it’s brought [the community] closer in a really weird way. It just felt like you knew everyone in that club.

That’s why visibility is so important. Gay teens are going to be stealing their parents’ HBO Go passwords and finding Looking for years to come.

Groff: That’s one of the things I love about the Looking movie is that it explores male intimacy not just with sex but with men relating to each other in an intimate way, whether it’s relationships or friendships. It’s something that we need to see more of. Sorry, I spit on you again. I’m so sorry.

[To Tovey] You want to spit on me too?

Groff: Male intimacy, here it is.

It comes with the job. I read that the Looking producers were envisioning the show going for six seasons. Where would you like to see gay characters on TV be in five or six years?

Groff: As more gay programming comes out, and the torch gets passed and new shows are created about the gay experience, we got to see Patrick in the beginnings of a relationship, but I would like to see him in the real thick of a relationship. Years and years into those complexities. How you keep it alive and where do things go when you stay for a while.

Looking closes a chapter in your career, so I would like to know: What are you really looking forward to next?

Tovey: I’m starting filming Quantico on ABC next month.

Groff: I’m working on Mind Hunter now. It’s David Fincher’s show for Netflix about the birth of criminal profiling in the FBI. I was just filming in Pittsburgh until two in the morning last night.

Well, I was at a Pride party until four in the morning last night, so I totally know what that’s like.

‘Looking: The Movie’ premieres tonight at 10PM on HBO.

Oscar Raymundo is the creator of Confessions of a Boy Toy.

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Former Male Sex Worker Looks Back On His Career With Pride

“I first became involved in sex work after traveling to London for a job interview and losing my ticket home,” Paul Lowell tells Vice in a fascinating new article about retired sex workers.

Lowell’s career started while he was walking around the West End and noticed a man cruising him.

Related: Male Sex Workers Reveal The Truth About Their Lives And Clients

“I asked him the time, and his comically cheesy response was, ‘I have the time and the money,’” he recalls. “I had no qualms about taking him up on his offer, and felt empowered by the fact that I was able to use my only possession, my body, to earn enough cash to buy breakfast and another train ticket.”

Lowell, whose mother left him and his four siblings to be raised solely by his father, says poverty and a general sense of desperation played into his decision to enter into the sex trade.

“Add to that the psychological effects of abuse and a troubled school life that produced no qualifications,” he says, “and it’s easy to see why I went down the road of prostitution.”

He found most of his clients at gay bars and clubs and in cruising areas.

“Alcohol and drugs added a rosy haze to everything,” he says. “They were a crutch that made life bearable and helped me to remain optimistic.”

Related: What I Learned From Diving Head First Into The World Of Dom/Sub Sex Work

Lowell continued the work for some time, even after finding a regular, full-time job.

“I still didn’t quit because I didn’t trust my ability to keep it,” he says. “I had more faith in maintaining my regular customers than in remaining legally employed.”

He finally gave up sex work, he says, after falling in love.

“I was so smitten that I wanted to give my new relationship 100 percent,” he recalls. “The biggest difficulty lay in revealing the truth. But without question, I was accepted.”

Today, Lowell is happily married to a man who supports him. He says he doesn’t miss the money he made from prostitution, nor does he feel ashamed of his past.

“I’m slightly proud, if anything,” he says. “I used what I had to make an interesting life for myself, never stole from people or hurt anyone, and entrusted my destiny to karma.”

Related: ‘Mostly Straight’ Male Sex Worker Opens Up About Being Gay-For-Pay And Much, Much More

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5 Queer Episodes From Star Trek History Worth Revisiting

Star Trek Beyond, the latest installment in the adventures of the reimagined original crew, flies into theaters today and will bring with it the franchise’s first gay character in the form of helmsman Hikaru Sulu (played by John Cho).

But while this is uncharted territory for Star Trek’s official cannon (queer characters have been included in several Star Trek novels), the franchise’s various TV series did touch on a few LGBT issues with some clever story lines and allegories during their runs.

Join us as we take a look back at the five queerest Star Trek episodes so far. 

1.) “The Outcast” from Star Trek: The Next Generation 

In one of the strongest LGBT allegories in Star Trek history, this season 5 episode of The Next Generation finds the Enterprise crew encountering the J’Naii, a race of genderless people. However, when Riker is sent on a mission with a J’Naii named Soren, he learns not all J’Naii identify as genderless and some feel attraction to one gender or another. Yet, they are considered sick by their society. Riker and Soren share a kiss, which is witnessed by another J’Naii and Soren is reported to the authorities where Soren delivers a powerful speech about the need to accept those who are different before Soren is taken away to the J’Naii version of reparative therapy.

2.) “Rejoined” from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The first romantic same-sex kiss in Star Trek history was a complicated one. Jadzia Dax and Lenara Kahn are both from an alien race known as the Trill – a species that exists as symbionts implanted in host bodies. Dax and Kahn were once married back when Dax was inhabiting a male body. Turns out they still have a thing for one another, despite the fact that Trills are not supposed to rekindle their previous hosts’ romantic relationships. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop the two from sharing a passionate lip lock and their undying love for each other.

3.) “Chimera” from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 
Odo, a changeling whose natural form is puddle of liquid, has an eye-opening moment when he meets a being named Laas from his own race who does not share Odo’s need to “pass” as a species with a solid form. Odo is confronted with the prejudices of others, even some of his friends, who claim to be okay with changelings – just as long as they don’t have to see them change form or exist as anything other than humanoid.

4.) “The Host” from Star Trek: The Next Generation
Dr. Crusher falls in love with a Trill diplomat named Odan. But when Odan is fatally wounded and must transfer his symbiont self into a new female host body, Crusher breaks off the relationship saying she can’t deal with “these kind of changes.”

5.) “Stigma” from Enterprise
With obvious parallels to the real-life story of AIDS in ‘80s America, this episode of the final Star Trek series (which takes place 100 years before the days of Kirk and Spock) finds T’Pol, The Enterprise’s Vulcan first officer, contracting Pa’nar Syndrome. It’s an ailment that is spread through mind melds – an act that is considered unnatural in Vulcan society during this era and is believed to be practiced by only a few degenerate telepaths. Because of this stigma, Vulcan doctors are unwilling to supply research, medicine, or discuss preventative measures about the spread of the disease. The Enterprise crew soon find themselves battling one of their most difficult enemies they’ve ever encountered – Vulcan prejudice.

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