Blake Shelton Issues Apology of Sorts For Alleged Homophobic Tweets

Country singer, The Voice judge and Gwen Stefani’s boyfriend Blake Shelton has issued an apology of sorts for a number of old tweets deemed to be homophobic.

Dug up by @MusicFactsTea, Shelton’s tweets are relatively harmless compared with the likes of Kevin Swanson and the recently god-baited Tony Perkins.

#Throwback to some of @BlakeShelton ‘s homophobic tweets poking fun at and insulting gay men. pic.twitter.com/pOPKFscqnH

— THE MUSIC TEA (@MusicFactsTea) August 13, 2016

@Michael2014abc @blakeshelton Still not getting it. Your humour is way over my head.

— Lisa Christiansen (@LisachristCBC) August 17, 2016

In June 2010, Shelton allegedly tweeted: “Grown men who wear Chuck Taylor’s may as well write on their fore head ‘Cucumbers turn me on!!!’”

And here are some of @BlakeShelton ‘s extremely offensive disgusting tweets about women. pic.twitter.com/FARq8QdqIP

— THE MUSIC TEA (@MusicFactsTea) August 13, 2016

@ShefaniQueen Loved everyone’s responses but yours is my fave & just what I would have liked to say. Thanks for saying it so perfectly 😘

— Back to Sadie (@fureyse1) August 17, 2016

The following year Shelton took it out on the coffee: “Standing in line at a coffee shop in LA talking with the man in front of me,” he reportedly tweeted. “He orders a skinny caramel latte. I couldn’t tell he was gay!!!”

Here are Some more extremely homophobic tweets by @BlakeShelton . He’s disgusting. pic.twitter.com/Qo8UwXQfqF

— THE MUSIC TEA (@MusicFactsTea) August 13, 2016

Fairly harmless.

Other tweets certainly came across as racist and misogynistic. In one he labeled women as “bitches” and likened them to zoo animals. In one tweet, a quote was shared that likens “picking up bitches in a bar” to “hunting deer in a zoo.” In 2010, Shelton was dismayed that a shuttle bus driver couldn’t “speak a F**KING word of English.”

Yesterday, he issued an apology on Twitter:

“Everyone knows comedy has been a major part of my career and it’s always been out there for anyone to see. That said anyone that knows me also knows I have no tolerance for hate of any kind or form. Can my humor at times be inappropriate and immature? Yes. Hateful? Never. That said I deeply apologize to anybody who may have been offended.”

pic.twitter.com/RSoWqSlBlV

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) August 17, 2016

Seems fair. Homophobic like Ellen is racist?

The post Blake Shelton Issues Apology of Sorts For Alleged Homophobic Tweets appeared first on Towleroad.

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#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: August 18, 2016

DONALD TRUMP’S CAMPAIGN SHAKEUP GETS TWO THUMBS DOWN FOR HISTORY OF ANTI-LGBTQ RHETORIC: If Donald Trump was looking to hit the reset button with the announcement that he had shaken up the leadership of his campaign, he failed miserably yesterday. Instead, the decision to hire a Breitbart staffer to run his campaign represents a doubling down on hate and bigotry. Politico reported on Clinton Campaign Manager Robby Mook’s scathing response, noting that Breitbart has “repeatedly used anti-LGBT slurs in their coverage.” HRC President Chad Griffin’s take here: “Donald Trump’s staff shakeup is a disturbing preview of what a Trump-Pence administration would look like. Trump has stocked his inner circle with anti-equality activists who share his commitment to rolling back the rights and protections of LGBTQ Americans. His hiring decisions, including the selection of Mike Pence as his running mate, have left no doubt that Trump is the biggest threat the LGBTQ community has ever faced in a presidential election.” More here.

• New Trump CEO Steve Bannon smeared transgender people and gave a platform to Austin Ruse, who peddled shameful conspiracy theories that Matthew Shepard’s murder was not a hate crime.

• New Campaign Manager Kellyanne Conway is a longtime pollster for the National Organization for Marriage. She objected to the inclusion of openly LGBTQ people in the media, saying of one television show that featured a lesbian couple that people, “…don’t want their kids looking at a cartoon with a bunch of lesbian mothers.”

• Washington Blade: Prominent Gay Republicans urge RNC to stop funding Trump. The Blade reports on how three openly LGBTQ Republicans are among the 123 Republicans who urged Reince Priebus to stop supporting Trump.

MONTEL WILLIAMS, HE’S WITH HER: In a USA Today op-ed, longtime Republican Montel Williams comes out strong for Hillary Clinton, commending her on her support for LGBTQ equality. Williams writes, “I’m also guided by Hillary’s support for LGBT equality, including in all forms of public accommodation. As a black American who grew up under Jim Crow, I am dedicated to ensure that the law never again permits discrimination.”

APPLE, COMCAST, GOOGLE AND MICROSOFT AMONG MAJOR TECH COMPANIES BLASTING ANTI-LGBTQ PROVISION ON THE HILL: In a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, a coalition of major tech companies are calling for the removal of a discriminatory anti-LGBTQ provision embedded in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Collectively known as TechNet — and including Apple, Comcast, Microsoft and Google — the companies write that the amendment, “plac[es] prejudice and fear above inclusion and diversity which is bad for our employees and bad for business.” Read more about the provision that would allow sweeping taxpayer-funded discrimination here.

THE KIM DAVIS EFFECT: After hearing arguments yesterday, the Wyoming Supreme Court is poised to rule in an ethics case involving a judge who refuses to preside over same-sex marriages, citing her religious beliefs. The Wyoming Commission of Judicial Conduct and Ethics has recommended that Judge Ruth Neely be removed for violating the state code of judicial conduct. More from The Associated Press.

MOMENT OF “AWWWWWW”: More than 375 self-described “open minded Christian moms of LGBTQ kids” sent an open letter to HRC’s Sarah McBride thanking her for her visibility and advocacy as a transgender woman — most recently becoming the first openly-trans person to address a major party convention. “We are very encouraged by all you are doing and accomplishing; and want you to know we are praying God will protect, strengthen, guide and bless you,” they wrote. “We believe people like you reflect the true spirit of America.”

LGBTQ-INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS COMING TO TEL AVIV SCHOOLS: Tel Aviv is set to make history by including LGBTQ trainings for educators and guidance counselors during the upcoming school year. The trainings are being hosted by a local LGBTQ educational organization and will include lectures and workshops on gender issues and LGBTQ families. More from Haaretz.

• A thriving LGBTQ sports community has also emerged in Tel Aviv. Most recently they’ve sent athletes to the Gay Games and the IGLA World Championships.

#TBT: WHEN LGBTQ RIGHTS WERE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT SOCHI OLYMPICS: Just over two years ago, Sochi, Russia, hosted the Winter Olympics on the heels of the country’s imposition of harsh anti-LGBTQ laws — including banning “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” and prohibiting same-sex couples from adopting. At that time, HRC condemned Russia’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, highlighting its dangerous effects, including putting LGBTQ Russians, Olympians, and travelers in danger. As the world turned to the Sochi Olympics, LGBTQ organizations led an international conversation around LGBTQ rights in Russia.

• Meanwhile LGBTQ affirmation continues in Rio: At this year’s Olympics, Italian swimmer Rachele Bruni is being hailed as the first Italian athlete to publicly come out. She dedicated her medal to her family, coach and girlfriend.

MAGIC EQUALITY BUS: A new bus tour highlights Anchorage, Alaska’s perhaps surprisingly rich LGBTQ history. The tour, which continues through the summer, focuses on the role local establishments played in LGBTQ history in 1970s and 80s. More from Alaska Public Radio.

READING RAINBOW

The Harvard Business Review explains how LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination laws make the U.S. more innovative…The Gay Star News highlights the @LGBT_History Instagram account — check it out!… The Advocate breaks down why LGBTQ pride celebrations in oppressive countries remain an act of rebellion…and Vice writes about how Donald Trump’s anti-equality agenda can galvanize the LGBTQ community on November 8.

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to A.M. Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tip-sheet-august-18-2016?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

#TBT: LGBTQ Rights in the Spotlight at Sochi Olympic Games

Just over two years ago, Sochi, Russia, hosted the Winter Olympics on the heels of the country’s imposition of harsh anti-LGBTQ laws — including banning “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” and prohibiting same-sex couples from adopting.

At that time, HRC condemned Russia’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, highlighting its dangerous effects, including putting LGBTQ Russians, Olympians, and travelers in danger. As the world turned to the Sochi Olympics, HRC led an international conversation around LGBTQ rights in Russia.

HRC called on NBC to use its exclusive coverage of the Games to denounce the laws and tracked the network’s coverage of the issue. HRC also urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reconsider its stance after it accepted empty promises from President Vladimir Putin, and asserted the laws did not violate the non-discrimination section of its charter. HRC also called on Olympic sponsors to condemn the legislation.

Additionally, HRC launched a Russian-language #LoveConquersHate social media campaign that reached millions around the globe. The campaign in support of LGBTQ Russians generated 316 million impressions, and nearly 10,000 people, including celebrity influencers, shared photos of themselves wearing the iconic #LoveConquersHate T-shirt. The campaign raised $140,000 for the Russia Freedom Fund.

One year after Russia enacted the harsh anti-LGBT laws, HRC reported that the Russian LGBTQ community was being targeted in a rising tide of violence. Anti-LGBTQ sentiment was rampant. Politicians  compared LGBTQ people to pedophiles, LGBTQ citizens were placed under surveillance, and some have lost their jobs.

Sadly, Russia’s leaders have done nothing to change the laws or to protect LGBTQ people, and the effects have been devastating.

The IOC, however, adopted policy changes to protect the LGBTQ community in future games. The IOC changed its charter to include sexual orientation in its non-discrimination clause, but the policy falls short: it does not include gender identity, leaving transgender athletes without protections.

As the world unites during Rio, HRC again calls on Russia to repeal its harsh legislation and nullify these vile laws that not only deny equal rights to LGBTQ people but put them in harm’s way

www.hrc.org/blog/tbt-lgbtq-rights-in-the-spotlight-at-sochi-olympic-games?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

PHOTOS: When Pride Takes Over, Antwerp Becomes Even More Beautiful

Get a local in Antwerp, Belgium talking about the city, and the word “pride” is bound to come up. Certainly, there is much to be proud of. The stunningly beautiful port city attracts visitors from around the globe with its dramatic architecture, friendly cafe culture and world-class fashion. It also happens to be the diamond capital of the world, though the city itself manages to compete admirably with the coveted gems for which shines brightest.

So it only makes sense that when the annual LGBTQ pride rolls around in August, the already gay-friendly city beams in celebration.

This year over 120,000 people participated in the festival, including a courageous delegation of refugees who marched alongside the tourists, performers and locals.

Check out some photos below, and head here for more info on gay life in Antwerp.

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PHOTOS: Gymnast Danell Leyva Shows Off His Medals And Much, Much More

Olympic gymnast Danell Leyva has accomplished a lot in his 24 years on this planet. He’s the 2012 Olympic individual all-around bronze medalist, and just recently became the 2016 Olympic parallel bars and horizontal bar silver medalist. He’s also the 2011 U.S. national all-around gold medalist and the 2011 world champion on the parallel bars.

Related: PHOTOS: Tennis Star Grigor Dimitrov Knows How To Serve And Receive

On top of all those truly impressive feats, Danell also maintains one hell of an Instagram account. (And has a long history of sharing some pretty sexy selfies.)

Scroll down to see what he’s been up to lately…

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/lOXZeQ4Co1g/photos-gymnast-danell-leyva-shows-off-medals-much-much-20160818

Pulse Nightclub Survivor Angel Colon Takes His First Steps Since Orlando Massacre: WATCH

Angel Colon, a survivor of the Pulse nightclub massacre, has posted a Facebook video taking his first steps since the shooting in which 49 people died.

Colon, a former Zumba instructor, was shot in the leg three times. His other leg was broken during the stampede to leave the club.

Earlier this month he appeared on stage ZINCON16, the yearly conference for Zumba instructors in front of the 7.500 attendees and Omar Delgado, the police officer who saved his life.

Last week, Angel posted a video taking his first steps without assistance.

RELATED: Hillary Clinton Visits Pulse Nightclub, Meets Families and Friends of Orlando Victims – VIDEOS, PHOTOS

Watch the video below.

(Image via Facebook)

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Bloodied Young Boy Becomes Face of Suffering in Aleppo

Moments earlier, he was pulled from the wreckage of his home in the Qaterji neighborhood of eastern Aleppo, destroyed by an airstrike carried out by Syrian government or Russian forces in the middle of the night. Four other children, one woman and two men were also injured in the same strike.

The image of Omran, shared thousands of times on social media, is a reminder of the daily hell that is Aleppo, which is currently at the center of a fierce battle between rebels and government forces and its allies. It was taken from this accompanying video, distributed by the Aleppo Media Center.

The bombardment of the rebel-held east of the city has increased dramatically since an alliance of rebel groups, among them Jabhat Fatah al-Sham — which was until recently a branch of Al Qaeda — broke a government-imposed siege earlier this month.

Hospitals and medical facilities have not been spared by the daily bombardment. On Monday, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, called the battle for Aleppo “one of the most devastating urban conflicts in modern times.”

Doctors working in eastern Aleppo said Omran was treated for his head wound and discharged without any serious injury. They added 12 other children under the age of 15 were brought to the same hospital on Wednesday after airstrikes battered the city.

On Thursday, another child would not survive another attack in the Saleheen neighborhood of the city. Doctors in the M2 hospital said they had tried to resuscitate a young boy injured in a strike, but were unsuccessful.

On the same day, Syrian state news agency SANA reported that 10 civilians were killed by rebel rocket fire in government-held western Aleppo.

As the fighting intensifies in Aleppo, Syrians and activists trapped inside the city have expressed frustration with the international community for not doing more to stop the killing.

The drowning of Aylan Kurdi didn’t move the world to action. The terror in little Omran’s eyes in #Aleppo won’t either.

— Joey Ayoub جووي أيوب (@joeyayoub) August 18, 2016

In recent days, Russia signalled that it was close to reaching a deal with the US on fighting the Islamic State group in the Aleppo area.

Last month, Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov announced a deal that would see them cooperate on Jabhat al-Nusra, which has since changed its name to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and broke ties with Al Qaeda.

Russia has frequently bombed not just Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, but also rebel groups backed by the US. The deal would require Russia to only bomb targets agreed upon with the US, and would remove the Syrian air force from the skies. Opposition activists and fighters have criticized the deal because it would benefit Bashar al-Assad by targeting one of the most effective fighting forces against the Syrian president. Many rebel groups oppose the extremist ideology of Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, but have been forced into an alliance with it to survive.

This article first appeared on PRI’s The World.

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Ryan Lochte Changes Rio Robbery Story as 3 Teammates are Held in Brazil, Questioned

US Olympic swimming medalist Ryan Lochte has changed his story about the alleged robbery at gunpoint he and three other swimmers reported they experienced early Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Lauer said that two key details in Lochte’s story had changed since the interview he gave to Billy Bush earlier in the week. Lochte has previously said the cab the swimmers were in had been pulled over, but in his new account, they had stopped at a gas station to go to the bathroom.

The other detail involved the gun.

Said Lauer:

“When he talked to me tonight, he said, ‘that’s when the guy pointed the gun in my direction and cocked it.’ And I pointedly said to him, ‘you had said before it was placed on your forehead and cocked.’ He said, ‘No, that’s not exactly what happened.’ And I think he feels it was more of a traumatic mis-characterization. I think people listening at home might feel that was embellishment at the time, but that’s up to people to decide.”

Yesterday it was reported that Rio police said they had no evidence to corroborate the story, and surveillance tapes of the athletes returning to the Olympic village after the alleged robbery reportedly contradict claims by the swimmers that possessions had been taken and show them laughing and smiling — not the kind of behavior that typical follows a threatening violent incident.

Matt Lauer says there are discrepancies in Lochte’s story:

Lochte has returned to the United States.

Swimmers Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger were pulled from a plane on Wednesday night as they were planning to leave Rio, NBC News reports:

Jeff Ostrow, a lawyer representing Lochte, and a spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee confirmed swimmers Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger were taken off the aircraft. Det. Alexandre Braga, the chief of the city’s tourist police, said the pair had their passports “temporarily confiscated by a court order.”

Bentz and Conger were released by authorities “with the understanding that they would continue their discussions about the incident on Thursday,” USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said. The two were seen leaving the airport police station early Thursday, where they were surrounded by media before getting into a black vehicle.

The whereabouts of Jimmy Feigen, the fourth swimmer involved, are currently unknown, but it has been reported that he is still in Rio and cooperating with authorities.

Brazilian judge Keyla Blanc de Cnop said Lochte and Feigen gave contradictory accounts of the robbery, according to the court’s statement. The men also said the robbery took place on the way home from a club, which they left at 4 a.m. But security video showed them leaving at a different time, the judge said.

De Cnop added that Lochte told police there was one robber, while Feigen said there were more, one of whom had a gun.

Watch a report from Rachel Maddow:

The post Ryan Lochte Changes Rio Robbery Story as 3 Teammates are Held in Brazil, Questioned appeared first on Towleroad.

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#TBT: 100 Years of Olympic Swimmers and Divers (Photos)

www.advocate.com/sports/2016/8/18/tbt-100-years-olympic-swimmers-and-divers-photos