PHOTOS: The Sexiest Cosplay, Artists, And Geeks At FlameCon

Flame on, homosexual nerds. This weekend was FlameCon, the queer comics/art/entertainment convention in Brooklyn, and there was no shortage of fabulous cosplay and artistry on display. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite instagram photos to share with you, and hopefully we’ll see you in a few of these shots at FlameCon 3 next year.

Here’s Daxclamation posing with a sexy bara shirt and a sexy bara mustache:

Alas, someone allowed MANstique to put pants on. What a calamitous oversight. We demand a return to the nudity of the first film.

Here’s some classic X-Men realness. We dare you not to hear the animated series theme song in your head when you look at these heroes.

A brilliant interpretation of Aurora’s color-changing dress. Well played, Princess.

Woof! Super sexy wearable art on super sexy men.

Hello, crime fighters. Bring us to justice, please.

Oh, look, a package delivery.

Various Stevens and gems were present for maximum millennial feelings.

Naturally it wouldn’t be a comic convention without the Gay Comic Geek present, and poured seductively into a skin-tight outfit.

Some fabulous costume design here from start to finish.

So much better than Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy.

No Tuxedo Mask necessary for these independent women.

What a perfect pairing! Just don’t feed the plants.

We could just admire these costumes endlessly.

Truly outrageous! But to be honest, the Misfits’ songs really are better.

Into every generation, a Barb is born.

We’d know that sexy Aedan Roberts torso anywhere. You’ve captured our heart once again.

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell what’s cosplay and what’s just straight up fetish wear.

A rainbow of fruit flavors.

A fantasy come true!

We normally insist on Josh Trujillo doing Waluigi, but he was probably busy at his booth (get his book, Death Saves!) and we can’t resist a sexy chest.

A gathering Storm.

If this is a mutation, we can’t leave humanity behind fast enough.

That’s enough for now. See you next year, flamers!

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Stumping With Hillary, Cher Is Incredibly Likable: WATCH

You may have heard that there was a fundraiser in Provincetown yesterday for Hillary. Cher was there. I attended. It  wasn’t just to see Cher. But she was the highlight.

I went for personal reasons.  I want to be part of another election providing proof and legacy to the work of so many over the last few generations. I still get chills thinking about the last one.

Clinton said in her remarks, Barack Obama “saved the country from a second Great Depression” which among other things–no scandals, big wins domestically and abroad in the face of racist legislators who won’t legislate–make him a hard act to follow.

Video 1: Provincetown for Hillary, Cher is so likable stumping at a fundraiser Aug 21, 2016.

 

Video 2: Hillary Cher Event in Provincetown. Cher lets it rip on Donald Trump and she can and does say things that others don’t. Wait for it…

 

Comedian Kate Clinton kept the event going, rolling out the jokes about her “sister”, and asking those attacking the candidate to her to “cut her some slacks.” We are faced with a choice, she said, and it is not as some have suggested, between apples and oranges, but rather “between  a well-qualified woman…and an orange.”

Organizers Bryan Rafanelli and Alix Ritchie seemed pleased to be hosting their second Provincetown fundraiser for Clinton, and especially proud that the even brought in more than $1.5 million.

Video 3: Hillary Cher in Provincetown. Cher plays to the audience comparing Donald Trump to Patty McCormack in Bad Seed. Predicts the four-letter word we’ll be saying the morning after if Trump is elected.

 

Video 4: Hillary Cher Event in Provincetown. In which Cher talks about her first gay friends taking her to Palm Springs; her first and lifelong lesbian friend; Chaz; and why she’s with the LGBT.

 

And it was great to be there.  Maura Healey, the avowed sports fanatic and open lesbian Attorney General of Massachusetts fired everyone up. Billie Jean King’s mere presence and candid comments about how her life has changed over the past decades reminded  how far things have come.

Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey left the crowd with the thought, “If you want to live like a Republican, you have to vote like a Democrat,” which seemed to strike a note with this audience of donors, many of whom had paid $500, $2700 and more per person. There were a number of $45 tickets that were quickly snapped as soon as made available.

The candidate was present and gave a forceful version of her stump speech, joked about how lucky we are to live and work in Provincetown, and was given the opportunity to show her humanity, kindness and good humor by picking up Rafanelli’s notes when he dropped them onstage, to the approval of the crowd.

But even more looking back than looking forward this event was very much about Cher. During the primary I had a theory that Bernie was the “hope and change” parts of Obama and Hillary was the “effective executive” ones. But maybe there’s room for Cher and Elizabeth Warren and other to collaborate. And, I feel a bit guilty for taking this long to appreciate her.

Video 5: Hillary Cher event in Provincetown. Hillary on the power of Cher.

 

Video 6: Hillary Cher event in Provincetown. Key bits of HIllary’s stump speech on campaigning on the issues, Gun Control, and growing up with her father’s small business.

 

Ok, obviously I didn’t come of age as a gay guy or start a gay magazine without picking up appreciation for some Cher. I’m well aware of her love and support for her trans son, Chaz, and that her longevity as a public figure is matched by her commitment to the gays.

But, it turns out that I can respect her even more as a speaker, tweeter, and most weirdly as a relatable, likable person.

On the third stop of a whirlwind gay fundraising tour — Miami on Friday, Fire Island for an event Saturday, and Provincetown on Sunday — she told jokes, made asides, and recounted supposedly inside stories as if they had just sprung to mind and might get her in trouble. Her job was to sell certain parts of the Clinton story and she did it well.

I’m pleased to share the photos and videos with you all.

Video 7: Hillary/Cher Event Provincetown. Yaas. “Thank you, Madame President”, and Hillary’s stump on major infrastructure.

 

Meanwhile, outside the event… a legalize marijuana protest and the last standing Bernie Bro…

 

 

All video and images shot by Michael Goff

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Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’ Expected to Debut at No. 1 on Billboard Chart – LISTEN

Frank Ocean’s new album Blonde, which was released this past weekend, is headed for a No. 1 debut on the Billboard top 200 chart.

If Blonde does hit No. 1, it will be the first No. 1 album for Ocean.

Via Billboard: 

Sources suggest the album could debut at No. 1 with upward of 225,000 to 250,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Aug. 25. […]

Ocean’s last album, Channel Orange, sold 131,000 copies in its first week. The set was released on July 10, 2012, exclusively through iTunes — and a week before its advertised street date of July 17. The bulk of its first-week sales were digital, though there were some on physical CD, as brick-and-mortar retailers began selling the title mid-week — following iTunes’ exclusive launch. Channel Orange debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 behind Zac Brown Band’s also-arriving Uncaged (234,000 sold).

RELATED – Frank Ocean’s Poem ‘Boyfriend’ is Just One Element in a Beautiful ‘Blonde’ Experience: READ IT

Blonde has also been a critical success for Ocean thus far.

Rolling Stone called Blonde “a vertiginous marvel of digital-age psychedelic pop.” Complex wrote that Blonde “cements Ocean as today’s most evocative and daring male R&B singer.”

The NYT meanwhile called Blonde “dewy, radiant and easeful, with an approach to incantatory soul that evolves moment to moment. It’s feverish but unhurried, a slowly smoldering set that’s emphatic about loneliness.”

PREVIOUSLY – Frank Ocean Has Finally Given Us New Music With Visual Album ‘Endless’

In a note posted on his Tumblr about the album, Ocean wrote to his fans, “I had the time of my life making all of this. Thank you all. Especially those of you who never let me forget I had to finish. Which is basically every one of y’all.”

Ocean publicly came out in 2012.

If you haven’t already, listen to Blonde below.

The post Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’ Expected to Debut at No. 1 on Billboard Chart – LISTEN appeared first on Towleroad.

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Hillary Clinton Just Disproved Donald Trump’s Comments About Her Health on Jimmy Kimmel: WATCH

Hillary Clinton made an appearance last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live and offered some answers to the pressing questions of the campaign, and some of the not so pressing ones.

Donald Trump has said some crazy things about her, most recently that she, with Barack Obama, is the co-founder of ISIS.

Said Clinton about that statement: “There’s enough evidence now that when Trump talks the way he talks it actually helps the terrorists because they make a case – as they made with this comment – I think it’s crazy and I also think it’s harmful.”

Clinton also spoke about how she’s preparing to debate Donald Trump.

“You’ve gotta be prepared for wacky stuff that comes at you,” she said. “I am drawing on my experience in elementary school.”

Kimmel asked the former Secretary of State: “How great would it be if you were President, if your first act was to deport Donald Trump to Mexico? Would you prefer to be running against somebody like Mitt Romney?”

Clinton replied that she would prefer to be running against somebody who is qualified to be running. She also spoke about the Republican endorsements she has received and which made her the most proud:

Brent Scowcroft, Hank Paulson, Meg Whitman.

Said Clinton: “It’s not an easy thing for them and I realize they’re putting country before party. That’s what they say to me. And that’s what we all should be doing.”

Clinton talked about her health. She doesn’t understand why they are talking about this. She is in great health.

And she can open a jar of pickles.

As she demonstrated:

Clinton and Kimmel spoke a bit about the recent Democratic National Convention. Clinton told Kimmel she doesn’t look at her family’s speeches about her before they are delivered:

Then the interview’s silly season really began.

Clinton had to select Donald Trump quotes from a bowl decorated with a Trump toupee and read them aloud.

But there was one she absolutely refused to read.

Watch:

 

On the DNC balloon drop and Bill Clinton’s love of balloons:

Clinton enjoys being a grandparent. She uses Facetime a lot:

Finally, Kimmel asked Clinton about why she chose Tim Kaine and the viability of a Jimmy Kimmel vice presidency:

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Juneau Assembly Passes LGBTQ-Inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Juneau is the second major city in Alaska to pass a non-discrimination ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, following the Anchorage Assembly’s passage of similar protections in September 2015. Juneau now joins more than 100 cities nationwide and 19 states with similar LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.

LGBTQ equality organizations involved in passing the measure released the following statements:

“This is truly a historic night for Juneau,” said Jenny Jahn, chair of the Southeast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance (SEAGLA). “Our Assembly, lead by Deputy Mayor Jesse Kiehl, made a bold statement supporting equality and fairness in our community. This sends a clear message to Juneau residents, visitors, and those who are considering moving here: in Juneau, you will find a community that respects and values diversity, where you can attain whatever you dream, and where you will be judged based on your character, your behavior and work ethic, not on the color of your skin, your age, or who you love.”

“All Alaskans, including LGBTQ people, deserve to be able to live their lives and raise their families free from unjust and unfair discrimination,” said Marty Rouse, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Field Director. “We are incredibly proud to have worked side-by-side with local advocates in Juneau to pass these crucially important non-discrimination protections into law. The incredibly positive and robust discussion proves that Juneau is a welcoming and inclusive community. We are also very thankful for Deputy Mayor Kiehl’s thoughtful leadership in sponsoring this ordinance.”

“Tonight’s vote once again shows that fairness is a Juneau value,” said Joshua A. Decker, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska. “Treating others as we all want to be treated is what Alaska is about. With this strong and fair nondiscrimination ordinance, everyone in Juneau will be able to earn a living and support their families. We were proud to help make this ordinance a reality and were thrilled to be in the Assembly Chambers for tonight’s vote. We heartily congratulate the Assembly and everyone in Juneau.”

At the public hearing for the city ordinance last month, voters expressed nearly unanimous support for the measure. There are no explicit statewide sexual orientation or gender identity non-discrimination protections in Alaska.

Discrimination is a real and persistent problem for too many LGBTQ Americans. HRC polling has found that nearly two-thirds of self-identified LGBTQ Americans report experiencing discrimination. Currently, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in states where they are at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service because of who they are. There is no federal law explicitly protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination, and 31 states still lack fully-inclusive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.

The existing patchwork of legal protections for LGBTQ people in the United States as a whole leaves millions subject to uncertainty and at risk of discrimination. That’s why advocates are working with lawmakers to pass the Equality Act in Congress, as well as strong non-discrimination protections at the state and local levels. The Equality Act would finally guarantee explicit protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws. It would provide clear, permanent, and equal protections under federal law for all Americans in vital areas of life, including employment, access to public spaces, housing, credit, education, jury service, and federally-funded programs.

 

www.hrc.org/blog/juneau-assembly-passes-lgbtq-inclusive-non-discrimination-ordinance?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Charlotte Pride Revelers Give Big Gay Finger to Pat McCrory (Photos)

www.advocate.com/pride/2016/8/23/charlotte-pride-revelers-give-big-gay-finger-pat-mccrory-photos

Federal Judge OK's Trans Funeral Director's Firing, Sets Terrifying Precedent

The decision enshrines discrimination against transgender people in law and provides easy justification for any business that wants to fire transgender employees.

www.advocate.com/transgender/2016/8/23/federal-judge-oks-trans-funeral-directors-firing-sets-terrifying-precedent

Convincing a Suicidal Teen He Can Wish the Gay Away

In his new memoir, former New York magazine editor Steven Gaines describes how he was ensnared into “conversion therapy” as a 15-year-old. Read an exclusive excerpt below.

www.advocate.com/books/2016/8/23/convincing-suicidal-teen-he-can-wish-gay-away

The Trans Problem Not Enough People Are Talking About

With all the problems facing trans people, is a shortage of gender-affirming surgeons an issue? After much research, Amanda Kerri finds the answer.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/8/23/trans-problem-not-enough-people-are-talking-about

Ian McKellen: ‘I Am Sorry. Gandalf Doesn’t Do Weddings' (Video)

www.advocate.com/people/2016/8/22/ian-mckellen-i-am-sorry-gandalf-doesnt-do-weddings-video