Grindr Reveals Who Used the App Most During the Rio Olympics—And No One Was Outed

Grindr has just released some interesting statistics on how the gay dating app was used in Rio de Janeiro during this year’s summer Olympics.

According to Grindr, 38,000 people from 109 different countries used Grindr in Rio during the Olympic games. Overall, 14 million messages were sent on the app during the two weeks of the Olympiad.

Unlike The Daily Beast, Grindr didn’t reveal enough information to out any Olympians. And also, their figures take into account non-athlete visitors using Grindr in addition to those competing in the games.

So who came out on top? Okay, we don’t have those kind of insights but the data compiled by Grindr is rather fascinating.

Per the company’s findings, some of the most active Grindr users came from some of the most anti-gay places in the world, including Russia, the Middle East, and Asia.

The country with the most guys using Grindr, however, was (unsurprisingly) the home country of Brazil, followed by the U.S. and the U.K. Interestingly, in the “Most Daily Messages Sent Per Guy” category (which could potentially be known as the “Worst Repeat Message-r” category), the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao won top honors.

The Czech Republic shared the most pics per guy. Whereas Russian men were the most multi-cultural, averaging the most countries contacted per guy. Americans messaged with Brazilians the most, and Poland got the most favorites–followed closely by Finland.

Grindr has an interactive map which you can use to see who guys from almost any given country chatted with the most. Check it out here.

[h/t NewNowNext]

The post Grindr Reveals Who Used the App Most During the Rio Olympics—And No One Was Outed appeared first on Towleroad.

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HRC Joins Civil Society and Government Leaders in Nepal to Discuss LGBTQ Issues

At the invitation of the U.S. State Department, HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse spent a week in Kathmandu supporting ongoing efforts of LGBTQ Nepali activists and allies to ensure that last year’s LGBTQ-inclusive constitution is transformed into supportive laws and policies. While in Nepal, Rouse was able to share experiences from the American LGBTQ movement and ideas on how advocates can work with government leaders to advance the commitments contained in the country’s new constitution.

Nepal’s new constitution includes provisions that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender or sexual minority status. Despite this recent victory, LGBTQ people in Nepal face a range of challenges, including a lack of visibility, lack of official recognition of same-sex relationships and the challenges in accessing health and HIV services for transgender people. Nepali LGBTQ rights groups such as Blue Diamond Society and CORE Nepal are working to change this by engaging with government officials, the judiciary, the media and other civil society groups.

“Nepal is a beautiful country filled with caring people,” Rouse said. “It was both an honor to share perspectives and a privilege to meet face-to-face with Nepal’s leaders and especially with LGBTQ Nepalis. While geographically a great distance away, I felt so connected to Nepal and its people. We are one human family.”

U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Alaina Teplitz hosted a dinner reception for Rouse at her residence. The Attorney General, Home Secretary and a variety of civil society and LGBTQ leaders attended the dinner.

Senior staff and board members from Nepal’s largest LGBTI organization, Blue Diamond Society, met with Rouse and briefed him on their work and successes, including the Supreme Court verdict in 2007 that granted LGBTQ people wide protections and rights. Rouse also met with board members at CORE Nepal, an organization working on LGBTI rights, with a focus on lesbian and trans men issues.

Rouse met with officers at Nepal Police Headquarters to discuss bias-motivated crimes, a former attorney general to discuss LGBTQ constitutional rights, members of the youth councils of various political parties, representatives from 14 South and Central Asian countries at a model U.N. conference and attended a presentation by Search for Common Ground/USAID of “Singha Durbar,” a 13-part TV series that included an openly gay character.

The trip ended with Rouse marching at the head of the annual Gaijatra Nepal Pride Parade. He marched alongside former Nepali first lady and member of parliament Hisila Yami, U.S. Ambassador Teplitz, LGBTQ activists, diplomats and allies. About 1,000 people participated in the march which started in the tourist district of Thamel and ended in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Basantapur Square which was damaged by last year’s devastating earthquakes.

HRC’s trip to Nepal is part of HRC Global’s ongoing work across the world to support local activists in their efforts to improve the lives of LGBTQ people. For more information on our work, visit hrc.org/Global.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-joins-civil-society-and-government-leaders-in-nepal-to-discuss-lgbtq-is?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Joins Rally for Refugees This Sunday

HRC will participate in a rally at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., this weekend on behalf of refugees entitled the DC Rally 4 Refugees.

HRC Global Director Ty Cobb will deliver remarks at the rally, and will focus on helping LGBTQ refugees flee dangerous areas and find freedom and safety in the United States. HRC members and supporters are welcomed and encouraged to join.

“Our support for refugees is crucial at this moment in our history,” said Cobb. “It seems that the forces trying to close our doors are growing stronger every day, and it is so important that we raise our voices in support of keeping those doors open to LGBTQ people and others who face persecution and violence abroad. We have always served as a refuge and a beacon for oppressed people and we cannot abandon that now.”

According to the event organizers, the the rally will “raise awareness about the global refugee crisis, and urge U.S. action — at home and overseas — to alleviate suffering through relief efforts and refugee resettlement.”

Events this week served as a gruesome reminder of the grim reality facing LGBTQ people in some parts of the world when four men were reportedly thrown from buildings in ISIL-controlled areas in Iraq, after having been accused of homosexuality. 

HRC recently released a document providing background on the situation facing LGBTQ Iraqis and Syrians under ISIL control, which included a series of recommendations for the U.S. government, the United Nations and others. The primary focus of those recommendations is helping LGBTQ people flee the most dangerous areas and find refuge in more LGBTQ-friendly places.

HRC also hosted a summit in June to focus attention on the issue, and issued recommendations for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in May.

Organizers are spreading the word on social media using the hashtags #DCRally4Refugees and #StandForHumanity. More than 50 organizations are supporting the event, including HRC, HIAS, the International Rescue Committee, the International Refugee Assistance Program, Amnesty International USA, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-joins-rally-for-refugees-this-sunday?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

10 Inspiring Quotes from Congressman John Lewis on LGBTQ Rights

#1. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutional right of every American to marry the person they love: “As a nation, we cannot say we are committed to equality, if we do not mandate equality for every citizen. You cannot have equality for some in America and not equality for all. This is another major step down a very long road toward the realization of a fair and just society. We should embrace the decision of the United States Supreme Court. It is now the law of the land.” – Congressman John Lewis, 6/26/2015

#2. Regarding basic rights and protections for LGBTQ people at the introduction of the Equality Act: “I fought too long and too hard against discrimination based on race and color, not to fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.” – Congressman John Lewis, 7/23/2016

#3. Upon President Obama’s marriage equality evolution and endorsement, detailed in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC News: “Once people begin to see the similarities between themselves and others, instead of focusing on differences, they come to recognize that equality is essentially a matter of human rights and human dignity.” – Congressman John Lewis, 5/10/2012

#4. At Congressional Democrats’ rally to #DisarmHate in honor of the victims of the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando that claimed the lives of 49 LGBTQ people and allies: “It doesn’t matter if we are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. We are one people. We are one family.” – Congressman John Lewis, 7/13/2016

I doesn’t matter if we are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. We are one people. We are one family. #DisarmHate pic.twitter.com/BM05lJPNjW

— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) July 13, 2016

#5. On weakened protections for LGBTQ people and others in the House-revised version of the Violence Against Women Act: “This Republican bill suggests that some victims are more important to protect than others. It is as though we are saying those who are different—immigrants, Native Americans, or have a different sexual orientation—do not deserve protection. It you start choosing who deserves democracy and who does not you jeopardize the administration of justice for every American citizen. In America we should be legislating in ways that demonstrate every human being has the right to dignity and respect.” – Congressman John Lewis, 5/17/2012

#6. Following the Supreme Court’s declaration of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional: “You cannot protect equality for one group and allow unequal treatment of another. If we are a society committed to the concept of equal justice under the law for every individual, then it must apply for every citizen, and cannot be reserved for some citizens. This decision is just one more step our society is taking toward building a more fair, more just society.” – Congressman John Lewis, 6/27/2013

#7. Following House Democrats’ sit-in to demand a vote on gun safety measures following the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Congressman Lewis led supporters: “We shall overcome.” – Congressman John Lewis, 6/23/2016

#8. On legislation that limits federal funding for adoption agencies involved in discriminatory placement practices for foster children seeking adoption into capable, loving single-parent families or families headed by same-sex couples: “You do the math. Our society has the chance to eradicate the foster care adoption problem entirely, if this bill is passed and enforced. It mandates that agencies put nothing before the happiness and well-being of our children and use every measure to place them with willing, capable adoptive families, regardless of their make-up. Every healthy family has an equal opportunity to give a child a home. The persistence of discriminatory policy robs us of that opportunity.” – Congressman John Lewis, 5/8/2013

#9. Upon news of President Obama’s executive order that bans federal contractors from discrimination based on sexual orientation: “Through the executive order President Obama issues today, he is adding to a legacy of presidential leadership. He is sending a powerful message that discrimination in any form has no place in a democratic society. It also gives hope to the 9 million LBGT Americans and their loved ones who have had to bear the pain and sorrow of rejection, loss and shame with limited means to make their voices heard.” – Congressman John Lewis, 6/16/2014

#10. At the 2014 HRC Atlanta Gala:  “Thank you for finding a way to get into good trouble. Necessary trouble. You’ve redeemed the soul of our country and stand up for human dignity — for what is right, for what is fair, and for what is just.” – Congressman John Lewis, 5/7/2014

www.hrc.org/blog/10-inspiring-quotes-from-congressman-john-lewis-on-lgbtq-rights?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Hateful Antigay Georgia Pastor Arrested for Child Molestation

Ken Adkins said the victims of the Pulse massacre “got what they deserved.” Now he’s in jail, accused of molesting a child.

www.advocate.com/religion/2016/8/26/hateful-antigay-georgia-pastor-arrested-child-molestation

Paul LePage Gets Homophobic to Prove He's Not Racist

The governor of Maine was caught on voice mail repeatedly using an antigay slur.

www.advocate.com/election/2016/8/26/paul-lepage-gets-homophobic-prove-hes-not-racist

5 Issues Remind Us Why We Need Women's Equality Day

Progress is still needed to asure women’s equality — so let’s celebrate by working to move the needle.

www.advocate.com/women/2016/8/26/5-issues-remind-us-why-we-need-womens-equality-day

EXCLUSIVE: Coco Montrese Had A Scandalous Night In Tampa, And There’s A Video To Prove It

Warning: If you’re not caught up on the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season two, this is your formal spoiler alert.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is first and foremost a competition show, and unfortunately for Coco Montrese, her chances for the crown ended last night at the shocking finale of the first episode of All Stars season two. Queerty’s Tim Winfred caught up with Coco to find out how she’s been since her elimination and ask her many unrelated and juicy questions.

Queerty: How are you doing after seeing yourself get eliminated last night?

Coco: Oh gosh [laughs]. Wow. I’m doing good. It’s all a part of life and it’s a learning experience. I’m doing great.

As RuPaul said when you were eliminated: “You are an All Star” – Why do you think RuPaul chose you to compete again?

RuPaul follows us and he knows what we aspire to be in our careers. I think that’s what he based it on and that’s why he calls us “All Stars.” It’s a really good feeling to be considered an All Star. I’m still smiling to this day. You can still smile through the tears.

If there was one queen you could have added to the All Stars 2 cast, who would you have chosen and why?

Oh gosh. [Pauses] I think Trixie Mattel. She would have been a fun addition and character to add. Her personality is amazing and I think she would have brought a sigh of relief to that room.

When Roxxxy eliminated you, she said she felt like she might lose you as a friend. How has your relationship with her been since then and have you spoken with her?

Of course I’ve spoken with her. I think if I was much younger maybe it would have affected me differently, but I’m older so I cherish my friendships and I don’t give up on them when a decision like that is made. Roxxxy and I have a great friendship.

If you could go back and change your talent show act, would you have showcased something else instead?

I’m at a point in my career where I’ve almost done everything I’ve wanted. I’m ok with taking chances and I don’t think I would have changed it. The only thing is that I wish I had a little bit more time to prepare myself or get my point across in what I was trying to do. It’s a trial and error thing, so I wouldn’t have done that much different. I took a chance. In life, if you don’t take chances or risks, you become stagnant and a one-trick pony doing the same thing.

After you were eliminated and RuPaul revealed that you would have a chance to return for your revenge, what did you mean when you said “I’ve got a lot to give and I’m not holding shit back”?

It was more so a reality check for me then it was directed at a person. When she said “revenge,” I didn’t take is as to take revenge on Roxxxy, I felt like she meant that I get to take revenge on that platform, that stage. A no holds barn, give my all, the best performance I could possibly give if I’m given a second chance. That’s how I took it. Take my revenge out on that stage, not on that queen! [Laughs]

Michelle Visage said some harsh things, and her edit in episode one highlighted that. After the show aired last night, you tweeted that Michelle Visage is, pardon my language, a f*cking b*tch.

It was harsh! I’m going to be honest with you: I’m very, very protective of my younger sisters. You can say anything about me, or my makeup, my performance, but I just felt like she kind of went in on Adore really bad. There’s a vulnerability with young entertainers – I used to be one – so when they’re awful, it’s about how you tell them they were awful that can upset them mentally wherever they are at that point in their lives.

I also tweeted this morning to Michelle. Make no mistake, I love Michelle. Michelle is like one of those mothers that gives you hard love and you’re like, “God, that freakin’ hurts!” But she does it to make you healthy, make you stronger and make you skin thicker. She does it because out there in the world, those people who don’t like you or care for you aren’t going to be nice to you. Michelle’s intentions are not to be evil or vindictive at all. She is a wonderful person. I just felt like she was a little harsh.

My tweet was just me going to bat for my sister because I know how much it affected her from being in the work room with her. It was me putting my hand in front of my sister to protect her when she was about to walk in front of a car, you know? It was nothing personal against Michelle. I love Michelle.

Alyssa [Edwards] and I will go through that too. She’ll say, “God I hate you right now, Coco… but I fricken’ love you so let’s go have lunch.” That’s all that it was.

I have a fan question from Mimi Imfurst. [Laughs] She wants you to tell me about the video with the pizza and the strippers backstage at the Honey Pot in Tampa.

[Laughs really hard] Oh. My. God! Oh my god. It’s one of those scandal moments when you forget that you’re in the public eye and that everything is recorded and you’re like, “God, I can’t believe that got leaked!” It was just one of those “Oops” moments that’s more than I can tell you about. I’m a Vegas queen, but I guess everything doesn’t stay in Vegas like they say.

I’m going to have to ask Mimi for a copy of that video.

Oh my god! [Laughs] I’m sure it’s floating out there somewhere.

(If you find a copy of the video in question, tweet it to us at @DragaholicNews and @TheTimWinfred.)

You said recently, in a Facebook rant, that you don’t think RuPaul’s Drag Race should be called “reality TV.” Why do you feel that way?

I don’t think it’s reality TV. When you think of reality TV, you think of The Real Housewives and all those types of stories. Those are set in conditions where you’re actually able to see the entire back story of these girls and their everyday lives. That’s what reality TV is to me. RuPaul’s Drag Race is more a look into our school, the University of Drag. When you get accepted into the school, it’s like getting into the Harvard of drag. Not that many get to go. There have only been 100 queens that got that acceptance letter.

Some of those queens, like yourself, are more seasoned and have a long drag background, whereas others have just turned 21 and haven’t been on the drag scene for too long. In that same Facebook rant, you said that the show turns some queens into “microwave” superstars and tears down other queens’ careers. Do you feel like it affected your career in a positive or negative way?

Well, that’s totally up to you, it’s up to the individual. RuPaul gives you a platform and if you don’t know how to handle it then it can tear you down. It can tear your career apart. It’s like taking two children and giving them each a million-dollar inheritance. One kid might take it and invest it, where the other child might blow it on drugs and alcohol. It’s an opportunity thing. It’s what you make of life’s opportunities.

Who are you rooting for to win All Stars season two?

Oh my god, this is such a pageant question. [Laughs] I love all of those girls. I’m a huge Alaska [Thuderfuck] fan and I’ll give a you quick back story. When Alaska and I were on season five together, she was the only one that I did not get. I didn’t understand her drag, but now I’ve grown to love her as I watch her evolve. I’ve become her biggest fan. So I would have to say that I am rooting for Alaska, really.

What’s next for Coco now that you were given this additional exposure?

You know, they always say that you aren’t supposed to be political and that as a drag queen you are supposed to just be an entertainer. Not me. I’m always going to speak out for the community and equality for all people. I’m going to stick up for the transgender community because a lot of my sisters are trans. I’m going to stick up for everybody because I have a platform and I’m going to use it to make my voice heard. It might have a little folly here and there, but it comes with the territory.

Well thank you for taking the time to talk today. I’m looking forward to seeing Coco’s revenge!

Thank you, take care.

Check back every Friday for more #AllStars2 elimination interviews, and don’t forget to tune in to RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season two, Thursdays at 8/7c on Logo.

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DNC Calls on Donald Trump to Denounce Paul LePage’s Anti-Gay Rant

The Democratic Party is calling on Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump to condemn Maine Governor Paul LePage’s use of gay slurs in a voicemail he left for a state lawmaker.

As we previously reported, LePage left that voicemail for Democratic Rep. Drew Gattine:

“Mr. Gattine, this is Gov. Paul Richard LePage,” a recording of the governor’s phone message says. “I would like to talk to you about your comments about my being a racist, you c**ksucker. I want to talk to you. I want you to prove that I’m a racist. I’ve spent my life helping black people and you little son-of-a-bitch, socialist c**ksucker. You … I need you to, just friggin. I want you to record this and make it public because I am after you. Thank you.”

DNC spokesperson TJ Helmstetter responded to that tired in a statement released on Friday:

“Yesterday, Hillary Clinton made a poignant call for Americans of all political stripes to denounce hatred and for Donald Trump to distance his campaign from hate groups. The same day, a Republican governor was shouting anti-gay slurs into a political opponent’s voicemail. The Republican Party has a lot of house cleaning to do if it wants to expand its appeal beyond those who find such bigotry acceptable. The Trump campaign should start by condemning LePage’s hateful rant.”

The post DNC Calls on Donald Trump to Denounce Paul LePage’s Anti-Gay Rant appeared first on Towleroad.

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