Football Players Angry About Gay Classmate on Homecoming Court Said He Should Kill Himself – VIDEO

A high school football team in Iowa is under investigation after a group chat among some of its players was discovered showing players using gay slurs in describing a fellow student.

Members of the Carroll High School football team were reportedly upset that a gay student was named to this year’s homecoming court. While the specific slurs the players used against the student in the group chat have not been named, members of the football team reportedly said the student should go kill himself or die.

KCCI reports:

“Well I certainly think this gives some individual students a black eye, as well as the football team,” [Superintendent Rob] Cordes said.

Cordes discovered a copy of a group chat in which players used slurs against the gay student on the homecoming court.

The football players’ chat happened Friday night. One player’s text said the gay student should kill himself, or go die. Another said he would drop out if the gay student stayed on the homecoming court.

The student who was targeted said he hopes the incident will be a teachable moment for the football players and for the rest of his school.

Superintendent Cordes said the players accused of wrongdoing already regret their actions. “And I can tell you for a fact there is a lot of them hurting,” Cordes said. “And some of the ones hurting are the ones that caused the problem.”

No punishment has yet been doled out to the students in question.

Watch a report from KCCI, below.

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Anti-Gay Pastor Steven Anderson, Who Celebrated Orlando Pulse Massacre, Banned from Entering South Africa

Pastor Steven Anderson of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona has been barred from entering South Africa over anti-gay hate speech, Reuters reports:

South African gay and lesbian groups collected more than 60,000 signatures opposing his visit this weekend, when he was expected to preach and seek converts to his church.

Citing anti-discrimination laws designed to ‘prevent and prohibit hate speech’, Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba told a media briefing he was banning Anderson indefinitely.

Anderson celebrated following the massacre at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, saying there were “50 less pedophiles in the world.” Anderson has compared gay people to ax murderers and Hitler. And he has said gays should be killed because they’re “filthy faggots” who snatch and rape children.

Wrote Anderson on his Facebook page:

I have been banned from South Africa AND the United Kingdom. I am not even allowed to have a connecting flight in London.

“And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” – Acts 18:6

I feel sorry for people who live in South Africa, but thank God we still have a wide open door in Botswana. Stand by for reports of MULTITUDES saved in Botswana, where religious freedom still exists.

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When a Gay Guy Helps Two Straight Hunks in Need of Service – WATCH

“It hurt at first, but now it feels good.”

Comedian Michael Henry‘s latest video has fun with puns.

Henry has become a popular YouTuber with his series of short comic sketches that poke fun at common gay tropes, myths, stereotypes, jokes, and preconceptions.

This time around, Henry plays a nurse who comes across two broke helpless straight boys in need of…service. Henry obliges and helps them power through the pain so they can feel better.

Watch, below.

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HRC Global Partners with Uganda Pride 2016

Post submitted by HRC Staff with contributions from Javier Cifuentes

Last month, HRC Global proudly partnered with Uganda Pride 2016 to sponsor Pride’s opening reception for the second year in a row. HRC also sent materials for the Pride celebration, including t-shirts, flags and stickers.

Since 2012, LGBTQ activists and allies have celebrated Uganda Pride despite the severe discrimination, legal restrictions, societal harassment and violence that they continue to face. Due to security concerns, the event is typically low-profile and information on the festivities is primarily spread through word of mouth. Previous events held in honor of Uganda Pride include an annual Pride march, movie screenings, seminars, traditional performances, pageants and events to raise awareness of LGBTQ health services available in Uganda.

Unfortunately, this year’s festivities were interrupted by a police raid of the annual Mr. and Ms. Uganda Pride Pageant on the second night of Uganda Pride 2016. During the raid, police detained attendees for more than an hour, physically assaulted guests and photographed those present without their consent. Sixteen community leaders, including activists Frank Mugisha and Pepe Onziema of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), were taken into custody and later released. The next day, Uganda’s Minister of Ethics Simon Lokodo threatened to mobilize a mob targeting anyone who participating in the Pride march, forcing the organizers of to postpone it until a later date.

HRC immediately condemned the raid and reached out to partners in Uganda to offer continued support. HRC recognizes and admires the resilience of members of Uganda’s LGBTQ community, and stands with them as they courageously move forward in their fight for equality.

To learn more about the HRC’s work to strengthen the LGBTQ equality movement in Uganda and other regions of the world, please visit: www.hrc.org/global.

 

Earlier today, police raided a peaceful #LGBTQ #pride event in #Kampala, #Uganda. The event marked the second evening of Uganda Pride 2016. HRC and other partners sponsored Uganda Pride’s opening reception last night. HRC is monitoring the situation closely and working with partners in Uganda to help in any way that we can. Pictured: HRC Global Innovator Qwin Mbabazi (R) at the opening night Pride reception.

A photo posted by Human Rights Campaign (@humanrightscampaign) on Aug 4, 2016 at 4:54pm PDT

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HRC Statement on Death of Alexis Arquette, Actor and Transgender Advocate

Today, in response to reports that Alexis Arquette, an actor and longtime advocate for transgender equality, died from complications related to AIDS, Jay Brown, Communications Director at the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement:

“Alexis was a fierce advocate who lived proudly and openly despite the many barriers transgender people face. Compared to the general public, one recent study showed transgender women have 49 times the odds of having HIV,” said Jay Brown, HRC Communications Director. “We should act with urgency to increase access to prevention, treatment and care for transgender people, who continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV.”

According to the CDC, there are more than one million Americans living with HIV and approximately 50,000 new infections every year. While data on the transgender community remains scarce, HRC in a recent report, HIV & the LGBTQ Community, said that studies have shown extremely high rates among transgender women, who are nearly 49 times more likely to have HIV than other women.

Last year, the HRC Foundation, in collaboration with AIDS United, released, What Do I Do? A Handbook to Understanding Health & HIV, a resource designed to provide easy-to-read, up-to-date and actionable information about HIV prevention, treatment and care.

For more HRC resources on HIV prevention, treatment and care, click here.

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Five Reasons HRC’s 20th Annual National Dinner Was One for the History Books

This weekend’s 20th Annual HRC National Dinner was one for the history books, with speeches and performances from civil rights icons, loving parents of LGBTQ children, top models, star actresses, and Tony-award winning musicians.

Here are five must-see moments:

1. DEMOCRATIC VEEP NOMINEE TIM KAINE RALLIES FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY, BLASTS TRUMP’S PANDERING: Addressing more than 3,800 LGBTQ advocates and allies at Saturday night’s HRC National Dinner, Vice Presidential nominee Senator Tim Kaine shared his devotion to LGBTQ equality and expressed optimism about future shifts from the Catholic Church. He also rebuked Donald Trump’s attempts to pander to the LGBTQ community and highlighted the stark contrasts between a Trump-Pence and Clinton-Kaine administration, pledging to prioritize the Equality Act, expand access to crucial HIV and AIDS medications, and protect LGBTQ children from bullying and stigma.

2. CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS CALLS FOR ‘GOOD TROUBLE’ ON ROAD TO EQUALITY: In a powerful speech, civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.), spoke to the audience as brothers and sisters in the fight for equality. Congressman Lewis called on the audience to do everything in its power to elect Hillary Clinton and defeat Donald Trump in November. “We must get out there in this election and vote like we’ve never voted before,” said Congressman Lewis, noting he has met President Kennedy and every president since and never before has there been a more dire threat to the country than that posed by Donald Trump. 

3.  THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW — HRC PRESIDENT CHAD GRIFFIN AT HRC’S NATIONAL DINNER: HRC President Chad Griffin discussed the power of the LGBTQ electorate and the historic need to protect and expand the gains made by the LGBTQ community in the next election: “[T]his fight is about more than just passing a law or electing a president. It is about ensuring a brighter tomorrow for future generations. From Stonewall to Laramie to Orlando, in the face of tragedy and persecution, our community has shown time and again that we are stronger than fear. Ours is a story of perseverance, of progress, and pride, and we are living proof of that distinctly American creed, that out of many, we are one.” Read the full speech here.

4, PREPARE THE TISSUES — MOTHER OF ORLANDO VICTIM DELIVERS EMOTIONAL SPEECH:  Christine Leinonen, the mother of Christopher Leinonen, a victim of the Orlando shooting, delivered an emotional speech at HRC’s National Dinner. In July, she made an emotional plea for gun violence prevention at the Democratic National Convention. Grab some tissues and watch Leinonen’s speech below.

5. NYLE DIMARCO SPEAKS FROM HIS HEART: Nyle DiMarco, the first Deaf person to win America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22 and Dancing With The Stars Season 22, spoke about the intersectionality of our issues and embracing our differences. Last year, DiMarco came out publicly as sexually fluid to his followers on Twitter.

Watch videos from the dinner below and to learn more about HRC’s National Dinner, visit www.hrc.org/NationalDinner.

www.hrc.org/blog/five-reasons-hrcs-20th-annual-national-dinner-was-one-for-the-history-books?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Ryan Lochte Heartbroken After Protestors Crashed His ‘DWTS’ Premiere

It doesn’t matter where he goes, Ryan Lochte always seems to bring the drama.

The 32-year-old gold medalist, who is currently under investigation by authorities in Rio for possibly lying to investigators about being robbed at gunpoint during last month’s Olympic games, was cast in the latest season of Dancing With The Stars. During last night’s premiere, two men stormed the stage wearing anti-Lochte t-shirts.

Related: Are You Ready To See Ryan Lochte Bare It All For ‘Playgirl’?

The incident happened while Lochte and his partner, Cheryl Burke, were receiving their critique from the judges. Suddenly, Sam Sododeh and Barzeen Soroudi ambushed the stage displaying “No Lochte” t-shirts. They were quickly tackled by security. Meanwhile, four to five other women chanted against Lochte from the audience, as the rest of the auditorium erupted into chaos.

Despite having tickets to the event, the men were arrested and booked for trespassing. Meanwhile, the women were escorted out of the building.

Related: Ryan Lochte Apologizes “For My Behavior”; Won’t Admit He Lied About Being Robbed

Lochte was left rattled by the incident.

“We thought it was a joke, something prior to the show, you know,” he told media outlets afterwards. “Then, when we realized it wasn’t. That hurt. It broke my heart that people are still on that subject and no one is moving forward.”

Afterwards, several people posted videos of the incident to social media. Check out the footage below…

Anti-Lochte protestor tackled to the ground at #DWTS pic.twitter.com/ATWrFb34nK

— Patrick Gomez (@PatrickGomezLA) September 13, 2016

Another angle of Lochte protesters on #DWTS #DancingWiththeStars

Why does this remind me of a Trump rally ? pic.twitter.com/YKCwT5dirE

— DCHomos (@DCHomos) September 13, 2016

VIDEO: Anti-Ryan Lochte protester tackled during #DWTS t.co/B6XcAFGzYQ pic.twitter.com/LuzYY6cwuM

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) September 13, 2016

twitter.com/ABCNewsJason/status/775515997918810113/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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WATCH: Chris Evans’ First Screen Role Involved Sticking A Banana Somewhere Special

“A love scene doesn’t have to be between a man and a woman, it can be any way you want.”

Related: Finally, Every Chris Evans Nude Scene In One Fantastic Supercut

That’s actor Chris Evans, talking with W magazine about the various challenges of being an actor. Elsewhere in the clip, he discusses being dumped by his high school sweetheart, why shooting sex scenes is the most awkward experience you can imagine, and what it was like shoving a banana up his butt for his first film role. It’s all very illuminating.

Watch:

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Hillary Clinton, Colin Kaepernick, Britney Spears Mood Ring, Edward Snowden, Man Booker Prize: HOT LINKS

LOW OPINION. New Clinton campaign ad hits Donald Trump on his opinions of the nation’s citizens. “Clinton’s 60-second ad, released Tuesday, uses video of Trump’s speech in Baltimore on Monday, when he slammed Clinton’s “deplorables” remark and called on her to retract it or drop out.”

HILLARY’S HEALTH. Clinton says she’s feeling fine and getting better.

Thanks to everyone who’s reached out with well wishes! I’m feeling fine and getting better. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 12, 2016

Like anyone who’s ever been home sick from work, I’m just anxious to get back out there. See you on the trail soon. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 12, 2016

FULL DISCLOSURE. NYT Editorial Board demands all medical records from both candidates: “On Monday, a spokesman for Mrs. Clinton said she would release additional health information in coming days. For his part, Mr. Trump said he would make public “very, very specific” records, a remarkable promise coming from someone who has resolutely stonewalled on his tax returns. Should both candidates honor these pledges, and provide plenty of detail, the winners will be the voters.”

COLIN KAEPERNICK. The 49er continued his National Anthem protest on Monday Night Football: “Kaepernick was joined by team-mates Eric Reid, Antoine Bethea and Eli Harold. Kaepernick and Reid knelt while Bethea and Harold raised their fists, as did two of their opponents, the Los Angeles Rams’ Robert Quinn and Kenny Britt. The 49ers went on to shut out the Rams in a 28-0 victory.”

EQUALITY ACT. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen becomes latest Republican co-sponsor: “Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) — who has a transgender son, Rodrigo — quietly became on Friday the second House Republican and third Republican in Congress to co-sponsor the comprehensive LGBT rights legislation.”

TRANSPARENT. Transgender producers of hit Amazon show share photos from their life together.

EDWARD SNOWDEN. Obama should pardon me: “The US whistleblower’s comments, made in an interview with the Guardian, came as supporters, including his US lawyer, stepped up a campaign for a presidential pardon. Snowden is wanted in the US, where he is accused of violating the Espionage Act and faces at least 30 years in jail. Speaking on Monday via a video link from Moscow, where he is in exile, Snowden said any evaluation of the consequences of his leak of tens of thousands of National Security Agency and GCHQ documents in 2013 would show clearly that people had benefited.”

AUSTRALIA. Cabinet approves funding for same-sex marriage plebiscite: “Cabinet has approved a plan to give $7.5m in public funding to both the yes and no campaigns in the marriage equality plebiscite, but Labor has warned that makes it even more likely to block the popular vote. According to reports on Monday night cabinet approved a plan for a plebiscite on 11 February that will ask voters: ‘Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?’”

BOOKS. Man Booker Prize shortlist announced: “The shortlist for this year’s Man Booker Prize for Fiction, among the most prestigious literary honors in the world, includes six books by authors from Britain, Canada, South Africa and the United States, the prize committee said on Tuesday. The nominees for the award, which comes with a cash prize of £50,000, or around $66,400, were chosen from a longlist of 13 names, which was announced in July.”

OPEN LETTER. To Madonna. “What disturbed me is that I saw yet another example of her using terms for the female anatomy as the ultimate insult for a man — you know, because there’s nothing more demeaning you can say about a man than to compare him to a woman.”

CHINA. Student sues over textbooks that call homosexuality a ‘disorder’: “Since 2001 when homosexuality was declassified as an illness in mainland China, 40 percent of the psychology and mental health teaching materials published on the mainland say homosexuality is an illness.”

LEAK OF THE DAY. Britney Spears “Mood Ring”.

TOO HOT FOR TUESDAY. J Torres.

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