Boxers or Briefs? Guys in West Hollywood Drop Their Shorts and Spill – WATCH

Boxers or Briefs? Guys in West Hollywood Drop Their Shorts and Spill – WATCH

boxers briefs

The Underwear Expert is once again asking their favorite question: boxers or briefs?

Host DanielXMiller hit the streets of West Hollywood recently to chat with Southern California guys about what kind of drawers they prefer. Miller also showcased a few local businesses that sell fashionable underwear to WeHo’s gay clientele.

Previously, UE has talked with shirtless Aussiesguys with hairy chestscat loversPokemon Go playerstatted up guyshot yogisshirtless fitness instructors, dog loversnaked Tom of Finland models, shirtless parkour athletesDemocratic primary votersdodgeball playersWeHo kickball playersDJsdancersCrossFit-ersmale models, and men on the street in Hollywood and Santa Monica about what they like to wear under their shorts.

Watch the latest installment of this underwear-obsessed web series, below.

The post Boxers or Briefs? Guys in West Hollywood Drop Their Shorts and Spill – WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.


Boxers or Briefs? Guys in West Hollywood Drop Their Shorts and Spill – WATCH

NEW MUSIC: Pixies, Bon Iver, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, Keaton Henson

NEW MUSIC: Pixies, Bon Iver, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, Keaton Henson

pixies

This week in New Music: Pixies (above) find their mojo on their second reunion album Head Carrier, Bon Iver fails to throw you off the scent on the not-really-obscure 22, A MillionHope Sandoval duets with Kurt Vile and London-based Keaton Henson takes the sad-boy singer-songwriter mantle with gusto.


Pixies – Head Carrier

pixies-head-carrierWhen Pixies split on bad terms in 1993, the news was not unexpected but represented a blow to alternative music on the scale of the Cocteau Twins implosion four years later. While a Cocteau Twins reunion has never been on the cards, there was always hope that Black Francis, Kim Deal and co. might at some point get back together. The hope among fans was that it wouldn’t a be a greatest hits cash-in reunion. They were mistaken. When Kim Deal left in 2013 it could well have signalled the end. Deal was replaced with Kim Shattuck who was unceremoniously dumped four months later. Another implosion seemed likely but Shattuck was replaced with Paz Lenchantin the following month and since then it’s been business as usual. Unfortunately that business led to 2014’s Indie Cindy, an unexceptional collection that tried too hard to emulate the glory days. Not to worry – you could still go see the lads knock out the classics and pretend the last 20 years never happened.

And so on to Head Carrier the second album from Pixies 2.0.  The low point on Head Carrier is the throwaway “Talent” which sounds like Sesame Street on steroids. However, ignore that 131-second stinker and you have the best you could possibly expect from new Pixies music. There are some songs here that would happily fit into Surfer Rosa or Doolittle, chief among them the title track, the brilliant “Classic Masher,” “Might As Well Be Gone” and “Bel Esprit” which remind listeners of Pixies ear for a killer melody and “Um Ghagga Lagga,” a classic, Pixies dirty rock out. Fans might be tempted to dismiss “All I Think About Now” as a cynical effort to emulate Kim Deal on “Gigantic” but if a bunch of middle aged misfits can some up with a song this good, who gives a shit?

Closing with the gorgeous “All the Saints,” Head Carrier is a glorious return to form. Hopefully they stick with it.


Bon Iver – 22, A Million

bon-iverBon Iver does a glitchy, obscure, auto-tuned miasma with song titles like “10 dEAThbREasT **,” “666ʇ” and “8 (circle)”? Who saw that coming.

Following a 5-year break from Justin Vernon, 22, A Million is his unpleasant reaction to finding fame.

Vernon apparently is considering giving up music and “opening a cafe.” Following his second album, he says he says he suffered from panic attacks, depression and writer’s block. Yeah, we’ve heard it all before and have become desensitized to the notion that someone is uncomfortable in the public eye because everyone-wants-to-be-famous.

Give the guy a break. If Sia can cover her probably lovely face with a mass of hair, Vernon is entitled to only allow photographs that partially obscure his.

If you were thinking that only the song titles are obscure, think on. Take this lyric: “Darling don’t a failure fright, time’s the raker, and I’ll rack it up, I’m unorphaned in our northern light, dedicoding every demon.” Ok, so.

Opening with “22 (Over S∞∞N)” – try requesting that one – Vernon is obfuscating and confusing his fans. He has said he wants to play to people who have “hopefully never heard of us.” Second track “10 dEAThbREasT **” is like Bon Iver channeling Bjork. Odd. “755 – CRΣΣKS” is just Vernon on autotune. It’s like he is challenging people to give up and move on. And it is a challenge but stick with it until track four, “33 (‘God’)”, and you vere closer to friendly ground.

22, A Million is not the change of direction Vernon has suggested. Closing track “00000 Million” is a simple and gorgeous piano-based ballad. Anthony Hegarty wanted to confound people as Anohni earlier this year. What is Vernon at? Who knows but on “00000 Million”, the refrain “the days have no numbers” is a direct rip-off from Fionn Regan who has faded into obscurity following great success with his first two albums. Maybe Vernon wants you to get over him and move on. You won’t.


Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions – “Let Me Get There”

Last month, Hope Sandoval (of Mazzy Star) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (My Bloody Valentine) announced that Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions will release a new album called Until the Hunter in November.

Just dropped is a video for the single “Let Me Get There,” a collaboration with Kurt Vile. A perfect combination of Sandoval’s deep vocals and Vile’s laconic delivery, watch the video – directed by Sandoval – below.


Keaton Henson – Kindly Now

keaton-hensonIf you were left disappointed by Damien Rice’s just ok efforts on 2014’s My Favourite Faded Fantasy you might just find a friend in London-based singer-songwriter and official “reclusive” Keaton Henson. When Rice fans waited patiently for a new album for eight years they were entitled to expect something exceptional. When instead they got eight often-meandering tracks with just a couple of Rice-style classics many felt cheated. At this rate Rice will have recorded 40 songs in total by the time he gets the state pension.

Not so Henson whose Kindly Now is his third album in four years. Henson is also a singer-songwriter who appeals to desperately hormonal boys in their teens and early 20s. If you like your songs insular, heartfelt and heartbreaking you couldn’t do much better than Henson. “The Pugilist” sounds most like a Damien Rice song – simple acoustics, a deeply personal outlook (“You’re proof that I’m breathing and that I still need to be loved”) leading to a swirl of orchestra and percussion bombast, completed with a mellow retreat into falsetto shoe-gazing. All women are bastards basically.

Of course I’m being mean because people are generally taken aback by young men singing so openly about actual heartbreak, not the shoo-bee-doo One Direction brand.

For some, Henson’s fragile vocals will be a deal breaker from the opening note. However, if three-am-on-a-Monday ponderous songs of love and loss sound like your thing, you’ll frankly love Kindly Now. Tip – listen to closing track “How Could I Have Known” first. If it brings you to tears, start back at track one and fall in love. If it makes you roll your eyes, move on.

The post NEW MUSIC: Pixies, Bon Iver, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, Keaton Henson appeared first on Towleroad.


NEW MUSIC: Pixies, Bon Iver, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, Keaton Henson

Leaked Videos Show Mormon Leaders Discussing the ‘Homosexual Agenda’: WATCH

Leaked Videos Show Mormon Leaders Discussing the ‘Homosexual Agenda’: WATCH

dallin_h-_oaks

In a series of videos posted on YouTube last weekend, Mormon leaders are shown discussing the “homosexual agenda” and pondering how they might one day “counter homosexuality.”

The anonymous YouTube account “Mormon Leaks” shows presentations to the church’s leaders, the “Quorum of the Twelve Apostles“, behind closed doors.

The leaders are seen discussing issues including the “homosexual agenda,” Iran’s nuclear centrifuges, how to convert Kurds to Mormonism and whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is gay.

RELATED: 32 LGBT Mormon Youths Have Killed Themselves Since LDS Church Unveiled Horrific Anti-Gay Policy: VIDEO

Vice reports that in a video from 2011, Apostle Dallin H. Oaks (above), who is set to become the next president of the Mormon church, says he is “suspicious that the new media cover up anything involving homosexuals when it would work to the disadvantage of the homosexual agenda and so on, and I just wondered if there was some of that in this.”

In a video from 2008, Gerrit Gong, a high-ranking leader in the church’s “Quorum of the Seventy” questions whether advances in gene therapy should be used by Mormons one day to “counter homosexuality” or drug addiction.

In a statement, a church spokesman confirmed the videos are authentic. He added that “In these committee meetings, presentations are routinely received from various religious, political, and subject-matter experts on a variety of topics. This is an informational forum, not a decision-making body.”

Watch two of the videos below.

(Image via Wikimedia)

The post Leaked Videos Show Mormon Leaders Discussing the ‘Homosexual Agenda’: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.


Leaked Videos Show Mormon Leaders Discussing the ‘Homosexual Agenda’: WATCH

ICYMI: HRC’s Epic #AskTheGays VP Debate Tweet Up

ICYMI: HRC’s Epic #AskTheGays VP Debate Tweet Up

Remember when Donald Trump challenged America to “ask the gays” about his anti-equality record? Prior to the VP Debate, yesterday, HRC hosted an #AskTheGays Tweet Up that garnered more than 6.3 million impressions answering that very call. The overwhelming response to the Trump/Pence ticket’s agenda of discrimination? No, thanks.

HRC also unveiled a billboard outside of the debate and released a new video targeting Mike Pence — both of which remind voters that his hateful politics have been bad for Indiana and would be bad for our country.

Mike Pence is nationally notorious for attacking LGBTQ people. From passing a dangerous and costly anti-equality law in Indiana, to trying to divert funding for HIV prevention to harmful “conversion therapy,” to fighting against hate crimes laws and open service for LGB service members.

Given Pence’s record of discrimination and the calls for accountability, it’s notable that the moderator failed to ask a single question on his astoundingly anti-LGTBQ track record.

Only one person on that stage last night will stand up for LGBTQ equality. The other can’t wait to tear it down. With just a few weeks until Election Day, the choice could not be more clear. Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine are running on the most robust pro-equality agenda in American history. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Mike Pence would roll back the rights of our community at every turn.

www.hrc.org/blog/icymi-hrcs-epic-askthegays-vp-debate-tweet-up?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Alexandra Grey is the trans actress taking over fall TV

Alexandra Grey is the trans actress taking over fall TV

Photo credit: Amazon’s “Transparent”

Alexandra Grey, a 25-year-old up-and-coming actress who is also trans, will be appearing all over your TV screens throughout the 2016 – 2017 season. After her breakout turn as Elizah in the first episode of Transparent‘s new season, Grey has landed roles on several other high-profile series.

Tune in tonight to see Grey play a patient on CBS’ Code Black, and then again on Thursday when she starts her recurring role on NBC’s Chicago Med. Next week, on October 11, Grey will play revolutionary transgender trailblazer Marsha P. Johnson in an episode of Comedy Central’s Drunk History, with Transparent co-star Trace Lysette. In 2017, viewers will be able to see Grey alongside Phylicia Rashad and Michael K. Williams in Dustin Lance Black’s ABC miniseries When We Rise, and she’ll also guest star on CBS’ Doubt, with Laverne Cox.

GLAAD caught up with the star, who is on her way to Pittsburgh to open for singer-songwriter Zara Larsson, to find out about her passion for acting, choosing roles that challenge her, and envisioning what the future holds for transgender actors in Hollywood.

GLAAD: You are taking over TV right now. You have a recurring role on NBC’s Chicago Med, and recent or upcoming appearances on CBS’ Code Black and Doubt, Comedy Central’s Drunk History, and on ABC’s When We Rise, and of course, your scene-stealing performance in the first episode of the new season of Amazon’s Transparent. How does it feel to be recognized and rewarded for your craft?

Alexandra Grey: Well, it’s an honor really! I love doing this! It’s always been a dream of mine to be a big TV star and a recording artist, so I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to finally share my talents with the world. I don’t need any rewards, but it is nice to be seen. And aside from just me, I think it’s pretty awesome to see trans representation on television. I’d almost rather say “trans folk are taking over TV” because a lot of my trans brothers and sisters like Laverne Cox, Trace Lysette, Amiyah Scott, Elliot Fletcher, Jen Richards, and others all have major roles on TV shows this fall. I’m just grateful to be a part of the movement.

G: Who was the first trans character you saw (on T.V., movie, pop culture, social media) and how did seeing that character influence you?

AG: The first trans character, hmm that’s tricky because growing up in the hood, I was lucky to even see a TV, let alone something with trans content. For me it wasn’t until my senior year of high school. I was watching an episode of the Tyra Banks Show and she had Isis King, a trans model, on the show. They were chatting about some surgery I had no clue about, and that was the first time I realized who I was and was struggling to be. From there, everything changed. I met Isis earlier this month and teared up letting her know that her story on Top Model played a key role in helping me realize I was transgender.

G: How did you find your passion for acting; when did you decide to become an actor?

AG: The passion for acting came from my crazy personality, and always feeling the need to quote every movie line or reality show I ever watched. I can still  hear my ex co-workers and managers from Madame Tussauds Hollywood yelling, “Shut up Alexandra!” While I always wanted to be a singer, people would say to me “Girl give it a rest, you’re a much better actor.” So in 2011 when I found myself homeless in Chicago, I decided to give it a try and I got a one-way trip to Los Angeles to see if I could make my dreams a reality. I always say I knew being an actor was my destiny because the same night I landed in LA I was booked as an extra on a movie called I Do starring Glenn Gaylord and Alicia Witt. It was God’s little sign saying “This is where you were meant to be.”

G: You’ve talked about the struggle of playing the role of Elizah in Transparent, and how it was difficult to revisit emotions and experiences you had in the past. Do you feel that your journey as a trans person adds something to your acting?

AG: While the role of Elizah was challenging, it really was the role of my dreams. That character was me at sixteen. While I was not authentically living as trans like the brave Elizah, I was going through many of those same emotions and hardships. And yes it was somewhat difficult to revisit those past experiences because you’ll never forget what you went through, but as an actor I love being challenged. When people watch me on TV I’d like for them to see the character. They can see how gorgeous I really look on red carpets! Haha! In terms of my trans journey adding something to my acting, absolutely! These are not little cute roles. They are very intense, heartfelt, and emotional. Basically you have to bring the chops! So I definitely feel like some of the experiences in my life help bring out some of the emotion I need to channel on set. I’m so thankful to my entire Transparent family for allowing me to take on Elizah!

G:  You’ve talked about wanting to play non-transgender roles. Can you tell us why this is so important that actors who happen to be trans get cast in all types of roles?

AG: Yes! I love playing trans characters, because I get to help share narratives that can bring an awareness about trans lives. I also think it’s important to not be limited as an actor or entertainer. I’d love to play a single mom, or a wife, or a pastor’s daughter? I believe it’s great that we get to tell our own narratives. but I hope folks understand that we are talented enough to go out for other roles too. With all the controversy over casting transgender roles, I think it’s really important that Hollywood realizes that trans actors are out here and deserve to be given the opportunity to show what we can do. If I can take a moment to name a few talented trans actors off-hand: Rain Valdez, Quei Tann, Wyatt Gray, Angelica Ross, Jamie Clayton, Harmony Santana, Hari Nef, Isley Reust, Scott Turner Schofield, Michelle Hendley, Sophia Gianna, Jackson Millarker, Jazzmun, Roxy Wood, Mya Taylor, Hailie Sahar, the queen Alexandra Billings, and so many more. WE’RE HERE!  =)

G: You’re also an amazing singer – I’ve seen you perform at Trans Pride L.A. a few years in a row now – would you ever consider being in a musical? Do you have a favorite musical or artist who inspires you?

AG: Amazing? Wow! Thank you. I actually just wrapped a production “Orange is the New Musical,” a parody of OITNB! It was amazing! Shout out to Veronica Vasquez, Bryan Sandlin, and Jared Goode the creators, and my amazing cast which is family for life. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be doing theater for a while. I really want to focus on film, TV, and a solo music career. I’d love for Ne-Yo to sign me and get me five Grammys in one night like Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, and Alicia Keys! So be sure to have his people call my people and we can make that Trans Rock Star thing happen! I have dreams and aspirations of touring of course, after my albums hit number one. And I’d love to do a collaboration with Usher one day! I love artists like Bryson Tiller, Sia, JoJo, Kendrick Lamar, Our Lady J, Queen Bey, and Avery Wilson.

G: Thanks so much for making time to talk to us during what is such a busy and exciting time for you! 

AG: Thank you! If I could leave some last words to the world. Let’s just love and respect each other. To any group of people who have it a little bit harder on this earth, know that you’re loved and remember to always be who you are and follow your dreams!

October 5, 2016

www.glaad.org/blog/alexandra-grey-trans-actress-taking-over-fall-tv