Hurricane Matthew, Sean Hannity, Gloria Naylor, Toronto, Shia LaBeouf: HOT LINKS

HURRICANE MATTHEW. Hurricane barrels toward Florida and may hit as a Category 4 storm. Many models show it looping around in Atlantic and striking state again. “When it comes closest to South Florida Thursday night, it is forecast to be producing winds of 130 mph, a low-end Category 4 storm that can cause “catastrophic” damage, according to the hurricane center. About 150,000 people were ordered evacuated in Palm Beach County Wednesday night, as Hurricane Matthew’s projected course shifted closer to South Florida.”

To all our readers in the Sunshine State as well as Georgia and the Carolinas. Please make appropriate preparations and stay safe. Wishing you the best…

MIKE PENCE LIES. New Clinton ad destroys each of them.

At the #VPDebate, Mike Pence tried really, really hard to deny pretty much everything Donald Trump has said and done. Let’s replay the tape: pic.twitter.com/5XNKyFX6az

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 5, 2016

FOX WARS. Sean Hannity tweets at Megyn Kelly for accusing him of favoring Hannity for i his interviews.

@megynkelly u should be mad at @HillaryClinton Clearly you support her. And @realDonaldTrump did talk to u. t.co/vsQiNMgHut

— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) October 6, 2016

BARACK OBAMA. President’s approval rating hits new second term high: “President Barack Obama’s job approval rating hit 55 percent in a new poll released Thursday, the highest that number has been at any point during his second term in office. The CNN/ORC poll released Thursday marks the seventh consecutive month that Obama’s job approval numbers have been above 50 percent. His job approval number is up 4 percentage points over the previous CNN/ORC poll and is up 11 points relative to a similar CNN/ORC poll conducted in mid-September, 2015.”

DEATHS. Gloria Naylor dies at 66: “Gloria Naylor, whose debut novel “The Women of Brewster Place,” became a best-seller, a National Book Award winner and a TV miniseries released through Oprah Winfrey’s production company, has died at the age of 66. Naylor’s death was confirmed Monday to The Associated Press by Cara Reilly, an assistant at the literary agency Sterling Lord Literistic. Reilly provided no other details about Naylor’s death.”

ORLANDO. Pulse survivors say the massacre has created better ties between the gay community and locals: “I would’ve never believe so many people would get involved, no matter what their beliefs are,” said club head of security Neal Whittleton. “There was definitely a big outpouring of love for the community.”

TORONTO. New gay sports bar Striker opens. “The whole idea behind Striker is to bridge that gap between the predominantly straight — I would say straight — sports leagues and the gays,” says Lee. “Toronto has the most gay sports leagues in all of North America.”

TECH. Google, Disney and Apple probably won’t be buying Twitter. Stock plunges afterhours: “While company execs have been unable to grow the business, many think a link with a larger entity would spur Twitter’s potential.”

BORG/MCENROE. First image of Shia LaBeouf and Sverrir Gudnason as John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg from the upcoming film.

First image of Shia LaBeouf and Sverrir Gudnason as John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg from the upcoming movie “Borg/McEnr… pic.twitter.com/wRn5M9IA7c

— PiFiZone (@PiFiZone) October 4, 2016

STUDY. People who oppose gay marriage are less likely to value expert opinion: “A newly released survey shows that Americans who care about expert opinion and scientific evidence hold different policy positions than those who don’t — across party lines. The survey, conducted in January by the independent research organization NORC at the University of Chicago and released Tuesday, asked 1,007 Americans online and by phone about how they seek out and process information. About four in five respondents said that it is easier now than it was five years ago to find useful information, but four in five also said that they are sometimes or often overwhelmed by how much information comes to them.”

THIRSTY THURSDAY. Antonio Tavares.

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Hurricane Matthew, Sean Hannity, Gloria Naylor, Toronto, Shia LaBeouf: HOT LINKS

Samantha Bee Meets Trump Supporters Who Say the Election is Rigged – WATCH

Throughout the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the election is rigged–a line which has supporters have taken hook, line and sinker.

That’s why it was somewhat shocking when Trump said at the first presidential debate that he would accept the results of the election if he loses. But, unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for him to renege on that promise.

Samantha Bee sent correspondents to a Trump rally to find out why they think the vote is rigged.

It turns out, however, that Trump supporters only think the election is rigged if Trump loses.

Asked correspondent Allana Harkin of one supporter making this argument, “Isn’t that just like saying any woman who didn’t want to date you is a lesbian?”

Watch, below.

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Samantha Bee Meets Trump Supporters Who Say the Election is Rigged – WATCH

Warwick Rowers Talk About Dirty Sock Requests, Stripping Down to Fight Homophobia: WATCH

Vlogger Davey Wavey spent a day with nude UK calendar stars the Warwick Rowers to highlight their fight against homophobia in sport.

The rowers explained to Davey how their charity calendar came about and how, as a group of straight men they came together to fight anti-gay bullying and the “heteronormative culture” in sports. Their Sport Allies charitable initiative gives a portion of the proceeds to fight homophobia in sports.

Said one of the rowers:

“It originally started about seven years ago now. Our boat club was really poor. It started as a way to make just a little bit of money. A couple years in it got picked up by the gay community – and from there it grew and grew. And we decided that as the gay community got behind us and supported us that we would set up [as] allies…We try to challenge stereotypes of sportsmen and try and promote sport as a more inclusive place for everyone.”

The rowers also talked about the strange requests they get, one from a man claiming to be a Romanian sock charity, asking for their dirty socks, explaining that “we can clean them when we get to Romania.”

RELATED: The Warwick Rowers Wish You A Merry Christmas (And Carol A Bit): VIDEO

You can help Warwick Rowers with their 2017 crowdfunding campaign here.

Watch Davey’s interview below: 

And the 2017 campaign video (work-unfriendly) here.

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Warwick Rowers Talk About Dirty Sock Requests, Stripping Down to Fight Homophobia: WATCH

HRC Launches Targeting Campaign as Part of Largest Get-Out-The-Vote Effort in Its History

Today, HRC announced the latest push in the organization’s largest get-out-the-vote effort in its more than 35-year history. It’s a multi-state targeting campaign that for the first time reaches well beyond the nation’s nearly 10 million LGBTQ voters to mobilize the growing ranks of allies and others with a history of supporting equality.

“Our new model allows us to reach out directly to hundreds of thousands of voters not yet affiliated with HRC, but who have demonstrated an openness to creating a more equal and fair society,” said HRC President Chad Griffin(@ChadHGriffin). “LGBTQ equality is no longer a wedge issue, but one embraced by a clear majority of Americans, and particularly younger Americans. In fact, being anti-LGBTQ is now a liability.”

HRC’s dynamic new model, developed with the elections data firm Catalist, makes possible some of the most sophisticated targeting ever of potential pro-equality voters. It allows direct outreach to hundreds of thousands of potential pro-equality voters in crucial swing states through both new and traditional means.

In North Carolina alone, HRC expects to reach more than 400,000 voters through phone calls and an online persuasive advertising campaign unprecedented for the organization. Potential pro-equality voters have been identified using years of HRC polling, public voter files and other available data. HRC is initially targeting five states — North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, with more to come.

This historic targeting effort is part of an unprecedented #turnOUT campaign that HRC launched earlier this year, which includes massive voter mobilization efforts across all 50 states and deployment of more than 100 staff members to battleground states and races. The targeting campaign announced today represents a new dimension of HRC’s work, and is expected to be replicated in years to come as the organization mobilizes the nation’s growing ranks of equality voters to help fuel ongoing efforts to ensure full equality for LGBTQ people. 

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-launches-targeting-campaign-as-part-of-largest-GOTV-effort?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

#AM_Equality Tip Sheet: October 6, 2016

EXCLUSIVE IN TODAY’S POLITICO PLAYBOOK: Today, HRC announced the latest push in the organization’s largest get-out-the-vote effort in its more than 35-year history. It’s a multi-state targeting campaign that for the first time reaches well beyond the nation’s nearly 10 million LGBTQ voters to mobilize the growing ranks of allies and others with a history of supporting equality. “Our new model allows us to reach out directly to hundreds of thousands of voters not yet affiliated with HRC, but who have demonstrated an openness to creating a more equal and fair society,” said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin). In North Carolina alone, HRC expects to reach more than 400,000 voters through phone calls and an online persuasive advertising campaign unprecedented for the organization. Potential pro-equality voters have been identified using years of HRC polling, public voter files and other available data. “LGBTQ equality is no longer a wedge issue, but one embraced by a clear majority of Americans, and particularly younger Americans,” Griffin said. “In fact, being anti-LGBTQ is now a liability.” HRC is initially targeting five states – North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, with more to come.

TIM KAINE TELLS CNN HE WANTED DEBATE TIME ON LGBTQ RIGHTS: This morning, Tim Kaine told Poppy Harlow (@PoppyHarlowCNN) on CNN that he would have loved to debate Mike Pence on LGBTQ rights. Clinton and Kaine represent the most pro-equality presidential ticket in history. Trump and Pence, on the other hand, have vowed to roll-back LGBTQ rights at every turn. Pence has made a career of opposing equality, with a track record that includes Indiana’s anti-LGBTQ legislation that cost the state more than $60 million, publicly supporting offsetting funding for HIV prevention with funding for the abusive practice of so-called “conversion therapy,” opposing hate crime legislation and supporting “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” Watch here.

HRC FOR HRC IN THE GRANITE STATE: HRC President Chad Griffin is heading to New Hampshire today and Friday to rally support for Hillary Clinton and other pro-equality candidates, including U.S. Senate candidate Maggie Hassan (@Maggie_Hassan). Events include an organizing event in Concord, phone banking at Dartmouth College and a roundtable conversation with Seacoast area residents. At the events, Griffin will discuss the stark choice members of the LGBTQ community face this election. Members of the LGBTQ community have the power make the difference in November, including in New Hampshire, which has an estimated 40,000 LGBTQ voters — nearly identical to President Obama’s 39,643-vote winning margin in the state in 2012. The events are part of HRC’s #turnOUT campaign, an effort to engage nearly 10 million LGBTQ voters this election cycle.

• NBC News characterizes the lack of LGBTQ equality questions at Tuesday’s debate as a “missed opportunity.” HRC President Chad Griffin tells NBC’s Mary Emily O’Hara (@MaryEmilyOHara), “[Pence] has built a career on anti-LGBTQ policies.” More here.
• DON’T MISS: HRC’s Mary Beth Maxwell, Senior Vice President for Programs, Research and Training, writes in The Huffington Post about how Kaine’s faith leads him to embrace LGBTQ equality, while Pence uses his to deny it. More here.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: In a surprise move exactly two years ago, U.S. Supreme Court justices declined to hear any cases pending before them challenging state bans on marriage for same-sex couples. This historic move allowed U.S. Circuit Court decisions striking down the bans to stand. That meant that same-sex couples in Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming were able to legally marry. Flashback to this date at HRC.

Because of today’s historic order, marriage equality reaches 24 states. #MarriageMomentum #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/nXpAnsQ0VJ

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) October 6, 2014

NEW YORK MOVES TO ALLOW TRANS YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACCESS HORMONE THERAPY: Transgender young people in New York could begin to receive Medicaid coverage for hormone-blockers, reports The New York Times. A rule proposed Wednesday in the State Register would remove prohibitions on such treatments.

OUT OF TRAGEDY, HOPE RISES IN ORLANDO: The New York Daily News reports that survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando say they are experiencing more acceptance in the community since 49 innocent LGBTQ people and allies were killed in the tragedy.  “I would’ve never believe so many people would get involved, no matter what their beliefs are,” club head of security Neal Whittleton said at a press conference before being honored with a “National Hero Award” from the Red Cross. “There was definitely a big outpouring of love for the community.”

FILIPINO SPEAKER ENDORSES SAME-SEX UNIONS: Pantaleon Alvarez (@speakeralvarez), Speaker of the Philippines’ House of Representatives, is calling for quick passage of a bill to legalize same-sex unions, saying he would sponsor the measure to give “happiness and dignity” to the country’s LGBTQ community. More from The Manila Standard.

• And in Austria, the system of recognizing same-sex unions is getting an upgrade, but not to full marriage equality. The unions will be registered at the district clerk’s office, same as marriages, rather than in district administration departments. More from The Associated Press.

READING RAINBOW

NPR profiles Sgt. Jessica Hawkins, a transgender woman who serves as Washington, D.C.’s LGBTQ police liaison… BBC interviews Jennifer Williams, a transgender woman working to bring trans equality to the Republican Party… WFTS Tampa Bay shares the heartbreaking story of a man who was denied the right to sign his husband’s burial forms… The Bangkok Post looks into a new trans rights research report by the country’s Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development…

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-october-6-2016?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

New Series “Feral” Looks At Gay Love In The Bible Belt

What if the action of HBO’s “Looking” was dropped right in the middle of Memphis, Tennessee? That’s the question creator Morgan Jon Fox sets out to answer with “Feral,” a new original television series following a wayward band of gay twenty-somethings as they stumble through life and love.

Related: More LGBT People Are Moving To “Red” States

Fox describes his characters as “kids who are left on their own, whether it’s financially, whether it’s identity, or whether their lovers are deceased. Whatever that is, they’re left to their own devices to carve their own way.”

Related: Two Bold Gay Teens Face Smalltown Haters Of Their Newly Formed GSA In Tennessee

The story centers on Billy and Daniel, two best friends who have shacked up in a bungalow situated in the frenetic, artistic queer community of Memphis. Things get off to a bumpy start — they have to kick out their third roommate, because that roommate has a heroin habit he can’t kick — and they only get bumpier as the tale progresses.

“My characters have their issues,” Fox says, ““but I didn’t want them to be based in cynicism. I wanted their motives and struggles to be pure and honest in a way that wasn’t just, ‘I’m a spoiled rich person without meaning in my life.’” To his mind, the fact that the characters are gay is almost besides the point.

“There are so many stories that are set in New York or L.A., but I feel that we have a story to tell that is uniquely southern,” he says. “Memphis is a big city, but because we are in a sense living off the grid, in the Bible Belt, and without the supportive institutions that exist in big coastal cities, we have created our own community, and I think that’s what’s so beautiful about coming up in Memphis.”

“Feral” debuts Oct 6th on Dekkoo.

www.queerty.com/new-series-feral-looks-gay-love-bible-belt-20161006?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Rosie O’Donnell Ran into Ivanka Trump at a NYC Restaurant and They Had a Talk

Rosie O’Donnell ran into Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka at the NYC restaurant Nobu in midtown Manhattan last night.

O’Donnell, of course, has been in a vocal feud with Donald Trump for years, and was mentioned at the end of last week’s presidential debate.

Spurred on by accusations from Clinton about his derogatory remarks toward women, Trump brought up O’Donnell out of the blue, saying, “Rosie O’Donnell, I said very tough things to her, and I think everybody would agree she deserves it.”

After the debate, O’Donnell tweeted, “HE WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT.” She also tweeted the video which started the feud in the first place and referred to Trump as an “orange anus.”

It was the second time Trump had mentioned O’Donnell in a presidential debate. In the primary, he mentioned her too when host Megyn Kelly asked Trump about his off-color remarks about women over the years – calling them “fat pigs,” “dogs,” “slobs,” and “disgusting animals.”

Trump responded by saying “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” which, while untrue, drew a huge round of cheers and applause from the crowd.

It’s unclear what Rosie and Ivanka discussed, but Rosie tweeted about it afterwards. Neither Ivanka nor Donald Trump have commented on the meeting.

@IvankaTrump in a city of 8 million – we meet face 2 face – i thank u 4 listening – mother 2 mother – on this new years week – my best 2 u

— Rosie (@Rosie) October 6, 2016

O’Donnell was referring to the Jewish new year.

@billritter7 @IvankaTrump @ABC7NY – NOBU 57 – 9 pm this evening

— Rosie (@Rosie) October 6, 2016

The post Rosie O’Donnell Ran into Ivanka Trump at a NYC Restaurant and They Had a Talk appeared first on Towleroad.

Rosie O’Donnell Ran into Ivanka Trump at a NYC Restaurant and They Had a Talk

Take In the Cuteness as Adele Invites Two Gay Dads and Their Baby to Her Stage in Toronto

At a concert in Toronto on Tuesday, Adele invited a gay New York couple, Jon and Steve, on stage with their toddler Jackson. Jackson was wearing noise-canceling headphones, which the singer then signed after she took a selfie with the family.

Hello…it’s me! And @grover5678 & #JacksonHC with @Adele!!! BEST NIGHT EVER!!! #OnStageSelfie #Adele #adeletoronto #Toronto pic.twitter.com/XhJsgz27fR

— Jon Huston (@Jon_Huston) October 5, 2016

Lucky fans & their baby got a selfie with @Adele !! Cuteness overload! #Adele #Toronto pic.twitter.com/vWTbRo9gkV

— Virgin Radio Toronto (@VirginRadioTO) October 5, 2016

Watch the moment unfold:

Luckiest baby ever! @Adele is the 8th wonder of the world. pic.twitter.com/DkemP6IMGk

— Caitlin Green (@caitiegreen) October 5, 2016

The post Take In the Cuteness as Adele Invites Two Gay Dads and Their Baby to Her Stage in Toronto appeared first on Towleroad.

Take In the Cuteness as Adele Invites Two Gay Dads and Their Baby to Her Stage in Toronto

‘Empire’ Cast Stars in New Ad for Hillary Clinton, Directed by Lee Daniels: WATCH

The cast of FOX’s Empire appears in a new ad for Hillary Clinton, directed by creator Lee Daniels, which appeared during last night’s episode.

Says the cast in the ad:

“What will I tell my son? What will you tell your daughter? Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile. The violent and nasty rhetoric against mankind is unacceptable. If Trump gets into office, it will only get worse. Hillary has pledged to close the Charleston loophole on guns. I would like a president that will protect Obamacare. Somebody who understands personally the plight of a woman. I want a president who stands up against intolerance. there’s only one person in this race who said Black Lives Matter. So many women and men died for us to have the right to vote. Every time we sit out we dishonor their sacrifices.”

Gabourey Sidibe, Tasha Smith, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers, Bryshere Gray, Grace Byers, Taraji P. Henson and Daniels star in the ad.

Notably absent is Terrence Howard.

The post ‘Empire’ Cast Stars in New Ad for Hillary Clinton, Directed by Lee Daniels: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

‘Empire’ Cast Stars in New Ad for Hillary Clinton, Directed by Lee Daniels: WATCH

Tips for Coming Out As Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming or Gender Fluid

Almost five years ago, I came out as transgender to my family, friends, and, eventually, my broader community.  I was blessed with a warm and welcoming response from those who loved me.  Since announcing my news and living openly, I’ve met countless transgender people and heard a range of coming out experiences.

In honor of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, here are some helpful tips that I’ve picked up along the way for anyone coming out as transgender, gender non-conforming or gender fluid.

There is no wrong way to be you.
When I came out, I worried that some people wouldn’t believe me unless I conformed to their preconceived notions of a “trans narrative.” But the most important thing to remember is that there is no one way to be trans. Do and say what feels right for you. You are the best expert on who you are and what you need.

Prepare yourself.
Part of preparing yourself is doing as much research as you can and thinking about answers to questions you anticipate coming up.  Mostly, though, prepare yourself for diverse responses. Even the most supportive reactions may not be as positive or enthusiastic as you hope. Unfortunately, some reactions may be as negative as you might fear and it is important to seek out community and support for those challenging times.

Research doctors.
While not everyone who is trans will transition medically, if you do, take some time to research medical professionals in your area. Some of you may live in areas with limited options, but it is important to explore your options. Oftentimes we must be our own advocates in health care settings. For more information on health care and providers, you can visit the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association or check out HRC’s transgender resources.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other trans people.
While not every out transgender person is able to provide mentorship and guidance, do not be afraid to seek out other transgender people for help. Often we are afraid to ask for others’ time, but I’ve found that there is a strong “pay it forward” belief in the community. Gaining insights and advice from a handful of trans people who had walked that path before me provided invaluable help as I began to chart my own course.

Know the policies and laws in your area.
When you are preparing to come out, research the policies in your workplace or school, including their nondiscrimination policy and insurance plan. It is also helpful to know the laws in your city or state. Many places have passed gender identity protections, which may provide recourse should you face mistreatment or discrimination along the way.

Each of us live out our lives with various privileges, challenges, and unique circumstances.  Every journey is different. But as you take the steps to have the world see and respect you as the person you are, know that you are worthy, you are valued, and there are people – many of whom you may never know – who are fighting to make this world a little better, safer, and more welcoming for all of us. None of us are alone.

For more information and resources on National Coming Out Day, visit HRC’s Coming Out Center and follow the hashtag #ComingOut.

www.hrc.org/blog/tips-for-coming-out-as-transgender-gender-nonconforming-or-gender-fluid?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed