Snowboarding with a Drone That Can Lift You Over the Ski Lodge is the New Best Winter Sport: WATCH

Vlogger Casey Neistat is winning the internet tonight with his (and Samsung’s) custom-made drone that can not only guide him down the slopes and through a ski resort but carry him up into the air over trees, lodges, and anything else that might stand in his way.

Watch:

And the behind-the-scenes:

The post Snowboarding with a Drone That Can Lift You Over the Ski Lodge is the New Best Winter Sport: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

Snowboarding with a Drone That Can Lift You Over the Ski Lodge is the New Best Winter Sport: WATCH

U.N. Ambassador Makes Passionate Plea for LGBT Rights

Samantha Power helps block an effort to suspend the United Nations’ monitor on queer discrimination.

www.advocate.com/world/2016/12/20/un-rep-passionately-defends-need-lgbt-rights-monitor

Scientists Film ‘Ghost Shark’ with Retractable Sex Organ on its Head, for First Time: WATCH

Researchers filming off the coast of California captured a wondrous creature on video for the first time: the mysterious and elusive chimaera, or ‘ghost shark’.

The Guardian reports:

The team from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Center had sent a remote operated vehicle down to depths of 2,000 metres (6,700ft) when the creature appeared on their screens.

Also known as chimaeras, the creatures are related to sharks and rays. But unlike their namesakes, ghost sharks have tooth plates instead of teeth and open channels on their heads and faces that give them the appearance of having been stitched together like a rag doll.

Most remarkably perhaps, they have a retractable penis on their heads.

The species, normally found in Australia and New Zealand, has never been captured on video alive in its natural habitat.

The footage was shot in 2009, but just recently released:

In 2009, the institute sent a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, on several dives to depths of up to 6,700 feet in waters off California and Hawaii. They weren’t looking for ghost sharks: “The guys doing the video were actually geologists,” says Dave Ebert, program director for the Pacific Shark Research Center at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. (See more amazing shark pictures.)

“Normally, people probably wouldn’t have been looking around in this area, so it’s a little bit of dumb luck,” he says.

One fish the ROV kept running into looked like a new ghost shark, since it did not resemble ghost shark species known to frequent either of these regions.

Watch the footage:

The post Scientists Film ‘Ghost Shark’ with Retractable Sex Organ on its Head, for First Time: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

Scientists Film ‘Ghost Shark’ with Retractable Sex Organ on its Head, for First Time: WATCH

Ricky Martin and George Michael were too old to influence Troye Sivan

www.queerty.com/ricky-martin-george-michael-old-influence-troye-sivan-20161220?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

16 Inspirational Voices for LGBTQ Equality in 2016: Record Number of Out Olympians

As 2016 comes to a close, there is no doubt that this year was difficult for many in the LGBTQ and allied community. After a year of such celebration and momentous progress in 2015, 2016 was a shocking wake-up call to many about the realities that LGBTQ people face. From the rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation to the horrific shooting at Pulse, from the incidents of anti-transgender violence to the election of a presidential ticket that threatened to undermine equality and justice, we know that our job is more important now than ever before.

However, through these difficult times, we witnessed countless moments of inspiration. Throughout the year, time and time again, we saw people stand up and do what was right. Whether they were celebrities, politicians, a friend or just an acquaintance, we saw people stand up for equality and inspire us all. Their stories made us cry, gave us hope and reminded us that love will conquer hate.

Michael Phelps wasn’t the only athlete to make history at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. A record number of out athletes-more than 40 openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Olympians-participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, marking a huge step forward for the LGBTQ community.

These stellar athletes made incredible athletic achievements on the field, but there were also several off-the-field stories that warmed our hearts.

In addition to these openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Olympians, Chris Mosier, a transgender duathlete, was chosen for Team USA for the 2016 World Championship. While he can compete at the World Championships, duathlon is not an Olympic sport. Mosier was featured in a Nike ad that aired on NBC during the Olympics.

LGBTQ visibility in the sports world is on the rise, due in large part due to the brave athletes who have spoken out about who they are, setting an example for LGBTQ youth and people around the globe. While many athletes continue to face discrimination in their sports, those who live their truths and live openly and authentically continually inspire us. Especially while playing on such an intense and global stage, these athletes pave the way for others, both on and off the field of competition.

Follow along with HRC’s blog in the coming days as we recognize the people who inspired us and gave us hope, courage and strength in 2016.

www.hrc.org/blog/16-inspirational-voices-for-lgbtq-equality-in-2016-record-number-of-out-oly?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Andrea Bocelli Out as Inauguration Performer After Boycott Threats

The longtime friend of Donald Trump will not be singing at the January 20 event.

www.advocate.com/election/2016/12/20/andrea-bocelli-out-inauguration-performer-after-boycott-threats

J.K. Rowling approves pro-LGBTQ ‘Harry Potter’ sketch to benefit Pulse victims

www.queerty.com/j-k-rowling-approves-pro-lgbtq-harry-potter-sketch-benefit-pulse-victims-20161220?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Trump, Who Has Never Visited Pulse, Again Exploits the Massacre

The president-elect used the tragedy to warn of the threat of foreign-born terrorists. Omar Mateen was a homegrown menace.

www.advocate.com/2016/12/20/trump-who-has-never-visited-pulse-again-exploits-massacre