HUD Secretary Nominee Ben Carson's Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric
Monthly Archives: January 2017
Gilet JJ
Gilet JJ
jessicajane9 posted a photo:
Deep blue skinny jeans, Navy top & mottled faux fur gilet with bag and ankle boots
5 luxe hotel lounges in Las Vegas to enjoy without actually staying there
5 luxe hotel lounges in Las Vegas to enjoy without actually staying there
Over the years, hotel bars have morphed from after-thought to main-attraction. Nowhere is this more true than Las Vegas, where the hotel lounges are homages to architectural opulence, hand-made cocktails, exquisite champers and some of the most breathtaking panoramas in the world–whether you are looking at the decked out people around you or the cityscape itself.
Like the rest of Las Vegas, these spaces have the ability to transport you to another time, another place, a better place, with nothing but the limits of your imagination to stop you from the time of your life.
We rounded up a few of our faves for you enjoy without actually checking into the hotel they are attached to (unless you so desire)…
Three floors of sparkle and shimmer surround you at this signature bar at the Cosmopolitan. Each floor is a unique experience, with completely unique drink specials, so of course you must sample a few. It is impossible to be surrounded by two million crystals and not feel the opulence in your heart and soul. You’ll be forgiven if you walk around in your best tailored suit pretending it is your glamorous living room.
2. Mandarin Bar
The intimate lounge on the 23rd floor of Mandarin Oriental is Las Vegas at its most refined: elegant, romantic, sensual. Service is polished yet unpretentious, and the drinks simply sumptuous. Wrap-around views from the ultra-tall windows are the best at night, with The Strip lit up in all its splendor. Those views are also breathtaking during the day, as you drink in the vast views of the gorgeous mountains in the vista. The adjacent Tea Lounge also serves a very popular Afternoon Tea, replete with tasty little snacks.
3. Parasol Up
The March Hare and Mad Hatter may be waiting for you in this color-drenched lounge at Wynn Las Vegas, where bright colors renounce the moody lighting of typical nightlife spots. After a drink or two, perhaps a glass of Hardy Perfection cognac, aged for 140 years, take a ride down the spiraling escalator past the twirling parasols to Parasol Down for a view the resort’s waterfall. With all that visual stimulation, don’t forget to glance at your date once in a while.
4. Bound
In a city where things can be larger than life, Bound is reserved; in a city where pleasure is cheered, Bound is more restrained. Located in the equally refined lobby of The Cromwell, this hotel bar serves beverages meant for a true connoisseur, perfected by the master mixologist Salvatore Calabrese. Try his famous (and famously delicious) Breakfast Cocktail, or a selection from the line of coffee and espresso beverages, to get your day of adventure off to a delicious start.
Located inside the “World’s Largest Pint Glass,” Brass The Lounge features specialty drinks, bottle service & live entertainment. The downtown view is nothing less than stunning, and the lounge has an old-time feel that will take to a different time and place–except when it gets late into the night and very right now. Live bands, and vibrant happy hour make it a can’t-miss for whatever your mood.
Joe Jonas, Chuck Schumer, North Korea, Prison Break, Caitlyn Jenner, Luke Hemsworth: HOT LINKS
Joe Jonas, Chuck Schumer, North Korea, Prison Break, Caitlyn Jenner, Luke Hemsworth: HOT LINKS
ACCEPTED. Caitlyn Jenner to attend Trump inauguration: “The transgender star, who is a conservative Republican and was vocal about her dislike of Hillary Clinton on her E! show I Am Cait, has in the past said she wants to use her celebrity to benefit the LGBTQ community.”
JEFF SESSIONS. Chuck Schumer says he’ll vote no. “After reviewing his record and giving careful consideration to his answers during the hearing, I am not confident in Senator Sessions’ ability to be a defender of the rights of all Americans, or to serve as an independent check on the incoming administration.”
TRUMP GOLDEN SHOWERS DOSSIER. Ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele said to have furnished it: “The author of the report had a good reputation in the intelligence world and was stationed in Russia for years, said John Sipher, who retired in 2014 after 28 years in the CIA’s clandestine service, where he specialized in Russia and counterintelligence. Mr. Sipher is now director of client services at CrossLead Inc., a Washington-based technology company set up by retired U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal.”
NORTH KOREA. Pyongyang provokes Trump administration with ICBM threat: “Unless the U.S.’s anti-DPRK policies change, we will, officially, continue to strengthen our preemptive strike abilities and nuclear capability for our self-defense. Just because the U.S. is located more than ten thousand kilometers away, does not make the country safe (from us). The U.S. is still located on the face of the earth… soon our ICBM will send the shiver down its spine.”
A CHILLING MOMENT. On Trump’s press conference. “Those are not features of the leader of a free democracy. They are the behaviors of despots.”
ACLU. Why President Obama should commute Chelsea Manning’s sentence: “Seven years into her 35-year sentence, Chelsea has already served longer than any person in United States history for disclosing information to the news media. The information she disclosed served a clear public interest, helping raise awareness regarding the impact of war on innocent civilians. ”
VID. Khloe Kardashian eats a fish eye.
DIOR. Boy George is striking a pose in the label’s latest campaign.
GUESS. Joe Jonas is the family’s newest underwear model. More here.
BUMS OUT. Luke Hemsworth, the brother of Chris and Liam Hemsworth, has just as nice an ass as they do (work-unfriendly).
PRISON BREAK. Michael is back in a brand new trailer:
THIRSTY THURSDAY. Konshon.
The post Joe Jonas, Chuck Schumer, North Korea, Prison Break, Caitlyn Jenner, Luke Hemsworth: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.
Joe Jonas, Chuck Schumer, North Korea, Prison Break, Caitlyn Jenner, Luke Hemsworth: HOT LINKS
CDU-Politiker Kaufmann kritisiert Blockadehaltung seiner Partei bei Ehe für alle: “Treffen nicht mehr den Zeitgeist” (EXKLUSIV)
CDU-Politiker Kaufmann kritisiert Blockadehaltung seiner Partei bei Ehe für alle: “Treffen nicht mehr den Zeitgeist” (EXKLUSIV)
Die große Mehrheit der Deutschen findet, dass Lesben, Schwule und Bisexuelle weiter diskriminiert werden, und fordern ihre komplette rechtliche Gleic…
Weiterlesen: Politik, Gay, Deutschland, Cdu, Germany News
www.huffingtonpost.de/2017/01/12/kaufmann-ehe-fuer-alle_n_14130656.html
#AM_Equality Tipsheet: January 12, 2016
#AM_Equality Tipsheet: January 12, 2016
TODAY, TRUMP’S PICK FOR HUD, BEN CARSON: Everyday HUD supports millions of individuals and families nationwide through lifeline programs providing assisted and public housing, emergency shelter and supportive housing, and mortgage and loan assistance. Access to this assistance can be life-changing — it can keep families intact, provide shelter safe from violence, and help make the dream of home ownership a reality. It is essential that any incoming Secretary not only exhibits a working knowledge of these complex programs, but also a sincere commitment to ensuring fair and equal access for all people regardless of who they are and who they love. Dr. Carson’s record of hostility and ignorance regarding LGBTQ people directly conflicts with these fundamental qualities and casts significant doubt on whether he is fit to serve in this role.
AND ONE MORE: TRUMP’S PICK FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JAMES MATTIS: Retired USMC General James Mattis, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, will testify before the Senate Armed Forces Committee. Key background: Gen. Mattis was a senior leader during the implementation of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. In the last eight years under President Obama, there has been significant progress for LGBTQ service members and veterans, including repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and most recently ending the ban on open service by transgender service members.
TRUMP’S SEC OF STATE NOMINEE REX TILLERSON TESTIFYING TODAY HAD LITTLE TO SAY ON LGBTQ HUMAN RIGHTS: Yesterday, in response to a question from Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) about whether LGBT rights are human rights, Tillerson said, “American values don’t condone violence or discrimination.” Tillerson’s minimal response leaves a big question mark on how a Trump/Tillerson State Department will approach anti-LGBTQ regimes who target LGBTQ people for violence and discrimination. Tillerson’s minimal response leaves a big question mark on how a Trump/Tillerson State Department will approach anti-LGBTQ regimes who target LGBTQ people for violence and discrimination, like Russia, where Tillerson has a long history and close ties with Putin — a dictator known for his brutal and deadly crackdown on LGBTQ people. Putin awarded Tillerson with one of the country’s prestigious honors in 2013 just days before signing the draconian anti-LGBTQ law that was highly publicized at the time.
CIVIL RIGHTS HERO REP. JOHN LEWIS AND EQUALITY CHAMPION SEN. CORY BOOKER DELIVER POWERFUL CHALLENGE TO AG NOMINEE SESSIONS: During the second day of confirmation hearings for anti-LGBTQ Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General, a powerhouse lineup of civil rights champions testified to the danger the nominee poses to equality in the United States. “We need someone who will stand up and speak up and speak out for the people who need help, for people who are being discriminated against. And it doesn’t matter whether they are black or white, Latino, Asian or Native American, whether they are straight or gay, Muslim, Christian or Jews. We all live in the same house, the American house,” said Rep. Lewis. Sen. Booker (@CoryBooker), who broke tradition by testifying against his Senate colleague yesterday, said, “Sen. Sessions’ decades-long record is concerning in a number of ways, from his opposition to bipartisan criminal justice reform to his views on bipartisan drug policy reform, from his efforts earlier in his career to deny citizens voting rights to his criticism of the Voting Rights Act, from his failure to defend the civil rights of women, minorities, and LGBT Americans to his opposition to common sense, bipartisan immigration reform.” Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), and NAACP President and CEO Cornell Brooks (@CornellWBrooks) also spoke strongly against the nominee, as did sexual abuse survivor and victim advocate Amita Swadhin, who testified about violence faced by transgender woman of color in the U.S. Read more at the New York Times.
●ICYMI: In 1986, Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King, Jr’s widow, wrote a letter to Congress The Washington Post
MEANWHILE… A THANK YOU TO OUTGOING AG LORETTA LYNCH FOR LEADING ON HISTORIC ADVANCES IN LGBTQ EQUALITY : Since her confirmation in April 2015, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch has led the Obama Administration’s drive to expand and solidify LGBTQ rights through the Department of Justice (DOJ). Yesterday, during a humorous and emotional DOJ farewell ceremony for Lynch, Vanita Gupta, head of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, lauded Lynch’s incredible service to the country, detailing her groundbreaking work on LGBTQ equality and characterizing it as a “very significant mark of her tenure.” Lynch reflected on actions taken by the DOJ under her watch, including suing North Carolina for discrimination embedded in its anti-LGBTQ law HB2, and affirming the administration’s commitment to standing with and protecting the transgender community. “Together, we stood with our LGBT brothers and sisters against inequality and injustice. We ensured that they will never again be invisible to the cause of justice. We did that,” she said. Read her full remarks here, and watch her farewell ceremony at CNN.
RT to thank AG @LorettaLynch for standing with #transgender North Carolinians #RepealHB2 t.co/TALq0NAzu4 pic.twitter.com/8DjMY7MLLW
— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) May 9, 2016
THROWBACK THURSDAY: This week in 1958, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in its first case involving the LGBTQ community. One: The Homosexual Magazine, an early LGBTQ magazine in the United States, had been declared “obscene” by the Los Angeles Postmaster, who refused to deliver it. A challenge to that decision rose all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled obscenity laws did not apply to the LGBTQ magazine — allowing for a flourishing LGBTQ press across the country. The archives of this pivotal publication are available through the USC Libraries Archive.
TEXAS BIZ, TOURISM GROUPS JOIN TO OPPOSE SB 6: Yesterday in Austin, a group of Texas businesses and tourism groups hosted a press conference outside the Texas Capitol to oppose the newly-introduced SB 6, as part of the “Texas Welcomes All” campaign. SB 6 — introduced by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst — is a harmful, anti-transgender bill that would make it illegal for transgender people in Texas to be afforded access to facilities consistent with their identity. “Discrimination of any kind is wrong,” said Phillip Jones, president and CEO of VisitDallas, a tourism group that is part of the coalition. At the press conference, the participants reiterated the negative economic impact a law such as SB 6 will have on Texas’ economy, urging lawmakers to not pursue the legislation. More from Star-Telegram.
UN AMBASSADOR SAMANTHA POWER REFLECTS ON GLOBAL FIGHT FOR LGBTQ HUMAN RIGHTS: In an interview with Michael K. Lavers (@mklavers81) of the Washington Blade, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power talks at length about the Obama Administration’s efforts to further global LGBTQ equality. She recalls one beautiful moment when Vice President Joe Biden personally thanked Belize LGBTQ advocate Caleb Orozco, who was instrumental in bringing down that country’s “anti-sodomy” law. More from Washington Blade.
●Read the Blade’s list of Top Ten ways President Obama’s State Department has furthered global LGBTQ human rights.
GAY AIR FORCE VETERAN FINALLY GETS “HONORABLE” DISCHARGE REFLECTED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS: Hubert Edward Spires proudly served his country in the 1940s, before being dishonorably discharged for being gay. Now, after nearly 70 years, the Air Force Board for the Correction of Military Records has changed his discharge status to “honorable,” allowing him to — when the time comes — be buried with military honors. More from The New York Times.
NEW POLLING — MORE GEORGIANS OPPOSE ANTI-LGBTQ “RELIGIOUS LIBERTY” BILLS: An Atlanta Journal-Constitution survey shows that 44 percent of respondents disapprove of so-called “religious liberty” bills often used to excuse discrimination against the LGBTQ community, while only 40 percent support such measures. More from AJC.
PERU TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGES THAT OCCUR ABROAD: The decision comes from Seventh Constitutional Court in Lima. More from Gay Star News.
READING RAINBOW
BuzzFeed breaks down their recent polling on perceptions of the LGBTQ community in India… South Florida Gay News reports on the struggles of LGBTQ seniors…
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-tipsheet-january-12-2016?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
Cody Alan, country music tv and radio star, comes out in a moving post
Cody Alan, country music tv and radio star, comes out in a moving post
Photo Credit: CMT
As host of CMT’s signature weekly music TV show, Hot 20 Countdown, Cody Alan is seen in over 90 million homes. And through CMT After MidNite and CMT Radio Live, he’s heard by nearly 2 million weekly listeners on more than 250 stations. From Carrie Underwood to Reba McEntire to Blake Shelton and beyond, when country stars talk, they talk to Cody Alan! That’s why this morning’s personal announcement has such a tremendous impact in accelerating acceptance of LGBTQ people nationwide … across all music genres.
Posting on social media, Cody started by sharing:
“2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you. You see, I’m gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I’ve known about myself my whole life. Through life’s twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I’ve landed on this day, a day when I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won’t change how you see me. I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here’s to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody”
According to GLAAD’s Vice President of Programs, country music fan and fellow South Carolinian, Zeke Stokes:
“Millions of radio listeners, television viewers and country music fans love and look up to Cody Alan. And that’s exactly why Cody’s decision to come out matters — because visibility brings about acceptance. By sharing his story, Cody is helping listeners and fans get to know someone who shares their passion for country music and southern values, and who also happens to be gay. At a time when America can sometimes seem so divided, it’s the common ground we all share that brings us together — and that’s the power of sharing one’s story.”
Shortly after Cody’s announcement, PEOPLE Country released an exclusive interview, in which he states that he’s “happier than ever – and ready to make a difference.”
Cody Alan is undoubtedly one of the most recognized names in broadcasting. Named one of “Nashville’s Most Beautiful People,” Cody connects the country to country music. Popular for his open, friendly, fun, always entertaining interviews with the biggest names in music and entertainment, Cody’s shows air from CMT world headquarters in Nashville. He takes fans where no one else goes, from backstage to the red carpet and beyond, across multiple platforms, introducing fans and music lovers to their favorite country artists. CMA Award winner Dierks Bentley says, “Cody’s show always feels fresh and current. Cody cares about country music’s past and future, and has always worked to make his shows exciting, interesting and personal.”
Cody is a respected veteran personality, producer and programmer in the broadcast industry, named the 2013 and 2010 National On-Air Personality of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. After gigs in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, Cody made it to the major leagues at age 23 when he landed in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Along the way, Cody has received numerous national awards, including DJ of the Year from Country Radio Broadcasters. Cody has been honored at the Grand Ole Opry, featured in USA Today and GQ Magazine, and has been a contributor on E!News, CNN HLN, Country Weekly and in People Country. Additionally, Cody was named Radio and Records Music Director of the Year five times, while Billboard magazine and the Radio Music Awards honored him with the annual title as well.
Since Americans’ attitudes on LGBTQ people and their lives are not just influenced by what they see and hear, but who they know, GLAAD applauds Cody Alan for sharing his personal coming out story in such a public manner. GLAAD’s Southern Stories initiative tells the stories of LGBTQ people and their allies in the South to create a cultural shift towards LGBTQ acceptance and understanding in the region.
Last summer, GLAAD continued its Southern Stories Summer Tour from Texas to Florida. Throughout the trip, GLAAD facilitated conversations with local advocacy leaders about accelerating acceptance and amplifying the voices of LGBTQ people in the South. For first-hand accounts from LGBTQ Southerners, check out the original short documentary series, GLAAD Presents: State of Change.
January 12, 2017
Issues:
Tags:
www.glaad.org/blog/cody-alan-country-music-tv-and-radio-star-comes-out-moving-post
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PHOTOS: Have your pick of man in Mykonos
PHOTOS: Have your pick of man in Mykonos
Michelle Obama Surprises People Recording Goodbye Messages to Her and It’s Really Touching: WATCH
Michelle Obama Surprises People Recording Goodbye Messages to Her and It’s Really Touching: WATCH
Michelle Obama made a final trip as First Lady to The Tonight Show and tears were shed as she surprised people who thought they were recording a ‘thank you’ message to her in front of a portrait.
Said one woman before FLOTUS popped out: “Because of you, I know that my race does not define who I am or what I can accomplish. For years, you have shown our nation countless times, that through dignity, compassion, and respect, we can overcome any hardships. Thank you for inspiring all Americans, including myself, for continuing to go high even when the challenges of life make us feel low.”
Another man touched FLOTUS by telling her how she changed his daughter’s eating habits: “I want to thank you because my daughter looks up to you, and I don’t think she even exactly knows all the ways. She has a salad bar at her school so she tried it.”
Watch:
Fallon and the First Lady also wrote a bunch of humorous and touching Thank You notes to President Obama, Inauguration Day, and others.
And she plays catchphrase like an ace.
And here’s the interview:
The post Michelle Obama Surprises People Recording Goodbye Messages to Her and It’s Really Touching: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Michelle Obama Surprises People Recording Goodbye Messages to Her and It’s Really Touching: WATCH
