Chris Christie’s Uneven Record on LGBT Rights
The New Jersey governor signs two trans-inclusive bills into law, which reverses course from his previous actions on trans rights.
www.advocate.com/transgender/2017/7/24/chris-christies-uneven-record-lgbt-rights
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Cabaretsoup posted a photo:
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via Instagram ift.tt/2gXLnyP
The impossible has happened. Someone’s shown up Colton Haynes’ Ursula look.
The bar has been reset.
Fracking, Adam Schiff, The Rock, Fujiwhara Effect, Pink, Fergus Beeley, Jason Chaffetz, Stranger Things: HOT LINKS
18 DAYS. Trump plans August vacation in New Jersey. “Many are protesting – some even with graffiti, according to Bedminster resident Clarissa Arbeia – calling the president’s visit an added nuisance in the small suburban town.”
FRACKING. Trump may undo Obama fracking rule: “The proposal from the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is due to be published Tuesday in the Federal Register. The landmark 2015 regulation set standards in areas such as disclosure of fracking chemicals and integrity of well casing. It was the Obama administration’s attempt to update decades-old regulations to account for the explosive growth in fracking for oil and natural gas in recent years.”
CLASSIC BULLY MOVE. Sean Spicer stole mini-fridge from junior research employees.
EYE ROLL OF THE DAY. Trump gets asked if Jeff Sessions should resign.
Q: “Mr. President, should Jeff Sessions resign?”
Trump’s face: pic.twitter.com/m9yV4Y0aeM
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 24, 2017
FUJIWHARA EFFECT. Tropical storms Hillary and Irwin to swirl together in Pacific. “This tango occurs when two storms get close enough for their circulations to interact, sending them pinwheeling around a fixed point between them somewhat like a meteorological version of a fidget spinner.”
TENNESSEE. Judge rules that gay couples have equal parental rights: ‘Four lesbian couples sued after the state passed a law that requires using the “natural and ordinary meaning” of words in state law. Gay rights groups said the requirement was a sneaky way to deny same-sex couples the legal rights and protections granted to a “husband,” a “wife,” a “father” or “mother.” The Tennessean reports that Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle’s ruling Friday dismissed the couples’ lawsuit, saying they didn’t prove their rights had been violated. The couples’ first child is not expected until September.
CHUCK SCHUMER. Feeding meat to the opposition?
JASON CHAFFETZ. When Dems bring up Donald Jr., Repubs should bring up Chelsea Clinton.
JENNIFER FINNEY BOYLAN. My Gay Agenda: “What I want above all, is the special right to be left alone, and to be considered half of just one more unextraordinary American couple — just as the two of us were as we sat at the bar watching the ocean and drinking our beers. You’d think that most of this would be common sense — that protecting American citizens from violence and unemployment and homelessness would be something we’d all agree upon. You’d think that respecting the privacy and humanity of some of the country’s most vulnerable souls would be a common goal.”
MALE MODEL MONDAY. Troy Walls. More here.
FERGUS BEELEY. Planet Earth producer has road rage meltdown on camera. “The extraordinary footage was caught by Simon Gale, 33, who was driving one of the cars involved in the incident. He claimed that Mr Beeley became enraged when a car from the inside lane attempted to pull into the middle lane and crashed with his family’s car. He also claims that Beeley grabbed hold of him around the throat and “raised his fist in a threatening manner”, and attempted to push his mother-in-law towards oncoming traffic.”
SAM HEUGHAN. Shirtless workout photos!
ADAM SCHIFF. Senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee fires back at Trump tweet calling him “sleazy” and “biased”.
With respect Mr. President, the problem is how often you watch TV, and that your comments and actions are beneath the dignity of the office. t.co/NvZydYbnyW
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) July 24, 2017
ATTACK AD. GOP Super PAC launches ad painting Dems as “radical extremists who destroy buildings, burn cars and divide America. Hollywood celebrities who are blinded by their hatred of the president.”
WHAT ABOUT US. Pink prepares a comeback single.
NETFLIX TEASER OF THE DAY. Stranger Things Season 2:
PROMO OF THE DAY. The Rock gets together with Siri in mini-movie.
MONDAY MUSCLE. Cristiano Ronaldo and friend Jose Semedo.
The post Fracking, Adam Schiff, The Rock, Fujiwhara Effect, Pink, Fergus Beeley, Jason Chaffetz, Stranger Things: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.
Chris Hemsworth loves to cuddle with Tom Hiddleston, and he’s vers
“I don’t mind [if I’m the cuddler or cuddlee].” he says. “It’s beautiful both ways.”
Jared Kushner Speaks Following Senate Intel Committee Hearing: ‘I Did Not Collude with Russians’ — WATCH
Trump son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner spoke to reporters following an appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Monday, echoing remarks he made in a statement that prefaced the hearing.
Said Kushner:
“I have not sought the spotlight…The record and documents I have voluntarily provide will show that all of my actions were proper and occurred in the normal course of events of a very unique campaign. Let me be very clear. I did not collude with Russians, nor do I know of anyone in the campaign who did so. I had no improper contacts. I have not relied on Russian funds for my businesses. And I have been fully transparent.”
Kushner added:
“Donald Trump had a better message and ran a smarter campaign. And that is why he won. Suggesting otherwise ridicules those who voted for him.”
Watch:
The post Jared Kushner Speaks Following Senate Intel Committee Hearing: ‘I Did Not Collude with Russians’ — WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
ICYMI: five anti-trans bills introduced in Gov. Abbott’s “special discrimination session”
NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today released the following background information on the five anti-transgender bills that were filed last week to kick off Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s “special discrimination session” at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Gov. Abbott called for a special session of the Texas state legislature largely to pass legislation that openly targets and discriminates against transgender Texans. The debate is already having a grave effect on the state’s economy and goes against a recent survey which shows a majority of Texans oppose Gov. Abbott’s discriminatory agenda.
These bills are currently being debated and will be voted on before the “special discrimination session” ends next month. SB 3 is expected to be voted on by the full Texas Senate this week. Last week, GLAAD launched its Texas Hold’em petition, urging Texans to add their voice in opposition to Gov. Abbott’s anti-trans agenda.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Anti-Trans Bills Filed During Gov. Abbott’s “Special Discrimination Session”
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www.glaad.org/blog/icymi-five-anti-trans-bills-introduced-gov-abbotts-special-discrimination-session
Gay basher in horrific Philadelphia hate crime now claims self-defense
Meanwhile, In Westeros: Pies, Pus and Pirates On ‘Game of Thrones’ [RECAP]
It’s insane how much development Game of Thrones crammed into last night’s workhorse of an episode. Allegiances and motivations were mostly laid bare, and characters were forced to confront what the choices they’ve made in the past mean for them now that the game is changing so quickly.
After an episode heavy on chatting through what side folks are landing on in the coming war, the first real blows were dealt. Which side is taking an early lead in the battle for the Iron Throne?
Let’s discuss in our recap, below!
Meanwhile, at Dragonstone …
It was a dark and stormy night, much like this one, when Daenerys was born, or so she’s reminded by Varys and Tyrion as they review strategy. Of course, Daenerys is less interested in the past than she is in the future, growing more and more anxious by the day to shove Cersei off that Iron Throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms. She’s got an army, she’s got dragons, what’s the hold up?
Tyrion mansplains that if she takes the city by force, all that will be left to rule will be ashes. It’s a good point, but not a very satisfying answer for the Dragon Queen. Next, she turns her attention to Varys, a schemer of the highest order. Why should she trust the Spider after all the conspiring he’s led against his former rulers? After all, wasn’t he the one caught up in a plan to get her murdered?
Now, to be fair, Varys reminds her, he barely even knew her when he tried to have her murdered, so, like, let’s let bygones be bygones. Dany, however, isn’t convinced. She demands loyalty. Varys can’t promise that, but he promises to be honest. Honest loyalty, if you will.
Unlike Littlefinger, whom we’ll get to shortly, Varys’ meddling is guided by his values. He wasn’t from a rich house, he grew up with nothing. He works for the people. He turned on rulers when they lost their way. He’s backing Dany now because he believes she is the best for the people. Khaleesi is satisfied with this answer, but she asks that if she does stray from what the people needs, he tells her to her face instead of plotting to kill her behind her back. Deal.
Then Varys rushes away to put all this in a memo in case he needs to testify about it later.
Of course, there’s a knock on the door. A caller at this hour? Whomever could it be? It’s Melisandre, in her full drags, looking like her enchanted, easy, breezy, beautiful self. Despite having boinked Stannis in this very castle, Dany gives her an audience since e’erybody’s already getting pardoned tonight.
The most important part of their conversation lies in a little translation error in the great prophecy about the “prince” that’s been promised may not be a prince at all. Missandei helpfully tells them that the High Valyrian word used is gender-neutral, so really it’s the “prince or princess” that’s been promised. Could Dany be Azor Ahai? Maybe! But it seems Melisandre has learned her lesson about taking all this too literally. Dany has a role to play, Mel says, but so does Jon Snow.
“Hey, I know that guy!” Tyrion chimes in. Regardless of Melisandre’s hocus pocus, having an ally in the North would be beneficial. Dany sends him a raven asking him to pay a visit, and to bend the knee.
Later, Dany gathers Olenna, Ellaria, Yara and others to strategize. The plan is for the Unsullied to take the Lannister’s home, Casterly Rock, while the Tyrell and Dornish armies surround King’s Landing and starve everybody out. Yara and her fleet will escort Ellaria and her Sand Snakes to pick up the army and bring them back. Go team!
The room clears, save for Dany and Olenna. The elder Tyrell warns Dany about trusting Tyrion — or any man, for that matter — over her own instincts. Olenna has known many clever men like Tyrion, and she’s outlived them all by ignoring them. People need to fear her, not love her. People loved Margaery, and it didn’t help her a bit. Dany isn’t a sheep, she’s a dragon. She needs to act like one.
As everyone readies for battle, once again Greyworm and Missandei need to reckon with the fact they may never see each other again. Greyworm confesses that he has a hard time opening up to people because the Unsullied are trained not to have weaknesses. “But I can fix him!” Missandei seemingly screams. So, she undoes her dress, takes off his clothes and serves him her, uh, hot pocket? (Next month in Teen Vogue: How To Please Your Man, Even If He’s Castrated)
Meanwhile, at Winterfell …
Jon receives the message from Dragonstone. He trusts Tyrion dating back to their trip to the Wall, and even Sansa speaks highly of him from her otherwise awful time at King’s Landing. Still, a Targaryen arriving with dragons to take Westeros isn’t the most soothing thought. Sansa fears it’s too dangerous for Jon to make the trip. However, the decision appears to be made once Sam’s message arrives telling them about all that Dragonglass at Dragonstone. (As an aside: How did Dany’s message get there before Sam’s? Are there express ravens? Next-day ravens from Amazon Prime?)
Anyway, despite some pushback from the other lords of the North, Jon tells everyone he’s going. Dragonstone has Dragonglass, which kills White Walkers; as does fire, which Dany’s dragons could certainly provide. In the interim, Sansa is in charge. This will go well, I’m sure.
Before he rides off with Ser Davos, Littlefinger sidles up to Snow in the crypt. He confesses his love for Sansa, which is gross, and also, like, what sort of reaction is he expecting? Does he think Jon is going to bless their union? Nah, brah. Jon reacts like any cliché older brother and threatens to kill Littlefinger if he tries anything. Sure, sure. Again, this will go well while you’re gone, I’m sure.
Meanwhile, at the Citadel …
The Citadel scenes are turning into straight-up episodes of Grey’s Anatomy now. The archmaester is Bailey, Sam is Kepner and the medical oddity of the week is Jorah. Turns out, Jorah has plenty of time to live with greyscale. The archmaester gives him a relatively positive prognosis of 10-20 years, but unfortunately he’ll lose his mind in about six months.
It’s not until this point that Sam learns Jorah’s identity, realizing that he knew Jorah’s father from his time in the Night’s Watch. That changes everything.
Instead of Kepner, Sam goes full Izzy, attempting a risky procedure the archmaester had already told him was forbidden. Sam shows up in Jorah’s cell with a bunch of rum and surgical instruments, and he begins hacking off the greyscale amidst so much blood and pus and muffled screaming.
Meanwhile, in the Riverlands …
Arya is sitting down for a hot pie when who else but Hot Pie shows up. He gives her a little recap on what she’s missed while she was away training to be an assassin and ripping off faces. She had no idea that the Boltons were no more and Jon Snow was ruling Winterfell. You can see a glimmer of the old Arya flicker in her eyes. Now, she has a choice: Continue on her path of vengeance or go home.
Outside, she mounts her horse and turns in the opposite direction from the men riding to King’s Landing. Her choice, it seems, has been made.
On the way, she stops to build a fire, and she’s beset by wolves. Not just wolves, though. It’s a pack of wolves led by her direwolf, Nymeria! The reunion we’ve been waiting for is finally here, but it doesn’t play out exactly how you’d expect. Nymeria doesn’t immediately start licking Arya’s face or anything like that. While Nym does eventually drop the snarling, she turns away with her pack, leaving Arya … for now.
When she does, Arya looks after her and mutters, “That’s not you.” It’s a beautiful scene that Maisie Williams plays perfectly. It’s Arya confronting the cost of her adventuring around, the price of leaving her past behind, the childhood she missed out on. That WAS indeed Nymeria, but is this or is this not Arya?
Now that she’s heading North (presumably still), I imagine she’s on a collision course with the Hound, Beric and Thoros, all names on her kill list. The Hound has changed and so has she. Will Arya stay true to her quest for vengeance, or will she see the softer side of Sandor Clegane? Have the Hound and Arya switched roles since the last time they were together? I don’t know! But I do feel like this is the most satisfying Arya’s story has felt in a while.
Meanwhile, at King’s Landing …
Cersei is gathering the lords that are loyal to the Tyrells, including Sam’s dad. She makes the pitch that Olenna is cuckoo for serving a Targaryen that wants to encourage a bunch of bad Dothraki hombres over their borders to take their Westerosi jobs. Nevermind the fact that Cersei set off a giant wildfire explosion in the center of King’s Landing, because, um, her emails?
They ask how Cersei plans on beating the dragons, to which Qyburn chimes in “I’m right on top of that, Rose!”
Jaime follows Sam’s dad (and hot brother) out and makes a plea to help them beat Dany. In exchange, they’ll make Lord Tarley Warden of the South. Still, Tarley has known Olenna his whole life, that’s too serious a bond to break.
Elsewhere, Qyburn escorts Cersei down to the collection of giant dragon skulls from the last battle with the Targaryens. The solution he’s come up with to fight this onslaught of fire-breathing monsters? A giant crossbow. Not as flashy as wildfire, but it does seem effective with the right eagle-eyed archer at the trigger.
Meanwhile, at sea …
Yara and Ellaria are making Theon uncomfortable with some heavy flirting and heavier petting when there’s a crash. Surprise! Uncle Euron’s here!
Euron’s men lay siege to Yara’s fleet, burning ships down and boarding their boat in the most spectacular fashion. Euron gleefully tears through men as blood splatters. He even manages to kill two of three Sand Snakes (conveniently the two that are not Ellaria’s blood). Ellaria and her daughter Tyene are taken, which would make a most excellent engagement gift for Cersei to get her revenge for the murder of Myrcella.
Above deck, Yara and Theon are fighting for their lives. After a hard fought fight, Euron has Yara, daring Theon to save her. Too bad Theon isn’t here anymore, it’s just Reek. Poor, cowardly Reek leaps into the sea to save himself, leaving Yara to sail back a prisoner along with Ellaria and Tyene.
Next week: Finally, Snow meets Stormborn!
What did you think of this week’s episode?
The post Meanwhile, In Westeros: Pies, Pus and Pirates On ‘Game of Thrones’ [RECAP] appeared first on Towleroad.
Meanwhile, In Westeros: Pies, Pus and Pirates On ‘Game of Thrones’ [RECAP]
Hillary Clinton’s “Onward Together” benefit sends message of resistance
Monday night’s “Resist. Insist. Persist.” benefit represented a fantastic opportunity for LGBTQ individuals and allies alike to join forces and voice their opposition to the current political administration’s attacks on marginalized communities. Advocates, influencers, and other change-makers gathered at the Rockwell Table and Stage in Los Angeles to raise funds and awareness for those who are most vulnerable to the divisive and discriminatory policies brought on by the Trump administration. Proceeds from the evening were donated to Onward Together, a non-profit created by Hillary Clinton and dedicated to advancing progressive values and action.
“In this unsettling time of social unrest and confusion, we need to come together in order to educate and uplift one another,” says Ryan Tymensky, one of the organizers of the event. “Communities throughout history have rallied around artists and musicians that touch them; when artists participate in events like Resist. Persist. Insist., we can motivate hearts and minds to take action and remind those around us that watching and waiting is not an option.”
The momentous evening, presented in partnership with GLAAD, was hosted by Milana Vayntrub from NBC’s hit television show, “This is Us,” and included enchanting performances by Betty Who, Carrie Manolakos, Vincint, and more.
Photos by: Alex Schmider
In response to her loss in the 2016 presidential election, Clinton formed Onward Together, an organization that encourages civic engagement by the 66 million people who voted for her last November. The message of “Resist. Insist. Persist.” exemplifies the group’s work to confront and combat those forces that attempt to divide all Americans.
We’re launching Onward Together to encourage people to get involved, organize, and even run for office. t.co/8exooosvZ5
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 15, 2017
Pop sensation Betty Who performed hits from her second studio album, “The Valley,” which includes a deeply personal collection of tracks like, “I Love You Always Forever” and “Human Touch.” In June, Who wrote a love letter to the queer community, expressing that her “entire career has been shaped and defined by the LGBTQ+ community.” Her voice and her presence commanded the stage at the “Resist. Insist. Persist.” benefit and strengthened the feelings of acceptance and togetherness in the crowd.
Last night @BettyWho joined the Together movement at the “Resist. Insist. Persist.” benefit for @HillaryClinton’s Onward Together. pic.twitter.com/zQrGyjkd1F
— GLAAD (@glaad) July 18, 2017
Many performers and attendees donned the stylish and unifying ampersand “&” lapel pin that represents GLAAD’s Together Movement for standing in solidarity with all communities that face discrimination, hatred, and violence. See below for more photos of the amazing benefit concert and join the movement at glaad.org/together!
All photos by Alex Schmider
www.glaad.org/blog/hillary-clintons-onward-together-benefit-sends-message-resistance
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