Oprah Winfrey ‘Would Absolutely’ Run For President… She Just Needs A Plan
Oprah Winfrey’s political stock appears to have escalated swiftly after her widely-lauded appearance at last night’s Golden Globe Awards.

The daytime TV host she was forced to deny she was planning to run for President shortly after winning the Cecil B DeMille lifetime achievement award.

Social media lit up after her rousing acceptance speech, which, in keeping with the main theme of the night, praised the #MeToo movement that grew from the allegations levelled against film industry figures like Harvey Weinstein.

“This year, we became the story,” Winfrey said as she accepted the award, the first black women to ever do so.

Now I know why the #GoldenGlobes are on a Sunday, because Oprah just took me to church.#Oprah
During the ceremony, the Los Angeles Times told Winfrey: “The internet is saying Oprah for president in 2020.”

She replied: “I’m just glad I got through the speech!”

When asked if she’d consider a 2020 run, Winfrey told the Times, “Okay!”

I’m ready to slap a sticker that says “A New Day Is On The Horizon, #Oprah 2020″ on my car, laptop, water bottle, and everything i mf own
But don’t get too excited – she also told Bloomberg that “I don’t” have plans to run.
Her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, did nothing to quash any rumours, saying “she would absolutely do it”.
Our country would be better if we had a President who could speak as eloquently and passionately as #Oprah just did.#GoldenGlobes
If that speech doesn’t make you want to change the world, nothing will. #Oprah #oprahforpresident
If Winfrey, 63, did decide to run for President she in some senses would be mirroring Donald Trump’s move from the TV and entertainment world into politics.

There would be some significant differences however – its doubtful she has had many dealings with Russia and her views on white supremacists have always been unequivocal.

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/oprah-winfrey-2020-president_uk_5a538b10e4b003133eca8294

Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien is the First Known Transgender Woman Killed in 2018

HRC mourns the tragic loss of Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien, 42, in the first known case of deadly violence against the transgender community in 2018. A local news outlet reports that she was found dead in her home on Friday night in North Adams, Massachusetts.

According to reports, Leigh Steele-Knudslien’s husband, Mark, turned himself in Friday night, admitting to killing his wife. He will be arraigned on a murder charge today.

Transgender advocate Monica Roberts on her TransGriot blog writes about Steele-Knudslien’s life, legacy and lasting impact on the community. Steele-Knudslien, Roberts notes, organized and produced the Miss Trans New England and other pageants, and was loved and known by many in both the local and national trans community.

Steele-Knudslien’s death comes after HRC Foundation and the Trans People of Color Coalition released a report documenting the senseless acts of violence that made 2017 the deadliest year on record for transgender people, particularly for trans women of color.

To learn more about HRC’s transgender justice work, visit hrc.org/Transgender.

www.hrc.org/blog/christa-leigh-steele-knudslien-is-the-first-known-transgender-woman-killed?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to Mississippi anti-LGBTQ law

www.glaad.org/blog/supreme-court-refuses-hear-challenge-mississippi-anti-lgbtq-law

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: January 8, 2018

LGBTQ STORIES AT THE GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS, HRC GOES BLACK TO HONOR #TIMESUP ADVOCACY: The 75th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday featured a number of groundbreaking stories about LGBTQ people and celebrated the LGBTQ actors and allies who brought them to the screen. The award show was hosted by Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers), a longtime advocate who received the HRC Equality Award last year. All eyes were on the red carpet, as many actors wore all black in a show of solidarity with the #MeToo movement and the new #TIMESUP project to advocate for women — especially the most vulnerable — in an effort to stop workplace sexual assault and harassment. HRC stood in solidarity with this movement, changing its logo to black across its social platforms.

• Emma Stone brought tennis icon Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) to the red carpet. King, honored with HRC’s National Equality Award in 2006, spoke at last year’s HRC National Dinner. More from Bustle.
• Emma Watson’s (@EmmaWatson) guest was LGBTQ and women’s advocate Marai Larasi (@MaraiLarasi). More from Hollywood Life.
• Last year, several other noted LGBTQ people and allies were nominated and the groundbreaking film “Moonlight” made history when it won for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

REMEMBERING TRAGIC DEATH OF AN OHIO TRANS TEEN & THE URGENT NEED FOR LGBTQ-INCLUSIVE NONDISCRIMINATION MEASURE: “A little more than three years ago, people across Ohio awoke to tragic news: Leelah Alcorn, a 17-year-old transgender girl from Kings Mills, near Cincinnati, had died by suicide… Leelah’s final call was for all of us to ‘fix society’ and fight injustice,” writes HRC Ohio Director Shawn and TransOhio Co-Chair Melissa Alexander in a piece for Cleveland.com. LGBTQ advocates are hoping to fufuill Leelah’s final plea by passing Ohio Fairness Act, expected to have its first hearing this month. This crucial legislation would bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas of employment, housing and public accommodations in Ohio. Read the full piece in Cleveland.com.

MUST WATCH MONDAY: In a new video, HRC thanks its millions of members and supporters for standing on the right side of history and continuing to unite, resist and enlist in 2018. They made a huge difference by calling Congress, signing petitions, donating money, responding to urgent text alerts, marching, and speaking out in their hometowns. More from San Diego LGBT Weekly.

GEORGIA LAWMAKER PURSUES HATE CRIMES BILL: GOP State Rep. Meagan Hanson will introduce a bill with bipartisan support. It mirrors protections in federal hate crimes law, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity. More from The Georgia Voice.

HRC MOURNS KERRICE LEWIS, LESBIAN WOMAN MURDERED IN DC: HRC was shocked to hear about the horrifying murder of Lewis, 23, who was shot and burned alive last month. Lewis’ grandfather described her as “full of life” and a “free spirit” who could “light up a room, just talking and laughing.” Police are investigating and have yet to release a possible motive. More from HuffPost.

#SayHerName: Our hearts break for family & friends of Kerrice Lewis, whose tragic murder still demands answers. t.co/qzvEJTUGUK

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) January 7, 2018

LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR TRANS WOMAN COMING OUT AT WORK: When Zoe, a trans woman in Ontario, Canada, came out to her coworkers, she was astonished at their support — from sending her notes, decorating her office and holding a “coming out” party in her honor. More on this beautiful story from Upworthy.

ICE SKATER ADAM RIPPON MAKES HISTORY – HEADING TO OLYMPICS:

Congrats @Adaripp on becoming the first openly gay American male figure skater to compete in the Winter Olympics! #TeamUSA ����⛸��️‍�� t.co/htqbq8meEu

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) January 8, 2018

SEVEN YEARS SINCE GABBY GIFFORDS INJURED IN SHOOTING IN TUCSON: The mass shooting took the lives of six people and seriously injured many more, including then-Rep. Giffords. ‪HRC is proud to work with Gabby and other advocates to end gun violence once and for all.

LGBTQ MORMONS SEEK EQUALITY IN THE CHURCH: Across the nation, LGBTQ Mormons and their allies are having important conversations about the role of faith in their lives. Vice’s Nigel Duara (@nigelduara) sat down with LGBTQ Mormons to talk bout their struggles and hopes for the future in light of the church’s recent change in leadership. In 2017, HRC Foundation released “Coming Home to Mormonism Guide,” which provides advice and resources to help Mormons in the U.S. looking to engage more deeply with their faith, even in the face of significant challenges. More from Vice.

• “In the 18-26 age bracket, more than 40 percent [of Mormons] support gay marriage, double the 20 percent backing among Mormons age 52 and over. Of the former Mormons in the Riess’ millennial cohort, LGBT issues were the third most commonly cited reason for their decision to drop out.” More from The Salt Lake Tribune.

TRANS INMATE SEEKS TRANSFER TO WOMEN’S PRISON: Deon “Strawberry” Hampton is receiving a rare hearing from a U.S. magistrate judge on her request to serve out her sentence in a women’s facility, where she will be less vulnerable to assault and harassment. More from The Seymour (Ind.) News.

HRC WORKPLACE EQUALITY EFFORT IN MEXICO FEATURED ON COVER OF COUNTRY’S ONLY LGBTQ MAGAZINE: Comunidad Divers highlights HRC Equidad MX: Global Workplace Equality Program, which launched recently in Mexico City, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ-inclusive policies in workplaces, including at major multinationals. More from Comunidad Divers.

HRC EN LA PORTADA DE LA ÚNICA REVISTA LGBT IMPRESA DE MÉXICO: Comunidad Divers, la única revista LGBT impresa de México, destacó el lanzamiento del Programa HRC Equidad MX: Global Workplace Equality que se llevó a cabo hace un mes. La nota destacó la importancia de políticas inclusivas de personas LGBT en centros laborales y multinacionales. Más de Comunidad Divers.

.@HRC makes the cover of #ComunidadDivers, the only #LGBTQ magazine in #Mexico highlighting HRC’s Equidad MX Report.

HRC hace portada en #ComunidadDivers, la única revista LGBTQ de #México destacando el lanzamiento del Informe HRC Equidad MX ¡Gracias t.co/fwSenxG0AK! pic.twitter.com/xDjtKGcIE9

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) January 5, 2018

WHERE DO THE 12 NFL PLAYOFF TEAMS STAND ON LGBTQ EQUALITY? Find out in this wrapup from OutSports.

SINGAPOREAN GAY MAN TO APPEAL DECISION DENYING HIM RIGHT TO ADOPT BIOLOGICAL SON: The child was born to a surrogate in the U.S. More from Daily Mail.

CANADIAN MAYOR TO APOLOGIZE FOR PREDECESSOR’S ANTI-LGBTQ ACTIONS: London, Ontario, Mayor Matt Brown will apologize for actions taken by a former mayor to refuse to recognize the LGBTQ community. More from CTV News.

READING RAINBOW

South Florida Gay News reviews “Welcome to Fairyland: Queer Miami Before 1940;” BBC highlights Paris Lees, the first openly trans woman featured in British Vogue; Washington Blade interviews trans women in El Salvador’s capital

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to #AM_Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-january-8-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Seth Meyers Drew ‘Boos’ with His Golden Globes Harvey Weinstein Joke, But That’s What He Wanted: WATCH

Seth Meyers delivered a pitch perfect opening monologue at last night’s Golden Globes, addressing sexual harassment, Donald Trump, and powerful men in Hollywood.

See the full list of winners, and Oprah’s speech, HERE.

Said Meyers:

For the male nominees in the room tonight, this is the first time in three months it won’t be terrifying to hear your name read out loud. “Did you hear about Willem Dafoe?” “Oh, God, no!” “He was nominated.” “Don’t do that! Don’t do that.” …

…They tried to get a woman to host this show, they really did. They said, “Hey, how would you like to come and be judged by some of the most powerful people in Hollywood?” And women were like, “Hmm, well, where is it?” And they said, “It’s at a hotel,” and long story short, I’m your host tonight.

He took direct shots at Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey:

Well, I think it’s time to address the elephant not in the room. Harvey Weinstein isn’t here tonight. Because, well, I’ve heard rumors that he’s crazy and difficult to work with. But don’t worry, he’ll be back in 20 years when he becomes the first person ever booed during the “In Memoriam.” [boos] It’ll sound like that.

Well, despite everything that happened this year, the show goes on. For example, I was happy to hear they’re going to do another season of “House of Cards.” Is Christopher Plummer available for that, too? I hope he can do a Southern accent, ’cause Kevin Spacey sure couldn’t. Oh, is that too mean? To Kevin Spacey?

He also attempted to get Oprah to run for president, citing his emcee role at the White House National Correspondents Dinner where Trump was humiliated and which many say was the night he decided to run:

Oprah Winfrey is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award tonight. What a tremendous honor, for Cecil B. DeMille. And Oprah, while I have you, in 2011 I told some jokes about our current president at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner — jokes about how he was unqualified to be president — and some have said that night convinced him to run. So if that’s true, I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president! You do not have what it takes! And Hanks! Where is Hanks? You will never be vice president! You are too mean and unrelatable. Now we just wait and see.

Watch Meyers’ monologue up top.

The post Seth Meyers Drew ‘Boos’ with His Golden Globes Harvey Weinstein Joke, But That’s What He Wanted: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

Seth Meyers Drew ‘Boos’ with His Golden Globes Harvey Weinstein Joke, But That’s What He Wanted: WATCH

‘Neighbours’ Star Craig McLachlan Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations​
Former ‘Neighbours’ star Craig McLachlan has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made against him.

The actor – best know for playing Henry Ramsay on the Australian soap from 1987 to 1989 – has been accused of inappropriate touching and harassment by three women.

The allegations date back to 2014 during a stage production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, where he played the lead ole of Dr Frank N Furter.

While he has stepped down from a new season of the show playing to audiences in Adelaide, Craig has dismissed the claims as “entirely false”.

He said in a statement: “Frankly, they seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety.”

Christie Whelan Browne, Erika Heynatz and Angela Scundi came forward with their claims about Craig’s in appropriate behaviour as they wanted to protect other cast members.

Christie told ABC News: “I think people who know him know that he’s very generous, warm, funny… I saw a very different side come out in him which was terrifying.”

The Rocky Horror Show’s producer, Gordon Frost Organisation, said they were “shocked” to learn of the claims in a statement explaining his exit from the production.

“We have spoken to Craig and have mutually agreed it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production,” a spokesperson said.

“We will be conducting a full internal investigation and will co-operate fully with authorities. We were not aware of any details of these allegations until they were published in the media today.”

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/craig-mclachlan-neighbours-sexual-misconduct-allegations-denial_uk_5a535244e4b003133ec9fbbb