Expressing Commitment to Your Partner – Without Getting Married

Marriage is a huge commitment, both personally and financially. That’s just one of the reasons today’s couples — Millennials especially — are waiting to tie the knot later in life. If you’re ready to say yes to a serious relationship with your partner without making the marriage leap, here are some ways that you can […]

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Expressing Commitment to Your Partner – Without Getting Married

Richard Grenell, Pringles, Darren Criss, Love Simon, Paul Manafort, Jim Parsons, Sara Bareilles, Art Across America: HOT LINKS

JIM PARSONS AND ELLEN. On wedding anniversaries.

BACK TO JAIL?  Former US Attorney tells Paul Manafort to pack his toothbrush when he goes to court: “Prosecutors hate this, judges hate this, and he’s going to have to bring his toothbrush to court on Friday because the statute says, if they find this happened, there’s a presumption that no circumstances exist that will get him safely there for trial.”

REVIVED. Katy Perry’s assistant is a hero for saving her dog with CPR.

POLLS. Democrats +10 in new generic poll on midterms.

NORTH KOREA. Trump and John Bolton don’t care to call a single top-level National Security Council meeting on North Korea.

GERMANY Calls grow for expulsion of U.S. homocon ambassador Richard Grenell.

INDIA. Petition campaign launched after country hasn’t scheduled the release of Love, Simon: “India is considered as a progressive country but still hasn’t scheduled the release of Love, Simon in the cinemas despite the movie being released in majority of the countries. It’s been more than 2 months and the LGBT+ community has been patiently waiting for the movie which finally gives the community some representation.”

DARREN CRISS. No longer has a problem with being naked on screen.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING. Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent responded to the anti-gay baker ruling: “Our response has always been to live openly and honestly, and we’re going to continue to do that. That is our reaction, you know, we’re not going anywhere.  Our message as a couple has always been about inclusion. We don’t judge other people who are different than we are. We would prefer that other people don’t judge us, but we understand the world that we live in.”

I AM A BIG GAY HOMO. Instagram and Snapchat GIF stirs controversy.



OWEN JONES. The government’s treatment of gay refugees shames Britain: ‘The prime minister herself repeatedly voted to keep anti-gay laws until a few years ago. While it was a Tory government that introduced equal marriage – though most Tory MPs did not vote for it – this is an issue of life and death for gays, lesbians and bisexuals. It is also, in part, about our colonial legacy. Many of the countries they face deportation to have anti-gay laws that were designed while the British were in power. We have a moral duty to offer support and safety to LGBT people fleeing repression for which Britain shares responsibility. Yet, according to Home Office figures released last year, of 3,535 asylum claims related to sexuality over a two-year period, a staggering two-thirds were rejected. The government hopes that the furore over Windrush has dissipated, that scrutiny of the “hostile environment” and the injustices it perpetrates has gone. That must not happen.’

ART ACROSS AMERICA. Largest public art campaign in U.S. history: “For Freedoms, a political art organisation, plans to erect thousands of billboards and signs across the United States with a political message. Titled the 50 State Initiative, the $1.5 million project is the largest public art campaign in American history. As ArtForum reports, over 175 artists and 200 partners are involved: its founders Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman, and artists including Sam Durant, Marilyn Minter, and Tania Bruguera.”

TONY AWARDS. The Musical. With Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles.

HOW IT’S MADE OF THE DAY. Pringles.

THIRSTY THURSDAY. Dom Castillo.

The post Richard Grenell, Pringles, Darren Criss, Love Simon, Paul Manafort, Jim Parsons, Sara Bareilles, Art Across America: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.

Richard Grenell, Pringles, Darren Criss, Love Simon, Paul Manafort, Jim Parsons, Sara Bareilles, Art Across America: HOT LINKS

#AM_Equality: June 7, 2018

BERMUDA SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY: The historic decision by the Bermuda Supreme Court invalidates sections of the recently enacted Domestic Partnership Act that removed full marriage rights for same-sex couples. The court’s decision comes in response to legal challenges to newly enacted domestic partnership legislation that repealed marriage equality in Bermuda. “The Bermuda Supreme Court has righted the injustice that occurred when Bermudian lawmakers made the islands the first national territory in the world to repeal marriage equality,” said Ty Cobb (@tywesleycobb), director of HRC’s global department. “We congratulate the plaintiffs in this case on their historic victory ensuring that once again, Love Wins!” More from HRC and The Hill, Metro Weekly Advocate and BuzzFeed.

This year, Bermuda became the first national territory in the world to repeal marriage equality.

Today, the Bermuda Supreme Court overturned the nation’s ban on marriage equality. #LoveWins #LoveIsLove t.co/FmCeAE83xS pic.twitter.com/DZp076cLdS

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 6, 2018

HRC ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING LGBTQ-INCLUSIVE RESOURCES FOR CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES: Today, HRC Foundation unveiled groundbreaking new resources to guide child welfare agencies across the nation in better serving the more than 430,000 children and young people in foster care. “For more than a decade, All Children – All Families has worked with child welfare agencies across the country to help them welcome and affirm LGBTQ children, youth and families,” said Alison Delpercio, Deputy Director, HRC Children, Youth & Families Program. “Given recent efforts by anti-equality legislators across the country to grant agencies ‘licenses to discriminate’ targeting prospective LGBTQ foster and adoptive parents, our work to ensure that child welfare organizations are fully inclusive of LGBTQ youth and families has never been more important.” More from HRC.

THANKFUL THURSDAY — NEW POLLING SHOWS MOST AMERICANS OPPOSE BUSINESSES HAVING A LICENSE TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST LGBTQ AMERICANS: Morning Consult’s survey shows that 57 percent of Americans oppose such measures, including 77  percent of Democrats and 55 percent of Catholics. Additionally, 51 percent of Americans believe such measures would “create an environment in which minority groups face widespread discrimination.” The polling mirrors findings of a recent Public Religion Research Institute survey. More from Morning Consult.

MORNING MUST READ FROM REV. DR. WILLIAM BARBER ON RACIST, ANTI-LGBTQ TRUMP JUDICIAL NOM THOMAS FARR: Thomas Farr’s shameful track record includes defending North Carolina’s voter suppression law and representing Jesse Helms’ Senate campaign, which was notorious for its racist tactics designed to intimidate and disenfranchise African American voters. Writes Barber (@RevDrBarber), “African-Americans seeking to have their rights protected under federal law have much to fear if Mr. Farr takes the bench. This is particularly the case in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which covers an area where about half of the state’s African-American residents live and is often referred to as its Black Belt.” Throughout his career, Farr has also defended employers charged with employment discrimination and resisted efforts to create safe working conditions for employees. More from The New York Times.

Thomas Farr’s nomination is another example of the Trump-Pence administration’s attempt to impede progress towards equality by putting forth extreme nominees to serve on our courts. A must read piece on Farr’s nomination from @RevDrBarber. #StopFarr t.co/zMzHJwFpJP

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) June 6, 2018

HRC PRESIDENT & SEN. TAMMY BALDWIN (D-WI) SIT DOWN FOR JOINT INTERVIEW WITH them: “There are 10 million eligible LGBTQ voters across country, and 152,000 in the state of Wisconsin — and add allies to that,” said HRC President Chad Griffin, who kicked off HRC’s nationwide Summer of Action with an event in Wisconsin supporting Senator Baldwin. “When we’re mobilized and vote, we win elections. And we’re not just in this to win elections, we want to pass protections for our communities.” Read the full Griffin/Baldwin interview with  Seamus Kirst (@SeamusKirst) from them.

A blunt reminder that it’s crucial for the LGBTQ+ community to vote in midterm elections t.co/ildxLkhcpU

— them. (@them) June 6, 2018

MUST READ FROM PULSE SHOOTING SURVIVOR BRANDON WOLF ON HIS ACTIVISM: In this powerful oped, Wolf (@bjoewolf) discusses the loss of his friend, Drew Leinonen, and the imperative to end gun violence in America. “In all, I felt an obligation — a responsibility to keep those 49 Pulse victims from dying in vain. I felt challenged to ensure that Drew’s voice didn’t die on the dance floor with him.” More from Orlando Weekly.

TRUMP-PENCE ADMINISTRATION IS ATTACKING GLOBAL LGBTQ HEALTH CARE WITH GAG RULE: The Trump-Pence Administration is considering a rule that would aggressively block patients from receiving necessary guidance from medical professionals on reproductive health care by restricting federal funding to medical facilities that provide comprehensive information about their reproductive health care options, perform abortions or refer patients to facilities that do. These facilities offer a wide variety of crucial services, including 700,000 HIV tests each year, birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, and general health exams. More from Advocate.

HRC JOINS RALLY IN LAS VEGAS TO OPPOSE SEPARATION OF IMMIGRANT FAMILY MEMBERS: HRC joined coalition partners to denounce the Trump-Pence administration’s policy, which barbarically separates immigrant children from their parents. More from The Nevada Independent.

MADISON CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON PROTECTING LGBTQ YOUTH FROM DANGEROUS “CONVERSION THERAPY”: More from the Wisconsin State Journal.

STUDENT WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR FAILING TO PREVENT ANTI-LGBTQ BULLYING: The former student, Amanda Wible, was bullied and physically assaulted for years for her gender expression. She was forced to transfer schools, where bullying continued, even after her mother notified the school. More from Philadelphia Magazine.

PRIDE MONTH ROUNDUP

JOIN HRC FOR A TWITTER TOWN HALL WITH NORDIC AMBASSADORS: The Nordic ambassadors to the U.S. from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will discuss equality and LGBTQI rights on Twitter tomorrow, June 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. Take part at #AskNordicAmbs. More from HRC.

• Youth Radio shares reflections on LGBTQ identities throughout history. More here.
• LGBTQ motorcyclists have created communities where riders can be their authentic selves. Learn their history from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

BARBADIAN LGBTQ ADVOCATES CHALLENGING COUNTRY’S BAN ON SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS: More from Erasing 76 Crimes.

• Canon Noel Burke, chairman of the Barbados Christian Council Canon, has indicated support for this challenge, saying “we have to ensure that no human being is discriminated against on the basis of their gender or their sexual orientation.” More from Barbados Today.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES, PASSES LGBTQ NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE: The ordinance protects LGBTQ people against discrimination in employment, access to facilities, unjust detention, public programs and services and education. More from Human Rights Watch.

NEW SOUTH WALES UPDATES LAWS TO COMPLY WITH AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY: More from South Coast Register.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

Pride Source interviews Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles (@JenniferNettles) on allyship; The News & Observer reports on NBA star Reggie Bullock’s sister, a trans woman who was murdered; Spectrum News covers a recent event in Orlando where advocates spoke about anti-LGBTQ hate crimes; Bustle busts myths about sexual fluidity

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-june-7-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

CrossFit Corporate Employee Fired for Tweets Opposing ‘Sinful’ LGBTQ People as Indy Gym Shuts Down: WATCH

Russell Berger / Twitter

Indianapolis CrossFit gym CrossFit Infiltrate closed permanently on Wednesday following backlash over an email sent by one of its employees shutting down an LGBT member’s PRIDE group workout because, he explained, “At the foundational detractor from health, as we believe God sets the parameters for, is pride. We believe that true health forever can only be found within humility, not pride.”

PREVIOUSLY: Indianapolis CrossFit Gym Cancels LGBT Member’s ‘PRIDE’ Workout Because It Goes Against God’s Wishes

Shortly after the gym decided to shut down, a corporate CrossFit employee, Russell Berger, began tweeting in support of  the gym’s homophobic views.

Tweeted Russell Berger: “As someone who personally believes celebrating “pride” is a sin, I’d like to personally encourage #CroossFirInfiltrate for standing by their convictions and refusing to host an @indypride workout….Thank you #CrossFitInfiltrate for standing by your convictions and refusing to celebrate sin by hosting an @indypride workout. The intolerance of the LBGTQ ideology toward any alternative views is mind-blowing.”

The tweets are screencapped below:

CrossFit tweeted later on Wednesday. That Berger had been placed on leave. It later tweeted that he had been terminated: “The statements made today by Russell Berger do not reflect the views of CrossFit Inc. For this reason, his employment with CrossFit has been terminated.”

Effective immediately, Russell Berger has been placed on unpaid leave while management completes a thorough review.

— CrossFit (@CrossFit) June 6, 2018

The statements made today by Russell Berger do not reflect the views of CrossFit Inc. For this reason, his employment with CrossFit has been terminated.

— CrossFit (@CrossFit) June 6, 2018

Watch a report from ABC Indianapolis:

The post CrossFit Corporate Employee Fired for Tweets Opposing ‘Sinful’ LGBTQ People as Indy Gym Shuts Down: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

CrossFit Corporate Employee Fired for Tweets Opposing ‘Sinful’ LGBTQ People as Indy Gym Shuts Down: WATCH

GLAAD’s 2018 ‘What to Watch’ Pride Guide

June is here… which means summer Pride celebrations are in full-swing around the country. While Pride is celebrated in different cities throughout the calendar year, an abundance of LGBTQ-inclusive content hits the big and small screen every June, to celebrate the official Pride month.

There’s so much great content on the way this year, that it can be hard to keep up. So, GLAAD has your entertainment guide to watch to watch this Pride season.

June 1st:
 

A Kid Like Jake (IFC Films) – This film about Upper East Side parents navigating an emotional and ethical minefield over how to approach their child’s gender identity while applying for entry into NYC’s hyper-competitive private school system, stars Jim Parsons, Claire Danes, and Octavia Spencer. The film debuted to a critical reception at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Helmed by trans director Silas Howard (Pose), A Kid Like Jake opened in NYC on June 1st, and rolls into theaters in LA and SF (as well as On Demand everywhere) on Friday, June 8th. (Check out GLAAD’s interview with the cast of A Kid Like Jake at Sundance:

• Check out GLAAD’s interview with the cast of A Kid Like Jake at Sundance
• Buy Tickets now

 June 3rd:
 

Pose (FX) – The most anticipated new LGBTQ series of the summer premiered this past weekend and will continue to dazzle you over the next 7 weeks. Ryan Murphy’s latest series stars five trans women of color in leading roles (Dominique Jackson, Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Angelica Ross, and Hailie Sahar), alongside familiar faces including Billy Porter (just wait until you meet his character, Pray Tell!), Evan Peters, Kate Mara, and James Van Der Beek, as well as newcomer Ryan Jamaal Swain. Pose is a “Do Not Miss” summer television event! Watch every Sunday at 9 pm ET/PT on FX.

• Watch the Trailer
• More about Pose

June 4th-6th:
 

The Fosters (Freeform, three-night series finale event) – Freeform’s GLAAD Media Award-winning drama The Fosters wrapped its fifth and final season with a special three-night finale event that ran June 4-6. The finale followed the family after a one-year time jump as they headed to Turks & Caicos for a destination wedding, and moms Stef and Lena made a decision that changed the family forever. The Fosters has been one of TV’s more inclusive shows over its run with multiple lesbian, gay, and trans characters appearing. Re-live the finale on Freeform.com and the Freeform app.

• Watch the final episodes

 June 7th:
 

American Woman (Paramount Network) – Loosely based on the life of Real Housewife Kyle Richards, this ‘70s-era series on the new Paramount Network stars Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari, and Cheyenne Jackson, and has more than a few LGBTQ plotlines up its ruffled flower sleeve.

• Watch the Trailer

June 8th:
 

Sense8 (Netflix, Series finale) – This LGBTQ character heavy show wraps things up with a two-and-a-half-hour series finale film, which has been described as a “true gift for fans,” many of whom launched a petition garnering over half a million signatures following the show’s cancellation. Will the crew save Wolfgang from the clutches of the BPO? Will Nomi and Amanita find the happy ending they’ve always longed for? Tune in to find out what the Wachowski sisters have in store!   

• Watch the Trailer

Hearts Beat Loud (Gunpowder & Sky) – Another Sundance premiere finally making its way to theaters, this heartwarming father-daughter relationship story set to a musical background stars Kiersey Clemons and Sasha Lane as girlfriends and Nick Offerman as a dad who can’t let go of his rock star dreams. It’s one of those films that makes you leave the theater wondering why more films can’t be this good.

• ​​​​​​Watch the Trailer
• Check out GLAAD’s interview with Kiersey and Sasha at Sundance

Alex Strangelove (Netflix) – An original Netflix film that tells the story of Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny), a well-rounded high school senior with a wonderful girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein) and a bright future ahead of him – and with plans to achieve his last teenage milestone by losing his virginity. But things get complicated when he meets Elliot (Antonio Marziale), a handsome and charming gay kid from the other side of town, who unwittingly sends Alex on a rollercoaster exploration of love, sex and friendship.

• Watch the Trailer

June 10th:
 

The 72nd Annual Tony Awards (CBS) – Celebrating the best of Broadway, this year’s Tony Awards promises to yet again bring all the fun, music, and glamor of the Great White Way to your living room. This year’s LGBTQ-inclusive nominations include a whopping 11 for Angels in America, including a nomination for out actor Nathan Lane. The Boys in the Band cast members Jim Parsons, Andrew Rannells, Matt Bomer, and Zachary Quinto will be presenters. The Tony Awards air Sunday, June 10th on CBS and will be hosted this year by Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban.

June 12th:

Love, Simon on DVD (Fox 2000) – If you missed this one in theaters in March, here’s your chance to catch it at home… or just watch it again. Truly a film that changed hearts & minds around the world, this teen romance comedy from director Greg Berlanti was a game-changer on several levels. It’ll also be available for digital purchase and download.

• Watch the Trailer

The Bold Type (Freeform, Season 2) – Our favorite trio of twenty-somethings continue to navigate life and love through early adulthood in NYC. The series was punctuated by an amazing queer love story between main characters Kat and Adena. What will the second season hold? We’re betting on great fashion and a lot of existential life questions.

• Watch the Trailer

June 14th:

TransMilitary (Frameline film festival, opening night) – The first film funded by the GLAAD Media Institute will also be the Opening Night selection at Framline, San Francisco’s 42nd annual International LGBTQ Film Festival. From directors Fiona Dawson and Gabriel Silverman, this feature documentary tells the inspiring stories of four transgender military members and gives human faces and hearts to a lightning-rod political issue. With an all-access pass to the day-to-day reality of these passionate Americans, audiences will watch them do their jobs, bond with family and friends, and fight for their right to defend our liberty.

• Buy Opening Night Frameline Tickets
• Watch the Trailer
  

June 15th:

Queer Eye, Season 2 (Netflix): The Fab 5 are back for the summer with all new episodes, which will include their first ever cisgender female and trans makeover subjects. (there’s a reason, after all, that “for the straight guy” was dropped from the modern day show’s title). Come for Antoni’s avocados… stay for the emotional wallop.

June 18th:

The 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards (MTV) – Emmy and GLAAD Media Award-winner Lena Waithe will be honored with this year’s Trailblazer Award, given to game-changers in entertainment who are blazing new paths for themselves and others. And if that alone isn’t reason enough to tune in, Tiffany Haddish is hosting.

• About the show

June 19th:

Nanette (Netflix) – From acclaimed Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby (Hulu’s Please Like Me), this stand-up special rejects convention by pairing punchlines with personal revelations on gender, sexuality, and childhood turmoil.   

• Watch the Trailer

June 25th:
 

Believer (HBO) – Directed by Don Argott, this feature documentary follows Dan Reynolds, the Mormon frontman for the Grammy Award-winning band Imagine Dragons, as he takes on a new mission to explore how the Mormon Church treats its LGBTQ members. With the rising suicide rate amongst teens in the state of Utah, his concern with the church’s policies sends him on an unexpected path of acceptance and change. It’s also a project that GLAAD has been supporting strongly since Sundance.

• Watch GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis and GLAAD’s VP of Programs Zeke Stokes at Sundance with Dan Reynolds and Tyler Glenn
• Watch the Trailer

June 29th:
 

Ideal Home (Remstar/Brainstorm Media) – Paul (Paul Rudd) and Erasmus (Steve Coogan) are a bickering couple with an extravagant life. But when Bill (Jack Gore), the grandson Erasmus never knew he had, shows up at their dinner party with nowhere else to go, the couple reluctantly decide to take him in. Despite the difficulties of incorporating a child into their lives, Bill grows on them. But when Bill’s father is released from prison and comes to take back his son, the men realize that you don’t fight with your family, you fight for them.

• Watch the Trailer
• More about the movie

GLOW (Season 2, Netflix) – These lovely ladies of ‘80s wrestling return for a 10-episode second season, and this time around, lead Alison Brie will be joined by new talent that includes an out character played by actress Shakira Barrera. Berrera joins the cast as Yolanda (aka: Yo-Yo), a Mexican-American dancer and out-and-proud lesbian who signs up to hop into the ring.

• Watch the Trailer

www.glaad.org/blog/glaads-2018-what-watch-pride-guide