West Virginia GOP Lawmaker Compares LGBTQ People to KKK, Terrorists

Democrats in West Virginia have called for Eric Porterfield’s resignation after his anti-LGBTQ remarks, including saying ‘fa–ot’ in committee. 

www.advocate.com/politicians/2019/2/10/west-virginia-gop-lawmaker-compares-lgbtq-people-kkk-terrorists

On the DL: Six pro-athletes who have found themselves at the center of gay sex scandals
Another day, another professional athlete dodging gay sex rumors.

www.queerty.com/dl-six-pro-athletes-found-center-gay-sex-scandals-20190210?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Janelle Monáe Dedicated Her Grammy Noms To Her Trans Brothers & Sisters: Will It Be A Game Changer?

At the Fem The Future Brunch in LA, Janelle Monáe dedicated her Grammy noms to the trans community while speaking to Variety reporter Marc Malkin.

“My trans brother and sisters, they do it every day. And they are shunned from these sorts of events. So this one is for them,” Monáe told Malkin.

“Being a young Black queer woman in America, there was something I had to say and there was a group of people that I wanted to celebrate, and I’m happy to be representing them,” said Monáe.

“I hope they feel seen; I hope they feel heard; I hope they feel loved, and I hope they feel celebrated. This is for you!” she told Variety.

Zach Manzi, a prodigal classical music composer who last year created an immersive musical experience connecting the stories of trans lives in Miami, opined on the significance of the recognition.

Manzi said of Monáe’s declaration: “Art is about creating a bridge between peoples who are dissimilar in one way or another, and it can be a powerful way to broaden empathy for those who are seen as “the other.” For an organization like the Grammy Awards to host and honor trans artists would be a small step in saying, “yes, we see you, we hear you, and we love you.” I am grateful that people with platforms like Monáe are putting out this message.”

The 25-year-old wunderkind is the Co-Artistic Director and a clarinetist in Conduit a group that is currently in residence at the Frost School of Music at University of Miami as the Knight Fellowship Ensemble. Conduit’s objective in this fellowship is to design and produce three alternative concert formats for millennial-aged audiences in Miami.

Manzi
explains how music can be more transformative than hearing words He explains
that music is an implicit form of expression, rather than an explicit one like
speech. It can communicate emotional complexities where words fall short. “I
believe the greatest power of music is in combining it with story, to augment
the emotional expression of words and images. Hearing music in this context can
help one gain empathy for those who are different, especially those one is
inclined to see as “the other.” I think more projects that tell stories with
music about real human issues need to be brought into the world, as they have
the power to help people identify with others on a human level, especially
those who are negatively impacted by policies set in place by our governments.”

“I’m a gay classical musician. In my field, being an openly gay man is generally accepted. Being trans is a whole other issue. This is disheartening to me, that my trans brothers and sisters may not feel they can be open, but it doesn’t surprise me given the slowness of classical music to catch up with the rest of the world. However, it really blows my mind that other genres are still othering trans folks. Janelle Monáe is sharing a message that all artists should be sharing, that trans artists are artists. Period.”

The post Janelle Monáe Dedicated Her Grammy Noms To Her Trans Brothers & Sisters: Will It Be A Game Changer? appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Janelle Monáe Dedicated Her Grammy Noms To Her Trans Brothers & Sisters: Will It Be A Game Changer?

I forgive you, Damon Wayans Jr. But please don’t let us down again.
Actor Damon Wayans Jr. is the latest celebrity with a target on his Twitter history.

www.queerty.com/forgive-damon-wayans-jr-please-dont-let-us-20190210?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Patricia Nell Warren, Author of the Groundbreaking Gay Novel ‘The Front Runner’, Has Died at 82

Patricia Nell Warren, author of the highly-influential 1974 novel The Front Runner, about a love affair between a running coach and his star athlete, has died at 82.

An out lesbian, Warren was the author of more than 10 books including Harlans’s Race, Billy’s Boy, and The Fancy Dancer. The Front Runner was the first work of gay fiction to make the New York Times best-seller list.

Wrote Warren’s friend John Selig on Facebook: “I have some sad news to share. My very dear friend Patricia Nell Warren passed away this morning. Patricia was a New York Times Best Selling author who was also an editor for over 20 years with the Readers Digest. In 1974 her ground breaking novel, The Front Runner, was published. Those of you who know me have often heard me speak about Patricia. She has been one of my closest friends for over 20 years. I am in Los Angeles and I was going to spend tomorrow with Patricia so I missed seeing her by one day. I last spoke with her yesterday. Patricia has been the kind of friend that one is lucky to find once or twice in a lifetime. For me Patricia has been a cross between a second mom and an older sister. Patricia was a phenomenal writer who loved to garden and cook. She was the best historian I have ever known and a master researcher for all of her writing, both fiction and non-fiction. She adored animals and loved to share stories of the Grant-Khors Ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana where she grew up…The world has lost an amazing talent today. I have lost a friend who has changed my life. RIP Patricia. I will love and miss you always.”

Wrote Cyd Zeigler at Outsports, of The Front Runner: “The novel exploded onto the scene when it was published. It was the first piece of contemporary gay fiction to reach the New York Times Best Seller list, and the Times called it “the most moving, monumental love story ever written about gay life.” Over 10 million copies have been printed in various languages. Before the Internet, ‘The Front Runner’ for many was that secret look inside gay life. With their bedroom door closed, countless young men locked themselves away as they read this incredible story of gay love. For many, it was the first time they felt someone was telling a story about their personal feelings and emotions. For gay sports fans and athletes, it was the first piece of gay culture that reflected them and their passion for sports.”

As news of Warren’s death spread, tributes began pouring out on social media about Warren, her writing, her many mentorships and friendships.

The post Patricia Nell Warren, Author of the Groundbreaking Gay Novel ‘The Front Runner’, Has Died at 82 appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Patricia Nell Warren, Author of the Groundbreaking Gay Novel ‘The Front Runner’, Has Died at 82

Pride in paradise: 3 incredible reasons to head to sunny, welcoming Fort Lauderdale
BRB heading to Fort Lauderdale…

www.queerty.com/pride-paradise-3-incredible-reasons-head-sunny-welcoming-fort-lauderdale-20190210?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29