20 Questions for Pete Buttigieg: WATCH

Now This News puts Mayor Pete through a lightning round of questioning including his favorite curse word, whether hot dogs are sandwiches, his first paying job, how his faith informs his values, policies he’s created that have changed lives, his worst habit, how many hours he sleeps a night, the most important presidential issue, his karaoke go-to, how he deals with burnout, who would play him in a movie, and more.

The post 20 Questions for Pete Buttigieg: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

20 Questions for Pete Buttigieg: WATCH

Richard Madden reveals what he’s really doing in bed, and it’s not Brandon Flynn

The New York Times is no tabloid.

When they sat down to interview Rocketman actor Richard Madden for a recent profile, they weren’t about to go down the road of prying into his personal life.

So instead, they simply touched upon the increased tabloid interest in his life, noting that paparazzi have snapped photos of Madden with Flynn, and asked if the two are an item.

Related: Dexter Fletcher on the sex scene in ‘Rocketman’ and the Madonna biopic

Wait a second, we see what they did there.

Madden shot down the question like a pro:

“Madden shrugged, unbothered by the question but in no hurry to answer it, either. ‘I just keep my personal life personal,” he said. “I’ve never talked about my relationships.’”

He also shared this handy celebrity tip that won’t actually be of use to 99.999% of people:

Related: Watch the exact moment Taron Egerton learns about gay sex slang

“I wear the same clothes days in a row, because if it looks like the same day, they can’t run the pictures. There’s only so many photos you can have of me with a green juice walking down the street.”

It’s not a tactic he sees employed by everyone in the spotlight:

“I’ll be at hotels and restaurants where they’ll tell you, ‘There’s paparazzi in the front, do you want to go out the front or go out the back?’ And you go, ‘Who wants to out the front?’ And they say, ‘Oh, quite a lot of people!’”

Read the full profile here, which includes what Madden is really doing in bed. (Spoiler: eating cheeseburgers.)

www.queerty.com/richard-madden-reveals-hes-really-bed-not-brandon-flynn-20190603?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Australian Brewery Apologizes After Posting Homophobic Meme About Non-Alcoholic Beer

An Australian brewing company has apologized after posting a homophobic meme mocking non-alcoholic beer as “gay lemonade.”

Wrote the director of the Southern Bay Brew Co. on Facebook: “Apologies to all that were offended by an earlier post. This was posted without any thought whatsoever and no offence was intended. I apologise unreservedly.
The post has since been deleted and we will be more careful selecting our posts in future. We realise this is not good enough and we should not have posted the homophobic beer meme. It will not happen again. It was a gross error and mistake and we would appreciate it if people were kind enough to forgive us. Please accept our sincere apologies.”

The post Australian Brewery Apologizes After Posting Homophobic Meme About Non-Alcoholic Beer appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Australian Brewery Apologizes After Posting Homophobic Meme About Non-Alcoholic Beer

#AM_Equality: June 3, 2019

ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STONEWALL, HRC CELEBRATES HALF A CENTURY OF PRIDE: “Early activists at Stonewall, led by brave transgender women of color such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, boldly kickstarted a modern movement,” said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin). “While our community still faces challenges, these activists taught us resiliency — a resiliency that helps us fight harder and smarter today to win today’s battles for equality. Our community stands on the shoulders of giants, and we must honor them with action by continuing to work towards a world where every person can thrive no matter who they are or whom they love.” Read more from HRC.

8/8 As the LGBTQ community celebrates the progress we’ve made since #Stonewall, it is more important than ever that we recognize the distance we still have to go to achieve full equality, and the power we can harness to achieve that goal, together. #Pride t.co/zGEWLTjj6k

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 1, 2019

HORRIBLE — JOHANA MEDINA, A TRANSGENDER WOMAN FROM EL SALVADOR, HAS DIED IN ICE CUSTODY, REPORTS DIVERSIDAD SIN FRONTERAS: This tragedy comes one year after another transgender woman, Roxana Hernández, died in ICE custody. Read more at the Transgender Law Center.

ICYMI — VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AT HRC’S COLUMBUS, OHIO, DINNER: “For all the hard-won progress you have made, for as much as we can celebrate….this fight as you know is not nearly over…this is the civil rights issue of our time,” said Biden. Read more at Associated Press, CNN, Axios and Cleveland.com.

Vice President @JoeBiden delivered powerful remarks on moving equality forward and protecting LGBTQ youth against the attacks of the Trump-Pence administration during the @HRC Columbus Dinner. pic.twitter.com/HOB8wtz70u

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 2, 2019

AS WE CELEBRATE PROGRESS THIS PRIDE MONTH, LET’S CHECK OUT THE STATE OF PLAY FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY:

• You helped us make history! Last month, the Equality Act passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 236 to 173 — the first time in history a chamber of Congress has passed comprehensive LGBTQ non-discrimination protections. This milestone for equality sent a powerful and profound message to LGBTQ people that the House has their backs. Now we’re bringing this fight to Mitch McConnell and the U.S. Senate. More from HRC.

• Taylor Swift kicked off Pride Month with an open letter to Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, urging him to support the Equality Act. A Tennessee resident, Swift (@taylorswift13) also asked her fans to “write to your senators, too. I’ll be looking for your letters by searching the hashtag #lettertomysenator.” Read more at Entertainment Weekly.
• But our progress remains under attack by the Trump-Pence Administration. Most recently, HHS proposed a major change to the Affordable Care Act that would remove explicit protections for LGBTQ people, and the administration is also seeking to allow federally-funded homeless shelters to deny transgender people. More from HRC.

HRC’s CHARLOTTE CLYMER (@cmclymer) LAYS OUT THE SUSTAINED TRUMP-PENCE ASSAULT ON THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY:

Tomorrow is the start of Pride Month. This tweet by @realdonaldtrump is cynical propaganda. Since day one, this White House has viciously attacked the rights and livelihoods of LGBTQ people, and I am now going to lay out all the ways they’ve done that. (thread) pic.twitter.com/H9DpoaaLbK

— Charlotte Clymer��️‍�� (@cmclymer) May 31, 2019

And, in the states:

• States are making big moves to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy.” Eighteen states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia now have either laws or regulations to protect against this dangerous practice. More from HRC.
• We have defended our community from anti-equality attacks in Texas, Tennessee and across the U.S. HRC staff has been on the ground defending the rights and progress of our community, and defeating anti-equality legislation, including much of Tennessee’s “Slate of Hate.” More from HRC.

HRC IS WORKING TO DEFEND AND UPLIFT THE RIGHTS AND SAFETY OF LGBTQ YOUTH: On Friday, the HRC Foundation and more than 16 of the nation’s largest national organizations committed to the well-being of young people launched Project THRIVE, a groundbreaking multi-year campaign that will focus efforts coast-to-coast on improving the lives of LGBTQ youth at home, in school and in their communities. More from HRC.

• As a generous sponsor of Project THRIVE, IKEA is partnering with the HRC Foundation in celebration of Pride Month. Read more from Bustle.

At IKEA, we believe #equality is a fundamental human right and that all homes are created equal. To celebrate #Pride, we’re offering a limited edition of our KVANTING bag, with all proceeds going to @HRC programs that support LGBT+ youth and families. t.co/scvPdMgv0O pic.twitter.com/Tn3HndklEl

— IKEA USA News (@IKEAUSANews) May 21, 2019

• Rise up, speak up and show up this Pride month: Click here to find a Pride event in your area and join HRC and thousands of others to celebrate LGBTQ progress and equality while also checking to make sure you’re registered to vote.

THE LOS ANGELES BLADE’S KAREN OCAMB (@KarenOcamb) LOOKS AT THE HISTORY OF THE LGBTQ MOVEMENT AND LGBTQ UNITY: More from the LA Blade.

CELEBRATING WORLD PRIDE 2019 — MORE THAN JUST A PARADE: More from the Georgia Voice.

FEDERAL WORKERS PLAN PRIDE CELEBRATIONS, DESPITE TRUMP-PENCE ANTI-LGBTQ ATTACKS: More from the Washington Blade.

 TWELVE-YEAR-OLD TO BE GRAND MARSHAL OF PRIDE PARADE SHE HELPED BRING TO HER ILLINOIS TOWN: More from Chicago Tribune.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

ALTHOUGH LGBTQ EQUALITY VARIES FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY, THE OVERALL MOVEMENT IS TOWARD FULL EQUALITY: More from Refinery29.

• Countries in Europe also increasingly embracing marriage equality for LGBTQ and same-sex couples. More from Pew Research Center.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
Salon features Lucian Truscott (@LucianKTruscott) sharing his story of covering the Stonewall Riots; Dallas News highlights Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sharing post honoring Pride Month

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing with our tradition to rotate the accounts we follow based on causes and social issues that matter to us: For the month of June we “proudly” shine a light on PRIDE. This month we pay tribute to the accounts supporting the LGBTQ+ community – those young and old, their families and friends, accounts that reflect on the past and are hopeful for a deservedly more inclusive future. We stand with you and support you �� Because it’s very simple: love is love. Images above from the accounts we are now following and artist Ruben Guadalupe Marquez

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on May 31, 2019 at 10:10pm PDT

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!

hrc.org/blog/am-equality-june-3-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Elton John Biopic ‘Rocketman’ Soars at Box Office

The film sees global take rise to over $56 million.

www.advocate.com/film/2019/6/03/elton-john-biopic-rocketman-soars-box-office

Former GOP chair arrested for kinky stalking outside of ex-wife’s apartment

Jonathan Parker, the former Idaho Republican Party chairman, was arrested late last week for masturbating in front of his ex-wife’s apartment while wearing a wig (not that wearing a wig is illegal). While some kink-positive bleeding hearts might feel sorry for him, no one should really because he helped keep homophobic Republicans in power during his tenure.

The Idaho Statesman reports Boise police arrested Parker on a first-degree felony stalking charge because his ex-wife has a restraining order on him while they finish divorce proceedings. That means Parker shouldn’t be anywhere near her, in a wig or not:

According to the criminal complaint, on or between May 16 and May 30, Parker “did knowingly and maliciously engage” in conduct that “seriously alarmed, annoyed or harassed (his wife) Kelly Parker.” The complaint states that Parker’s conduct included “repeatedly hiding in bushes, masturbating, disguising himself with a wig” at or near her apartment complex.

Police arrived to the area to investigate reports of “a man looking into windows and fondling himself.” Parker told police “he was there to scare a different female” — definitely not the best alibi. His lawyer made an even worse excuse by claiming his client had been invited to a costume party at the apartment complex where his ex-wife just happened to live. A costume party… on a Thursday night… fondling himself in the bushes.

The reason we’re even reporting on this — beyond our love of wigs — is because Parker served as chairman for the homophobic Idaho GOP after being elected to the post on July 2017 and being re-elected in June 2018.

During his time as the state party chairman, Idaho Republicans approved a platform encouraging state workers to basically ignore the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. The platform read, “We recognize that the definition of marriage and its administration is not subject to federal authority and that Idaho is authorized to nullify any federal congressional act, federal mandate or court opinion that is contrary to traditional marriage.”

Yes, let’s all respect “traditional marriage” by treating same-sex couples as inferior. After that, we can all wear crappy wigs to non-existent costume parties outside of our ex-wives’ apartment and then fiddle our bits in the bushes — tradition!

www.queerty.com/former-gop-chair-arrested-kinky-stalking-outside-ex-wifes-apartment-20190603?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Grey’s Anatomy’s Jesse Williams to Star as Gay Closeted Baseball Player in Broadway’s ‘Take Me Out’ Revival

Jesse Williams will star in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out, in the role of a gay closeted mixed-race baseball player once said to be intended for Empire actor Jussie Smollett. Previews begin in April 2020 at the Hayes Theater.

Wrote producers in a press announcement: “In this Tony Award-winning Best Play, playwright Richard Greenberg celebrates the personal and professional intricacies of America’s favorite pastime. When Darren Lemming (Williams), the star center fielder for the Empires, comes out of the closet, the reception off the field reveals a barrage of long-held unspoken prejudices. Facing some hostile teammates and fraught friendships, Darren is forced to contend with the challenges of being a gay person of color within the confines of a classic American institution. As the Empires struggle to rally toward a championship season, the players and their fans begin to question tradition, their loyalties, and the price of victory.”

In April it was reported that Empire actor Jussie Smollett was no longer under consideration for the starring role in the upcoming revival. It was unclear whether the controversy over Smollett’s staged hate crime had anything to do with it. The UK’s Daily Mail reported that producers were ready to announce the casting of Smollett and Zachary Quinto but plans changed following the late January incident.

It’s unclear whether Quinto will be co-starring.

The post Grey’s Anatomy’s Jesse Williams to Star as Gay Closeted Baseball Player in Broadway’s ‘Take Me Out’ Revival appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Grey’s Anatomy’s Jesse Williams to Star as Gay Closeted Baseball Player in Broadway’s ‘Take Me Out’ Revival

A Trans Asylum Seeker Died in ICE Custody on First Day of Pride

Her death comes more than a year after Roxsana Hernandez’s controversial passing.

www.advocate.com/news/2019/6/03/trans-asylum-seeker-died-ice-custody-first-day-pride

Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin Urges Catholics to Shun LGBTQ Pride Month Because It’s ‘Harmful’ to Children

Thomas J Tobin, the Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, is under fire for a tweet calling on Catholics to not support or attend LGBTQ Pride Month events because they are “harmful for children,” among other things.

Tweeted Tobin: “A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.”

Said Joe Lazzerini, President of  Rhode Island Pride, in response: “Jesus never said a word about homosexuality, about Pride, or the Queer community. Rhode Island Pride respectfully calls on Bishop Tobin to do some self-reflection as the majority of Catholic Rhode Islanders in this state reject the idea that to be Catholic is to be complicit to intolerance, bigotry, and fear,” said Lazzerini. “Many Catholics are LGBTQIA+ and allies to our community, who participate in the love and diversity that is Rhode Island Pride. All are welcome to enjoy a safe, fun, and prideful celebration on Saturday, June 15th.”

A rally protesting Tobin was held on Sunday night outside of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

Tobin later backtracked, releasing a statement:

I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community. That certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offense. I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter. 

As the gay community gathers for a rally this evening, I hope that the event will be a safe, positive and productive experience for all. As they gather I will be praying for a rebirth of mutual understanding and respect in our very diverse community. 

The post Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin Urges Catholics to Shun LGBTQ Pride Month Because It’s ‘Harmful’ to Children appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin Urges Catholics to Shun LGBTQ Pride Month Because It’s ‘Harmful’ to Children