This openly gay millennial is challenging a 76-year-old homophobe for a NY Congressional seat

New York City Councilman Ritchie Torres made history today when he announced his bid a seat in New York’s House of Representatives.

The 31-year-old Democrat is the first openly gay man to hold elected office in the New York City borough earlier this year. If elected to the House of Representatives, he would become the first openly gay member of Congress who is either black or Latinx.

Now, here’s the thing. Torres opponent is a 76-year-old homophobic Pentecostal minister.

New York City Councilman Rubén Díaz Sr. is also running for the seat. Diaz is a long-time opponent of marriage equality who once attended a protest of an AIDS march dressed in drag as part of a “March for Morality” saying that supporting a cure for AIDS teaches children that “homosexuality is ok, that it is not immoral or sinful behavior.”

Earlier this year, Díaz told Spanish-language radio station that New York City is being “controlled by the homosexual community.”

But Díaz, who’s granddaughter is a lesbian, insists he’s not a homophobe.

“My family is full of gays,” he told the New York Times. “I don’t believe in gay marriage, but that doesn’t mean I hate people.”

But Torres begs to differ.

“To have an elected official attack the quality and dignity of LGBT people sends a message to young people who are thinking of taking their own life as they struggle with their identity,” he told the Times.

Watch Torres’ campaign kickoff video below.

www.queerty.com/openly-gay-millennial-challenging-76-year-old-homophobe-ny-congressional-seat-20190715?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Megan Rapinoe Reveals What She’d Say to a Fan Who’s a Trump Supporter: WATCH

Megan Rapinoe sat down with Chuck Todd on NBC News’ Meet The Press on Sunday, and talked about the U.S. Women’s soccer team’s World Cup win, equal pay for women, and her feud with Donald Trump.

Asked what opportunity she sees coming out of the World Cup, Rapinoe replied: “I think the opportunity is in everyone’s exhaustion of the fighting and the negative, and our team has managed to make people proud again, to capture people’s interest, to make them want to do something. I think people are asking the question, “How can we rally around this team?” And in that really what the team stands for, whether it’s equal pay or racial equality or LGBTQ rights. I think we’ve just managed to give people hope. And with that now we need to do the next step, which is to actually take the progress step.”

Asked Todd: “What do you tell a Trump supporter who loves watching you and is like, ‘I wish she’d go to the White House?’”

Said Rapinoe: “I think that I would, you know, try to share our message. Do you, you know, believe that all people are created equal? Do you believe that equal pay should be mandated? Do you believe that everyone should have healthcare? Do you believe that we should treat everyone with respect? I think those are the basics of what we’re talking about. And I understand people feel upset or uncomfortable. There’s I think some feelings of disrespect about the anthem protest or things that I’ve said in the past, but ultimately I think I am here open and honest. I’ve admitted mistakes. I will continue to do that. I will continue to be vulnerable and be honest and be open and want to have that conversation because I think Trump’s message excludes people that look like me and that are me, of course, but it excludes a lot of people in his base as well. And I think that he’s trying to divide so he can conquer, not unite so we can all conquer.”

Asked if there was anything Trump could do to change her mind about a White House visit, Rapinoe replied: “There’s, like, 50 policy issues that we can probably reverse and get going. I mean, it would take a tremendous amount I think. I understand that progress is sometimes slow and I’ll never close any door all the way. But I think it would take more than Trump is willing to do.”

The post Megan Rapinoe Reveals What She’d Say to a Fan Who’s a Trump Supporter: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Megan Rapinoe Reveals What She’d Say to a Fan Who’s a Trump Supporter: WATCH

The Advocate’s 26 Favorite Films of Outfest 2019

www.advocate.com/film/2019/7/15/advocates-26-favorite-films-outfest-2019

PHOTOS: San Diego celebrates pride under the sun

The end of June doesn’t spell the end of Pride season, and this weekend San Diego was the latest city to celebrate 50 years since Stonewall.

After a Saturday morning 5k run benefitting the LGBT Community Center’s Youth Housing Project and San Diego Pride Community Grants, the parade kicked off in Hillcrest with more than 200 floats representing the diverse queer community.

Here are some scenes from the weekend via Instagram:

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Hit zero (0) pedestrians today! It’s a new record! ??

A post shared by Aquaria (@ageofaquaria) on Jul 13, 2019 at 10:26pm PDT

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Kerpoe love ???? at San Diego Pride! #roomies #friends #love #wives #newlyweds #sandiego #sandiegopride #loveislove #equality #happiness #noh8 #lgbtq #california #lgbtcouples #lesbian #photography #sandiegophotographer #nikonphotography #lifestylephotography #kodakmoments #candid

A post shared by Mason Fitzpatrick (@transform.photography) on Jul 15, 2019 at 8:32am PDT

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I hope my San Diego friends are recovering from their action packed weekends this Monday morning! This weekend San Diego celebrated #pride? and we had record temps. I saw a ton of my friends out celebrating which gave me lots of FOMO since I worked all weekend. We also had the annual OTL this weekend paired with vacationing visitors and it was a freaking PACKED weekend. This week is no different for me – I have three sessions and a wedding to second shoot with @gabrielconover, plus a mentor session with @tonywodarck tomorrow! I’m loving being busy but also ready to deep dive into building a solid foundation for my business. I’m in this for the long haul! . . Are you a busy bee this week? What do you have planned? Taking any and all ideas for a fun, relaxing staycation – I might need one soon! . . #sandiegoweddingphotography #loveislove #sandiego #sandiegopride #sandiegocountyfair #fairfun #lovewins #smalpresets #muchlove_ig #authenticlove #boldemotionalcolorful #lookslikefilm #sandiegoweddingphotographer #sandiegoengagementphotographer #sandiegoengagementphotos #sandiegoengagementphotography

A post shared by Kristyn Taulane (@kristyntaulanephoto) on Jul 15, 2019 at 8:07am PDT

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Love, compassion, empathy, and humanity does NOT stop at borders. WE are better than that.. . The dress is made of Mylar Blankets. Same given out at migrants detention centers. Atop my head sits a crown of thorns, barbed wire thorns. . .? @spencerpablophotography ??? . . . . @voguemagazine @wmag @huffpost @queerty #realastrump @sandiegopride @sandiegouniontribune #sandiegouniontribune #sdpride #sandiegopride #spaceblanket #glamdathefabulous #glamda #rupaulsdragrace #pride #lgbt #rainbow #instagay #pose #gaypride #categoryis #localqueen #qwerrrkout #dragcon #worldpride #couture

A post shared by Khuong Lam (@smlskl) on Jul 15, 2019 at 8:02am PDT

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What a weekend!!!!!! I am so filled up by all the love that from this weekend!!! Thanks to these beautiful humans for being so amazing! @theupsidedownlife @acro.jitsu @acrospherics @acrothornado @flyginapie . . . #sandiegopride #pride #trippy #H2H #whereihandstand #handstandsonhands #handstandnation #handstandsfordays #highflyer #acrolove #flyinghigh #handstandeverydamnday #handstandeveryday #handstandgram #handstandawareness #travelinghandstands #handstandrevolution #myyogalife #acrofit #behappy #acrobatsofig #acro #acroyogacommunity

A post shared by Aerialist Acrobat Ballerina (@qassandra.kauzlarich) on Jul 15, 2019 at 7:50am PDT

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@melissa_etheridge connected with the audience at last nights 2019 @sandiegopride . #sandiegopride #sdpride #stonewall #lgbtq #pridefestival #livemusic #icon #guitarist #melissaetheridge #sandiego

A post shared by Mike Huete (@huetephotography) on Jul 15, 2019 at 7:48am PDT

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Celebrating love and cannabis with nothing but good vibes and good company??

A post shared by l i l ? ??? (@lilysensimilla) on Jul 15, 2019 at 6:20am PDT

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lmfao my only pic from saturday?. #sandiegopride

A post shared by Auny Murphy (@_hakuuuna_matata) on Jul 15, 2019 at 3:00am PDT

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Saturday I went for a walk. Saturday was Pride. Saturday was a day full of Love #applepride #applepride2019 #sandiegopride #sdpride #pride #apple #applemusic #love #rainbow #equality #shotoniphone #shotoniphonexr #photography #adventures #family #igpride #friends

A post shared by Angel (@grimmjow619) on Jul 14, 2019 at 10:30pm PDT

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Catch us at Pride… and Chili’s???????? #sandiegopride #sanfranciscopride

A post shared by Tanner Dominic? (@itsreallytanner) on Jul 14, 2019 at 10:23pm PDT

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Thank you Pride, all the wonderful people who came out to support the movement! Our Queen Paris, all the dancers, an our choreography Terri ?? #pride2019 #sandiegopride #backstage #backupdancers

A post shared by Alinasmovinglab (@alinasmovinglab) on Jul 14, 2019 at 9:50pm PDT

www.queerty.com/photos-san-diego-celebrates-pride-sun-20190715?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski is Feeling Himself in Tom Ford Underwear

Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski strips down to his skivvies for a new Tom Ford underwear campaign shared to social media.

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What NYC blackout? @tomford X @neimanmarcus

A post shared by Antoni Porowski (@antoni) on Jul 14, 2019 at 11:04am PDT

Said Porowski in a statement: “Tom Ford’s new underwear collection at Neiman Marcus is all about confidence. Feeling confident is something that is really important to me, and I think that starts with feeling comfortable in your own skin. The entire underwear collection is both beautifully designed and functional, which is perfect for me being that I’m constantly on the move or in the kitchen. I’m a classic white brief guy, but admittedly my personal favorite from this collection is the Zebra Silk.”

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Look forward to taking it (almost) all off with @TomFord’s new men’s underwear collection. @antoni found his perfect fit. Find yours at Neiman Marcus. #Antoni

A post shared by The Man’s Store (@neimansman) on Jul 3, 2019 at 6:02pm PDT

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Your, um, underwear drawer has never looked better. @antoni found his perfect pair—find yours at Neiman Marcus, now carrying the @TomFord men’s underwear collection. #Antoni

A post shared by The Man’s Store (@neimansman) on Jul 3, 2019 at 3:03pm PDT

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Sometimes your best dressed is undressed, especially if you’re @antoni. Discover the new underwear collection from Tom Ford, available now at Neiman Marcus. #Antoni

A post shared by The Man’s Store (@neimansman) on Jul 3, 2019 at 8:26am PDT

The post Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski is Feeling Himself in Tom Ford Underwear appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski is Feeling Himself in Tom Ford Underwear

Woman shoves mega-famous anti-gay priest offstage in front of 50,000 praying Catholics

During a mass service in São Paulo, Brazil on Sunday afternoon, a woman came onstage and pushed Father Marcelo Rossi offstage. Rossi is an anti-gay priest and one of Brazil’s most famous priests, but her attack doesn’t seem to have anything to do with his anti-gay stances.

Although the attack was humiliating — it occurred on TV and in front of an audience of over 50,000 people — the priest was reportedly unharmed, returned to the stage minutes later and didn’t press charges.

According to various Brazilian media, the unnamed woman drove in from out of town with her three-year-old son and somehow got through security to rush Rossi onstage. She reportedly claims to have bipolar disorder and has given conflicting accounts of her intentions.

An official told Brazilian media:

“She said that she wanted to come in to talk to him and that she was scared the moment she saw the security guards running after her. It’s her version, but anyone who sees the pictures sees that there is none of it [security guards running after her]. She says she got scared and pushed him at a time when she kind of freaked out, lost control, but she had no intention [of hurting him], she just wanted to talk to him.”

Helpful social note: If you “just want to talk” to somebody, don’t shove them off of an elevated platform like this:

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Mulher empurra @padremarcelorossi ao vivo no canal Canção Nova do YouTube. Em nota, a emissora informou que está tudo bem com o padre e que a moça foi detida pela polícia. “Uma fiel empurrou do palco o padre Marcelo Rossi durante uma missa em Cachoeira Paulista neste domingo (14). A mulher furou a segurança, invadiu o palco durante a celebração que acontecia na Canção Nova e empurrou o padre de cima da estrutura. Apesar da queda, ele não ficou ferido e a mulher foi contida pela Polícia Militar.” Mais detalhes sobre o que aconteceu com a mulher você confere clicando no link da bio ou dos stories. Video: @audienciacarioca

A post shared by Fábia Oliveira (@fabiaoliveira_) on Jul 14, 2019 at 1:40pm PDT

Rossi has made numerous anti-gay statements throughout his career. In November 1998, he said, “A lot of ideas will change the day homosexuality is proven to be an illness.” In a 2014 interview, he said, “Sex between man causes pain, if something causes pain, it can’t be a good thing.” He has also opposed same-sex marriage because, “The word of God is clear that man and woman were created to unite and bear fruit.”

Related: Married Congressional Aide Attacks Male Lover With Shovel In Front Of Wife

He is also a prolific author and Christian musician with over 11 million sales in Latin America and a radio show with over 3 million listeners nationwide.

www.queerty.com/woman-shoves-mega-famous-anti-gay-priest-offstage-front-50000-praying-catholics-20190715?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello Faces Calls to Resign Over Leaked Group Chat Containing Homophobic, Misogynistic, and Profane Comments

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello is facing calls to resign after conversations from a private chat group administrated by Rossello revealed misogynistic, homophobic, and profane comments.

The group chat, on the messenger app Telegram, include 11 political figures close to Rossello, including Christian Sobrino, the government’s chief financial officer, and Luis Gerardo Rivera Marín, the State secretary and interim governor.

The NYT reports: ‘Mr. Rosselló, 40, apologized on Thursday after an excerpt from the chat was first published by local media showing he had referred to Melissa Mark-Viverito, the former speaker of the New York City Council, who was born in Puerto Rico, using the Spanish word for “whore.” In English, he also used a profane expression in reference to the oversight board that controls Puerto Rico’s finances, followed by emojis of a raised middle finger.’

Among the homophobic remarks were repeated references to Popular Democratic Party senator Eduardo Bhatia using the Spanish word for c**ksucker,’

There were also remarks about Ricky Martin, according to El Nuevo Dia: ‘Sobrino says homophobic comments about singer and actor Ricky Martin. “Nothing says patriarchal oppression like Ricky Martin”, he wrote, later saying, “Ricky Martin is such a male chauvinist that he f**ks men because women don’t measure up. Pure patriarchy.”’

More on the contents of the leaked texts here.

Ricky Martin denounced Rossello after the chat leaked, tweeting ” We CAN NOT allow our Puerto Rico to be in the hands of such ‘leaders.’ … Do an act of true generosity, worth and love for Puerto Rico and give your position to another person with the wisdom and leadership to direct your destiny as a people.”

The post Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello Faces Calls to Resign Over Leaked Group Chat Containing Homophobic, Misogynistic, and Profane Comments appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello Faces Calls to Resign Over Leaked Group Chat Containing Homophobic, Misogynistic, and Profane Comments

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: July 15, 2019

U.S. HOUSE PASSES NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT WITH AMENDMENT TO END DISCRIMINATORY TRANS MILITARY BAN: “We are grateful to all the troops and veterans who spoke out against this discriminatory ban, and to our partners who helped lead the fight,”  said Sarah McBride, HRC National Press Secretary (@SarahEMcBride). Reps. Adam Smith and Jackie Speier, along with fellow members of Congress, tirelessly advocated for equality in our country and helped ensure that transgender service members can serve our nation openly and freely.” More from Metro Weekly and HRC. 

The House passage of the #NDAA, which includes @RepSpeier’s amendment that would end the ban on transgender military service, sends a powerful message to trans service members that they have the country’s full support. #ProtectTransTroops t.co/iA3z7jtMLq

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 12, 2019

CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY FILE SCOTUS BRIEF SUPPORTING LGBTQ RIGHTS: Nearly 100 mayors signed a ‘friend of the court’ brief supporting three upcoming Supreme Court cases involving workplace discrimination. More from WLTZ. 

• In the three cases, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. EEOC and Aimee Stephens and Bostock v. Clayton County, consolidated with Altitude Express, Inc. v. Zarda, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether anti-LGBTQ discrimination is a form of sex discrimination that violates federal law. The Supreme Court is set to hear the cases during on October 8, 2019.

MUST WATCH MONDAY — VICE SHARES FIVE COMING-OF-AGE TRANS MOVIES AND TV SHOWS: From HBO’s Euphoria (@euphoriaHBO) to FX’s Pose (@PoseOnFX), Vice’s Diana Tourjée (@DianaTourjee) shares a list of coming-of-age movies that tell perspective-altering stories about growing up transgender. More from Vice. 

YESTERDAY, HRC CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL NON-BINARY DAY: HRC recognizes that while this is an important day for visibility, we have a long way to go to increase awareness and understanding about non-binary people. “Everyone experiences gender that changes over their lifetime, and I think it is really important to be super patient and kind with yourself,” said non-binary activist Jacob Tobia (@JacobTobia). More from Newsweek and HRC.

“It’s really important to be patient and kind with yourself and to give yourself all the space you need to properly metamorphosize the beautiful non-binary butterfly you’re becoming.” — @JacobTobia‘s advice to young non-binary people this #NonBinaryDay. t.co/gPbaB1TopJ

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 14, 2019

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO TALK WITH THEIR KIDS ABOUT LGBTQ ISSUES: The visibility of queer women at the World Cup can be a place to start a conversation. Check out HRC’s resources, and read more from Columbus Parent and Outsports. 

NAVAJO NATION CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STONEWALL WITH DINÉ PRIDE: The event, with the theme Sacredness Before Stonewall, focused on honoring transgender women of color and the important roles that transgender and non-binary people have played in the past. More from WAMU. 

HRC JOINS ALLIES AT VIGIL TO END HUMAN DETENTION CAMPS: More from HRC.

.@HRC is proud to join allies at the Vigil to End Human Detention Camps in Washington, D.C., to put a spotlight on the harsh conditions asylum seekers are facing.

We are a proud nation of immigrants & asylum seekers should be welcome here. #DontLookAway #Lights4Liberty pic.twitter.com/uXYU2YLRIg

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 13, 2019

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

ISRAELIS CALL FOR RESIGNATION OF EDUCATION MINISTER OVER ANTI-LGBTQ REMARKS: Hundreds of demonstrators call for Israel’s new education minister’s resignation after he said he supported so-called “conversion therapy.” More from The Guardian.

NOEL WHELAN, WHO WAS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN IRELAND, DIES AT 50: More from Kevin Cullen (@GlobeCullen) at the Boston Globe.

THREE TRANSGENDER WOMEN HAVE BEEN KILLED IN HONDURAS THIS MONTH: More from New York Daily News.

ICYMI — HRC HOSTS CHILEAN LGBTQ ADVOCATE, EMILIO MALDONADO: More here. 

Today, @HRC hosted our Chilean partner Emilio Maldonado (@Emilio_MQ) from @IgualesChile to discuss our continued efforts to expand LGBTQ workplace inclusion across Latin America. ������️‍�� pic.twitter.com/clfg0Tzck3

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 12, 2019

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

Washington Blade reviews on the posthumous memoir of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the LGBTQ Pride flag; them. details trans and non-binary representation in theater.

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-july-15-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Trump Triples Down on Attacks on Congresswomen of Color He Told to Go Back Where They Came From

Donald Trump on Monday morning doubled down on attacks on four Democratic congresswomen of color — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Ilhan Omar — whom he told on Sunday to “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came.”

Tweeted Trump: “When will the Radical Left Congresswomen apologize to our Country, the people of Israel and even to the Office of the President, for the foul language they have used, and the terrible things they have said. So many people are angry at them & their horrible & disgusting actions!”

Tweeted Trump on Sunday morning: “So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly……….and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how……..it is done. These places need your help badly, you can’t leave fast enough. I’m sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!”

Trump followed with more attacks on Sunday night: “So sad to see the Democrats sticking up for people who speak so badly of our Country and who, in addition, hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion. Whenever confronted, they call their adversaries, including Nancy Pelosi, “RACIST.” Their disgusting language………and the many terrible things they say about the United States must not be allowed to go unchallenged. If the Democrat Party wants to continue to condone such disgraceful behavior, then we look even more forward to seeing you at the ballot box in 2020!”

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Trump Triples Down on Attacks on Congresswomen of Color He Told to Go Back Where They Came From