Trans People Face Humiliating Practices When Just Trying to Fly

ProPublica investigation shows she was not alone.

www.advocate.com/news/2019/8/27/trans-people-face-humiliating-practices-when-just-trying-fly

Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk tweets then deletes support for Karamo Brown following Sean Spicer comments

Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown stepped in it last week when he complimented his Dancing With The Stars co-star Sean Spicer by calling him “a really sweet guy.” But while the whole world seemed to be against Brown for the remarks, his Queer Eye co-star Bobby Berk had his back. At least, for a little while.

“I’m a big believer that if you can talk to someone and meet in the middle that you can learn about each other and help each other both grow,” Brown told Access Hollywood in an interview. “So we have been chatting all day today. Like, he’s a good guy, a really sweet guy. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Karamo from Queer Eye saying Sean Spicer is a nice guy. I know. I know.”

Who gave you permission, haters? #QueerEye‘s @Karamo is defending his fellow #DWTS contestant Sean Spicer: “He’s a good guy.” ??? pic.twitter.com/A1wDdFFZi2

— Access (@accessonline) August 21, 2019

Brown’s praise of Spicer, who regularly lied to the American people on behalf of Donald Trump during his stint as White House Press Secretary, was met with widespread criticism on Twitter, prompting the reality TV personality to block many of his LGBTQ followers and eventually delete his account altogether.

“We fight harder than your ass ever has for people of color and members of the LGBTQIA community,” Brown quipped at one person before his account went dark.

And that’s when Bobby Berk got involved. And then un-involved himself less than 24 hours later.

In a since-deleted tweet thread, Berk accused DWTS producers of “planting political land mines” and said he was “saddened” by what Brown was going through.

Berk went on blame the whole thing on “media training,” explaining that Brown, like all DWTS contestants, had been instructed not to criticize other co-stars in interviews.

“We’ve been trained over and over to not talk smack about anyone in interviews and to try to be nice as possible,” Berk said. “When being backed into a corner about voicing his opinions about @seanspicer, Karamo’s media training kicked in as we are trained to do.”

In another tweet, Berk continued: “Don’t talk negatively about people in interviews! Always be nice! It’s frankly a really sh*tty situation to be put in. @ABCNetwork should be ashamed of themselves for having put the cast in the position of having to take political sides on a f*cking dance competition.”

“Everything around us is constantly too political as it is. Shame on you ABC for now making this beloved show political by casting one of the biggest liars who has ever been,” he added. “It’s called ‘Dancing with the STARS’ and the fact that you’re calling him a star is disgusting.”

The tweets mysteriously vanished from Berk’s feed less than 24 hours later. It’s unclear why they were deleted (perhaps his agent told him it’s not a good career move for a reality TV personality to cry “shame” at one of TV’s most powerful networks?), and Berk hasn’t mentioned Brown or the DWTS scandal since, choosing instead to tweet about National Dog Day at to congratulate Taylor Swift on her VMA award.

Meanwhile, DWTS executive producer Andrew Llinares issued a statement to Us Weekly defending Spicer’s casting on the upcoming season.

“We’ve got a great and diverse cast,” the statement read. “We are excited about the season.”

Related: Karamo Brown blocks LGBTQ followers, deletes Twitter account after complimenting Sean Spicer

www.queerty.com/queer-eyes-bobby-berk-tweets-deletes-support-karamo-brown-following-sean-spicer-comments-20190827?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Conservative NYT Columnist Bret Stephens Ridiculed for Biting Back After Being Called a ‘Bedbug’

Conservative New York Times columnist Bret Stephens was called a “bedbug” by an associate professor at George Washington University, but Stephens’ reaction to the apparent slur has sent the internet into a frenzy.

Stephens deactivated his Twitter account.

He also emailed Karpf, and copied Karpf’s university provost on the email. Karpf shared the exchange on Twitter. This set off a round of mockery from Twitter users who have been called much worse.

Said Karpf to the Washington Post: “He not only thinks I should be ashamed of what I wrote, he thinks that I should also get in trouble for it. That’s an abuse of his power.”

The WaPo adds that Stephens told them “he did not want to get Karpf in professional trouble” but that “managers should be aware of the way in which their people, their professors or journalists interact with the rest of the world.”

Stephens went on MSNBC to complain about being called a “bedbug,” called it “totalitarian” rhetoric that is “dehumanizing and totally unacceptable no matter where it comes from.”

The post Conservative NYT Columnist Bret Stephens Ridiculed for Biting Back After Being Called a ‘Bedbug’ appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Conservative NYT Columnist Bret Stephens Ridiculed for Biting Back After Being Called a ‘Bedbug’

Log Cabin Leader Has Resigned After Trump Endorsement

Jerri Ann Henry was the organization’s first female director.

www.advocate.com/politics/2019/8/27/log-cabin-leader-has-resigned-after-trump-endorsement

5 places to avoid when planning a great gay vacation (and our suggestions for great alternatives)
For the benefit of the destinations, and your safety, it is best to skip these destinations for a while.

www.queerty.com/5-places-avoid-planning-great-gay-vacation-suggestions-great-alternatives-20190827?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Jerri Ann Henry Resigns Over Trump Endorsement

Jerri Ann Henry, the executive director of gay conservative group Log Cabin Republicans, has resigned over the group’s endorsement of Donald Trump for reelection.

ICYMI: Delusional Log Cabin Republicans Spokesman Says LGBT Community is Better Off Under Trump Than It Was Four Years Ago: WATCH

The Washington Blade reports: ‘Henry, who was the first woman to lead the LGBT Republican group, formally submitted her resignation Friday and left Monday after discussions with board members characterized as “harsh,” sources familiar with Log Cabin told the Blade. The resignation follows intense criticism of Log Cabin, which announced its support for Trump earlier this month without its members having met with him or having received any explicit commitments in exchange. Sources said Henry’s discontent with Trump and dissatisfaction with Log Cabin’s approach to defending its Trump endorsement in the media were key among her reasons for stepping down.’

Henry’s resignation follows that of board member Jennifer Horn.

The Blade notes that several others have also resigned or repudiated the organization: “Casey Pick, who once worked as programs director for Log Cabin, has repudiated the organization in a Facebook post. Additionally, Robert Turner II, who once led Log Cabin’s D.C. chapter, announced he’d leave Log Cabin in a Facebook message. A less public resignation not previously reported, sources said, was board member Rachel Hoff, who gained notoriety during the 2016 Republican National Convention for arguing for LGBT inclusion in the Republican Party during the platform drafting process.”

Delusional Log Cabin spokesman Charles Moran defended the group’s endorsement in an interview with FOX News over the weekend.

Said Moran: “Like so many disaffected Republicans who have not been comfortable with President Trump and with his record, I look at the question of, ‘Is America better off now than it was four years ago and is the LGBT community better off now than it was four years ago?’ And under President Trump, the answer is inarguably, yes. President Trump is the first person elected president of the United States who supported gay marriage and also has a background supporting equality issues both as a businessman and as a philanthropist. But now also as a president of the United States.”

“We always try to follow the rule of trust but verify,” added Moran. “And looking at President Trump’s appointments, appointing people in our organization, taking meetings with our organization, and just really advancing the big causes that are important to the LGBTQ community.”

The post Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Jerri Ann Henry Resigns Over Trump Endorsement appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Jerri Ann Henry Resigns Over Trump Endorsement

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: August 27, 2019

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ENDORSES SEN. TINA SMITH (D-MN) FOR REELECTION: “Senator Tina Smith has been one of our community’s most ardent advocates in the United States Senate, and we’re proud to stand by her side as she runs for reelection,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). The endorsement comes after known anti-LGBTQ extremist former Rep. Jason Lewis announces run for U.S. Senate. More from HRC.

.@HRC has endorsed @SenTinaSmith as the first Senate endorsement of the 2020 election. Sen. Smith has been a steadfast ally for the LGBTQ community and is a co-sponsor of the #EqualityAct.#MNSen t.co/Q4HjCnhmWy

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) August 26, 2019

ON MORNING JOE, HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID (@ALPHONSODAVID) SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE TRUMP-PENCE ADMIN: More from HRC.

“We have a message for Donald Trump. We are coming for him and we are going to beat him in 2020.”

LGBTQ people are under attack by the Trump-Pence administration. @HRC President @AlphonsoDavid spoke about it and our plan to fight back on @Morning_Joe. pic.twitter.com/oYoz95yS2S

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) August 27, 2019

TUESDAY TWEET — CONGRATS TO ALL LGBTQ AND ALLIED ARTISTS ON THEIR VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS: The list of artists include Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande), Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha), BTS (@bts_bighit), Halsey (@halsey), LilNasX (@LilNasX), Panic At The Disco (@PanicAtTheDisco), Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) and Todrick Hall (@Todrick).

• Taylor Swift calls for passage of the Equality Act after winning Video Of The Year: Currently, LGBTQ Americans living in 30 states are still at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service because of who they are or who they love. Last night, Taylor Swift shined a bright light on the Equality Act — a bipartisan bill that would add comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people from coast to coast. The Equality Act, which passed in the U.S. House in May, now faces an uphill battle in the Senate. More from Mashable.

Couldn’t agree more, @taylorswift13!

We need to pass the #EqualityAct now. #VMAs ���� t.co/RKt7gSx2Sc

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) August 27, 2019

HRC MARKS NATIONAL WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY: Women’s Equality Day is observed annually on August 26 to celebrate the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. While the ratification of the 19th Amendment was a major step toward equality, women of color nationwide — especially Black women — were still disenfranchised and had to fight to gain the same voting rights enjoyed by white women. More from HRC.

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER EDITORIAL BOARD ENDORSES DAN MCCREADY FOR CONGRESS: “[T]he 9th District election carries some real consequence, because in many ways, it is about neither of the Dans,” writes the editorial board (@theobserver). “It’s about Donald Trump, just as most races for Congress will be in the coming year.” More from The Charlotte Observer.

The Charlotte @theobserver editorial board has endorsed @HRC-backed Dan McCready for Congress in #NC09.

We’re ready to get to work and mobilize pro-equality voters for @McCreadyForNC. t.co/QGTlltTqGY

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) August 26, 2019

HORRIFIC — TRANS WOMAN ATTACKED IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA: The victim, J, alleges she was called anti-trans slurs, choked and knocked unconscious by a group of men. She is calling on police to treat the attack as a hate crime and said the men were motivated by her gender identity. More from Pink News.

PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION ON LGBTQ AFFAIRS ADVOCATES FOR INCLUSIVE LAWS AND ENDING DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES IN THE STATE: “Our queer and trans communities of color deserve to be seen,” read a statement sent out by Gov. Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf). More from WESA.

U.S. SOCCER CHAMPION MEGAN RAPINOE TALKS COMING OUT, NAVIGATING TRUMP AND HER CONSERVATIVE PARENTS: “I feel like we can see the world changing around us and we’re a huge part of that, effecting that change,” said Rapinoe (@mPinoe). “I feel like [LGBTQ] rights — we’ve been a huge part of that. You’re starting to see more players come out.” More from OutSports.

NEW YORK MAN ARRESTED AFTER YELLING ANTI-LGBTQ SLURS: More from Syracuse.com.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

TRANSGENDER BILL PASSED BY THE INDIAN LOWER HOUSE CONSIDERED “REGRESSIVE”: “The transgender bill is regressive and half-hearted,” said LGBTQ activist and former HRC Global Innovator Harish Iyer (@hiyer). Read more in IndiaSpend.

NEPALESE LGBTQ ACTIVISTS CALL FOR INCLUSION IN NATIONAL CENSUS: More from The Himalayan.  

ISTANBUL AUTHORITIES BAN THIRD ANNUAL “QUEER OLYMPIX” CITING “SOCIAL SENSITIVITIES”: More from Pink News. 

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

IGN shares that Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Eternal will give a larger role to an openly LGBTQ character

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-august-27-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Elizabeth Debicki, Gemma Arterton Seduce with Words in Vita & Virginia

In an exclusive clip from the film about the affair between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, the women plan to steal away together. 

www.advocate.com/film/2019/8/27/elizabeth-debicki-gemma-arterton-seduce-words-vita-virginia