Planet Fitness CEO has been quietly funding antigay politicians, including Trump, for years

Another day, another reason to switch up the old gym membership…

Recently obtained documents from the Federal Securities and Exchange Commission reveal that Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau has been secretly funding antigay politicians for the past several years.

In 2016, Rondeau donated $1,200 to Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. The donation was made in the same month Trump invited Russia to interfere in the election, July of 2016.

Rondeau also gave money to the 2018 Congressional campaign of former New Hampshire State Senator Andy Sanborn, who happens to be a major homophobe.

Not only did Sanborn oppose a bill banning gay conversion therapy in New Hampshire, but he voted against updating the state’s existing civil rights laws to ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity when it comes to housing and employment.

As a company, Planet Fitness has long espoused a commitment to equality and the queer community, deeming itself a “judgment-free zone” and offering transgender members the freedom to use the locker rooms which correspond to their gender.

Rondeau’s donations, however modest, undermine that characterization, as Donald Trump has targeted LGBTQ Americans for discrimination on numerous occasions.

Rondeau has yet to donate to Trump’s 2020 Reelection Campaign.

Rondeau becomes the latest in a series of gym CEO’s to come under fire for donations to Trump. Earlier this year, Stephen Ross, owner of Equinox, faced criticism for donating $13 million to the Trump campaign. The revelation brought an onslaught of public outcry and prompted scores of gym members to cancel their memberships.

Cue the Planet Fitness outrage in 3… 2… 1…

Related: Equinox tries to fix its PR nightmare, but is it enough?

www.queerty.com/planet-fitness-ceo-quietly-funding-antigay-politicians-including-trump-years-20191001?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Utah Lawmaker Derek Kitchen, Who Fought to Overturn State’s Gay Marriage Ban, is Separating from His Husband

Utah state senator Derek Kitchen, who fought to overturn the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, is separating from his husband Moudi Sbeity, he announced in an Instagram post on Monday.

The AP reports: “A former Salt Lake City councilor, the Democrat was elected in one of the state’s few left-leaning districts last November. Kitchen rose to prominence with his 2013 lawsuit, which came two years before a U.S. Supreme Court ruling extended gay couples’ right to marry nationwide.”

View this post on Instagram

Today I made it official! Looking forward to this race, and to serving Salt Lake City in the Utah Senate. Thanks for the support & encouragement

A post shared by Derek Kitchen (@derekkitchen) on Mar 15, 2018 at 10:50am PDT

Wrote Kitchen: “When we met ten years ago, we did not know what would be in store for us, nor did we know how far our shared strengths and compatible differences would take us. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together – from our fight for marriage equality, growing two businesses, and running for public office. We’ve been proud to share this journey with you publicly with full transparency, right from the beginning. We couldn’t have done it without your support.”

Within our fight for marriage equality, we fought for all the challenges and rights that come along with it,” he added. “So, it is with much love and in the interest of living with full transparency still, that we are letting you know that we have decided to pursue individual paths and end our marriage. Had we known that this would be the outcome when we met, we would do it all over again. We remain good friends, business partners, and supporters for each other. We still care deeply for, and love each other, and hope that you can find comfort and love in the knowledge that we will continue to stand tall and work for our community, whether it’s through politics, or a safe space for a warm meal.”

As we navigate this new reality, we hope that we can count on your respect and ongoing support,” Kitchen continued. “We are reminded of this quote from Francis Weller: “The work of the mature person is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and to be stretched large by them.” Grief for our loss and gratitude for our shared growth.”

“Love is love, and love will be love again,” Kitchen concluded.

View this post on Instagram

When we met ten years ago, we did not know what would be in store for us, nor did we know how far our shared strengths and compatible differences would take us. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together – from our fight for marriage equality, growing two businesses, and running for public office. We’ve been proud to share this journey with you publicly with full transparency, right from the beginning. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Within our fight for marriage equality, we fought for all the challenges and rights that come along with it. So, it is with much love and in the interest of living with full transparency still, that we are letting you know that we have decided to pursue individual paths and end our marriage. Had we known that this would be the outcome when we met, we would do it all over again. We remain good friends, business partners, and supporters for each other. We still care deeply for, and love each other, and hope that you can find comfort and love in the knowledge that we will continue to stand tall and work for our community, whether it’s through politics, or a safe space for a warm meal. As we navigate this new reality, we hope that we can count on your respect and ongoing support. We are reminded of this quote from Francis Weller: “The work of the mature person is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and to be stretched large by them.” Grief for our loss and gratitude for our shared growth. Love is love, and love will be love again

A post shared by Derek Kitchen (@derekkitchen) on Sep 29, 2019 at 1:50pm PDT

The post Utah Lawmaker Derek Kitchen, Who Fought to Overturn State’s Gay Marriage Ban, is Separating from His Husband appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Utah Lawmaker Derek Kitchen, Who Fought to Overturn State’s Gay Marriage Ban, is Separating from His Husband

Mike Pompeo Defies Impeachment Inquiry Subpoenas: ‘I Will Not Tolerate Such Tactics’

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Trump administration are now actively obstructing an impeachment inquiry by the House of Representatives.

In a letter to House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, Pompeo suggested he would defy a request to depose five State Department employees, and  wrote, “I’m concerned with aspects of the committee’s request that can be understood only as an attempt to intimidate, bully and treat improperly the distinguished professionals of the Department of State. Let me be clear: I will not tolerate such tactics, and I will use all means at my disposal to prevent and expose any attempts to intimidate the dedicated professionals whom I am proud to lead and serve alongside at the Department of State.”

Wrote Engel in a letter to Pompeo on Friday: “Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House’s impeachment inquiry.”

Pompeo became a center figure in the impeachment inquiry when it was revealed yesterday that he was on a phone call in which Trump used U.S. military aid to pressure the Ukrainian president to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.

Added Pompeo: “This amounts to an attempt to circumvent the Executive Branch’s unquestionably legitimate constitutional interest in protecting potentially privileged information related to the conduct of diplomatic relations. Therefore, the five officials subject to your letter may not attend any interview or deposition without counsel from the Executive Branch present to ensure that the Executive Branch’s constitutional authority to control the disclosure of confidential information, including deliberative matters and diplomatic communications, is not impaired.”

Read the full letter:

The post Mike Pompeo Defies Impeachment Inquiry Subpoenas: ‘I Will Not Tolerate Such Tactics’ appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Mike Pompeo Defies Impeachment Inquiry Subpoenas: ‘I Will Not Tolerate Such Tactics’

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: October 1, 2019

HRC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES “SNAP FOR GOOD REWARDS” CAMPAIGN WITH HONEY NUT CHEERIOS: Starting today, Honey Nut Cheerios boxes around the country will have a Snapcode on the back that can be scanned to unlock exclusive Lenses within Snapchat for three organizations, including HRC. As part of this campaign, Honey Nut Cheerios will donate a portion of $100,000 to the three participating organizations — HRC Foundation, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (@ASPCA) and Feeding America (@FeedingAmerica). “We’re grateful to General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios for recognizing the importance of funding our work to achieve full equality for LGBTQ people, and looking forward to seeing how people all across the country use the HRCF Snapchat Lenses,” said HRC Senior Vice President for Development and Membership Chris Speron. More from HRC.

.@HRC has teamed up with Honey Nut @Cheerios for its Snap For Good Rewards campaign.

�� Grab your box of Honey Nut Cheerios
�� Scan the Snapcode on the back
�� Snap & share your photos & videos using our Lens
�� Support the fight for LGBTQ equality!t.co/BJ5RfQObBM pic.twitter.com/KS82CE9tF2

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

HRC MARKS THE START OF LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH: This LGBTQ History Month, HRC is proud to honor the trailblazers who helped pave the way for LGBTQ rights and visibility in the ongoing fight for equality over the past five decades. More from HRC. 

Happy #LGBTQHistoryMonth! This year has been a record year for LGBTQ history. From #Stonewall50 to #WorldPride, @HRC is proud to honor LGBTQ visibility and the trailblazers who helped pave the way for LGBTQ rights. ��️‍�� t.co/dSFiHaCuDd pic.twitter.com/L68hMi9NV7

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

IT’S NO SURPRISE — TRUMP CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE DANGEROUS RHETORIC OF ANTI-LGBTQ RELIGIOUS PASTOR ROBERT JEFFRESS: More from The Washington Post and HRC. 

It’s no surprise that Trump continues to support the dangerous rhetoric of Robert Jeffress, who has a history of extreme anti-LGBTQ comments, including saying that same-sex relationships are a ‘perversion’ & comparing marriage equality to Nazi Germany. t.co/1RUpJU6ppd

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) September 30, 2019

IMPORTANT — POPE FRANCIS MEETS WITH REV. JAMES MARTIN TO DISCUSS THE HOPES AND CONCERNS OF LGBTQ CATHOLICS: More from The Washington Post.

NEW PROJECT TO HIGHLIGHT VOICES AND STORIES FROM SOUTHERN VIRGINIA’S BLACK LGBTQ COMMUNITY: Through the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project, the Queer/Trans People of Color Project: Representation Matters will work to help LGBTQ people of color share their stories publicly. More from The Roanoke Times. 

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

TRANS BOXER PATRICIO MANUEL MAKES HISTORY AS NEW FACE OF BOXING GEAR COMPANY EVERLAST: More from OutSports and Mashable.

ALEXANDRA BILLINGS BECOMES FIRST OPENLY TRANS ACTRESS TO PLAY MADAME MORRIBLE IN WICKED: More from Broadway.com.

SOUL SINGER SADE SHARES HER TRANS SON’S JOURNEY AND CELEBRATES HIS TRANSITION: More from Pink News.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

THOUSANDS OF ACTIVISTS CONTINUE TO PROTEST BILLS PENDING IN THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENT THAT WOULD GREATLY HARM LGBTQ PEOPLE: More from The New York Times and The Jakarta Post.

SCREENING OF FILM HIGHLIGHTING LGBTQ BULLYING IN BUDAPEST DISRUPTED BY NEO-NAZI DEMONSTRATORS: More from Pink News.

CROWD RALLIES FOR UNITY IN TORONTO AGAINST ANTI-LGBTQ GROUP: More from Global News Toronto. 

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
NBC shares a photo of gay Tennessee teen Brandon Allen crowned homecoming royalty in a stunning gold dress

Gay high school senior in Tennessee crowned homecoming royalty in gold dress. t.co/33rlnzPcar – @NBCOUT

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 30, 2019

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-october-1-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

MUST WATCH: Peppermint remembers the 19 trans lives lost to violence this year and has a powerful message while hosting the GLAAD Gala San Francisco: “Don’t scandalize or act surprised when you discover someone loves a trans person.”

On September 28, Broadway star and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Peppermint hosted the GLAAD Gala San Francisco.

During the evening, Peppermint made a powerful speech about the National Trans Visibility March that took place earlier that day. Check out the full speech below:

In her remarks, Peppermint had a powerful message for the room: “I know how lucky I am, but I also know you shouldn’t have to be lucky just to feel safe walking around in your own skin. That should be my right, not my privilege. But we cannot make that a reality; we can’t change the world if we are fighting alone.”

She continued by remembering the 18 transgender women of color who lost their lives to hate violence this year: “This unrelenting cycle of despair puts one in three trans women in extreme poverty and leads many of us to substance abuse, which subjects many of us to violence and survival sex work. Trans women of color are twice as likely to be unemployed and live in extreme poverty as our white counterparts, more than 40 percent of us experience homelessness, and nearly half of Black trans women attempt suicide.”

Peppermint continued, “19 trans women have been murdered already this year, and 18 of those 19 victims have been Black trans women. Many of us escaped murder only to remain inside a cycle of poverty, abuse, and oppression that seems unbreakable. But it’s not unbreakable.”

In the closing of her speech, Peppermint asked for one final request: “Don’t scandalize or act surprised when you discover someone loves a trans person. Our potential partners need to be welcomed into our spaces, not made to feel as though their sexuality is off because they love a trans man or woman.”

 

 

During the GLAAD Gala San Francisco, Paula Abdul was honored with the Ariadne Getty Ally Award, Dan Levy was honored with the Davidson/Valentini Award, and Ali Rosenthal was honored with the Ric Weiland Award. The event featured celebrity guests including the cast of Schitt’s Creek, Alicia Garza, Eva Gutowski, Justin Tranter, Ariadne Getty, August Getty, and more. Singer Garrett Clayton also performed a musical medley during the event.

The GLAAD Gala San Francisco celebrates and features storytellers and tech innovators who accelerate LGBTQ acceptance and helps fund GLAAD’s digital advocacy work to grow LGBTQ inclusion in digital and social media.

The 2019 GLAAD Gala San Francisco is presented by Gilead, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka & Wells Fargo, with official partner Google.

www.glaad.org/blog/must-watch-peppermint-remembers-19-trans-lives-lost-violence-year-and-has-powerful-message

Irish Hospital ‘Regrets’ History of Shock Therapy on Gays

Queens University Belfast continued research on the practice as late as 1973.

www.advocate.com/world/2019/10/01/irish-hospital-regrets-history-shock-therapy-gays