Fox News purportedly bracing for “legal bloodbath” after peddling coronavirus misinformation

Fox News is purportedly doing serious preemptive damage control after misleading its millions of viewers about the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fox Business recently announced it had “parted ways” with homophobic prime time host Trish Regan, who famously called the coronavirus a politically motivated “scam” by Democrats on her March 9 show.

The network said it wished Regan all the best and that her firing was part of its effort to “continue our reduced live primetime schedule for the foreseeable future” to focus on “the coronavirus crisis.”

But reporter Gabriel Sherman isn’t buying the excuse.

Speaking to Joy Reid on MNSBC’s AM Joy, Sherman said he suspects Regan’s firing is part of a larger effort by the network to limit legal liability surrounding its wildly inaccurate coronavirus coverage, which included repeatedly lying to viewers by saying the virus was less deadly than the flu.

“Fox News tried to do their original playbook, which was dismiss it as a hoax, say that this is another partisan attempt by Democrats to hurt Donald Trump, and this was the case where they could not prevent reality,” Sherman said.

But as Fox News anchors downplayed the pandemic to viewers, Fox News execs were sending out internal memos to employees detailing the actions it was taking to prevent them from getting sick. On top of that, the Murdoch family, who owns the network, took serious precautions to protect themselves against the virus.

Sherman continued, “Fox News is a very powerful media organization, but it cannot stop people from dropping dead. And what happened is that people did start dying. We did see hot spots in New York, on the West Coast and now we’re seeing one in the deep South, which is getting closer to Trump country, and Fox News has had to pivot to actually cover this as a real story.”

It wasn’t until after Donald Trump declared a nation emergency that the network made a noticeable shift in tone.

Sherman said that Fox News viewers are now being forced to confront “what the rest of us have known since February and early March, is that this is a global pandemic that is unprecedented in American history.”

He added: “There’s a real concern inside the network that their early downplaying of the coronavirus actually exposes Fox News to potential legal action by viewers who maybe were misled and actually have died from this.”

Former federal prosecutor and Justice Department inspector general, Michael Bromwich, agrees.

In a tweet he writes: “Fox is right to be concerned. Very concerned. This could be a legal bloodbath. Discovery will undoubtedly show that its personnel were putting out falsely comforting information it knew to be false and misleading in order to sync up with [White House] messaging.”

Related: Fox News host Jeanine Pirro swears she wasn’t drunk during her show, but everyone else disagrees

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Velvet Variety: New York Queer Comedy Goes From Bar Basement to Your Living Room — WATCH

Last night was the world premiere of Velvet Variety, a new streaming variety show from New York City’s queer comedy community. The 20-minute comedy compilation is a blend of stand-up clips, characters, drag, music and a DIY energy.

The first episode includes a clip featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Shea Couleé and a headline set from trans stand-up comedian Jaye McBride. Check it out embedded below.

This is a personal project for me, because, when I’m not slinging pixels here, I’m a performer in New York City. As the Coronavirus continues to ravage everyday life around the world, nightlife has shuttered from coast to coast. This is particularly concerning for LGBTQ venues (many already operating with thin margins), drag artists and queer performers.

Velvet Variety hopes to create a showcase for up-and-coming as well as established LGBTQ comedy performers beyond their own social media followings, and to provide folks at home a chance to recreate that feeling of discovering a new talent in the basement of some bar.

The show prominently features each performer’s Venmo handle, so viewers can tip them directly, and their social media handles (likes and follows are free!).

Remember: Many LGBTQ venues have set up crowdfunding pages (check your local bar’s social media for links to donate!), and now is the perfect time to buy merch from your favorite performers!

The post Velvet Variety: New York Queer Comedy Goes From Bar Basement to Your Living Room — WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Velvet Variety: New York Queer Comedy Goes From Bar Basement to Your Living Room — WATCH

#AM_Equality: March 31, 2020

TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY (TDOV): “Transgender and non-binary people face significant cultural, legal and economic challenges, but continue to bravely share their stories, boldly claim their seats at the table and tirelessly push equality forward. The transgender and non-binary community’s pride, power and resilience should be a lesson to us all,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “As we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, we must never forget those who still feel invisible even in their own communities and who may live every day with fear of discrimination or violence, and we must resolve to fight for a world where every transgender and non-binary person is respected and protected.” More from HRC.

• Check out this new video from HRC for TDOV. Watch here.

IDAHO BECOMES NATIONAL INNOVATOR IN DISCRIMINATION: It also becomes the first state in the country this year to enact legislation that specifically singles out the transgender community for discriminatory treatment. HB 500 will bar transgender women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. HB 509 flies in the face of a recent court decision by forbidding transgender and non-binary Idahoans from changing their gender marker on their birth certificates. Both laws are unconstitutional and will result in litigation at the cost of the Idaho taxpayer, which is particularly appalling during these uncertain times. More from HRC, Metro Weekly, Washington Blade, Forbes and CBS.

DIGITAL ORGANIZING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: “As our nation navigates these uncharted waters, we can’t allow this pandemic to suppress civic engagement or voter participation; otherwise, the virus becomes a threat not only to public health but to the future of our democracy…” writes Geoff Wetrosky (@gwetrosky), HRC National Campaigns Director. “In light of COVID-19, it has never been more important to quickly identify and adopt virtual organizing techniques that maximize civic engagement while maintaining a commitment to the health and safety of organizing staff and volunteers.” More from Morning Consult.

HRC & SAGE RELEASE CRITICAL NEW REPORT ON CHALLENGES OLDER LGBTQ ADULTS FACE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS: LGBTQ elders are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of COVID-19 and are concerned about discrimination, in both in-home and residential care settings (60%) and with their health care provider (40%). LGBTQ older adults also face greater risks from social isolation — a necessary public health effort during COVID-19 — that can have a direct impact on their health and well-being. Read more from The Advocate and HRC. 

• To keep up this important conversion, HRC, SAGE and Lambda Legal are co-hosting a webinar TOMORROW on how COVID-19 impacts LGBTQ older adults. More from HRC. 

Join lawyers and advocates from @HRC, @LambdaLegal and @SAGEUSA for a discussion about how #COVID19 impacts LGBTQ older adults on Wednesday, April 1 at 3:15 p.m. EDT. t.co/wS043ecrAb pic.twitter.com/Gl77LGLeWQ

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 30, 2020

HRC MOURNS LEXI, TRANS WOMAN KILLED IN HARLEM: According to reports, Lexi was fatally stabbed at work in Harlem River Park. “I really looked up to her because of her tolerance and respect,” said Lavonia Brooks, a friend of Lexi. “Lexi had a beautiful heart, she was very gifted.” Brooks also noted that Lexi loved poetry, makeup and fashion. More from HRC.

TUESDAY TWEET — LGBTQ PEOPLE COUNT AND THAT’S WHY WE MUST TAKE THE CENSUS: “It’s vitally important for all of us to be counted in the Census,” said Nick Morrow (@nrmorrow), HRC’s acting communications director. “Critical funding for programs that support our communities, and LGBTQ people specifically, are determined by the Census.” More from Washington Blade.

• While the census only offers binary gender options, non-binary people should still ensure they are counted. More from Rebellious Magazine.
• For more context, check out HRC’s report on how the failure of state and federal officials to collect full and accurate data on sexual orientation and gender identity is causing harm to LGBTQ Americans here.

What’s at stake for the LGBTQ community with the #2020Census?
– ��Proper funding for state/federal programs
– ��️Fair representation in Congress
– ��️Direct say in our country’s future
Pledge to complete your Census form today. t.co/8QXua1tgFx

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 30, 2020

MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF HRC’S PARENTS FOR TRANS EQUALITY COUNCIL MEMBERS: HRC Foundation is pleased to announce the new additions to the Parents for Transgender Equality National Council: Mehereen Baig, Stephen Chukumba, Luchina Fisher and David J. Parr, Yma Johnson, Kim Parke, Jennifer Solomon and Adamalis Vigil. More from HRC.

HRC MOURNS THE LOSS OF LORENA BORJAS TO COVID-19: Said Tori Cooper, HRC’s Director of Community Engagement (@MsToriCooper1): “The skies gained another star last night. Lorena Borjas was a star on earth who fought passionately for the rights of Latinx and trans folks, for the incarcerated, for sex workers and migrants. Her death is yet another tragic loss from COVID-19 and serves as a reminder to all that one person can make a difference in the lives of many. Rest in Power Lorena. Eres una estrella ahora.” More from PinkNews.

NEW RESOURCE FROM TLDEF FOR TRANS AND NON-BINARY COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19: The guide includes a ‘know your rights’ guide for those seeking medical care. More from Washington Blade.

HOW TO SUPPORT LGBTQ COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19: More from Natasha Piñon (@natashapinon) at Mashable.

TODAY IS EQUAL PAY DAY: Did you know that women on average make just 82 cents for every dollar a man earns, with an even wider wage gap for women of color? Learn more here.

IN THE STATES

LGBTQ MICHIGANERS NEED INCLUSIVE NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS: More from Capital News Service.

MICHIGAN’S OutCenter MOVES OPERATIONS ONLINE TO SUPPORT LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY: More from The Herald Palladium.

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

GENDER-EXPANSIVE RAPPER BAD BUNNY (@sanbenito) SHOWS OFF MASCULINE AND FEMININE PERSONAS IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO: More from NewNowNext.

STAR TREK: MAJOR CHARACTER REVEALED TO BE QUEER: More from Pride.com.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

UNITED KINGDOM LAUNCHES ITS FIRST LGBTQ-SPECIFIC TV CHANNEL: More from Gay Times.

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

NPR chats with Jonathan Van Ness (@JVN) about self-care during self-isolation; Chicago Magazine interviews Cameron Esposito

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-march-31-2020?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Model and Producer Geena Rocero Makes History as a Playboy Playmate of the Year and Celebrates Sixth Anniversary of her Iconic TED Talk on Trans Day of Visibility

www.glaad.org/blog/model-and-producer-geena-rocero-makes-history-playboy-playmate-year-and-celebrates-sixth

Leslie Jordan trying to avoid going stir crazy is all of us right now

Like so man of us right now, the gay, comic actor Leslie Jordan, 64, is social distancing himself from others. Normally based in Los Angeles, he’s returned to his home town of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to self-isolate himself with his elderly mother.

To help pass the time, he’s been posting humorous videos to his Instagram each day – revealing everything from how his mom is embroidering tea towels to pass the time, to experiences in the 70s taking drugs with friends .

Related: Gloria Estefan is living her best life on Instagram while in quarantine and it’s an absolute gift

He’s also shared behind-the-scenes gossip from his lengthy career, such as a posting this week on appearing on Boston Legal with Betty White.

“I’m going to kill you or you’re going to kill me,” White speculated after learning they’d both been booked to appear in five episodes of the show. Her character duly did kill Jordan’s with a skillet and then put his body in a freezer, which entailed Jordan having little icicles stuck to his face and laying down amidst bags of fake frozen good labeled ‘Freezer Queen’.

Then there’s his unique exercise regimes with a back scratcher, bringing up memories of his dad reacting to him pretending to be a majorette as a child.

Jordan was born in Memphis before his family relocated to Chattanooga. He has previously spoken about having a hard time growing up as a Southern Baptist.

He says his first break in Hollywood was appearing on a commercial for The Selective Service.

Since that time he has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies and is probably best known for his appearances on Will & Grace and American Horror Story.

Related: 16 things for LGBTQ people to do if they’re self-isolating

Amid the comic recollections and observations is also the odd heartfelt moment, such as a reminder to everyone to show kindness at all times.

It’s likely we can expect plenty more videos from Jordan over the coming days. Yesterday, (March 30), Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a statewide stay-at-home order taking effect from today through to April 14.

www.queerty.com/leslie-jordan-trying-avoid-going-stir-crazy-us-right-now-20200331?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Russia’s Top Doctor, Who Met with Vladimir Putin Days Ago, Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Russia’s top doctor, who met with President Vladimir Putin a week ago, has tested positive for the coronavirus, state television reported on Tuesday.

AFP reports: “Last Tuesday Denis Protsenko met with the Russian leader who inspected the Kommunarka hospital while wearing a hazmat suit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian agencies that Putin took regular tests and there was no reason to worry about his health.

The NYT reports that Putin has largely disappeared from view because he doesn’t like to deliver bad news to the Russian people: “By late Monday, at least 14 Russian regions and the country’s second biggest city, St Petersburg, had announced that they, too, were ordering residents to stay at home, indicating that the world’s largest nation, a vast territory covering 13 time zones, could soon be in lockdown. For weeks the Kremlin and its cheerleaders in the state news media have insisted that, unlike Italy, Spain and, more recently, the United States, Russia could tackle the virus without major disruption.”

The post Russia’s Top Doctor, Who Met with Vladimir Putin Days Ago, Tests Positive for Coronavirus appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Russia’s Top Doctor, Who Met with Vladimir Putin Days Ago, Tests Positive for Coronavirus

HRC Honors International Transgender Day of Visibility

Today, HRC honors International Trans Day of Visibility. Held annually on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility is a time to celebrate transgender and non-binary people around the globe and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. Advocates also use the day to raise awareness around discrimination and violence that trans people still face.

“Transgender and non-binary people face significant cultural, legal and economic challenges, but continue to bravely share their stories, boldly claim their seats at the table and tirelessly push equality forward. The transgender and non-binary community’s pride, power and resilience should be a lesson to us all. As advocates, we must commit to learning together and building a world where every person can truly thrive,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “As we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, we must never forget those who still feel invisible even in their own communities and who may live every day with fear of discrimination or violence, and we must resolve to fight for a world where every transgender and non-binary person is respected and protected.”

In honor of the day, HRC released a new video featuring some of its transgender and non-binary staff and volunteers discussing the need for visibility, the power of transgender and non-binary voices and the litany of bills in the states attacking this community.

On the same day we celebrate the power and visibility of transgender and non-binary people, Idaho has become a national innovator in discrimination, having passed and signed into law first-of-its-kind anti-transgender legislation. It also becomes the first state in the country this year to enact legislation that specifically singles out the transgender community for discriminatory treatment. Yesterday, Governor Brad Little signed two pieces of discriminatory anti-transgender legislation, commonly referred to as HB 500 and HB 509, even as his state and the world reel from the effects of COVID-19. HB 500 will bar transgender women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. HB 509 flies in the face of a recent court decision by forbidding transgender and non-binary Idahoans from changing their gender marker on their birth certificates. Both laws are unconstitutional and will result in litigation at the cost of the Idaho taxpayer, which is particularly appalling during these uncertain times.

Idaho is riding a wave of dangerous bills in the states that attack transgender and non-binary Americans, and especially transgender youth. Already in 2020, we have more than 60 anti-transgender bills filed across the United States — that’s more than three times as many anti-transgender bills as were filed in all of 2019. This includes more than 20 bills that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming care and more than 20 bills that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. These bills are opposed by more than 7 million youth-serving professionals and more than 1000 child welfare organizations, 40 major businesses and 1,800 parents of transgender and non-binary children from all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C.

There is an epidemic of violence against the transgender and non-binary community, and especially against Black transgender women. In November 2019, ahead of Transgender Day of Remembrance, HRC Foundation released “A National Epidemic: Fatal Anti-Transgender Violence in America in 2019,” a heartbreaking report honoring the trans people killed and detailing the contributing and motivating factors that lead to this tragic violence. Sadly, 2019 saw at least 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people in the U.S. fatally shot or killed by other violent means. In 2020, we have seen at least five such deaths. We say at least because too often these stories go unreported — or misreported.

In September, HRC announced it is significantly expanding its work dedicated to justice for the transgender community through the Transgender Justice Initiative. The organization is advancing new initiatives that address the urgent needs of the transgender community, with specific attention to community members deeply impacted by racism, sexism and transphobia. This major effort includes a focus on economic empowerment; capacity-building programs; targeted task forces in communities hardest hit hard by the epidemic of anti-trans violence; and expanded public education campaigns. To learn more about HRC’s work on transgender equality, visit HRC.org/transgender. HRC offers a guide to reporters on how to cover transgender-related stories, which can be found here.

www.hrc.org/blog/human-rights-campaign-honors-international-transgender-day-of-visibility?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed