Watch: New HRC’s “All God’s Children” Ad Features Trailblazing State Legislator Alyce Clarke
First black woman to serve in Mississippi’s state legislature speaks out about accepting and loving her gay son
HRC.org
Category Archives: NEWS
Man Charged With Rape, Murder In 2012 Attack On Teen Lesbian Couple Appears In Court In Texas: VIDEO
Man Charged With Rape, Murder In 2012 Attack On Teen Lesbian Couple Appears In Court In Texas: VIDEO
Days after a horrific attack on a teenage lesbian couple in South Texas that left one of them dead, David Malcom Strickland approached mourners at the park where the incident occurred, according to police.
Strickland, who at the time lived near the park in Portland, Texas, outside Corpus Christi, told the mourners that his girlfriend knew one of the victims. Strickland asked the mourners for details about the investigation and was observed searching the grass near the crime scene, witnesses said.
Nearly two years later, Strickland allegedly delivered a letter to a business in Portland in which he implicated another man in the June 2012 shooting that left 19-year-old Mollie Olgin (above right) dead and her then-18-year-old girlfriend, Kristene Chapa (above left), seriously wounded. As it turned out, the man implicated in the letter was a former roommate of Strickland’s, from whom Strickland had been charged with stealing firearms in Utah. The letter led police back to Strickland, who was arrested this June and charged with capital murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping in the attack on Chapa and Olgin.
On Friday, with Chapa and about 20 pro-LGBT protesters gathered outside, Strickland made an appearance in court. The protesters carried rainbow flags and signs suggesting the incident was an anti-gay hate crime. but San Petricio County District Attorney Michael Welborn told The Corpus Christi Caller-Times he doesn’t believe it was motivated by anti-gay bias.
“No, we are not calling it that (a hate crime). We have found no evidence that this is a hate crime,” Welborn said.
Watch KIII-TV’s report, AFTER THE JUMP…
Welborn told KZTV Channel 10 the publicity and the presence of the LGBT protesters — Strickland wore a bulletproof vest and was led in through a side door — could ultimately cause the trial to have to be moved.
“When we have instances like what happened today, the courts start looking very strongly at whether we need to transfer the case to another county,” Welborn said.
Chapa, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head and is still undergoing rehab, said the rally was an important show of support.
“With all this court, it really opens old wounds, you know, and both the families are suffering,” Chapa told KZTV.
One man, reportedly a friend of Strickland’s family, filmed the LGBT protesters and reminded them that Strickland is innocent until proven guilty, according to a report from KIII-TV. Chapa’s sister, Patricia Hernandez, told the man he didn’t know the evidence in the case.
While much of the evidence hasn’t been made public, an arrest affidavit said shell casings from the crime scene were matched to a gun Strickland owned at the time. Strickland’s vehicle also matched the description of the one that dropped off the letter, and authorities traced his cell phone to the area when it was delivered.
The letter revealed details about the crime that hadn’t been made public, including the fact that Chapa and Olgin had been forced to duct-tape each other’s mouths and eyes, and that their bodies had been stacked on top of each other. Bird-watchers found Olgin dead and Chapa clinging to life the next morning.
When Strickland was arrested in Utah in January for stealing firearms from his former roommate, police found guns, ammunition, condoms, personal lubricant, bolt cutters, pepper spray and a lock pick kit in his vehicle.
Prosecutors haven’t said whether they’ll seek the death penalty for Strickland. Even if the incident were classified as a hate crime, there would be no penalty enhancement available in Texas because Strickland is already charged with capital murder, and prosecutors would be unlikely to seek the designation because it could increase their burden of proof.
If nothing else, though, Friday’s courthouse rally was a sign that the small LGBT community in remote South Texas hasn’t forgotten about the crime, even if the national gay media has.
Chapa, who was left paralyzed on one side of her body, has made a heroic recovery, but a fund to help pay for her ongoing medical expenses has raised just $3,730 of the $40,000 goal in five months.
To contribute to the fund, go here.
John Wright
Op-ed: Zachary Quinto, Check Your Privilege on HIV
Op-ed: Zachary Quinto, Check Your Privilege on HIV
An activist responds to the Star Trek actor’s recent chastizing of the gay community for “laziness” about HIV and criticism of PrEP as potentially increasing “recreational sex.”
Mathew Rodriguez
www.advocate.com/commentary/2014/11/17/op-ed-zachary-quinto-check-your-privilege-hiv
Your tongue will tingle with these 4 South Africa wine routes
Your tongue will tingle with these 4 South Africa wine routes
And your lips will smack at the thought there’s at least 14 more in the country that produce some of the world’s best reds, whites and everything in between
www.gaystarnews.com/article/your-tongue-will-tingle-these-4-south-africa-wine-routes301014
Gay Marriage News Watch: KS, SC, MS, TX, MT, MI, NE – VIDEO
Gay Marriage News Watch: KS, SC, MS, TX, MT, MI, NE – VIDEO
AFER’s Matt Baume reports on marriage equality beginning in Kansas, South Carolina’s ban being overturned (with marriage arriving possibly this week), Mississippi’s ban being challenged in court, and more.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP…
Kyler Geoffroy
www.towleroad.com/2014/11/gay-marriage-news-watch-ks-sc-ms-tx-mt-mi-ne-video.html
The State of LGBT Equality in Africa
The State of LGBT Equality in Africa
Homophobia thrives in most countries in Africa, making the continent an oppressive place to live for countless LGBT people.
Thom Senzee
www.advocate.com/world/2014/11/17/state-lgbt-equality-africa
Which States Still Don't Have Marriage Equality?
Which States Still Don't Have Marriage Equality?
States have been gaining marriage equality at the rate of one or two a week lately, but a few stubborn holdouts may remain a serious challenge.
There are currently 17 states with marriage bans still in effect, mostly concentrated around the plains, midwest, and southeast.
You can’t get married in Montana, though that could change very soon. A Ninth Circuit decision overturned bans in neighboring states, and a federal judge has indicated that he’ll be ready to rule on Montana’s ban any day now. State attorneys could conceivably appeal that decision, but they’re unlikely to get a friendly reception from the Ninth Circuit at this point.
Nebraska and the Dakotas have pending litigation as well, but those lawsuits are still fairly new. Decisions there may not be forthcoming for several months.
In the South, there’s no marriage from Texas to Florida. Various lawsuits in those states are moving along, and the next decision may come sometime after January, when the Fifth Circuit is scheduled to hear cases in Louisiana and Texas. A marriage equality case in Mississippi, brought by the Campaign for Southern Equality and DOMA-fighting lawyer Roberta Kaplan, may join them as well.
In the Sixth Circuit, a court just upheld bans in Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, and Kentucky. That decision now heads to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could take up a case anytime over the next few months. Or the Supreme Court could decline to hear those cases altogether.
Ultimately, all of these lawsuits depend on the Justices of the Supreme Court. If they decline to wade into the marriage equality debate, equality organizers will have to turn to voters and legislators to overturn their marriage bans through good old-fashioned politics.
Openly gay US Division I college basketball player Derrick Gordon scores 17 points in first game
Openly gay US Division I college basketball player Derrick Gordon scores 17 points in first game
University of Massachusetts basketballer Derrick Gordon became the first openly gay player in the US National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 in April and he scored 17 points for his team in his first game on Friday night
andrewp
Japan high schoolers swap uniforms for 'Sex Change Day'
Japan high schoolers swap uniforms for 'Sex Change Day'
Nearly 40 per cent of all students took part
darrenw
www.gaystarnews.com/article/japan-high-schoolers-swap-uniforms-sex-change-day171114
Can You Hear the People Sing at the North Shore Music Theatre? It's as Grand and Glorious as Ever
Can You Hear the People Sing at the North Shore Music Theatre? It's as Grand and Glorious as Ever
Les Miserables was the first Broadway show that I ever saw. It was a huge deal in my life and a very defining moment in knowing that I wanted to pursue some kind of a life in the theater. The excursion was our big sixth grade field trip consisting of a day in the Big Apple and culminating with a Broadway show. The teachers bandied about the subject. “Should we take them to see Annie 2 or Les Miz?” Uh, do any of you out there remember Annie 2?! Well, there ya go. Les Miz it was!
Needless to say like every first time, the experience of walking into the Broadway Theater on 53rd street as a 12-year-old was something that I will always hold close to my heart. The last time I saw Les Miserables live on stage was just before it ended its original Broadway run. Since then only the 2012 film version is all I have to compare it to. While I found the film adaptation well done, for the most part, it did not quite capture the awe and wonder that the Broadway show instilled in me. After seeing the North Shore Music Theatre’s stellar and brilliant staging this past week, it was like discovering it for the first time.
There is something very warm and inviting and intimate about the North Shore Music Theatre. Further, lending itself to the experience that is so unique to the theater world.
VIEW OF BILL HANNEY’ S NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE IN BEVERLY, MA
As I took my seat and looked around one thought stuck in my head. How in the world could they stage this very commercial and epic musical… in the round?! And yet, it is all there, yep, barricade and all. High praise to Bert Scott for his minimal, but masterful, scenic design. The minimal aspect of the staging was a welcome addition. It made me as an audience member work a little harder and in doing so allowed me to become a part of the story and its people. Because after all, at the core of any good film, play or musical are the people.
The company of North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Paul Lyden
From the booming and haunting opening notes of Claude-Michele Schonberg’s “Look Down” (as conducted by musical director extraordinaire, Andrew Bryan) I was immediately drawn in and, dare I say it, became that 12-year-old boy again sitting in the Broadway Theater on 53rd street. Having seen the show on Broadway multiple times, I was aware of the fact that sometimes it could tend to lag. Kudos to director and choreographer Marc Robin for keeping the show fast paced without ever lapsing into what could otherwise be a laborious evening.
Then of course, there is the score itself. How many times have we heard bastardized open mic versions of “I Dreamed A Dream” or “On My Own” ( the latter of which I think has since been replaced with Wicked’s “Popular”) Of course there is the infamous, “Bring Him Home” also known as “God, It’s High” (as lovingly spoofed in Forbidden Broadway).
Will Ray as Jean Valjean in North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Paul Lyden
Not since Colm Wilkinson have I heard such powerful and poignant rendering of “Bring Him Home” as is delivered by Will Ray. The ovation he receives after his final note and raising his hands to the heavens is so well deserved. For that matter Mr. Rays entire performance as Jean Val Jean was steadfast, captivating and heartwarming. Let me sum it up in one word: Bravura.
Will Ray as Jean ValJean in North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Paul Lyden
Equally matched to Ray’s convict with a conscience is Danny Rothman as the loathsome inspector who we all love to hate, “Javert”. Good God, where was this man when they were casting the film version?! Mr. Rothman blew the roof off of the circular theater, forever ridding me of Russell Crowe’s lackluster vocals in the film which totally depleted the impact that the character has and left me wanting Javert to throw himself into the river for an entirely different reason.
Danny Rothman as Javert in North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Paul Lyden
Strapping Bari-Tenor, Steve Czarnecki is perfectly cast as the leader of the students of the ABC cafe, Enjolras. With all of the strength and sex appeal Czarnecki exudes I think he had me and half of the audience wanting to join in the revolution. I don’t think there was anyone in the audience regardless of sex who did not fall head over heels for the young leading hero, Marius played to perfection by Blake Stadnick. Simply said Mr. Stadnick has a voice from the angels. And again, to breathe new life into a song like “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” which has been done to death over the last several decades is quite a testament to Stadnick’s prowess as a truly gifted performer.
Steve Czarnecki (Enjolras) and the company of North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES . Photo by Paul Lyden
Leading Lady, Danielle Dalli, offers a much stronger characterization than is usually played as the doomed “Fantine”. For my money it was a smart and refreshing choice. As the lovable and waifish Eponine, Lizzie Klemperer delivered a strident and endearing turn. Capping off her performance with a soaring rendition of, “On My Own.” Her rival, “Cosette” (played by the lovely Siri Howard) appeared as an antique porcelain doll come to life. My only complaint was that I wish Howard had more to do but that is generally the case with any talented actress in the role of Cosette.
Daniella Dalli (Fantine) and Will Ray (Jean Valjean) in North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Paul Lyden
I would be remiss in neglecting to mention the youngsters in the show. Gavin Swartz, Carly Williams and Tess Bigelow. Each of whom held their own as budding young talents. As the Thernardier’s, Gary Troy and Tregoney Sheperd were delightfully impish without ever camping up the terrible twosome of the piece.
Tregony Shepherd (Madame Thenardier) and Gary Try (Thenardier) in North shore Music Theatre’s production of LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Paul Lyden
Theater is like the land of OZ and there is always a man behind the curtain pulling the strings. In this case there are two. The dynamic duo of Producer (and owner of the North Shore Music Theatre) Bill Hanney and its dashing Artistic director Kevin P. Hill .Mr. Hanney and Mr. Hill are clearly at the top of their game and have a keen eye for providing the partisans of the North Shore with only the very best in terms of talent and artistry from the performers, directors, lighting design and onward. Let me further commend the team for its wonderful kind of stunt casting. The stunt being real actors with real voices and real talent. A novel idea and something perhaps Broadway might consider doing with its shows again.
Mr. Bill Hanney, Producer and Owner of North Shore Music Theatre. Photo by Paul Lyden
I think the best way to sum up the experience of Les Miserables at North Shore Music Theatre appropriately harkens back to the story’s creator, Victor Hugo. As the story goes Hugo, wanting to know how his novel was doing, simply sent his publishers a piece of paper with a question mark. They responded in kind with an exclamation point.
No question mark here but just a great big exclamation point to the North Shore Music Theater, for continuing to provide theater goers with exemplary and top drawer entertainment, year round.
Danny Rothman as Javert with Huffington Post Blogger Peter Mac as Judy Garland and Will Ray as Jean Val Jean at the recent North Shore Music Theatre LGBT Popular Second Thursday Event Following the sold out performance of Les Miserables in Beverly, Massachusetts. Photo by Tess Brady.
