Category Archives: NEWS

50 Shades Of Gay Grey: The Ultimate Guide To The Man-Loving Silver Fox

50 Shades Of Gay Grey: The Ultimate Guide To The Man-Loving Silver Fox

50Shades

With the opening of the highly anticipated, debated, snarked at, and side-eyed 50 Shades of Grey this weekend, we thought rather than read passages from the book (which we’ve covered before), discuss the movie’s disastrous press tour, its reviews, or even what the film and book may have cribbed (if anything) from gay BDSM culture, we would take this opportunity to draw your attention to a different kind of grey: that is grey hair on gay men

We pulled together a list of 50 gay men who make grey look good. Young and old, covering a diverse range of backgrounds and professions, these fellas rock all shades of grey. Whether it’s just the whiskers, a dash of salt and pepper or full on silver fox, these men show the true diversity not to mention growing popularity of grey hair. Some have embraced going prematurely grey and others have gone grey well before they might ever do so naturally to make a style statement.

Get ready to fall crazy in love with these gay men sporting grey, AFTER THE JUMP

1. Armistead Maupin, Author – Literary Grey

Armistead

One of our favorite authors who has regaled us for years with Tales of the City proves that grey is not only literary but also soulful.

(Photo via Babelio)

 

2. Anderson Cooper, Journalist – “Keeping Them Honest” Grey

The ultimate silver fox, Anderson Cooper delivers hard-hitting news from far flung corners of the earth all while showing off his taut physique in a usually tight tee.

Anderson

A grateful nation thanks you, Anderson.

Cooperguns

 

3. Murray Bartlett, Actor – Looking for Beefcake Grey

6a00d8341c730253ef01bb07d71613970d-800wi

Salt and pepper hair? Check. Pornstache? Check. Salt and pepper chest hair? Double check. Swoon. So much swoon. 

(instagram image luke austin-paglialonga)

 

4. Adam Lambert, Rock Star – Glam Grey

Adam

Never one to shy away from a bold look, Adam Lambert proves that grey isn’t just for the daddies. 

 

5. Mo Rocca, Humorist, Journalist, Actor – Politically Irreverent Grey

MoRocca

Grey doesn’t have to be stodgy and serious. Just ask Mo Rocca.

(Photo credit: Broadway World

 

6. Tim Gunn, Fashion Sherpa – Fashion Forward Grey

Timgunn

Whether it’s his charcoal grey suits or his signature grey locks, Gunn shows us all that grey is most definitely always on trend.

(Photo via The Hollywood Reporter)

 

7. Greg Louganis, Gold Medal Winning Olympic Diver – Olympic Grey

Greg

Who cares about gold when grey looks this good?

(Photo via OUT)

 

8. Colton Ford, Singer, Actor, Former Adult Film Star – Pinup Grey

ColtonFord

He may have left his adult film ways behind him, but Ford is still every bit the pin-up. If Colton doesn’t make you want to embrace the grey we don’t know what will. Woof.

 

9. Tim Cook, CEO @ Apple – iGrey

Timcook

Cook’s shade of grey is not quite “Space Grey.”

(Photo via Instagram / DailyMail)

 

10. Pedro Almodóvar, Filmmaker – Todo Sobre Grey

PedroAlmodovar

Because grey is sometimes on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

(Photo via Politikis)

 

11. Alan Cumming, Actor – Swings Both Ways Grey

AlanCumming

Life is a cabaret when you’re grey.

(Photo by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair)

 

12. David Currie, Detective of the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office – Grey in Love

Love2

Love

Currie swept us off our feet with his too cute pictures of him and hubby Aeron Woodard on their wedding day, the first day same-sex marriage became legal in Florida.

(Photos via Barbara C. Dwarte and Chicago Tribune

 

13. Aiden Shaw, Author, Musician, Model, Former Adult Film Star – Hyphenated and Hunky Grey

Aidenshaw

Musician-model-adult-film-star-author Shaw is the second former adult film actor on our list who seems to get better with age.

(Photo via girlxinwen)

 

14. Andy Cohen, Talk Show Host, Author – Watch What Happens Grey 

Cohen

Bravo for showing salt and pepper can be a man’s best friend.

(Photo via Instagram)

 

15. Tyler Oakley, YouTube Star – Viral Grey

Tyleroakley2

Proof that a touch of grey can get you millions of followers.

 

16. Marc Jacobs, Designer – Ready to Wear Grey

MJ

Because a touch of grey is sometimes fashionable.

 

17. John Amaechi, Former NBA Player – NBA Grey

Amaechi

A little grey goes a long way.

(Photo via Amaechi Performance)

 

18. Barney Frank, Former Congressman (D-MA) – Trailblazing Grey

Frank

Grey says what it wants when it wants to.

(Photo via Coffey Photo)

 

19. Nick Denton, Journalist, Entrepreneur, Founder of Gawker Media – Gawker Grey

Denton

Denton knows that grey means business. 

(Photo credit: Playboy / Marius Bugge)

 

20. Tyler Glenn, Rockstar – Neon Grey

Tylerglenn

There’s a fine line between bleach blond and grey as it turns out, one Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn jumps on either side of from time to time. Though he leans a little more bleach than greige, his locks are just silvery (and stunning) enough to make our list.

(Photo via ELLE)

 

21. Mark Takano, U.S. Congressman (D-CA) – Capitol Grey

Mark

Openly grey from California.

(Photo via lasplash)

 

22. David Mixner, Activist, Author – Oh Hell No! Grey

 Mixner

There is no grey area when it comes to full equality, however.

 

23. Dan Savage, Activist, Author, Journalist – “It Gets Better” Grey

Savage

Because sometimes grey is nice when it’s a little bit stranger.

 

24. Tom Bianchi, Nude Photographer – Naked Grey

Tom

An appreciation of the male form is a key ingredient in this shade of grey. Check out his work HERE

 

25. Richard Buckley, Editor – Tom Ford Grey

Buckley

Note: piercing blue eyes plus a silver mane makes for a striking combination (see also: Anderson Cooper)

 

26. George Michael, Singer – Faith Grey 

Georgemichael

With that salt and pepper hair, we’d let Michael be our father figure. 

 

27.George Takei, Actor, Activist – Intergalactic Grey

Takei

Remember, it’s ok to be grey. Even if it’s just around the edges. 

 

28. Victor Garber, Actor – Sophisticated Grey

Garber

He really is the personification of classic. Whether in a period piece or as a shadowy spy, he leaves us wanting more.

 

29. Dan Mathews, Senior Vice President, PETA – Animal-Friendly Grey

Dan-Matthews

We’d rather he go naked. That’s how the PETA slogan goes right?

(Photo via Polari Magazine)

 

30. Sir Ian McKellen, Actor – Gandalf the Grey

Ian-McKellen

All that needs to be said is that there is nothing to be said. Bow down. 

(Photo via Blastr)

 

31. Sir Derek Jacobi, Actor – Vicious Grey

Derek2

We can’t mention Sir Ian without his Vicious partner-in-crime.

 

32. Tim Gill, Computer Software Entrepreneur, LGBT Rights Activist- Silicon Grey

TimGill

Tech-savvy and activist-oriented. What can’t grey do for you?

(Photo via Bloomberg)

 

33. Jim McGreevey, Seminarian, Former Governor of New Jersey – Gay American Grey

McGreevey

Because sometimes grey comes out whether you’re ready for it or not.

 

34. John Waters, Director, Screenwriter, Actor, Comedian, Journalist, Visual artist, Art collector – Renaissance Grey

Waters

Often grey is trashy. In this case, divine.

 

35. Francisco Costa, Designer, Women’s Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection – Minimalist Grey

Costa

Nothing comes between Costa and his grey. Nothing.

(Photo via The New York Times)

 

36. Klaus Wowereit, Politician, Former Mayor of Berlin – Ich Bin Ein Grey

Klaus Wowereit

German daddy bear.

(Photo via SDGLN)

 

37. Rupert Everett, Actor, Writer – ‘Don’t Come Out’ Grey

Rupert

Once worried that grey might ruin his acting career.

(Photo via ATRL)

 

38. Karl Lagerfeld, Designer – Uncle Grey

Karl

Grey is the new everything.

(Photo via Pret-A-Porter)

 

39. Bret Easton Ellis, Writer – Neo Noir Grey

Ellis

Less than zero color.

(Photo via Jamie Lee Curtis Taete for Vice)

 

40. Jim Ferlo, Pennsylvania State Senator – Keystone Grey

Ferlo

Fighting to make hate crimes against LGBT people illegal in the Quaker State. Thank you, Senator.

 

41. André Leon Talley – In Vogue Grey

Andre

Your eyes won’t be starving for beauty when Talley and his grey coif enter a room.

(Photo: The Coveteur/Trunk Archive)

 

42. Leslie Jordan, Actor, Playwright – Pink Carpet Grey

6a00d8341c730253ef019b023e2ef9970d-800wi

Well, well, well. If it isn’t Beverly Leslie.

 

43. Pat Patterson, Former Professional Wrestler –  Ready to Rumble Grey

Patterson

Grey will lay the smackdown on you if you’re not careful. 

(Photo via Instinct)

 

44. Terrence McNally, Playwright – Stage Grey

McNally

Still got the grey.

(Photo via The New York Times)

 

45. Larry Kramer, Writer, Activist – Survivor Grey

Kramer

Grey ACTS UP.

(Photo via Esquire)

 

46. David Hockney, Painter – Artistic Grey

Hockney

Pop art is so grey.

(Photo via The Guardian)

 

47. Ryan Murphy, Writer, Producer, Director – Power Grey

Murphy

Grey is a triple threat.

(Photo via iDominick/Wikimedia Commons)

 

48. Jim Kolbe, Former Congressman (R-AZ) – Republican Grey

Kolbe

You can find grey on either side of the aisle.

(Photo via AP)

 

49. Joel Grey, Actor – It’s Never Too Late To Come Out As Grey

Joelgrey

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome, grey!

(Photo via Twitter)

 

50. Lee Daniels – Precious Grey

Daniels

Grey has an empire.

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)


Sean Mandell

www.towleroad.com/2015/02/50shadesofgaygrey.html

Towleroad Reader Travel Survey: Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Towleroad Reader Travel Survey: Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Miamibeach

Are you someone who knows MIAMI or FORT LAUDERDALE either as a local or because you’ve visited recently or do so frequently? Please HELP US OUT.

Two weeks ago, we published a general travel survey. Thanks to all of you who filled it out. It was incredibly helpful in letting us know about what kinds of articles you would like to read, and also the places you are interested in.

We promised then that we would be following up with some surveys on specific destinations. Our first two are Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

We’re hoping we can get to know what you love about these places and pass it along in future posts.

So please, tell us all about it by taking the surveys below, and thanks in advance!

MIAMI survey HERE.

FORT LAUDERDALE survey HERE.


Andy Towle

www.towleroad.com/2015/02/towleroad-reader-travel-survey-miami-and-fort-lauderdale.html

Psychic Snow, Coming-Of-Consciousness Queer Party, To Hit Brooklyn Tonight

Psychic Snow, Coming-Of-Consciousness Queer Party, To Hit Brooklyn Tonight
It’s that time of the year again. Tonight one of our favorite queer parties will return to transport us away from the icy terrain of New York City to a higher spiritual plane: Psychic Snow.

What initially started as a one-off party event has turned into a Brooklyn queer art and performance institution for promoters David Sokolowski and Paul Leopold. The seasonal Psychic party series has evolved into a unique fusion of art, performance, music and spiritual/physical release for queers to come together four times a year in a new practice in queer community culture.

For tonight’s Psychic Snow, Sokolowski and Leopold are bringing in Mark Dommu of The Culture Whore in order to add further nuance to the visual, performance and installation art aspects of the Psychic party series.

psychic2

“Psychic parties are visceral adventures into the power of community,” Leopold told The Huffington Post. “The warmth we create when we gather close together on a winter’s night fuels the spiritual fire that inspires our dreams. Party goers can expect a symphony of house music, tarot readers, masseurs, video projections and a theatrical ritual that will shower the audience in love.”

In conjunction with further emphasis on the visual aspects of the Psychic Snow party, organizers plan on sending attendees into sensory overload with on-site masseurs and tarot card reading. At a time of year where life in the metropolis can feel bleak, trying and depressing, the importance of healing, community-focused events such as the Psychic party series cannot be overremphasized.

“It’s hard not to feel bleak this time of year, it’s part of the cycle — these are the dead months,” Dommu elaborated. “Thankfully, we have all these living, breathing, beautiful queers who love to come together and create these temporary sacred spaces where we can be together, warm our bodies and hearts, and dance until Spring comes.”

psychic3

The Psychic party series just completed it’s first full cycle, having successfully sold out 2014’s Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall installations — an impressive feat in an industry where nightlife events can have a short lifespan.

“Since 2013, Psychic has been used as a platform for varying queer art and party scenes to converge, with a strong focus on music,” Sokolowski told The Huffington Post. “In part, the success of Psychic is owed to accommodating our crowd’s wide-range of music preference, while pushing their boundaries at the same time; we generally start with a light, poppy vibe, go into a fun, bassy, bounce scenario, then deeper into an eclectic blend of music from movements spanning decades from across the US.”

In this age of gay marriage where mainstream understandings of queerness are increasingly normalized, parties like the Psychic series serve a valuable purpose: they not only create a safe space for identity exploration and expression, but they also preserve those parts of our queerness that, historically, the world at large tries to erase. We hope the Psychic series continues to evolve and extend it’s influence as a source of cultural production and experiment in queer community culture throughout 2015.

Psychic Snow will take place at 1332 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. Head here for tickets and more information and check out the slideshow below of previous Psychic parties.

www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/14/psychic-winter-2015_n_6681406.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices

Alabama Supreme Court to Consider Liberty Counsel's Petition to Stop Issuance of Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

Alabama Supreme Court to Consider Liberty Counsel's Petition to Stop Issuance of Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

In a 6-2 decision late Friday, Alabama Supreme Court agreed to consider the Liberty Counsel’s petition seeking an end to same-sex marriage licenses being issued by state probate judges. 

Liberty Counsel is currently representing eight Alabama counties refusing to issue marriage license to same-sex couples, despite U.S. District Judge Callie Granade’s order Thursday signaling that probate judges are to follow her ruling overturning the state’s ban on gay marriage.

AL.com reports

CourtChief Justice Roy Moore, who has been the most outspoken in advising probate judges not to issue same-sex licenses, was the only justice not listed as taking part in Friday’s decision.

Also Friday, lawyers representing Equality Alabama, a group that supports same-sex marriage, filed a “friend-of-the-court” brief urging the Alabama Supreme Court to dismiss the petition. […]

“This request before the Alabama Supreme Court is nothing but an attempt at delaying the happiness that all families deserve – a last-ditch, failing effort to stand in the way of the love we’ve seen in this historic week,” Equality Alabama chairman Ben Cooper said in a prepared statement. “The petition should be dismissed, and all probate judges in every corner of the state should follow the law.”

The court’s order stated the briefs by probate judges, due February 18, should address issues raised by the petition, including whether the state Supreme Court even has jurisdiction to hear the petition.


Kyler Geoffroy

www.towleroad.com/2015/02/alabama-supreme-court-to-consider-liberty-counsels-petition-to-stop-issuance-of-same-sex-marriage-li.html

United Methodist Church Makes Small Step Toward Accepting Same Sex Marriage

United Methodist Church Makes Small Step Toward Accepting Same Sex Marriage
The United Methodist Church is taking a small step towards becoming a more welcoming place for LGBT people.

The Connectional Table, a global church body tasked with articulating a vision for the UMC, has supported a proposal that would make sure clergy members aren’t defrocked for officiating same-sex weddings or coming out as gay.

According to United Methodist News, the affirmation taken on Tuesday wasn’t a formal vote. The legislation will be need to be finalized when the Connectional Table meets in May and then approved by the 2016 meeting of the General Conference, the highest lawmaking assembly in the church.

While on the one hand removing punishments for clergy who are supportive of LGBT rights, the proposal also reaffirmed the UMC’s doctrine on homosexuality. The text notes that the church “historically has not condoned the practice of homosexuality and has considered the practice incompatible with Christian teaching.” It also says that the UMC should still be banned from using church funds “to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.”

Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, a Connectional Table member, said the draft proposal highlighted a “third way” for the church to come to an agreement about homosexuality.

“We’ve tried to allow some exercise of conscience, to allow for varying beliefs, to allow for varying practices within different contexts,” she said, “and to open a space for grace where people can live together in unity with their different beliefs.”

With more than seven million members in the United States alone, the UMC has been struggling in recent years to come to an agreement about how to minister to LGBT people. UMC clergy members in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York have recently come under fire for officiating at same-sex weddings. In January, the UMC decided not to put a retired bishop on trial for blessing a same-sex union in Birmingham, Alabama.

Methodist minister Rev. Frank Schaefer was defrocked in 2013 for officiating at his son’s wedding. Although he was reinstated in the fall of 2014, he still believes the church has a long way to go in terms of welcoming LGBT people.

Schaefer told The Huffington Post that the Connectional Table’s proposal has the potential to be adopted at the General Conference in 2016. But he couldn’t agree with the idea of a “third way” proposal, since he says it wouldn’t remove “harmful and discriminatory language” that teaches that homosexuality is a sin.

“It was the harmful language… that led my gay son to believe that he is a freak and that there was no place in the church (and in heaven) for him. And since faith was important to him, it thrust him into a spiritual crisis that almost caused him to take his own life. My son is not an exception,” he said. “There are thousands of LGBTQ teens and adults in the United Methodist Church who are being harmed-spiritually abused-in this way even today. We are past the time to compromise.”

www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/14/united-methodist-church-gay-marriage_n_6680290.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices

Ten Great Gay Love Songs To Crack The Toughest Cynic

Ten Great Gay Love Songs To Crack The Toughest Cynic

What better time to celebrate these ten glorious gay love songs than Valentine’s day? And if you’re feeling a little scorned by love these days, don’t worry, they don’t all have happy endings.

Rufus Wainwright – “The Art Teacher”

“He asked us what our favorite work of art was / Never could I tell him it was him.” OK, you got us with that one. This song is technically sung from the perspective of a woman, but Rufus makes it plenty gay. And we love it.

Matt Alber – “Handsome Man”

A handsome man who also brings you coffee, OJ, a cinnamon bun and and almond croissant?! Too much. Where do we sign up?

Sufjan Stevens – “The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!”

Though not explicitly a gay love song, this tune will tug at your nostalgic heart strings with lyrics like “Oh how I meant to tease him / Oh how I meant no harm / Touching his back with my hand I kiss him…I can’t explain the state that I’m in / The state of my heart, he was my best friend / Into the car, from the back seat / Oh admiration in falling asleep.”

Hercules and Love Affair ft. John Grant – “I Try To Talk To You”

Sometimes love is best expressed in interpretive dance.

Sam Smith – “Nirvana”

Sam has spoken publicly about the fact that his Grammy Award-winning album In The Lonely Hour was written post-breakup. But his track “Nirvana” captures some of the good times in spite of impending heartbreak.

Cosmo Jarvis – “Gay Pirates”

Life as a pirate isn’t easy. Life as a gay pirate is even tougher.

R.E.M. – “Be Mine”

If anyone ever wrote us a song like this, it’d be checkmate in one move.

Broken Social Scene – “I’m Still Your Fag”

Here’s a goth-meets-jock love story that is just chock full of tenderness.

Mashrou’ Leila – “Shim El Yasmine”

Out Lebanese singer Hamed Sinno fronts Mashrou’ Leila, and on this track, sings about a past lover he wanted to introduce to his parents. Even without being able to understand the lyrics, it’s a hauntingly beautiful tune.

Indigo Girls – “Power of Two”

The pronouns may be neutral in “Power of Two,” but it’s understood that the song is written about two women. Regardless, it’s a love song worthy of everyone.

Dan Tracer

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/3GdYV934Hrg/ten-great-gay-love-songs-to-crack-the-toughest-cynic-20150214

Both Sides Claim Victory In Trial Over Houston LGBT Protections: VIDEO

Both Sides Claim Victory In Trial Over Houston LGBT Protections: VIDEO

HERO

Both sides are claiming victory after the jury reached a mixed verdict Friday in the trial over a petition to repeal Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance. 

But we won’t know which side is right until the judge issues a final ruling about how many valid signatures are on the petition. And even then, the decision is likely to be appealed. 

The Houston Chronicle reports: 

The ruling is not final, and a judge will now consider the jury’s findings about the work of more than 100 circulators of the petition that the city rejected last summer, citing overwhelming notary and signature-gatherer errors.

District Judge Robert Schaffer was not present for Friday’s ruling after nearly six days of jury deliberation. Attorneys on both sides said he will now begin counting which signatures are valid to see if opponents have reached the needed 17,269-signature threshold. Schaffer retains wide legal discretion in what he deems valid.

The jury’s ruling Friday will trigger a series of legal dominoes that, eventually, will yield a definitive answer: The judge will count the signatures, issue a decision on whether the petition is valid and then the case will almost certainly go to the appellate courts

Jurors determined there was widespread forgery on petition pages they reviewed, but no fraud. They also found that in many cases circulators failed to properly sign and subscribe petition pages.  

Geoffrey Harrison, the lead attorney for the city, told the Chronicle that supporters of the Equal Rights Ordinance should “be thrilled and dancing in their kitchen” about the verdict. Mayor Annise Parker, who authored the ordinance, issued this statement:  

Parker“I am very pleased with the jury’s verdict, and I expect the court will apply the law to the verdict and issue a final judgment confirming that the petition failed.  The City of Houston has had in place for over 100 years the same rules and legal requirements governing the referendum process to ensure fairness and avoid fraud, and the jury’s verdict confirms that the petitions did not meet the legal requirements. The plaintiffs are expected to appeal any outcome that is not in their favor.  That would be unfortunate for the City.  I believe that the majority of Houston wants this divisive fight to be over so that we are able to provide equal rights protections for all of our residents. The City is confident it will prevail.”

But opponents of the ordinance were also claiming victory. Plaintiff Jared Woodfill, the former chair of the local GOP, sent out a press release under the headline, “Favorable Jury Verdict Should Result in Victory for Voters and Religious Liberty!”

Woodfill“Great news…the jury returned a verdict that should allow the people to vote on Mayor Parker’s Unequal Rights Ordinance,” Woodfill wrote. “Judge Robert Schaffer will now apply the ruling to the almost 55,000 individuals who signed the petition. I am confident he will conclude we had the requisite 17,269 signatures necessary for the people to vote on this issue.”

The Texas Pastor Council, the anti-LGBT group that led the petition drive, also said it’s confident the judge will determine there are enough valid signatures: 

The coalition of pastors and community leaders behind the historic referendum effort to repeal Mayor Annise Parker’s pro-LGBT so-called “Equal Rights Ordinance” and the corresponding lawsuit after Parker and her legal team invalidated the petitions, responded with faith, confidence and optimism to today’s jury verdict that was nearly a fifty/fifty split on questions they considered.

“The Mayor’s lawyers went to extraordinary lengths to discredit, demean, denigrate and disqualify as many petitions and signatures as possible. Thankfully, in spite of an incredible amount of detail presented and even oft repeated by the city’s attack team, our God has again raised His standard of justice,” stated Dr. F.N. Williams, lead plaintiff for the pastors of the No UNequal Rights Coalition and Senior Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church as well as President of Houston Ministers Against Crime. …

“We are thankful that the God of justice stood with this David again against the Goliath of the machinery of city government in the hands of those like Annise Parker intent on serving her personal agenda even at the cost of voting rights of the people,” added Pastor Hernan Castano, an influential Hispanic pastor and network leader as well as one of the “Houston Five” subpoenaed by the Mayor.

Watch a report from KTRK-TV, AFTER THE JUMP … 


John Wright

www.towleroad.com/2015/02/both-sides-claim-victory-in-trial-over-houston-equal-rights-ordinance.html

So That Happened: Obama Asks Congress If It's Okay That He Started Fighting ISIS

So That Happened: Obama Asks Congress If It's Okay That He Started Fighting ISIS
So, that happened: This week, America’s ongoing battle with the Islamic State reached a new stage, specifically that stage where the president finally gets around to asking Congress if it’s okay with them that he started a war six months ago. HuffPost’s Jen Bendery joins us to give us the skinny on the latest edition of warmaking as a legislative farce.

Listen to this week’s “So, That Happened” below:

Are you a regular “So, That Happened” listener? Let us know! Tell us what you think of the show, what we’re messing up and who we need to hear more from. Send us an electronic communication at [email protected].

* * *

Some highlights from this week:

“Congress is in this place where, as one senator told me this week, they like to beat their chests and say ‘We’re the ones who control war authorization. It’s the constitutional right of Congress to do this. We’re the ones. We have the power. But … we don’t really want to do it. So, Obama did this. This is Obama’s war.'” — Jen Bendery

Meanwhile, closer to home, we have governors behaving badly: Sam Brownback of Kansas wants gays to experience workplace discrimination. Wisconsin’s Scott Walker isn’t sure he has the guts to talk about middle school science. And have you heard about all the nonsense that just brought about the resignation of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber? We run down the nonsense.

“It’s been a weird uptick this week in governors kind of cold f*cking up left and right. Right?” — Jason Linkins

Finally, famous media people are leaving their famous media jobs. But did they jump, or were they pushed?

“Brian Williams — and this is true for most news celebrities — he’s only kind of famous. The only people who know who he is are old. He is on the “Nightly News.” Nobody watches that except for people over 65, so he’s not even a real celebrity.” — Zach Carter

* * *

We’re very happy to let you know that “So, That Happened” is available on iTunes. We’ve been working to create an eclectic and informative panel show that’s constantly evolving, a show that’s as in touch with the top stories of the week as it is with important stories that go underreported. We’ll be here on a weekly basis, bringing you the goods.

Never miss an episode: Subscribe to “So, That Happened” on iTunes, and if you like what you hear, please leave a review. We also encourage you to check out other HuffPost podcasts: HuffPost Comedy’s “Too Long; Didn’t Listen,” HuffPost Politics’ “Drinking & Talking,” HuffPost Live’s “Fine Print,” the HuffPost Weird News podcast and the HuffPost Entertainment podcast.

This podcast was edited by Ibrahim Balkhy and engineered by Brad Shannon, with assistance from Christine Conetta, Chris Gentilviso and Adriana Usero.

Have a story you’d like to hear discussed on “So, That Happened”? Email us at your convenience!

www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/13/so-that-happened-obama-isis_n_6670820.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices