Measuring the risks for LGBT travelers
While a high proportion of gays and lesbians embrace travel, they may face grave risks while on the road — not only prejudice and hostility, but in many countries a danger of being arrested as criminals.
seattletimes.com/html/travel/2026036742_gaytravelerstravelwisexml.html?syndication=rss
Five LGBT Love Stories That Will Remind You Why Love Can’t Wait
As we wind down to April 28, HRC put together five LGBT love stories to remind you why love can’t wait.
HRC.org
Boy And Toy Shopping In San Francisco
Whether you’re looking for a bed stand or a one-night stand, the perfect gift or fun item to add to your personal collection, look no further than San Francisco’s Castro.
One Night Stands – Badlands
Shop at the late night meat market better known as Badlands if you’re looking to put another notch in the ‘ol bedpost. This bar is filled to the brim with European tourists, twins, and innocent out-of-towners every night. When it overflows, head across the street to its sister bar, Toad Hall.
A Beautiful Bouquet – Urban Flowers
The Looking-famous Urban Flowers Shop is filled with off-the wall varieties we guarantee you’ve never seen before as well as more than a few daddies to check out. From the classics to the oddest things you can image, a stop in this mom-and-pop flower shop is the perfect way to say whatever it is you want.
Uniquely Castro – Castro Theatre with Hot Cookie
Nothing says “Castro” like the landmark Castro Theatre, literally. It flashes a neon C-A-S-T-R-O all night. This neighborhood gathering spot has garnered international acclaim and hosts shows ranging from fabulous sing-a-longs to cult classics and box office hits. If you get a sweet tooth at the theater, swing in the shop next door, Hot Cookie, for the most scrumptious and scandalous treats in the ‘hood. You may leave with a pair of underwear or your picture in “Hot Cookie” branded underwear on the wall.
Fun In The Bedroom – Rock Hard
Rock Hard is one of several adult oriented stores on the main Castro block. Rock Hard has enough unique merchandise to keep you entertained in the store – and the bedroom – for hours on end.
Well-Fashioned Attire – Citizen and Union Made
If you’re looking for something more public such as a new wardrobe or just an accent item to spice up an outfit, find it in the storefronts of the Castro. The many boutique shops have a wide range of clothing and accessories. Stop into Citizen and Union Made for some dashing and debonair, gentlemanly inspiration.
Sexy Underwear- Body
Body sports any kind of under gear you could think of, from silk briefs to leather slings. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly. Spend some quality time perusing their shelves in search of an exciting addition to your personal collection. Or, if you prefer, check out the other guys checking out the underwear section. You may bring home more than just a fresh pair of skivvies.
The Ultimate One-Stop Shop – Cliff’s Variety
Don’t know exactly what you’re looking for or where to find a super random item such as purple Christman lights in July? Well this Castro institution is where you’ll find it. A great place for home improvement, gifts, and browsing, you’ll find everything under and over the rainbow at Cliff’s Variety.
See the full GayCities map of Castro shops, bars, and entertainment. Plus, see what’s happening every day of the week.
Gabe Cooper
feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/AmMYTrEg1zc/boy-and-toy-shopping-in-san-francisco-20150405
Indiana Backlash Fuels New Push For Statewide LGBT Protections In Pennsylvania
Indiana’s “religious freedom” law is the gift that keeps on giving.
In the latest example of how backlash over the law is fueling the push for LGBT protections in other states, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf (above right) launched a petition this week calling on lawmakers to add sexual orientation and gender identity to Pennsylvania’s nondiscrimination statutes.
Wolf announced the petition in response to a letter from four members of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus, who said of the Indiana measure:
This new law is tantamount to a resurrection of Jim Crow. It flies in the face of all the progress our nation has made on civil rights issues. Although any group can be victimized by this new statute, we know that the catalyst for it was the expansion of gay rights in recent years. Thus, as members of the LGBT Equality Caucus, we feel we have heightened standing to raise this issue.
If this law stands in Indiana, it is likely to metastasize to other states fairly quickly. Just yesterday the Arkansas legislature passed a similar bill. Governor, we urge you to stand with the people of Indiana and the nation in making it clear that this sort of law is unacceptable.
Here in Pennsylvania, while we do not have the sort of aggressive endorsement of discrimination that the Indiana law represents, we still do not have a statewide anti-discrimination law that covers members of the LGBT community. While many of our municipalities have passed their own anti-discrimination ordinances, many of our citizens still have no legal protection against the sort of bigotry that results in people being denied service by private companies. We urge you to redouble your efforts to work with the legislature to pass a bill that you have already said you will sign.
Wolf wrote in an email announcing the petition:
I simply don’t understand what the Governor of Indiana was thinking when he signed a bill that allows discrimination against people based on who they love.
It’s not only wrong on a human level, but also ill-advised for attracting businesses and creating jobs in today’s global economy. …
Without a non-discrimination law, LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families can be fired, denied a mortgage, or refused service at a hotel, library, or even a hospital.
That’s not welcoming, and that’s not right. Make a stand for fairness and equality here in Pennsylvania — sign the petition and tell the legislature to pass a non-discrimination law.
Sign Wolf’s petition by going here.
John Wright
10 Celebrity Icons of HIV Activism
Many celebs have raised awareness of HIV, but few are recognized for it.
Tyler Curry
www.advocate.com/health/hiv-aids/2015/04/05/10-celebrity-icons-hiv-activism
PHOTOS: 18 Times Jesus Was The Savior Of Sexiness
In honor of Easter Sunday, let’s celebrate the most famous carpenter in history by remembering all the times he gave the world wood. From artwork to film portrayals and all the in-between, here are 18 times Jesus Christ was the savior of sexiness.
That time he hulked off of that cross and beat the crap out of Pontius Pilate with his bare hands
That time he wore his heart on his pecs
That time he was a pin-up (though “nail-up” is perhaps more appropriate)
That time he was Tim Tebow
That time he dated Madonna
That time he got all tatted up
That time he was a work of classic Renaissance art
That time he was this guy
And this guy
And especially this guy
That time he was Christian Bale
That time he was killed by Bill O’Reilly and the National Geographic Channel
That time he was JCVD
That time he was Photoshopped onto Captain America’s body
That time he was a model
That other time he was a model
That time he was hotter than Jim Caviezel
That time he scandalized the church
And just because, more of this guy
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Goddamn
Les Fabian Brathwaite
Kenney backers' poll finds a tight race with Williams
A poll conducted last week for a group supporting Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney shows him in a statistical dead heat with one of his five rivals, State Sen. Anthony H. Williams.
www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/mayor/20150405_A_tight_battle_in_survey.html
Cloud hangs over NCAA tournament
Security is tight, as thousands of college basketball fans are in Indy this weekend for the NCAA men’s Final Four. Though, the tournament is still clouded by controversy surround the religious freedom law. Saturday morning, hundreds of LGBT protestors gathered outside near the games. Including the first openly gay NBA player, Jason Collins.
www.fox28.com/story/28723088/2015/04/04/cloud-hangs-over-ncaa-tournament
Inaugural poet Richard Blanco visits Montgomery County Community College, speaks at presidential symposium
Whitpain Poetry should take us someplace we have never been, acclaimed poet Richard Blanco said to a group of poetry students during a special luncheon at Montgomery County Community College March 26.
www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2015/04/05/ambler_gazette/news/doc551ec4b28a734433642801.txt
Honey Maid Final Four Commercial: Amid Memories Pizza Controversy, Gay Couple Spot Vows ‘We Serve Everyone’
The semifinals of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament kicked off in Indianapolis on Saturday night, and hoops fans watching on TV received a ripped-from-the-headlines social message from one of its corporate sponsors. Honey Maid, the graham cracker brand owned by Kraft Foods, aired a heartwarming commercial from its long-running “This Is Wholesome” campaign, which aims to promote …
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