Favorite Moments of 2014: NOM Funding Nosedives

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, the 2013 tax filings for National Organization for Marriage (NOM) show that the anti-LGBT group is in serious debt.
HRC.org

www.hrc.org/blog/entry/favorite-moments-of-2014-nom-funding-nosedives?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Cher Is Hawking Holiday Gear On Her Website… And It’s Kind Of Amazing

Let’s face it, our lady Cher will do anything for a buck. Over the years she’s hawked perfume, Lori Davis Hair products, Aquasentials skin care products, Equal Zero-Calorie Sweetener, exercise videos and, oh yeah, movies and albums, too. Her latest business endeavor: holiday-themed merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, ornaments, and coffee mugs, all featuring the dance diva and available for sale on her website.

But before we get into all that, let’s take a quick walk down memory lane and look at some of Cher’s past efforts as a saleswoman…

In the ’80s, she did a series of commercials for a health club in Chicago:

This prompted her to launch a series of exercise videos called CherFitness: Body Confidence:

As well as write a book called Cher: Forever Fit that featured 342-pages of low-fat recipes and exercise regimes for people hoping to lose weight:

In 1994, she put $2 million of her own money into releasing a mail-order catalog called Sanctuary which featured affordable gothic-style home furnishings, including shaggy throw pillows, beaded wall sconces, incense holders, and a statues of reclining Egyptian goddesses:

Then there was that Medic Alert bracelet campaign she did:

Now, she’s released an official “Cher Holiday Collection.” Let’s take a look at the latest line of winter-themed products currently available at her online store:

Keep warm in this adorable sweatshirt featuring Cher plopped on top of a candy cane cane for just $55.

$15 will buy you this Christmas ornament depicting the face of Cher. Look closely and you’ll see the weird chain thing covering her face is actually rainbow colored, which means this is could double as a Gay pride ornament, if you want.

This “Merry Christmas Baseball Tee” features Cher in a long red gown and green cardigan with a Santa hat on her head and would make an excellent last minute gift for a co-worker, presumably one who you don’t like. $35.

Need a stocking stuffer? Cher’s got you covered. This attractive Mrs. Claus-themed white coffee mug is just $20.

Mom would look fabulous in this long-sleeve T featuring a picture of Cher posing in front of an enormous red snowflake, don’t you think? $35.

Okay, so this one is actually kinda cool. It’s an ugly holiday sweatshirt with Cher’s name on it that is, like the diva herself, timeless. Seriously, we may have to order one of these. Assuming they don’t sell out before we get a chance to. $55.

Related stories:

Happy Birthday, Cher! 68 And More Bad Ass Than Ever

Cher Under Fire From Conservatives For Calling Sarah Palin A Dumb C*nt

Four Incredible Videos From Cher’s “Dressed To Kill” Tour Opening Night

Graham Gremore is a columnist and contributor for Queerty and Life of the Law. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Graham Gremore

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Jewish Acappella Boys Celebrates Hanukkah With Cute 'Shake It Off' Parody: VIDEO

Anthony Costello

www.towleroad.com/2014/12/jewish-acappella-group-celebrates-hanukkah-with-cute-shake-it-off-parody.html

Will The Obama Administration Challenge Cuba To Treat LGBTs Equally?

So after half a century of Cold War posturing by both countries, the U.S. and Cuba have decided to get over themselves and normalize relations between the two countries. For most Americans, this amounts to an anti-climax; even young Cuban-Americans think the embargo against Cuba should be lifted. After all, if we can have diplomatic relations with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, why not Cuba?

But the Putin example raises an interesting question for the Obama Administration. Cuba is nowhere near as harsh as Russia in its treatment of LGBT citizens. But Cuba has a horrible record on human rights, and that includes its treatment of gay people. After all, this is the country that quarantined HIV-positive people during the height of the AIDS epidemic and cracked down so hard on the gay population in the 1960s and 1970s that Fidel Castro admitted (in 2010) that it was “a great injustice.”  You can complain about America’s history of LGBT oppression, but Cuba’s has been far worse.

Things are better than they were, but Cuba is hardly a lavender paradise. There is no independent LGBT rights movement. Instead, the only legal entity representing the community’s interests is led by Mariela Castro, a straight woman who is Fidel’s niece and the daughter of the current president, Raul Castro. And Mariela hardly has a track record of embracing a diversity of opinion. In essence, the state is the LGBT movement.

There are no pride parades in Cuba. The only official event is the International Day Against Homophobia. Harassment of gay men by authorities is still common, particularly if they are considered dissidents. Beatings by police — even fatal beatings — are not unheard of. The strong vein of homophobia that pre-dates the Revolution and that owes a lot to Catholic condemnation may not be as prominent as it once was but it is still very much present.

Now that the U.S. is talking to Cuba, will the Obama Administration be willing to raise these issues as part of the conversation? The Administration had a few moment of forcefulness at the height of the Olympic Games homophobia. But when the spotlight faded, so did the rhetoric.

The U.S. and Cuba have a lot of things to discuss, and in all fairness, LGBT issues aren’t going to be at the top of the list. But the question will be, where are they on the list? Or are they on the list at all? It’s worth keeping on eye on the developing relationship to see just how much the Administration thinks our community in Cuba really matters.

JohnGallagher

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14 Sexy Gifts for Your Slutty Friends

You know you want it. So does s/he!

read more

Diane Anderson-Minshall

www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/holiday-gifts-everyone/2014/12/20/14-sexy-gifts-your-slutty-friends

As Not Seen On TV: Holiday-Themed Bedroom Accessories You’re Missing Out On

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the joy than by giving your loved one a holiday-themed sexy toy. Lucky for him (and you!), there are no shortage of them out there. From peppermint flavored lube to dildos shaped like candy canes, you could stuff any stocking with x-rated trimmings.

Here are some holiday-themed bedroom accessories guaranteed to keep your season merry and bright.

Candy Cane Flavored Lube

Not only does this lube come in an adorable teddybear-shaped bottle and will make your man taste like peppermint, but it’s packed with all sorts of vitamins and minerals, including A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, plus folic acid and amino acids.

The X-Mas Tuggie

Measuring 8.5-inches long and 2-inches wide, with a generous sized pouch for your nuts, the X-Mas Tuggie looks just like a candy cane. An adjustable drawstring at the base ensures a secure fit that will keep you cuddly and warm no matter how low the temperature dips.

Frosty the Snowman Crop

Embrace your inner abominable snowman and spank your lover senseless with this sexy Frosty crop.

Chocolate Santa Surprise

Okay, okay. So this one isn’t a sex toy, per se, but we couldn’t resist including it on the list. It may look like just another chocolate Santa Claus until you peel back the foil wrapping. Just think of the possibilities.

Present Boxer Briefs

Show off your package in these sexy low-rise boxer briefs made from green soft stretch velvet and topped with a festive red bow.

Candy Cane Undies

Or maybe candy canes are more your style. If so, you’re in luck! They make those, too.

Santa Vibe

Every wonder what it feels like to ride on Santa’s “sleigh”? Here’s your chance to can find out.

Peppermint Peckers

Keep your breath fresh between love sessions with these penis-shaped breath mints.

Candy Cane “Pleasure Wand”

11-inches in length and 1-inch in diameter, this glass “pleasure wand” is curved and striped to look like a candy cane. (For safety reasons, the manufacturer recommends you clean and inspect all of your glass pleasure wands before and after each use. And never use a damaged glass wand.)

Merry Memories Holiday Massage Candle Trio

At long last, someone has found a way to combine our two favorite things into one: sex and cookies. These arousing massage candles come in three holiday scents: Candy Cane, Harvest Moon, and delicious Sugar Cookie.

Astroglide’s Warming Liquid

Less holiday and more winter-themed, Astroglide’s Warming Liquid is perfect for fellas who like it hot. One dollop to your most sensitive spots will ignite your loins and keep the heat cranked up. It’s perfect to have in hand for a cool, wintery night.

Related stories:

12 Insanely Tacky Gay Decorations To Make Your Christmas More Mary

PHOTOS: Celebrate Christmas Early With These Packages Worth Unwrapping

Have Yourself A Slutty Little Christmas: 10 GIFs That Keep On Giving

Graham Gremore

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