Category Archives: NEWS

GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Called Out for DUI After Ripping Hunter Biden for Substance Abuse in Impeachment Hearing: WATCH

GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Called Out for DUI After Ripping Hunter Biden for Substance Abuse in Impeachment Hearing: WATCH

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was called out by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) after slamming Hunter Biden for substance abuse issues during Thursday’s impeachment hearing.

Said Johnson, to laughter from observers: “I would say the pot calling the kettle black is not something we should do. I don’t know — I don’t know what members, if any, have had problems with substance abuse, been busted for DUI, I don’t know. but if I did, I wouldn’t raise it against anyone on this committee. I don’t think it’s proper. And, you know, I think we have to get back down to what is most important here.”

Gaetz slams Hunter Biden for his substance abuse problem.@RepHankJohnson: “I would say the pot calling the kettle black is not something we should do,” alluding to Gaetz’s 2008 DUI arrest while driving back from – and I’m 100% serious here – a nightclub called “Swamp.” pic.twitter.com/fC9Jno0xZz

— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) December 12, 2019

Gaetz was arrested for DUI before being elected to Congress.

Matt Gaetz, a known drunk and collector of DUI’S has the audacity to bring up Hunter Biden.
Pot calling kettle black.
Throwing rocks in a glass house.
Or just being the fucking drunk that he is. pic.twitter.com/YlApwyuXA2

— The Crosswalk (@crosswalk_the) December 12, 2019

The post GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Called Out for DUI After Ripping Hunter Biden for Substance Abuse in Impeachment Hearing: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.


GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Called Out for DUI After Ripping Hunter Biden for Substance Abuse in Impeachment Hearing: WATCH

What to Watch: Fox News exposed, boys in the buff and a bonkers holiday special

What to Watch: Fox News exposed, boys in the buff and a bonkers holiday special

Shared Rooms

Stepping out on a movie date this weekend? Netflix and chillin? Whatever your entertainment needs, we got your back (and hopefully your mind) with Queerty’s weekly “Culture Club” column with some of the highlights of new releases, streaming shows, classics worth revisiting, and what to drink while you watch.

The Step Out: Bombshell

Jay Roach (Austin Powers) directs this fictionalized expose of the fall of Roger Ailes and the toxic climate of Fox News. Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and John Lithgow star, in a movie where much of the dialogue remains unspoken, and the provocative questions the film raises, don’t have real answers. Were harassed women like Gretchen Carlson (Kidman) and Megan Kelly (Theron) complacent—or worse, encouraging—of a toxic work environment? Do they realize how damaging the “infotainment” of Fox is to American political dialogue? No doubt the issues raised in Bombshell will infuriate just as many viewers as they will impress (we’re in the latter camp). Regardless, the film features a moving storyline involving a lesbian Fox employee (Kate McKinnon, splendid in a dramatic role) and one of the year’s best performances by Theron, who captures all the buried fragility and icy cunning of Kelly.

The Stream: Judy

Speaking of the best performances of the year, Renee Zellweger’s wonderful turn as Judy Garland arrives on streaming services this week, bringing with it all the glitz and glory of the mother of all queer icons. Judy suffers from some implausible situations and historical inaccuracies, but manages to rebound with gorgeous production design, impressive musical sequences and fine performances, led by Zellweger in one of her best turns. Besides, it’s about damn time a movie acknowledged Judy Garland’s relationship with her LGBTQ fans. Though not a great film, Judy does have enough greatness to warrant a watch.

Comes to VOD December 10. Blu-Ray goes on sale December 24.

The Legit: A Snow White Christmas

Out actors Neil Patrick Harris, Garrett Clayton and Jared Gertner headline this holiday extravaganza in the style of British pantomime. For the uninitiated, that involves a theatrical performance where the audience is encouraged to laugh, cheer, boo and interact with the performers. Christmas comes to the far off kingdom of Snow White (Olivia Sanabia), who teams with her famed dwarf friends to escape the clutches of the Evil Queen (Michelle Williams, of Destiny’s Child). It’s squeaky-clean fun for everyone, and a chance for thesps Harris, Clayton and Gertner to shine in their element.

Runs December 13-22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

The Exclusive: 99

Writer/director Nick Borenstein helmed this short film about a gay man on a Bar Mitzfah shopping trip with his neurotic mother to the 99-cent store. 99 played film festivals all over the country this year, including Tribecca, Frameline and Outfest to the delight of audiences who reveled in the all-too-familiar relationship between mom and her gay son. Besides, with the holiday season descending on us all, 99 feels all too appropriate given the times. Queerty managed to snag the exclusive premiere of the movie, which arrives on streaming platforms this week.

The Bizarre: The Star Wars Holiday Special

The Rise of Skywalker hits theatres next week, closing out the Skywalker sequel trilogy, and, no doubt, sending toxic fans into a frenzy. For a slice of something both nostalgic and utterly weird, look no further than YouTube to find this curio from 1977. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher are all on hand, as are Diahann Carroll (as a porno hologram), Harvey Korman, Art Carney and Bea Arthur (as a lesbian barkeep) in an epic adventure about Chewbacca trying to return to his homeworld for Life Day (the Wookie equivalent of Christmas). No description could ever capture the utter strangeness of the plotting of The Star Wars Holiday Special. George Lucas once vowed to destroy every bootleg copy with a hammer. Carrie Fisher also once demanded Lucas give her a copy in exchange for recording commentary for the original trilogy. Oh, and it’s a musical! Somehow hideous and hilarious, it should be required viewing before any Star Wars film.

Streams on YouTube.

The Charged: Shared Rooms

Anyone needing some naked men with their holiday cheer–and let’s face it, who doesn’t–look no further than Shared Rooms, the delightful romantic comedy about a group of queer friends during the holiday season. The plot revolves around hook-up turning serious, a roommate arrangement that masks hidden feelings, and a happy married couple taking in a young, gay ward. Oh, and the film features no shortage of full-frontal nudity from actors Justin Xavier and Alexander Neil Smith who spend most of their scenes totally naked. So, there’s that. No doubt many of us will relate to the woes and joys of the characters as they search for love and happiness during the holidays.

Streams on Amazon, YouTube, Vudu & iTunes.

The Sip: The Chewbacca

In honor of Chewie’s sojourn to his family for Life Day, why not sip on this sweet whiskey drink. No doubt it will also help quell the disgust raised by Fox News, or help you sing along to the tunes of Judy.

  • 2 1/2  ounces spiced whiskey
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce pure maple syrup
  • 2-3 shakes of bitters

Mix egg white & whiskey in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake well. Add lemon juice, syrup & bitters. Shake well again. Serve over ice.

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5 perfect holiday gifts for your gender-independent loved ones

5 perfect holiday gifts for your gender-independent loved ones

There’s nothing like a non-binary BFF to bust down stereotypes, forge new freedoms, and create space for everyone to be their authentic best.

Here are five great ways to show your appreciation for your friend who refuses to be pigeonholed.

1. All For One

CK All fragrance

Aren’t you tired of skincare and fragrance that’s categorized into his and hers? Us, too. Fortunately so is Calvin Klein. His CK All fragrance ($52) is for — you guessed it — everyone. If your pal likes citrus and green tea (and who doesn’t), they’ll love this clean, light fragrance.

2. Billie Club

Billie Eilish Beanie

Give your friend an emblem of everyone’s favorite new gender-defying genius. Billie Eilish, the 17-year-old sound sensation who’s pronounced gender an “ancient” concept, has cool urban merch like this Red Beanie with her signature logo ($20).

3. 50 Shades of Grey

Context Nail Polish

Let’s face it: all nail color is nonbinary, but why not support a company who’s verbal about branding theirs as “unisex”? Context carries 17 glam shades ($15) with sexy names like “Breaking the Law” and “Unfaithful,” all of them vegan and free of nasty poisons. Our favorite might be the gunmetal grey “Destroyer,” as in destroyer of stereotypes, we presume.

4. The Singularity Is Near

They teeshirt

We can’t resist this adorable long-sleeved tee from Laurelhach on Redbubble ($25.20) that comes with a built-in lesson about the singular “they,” just in case your friend has to deal with anyone who’s been asleep for the past few years.

5. On the Same Page

If your BFF’s got more material things than they can manage, help spread the love by giving a chunk of change in their name to a favorite LGBTQ nonprofit. We suggest a donation to GLAAD, or use GLAAD’s Resources page to find links to others.

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Trump Supporters Warn of Civil War, Violence if He is Removed from Office: WATCH

Trump Supporters Warn of Civil War, Violence if He is Removed from Office: WATCH

Trump supporters outside his rally earlier this week in Hershey, Pennsylvania warned of a second civil war and physical violence if he is removed from office by impeachment. The cult is real.

Trump supporters at the president’s rally in Hershey, Pennsylvania tell CBS News their thoughts on impeachment and the possibility of his removal: “It would become the second Civil War.” t.co/jPUmfWREbX pic.twitter.com/bzT0v9oaWN

— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 11, 2019

The post Trump Supporters Warn of Civil War, Violence if He is Removed from Office: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.


Trump Supporters Warn of Civil War, Violence if He is Removed from Office: WATCH

Gay rapper among those shot and wounded in drive-by Florida shooting

Gay rapper among those shot and wounded in drive-by Florida shooting

Saucy Santana
Saucy Santana (Photo: @saucysantanaofficial | Instagram)

A rising gay rapper has been shot and wounded in a drive-by shooting near Miami, Florida.

NBC6 in Miami reports that Saucy Santana was one of three people in the car who were caught up in the incident in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It took place on the Interstate 95 entrance ramp at around 4am.

Santana and two male friends were in a Honda sedan. A white Chevy sedan pulled up alongside it and at least six shots were fired, according to police.

All three of the occupants were hit: Santana and another man in the arm, and the third passenger in the hand.

Related: Lil Nas X tweets about recent “scary” and “sad” times

Santana told NBC6, “I’m lucky and blessed to be alive.”

The three victims had just left The Office Gentlemen’s Club. Santana was in the area scouting for video locations, and said, “Glass started breaking. Everything was such a shock, such a rush, I just remember me hopping up, trying to jump in the backseat.”

Santana, originally from Tallahassee, speculates he could have been targeted because of the “type of artist” he is.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Saucy Santana Real Page (@saucysantanaofficial) on

Florida Highway Patrol told NBC6 they are investigating whether an altercation at the club had led to the shooting. However, Saucy Santana says nothing out of the ordinary had happened at the venue. No arrests have yet been made.

Related: Does homophobic rapper Eminem have a gay sex tape?

Saucy Santana recently told Genius that he only started rapping in February. A podcast he worked on needed some intro music, and Santana recorded a rap, which was well-received online.

Debut track “Walk Em Like A Dog” was released in September and Santana began to amass a social media following. The track has had over 3million views on YouTube and Santana has almost half a million followers on Instagram.

A second track, “Material Girl” went online last month.

Queerty has contacted Saucy Santana for further comment.

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Mike Pence Refuses to Declassify Call with Ukrainian President

Mike Pence Refuses to Declassify Call with Ukrainian President

Mike Pence’s attorney is refusing a request to declassify a call between the vice president and Ukraine’s president.

The Daily Beast writes: “Pence’s counsel rejected the request from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA), which came after Pence aide Jennifer Williams testified about the call, but told lawmakers that specific details of the conversation were classified. Pence’s office said the vice president didn’t discuss the impeachment inquiry, which has revolved around President Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, so there was no need to release the transcript. “

Politico reports: “In a letter to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Pence’s lawyer, Matthew Morgan, said it “serves no purpose” to declassify supplemental testimony from one of Pence’s national security aides, as Schiff had demanded. ‘At this point, the Intelligence Committee’s oversight authority is limited to those areas in which it may potentially legislate or appropriate,’ Morgan wrote to Schiff, who pressed Pence last week to declassify supplemental testimony from one of the vice president’s national security aides, Jennifer Williams.”

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Mike Pence Refuses to Declassify Call with Ukrainian President

UPDATE: Big apology to gay couple, after Puerto Vallarta hotel refuses their wedding

UPDATE: Big apology to gay couple, after Puerto Vallarta hotel refuses their wedding
A spokesperson at Marriott International, which includes the Sheraton brand, issued a swift statement after their hotel in Puerto Vallarta told a gay couple to take their wedding elsewhere

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Syphilis: What is it and why should gay men get tested regularly?

Syphilis: What is it and why should gay men get tested regularly?

condom
Using condoms can help protect you from syphilis (Photo: Shutterstock)

When did you last get checked for syphilis?

If you’re a man who has sex with other men, it was hopefully at your last STD screening. It’s recommended that if you’re sexually active, you have at check-up at least once a year – or more often if you have multiple partners.

For many reasons, syphilis rates have been soaring amongst gay and bi guys. In October, the Center for Disease Control revealed that STD rates had risen for a fifth year in a row in the US.

In 2014, just over 12,200 men who have sex with men were diagnosed with the disease. In 2018, that had risen to 18,760 – and over 60% of syphilis cases in the US are among men who have sex with men.

Related: Syphilis infections on the rise in the gay community

And it’s not just in the US. There are currently outbreaks in both Ontario and Edmonton, Canada, where numbers have “increased dramatically” since 2014.

There’s been a significant rise in the UK and Australia, while a new campaign has been launched in New Zealand this week to remind people that syphilis is not a disease of the Dark Ages.

Juxtaposing Shakespeare imagery and language with modern pick-up lines, the campaign wants to remind people that syphilis is very much a problem in the here and now.

A new health promotion campaign reminds people that syphilis is still around (Photo: NZAF)

“Syphilis is not something many people thought they’d have to worry about in their lifetimes, so there’s a real lack of knowledge about it,” said Mickey Power, marketing, communications, and fundraising manager, NZAF, to Branding in Asia.

The rise in rates could be partly because more men are engaging with condomless sex. It could be an increase in hook-ups via apps.

Related: Once-a-month injection to treat HIV passes two initial trials

It doesn’t help that syphilis can go unnoticed for a long period of time. However, just because the symptoms may be overlooked, that doesn’t mean it’s not doing great damage to your body. And left untreated, it can prove fatal.

Fortunately, if picked up early, treatment consists of antibiotics.

Know nothing about syphilis? Here are the basic facts:

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that, among gay men, is most commonly transmitted through unprotected anal sex, oral sex, and other activities like rimming.

The first sign of infection will be a painless sore, ulcer or hardened lump near the point of infection. However, those infected may not even notice this primary infection or they will dismiss it as insignificant.

Wearing a condom will help prevent you from acquiring syphilis, but not in every case. Let’s be honest: hardly anybody wears condoms for oral sex, and sometimes the sore may not be obvious or located on the genitals.

The sore or lump will go away. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re now free of syphilis.

You will become infectious to others, and although the bacteria may lay dormant in your system for years, it will eventually cause serious health problems.

Late-stage symptoms of syphilis – which may not occur many years later – can include blindness, deafness, brain damage, and heart attacks. Yes, those old 19th Century tales of people going mad with syphilis are based on fact.

That’s why it’s so important to have a blood test to check whether you have the infection. This is regardless of whether you think you have any symptoms and even if you always use condoms.

Gay and bi men should have a blood test for syphilis at least once a year. If you have multiple partners, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to be tested twice a year or even more often than that.

Staff at sexual health clinics are not going to judge you and would prefer you to be diagnosed and treated promptly.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, do also get checked for HIV. As syphilis symptoms can include open sores, this can increase the chances of HIV getting into your body. In recent years, around half of all gay men who test positive for syphilis test positive for HIV.

Related: Scientists ‘optimistic’ about HIV vaccine – possibly even by 2021

Can’t get to a clinic? It’s possible to order a home-testing STD kit online. Whichever way you choose to get tested, just make sure you are tested – and make it a regular part of your health routine.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, it’s also important to inform anyone that you’ve had sex with. Yes, that might feel super awkward and they won’t welcome the news, but for the sake of their health, it’s better to know.

Depending on where you live, some clinics or health agencies may offer to notify people anonymously, so ask staff about this.

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