Steve Grand Promised Video Of His Naked Ice Bucket Challenge So Here It Is

Steve Grand Promised Video Of His Naked Ice Bucket Challenge So Here It Is

1662320_281963098667966_8628368991076029824_n-360x465-1A man is only as good as his word, right? So out country entertainer Steve Grand is a fine fellow for making good on his promise to post video of his recent nude fund-raising effort on behalf of the ubiquitous Ice Bucket Challenge. To date people willing to be doused with freezing water (or some clever variation) on camera have raised close to $100 million for ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Being conscious of the world shortage in much of the world and having a penchant for showing off his chiseled physique, Grand took a nude dive into the frigid waters of Lake Superior after he performed in nearby Duluth, Minnesota.

Grand posted the following note on his YouTube channel today:

In addition to ALS, I chose to donate to two other charities I feel passionate about. I encourage everyone out there to find a cause you are passionate about, do your research, and donate according to your means. Remember, numerous little donations are what make the biggest differences!

Watch Grand take the plunge below and watch other celebs take the challenge here and here.

Jeremy Kinser

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/S17NdiKlfG4/steve-grand-promised-video-of-his-naked-ice-bucket-challenge-so-here-it-is-20140905

Alleged Killer In 2012 Murder of Halifax Gay Activist Fires Lawyer, Delays Trial

Alleged Killer In 2012 Murder of Halifax Gay Activist Fires Lawyer, Delays Trial

Andre Noel Denny

In 2012 Ryan Raymond Taavel, a gay activist in Halifax, Nova Scotia was allegedly beaten to death by Andre Noel Denny, a psychiatric patient “suffering from paranoid schizophrenia” who was on unescorted leave from a psychiatric hospital. Denny fired his lawyer Don Murray this past Tuesday, the day his trial was set to begin, a decision supported by Murray who said that he felt the solicitor-client relationship was “irretrievably broken.” Judge Peter Rosinski allowed the firing, saying: 

While this may not be in his best interests, neither the court nor his family are entitled to interfere with his decision in the circumstances as I see them before me.

The case has been adjourned until September 25th, and the delay may set the trial back by a year, pending on Denny’s ability to secure a lawyer willing and able to take his case.


Christian Walters

www.towleroad.com/2014/09/defendant-in-halifax-murder-case-fires-lawyer-delays-trial.html

Gay Teen Kicked Out Of Home Diverts Outpouring Of Donations To Homeless Shelter

Gay Teen Kicked Out Of Home Diverts Outpouring Of Donations To Homeless Shelter
A gay Georgia teen who was kicked out of his home because of his sexuality received an outpouring of support and donations. He’s now paying it forward.

Daniel Ashley Pierce came out as gay in 2013, but was kicked out of his home last month following a “delayed intervention” with his Christian parents and grandparents. During the intervention, Pierce was told homosexuality is a choice and “God creates nobody that way.” The encounter, which was verbally abusive and ultimately turned violent, was all caught on video.

The video wound up going viral and Pierce received more than $90,000 in donations via a GoFundMe campaign for living expenses.

Now, Pierce is encouraging donors to send their money to Atlanta’s Lost-n-Found, a nonprofit agency created in 2011 with the mission to assist homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth. Lost-n-Found plans to convert a house into a homeless center for gay teens by the spring of 2015, according to Atlanta’s CBS46.

Executive Director Rick Westbrook told the network Pierce contacted the group to offer the funds.

“I would say we’re right at $10,000 [through Pierce donations],” Westbrook said. “Daniel is an incredibly bright and courageous young man. He is the epitome of who Lost n’ Found is here to serve.”

Pierce wrote about his decision to divert funds on the GoFundMe page.

“This has been a rough time for me and I never imagined that so many people would show such overwhelming compassion and generosity,” he said. “It’s important for all of you to know that right now, what I need most is time to think and work through the next steps in my life. I have been working closely with Atlanta-based Lost-n-Found Youth to help figure out what’s next for me. Right now, I’m safe and definitely feel your love all around me. Thank you!”

Lost-n-Found reports that, of the youth they have worked with, 53 percent had nowhere to turn after being kicked out of their homes. Approximately 40 percent of homeless youth nationwide identifies as LGBTQ. Additionally, “there are only about 48 hours from the time a kid becomes homeless before 33 percent of youth begin to engage in risky behaviors as theft, drug activity or selling their bodies for money to survive,” per a press release.

www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/05/gay-teen-kicked-out-donations-homeless_n_5774916.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices

Department of Justice Promotes Openly Gay Attorney to Acting Associate Attorney General

Department of Justice Promotes Openly Gay Attorney to Acting Associate Attorney General

Today the Justice Department announced that Stuart Delery, who currently serves as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, will be promoted to Acting Associate Attorney General.
HRC.org

www.hrc.org/blog/entry/department-of-justice-promotes-openly-gay-attorney-to-acting-associate-atto?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

VOTE: Stoli Guy Denver Winner David Serves A Sickening Stage Presence

VOTE: Stoli Guy Denver Winner David Serves A Sickening Stage Presence

David, the Stoli Guy Denver winner, definitely knew how to make the most of his time in the spotlight at the local GayCities-produced star search that took place at Hamburger Mary’s. His celebrity impersonations of top divas got guest host Alexandra Winters and the Denver crowd all riled up. Of course, a few backflips didn’t hurt either.

Now David is getting ready to travel to New York City for the national finale. Will he be the one to claim the $10,000 prize?

Click to Vote

Can you give us a little teaser of what your original talent showcase will be at the finale on September 18?

Let’s just say that a couple well known divas will be making a guest appearance for my talent.

V0FUXe1EyJb7JeOZTdwJ_8OW9S5WPk1-U6ZIL3pIFBYHave you been to New York City before? If so what are your favorite places?

Yes, I have been to New York to participate in some dance intensives. Maybe it’s cliche but I love Times Square. The lights and the buildings and the people are all so exciting and beautiful.

How did your friends and family react when you won Stoli Guy 2014 in your hometown?

My friends and family were thrilled after I got my medal. My best friend’s boyfriend actually crashed the stage and scooped me up because he was so excited.

Being an LGBT ambassador for Stoli is an exciting job. Why do you think you’d be the best at it?

I think I would be an excellent ambassador because I can do the splits. Or maybe because I have a good sense of humor. Or it could be because I love to travel and meet new people and have new adventures.

StoliGuy_033Why do you think being “authentic” is important in the LGBT community?

Being your authentic self in the LGBT community is exceptionally important. Past generations have fought for our right to express ourselves openly and to deny our true selves and not express that is a slap in the face to all of the progress that has been made in the push for equality. On top of that it makes everyone a happier and healthier person to be authentic.

What inspired you to participate in Stoli Guy 2014?

I love Stoli vodka. I also saw how much fun my friend had with the competition last year and the wonderful connections he made. It’s a wonderful family that I’m super stoked to be a part of.

Favorite Stoli Guy Cocktail: Definitely the Boy Next Door (Stoli Blueberi + Lemonade). Who doesn’t want a little boy next door in them?

Oscar Raymundo

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/PqQyVy2GhaY/vote-stoli-guy-denver-winner-david-serves-a-sickening-stage-presence-20140905

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1615

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1615

IGGY & J-LO: Sexy teaser for their upcoming ‘Booty’ music video.

KEVIN MCHALE: The Glee star is an American for marriage equality.

BEYONCE: Behind the scenes of her VMA showstopper. 

JIMMY KIMMEL: Finds condoms and a whole lot more in Sarah Silverman’s purse

  

  

For more recent Guides to th Tube, click HERE


Kyler Geoffroy

www.towleroad.com/2014/09/towleroad-guide-to-the-tube-1615.html