Amanda Simpson Sworn In As Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy
As the highest ranking openly transgender official in the Obama Administration, HRC praised the news.
HRC.org
Daily Archives: September 18, 2015
Jonny Beauchamp Discusses The Inspiration For His Stonewall Character Ray/Ramona
Jonny Beauchamp Discusses The Inspiration For His Stonewall Character Ray/Ramona
Without a doubt the year’s most controversial queer-themed films, Stonewall, has generated heated debate well ahead of its release since the first production stills were released to the media in July. Sight unseen Roland Emmerich’s retelling of the events that took place in Greenwich Village in June 1969 that helped pave the way for the modern LGBT equality movement has angered activists who fear the historical events have been “whitewashed” of the significant efforts of drag queens and trans people of color due to the movie’s focus on a fictional protagonist Danny (played by Jeremy Irvine) who is young, white, blond and attractive. Since the backlash began, the studio has begun releasing clips to disprove the naysayers, such as this one featuring the late trans activist pioneer Marsha P. Johnson.
In the just-released behind-the-scenes featurette, we’re given more insight into some of the other characters in the film, such as Ray/Ramona (played by Jonny Beauchamp, best-known for for his trans role in the series Penny Dreadful). In an interview Beauchamp reveals that certain characters are composites of real-life folks such as Raymond Castro, “who was very much one of the Village kids” and Sylvia Rivera, “one of the first really prominent trans activists.” Beauchamp says he’s always wanted to tell Rivera’s story because “she’s infinitely special.”
Elsewhere in the video, screenwriter Jon Robin Baitz notes, perhaps referring to Irvine’s character, that “it’s exciting when ordinary people do extraordinary things.” The drama hits theaters September 25.
Check out the behind-the-scenes interviews below.
Jeremy Kinser
Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah Hilariously Recap the GOP Debate: WATCH
Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah Hilariously Recap the GOP Debate: WATCH
Newly minted Late Show host Stephen Colbert recapped Wednesday’s GOP debate with a hilarious segment poking fun at all the insults, Trump-isms, and pot talk that took place during the three hour event.
On Jeb Bush joining Vine while the debate was taking place:
“Vine of course hosts videos of only six seconds. Or slightly longer than Scott Walker was allowed to speak last night.”
On Donald Trump saying there’s “plenty of subject matter” to make fun of Rand Paul’s appearance:
“That’s a good dig by a man who looks like a microwaved circus peanut”
On Jeb Bush admitting he’s smoked marijuana:
“That explains a lot. He isn’t low energy, he’s baked.”
Watch the segment below:
New Daily Show host Trevor Noah joined Colbert later and offered his own interpretation:
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The post Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah Hilariously Recap the GOP Debate: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Kyler Geoffroy
Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah Hilariously Recap the GOP Debate: WATCH
Facebook Targets Gay Photographer Again for 'Concerning' Photos of Wounded Soldiers
Facebook Targets Gay Photographer Again for 'Concerning' Photos of Wounded Soldiers
Photographer Michael Stokes has found himself in Facebook’s crosshairs multiple times for posting pictures of wounded soldiers. Stokes has had several photos removed from his fan page and earlier this week found himself locked out of his account for posting “things that aren’t allowed.”
As The Advocate reported in January, Stokes is best known for his portraits of soldiers wounded in combat and the graceful way he highlights their beauty. While many of his subjects are amputees and no longer considered imperfect by ableist standards, Stokes brings out their humanity and inner beauty in his art. Subjects pose either entirely or nearly naked to show their scars, amputated limbs, and other war wounds.
The photo that got Stokes banned this week shows a nude veteran photographed from the side lighting a cigarette. In the email telling him he wasn’t allowed access to the site for 30 days, Facebook also said he would not be allowed to post further photos to his page because he had “repeatedly posted things that aren’t allowed.”
In July, a photo of a topless female veteran who lost both of her arms in Iraq and was diagnosed with breast cancer after returning home to the United States was the source of Facebook’s ire. The site has an exception to their nudity policy specifically meant to protect breast cancer survivors and transgender men who show breast scarring. The photo was not removed from Stokes’ page, but fans who shared the photo also felt the wrath of Facebook and were banned by the social media site.
Stokes was warned by Facebook after the photo went viral that his page had been reported because “one or more photos” violated the site’s terms of service. He removed the photo as a precaution knowing how often he had been targeted by the site.
Many users have taken up Stokes’s cause over the past year as the social media giant has repeatedly targeted the photographer. Many of the photos with which the site has taken issue have been gay-themed and did not violate any terms of service rules. Fans allege that Stokes’s photography has been flagged for their gay eroticism and provocative themes.
“I think it opposes a convention where seeing women as objects is acceptable and the assumption is that the viewer is male, and they are in a position of power,” Stokes told The Independent. “I know some men get furious if they see a man posing in a sensual way. It’s threatening to some men, not all men, to have a woman as the voyeur.”
After The Independent contacted Facebook seeking comment on why they’ve repeatedly targeted Stokes, the photo of the male veteran was reinstated. Stokes received an apology, but no explanation as to why it was removed, or reinstated. The site has refused to allow Stokes to repost other “offensive” photos even after deciding they didn’t violate the terms of service.
“This is the third time this has happened to me where a media inquiry caused them to revisit it or change their mind,” Stokes told the UK-based newspaper.
Facebook continues to refuse to say why the site has targeted Stokes, but claims someone at Facebook is investigating. “In order to treat people fairly and respond to reports quickly, it is essential that we have policies in place that our global teams can apply uniformly and easily when reviewing content,” the site’s guidelines say. “As a result, our policies can sometimes be more blunt than we would like and restrict content shared for legitimate purposes. We are always working to get better at evaluating this content and enforcing our standards.”
The Advocate reached out to Facebook for comment but at press time has not yet received a response.
You can see examples of Michael Stokes’s work on his facebook page by clicking here.
Bil Browning
The Straight Men Who Have Sex with Trans Women
The Straight Men Who Have Sex with Trans Women
Matt didn’t know it was possible for a girl to have a dick before the model pictured in his Hustler-esque mag drew seven inches. She had slipped in unannounced between the magazine’s other, more typical spreads. His stroke quickened, sticking with sweat in his Brooklyn bedroom while a worrying thought knocked in his skull: Did it mean he was gay?
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
In Step Forward, HRC Arkansas to Host Groundbreaking Equality Summit to Increase LGBT Visibility
In Step Forward, HRC Arkansas to Host Groundbreaking Equality Summit to Increase LGBT Visibility
The training will bring together pro-equality advocates from across the state, helping to bolster volunteer outreach and collaboration while empowering allies and supporters on the ground.
HRC.org
PHOTOS: Hetero Guys Everywhere Are Making Out With Each Other To Spite Kim Davis
PHOTOS: Hetero Guys Everywhere Are Making Out With Each Other To Spite Kim Davis
Hetero guys the whole world over are ramming their tongues down each others’ throats in an effort to stick it to Kim Davis.
#KissesForKim is a new social media movement in which straight guys make out with each other then upload the pictures and videos to social media to show Kim Davis that same-sex lovin’ is A-OK.
Related: The Majority Of Americans Across Nearly Every Demographic Think Kim Davis Is A Total Tool
The movement was started by two bros, who uploaded a video to YouTube with a message for the Notorious K.I.M.
“Dear Kim Davis, We want to let you know that no matter what you do, love will always win,” the guys said. “What we want you to do is you’re watching this video is grab your closest friend, give him a kiss, take a photo or video, and upload it using #KissesForKim, to let Kim know that she cannot win… and that we also love her and think she’s beautiful.”
Scroll down to watch the video and to see a roundup of some of our favorite #KissesForKim images.
Here’s @KennyDeForest and I kissing to show our support for Kim Davis… or something #KissesForKim pic.twitter.com/qKElYPLn7o — Boris Khaykin (@theBorisK) September 17, 2015
#kissesforKim #queer pic.twitter.com/nqBiwkRnVU — Nomad (@thecheshiresam) September 18, 2015
My roommates are bananas for #kissesforkim! Spread that love! pic.twitter.com/1KEb7OIcom — Rachel Holland (@rachelope) September 18, 2015
This is a campaign I can support! Yay! #tcot #kissesforkim #KimDavis pic.twitter.com/QC4b0MZbrD — Robert Grantham (@rgrantham82) September 18, 2015
Graham Gremore
TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO
TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO
Two Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have introduced the ‘Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act’ aimed at voiding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, and Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt Juliet, is likely unconstitutional.
“Natural marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman as recognized by the people of Tennessee remains the law in Tennessee, regardless of any court decision to the contrary,” the bill states.
“Any court decision purporting to strike down natural marriage, including (a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision), is unauthoritative, void, and of no effect.”
The bill was unveiled at a rally at the State Capitol in Nashville attended by a few hundred people.
RELATED: Entire Tennessee County Clerk’s Office Quits Over Same-Sex Marriage
Said Pody at the rally:
“This is a battle that we’re fighting. It’s not an earthly battle. We battle in spiritual battle. This is a prayer battle. When we win, it’s because of prayer…”
Watch a report from NewsChannel 5:
Said Beavers to The Chattanoogan:
“Natural marriage between one man and one woman as recognized by the people of this state remains the law, regardless of any court decision to the contrary. The Obergefell case is clearly and blatantly an overstep of the Supreme Court’s Authority and it is time that states, like Tennessee, stand up against the judicial tyranny of which Thomas Jefferson so eloquently warned. This legislation deems that any court decision purporting to strike down the state’s definitions of natural marriage, including Obergefell v. Hodges, is void in Tennessee.”
Added Pody:
“This decision defies constitutional authority and is one of the most glaring examples of judicial activism in U.S. Supreme Court history. It not only tramples on state’s rights, but has paved the way for an all-out assault on the religious freedoms of Christians who disagree with it. This bill calls for Tennessee to stand against such unconstitutional action in hopes that other states will stand with us against an out-of-control court legislating from the bench.”
The bill says the attorney general must defend any state or local official from any lawsuit that could — and would — arise if the bill is enacted. It also says no state or local agency may enforce the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, or any other decision that might allow same-sex marriage. Officials abiding by the bill, if enacted, couldn’t be fined or arrested for ignoring the U.S. Supreme Court, the bill states.
Other lawmakers already introduced a bill to “protect” clergy members from being forced to officiate same-sex weddings. Nowhere in the Supreme Court ruling does it say pastors or preachers must officiate any wedding.
The post TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO
North Carolina Mayoral Candidate Wants to 'Eradicate' Gays, Cites Kim Davis
North Carolina Mayoral Candidate Wants to 'Eradicate' Gays, Cites Kim Davis
Eugene “Sherlock” Holmes is running for mayor of Kings Mountain, North Carolina on a platform dedicated to Kentucky renegade Kim Davis. Holmes says the antigay county clerk who went to jail over her refusal to follow the law and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples inspired him to kick things up a notch and run for office himself.
“In my administration I would do just like Mrs. Davis did in Kentucky,” Holmes told the King’s Mountain Herald and Charlotte TV station WJZY. “If you elect me, I’ll uphold the law of the state of North Carolina. I would get the D.A. to swear out a warrant on any man who says he’s gay. Sodomy is a crime, a felony in the state of North Carolina.”
The Cleveland County District Attorney told WJZY the Confederate-flag waving candidate “needs to take a closer look at that law.” “What’s wrong with eradicating homosexuals?” Holmes told the newspaper. ‘We should jail them, throw them all in jail!”
Despite Holmes’ s claims, however, the Supreme Court ruled in 2003 in Lawrence v Texas that sodomy laws are unconstitutional. North Carolina and 11 other states have kept their sodomy laws on the books even though they are unenforceable.
Holmes is one of four candidates trying to unseat six-term incumbent Mayor Rick Murphey.
Holmes admits that he doesn’t actually want the job. “I don’t want to be mayor no more than I want to fly,” he says. “I don’t know about my chances in this thing. I’m a newcomer — and I don’t give one hoot about politicians.”
A 77-year-old veteran, Holmes has had brushes with the law and was once admitted to a psychiatric facility for having “religious hallucinations.” A member of the Church of God, his platform also consists of banning alcohol, divorce, and all immigration into the United States.
Holmes was arrested in March after going to the Family Worship Center church, shouting antigay slurs, attempting to make a citizen’s arrest and then refusing to leave when asked. He was charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing, according to the Shelby Star.
“You would probably classify me as someone needing help,” Holmes told the newspaper. “I’m not a rocket scientist. But I do believe in holiness, in the Bible.”
Watch Holmes explain “there’s no way that a queer can be saved” in this report from WJZY-TV in Charlotte:
Bil Browning
Black Church Leader Opens Up About Preaching From The Closet
Black Church Leader Opens Up About Preaching From The Closet
Reverend Derek Terry is a 30-year-old man who is incredibly devoted to his ministry. He was raised in a traditional Southern black family, becoming involved in the church at a young age, and by 19, Rev. Derek was ordained and pastoring a church himself. But this man of God has also been living with what he always considered a shameful secret, a secret that has finally become too much for him to bear: He is gay.
For years, Rev. Derek had done everything in his power to keep his closeted life from being exposed, disguising himself as the man he thought he was supposed to be. But now, burdened by all that time living a double life, Rev. Derek has reached out to life coach Iyanla Vanzant for help standing in his truth. He feels it is time to come clean to not just his God-fearing family, but also his beloved congregation.
The first step, Iyanla tells Rev. Derek, is to acknowledge what’s making his heart feel torn. She immediately hones in on the common struggle between religion and homosexuality, especially within the African-American community.
“I know that you can be crippled, you can be a liar, you can be a whoremonger, you can be a thief. You can be a lot of things in the black church, but, Lord, do not be gay,” Iyanla says.
“Not openly gay,” Rev. Derek adds, nodding.
Iyanla asks the pastor to look deep within himself and articulate how it truly feels to acknowledge his sexuality.
“When I hear myself say I am a gay man, I feel hurt,” Rev. Derek says quietly. “It makes me feel substandard. It makes me feel petrified.”
Further exploring his fear, Rev. Derek admits that he worries that telling the truth will alienate him from those he has deceived, leaving him entirely isolated both now and in the long run.
“I feel lonely,” he continues. “The loneliness I feel is [that] no one will love me.”
Iyanla’s work with both Rev. Derek and another secretly gay pastor airs on the emotional season premiere of “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” this Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.
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