GLAAD responds to reports that North Carolina will repeal discriminatory HB2 law

www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-responds-reports-north-carolina-will-repeal-discriminatory-hb2-law

A Christian group is going nuts over this “gay” Christmas ornament

A gaggle of very angry Christians are furious at an Xmas decoration that features one too many Josephs for their tastes.

There are, in fact, two Christmas ornaments raising their ire — one featuring two Virgin Marys chillaxing in a manger with little baby Jesus, and another featuring the aforementioned pair of freewheeling Josephs.

Related: Christian Heckler Openly Cackles At Man Giving A Speech About His Dead Husband

They’re currently retailing at $18.

Christian Concern, a querulous group of religious wingnuts, thinks this is nothing but a “blasphemous attempt to rewrite the Christmas story.”  A gay Christmas decoration showing a nativity scene with two Josephs.

“These decorations are a desperate and ridiculous attempt to pretend that homosexual relationships are pure and holy,” says chief executive Andrea Williams.

They blasphemously portray the Lord Jesus parented by a homosexual couple. What depths will the LGBT lobby group stoop in order to try and normalize their behavior?”

God’s design is for children to grow up with a male and a female parent. The Lord Jesus was parented in this way, and this is what is best for children.

The LGBT lobby is not interested in the welfare of children but only in pursuing its own selfish agenda. Trying to rewrite the Christmas story is their latest self-deception.”

Mark Thaler, the California-based artist who created the ornaments for his Zazzle company Pride and More — thinks Christian Concern needs to chill.

Related: Eerie Christians Pose As Pot-Lovin’ Zombies At Toronto Pride

“‘It’s just an image,” he says. “They need to focus on themselves and not worry about what everyone else is doing.”

As The Daily Mail reports, he’s thinking of removing them “out of respect for his fellow humans,” and we hope he doesn’t.

This is only the latest entry in the “War on Christmas” saga that’s found Christian militants getting furious at inanimate objects like Starbucks coffee cups, and we’re eagerly anticipating their projected takedown of candy canes and jingle bells.

www.queerty.com/christian-group-going-nuts-gay-christmas-ornament-20161219?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Zsa Zsa Gabor, Homeland, Vincent Viola, Baltimore Eagle, Thailand, Charlie King: HOT LINKS

DEATHS. Zsa Zsa Gabor has died. She was thought to be 99. The cause was heart failure, her publicist Edward Lozzi told the L.A. Times: “The last surviving Gabor sister, she had been in declining health after being seriously injured in 2002 when the Rolls-Royce convertible in which she was riding, with her hairdresser at the wheel, jumped a curb on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood and struck a light pole. The accident left Gabor partially paralyzed.”

VINCENT VIOLA. Florida Panthers owner is Trump’s pick for Secretary of the Army: “Viola, now estimated to be worth $1.8 billion, was born to Italian immigrants in Brooklyn and is ‘living proof of the American dream,’ said a statement from the Trump team. ‘It is an honor to be nominated to serve our country as President-elect Trump’s Secretary of the Army,’ Viola said in the statement.

REX TILLERSON. Leak reveals Trump’s Secretary of State pick was the director of a US-Russian oil firm based in the Bahamas: “Though there is nothing untoward about this directorship, it has not been reported before and is likely to raise fresh questions over Tillerson’s relationship with Russia ahead of a potentially stormy confirmation hearing by the US senate foreign relations committee. Exxon said on Sunday that Tillerson was no longer a director after becoming the company’s CEO in 2006.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS. Conservatives want it projected on the White House: “Good for Donald Trump! Go, Donald, go!” Wildmon cheered as he clapped delightedly at the idea that liberals were probably “seething” because “Trump was there, sort of in your face [saying,] ‘Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.’”

BALTIMORE. Eagle leather bar to open on New Year’s Eve? “The bar, located at 2022 N. Charles St., closed in 2012 following the death of its owner Richard Richardson. The Eagle was purchased by Charles and Ian Parrish in 2013, and a major renovation and construction effort costing approximately $1 million got underway.”

MEXICO. Gay couples fight backlash to same-sex marriage.

ZAMBIA. Suicide a common end for gay men. “It’s a crime to be a homosexual here. Many people in Zambia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, who face potential imprisonment according to local law, say it’s a struggle to cope with the emotional trauma that comes with living in a place where one’s most personal practices or identity is regularly attacked. Suicide is common, they say, and so is alcohol and drug abuse.”

THAILAND. 163 new species discovered, all immediately endangered: “The discoveries, published in a report on Monday, include a gecko in Laos with pale blue skin and a rare banana species discovered in northern Thailand that is critically endangered because of increasing deforestation.”

APPLE. Company to appeal EU tax ruling this week: “Apple is set to appeal this week against the European Commission’s ruling that it must pay up to 13 billion euros ($13.8 billion) to Ireland in back taxes (via Reuters).  EU regulators concluded in August that Apple had received undue tax benefits from Ireland – where the company’s European headquarters are located – which allowed it to pay substantially less than other companies.”

ICE CASTLES. This is winter in Michigan.

CHARLIE KING. The new Gay Times cover model.

DEER DRONE.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON? Justin Bieber is off of Instagram now, so his father is posting his shirtless pics.

TRAILER OF THE DAY. Homeland Season 6.

MONDAY MUSCLE. Lurias Silva.

The post Zsa Zsa Gabor, Homeland, Vincent Viola, Baltimore Eagle, Thailand, Charlie King: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad.

Zsa Zsa Gabor, Homeland, Vincent Viola, Baltimore Eagle, Thailand, Charlie King: HOT LINKS

North Carolina General Assembly Must Immediately Repeal HB2

Today, HRC and Equality North Carolina released the following statements following the Charlotte City Council’s vote to withdraw the city’s non-discrimination ordinance pending the North Carolina General Assembly’s vote to fully repeal the state’s deeply discriminatory HB2. City leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to passing comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people after HB2’s repeal.

“Governor-elect Cooper has briefed us on a deal he brokered with state lawmakers to reach a complete and total repeal of HB2,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “HB2 is precisely why North Carolinians went to the polls and ousted Governor McCrory last month. It’s time to chart a new course guided by the state’s values of dignity and respect, not discrimination and hate — and to ensure non-discrimination protections exist in cities, towns and across the state of North Carolina. It’s been 271 days since the shameful and archaic HB2 was first passed, and the entire country has witnessed its devastating impact.  It’s time for state lawmakers to repeal HB2 and begin repairing the harm this bill has done to people and the damage it has done to North Carolina’s reputation and economy.”

“The problem has never been Charlotte. Charlotte’s ordinance was a best practice employed in hundreds of cities across the country,” said Equality North Carolina Executive Director Chris Sgro. “The Charlotte City Council and mayor did the right thing by passing their ordinance — HB2 is wrong. Since its passage, the deeply discriminatory HB2 has hurt our economy and people. Now, the General Assembly must fully repeal HB2 so that we can start the necessary talks for protecting LGBTQ people and bring back businesses across the state. We look forward to working with Governor-elect Cooper to win protections community by community and statewide.”

Recognizing the importance of creating a positive and conducive environment for business, in February, the Charlotte City Council passed the city-wide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. While city leaders sent a clear message that discrimination has no place in Charlotte, in response, Governor Pat McCrory and state lawmakers rammed HB2 into law and doubled down on discrimination. Eventually making only one tweak to the law, the General Assembly was unwilling to even consider repealing the substance of HB2, including its provision targeting transgender people, and its removal of municipalities’ ability to pass LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination laws and minimum wage ordinances.

A broad range of voices have spoken out over the last 9 months about the need for HB2’s full and complete repeal. The economic fallout — including more than $600 million in lost business — has continued to grow as companies concerned with protecting their consumers and employees have moved conventions, trainings, operations, productions, and other events out of state. The NBA, NCAA, and business leaders have made clear that cities like Orlando and Dallas — cities with full protections — are where they can ensure the safety of their employees and fans. That means Charlotte’s actions must be temporary. The city needs fully inclusive non-discrimination protections, period.

North Carolina polling released by HRC and Equality NC found that HB2 was the critical issue leading to Governor Pat McCrory’s defeat — the only incumbent governor from either party to lose on election day. The HRC and Equality NC survey of 500 North Carolina voters found them opposed to HB2 by a 62 to 30 percent margin. HB2 was also listed as the leading reason to vote against McCrory — with 57 percent citing HB2, 17 points above any other issue.

www.hrc.org/blog/breaking-north-carolina-general-assembly-must-immediately-repeal-hb2?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Must-See LGBTQ TV: 'Shameless,' 'Eyewitness' season finales; 'Sense8' Christmas special

www.glaad.org/blog/must-see-lgbtq-tv-shameless-eyewitness-season-finales-sense8-christmas-special

Our Top 10 of New York Theater for 2016

Counting down the past year’s best LGBT-inclusive shows on and off-Broadway.

www.advocate.com/theater/2016/12/19/our-top-10-new-york-theater-2016

Upon learning her husband slept with a man in college, wife goes ballistic and seeks separation

A heartbroken husband was completely blindsided by his wife’s sudden request for a separation, so he’s seeking advice from Trish Murphy, a psychotherapist who writes for the Irish Times.

“Recently my wife said she wants to separate after eight years of marriage, and has been to a solicitor,” the letter begins. “She doesn’t seem to want to discuss the reasons why she wants to separate, simply saying she doesn’t love me any more.”

Related: Wife To Bi Husband: ‘What Are You Talking About? We Have A Mortgage And A Dog Together!’

Though he’s not 100% sure why she wants to break up, the man has a suspicion. It all started about two years ago when his old college roommate stopped by for a visit.

“This chap, who is openly gay, told my wife about a one-night stand we had when we were students,” the man explains. “At the time my wife was furious and I explained to her the truth as I see it. This was something that happened impulsively, I don’t necessarily have regrets about it, but neither do I identify as gay or bisexual.”

He goes on to say that the reason he mentioned the hookup to his wife before was because it simply didn’t cross his mind.

“I had never really given it much thought,” he says.

Related: “I’m Pretty Sure My Husband Is Gay, But He Insists He Isn’t”

Eventually, he wife got over it. But then six months ago, he went on an innocent business trip with a male colleague who happens to be gay and, he writes, “she started to question my sexuality again.”

“I love my wife and our family life,” the man says. “I don’t want it to end like this. I grew up in a broken home and me and my siblings suffered as a result of our parents break up. I don’t want this for our children.”

He wonders: “How do I persuade her that I love her and have no desire for anyone else, female or male?”

In her response, Trish Murphy says the whole situation can be boiled down to one thing: Trust.

Related: Wife Finds Gay Videos On Husband’s Phone, Suspects He’s Sleeping With His Best Friend… Now What?!

“Trust is created when people are honest with each other and when there is consistency in the relationship,” she says. “You may not even be aware of your dishonesty in terms of not telling your wife as you see some things as unimportant–it is possible you did not speak for fear of conflict or break-up.”

Wait… what? Is Trish honestly suggesting that because this dude didn’t provide his wife with a detailed report of his entire sexual history prior to their meeting, including inconsequential one night stands that happened in college, he’s somehow to blame for her obvious homophobia?

Trish continues: “She may not trust that you are fully engaged in your intimacy. It might also be true that you are not willing to fully explain this as you do not really understand it yourself.”

Related: Her Husband No Longer Wants To Have Sex So He’s Gotta Be Gay–Right?!

Hmmm. Apparently Trish missed the part of the letter where the guy said the whole hookup was a one-time thing that “happened impulsively” more than a decade ago, that he doesn’t regret it, but that he also doesn’t “identify as gay or bisexual.” Sometimes people experiment.

Trish concludes by telling the guy it would be “worthwhile for you to take responsibility” and to “demonstrate that you are self-aware enough to do your part in creating changes that might make the marriage worth saving.”

What do you think of Trish’s advice? Sound off in the comments section below…

www.queerty.com/upon-learning-husband-slept-man-college-wife-goes-ballistic-seeks-separation-20161219?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

‘Surreal’ is Merriam-Webster’s Completely Apt ‘Word of the Year’ for 2016

“Surreal” is Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2016, the publisher announced on Monday. Surreal is defined as “marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream.”

Surreal is Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year because it was looked up significantly more frequently by users in 2016 than it was in previous years, and because there were multiple occasions on which this word was the one clearly driving people to their dictionary.

There are essentially two kinds of high-volume lookups that we track: perennial words that are looked up day-in and day-out, and words that spike because of news events, politics, pop culture, or sports. By analyzing these spikes, we can get a sense as to what significant events sent people to the dictionary, and sometimes, what people think about those events.

Surreal had three major spikes in interest that were higher in volume and were sustained for longer periods of time than in past years. In March, the word was used in coverage of the Brussels terror attacks. Then, in July, we saw the word spike again: it was used in descriptions of the coup attempt in Turkey and in coverage of the terrorist attack in Nice. Finally, we saw the largest spike in lookups for surreal following the U.S. election in November.

1) ‘Surreal’ is one of the most common lookups following a tragedy
2) ‘Surreal’ is our 2016 Word of the Yeart.co/O7azAyRQC1

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) December 19, 2016

The publisher also offered nine more “notable” words people looked up this year:

Revenant
Icon
In Omnia Paratus
Bigly
Deplorable
Irregardless
Assumpsit
Faute de Mieux
Feckless

What do you think was the most surreal moment of 2016?

The post ‘Surreal’ is Merriam-Webster’s Completely Apt ‘Word of the Year’ for 2016 appeared first on Towleroad.

‘Surreal’ is Merriam-Webster’s Completely Apt ‘Word of the Year’ for 2016

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: December 19, 2016

TRUMP ALLIES CALLS FOR INCOMING ADMINISTRATION TO PURGE STATE DEPT OF PRO-LGBTQ EMPLOYEES: On Friday, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins — who campaigned with Trump — called on the incoming administration to have pro-LGBTQ employees “ferreted out” and “replaced by conservatives.” HRC President Chad Griffin blasted the remarks, saying, “Tony Perkins’ proposal to purge pro-LGBTQ employees from the State Department is beyond the pale. Perkins is hatefully suggesting pro-equality, career civil servants be rounded up and sent packing for doing their jobs.” Griffin called on the Trump-Pence administration to “immediately denounce” the request, making clear the vital role the State Department plays for LGBTQ people across the world and noting that in “countries with hostile anti-LGBTQ regimes — like Russia, Syria and Egypt — lives are literally at risk.” A Trump transition team spokesperson responded to concerns: “To think that discrimination of any kind will be condoned or tolerated in a Trump Administration is simply absurd.” Perkins’ organization is known for virulent rhetoric that has earned them designation as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. More from HRC.

ALARMING — HOUSE FREEDOM CAUCUS DEMANDS ROLLBACK OF LGBTQ PROTECTIONS: On Friday, the House Freedom Caucus’ unveiled efforts to end two crucially important protections for LGBTQ people at the federal level. As part of a document outlining more than 200 rules, regulations and executive orders they want revoked, the caucus targeted federal guidance on the fair and equal treatment of transgender students from the Department of Education, as well as non-discrimination protections in the Affordable Care Act. “In a ridiculous hit list of policies they want revoked, the House Freedom Caucus is shamefully demanding a rollback of protections from discrimination for LGBTQ people — protections the majority of Americans support. These guidelines ensure Americans aren’t denied health care simply because of who they are or whom they love and ensure transgender students have the same opportunities as their peers to thrive in a classroom. They are crucially important protections that absolutely must remain in place. Lives depend on them,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. “Congressman Mark Meadows’ and the House Freedom Caucus’ efforts must be stopped. It’s time for folks to stand up, speak out, and demand lawmakers keep these fundamental protections for LGBTQ people in place.” More from HRC.

MUST WATCH MONDAY: Over the weekend, BuzzFeed interviewed Laura Jane Grace, the lead singer of the band “Against Me!” and a transgender advocate who famously burned her birth certificate on stage at a show in North Carolina to protest the state’s anti-LGBTQ HB2 law. The video explores how she is bringing transgender visibility to the punk music scene, and talks to her LGBTQ fans who benefit from her advocacy. More from BuzzFeed.

US V. WINDSOR LAWYER FILES  BRIEF IN MISS. HB 1523 APPEAL CASE: In July, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves blocked the implementation of Mississippi’s discriminatory and harmful HB 1523, calling it “a vehicle for state sanctioned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.” The case was litigated by Roberta Kaplan, the civil rights lawyer who argued in front of the Supreme Court of the United States in the landmark case United States v. Windsor. Now, the state is appealing that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. Kaplan has filed a brief in the case on behalf of her clients, arguing that the discriminatory law favors some religions over others, thus violating the U.S. Constitution. More from Slate.

YET ANOTHER ANTI-LGBTQ OFFICIAL IN TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE: Over the weekend, President-Elect Donald Trump named Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) as his budget director. Mulvaney received a “zero” on HRC’s Congressional Scorecard for all three of his terms as a U.S. congressman. As a state representative, Mulvaney cosponsored legislation in the South Carolina House of Representatives to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage for same-sex couples. Since his election, Donald Trump has been assembling a group of anti-LGBTQ officials as his top picks for his administration. All cabinet members are subject to Congressional approval, and every single appointee deserves to be thoroughly vetted. More from The New York Times.

INSPIRATIONAL VOICES OF 2016: As 2016 comes to a close, there is no doubt that this year was difficult for many in the LGBTQ and allied community. After a year of such celebration and momentous progress in 2015, 2016 was a shocking wake-up call to many about the realities that LGBTQ people face. From the rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation to the horrific shooting at Pulse, from the incidents of anti-transgender violence to the election of a presidential ticket that threatens to undermine equality and justice, we know that our job is more important now than ever before. However, through these difficult times, we witnessed countless moments of inspiration. Throughout the year, time and time again, we saw people stand up and do what was right. Whether they were celebrities, politicians, a friend or just an acquaintance, we saw people stand up for equality and inspire us all. Their stories made us cry, gave us hope and reminded us that love will conquer hate. Follow HRC’s blog for more. Below are two highlights.

• On March 23, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed HB2 — an outrageous and unprecedented anti-LGBTQ law. While the North Carolina House and Senate rammed through  the law in one day, backlash to the discriminatory measure continued for months, leading to McCrory’s defeat on Election Day. With the legislation rammed through the legislature in a special, single day session with little opportunity for debate, transgender North Carolinians immediately took action against the hateful law.  Madeline Goss, Candis Cox and Tina Madison White spoke at rallys and events and testified against this dangerous law. More from HRC.
• Throughout 2016, civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis used his voice to reiterate his support and dedication for full LGBTQ equality. In the wake of the horrific tragedy at Pulse nightclub in Orlando — the nation’s deadliest mass shooting — Lewis staged a sit-in on the House floor to try to force a vote on common-sense gun violence prevention policies. More from HRC.

TRANS YOUTH INVITED TO WATCH ‘ROGUE ONE’ AT WHITE HOUSE: This weekend, two families on HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council, the Briggles and the Neals, were invited to the White House by the Obama Administration for a viewing of the new Star Wars film. More on the Briggles from the Denton Record-Chronicle and more on the Neals from HRC.

SRI LANKA SIMPLIFIES PROCESS FOR LEGAL GENDER CHANGES ON OFFICIALS DOCUMENTS: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine recently created a simplified and streamlined process for anyone seeking a legal gender change on government documents. The Zimbabwe Star interviewed those benefiting from this process. More here.

READING RAINBOW

First Coast News interviews the first openly transgender woman to finish the Jacksonville, Fla., marathon… Pink News shares a heartwarming letter a bisexual man wrote to his accepting partner… Gay News Network cover the first same-sex marriage in Gibraltar…

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to A.M. Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-december-19-2016?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed