Luxury rehab patient wakes to learn he was sexually assaulted by another man in his sleep
A former patient at a luxury rehab center is suing after he claims he was sexually assaulted by another patient while under sedation.
Daily Archives: January 19, 2018
Ontario School Boards Pull Funding From High School’s Gay Prom Musical: VIDEO
Ontario School Boards Pull Funding From High School’s Gay Prom Musical: VIDEO
Two school boards in London, Ontario have pulled their financial backing of a play based on the true story of a gay student’s fight to take his boyfriend to prom.
Prom Queen: The Musical is based on the story of Marc Hall, who in 2002 won battle with the Durham Catholic School Board to take his boyfriend to the prom at a school in Oshawa, Ontario.
The play was chosen as this year’s fall high school project play at the Grand Theatre in London.
However, the London District Catholic School Board and the Thames Valley District School Board have pulled their funding – usually $15,000 per board – leaving a dent in the $250,000 budget. It is the first time the two boards haven’t contributed to the annual play.
An online funding campaign has already raised over $50,000 to address the shortfall.
CBC reports:
“There are many things in the script that go against the culture and values of our schools,” trustee Matt Reid, chair of the Thames Valley board, said Thursday morning.
“I think the message in the story is very important. The issue is how you portray the facts of the story.”
Reid also said the play’s theme of LGBTQ rights isn’t the issue, but rather the language in the script, and how the story portrays school boards, teachers and other adults in a negative light.
Hall, who spoke to CBC News from Calgary where he now works, said he was surprised a school board would pull funding.
“It’s about a community coming together, to stick up for yourself, to not allow discrimination, to love who you are.”
Both boards on Wednesday released the same statement within seconds of each other. It read:
“Together, our school communities – principals, teachers, trustees, staff, students, parents – work very hard to ensure all students are supported and cared for, which is not reflected in the script.”
The play’s producer Mary Young Leckie said:
“Marc was a bit of a reluctant hero, he just wanted to go to prom. He wasn’t a political rebel.
“I’m really kind of sad that in 2018 school boards somehow think they can’t support the story of a kid.
“This is a story about gay rights. When you come up against this really conservative reaction and defensive reaction, it surprises me, but it also tells me that this play is incredibly relevant. This is a story that people need to hear.”
Delighted #ldnont folks have raised enough cash to pay for “Prom Queen”‘s shortfall (school boards pulled 30K, we’ve raised 33K+ and counting). But at election time let’s make sure not to forget the appalling stunt pulled by the board. t.co/9DjLvL2nFf
— Mike P. Moffatt
(@MikePMoffatt) January 18, 2018
The post Ontario School Boards Pull Funding From High School’s Gay Prom Musical: VIDEO appeared first on Towleroad.
Ontario School Boards Pull Funding From High School’s Gay Prom Musical: VIDEO
Mächtige SPD-Landesverbände stellen Bedingungen für Große Koalition
Mächtige SPD-Landesverbände stellen Bedingungen für Große Koalition
Unmittelbar vor dem entscheidenden SPD-Bundesparteitag an diesem Sonntag stellen die mächtigen sozialdemokratischen Landesverbände Nordrhein-Westfalen und Hessen neue Bedingungen für eine Große Koalition.
Das ist passiert:
► Die beiden Verbände verlangen laut einem der “Süddeutschen Zeitung” vorliegendem Antragsentwurf “substanzielle Verbesserungen” gegenüber den Ergebnissen der GroKo-Sondierungen.
► Konkret gehe es um die Abschaffung der sachgrundlosen Befristung von Arbeitsverhältnissen und die Angleichung der Honorarordnungen für gesetzlich und privat Krankenversicherte.
► Auch eine Härtefallregelung für den Familiennachzug bei Flüchtlingen mit eingeschränktem Schutzstatus wird verlangt.
Darum ist es wichtig:
SPD-Chef Martin Schulz wirbt gerade bei den SPD-Landesverbänden und -Mitgliedern für ein positives Votum über das Sondierungspapier beim Parteitag am Sonntag.
Dass zwei der wichtigsten Verbände der Partei nun Stimmung gegen dieses machen, ist ein fatales Signal – zumal die Union schon angekündigt hat, keine Nachverhandlungen über das GroKo-Papier zulassen zu wollen.
Mehr zum Thema: “28-seitige Beruhigungspille”: Die Medien zerpflücken das GroKo-Sondierungspapier
Was ihr noch wissen müsst:
Von entscheidender Bedeutung ist somit die Frage, was aus Sicht der nordrhein-westfälischen und hessischen Genossen passieren soll, falls die geforderten „substanziellen Verbesserungen“ in Koalitionsverhandlungen nicht erreicht würden.
► Dazu heißt es im Antragsentwurf:
“Wenn die Koalitionsverhandlungen insgesamt zu einem tragfähigen Ergebnis kommen, wird der Parteivorstand den Mitgliedern einen Entwurf für einen Koalitionsvertrag zur Abstimmung vorlegen, der diese Verbesserungen enthält.“
www.huffingtonpost.de/entry/spd-landesverbande-nrw-hessen_de_5a6245e5e4b0dc592a088821
Oil Giant Shell Bids For London Minicab Licence
Oil Giant Shell Bids For London Minicab Licence
Oil giant Shell has been urged to protect workers’ rights as it bids to make an entrance into the London minicab market.
A subsidiary of the Anglo-Dutch firm is applying for its own operating licence in the capital.
The app, dubbed FarePilot, has been available to drivers since last year and currently uses algorithms to advise them on the most lucrative locations to offer rides for services like Uber.
FarePilot “was created to help private hire & taxi drivers make more money and spend less time on the road,” its website states.
But now the app, in which Shell’s technology ventures arm has a majority stake, is taking steps to become a Private Hire Operator, allowing it to give work directly to drivers.
Asked whether FarePilot, which Shell says is “not a ride-hailing business”, had submitted a licence application, a spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost it had done so.
“But only in London,” they added. FarePilot wouldn’t comment further on the application, despite claims it was readying for an imminent launch.
It’s prompted warnings from trade unions for the firm to guarantee drivers’ employment rights after a string of tribunals affecting other taxi apps, including Uber.
If its application is approved, FarePilot could eventually challenge the US tech firm, and others such as Lyft, as well as British-based operators like Addison Lee.
A FarePilot spokesperson added in a statement on Friday: “Drivers often ask us however if we could further help them by giving them driving jobs and this is something that we are investigating but no decisions have been taken to go live with such a product.
“Should this materialise, we will ensure that all the correct commitments – including licences and procedures – are in place prior to going live. We cannot comment any more at this time.”
‘Shell can lead’
Uber in particular has faced difficulties in the capital after an application to renew its operating licence was rejected by regulator Transport for London (TfL) last year over safety grounds.
It is now appealing that decision through the courts.
In addition, Uber has faced a raft of PR challenges, and a defeat over employment rules.
One union leader said drivers would welcome a new entrant to the market, and that any new player had the chance to lead by protecting workers’ rights.
James Farrar, chair of the United Private Hire Drivers branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, has written to chief executive Ben van Beurden to seek assurances that Shell will give an assurance it will protect drivers.
“I would like to have your personal assurance that FarePilot will not violate employment laws and will honour the right of drivers to be paid at least the minimum wage for every hour logged on to FarePilot and that they will be paid holiday pay, will not suffer discrimination and that Shell will not interfere with whistleblower rights,” he wrote to van Beurden.
Farrar told HuffPost on Friday: “Shell isn’t some bootstrap, bro-culture, Silicon Valley start-up, it’s a $250bn business that’s learned corporate social responsibility the hard way.
“We think that drivers should get the Living Wage for each hour they work and holiday pay too.
“Shell can move in, do these things, and be a real leader in the market.”
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/farepilot-app-shell-london-licence_uk_5a622a11e4b0125fd636578d
#glaadawards nominees highlight powerful stories of LGBTQ people of color
#glaadawards nominees highlight powerful stories of LGBTQ people of color
Photo Credit: Netflix
Nominees for the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced this week, and stories featuring LGBTQ people of color shone across all categories.
In entertainment, the South African film The Wound (Outstanding Film – Limited Release) tells the story of a secret relationship between two men during a Xhosa initiation ritual. Kiki, a documentary about LGBTQ youth of color in the kiki and ball scenes, is nominated in Outstanding Documentary. BBC America’s Queers and ABC’s When We Rise both received nominations in Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series, and highlighted black queer stories.
Outstanding Comedy Series nominees The Bold Type (Freeform), FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Survivor’s Remorse (Starz) all feature black queer characters. Additionally, The Bold Type includes Adena, a “proud Muslim lesbian,” who is dating Kat. In the Outstanding Drama Series category, the since-cancelled CBS drama Doubt and FOX’s Star both feature black trans women played by trans women (Laverne Cox as lawyer Cameron Worth and Amiyah Scott as Cotton, respectively). The dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale includes lesbian character Moira (out actress Samira Wiley), Ron Cephas Jones played Randall’s father William – who is bisexual – on NBC’s buzzy This Is Us, and Sense8’s final season included multiple black queer characters. Master of None’s “Thanksgiving” episode told the story of Denise’s coming out to her family and growing comfortable to bringing a girlfriend home to her family, the episode was co-written by actor Lena Waithe who made history as the first black woman to win the Emmy in Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the episode.
Disney’s Doc McStuffins included an episode this summer following a lesbian couple and their children, with the moms voiced by out actresses Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi. The episode is nominated in the brand new Outstanding Kids & Family Programming category, alongside Nickelodeon’s The Loud House which also includes a black gay character. Kelela, Honey Dijon, Kehlani, and Halsey are all nominated in Outstanding Music Artist. Marvel’s limited series Black Panther: World of Wakanda, nominated in Outstanding Comic Book, is centered on the relationship between Dora Milaje members Ayo and Aneka. Jay-Z’s “Smile,” featuring his mother Gloria Carter, will receive a Special Recognition award.
Netflix’s One Day at a Time – returning January 26 for season two – follows a Cuban-American family, including teenage daughter Elena who came out as a lesbian in season one. Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s winter finale included Rosa Diaz (out bi actress Stephanie Beatriz) coming out as bisexual, check out GLAAD’s Facebook Live chat with her about the story. Netflix’s Sense8 and CBS All Access’ Star Trek: Discovery also feature gay Latino characters.
The documentary Chavela follows the fascinating life and career of Chavela Vargas, one of the most iconic singers in Latin American history. In addition to her music being extremely influential in 20th century Mexico, Chavela tells an intimate portrait of the singer’s personal life, including coming out as a lesbian at the age of 81, and her relationship with different women in different periods of her life including Frida Kahlo. Marvel’s America is nominated in Outstanding Comic Book, the series follows America Chavez who is the company’s first Latina lesbian superhero.
The Chilean film Una mujer fantástica (A Fantastic Woman) tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman and lounge singer whose life is turned upside down when someone close to her unexpectedly passes away. In the face of discrimination from individuals and institutions, Marina’s strength and resilience shines through the entire film.
NBC’s Superstore (nominated in Outstanding Comedy Series) looks at the immigrant experience through Nico, a gay man who was born and raised in the Philippines. Shadowhunters, which is nominated in Outstanding Drama Series and last year received the award in this category, continues to explore the life of Brooklyn’s High Warlock, Magnus Bane (Harry Shum Jr.). Daily drama Days of Our Lives, ABC’s When We Rise, and NBC’s The Voice all included Asian queer and trans characters in 2017.
Moving over to news and journalism, the Good Morning America segment “DJ Zeke Thomas Goes Public” shone a spotlight on sexual assault. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s series “The Silent Epidemic: Black Gay Men and HIV” and “America’s Hidden H.I.V. Epidemic” (The New York Times Magazine) examine the statistics, experiences and share stories from men living at the intersections of being black, gay, and HIV-positive. Respected trans advocate Monica Roberts received her third nomination in Outstanding Blog for her work on Transgriot, which focuses on issues pertaining to transgender women of color. Fusion’s “China Queer” edition of The Naked Truth looks at the daily experiences of a group of LGBTQ activists in China. Three separate pieces are nominated that cover the specific impact of the Pulse shooting on the Latinx LGBTQ community in Orlando; Anderson Cooper 360, Orlando Sentinel, and Huffpost Queer Voices.
For a complete list of nominees, click here
The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBTQ community and issues that build support for equality and acceptance.
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in Los Angeles on April 12, 2018 at The Beverly Hilton and in New York on May 5 at the New York Hilton Midtown. Find out how you can buy tickets or host a table here.
To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.
January 19, 2018
Issues:
www.glaad.org/blog/glaadawards-nominees-highlight-powerful-stories-lgbtq-people-color
One Year Later, HRC Vows to Keep Turning Resistance Into Action
One Year Later, HRC Vows to Keep Turning Resistance Into Action
60 Pix of Masters, Pigs, and Whisker Burn at Distrkt C
60 Pix of Masters, Pigs, and Whisker Burn at Distrkt C
www.advocate.com/photography/2018/1/19/60-pix-masters-pigs-and-whisker-burn-distrkt-c
2018 Dillo tu a mammà di Pierpaolo Mandetta
Aaron Hernandez bisexual rumors rekindled by new book about the convicted killer
Aaron Hernandez bisexual rumors rekindled by new book about the convicted killer
“It’s the most fascinating, complicated, and troubling crime story of our times,” James Patterson says.
Lesbian YouTube Star Chrissy Chambers Wins Landmark ‘Revenge Porn’ Case
Lesbian YouTube Star Chrissy Chambers Wins Landmark ‘Revenge Porn’ Case
In the first case of its kind on England and Wales, lesbian YouTube celebrity Chrissy Chambers has successfully sued her male former partner for posting online videos of her.
Along with her partner Bria Kam, Chambers is one of the most popular lesbian content creators on YouTube.
I could not be more elated to announce today that I won my revenge porn case and also asked the most incredible girl to marry me. That’s right -WE WON AND BRIA AND I ARE ENGAGED!!!!! I’m the luckiest girl in the world!!!!! pic.twitter.com/IRjlLNI6AI
— BriaAndChrissy (@BriaandChrissy) January 17, 2018
32-year-old Chambers sued the man for harassment, breach of confidence and misuse of private information, after learning that the Crown Prosecution Service would not pursue criminal charges, reports the Guardian.
RELATED: Gay People Are More Likely To Be Victims of Revenge Porn: STUDY
Before she came out, Chambers was in a relationship with the British man. The high court heard on Wednesday that he filmed several videos of them having sex Chambers’ knowledge or informed consent.
Two years after they ended the relationship he uploaded them to a free porn site. The videos have since been shared and viewed hundreds of thousands of times.
Although it has been illegal since 2015 in England to post private sexual images online without consent, the videos were uploaded in 2011. Chambers brought the civil case in March 2016, settling out of court in December 2017.
Today love won, in more ways than one. Our amazing client Chrissy Chambers said it best herself: “You CAN fight back and win. You will heal and move on – and you will not have to take these steps alone”. With today’s win in court, #TimesUp on #revengeporn! pic.twitter.com/fFrgYPk3Fm
— Ann Olivarius (@AnnOlivarius) January 17, 2018
Speaking outside the court, Chambers said:
“We have been able to set a legal precedent that should serve as a severe warning to those who seek to extort and harm with revenge porn: you cannot do this with impunity, and you will be held accountable for your actions.
“For anyone who has been living in fear of revenge porn used against you, there has never been a better time to come forward.”
Her lawyer, Georgina Calvert-Lee at McAllister Olivarius, said:
“Victims of revenge porn always tell us of their humiliation and shame. Their identities have been stolen and distorted and they think they are powerless to do anything about it. Their attackers – those who have violated their trust and posted their images, or copied and shared them, or profited off them – bank on this humiliation and sense of powerlessness.
“Chrissy Chambers’ case shows that victims of revenge porn need feel powerless no more … All they need do is use the law to stop the revenge porn, and the industry that feeds off it, and take back control of their image and their identity.”
Along with undisclosed significant damages, Chambers was awarded copyright of the videos. She can now pursue any websites that host them. Her ex-boyfriend apologized for his actions.
Watch an ABC report below.
The post Lesbian YouTube Star Chrissy Chambers Wins Landmark ‘Revenge Porn’ Case appeared first on Towleroad.
Lesbian YouTube Star Chrissy Chambers Wins Landmark ‘Revenge Porn’ Case