Titanic Ruling, Citizenship, Mike Pompeo, Janelle Monae, 13 Reasons Why, Gavin Newsom, Kesha: HOT LINKS

CITIZENSHIP. Trump amassing records on every adult in America: “But in the months since federal courts permanently blocked the Trump administration from asking the hotly-contested question for this year’s national head count, the administration has been pushing ahead with a backup plan — amassing government records to try to determine the U.S. citizenship status of every adult living in the country.”

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE DAY. Context is unclear aside from COVID-19, but get out your kleenexes.

BACK ON. Trump orders team to get his rallies into full gear: “Some White House allies have encouraged the campaign to prioritize its plan for restarting rallies, worried that the optics and purpose of Trump’s official travel — during which the president has sent mixed messages about his administration’s response to the pandemic while surrounded by aides in face masks — is too morbid and lacks the showmanship his core base adores.”

CALIFORNIA. Republicans take aim at Gavin Newsom’s emergency powers: “A pair of Republican lawmakers in California say they’re prepping a bill aimed at restricting the unprecedented power wielded by Governor Gavin Newsom during the Covid-19 health emergency. The bill by Assemblymen James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, and Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, seeks to end Newsom’s emergency powers by enacting a resolution that overturns the state’s declaration of emergency in effect since Newsom signed it on March 4.”

NANCY PELOSI. The House Speaker is very surprised Trump is so sensitive about comments that he is “morbidly obese.”

FROSTY. André Leon Talley says his friendship with Anna Wintour is in a massive block of ice.

BAT-BREAKUP. Here’s the reason Ruby Rose left Batwoman.

MEDICAL ADVICE. Republican political operatives are lining up “pro-Trump” doctors for TV appearances advising that everything’s okay for economy to reopen.

MEOW. Carole Baskin selling Tiger King catchphrase masks.

MIKE POMPEO. Secretary of State held secret dinners on taxpayer dime: “Until the coronavirus shut them down in March, the gatherings were known as “Madison Dinners” — elaborate, unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, began in 2018 and held regularly in the historic Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government’s dime.”

MORE POMPEO. Secretary of State jolts out of press briefing amid questions about fired inspector general….

HEART OF THE OCEAN. Federal judge rules salvage company can cut into wreckage of the Titanic to attempt to recover Marconi telegraph: “The radio transmitter could unlock some of the secrets about a missed warning message and distress calls sent from the ship, said the company, which obtained the salvage rights to the wreckage in the 1980s. The site is about 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.”

COVER GIRL OF THE DAY. Janelle Monae.

ISOLATION PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY. Kesha “A Little Bit of Love”.

TRAILER OF THE DAY. 13 Reasons Why final season.

HUMP DAY HOTTIE. David Mora.

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#SONRÍE como si no hubiera un mañana #smile #positivity #positivevibes #blackandwhite

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The post Titanic Ruling, Citizenship, Mike Pompeo, Janelle Monae, 13 Reasons Why, Gavin Newsom, Kesha: HOT LINKS appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Titanic Ruling, Citizenship, Mike Pompeo, Janelle Monae, 13 Reasons Why, Gavin Newsom, Kesha: HOT LINKS

Skittles partners with GLAAD for Pride month by giving up its rainbow on its “Pride Packs” in celebration of the LGBTQ community

www.glaad.org/blog/skittles-partners-glaad-pride-month-giving-its-rainbow-its-pride-packs-celebration-lgbtq

After calling him “morbidly obese” on TV, Nancy Pelosi throws even more fuel on Trump dumpster fire

The dumpster fire ignited when Nancy Pelosi casually called Donald Trump “morbidly obese” on live TV burns on…

It all started on Monday night, when Pelosi was asked by Anderson Cooper about Trump’s alleged use of hydroxychloroquine as a preventative treatment for coronavirus.

“I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists,” she said. “Especially in his age group and in his, shall we say, weight group. Morbidly obese, they say. So, I think that it’s not a good idea.”

Within minutes, the words “morbidly obese” and #PresidentPlump were trending on Twitter.

Related: Nancy Pelosi called Trump “morbidly obese” on live TV and Twitter is having a field day

When asked about Pelosi’s off the cuff remark yesterday afternoon, Trump tried to brush the whole thing off by pretending he couldn’t care less what she had to say about him.

“Oh, I don’t respond to her,” he told reporters. “I think she’s a waste of time.”

But not five minutes later, he was red in the face ranting and raving about being called morbidly obese on live TV by the most powerful woman in the country, saying she is a “sick woman” with “a lot of mental problems.”

“She’s got a lot of problems, a lot of mental problems,” Trump raged. “They have to get their act together for the good of the country, OK?”

Then last evening, Pelosi appeared on MSNBC’s Deadline White House, where she told Nicolle Wallace she “had no idea” Trump would be so bothered by her comment.

“I didn’t know that he would be so sensitive,” the Speaker said. “He’s always talking about other people’s … weight, their pounds.”

Related: Nancy Pelosi ripped up Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. And now, the memes…

Then she added this little zinger: “I think he should recognize his words weigh a ton.”

She continued, “Instead of telling people to put Lysol into their lungs or taking a medication that has not been approved except under certain circumstances, he should be saying what your previous guest mentioned, things that would help people.”

Talk about throwing fuel on a dumpster fire. Trump has not yet commented on Pelosi’s latest jab, though we’re sure he will shortly.

Quick fact check: To be considered “morbidly obese,” a person must have a body mass index of over 40. According to his February 2019 annual physical report, Trump stood 6’3 and weighed 243 pounds, putting his BMI at 30.4, which makes him obese, but not morbidly so; however, the accuracy of that report, like so many of Trump’s claims, has been questioned.

Related: Nancy Pelosi just gave the most epic clapback to a reporter who accused her of hating Trump

www.queerty.com/calling-morbidly-obese-tv-nancy-pelosi-throws-even-fuel-trump-dumpster-fire-20200520?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Chicago’s Sears Tower Appears to Have Face After Power Outage: ‘The Perfect Depiction of 2020’

Chicago’s Sears Tower (for 11 years called the Willis Tower, a name nobody seems to care for) has gone viral on social media after a power outage left it darkened aside from some dim lighting at the top which made it appear to have a face.

NBC Chicago reports: “Willis Tower remains without power Wednesday after record-setting rain led to extensive flooding. Willis Tower was closed to tenants and visitors after losing power early Monday and remained closed Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for EQ Office, which manages the building. About 8 inches of rain fell over Chicago from last Thursday to Sunday, marking the 4th wettest four day stretch in the city’s recorded weather history, which goes back to 1871, according to the National Weather Service.”

The post Chicago’s Sears Tower Appears to Have Face After Power Outage: ‘The Perfect Depiction of 2020’ appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Chicago’s Sears Tower Appears to Be Disappointed After Power Outage: ‘The Perfect Depiction of 2020’

#AM_Equality: May 20, 2020

NEW HRC RESEARCH ON LGBTQ CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT DURING COVID-19: The brief provides information about the risk that LGBTQ children and youth, of which there are at least 2 million in the United States alone, will face amidst COVID-19, as well as resources available to them as they navigate these times. As the economic and health consequences of COVID-19 become reality to families across the globe, the increased risk of child abuse has especially garnered the attention of the media as well as leading national professional associations such as the American Psychological Association. Read the brief here.

• Join HRC tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET for a webinar on LGBTQ youth mental health:

TONIGHT — HRC TO HOST VIRTUAL IFTAR EVENT: Remaining Home in Faith: Virtual Iftar is the third in HRC’s “Remaining Home in Faith” series. The virtual faith services are a continuation of HRC’s “Coming Home to Faith: A Search for Common Ground” tour, with a goal of building bridges and strengthening the ties between faith and LGBTQ communities. ​More from HRC.

HRC LAUNCHES TRANS JUSTICE NEWSLETTER TO FOCUS ON TRANSGENDER AND NON-BINARY COMMUNITY: Read the first edition of the newsletter here, and subscribe here.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING WEDNESDAY — PRIDELAND FROM PBS TO EXPLORE LGBTQ LIVES IN THE SOUTH: The series, hosted by Dyllón Burnside, features HRC’s Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) and Carmarion Anderson. More from PBS.

NEW WILLIAMS INSTITUTE STUDY SHOWS 17% OF LGB POPULATION HAS EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS: Black and Latinx LGB populations face even higher rates of homelessness, as well as bisexual and transgender people of all races. More from LGBTQ Nation.

HRC’S MILAGROS CHIRINOS (@MChirinos84) JOINS WORLD BANK FOR PANEL ON THE LGBTQ WORKFORCE IN LATIN AMERICA: Watch the full panel here.

• The panel took place in honor of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. More on this day from Global Equality.

IN THE STATES

MICHIGAN TO SEND ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS IN STATE: “No one should choose between their health and their ability to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Secretary Benson has set the standard for states across the nation and prioritized the health and safety of Michiganders ahead of partisan politics,” said HRC Campaigns Director Geoff Wetrosky. “Voting absentee is one of the best, safest and most accessible ways of performing elections during the ongoing international pandemic. We strongly encourage election officials across the country to follow suit.” More from Detroit Free Press.

NYC COUNCIL MEMBERS URGE CITY TO REVIVE LGBTQ EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: The program, launched last year, provided job training and opportunities to homeless LGBTQ young people. More from Queens Daily Eagle.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

ALBANIA ORDER OF PSYCHOLOGISTS TO PENALIZE THOSE WHO PRACTICE SO-CALLED “CONVERSION THERAPY”: This move by the order, formed by the country’s parliament in 2017, is tantamount to a legislative ban on the dangerous practice, reports The Advocate.

LGBTQ ADVOCATES IN SOUTH KOREA FORM TASK FORCE TO COMBAT DISCRIMINATION DURING COVID-19: More from Washington Blade.

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

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-may-20-2020?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Ruby Rose quits Batwoman role ahead of show’s second season

 

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A post shared by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on May 16, 2020 at 3:19pm PDT

Australian model turned actor Ruby Rose will not be returning to the lead role in Batwoman for the show’s second season.

Warner Bros. TV, which produces the CW series, announced Rose’s departure yesterday, just a couple of days after the first season’s finale. It says a new actor will be cast to play the lead.

Batwoman made history by featuring its hero as a gay woman. Producer Greg Berlanti and showrunner Caroline Dries specifically wanted a member of the LGBTQ community to take the role of Kate Kane/Batwoman, which led to them casting Rose. Before this, Rose’s most high-profile role was in Orange Is The New Black.

Related: ‘Batwoman’ Ruby Rose nearly paralyzed after stunt-related injury on-set

In a statement, Rose did not explain the decision.

“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose said.

“This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles. I am beyond appreciative to Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter [Berlanti’s producing partner] and Caroline Dries for not only giving me this incredible opportunity, but for welcoming me into the DC universe they have so beautifully created.

“Thank you Peter Roth and Mark Pedowitz and the teams at Warner Bros. and The CW who put so much into the show and always believed in me. Thank you to everyone who made season one a success — I am truly grateful.”

A statement from the producers said the show will return in 2021, and reiterated a commitment to casting an LGBTQ actor.

“Warner Bros. Television, The CW and Berlanti Productions thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best. The studio and network are firmly committed to Batwoman’s second season and long-term future, and we — along with the show’s talented creative team — look forward to sharing its new direction, including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community, in the coming months.”

Related: Caroline Dries on taking on a trailblazing heroine and fighting toxic fandom with ‘Batwoman’

The first series of Batwoman, which debuted October 2019, was due to have 22 episodes but this was shortened to 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic, leading to last week’s episode being the series finale.

www.queerty.com/ruby-rose-quits-batwoman-role-ahead-shows-second-season-20200520?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Hungary Bans Legal Recognition of Transgender People

Hungary’s nationalist government has banned the legal recognition of transgender citizens, asserting that “the complete change of the biological sex is not possible.”

The Guardian reports: “The new law defines gender as based on chromosomes at birth, meaning previous provisions whereby trans people could alter their gender and name on official documents will no longer be available. The votes of rightwing prime minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party pushed the legislation through by 134 to 56, with four abstentions. It is likely to be signed into law by the president, János Áder, a close ally of Orbán.”

Said an explanation accompanying the new law: “Given that the complete change of the biological sex is not possible, it is necessary to state in law that there is no possibility to change it in the registry of births, marriages, and deaths, either.”

Amnesty International’s Researcher, Krisztina Tamás-Sáróy released a statement: “This decision pushes Hungary back towards the dark ages and tramples the rights of transgender and intersex people. It will not only expose them to further discrimination but will also deepen an already intolerant and hostile environment faced by the LGBTI community. It is critical for Hungary’s Commissioner for Fundamental Rights to act urgently and request that the Constitutional Court review and swiftly annuls the appalling provisions of this law. Everyone’s gender identity should be legally recognised and everyone must be allowed to change their legal name and gender markers on all official documents.”

In March, Hungary’s government granted Orban indefinite, unlimited powers amid the coronavirus crisis that he has promised to give back, “when this emergency ends.”

NPR reported: “Those powers include sidelining parliament and giving Orban the power to rule by decree indefinitely. The law would punish those who spread false information about the pandemic with up to five years in prison. … critics insist that Orban is using the pandemic to grab power. ‘An indefinite and uncontrolled state of emergency cannot guarantee that the basic principles of democracy will be observed,’ Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric wrote to Orban on March 24.”

The anti-trans bill proceeded through normal legislative channels after being introduced on March 31, the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

The post Hungary Bans Legal Recognition of Transgender People appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Hungary Bans Legal Recognition of Transgender People

Director of Gay Indie Film ‘God’s Own Country’ Says Amazon Prime U.S. Has Removed the Sex Scenes

Francis Lee, the director of the critically-acclaimed British indie film God’s Own Country, says Amazon Prime has censored the film’s gay sex scenes and is urging U.S. viewers to not rent or buy the film on that platform.

Tweeted Lee: “Dear friends in USA, God’s Own Country appears to have been censored on @PrimeVideo (Amazon Prime). Until this is investigated please do not rent or buy on Amazon Prime. It is not the film I intended or made. I will report back.”

One viewer noted: “They cut most of the scene in the cattle trailer with Johnny and the trainee auctioneer and same for the scene in the mud. I stopped watching after that because it was bugging me they’d done that so I don’t know if anything else was censored.”

Some viewers noted the cuts.

Wrote one reviewer on Amazon: “The movie itself is a good story; I am just disappointed in Amazon Prime for editing out a certain scenes when they included it for Prime viewers. Shame on you for censorship.”

Another wrote: “God’s Own Country is an engaging watch. This version on Amazon Prime is missing the graphic scenes which really takes away from the film.”

Another said, “I love the movie for its true emotions, artistic representation and crafty performance. But it is an abridged version.”

God’s Own Country has been compared to Brokeback Mountain as it charts the troubled romance of rural farmers in Yorkshire, UK.

Lee explained to Empire in 2017 what makes it different:

“The comparison feels like an honour, but they are very different. Brokeback is of a particular time and place – its two central characters can’t be together because of society’s attitudes. In God’s Own Country, it’s all to do with the central character’s inability to open up.”

The film’s trailer:

The post Director of Gay Indie Film ‘God’s Own Country’ Says Amazon Prime U.S. Has Removed the Sex Scenes appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Director of Gay Indie Film ‘God’s Own Country’ Says Amazon Prime U.S. Has Removed the Sex Scenes