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North Carolina Republicans Unfazed By Feds’ Warning That HB2 Discriminates
It’s not clear any North Carolina leaders are prepared to give up on their discriminatory law.
The post North Carolina Republicans Unfazed By Feds’ Warning That HB2 Discriminates appeared first on ThinkProgress.
thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/05/05/3775570/north-carolina-doj-reactions/
HRC Alabama Celebrates Defeat of Seven Anti-LGBT Bills this Legislative Session
On the same day the city of Oxford Ala., repealed their vile anti-transgender ordinance, HRC Alabama and its supporters marked the end of Alabama’s 2016 legislative session. While seven anti-LGBT bills were introduced, not a single one passed the state legislature this year.
This was by no means an easy feat. One of our biggest battles came with HB 158, the Alabama Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act, and its Senate Companion, SB 204. These horrific bills would have enshrined discrimination into Alabama law by allowing adoption and foster care agencies — licensed and funded by the state, no less — to reject qualified, prospective LGBT adoptive or foster parents, based on the agency’s religious beliefs. HRC Alabama worked closely with local partners to educate House and Senate members on how harmful these bills would be to the more than 5,500 Alabama children in need of loving homes, and rally support from fair-minded constituents committed to standing against discrimination.
Leaders from several of the nation’s top child advocacy organizations also released a letter condemning this type of legislation. The letter reads in part: “The undersigned nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations are dedicated to ensuring safety, permanency and wellbeing for children and families that are connected to adoption and foster care. This includes providing leadership that improves laws, policies and practices through sound research, analysis, education and advocacy….. As such, we are in opposition to SB 204, The Alabama Child Care Provider Inclusion Act.”
Anti-LGBT lawmakers also introduced a slew of mean-spirited, unnecessary bills including HB 159, which would have allowed health care service providers to refuse service based on their religious beliefs; and HB 130, legislation that would have protected clergy from performing same-sex weddings, a right already granted to them under the First Amendment of United States Constitution.
Another empty resolution that was a direct attack on the Constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry was SJR 39. This was nothing more than a symbolic attempt by state lawmakers to express their animosity towards the historic Supreme Court of the United States marriage equality decision in Obergefell v. Hodges last June. It would have been a slap in the face to loving and committed same-sex couples throughout the state, though it would not have impinged upon marriage equality in Alabama. .
HRC Alabama worked closely throughout the legislative session with our partners at the SPLC and the ACLU of Alabama to beat back the state’s anti-LGBT bills. This year, with the introduction of nearly 200 of these egregious bills in 35 states, our opponents ramped up their efforts this session, but so did we. As Alabama’s State Legislature adjourns, only 22 bills remain in 7 states.
3 Weeks Later: McCrory & NC Assembly Leadership Have Still Not Fulfilled Open Records Request on HB2
Today marks three weeks since the HRC and Equality NC filed an open records request seeking information from the office of Gov. Pat McCrory, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, and House Speaker Tim Moore about their communications with anti-LGBT activists to pass the disastrous HB 2 into law. With the legislation rammed through the legislature in a special, single day session with little opportunity for debate, the plot thickened this week when a Republican State Senator slipped up and admitted there had been private discussions about the plan to rush HB 2 through “for weeks.” But so far McCrory, Berger, and Moore have refused to be transparent about their scheme to pass the radical and deeply discriminatory measure.
Gov. McCrory and state lawmakers are under increasingly intense pressure to repeal HB 2, including from the U.S. Department of Justice who determined the discriminatory measure violates federal civil rights law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. With billions in federal funding at risk, the Justice Department has given Gov. McCrory until Monday to address the situation ‘by confirming that the State will not comply with or implement HB 2.’”
“What are Pat McCrory, Phil Berger, and Tim Moore hiding?” asked HRC President Chad Griffin. “They rammed through this disastrous bill in just 9 hours, and have spent the last 43 days lying to the public about what they did and why they did it. One Republican State Senator recently admitted there were weeks of secret meetings and calls to plot the HB2 sneak attack. It’s time McCrory, Berger, and Moore come clean to the people of North Carolina, because the millions of people harmed by Hate Bill 2 deserve to know the truth.”
“The people of North Carolina deserve to know the truth behind the passing of HB 2,” said Equality NC Director of Advancement Matt Hirschy. “If this bill is as common sense as Senator Berger, Speaker Moore and Governor McCrory claim, then there should be nothing to hide. Every single day that goes by, North Carolina loses more of its economic edge. $500 million in lost economic opportunities should be enough to justify an investigation into how this harmful bill was passed.”
Neither the Governor, who signed the bill in the dead of night the very day it was introduced, nor the sponsors of the bill seem to understand the gravity of what this piece of legislation has done. For that reason, HRC and Equality NC invoked the North Carolina Public Records Law to gain access to any communications the Governor, the Executive Branch, or the General Assembly had among each other or with the kind of extreme anti-LGBT special interest groups who often craft and push this language. Specifically, the organizations are demanding that the government release any communications legislators or the Governor or his staff have had with the so-called North Carolina Values Coalition or the Alliance Defending Freedom.
Nearly 200 leading CEOs and business leaders have urged Gov. McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly to repeal the deeply discriminatory law that’s bad for business and bad for North Carolina. Mayors and governors across the country are banning travel to the state, musicians are cancelling concerts, and the New York Times editorial board called North Carolina a “pioneer in bigotry.” The NBA has threatened to pull next year’s All-Star Game in Charlotte, NASCAR has spoken about its opposition publicly, and the NCAA has said it won’t schedule events – including the Final Four – in cities that don’t have fully-inclusive non-discrimination laws. Major film studios and corporations, from PayPal to Deutsche Bank, have stopped investments in the state because of the new law. The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office has even warned its LGBT citizens of the risks of traveling to North Carolina.
HRCF's Welcoming Schools Helps to Educate about Transgender Kids
Five Mind-Blowingly Stupid Republican Misfires That Made Donald Trump’s Nomination Possible
With Donald Trump’s blowout win in Indiana, you might be tempted to say that it’s all over but the shouting. (Of course, with Trump, the shouting will never end.)
Farewell to the political journalists’ wet dreams of a contested convention, which was never that likely anyway. Goodbye to dreadful Ted Cruz, who found that Carly Fiorina was as much a good luck charm for him as she was for Hewlett Packard.
Hello to a Republican party in complete and total meltdown.
Trump promises to be one of the worst performing presidential candidates in American history. He’s a charlatan who lies, has no coherent policies, and is unqualified for the highest office in the land. Even on the day that he clinched the nomination, he was touting a lunatic conspiracy theory that Ted Cruz’s father was involved in the assassination of JFK. Trump is, to be blunt, a crackpot, and a dangerous one at that.
But he’s the crackpot that a series of events ultimately had to produce.
Here are five trends that have led to the scariest three words in English: President Donald Trump…
1. The refusal of the Republican party to condemn its fringe elements
For years now, the GOP elite have been trying to have it both ways. They wanted to ride the enthusiasm of the crazies to victory at the polls without explicitly calling out the lunacy. Case in point: the idea that Barack Obama is a Muslim who wasn’t born in the U.S. No sane person believes this to be true. Yet Republican leaders carefully refused to say the idea was nutty. When pressed, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blandly said that “The president says he’s a Christian. I take him at his word.” This is too cute for words, even for McConnell. Of course Queerty readers already knew this. For nearly a half century, the GOP has allowed its fringes to attack the LGBTQ community with impunity, not just to disagree with our ideas, but to slander us as perverts and pedophiles. Trump just capitalized on the fringe much more successfully.
2. The GOP’s long-term effort to delegitimize government
Ever since Newt Gingrich took over as Speaker of the House in 1994, Republicans have been hammering at the federal government (especially the Democratic controlled part) is inescapably corrupt. When Obama took office, this escalated to question the very legitimacy of the president and all of Washington, D.C. As a strategy, this paid some significant dividends, but now the bill is due. The party was too good at making its base hate government. Now the base hates Republicans in government as well. That sentiment doomed traditional leaders like Jeb Bush. Ted Cruz hung on as long as he did only because he positioned himself as anti-establishment. As the man with no political experience, Trump argued that he was the only outsider in the race, which is what the base wanted to hear.
3. The party leadership’s ambivalence about killing Trump’s candidacy
Was there ever a more feckless effort than #NeverTrump? Deep-pocket donors sat out the effort and those few public figures who came out in favor of it could not carry their argument to its logical conclusion. Look at Marco Rubio. He argued vociferously that Trump should not be the nominee. But he couldn’t state the obvious: Republicans shouldn’t vote for Trump in the general election because he’s unfit for the Oval Office. Instead, “never” meant “not right now.” In fact, Rubio is coming around to Trump, showing that the party places a united front above all else.
4. The conservative media painted a frightening picture of a dystopian America
There’s an entire conservative media/entertainment complex that is devoted to serving as an antidote to reality. Black Panthers swarming polling places. ISIS was at the Mexican border ready to enter the U.S. You’ll be jailed if you don’t get Obamacare. Not one of these statements is true, but all of them have appeared on Fox News. And that doesn’t say anything about the ravings of Rush Limbaugh and the merry band of right-wing radio jocks. Republican leaders have played along with this fearmongering, going so far as to suggest that the president was deliberately setting the U.S. up for some traitorous reason. Trump was just that much better at tapping into the fear and the accompanying anger than anyone else because he dispensed with the coded language.
5. The mainstream media does a lousy job at political coverage
Trump may be a political arsonist, but his fires were fueled by plenty of media oxygen. Particularly at the beginning of his campaign, Trump received a volume of coverage far in excess of any of his more qualified opponents. His every outrageous statement was breathlessly chronicled because they generated clicks and increased ratings. Because reporters covered the race as a personality-driven event, Trump got the most attention, because he was the biggest personality. Reporters didn’t feel the need to treat Trump as the political equivalent of the Zika virus or, if they did, felt that wasn’t their call to make. Instead of serving as a bulwark against danger, the media ultimately played it up, because it made for a better story. Experienced with New York tabloids, Trump knew just how to play the media to his advantage.
There are plenty of other reasons why Trump got to this point. Give him credit–he read the climate perfectly.
Now we can expect Republicans to start falling in line. There will be lots of earnest (and untrue) stories about how Trump is becoming more presidential, how he can attract Bernie Sanders supporters who hate Hillary (also untrue), and how he could prove to be the kind of no-labels leader that America is yearning for (untrue isn’t a strong enough word for that nutty idea).
All signs point to Trump sustaining a massive electoral defeat and helping down ticket Democrats at every level. Expect a Democratic senate and a rare opportunity to advance LGBTQ civil rights legislation in Congress. But that he’s even within striking distance of the White House is a testament to the political climate that has been festering in the GOP for years. In 2012, it took Mitt Romney far longer than it should have to clinch the nomination despite having every advantage over a field of pathetic opponents. As it turns out, that was just a trail run for this year.
The only difference is this year, the pathetic candidate is the nominee.
Who Wants To Fall For A Gay Millionaire?
The sumptuously atmospheric Upper East Side gay drama, Those People opens for a one-week run this weekend at the Cinema Village in New York City and the Arena Cinema Hollywood in Los Angeles.
First time writer-director Joey Kuhn brings to the screen this semi-autobiographical tale of a pining eroticized friendship between his alter-ego Charlie (distractingly handsome Jonathan Gordon) and the spoiled rich kid son of real-life swindler Bernie Madoff (melodramatic, dark and handsome Sebastian, played by Jason Ralph — star of the SyFy Network series The Magicians). Charlie’s unrequited desire for Sebastian is counter-balanced by his budding romance with concert pianist Tim (Haaz Sleiman).
The film’s swank setting evokes such classic British gay screen dramas as Another Country and Brideshead Revisited (the borrowing of the lead character names is surely a reference to Waugh’s Charles and Sebastian and it is no small pleasure to have Charlie actually be gay).
With the combined acting chops of co-stars Gordon, Ralph and Sleiman the film has taken home a slew of awards including best film prizes from Outfest and Newfest.
Look for the DVD/VOD release in June (and a May 13th early exclusive VOD window via the increasingly gay-friendly folks at Vimeo On Demand). But get out to see it on the big screen if you can starting this Friday, May 6th. Kuhn and cast will be doing several post-screening Q&As for the New York screenings before he flies to Los Angeles for the film’s special Sunday, May 8th, 7:20pm screening which will include Kuhn in conversation with actor James Franco who is apparently a fan of the film.
For tickets and more info: Cinema Village in New York City; Arena Cinema Hollywood in Los Angeles.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/vqPtNEqN57Y/wants-fall-gay-millionaire-20160505
Jussie Smollett’s Jamal Had a Steamy Gay Session on Empire and Homophobic Fans Can’t Handle It: WATCH
[SPOILERS]
In last night’s Empire, a new gay storyline got started for Jussie Smollett’s Jamal as he faced off with a producer, D-Major, who seemed to dislike him but sentiments were actually quite the opposite and a confrontation in the studio turned into a steamy make-out session.
Things got more confrontational later in the show after Jamal sent D-Major packing because D-Major’s on the DL and Jamal doesn’t want to go back into the closet.
The scene inspired some of the show’s homophobic fans to make their thoughts known on Twitter:
Ok empire don’t have to show us this gay shit must be for birdman or something #empire
— QUEEN (@QueenJaslyn) May 5, 2016
Time for #empire 2 get canceled 😷😷 super gay
— Wilt the Stilt (@_almighty_o) May 5, 2016
#Empire So sick of the Gay scenes we don’t have to constantly reminded Lucious son is gay😡
— Mz_Duval (@IamPoeticSent) May 5, 2016
#Empire is gay as hell… It’s not bout the music anymore it’s all about male on male action like come own now
— JuRozzay (@Picture_Mannnn) May 5, 2016
And others called them out for it:
Straight men are SO bothered by gay scenes on shows ie: #Empire, it doesn’t make you look macho.. it makes you look ignorant & close-minded.
— paulie (@Trendeh) May 5, 2016
Here go these “secure men” upset about male gay sexual scenes 🙄 #Empire
— Tee (@Ulike_SweetTEE) May 5, 2016
If you upset with the gay scenes on empire then stop watching because a main character is gay bro 😂😂 #Empire
— Jiggy A (@stretchgoddess) May 5, 2016
Empire showrunner Ilene Chaiken spoke with Variety about the new storyline:
Jamal has a new hookup. Is his relationship with D-Major going to be serious or just something fun?
It’s the beginning of a story. We’re not rushing anywhere with it, but it’s a complicated relationship. There’s Jamal who fought hard to live in his truth and come out of the closet and he winds up involved with a guy who is as deeply closeted as many men are, and that’s a challenge for a gay man, certainly.
Gay relationships are pretty taboo in the hip hop world. Why was this storyline of two gay black men important for you and the writers to include?
We didn’t view it as an issue that we needed to take on. We looked at it as something that happens in the world and something that happens often. We’ve heard many, many stories. Jamal is obviously a wildly attractive guy who is going to be attractive to a lot of people, but is also probably lonely — it’s hard as a star to really find love and find someone who can move in the same circles as you and it’s inevitable and it’s bound to happen that those unexpected attractions are going to flare up. This is the first time we’ve told a story like that for Jamal. It’s the beginning of an interesting story that we hope will have legs.
So we will see more of D-Major?
We definitely will see more of it. The character is with us through the end of the season, but we’re not rushing to a conclusion either.
More of Variety’s interview HERE.
The post Jussie Smollett’s Jamal Had a Steamy Gay Session on Empire and Homophobic Fans Can’t Handle It: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Madonna Says Her Met Ball Outfit Was a Political Statement Against an Ageist and Sexist Society
In a new Instagram post, Madonna says her Met Ball outfit was a political statement against an ageist and sexist society. The outfit, designed by Riccardo Tischi for Givenchy, consisted of strategic cutouts, draped lace, body jewelry, and thigh-high leather boots.
She was immediately cut down by certain haters across social media.
Writes Madonna on Instagram:
We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world. When it comes to Women’s rights we are still in the dark ages. My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement.
The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society. I have never thought in a limited way and I’m not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks By being fearless and By taking the road leas (sic) traveled by. Thats how we change history.
If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I’m not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me‼️ As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain Unapologetic and a Rebel ❤️ in this life and all the others. Join my fight for Gender. Equality! 🙏🏻
A few more Instagrams she posted the night of the ball.
The post Madonna Says Her Met Ball Outfit Was a Political Statement Against an Ageist and Sexist Society appeared first on Towleroad.
Adele Offers to Be Gay Couple’s Surrogate After They Get Engaged at Her Concert: WATCH
Adele invited two fans up on stage at her concert in Copenhagen, Denmark last night, who then proceeded to get engaged, surprising the singer, who jumped up and down with joy. She then made them an offer they probably wouldn’t refuse.
In front of the sold-out crowd of 10,000 fans, she said: “Should I be your surrogate if you have children? I’d love to have a baby with someone Swedish.”
Discussing his impromptu proposal on stage, Andre told Danish TV station TV2: “It came as a big surprise that we were up on stage. I made the decision on the spur of the moment – I felt the love! Everyone cheered, it was crazy. I have never heard so much noise!
“I felt like a rock star, and I might think I’m deaf now. But it was the best concert ever.”
Andre also praised Adele for being such a “beautiful” person and for giving him the opportunity to make an unforgettable marriage proposal.
Better quality video is here. There doesn’t seem to be a clip of the additional surrogacy statement but send a link if you find it.
The post Adele Offers to Be Gay Couple’s Surrogate After They Get Engaged at Her Concert: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Transgender Woman Reecey Walker Fatally Stabbed in Wichita
Reecey Walker, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman from Wichita, Kansas, was fatally stabbed last Sunday, May 1. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Walker worked for an apartment complex, but friends say Walker planned to work toward becoming a counselor. One of Walker’s friends, to whom the press only referred as Victoria, recalled, “[Walker] wanted to get a degree in psychology or social work to try to become a counselor to help other people try to get through some of the same struggles [Walker] had been through.”
While police have not identified a motive in the attack, they are not investigating it as a hate crime, and the assailant’s mother has said that Walker was attempting to sexually assault the boy when he stabbed Walker. Friends of Walker have publicly refuted the accusations.
While the details of the altercation between Walker and the boy are unclear, it is important in cases like this both to consider the rarity of false reporting by survivors of sexual assault as well as the potential influence of the harmful and false rhetoric portraying transgender people as sexual predators.
Transgender people, and transgender women of color in particular, face disproportionate levels of fatal violence. At least eight other transgender people have been killed this year, and several others have died under unclear circumstances.
Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Reecey Walker.
For more information on addressing anti-transgender violence, visit hrc.org/trans-violence.
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