Category Archives: MISC

Here’s The Hilarious Eulogy Melissa Rivers Read At Joan’s Funeral

Here’s The Hilarious Eulogy Melissa Rivers Read At Joan’s Funeral

Joan-Rivers“Mom:

I received the note that you slipped under my bedroom door last night. I was very excited to read it, thinking that it would contain amazing, loving advice that you wanted to share with me. Imagine my surprise when I opened it and saw that it began with the salutation, ‘Dear Landlord.’ I have reviewed your complaints and address them below:

1. While I appreciate your desire to ‘upgrade’ your accommodations to a larger space, I cannot, in good conscience, move [my 13-year-old son] Cooper into the laundry room. I do agree that it will teach him a life lesson about fluffing and folding, but since I don’t foresee him having a future in dry cleaning, I must say no.

Also, I know you are a true creative genius (and I am in awe of the depth of your instincts), but breaking down a wall without my permission is not an appropriate way to express that creativity. It is not only a boundary violation but a building-code violation as well. Additionally, the repairman can’t get here until next week, so your expansion plan will have to be put on hold.

2. Re: Your fellow ‘tenant’ (your word), Cooper. While I trust you with him, it is not OK for you to undermine my rules. It is not OK that you let him have chips and ice cream for dinner. It is not OK that you let him skip school to go to the movies. And it is really not OK that the movie was Last Tango in Paris.

As for your taking his friends to a ‘gentlemen’s club,’ I accepted your rationale that it was an educational experience for the boys — and you are right, he is the most popular kid in school right now — but I’d prefer he not learn biology from those “gentlemen” and their ladies, Bambi, Trixie and Kitten. And just because I yelled at you, I do not appreciate your claim that I have created a hostile living environment.

3. While I’m glad to see you’re socializing, you must refill the hot tub after your parties. In fact, you need to tone down the parties altogether. Imagine my surprise when I saw the photos you posted on Facebook of your friends frolicking topless in the hot tub.

I think it’s great that you’re entertaining more often, but I can’t keep fielding complaints from the neighbors about your noisy party games like Ring Around the Walker or naked Duck, Duck Caregiver.

I’m more than happy to have you use the house for social gatherings, but you cannot rent it out, advertise as ‘party central’ or hand out T-shirts that say ‘F— Jimmy Buffett.’

In closing, I hope I have satisfactorily answered your complaints and queries. I love having you live with me, and I am grateful for every minute Cooper and I have with you. You are an inspiration. You are also 30 days late with the rent.

Much love,

Melissa”

— The eulogy Melissa Rivers read before a star-studded crowd during the funeral of her mother Joan in New York City on September 7, which will also be published in a forthcoming book titled A Letter to My Mom

Ht The Hollywood Reporter

Jeremy Kinser

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NEWS: Batmobile, Satan, Jared Leto, ISIS

NEWS: Batmobile, Satan, Jared Leto, ISIS

Bat RoadNew images of the Batmobile from Zack Snyder’s Batman vs. Superman leak.

RoadDirector Morten Tyldum talks sexuality and casting, in particular why cast Benedict Cumberbatch to play gay WWII era code-breaker Alan Turing in The Imitation Game and not a gay actor: “So, you mean, a gay actor cannot play a straight man? I actually find that question really ludicrous. I think a person’s sexuality is completely irrelevant in how they can perform and how they can act, how they can be. To me, that’s not — Benedict is not Alan Turing. He’s playing Alan Turing. Alan Turing was a gay man, and him being a gay icon was very important to us. His relationship to Christopher Morcom, who defined his life, was very important to us. And his crucifixion at the end was very important to us. I don’t see it helped the movie at all to have a gay actor play a gay man. It would be the same way to say that a gay actor cannot play a straight man. I think it’s … yeah. That’s all I want to say about that.”

RoadWould this devilish (and work unfriendly) statue have you saying, “Satan is my master”?

RoadFunnyman Mel Brooks leaves 6-finger hand-print at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre. 

RoadSara Gilbert is pregnant. 

Mark RoadMark Wahlberg is bringing the beefcake to Ted 2. 

RoadCommonly used anti-anxiety drugs could raise risk for Alzheimer’s: “The study found that beyond three months on the drug, the longer people took it, the higher their risk for dementia. Additionally, the study indicated that long-acting or extended release forms of the drugs were associated with higher risk for Alzheimer’s than shorter acting forms of the same medication.”

RoadChris Pratt to host SNL season opener with Ariana Grande performing as musical guest.

RoadIt looks like Alexis Arquette was right.

RoadSam Smith clears the air on not wanting to be a spokesperson for the gay community: “Of course I want to be a spokesman for the gay community,” the 22-year-old clarified. “I want to be a spokesman for everyone. What I meant was I don’t want to limit to just one community, I want to reach everyone, gay people, lesbians, transsexuals, straight people, Catholics, anyone. I want my music to hit everyone.”

RoadPanic! At The Disco raises $35,000 for HRC.

RoadDid you notice a slowdown in your internet today? #NetNeutrality

RoadChris Kluwe weighs in on the controversy surrounding the NFL, Ray Rice and that tape: “Of course, I believe, the NFL, and by extension, Roger Goodell, watched that video. The tape never lies; that’s the mantra of the League, at every level. The NFL employs many people, who are very good at their jobs, to make sure they have access to that information, to get that tape, and the truly chilling part of all of this, is that the people in charge, almost exclusively men, saw that video and made a conscious decision to do nothing about it until their hand was forced by public opinion.”

RoadDid Joan Rivers die because of a “medical mishap”?

Map RoadNY Times provides interactive map looking at portions of Iraq and Syria controlled by ISIS.

RoadSpeaking of, President Obama will address the nation tonight at 9PM EST.

RoadFlorida Governor Rick Scott trying to distance himself from gay marriage debate. 

RoadShia LaBeouf pleads guilty to disorderly conduct. 

RoadBroadway has its first black Cinderella. 

RoadThe wedding of Brian Davidson, the British consul-general to Shanghai, to his American partner stirs controversy: “Many Chinese commentators took to Weibo and other social media websites to attack the couple. One said, ‘That country [Britain] is sick. It’s like the last days of Rome’. Another said that same-sex marriage is ‘not Chinese culture’, while others made reference to “mental illness” in their posts or suggested the couple would have children with ‘personality issues’. However the majority of the posts online were positive and praised the couple, who met eight years ago, reflecting the fact that China’s younger tech-savvy citizens are increasingly accepting of same-sex relations.”


Sean Mandell

www.towleroad.com/2014/09/director-morten-tyldum-talks-sexuality-and-casting-in-partiuclar-why-cast-benedict-cumberbatch-to-play-gay-wwii-era-code-bre.html

Criminalization of LGBT People and Those Living With HIV Threatens Global Progress Against AIDS

Criminalization of LGBT People and Those Living With HIV Threatens Global Progress Against AIDS
When Uganda President Yoweri Museveni visited the White House during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit last month, a high court had just overturned his country’s widely reviled “Anti-Homosexuality Law” which penalized “aggravated homosexuality” with life in prison, and criminalized the provision of services and support to gay people, threatening progress in that country’s long battle against HIV.
The elimination of the law, which President Barack Obama had warned Museveni would “complicate” the relationship between their two countries, allowed Museveni to focus on the summit, centered around growth, economic development, and the theme of “investing in the next generation.” In many sub-Saharan African countries, no greater threat to growth exists than the impact of HIV on human resources, development and income.

The irony is that by then, Museveni had apparently decided to sign the “HIV Prevention and Control Act,” a new setback to Uganda’s HIV fight. The law criminalizes HIV transmission and “attempted” transmission; forces involuntary testing on survivors of sexual assault, all pregnant women, and anyone who “unreasonably” withholds consent for testing; and encourages medical providers to divulge patients’ HIV status. In addition to promising a further erosion of human rights in Uganda, the law provides a powerful disincentive for Ugandans to risk criminal culpability by getting tested for HIV, or seek medical care at all. United States Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Deborah Birx, who leads the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Uganda’s longtime partner and funder in fighting its HIV epidemic , called on the government of Uganda to reject the bill when the parliament passed it in May.

While Museveni’s signature on the law, revealed only after the Washington summit, is dated July 31, 2014, reports say it was backdated, making it likely he signed the law after posting a photo to Twitter of himself between President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama. Either way, he signed it within a few days of meeting with U.S. leaders to discuss ways to foster growth and opportunity in Africa, while being aware that his support for such legislation was in conflict with the goals of PEPFAR, and the U.S. Government.

The latest law raises questions of how many opportunities have been squandered, not just during the week of the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ summit but also during the last decade of the global HIV response, to communicate the importance of human rights and sound public health approaches to “investing in the next generation.” Museveni was representing a country with grave human rights abuses enshrined in law. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who signed his country’s anti-homosexuality law earlier this year, also attended. Other leaders represented countries that already had HIV criminalization laws, as well as laws abusing the rights of gay people, women, ethnic minorities, immigrants, and migrants, and other important populations to reach if these countries hope to have lasting success in controlling their national HIV epidemics.

To communicate the link between health and human rights, however, the United States has to set a credible example. The ability to do that is challenged by HIV criminalization laws on the books of at least 33 states in this country. It also is challenged by an inconsistency. President Obama rightly issued sanctions in response to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law, and those may have factored into the nullification of that law. However, PEPFAR had by then been funding activities for a decade at the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, an organization that urged the signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Law, and then celebrated when it was signed. When their funding ended in the wake of the new law, the group’s leaders claimed surprise that their stance was held against them, apparently still unaware that homophobic abuse ran counter to the mission they had been enlisted to carry out.

A decade-long public health partnership between the U.S. and African countries should have clarified, by words, actions and example, that human rights are critical to success in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the world, particularly in those countries hardest hit by the epidemic. Any new public health partnerships must make this a priority.

—

Kenneth Mayer, MD is founder, Co-Chair, and Medical Research Director of The Fenway Institute, the research, training and health policy division of Fenway Health, an ambulatory facility caring for HIV-infected patients. He is also a professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health; attending physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston where he serves as director of HIV Prevention Research; and serves as co-chair of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Center for Global Health Policy that focuses on the U.S. response to HIV and TB globally.

www.huffingtonpost.com/kenneth-h-mayer-md/criminalization-of-lgbt-p_b_5796602.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices

VOTE: Stoli Guy Chicago Winner Jon Melts Our Hearts With An Inspiring Performance

VOTE: Stoli Guy Chicago Winner Jon Melts Our Hearts With An Inspiring Performance

Jon, the Stoli Guy Chicago winner, took the stage at Market Days for the GayCities-produced star search and showed a more sensitive side. Using heartwarming messages written on cardboard signs, he captivated the crowd, co-host The Pricess and judges Richie Rich and Traver Rains of Heatherette with his uplifting song about why he deserved to be the authentic, inspired, original Stoli Guy.

Now Jon is getting ready to travel to New York City for the national finale. Will he be the one to claim the $10,000 prize?

Click to Vote

Can you give us a little teaser of what your original talent showcase will be at the finale on September 18?

I’m keeping my showcase simple and sweet, I will be “yours” on that stage!

Have you been to New York City before? If so what are your favorite places?

I have never been to New York City, I’m sure I’ll get lost at least once! Maybe there will be someone to show a cute guy around 😉

large_DSC_0318How did your friends and family react when you were crowned Stoli Guy 2014 in your hometown?

They were all so supportive before and after. I think most of them were crying more than I was from excitement! ….yes I cried, but only a little!

Being an LGBT ambassador for Stoli is an exciting job. Why do you think you’d be the best at it?

I have a great ability to make people feel very comfortable and at ease when I’m around them. I think it’s from growing up in a small town. You definitely get a sense of your neighbor in a town like mine. I don’t pass a single person without throwing a wave or a smile their way. Whether I’m in a big city like New York or not, that doesn’t change. I’m me no matter what!

Why do you think being “authentic” is important in the LGBT community?

The LGBT community has seen its ups and downs. And growing up in this community, you never know what someone might think of you, say, or do to you, once they find out you are a part of it. That uneasiness is where authenticity comes in to play. Everyone wants a trusting and caring person in their life who can handle themselves in any situation. In my eyes an “authentic” person is someone to count on, to lend a hand, or to ease someone’s worries.

Screen Shot 2014-09-10 at 11.31.45 AMWhat inspired you to participate in Stoli Guy 2014?

The people around me in my hometown actually played a big part. Almost everyday I’m humbled by a comment, a gesture, or a kind word in my community. One thing that is a constant with me is how true I am and guess I always thought I would be a great person to represent a company like Stoli. I just never thought I would actually get a chance at it! Most other pageants/competitions they just want a pretty face. Stoli wants you to continue inspiring the community and to take pride in who you are!

Favorite Stoli Guy Cocktail: Boy Next Door (Stoli Blueberi + Lemonade)

Oscar Raymundo

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LGBT Immigrants Hold Reform Rally in Front of White House: VIDEO

LGBT Immigrants Hold Reform Rally in Front of White House: VIDEO

PROTEST

A group of LGBT immigrants rallied in D.C. Tuesday to protest the federal government’s immigration policies in light of news that President Obama will not make a move on immigration reform until after Election Day, The Washington Blade reports.

Protestors wore red shirts that read “Immigration is an LGBTQ Issue,” encouraging people to consider the intersections between these two political issues. 

A 28-year-old gay man, “Oliver” (pseudonym), shared his story of fleeing Nigeria to escape homophobia. In light of recent laws in Nigeria, he cannot return to his country, so “Oliver” spoke on the importance of maintaining America’s asylum system.

Two pseudonymous speakers shared horror stories of being placed in America’s detention centers, a man “Jose” and a transwoman “Fernanda.”

“Jose” originally fled El Salvador for being sexually abused an harassed based on his sexuality. Of the detention center, he said:

I felt scared…One of the detainees openly said that he was gay, and he was literally insulated from everyone. No one wanted to talk to him; no one wanted to be with him. That made me feel threatened. That made me feel scared of saying something. Day by day, being in that horrible place, in that detention center, I was living my nightmare again.

“Fernanda” is 36, and fled violence she faced in her home country of Honduras. At the protest, she described her experience in a detention center, where she was placed with mentally ill people.

It is time for this country to turn our attention to understand the stories of trans woman in detention who are mistreated psychologically, verbally, who are repeatedly assaulted and attacked for being who they are.

Check out video of the rally, AFTER THE JUMP…

(Photo via Twitter)

 


Jake Folsom

www.towleroad.com/2014/09/lgbt-immigrants-hold-reform-rally-in-front-of-white-house-video.html