‘Drag Race All Stars’ Swerves With Another Elimination Shocker [RECAP and RANKINGS]

Just when you think you’ve been gooped with all the goop there is to give, another elimination shocker reshuffles the entire deck!

It was a shocking conclusion to an otherwise lackluster episode. I don’t blame the queens though; I blame the challenge.

The weakest part of last night’s makeover episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars was actually the strength of the competitors’ subjects.

In the past, we’ve watched some incredible makeovers (WINTERGREEN, WE STAN). Their transformations were impressive because of the distance their journey took them on. They lacked the grace and confidence we’ve come to expect from queens.

Last night, our remaining competitors made over their “Best Judys,” and most of them were young, hot gays that — regardless of drag experience — understood the drag culture enough to bring it to the ball.

The results were good, but lacked some of the punch of previous makeover installments.

Let’s recap.

The theme of the episode is JUDY, as in Garland. The queens arrived to a work room where all the portraits were replaced with pics of Judy. Ru gives the ladies a little Queer History 101 about Judy’s lasting impact and effect on the LGBTQ community before introducing this week’s challenge.

Out came the Judys for their makeovers, and Ru charged with them with, of course, presenting a family resemblance and a Judy-inspired duet performance.

Naomi got to work with her buddy Ricardo, but in the workroom she struggled with nerves. She confessed to Ru that she worries about saying the wrong thing or acting like a fool. Ru assured her that doing and saying the wrong thing is the exact sort of thing she should be doing. Methinks that’ll be Ms. Smalls’ arc for the episode.

(Naomi also shared my favorite line all night: “Beards are like masks. Men hide behind beards like women hide behind makeup.” YA HEAR THAT, BROOKLYN?)

Both Trinity and Manila were paired with their partners, and it was very sweet to watch. But the most touching pair was surely Latrice and her friend, Tim. As Tim described their relationship, he told the story of how all of Latrice’s things were auctioned from her storage unit when she went to prison. Tim rallied the troops to create new lewks for Latrice so she could start working again as soon as she was released. Hearing them talk about the kinds of friends that are there for you when you need them, Mama Ru herself got teary. It wasn’t quite the iconic “As queer people, we get to choose our family,” but it was another memorable emotional moment.

On the runway, each pair did one of those hokey original Drag Race lip sync to a Judy Garland-“inspired” number. I hate when they show us these numbers all edited together. It makes it feel very inconsequential. Everyone seemed mostly fine.

The judges — including an adult Frances Bean Cobain, RuPaul serving Auntie Entity realness and a charmingly game Ellen Pompeo — loved Monet and her partner, “Patty Cash.” Michelle in particular sings the praises of their dance number. Carson tells Monet she’s never looked better, and I have to agree. In a gold sequin FANTASY, Monet was flawless. Her makeup was exquisite. This was her moment, and I lived.

Joining Monet in the top was Naomi. Not only was the makeup on her partner stunning, but she also gave us some concept on the runway. Her and her partner came out as a pair of Chers, but then Naomi revealed a short wig and mustache, going from Cherilyn to Sonny Bono with exactitude. Her Sonny boy drag was still feminine and elegant. It was great.

Less fortunate was Manila and her husband. In one of Manila’s more DIY-looking lewks, the pair walked the runway in essentially togas with some diamond and clubs flourishes. It just wasn’t up to snuff.

Her best Judy, Latrice, also struggled. As lovely as their story was, their resemblance is a lot less inspiring. Latrice claimed it was a “fire and ice” theme, but their clashing outfits didn’t inspire sisterhood. (Also, I was so frustrated that Carson conceded the eye makeup was similar, when one clearly had a big exaggerated wing and one did not. Come on, guys!) The judges also called out their sloppy performance wherein Latrice seemed more concerned with Tim’s toework than her own.

Then things got real weird. Did they slip a bunch of CBD in the vodka-crans? Everyone seemed super chill as they chatted backstage. Monet, of course, was still a little salty over Manila picking her lipstick a few weeks back. At the same time, Monet was also unimpressed with Latrice’s performance thus far in the competition.

Naomi, meanwhile, was a bit of a wild card. On the one hand, Latrice just saved her last week. On the other hand, she idolizes Manila.

The lip sync was to Judy’s “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and it was a weird one. Monet made the choice to make no choice at all, really. She did almost nothing the entire track until opening a glitter-filled umbrella at the very end. Naomi came out swinging, almost a little too wildly at first, but once the track caught up to where she was at, she was electric. There were a few signature tricks that didn’t necessarily feel appropriate for the track, but, considering the competition, at least she was PERFORMING.

Naomi won with ease, and she coolly eliminates … Manila?

Shock washed over the panel, but Ru followed through and sent her packing.

Now, if I could put my tinfoil wig on for a second, something don’t smell right. First, that deliberation backstage was shockingly easy-breezy considering two of the frontrunners were in the bottom. Neither Manila nor Latrice seemed particularly desperate or worried. Then, it feels like Monet truly throws that lip sync. Did seeing her husband make Manila miss home a little too much? Surely she didn’t throw herself on the sword to save Latrice. (There’s no way they wouldn’t catch that on camera.) Something just feels amiss.

Let’s try and take stock of where the rest of the queens are in relation to their quest for the crown.

1. Despite barely escaping (a fourth) elimination, Latrice still seems most likely to win this whole thing. Take that, “report card” queens! We have been beaten over the head with her reputation since the jump, and her narrative this season would lead to an incredibly satisfying crowning. While she and her partner didn’t quite share a resemblance, they at least were two polished looks. It was classic Royale: big jewels, big hair, lots of sparkle. She IS an All Star, and just on stature feels like the most worthy addition to the Hall of Fame.
2. Hot on her heels, Trinity has been a powerhouse this whole season. While Manila was never in the bottom (a lot of good that did her), Trinity’s only time vulnerable for elimination came in the episode where everyone not in the top was automatically in the bottom. It doesn’t really feel like that should count, honestly. Last night, Trinity turned out her boyfriend in a gorgeous, matching Ver-sayce ensemble that looked great. Based on where we’re at today, I think Trinity is now most worthy of the win this season, but it just doesn’t seem to fit our narrative thrust.
3. Once again, Naomi comes out of nowhere to steal the show. Going for boydrag is always a risky move, but she pulled it off perfectly. She looked great, and she was having fun up there. I loved her green lip sync lewk. She is also a fierce lip sync performer, but the more I see her do it, the more repetition sticks out. Naomi needs to mind any upcoming acting or comedy challenges (like next week’s Sex and the City satire). If she doesn’t fade into the background or bomb, she could soar to the finale.
4. Damn, Monet. Well done! I adored her dripping gold sequined runway, and she did right by her partner as well. Michelle was dead-on about the little Judyisms in their little dance duet. It was the only performance that stood out in any way. But, you guys, what was up with that lip sync? There definitely can be an argument made that sometimes less is more, but that track lends itself to a build, and Monet took it nowhere. She made exactly ONE choice that entire song. I know she can do better than that. Despite this week’s weak lip sync, Monet’s biggest threat is a big swing and miss on the runway, so hopefully she’s got more eleganza like she showcased last night.
5. Someone’s got to be next to go, and I think it’ll be Monique. Yes, the preview for next week’s episode may be telegraphing, but even before that, I was just feeling sort of done. Like Valentina, I think Monique had her chance and redemption, and she’s done really well with it. But now, we’ve seen all there is to see. She is creative and crafty, but now she has elevated her style. She’s a fierce as hell performer and a bonafide star, but I just don’t see her outlasting the competition. I liked the avant garde, weird eyeball dress, and I’ll just take the judges’ word for it that the performance wasn’t up to par.

• *I can’t in good conscience rank Manila this week. She was eliminated, so obviously her chances of winning are awfully low. However, based on her performance in this competition, I do not think she was the bottom bottom. That runway was a big miss, but did it erase all the brilliance she brought us earlier? I don’t think so! The problem this week was there was so little to actually judge, it had to be perfect. She really fell short, and she really paid for it. (Boy, I bet Ru wishes she didn’t burn the “no one goes home” card back in episode 5.)

How would you rank the queens?

The post ‘Drag Race All Stars’ Swerves With Another Elimination Shocker [RECAP and RANKINGS] appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

‘Drag Race All Stars’ Swerves With Another Elimination Shocker [RECAP and RANKINGS]

46 Floating, Naked Men In David Jester’s Paintings

www.advocate.com/art/2019/2/02/46-floating-naked-men-david-jesters-paintings

Nick Jonas Wants To Play Young Batman In New Movie

Responding to an Instagram post by Hypebeast on the issue of which actor should succeed Affleck in the role, the former Disney Channel star wrote, “First name Nick. Last name Jonas.”

View this post on Instagram

#hypeflix: @benaffleck will be hanging up his role as Batman. The upcoming Matt Reeves-directed ‘The Batman’ focuses on a younger Bruce Wayne, and will reportedly be casting a new member for the role. It’s slated for a June 25, 2021 release. Who do you think should play The Dark Knight? Photo: Warner Bros

A post shared by HYPEBEAST (@hypebeast) on Jan 30, 2019 at 10:52pm PST

Jonas isn’t the first former teen icon to reportedly long to play Batman. Jack O’Connell, who portrayed resident bad boy Cook on Skins, was rumored to be next in line to play Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ movie. Most other contenders for the role are established, older actors with a strong background in drama and theater, and have won (or been nominated for) a major award reports Comic Book Resources (CBR).

Speculation has run rampant that Reeves is eyeing a younger actor (ideally an unknown) to play Bruce Wayne in his film, currently titled The Batman, and play up the vigilante’s reputation as the world’s greatest detective–something that hasn’t been done cinematically.

The Batman opens June 25, 2021.

The post Nick Jonas Wants To Play Young Batman In New Movie appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Nick Jonas Wants To Play A Young Batman In New Movie

We Must Address Violence Targeting LGBTQ Communities of Color

The recent horrific attack on Jussie Smollett has sparked a nationwide conversation about the epidemic of violence that disproportionately targets Black people, LGBTQ people and religious minorities — and those living at the intersections of multiple identities. While it is encouraging that people are actively engaging in this critical dialogue, this is not an issue that began with the attack on Jussie Smollett and it is a discussion that is long overdue. We need look no further than recent headlines to see that LGBTQ communities of color are too often under attack.

Yesterday in Memphis, Keloni Grand, a Black transgender high school student, said that her life was threatened after school by a group of students. The teens followed her when she tried to leave campus, shouting racist, homophobic and transphobic slurs and even spitting on her, according to FOX 13.  

And just one week ago, Candice Elease Pinky, a trans woman living in Houston, was chased around a gas station parking lot and shot at from close range in broad daylight, according to media reports. The attack was caught on surveillance footage, but the suspect remains at large.

This attack comes less than a month after Dana Martin, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Montgomery, Alabama. Reports stated that she was found in a roadside ditch in her vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Last year, advocates tracked at least 26 deaths of transgender people in the U.S. due to fatal violence. The majority of those killed were Black trans women. While the details of these tragic crimes differ, it is clear that fatal violence disproportionately affects transgender women of color, who comprise 80 percent of all anti-transgender homicides.

In early January, openly gay Puerto Rican rap artist Kevin Fret was fatally shot in San Juan, shining a national spotlight on a growing tide of violence in Puerto Rico. According to reports, no suspects have been identified and the investigation is ongoing. In an interview with the New York Times, writer and advocate Samy Nemir Olivares said that the artist represented a symbol of hope for other LGBTQ Puerto Ricans who faced bullying and harassment for their identities, calling Fret’s work and openness “an act of resistance.”

These victims and far too many others were attacked by acquaintances, partners and strangers, some of whom have been arrested and charged, while others have yet to be identified. Some of these cases involve clear anti-LGBTQ and racial bias. In others, the details are still tragically unclear.

FBI hate crimes statistics released last year revealed a disturbing increase of 17 percent in overall reported hate crimes from the previous year. These numbers reflect a five percent increase in reporting of hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation bias and a startling 16 percent increase in anti-Black hate crimes.

To confront this alarming epidemic of violence, we must explicitly name racism’s impact on this country and the ways that intersecting oppressions deprive LGBTQ people of color of their fundamental rights to safely and authentically live, love and thrive.  We must confront these barriers and work to lift up the voices of advocates challenging systems of power and oppression every day.

www.hrc.org/blog/we-must-address-violence-targeting-lgbtq-communities-of-color?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Marks Black History Month & Honors Black LGBTQ Leaders

HRC marked the beginning of Black History Month. Throughout the month, HRC will shine a spotlight on the long history of Black leadership in the LGBTQ movement and the ways in which Black LGBTQ and allied trailblazers have been, and continue to be, at the center of the fight for equality across movements. HRC will also highlight the barriers and challenges that remain.

“As we mark Black History Month and celebrate the barriers that have been broken by Black LGBTQ trailblazers in the struggle for equality, we must also confront the barriers that remain, and work to lift up the voices of Black and LGBTQ advocates challenging systems of power and oppression every day,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Throughout this month, we must not only celebrate our heroes but reflect on how we can bring long-marginalized voices within our movement to the forefront and accelerate the pace of progress toward an America where everyone within the LGBTQ community is equal.”

During Black History Month, HRC will lift up the history of Black leadership within the LGBTQ community, and spotlight a new generation of Black leaders who are fighting the violence and discrimination of white supremacy and other forms of hatred.

Several recent events — including the attack on Jussie Smollett and a brutal attack on Candice Elease Pinky, a Black transgender woman in Houston who was chased down and shot five times in broad daylight — have sparked a timely national dialogue about the epidemic of hate violence that disproportionately targets Black LGBTQ people. Last year alone, at least 26 transgender people, mostly transgender women of color, were brutally murdered.

HRC will amplify the work of the countless civil rights organizations and advocates that are on the front lines fighting against racial, social and economic injustices in America. They are leading our movement forward to restore civil rights protections through key measures like the Voting Rights Act.

This Black History Month, HRC further deepens our commitment to those in the LGBTQ community who are still too often at its margins as they advance their work in moving equality forward.

Follow HRC’s Black History Month content across our social media platforms and on our blog here.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-marks-black-history-month-honoring-black-lgbtq-leaders?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Congratulations to Rachel and Brad from Wisconsin!

The best first dates are the ones where things just flow. Rachel and Brad can attest to this. Rachel writes: “For our first date, we planned a boating trip, where we were supposed to fish and then dock and have dinner. But when we got on the boat, the conversation was so good that we never even

The post Congratulations to Rachel and Brad from Wisconsin! appeared first on Zoosk.

about.zoosk.com/en/blog/success-stories/congratulations-rachel-brad-wisconsin/

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: February 1, 2019

HRC RELEASES 5th ANNUAL STATE EQUALITY RATINGS AS U.S. HOUSE POISED TO CONSIDER EQUALITY ACT: The State Equality Index is a comprehensive report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families, and assessing how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination. Because there are no comprehensive federal civil rights protections for LGBTQ people, the rights of millions of LGBTQ people and their families depend on which state they live in. In 30 states, LGBTQ people remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services because of who they are. For this reason, the new pro-equality majority in the U.S. House has made the Equality Act — a bill to establish comprehensive federal protections for LGBTQ people — a top priority. More from HRC and Pink News.

• From USA Today — “Sobering reality’: LGBT progress report shows gains, but most states still won’t grant rights”: Jorge L. Ortiz (@jorgelortiz) reports, “As the LGBT community continues to pursue equal rights, it can point to substantial gains at the state level, broad public support and increased momentum toward a federal Equality Act. On the other hand, a majority of states still lack laws banning discrimination…” More at USA Today.

.@HRC Foundation and @EqualityFed released our 2018 State Equality Index — a comprehensive report detailing LGBTQ-related legislation and policies, and assessing how well states protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. #StateOfEquality t.co/AENDvPH2f6 pic.twitter.com/nw9Gy6ebk5

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 31, 2019

Passing the Equality Act won’t only end discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity, it’s a pivotal part in ending homophobia and transphobia and moving our culture forward to be more inclusive and respectful.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 31, 2019

HRC MARKS TODAY’S START OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH: “As we mark Black History Month and celebrate the barriers that have been broken by Black LGBTQ trailblazers in the struggle for equality, we must also confront the barriers that remain, and work to lift up the voices of Black and LGBTQ advocates challenging systems of power and oppression every day,” said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin). “Throughout this month, we must not only celebrate our heroes but reflect on how we can bring long-marginalized voices within our movement to the forefront and accelerate the pace of progress toward an America where everyone within the LGBTQ community is equal.” Read more at HRC.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, @HRC honors Black #LGBTQ and allied people who are breaking down barriers for equality each and every day. t.co/wVVu4wCivf pic.twitter.com/2ofivkWekp

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 1, 2019

STATEHOUSE ROUNDUP — VIRGINIA HOUSE LEADERSHIP KILLS NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS IN COMMITTEE: House of Delegates leaders refused to bring up two commonsense LGBTQ non-discrimination measures for a vote in the General Laws committee yesterday. Similar bills have passed the Virginia Senate with bipartisan support. More from HRC and On Top Magazine.

• Arizona lawmakers introduce a bipartisan non-discrimination bill to protect LGBTQ Arizonans. Polling shows that 70 percent of Arizona voters support such protections. More from Metro Weekly.
• Four of Texas’ LGBT chambers of commerce will hold a Day of Advocacy at the Texas Capital in support of LGBTQ Texans. More from Dallas Morning News.
• HRC urges the Mississippi House and Senate to bring up for a vote bills that would add sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to the existing hate crimes law. Read more from HRC.

WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT NOM BRIAN HAGEDORN’S HORRIFIC ANTI-LGBTQ COMMENTS ARE DISQUALIFYING: Hagedorn suggested that the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Lawrence v. Texas ruling could lead to the legalization of bestiality in the country. “Hagedorn’s anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is deeply disturbing, and as someone who has publicly and unabashedly voiced contempt for LGBTQ equality he has no place on the bench or in public office,” said HRC Wisconsin State Director Wendy Strout. Read more at HRC.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY — NEW PHOTO OF JUPITER MIRRORS THE TRANS FLAG, LIGHTS UP THE SKY FOR EQUALITY:

��‍�� A sign from the universe! ✨

We already knew that the majority of Americans support trans rights…

and we think that the planets are on board too. t.co/S4pVklE2wO

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 31, 2019

TWO-THIRDS OF AMERICANS REPORT INCREASE IN HATE CRIMES SINCE 2016; PERPS IN 40 PERCENT OF INCIDENTS INVOKED TRUMP OR ALT-RIGHT:  Read more in the Communities Against Hate report, “Hate Magnified: Communities in Crisis”, here.

• Jussie Smollett’s family issues statement on the violent, homophobic and racist attack he suffered earlier this week in Chicago. Read it here.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

CANADIAN MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING EIGHT GAY MEN, MOST OF SOUTH ASIAN OR MIDDLE EASTERN DESCENT, PLEADS GUILTY: Bruce McArthur, 67, remained at large for eight years, causing a rift between Toronto’s LGBTQ community and local police. More from The New York Times.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

Colorado Public Radio interviews LGBTQ advocate Mikah Meyer (@MikahMey), who is challenging the lack of LGBTQ representation in the outdoor recreation industry; NPR explores how Lady Gaga’s legendary anthem ‘Born This Way’ was created

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-tipsheet-february-1-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Foundation to Honor Olympian Adam Rippon and School Counselor Brian Coleman

Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) announced that it will honor Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and the 2019 American School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year Brian Coleman with Upstander Awards at the organization’s sixth annual Time to THRIVE Conference on February 15-17 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California. 

Rippon won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea where, in winning a bronze medal in the team competition, he became the the first openly gay athlete to medal in a Winter Olympics. Known for his refreshing candor and wit, his rise to fame on the global stage has provided him with a platform to speak out in support of LGBTQ rights and the freedom to be oneself. He has inspired young and old with his passion and charm, becoming a role model and icon to millions.

“The word that best describes Adam Rippon is fierce,” said Vincent Pompei, Director of HRC’s Youth Well-Being Project and Time to THRIVE conference. “By being out and proud, Adam is taking LGBTQ visibility to a whole new level and inspiring countless LGBTQ youth around the world with his incredible talent and personality. He isn’t afraid to use his platform to speak out for equality, and we are proud to honor him at this year’s Time to THRIVE.”

Coleman is in his second year as department chair for the counseling team at Jones College Prep High School in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), where he also supports the school’s LGBTQ student group and a metorship program. In 2018, he was named both the Illinois High School Counselor of the Year and Illinois School Counselor of the Year by the Illinois School Counselors Association. And he is the American School Counselor Association’s 2019 National School Counselor of the Year.

“We are thrilled to honor Brian Coleman for his work to ensure that all young people have a safe and inclusive place to learn, and an equal chance to thrive in all aspects of their lives,” Pompei said. “Brian demonstrates to youth serving professionals what is possible, and we couldn’t be more proud to honor him at Time to THRIVE — a conference founded to provide cutting edge training and resources to educators and others across the country who are committed to the success of all young people.”

At Time to THRIVE, Coleman and Rippon will join other special guests, including LGBTQ advocate and mother of Ellen DeDeneres Betty DeGeneres; President and Founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation Dolores Huerta; parent-advocate, founder of FreeMomHugs and subject of an upcoming Jamie Lee Curtis project Sara Cunningham; transgender trailblazer Jazz Jennings and her mother Jeanette Jennings; Los Angeles Rams cheerleader Quinton Peron; and others. 

HRC previously announced that it will honor advocates E.J. Johnson and Judy and Dennis Shepard with an Upstander Award during the Time to THRIVE conference. A vocal advocate for social causes, E.J. has partnered with True Colors Fund, an organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness among LGBTQ youth. The Shepard’s work through the Matthew Shepard Foundation continues to inspire, bringing hope and support to LGBTQ people around the world who are striving to be who they are, often in the most difficult of circumstances. HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council, HRC’s Youth Ambassadors and HRC’s Welcoming Schools Program will also be featured at the conference.

HRC’s Time to THRIVE Conference is the premier event addressing the safety, inclusion and well-being of LGBTQ and questioning youth. The event brings together a wide range of youth-serving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, health care settings and beyond. It is co-presented by the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association. BBVA Compass, AT&T and Toyota  are presenting sponsors of the event. 

The Time to THRIVE Conference features 65 workshops by more than 45 national and grassroots organizations dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ youth. HRC’s Youth Ambassadors and Welcoming Schools will also be featured at the conference. Additional speakers and honorees will be announced at a later date. To register, visit www.TimeToTHRIVE.org. 

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-foundation-to-honor-olympian-adam-rippon-and-school-counselor-brian-col?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HIV-Positive Man Arrested In Philly Suburb For Sex Work and Selling Meth: WATCH

Bucks County DA Matt Weintraub announced the arrest of resident Mark Andrew Kernan.

The 57-year-old
Kernan was charged with prostitution, possession with intent to deliver
methamphetamine and criminal use of a communication facility.

“This is a public health issue. We are not making morality judgments here,” said DA Matt Weintraub said in a press conference [you can watch below]. “If you’ve had sexual contact with this man, seek a medical evaluation immediately.”

Pennsylvania has relatively progressive laws surrounding the criminalization of HIV but it does have some throwbacks that were initiated during the plague years of the 1980s when incredibly draconian and ignorant criminal statutes were implemented to stem the transmission of the virus.

Weintraub warned of possible health risks following the arrest of a Yardley man for prostituting himself while knowing he had HIV. Although it wasn’t as stigma laden as some announcements about HIV by government officials have notoriously been he also made no mention of whether Kerns disclosed his status to his sexual partners and/or clients and made no mention of whether he’s being treated or is undetectable.

Kernan was arraigned Wednesday on felony charges including prostitution, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and criminal use of a communication facility.

The local NBC affiliate says that Bucks County police believe “Kernan has used his residence as a house of prostitution since at least December 2017 and previously lived in Philadelphia.”

Kernan told police that he knew he had HIV while making a living as a sex worker, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Investigators also said it was not immediately clear how long he has been living with the virus according to NBC.

Kernan met his clients via a posts on the website doublelist.com where he advertised “erotic male massage” in the Philly area.

Kernan’s jury appearance stems from an incident in January in which a man met with Kernan at his residence in response to one of Kernan’s posts said NBC.

According to the complaint, the man reported that while at Kernan’s home, he was provided with drinks that rendered him highly intoxicated as well as apparent drugs smoked from a pipe.

At the direction of investigators, CBS Philadelphia said, the man continued to communicate with Kernan, who solicited him to return for paid sexual services and methamphetamine for $575.

2017’s HIV Criminalization Sourcebook says Pennsylvania’s laws regarding HIV criminalization, “apply only to prisoners and sex workers. The first is contained in a felony law entitled “Assault by Prisoner” and includes exposing another to one’s bodily fluids when one is living with any communicable disease, including but not limited to HIV and Hepatitis B. The second treats prostitution while HIV-positive as a felony.”

The post HIV-Positive Man Arrested In Philly Suburb For Sex Work and Selling Meth: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

HIV-Positive Man Arrested In Philly Suburb For Sex Work and Selling Meth: WATCH

Trans Inmates Often Led to Slaughter, Even in Blue States

Massachusetts — viewed as a bastion of tolerance — only recently began recognizing the humanity of trans prisoners.

www.advocate.com/commentary/2019/2/01/trans-inmates-often-led-slaughter-even-blue-states