Helix Studios stud Shane Cook announces he has cancer
Cook has been diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer.

www.queerty.com/helix-studios-stud-shane-cook-announces-cancer-20180829?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Eric Holder and Stacey Abrams to Join Day of Events Celebrating HRC’s 22nd Annual National Dinner

Today, HRC announced that former Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder will deliver remarks at the Human Rights Campaign’s 22nd annual National Dinner on Saturday, September 15, 2018, in Washington, DC. The program will also feature trailblazing Virginia Delegate Danica Roem and candidate for Nevada Secretary of State, Nelson Araujo. Earlier in the day, Stacey Abrams, the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia who is energizing statewide grassroots support, will address key HRC leaders and members from across the country. The weekend of events, held in Washington, D.C., helps to raise necessary and crucial funds in the fight for LGBTQ equality.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder was a leader on LGBTQ issues during his time leading the U.S. Department of Justice, including the fight for marriage equality. Under his leadership, the Department of Justice issued a brief in support of the lawsuit seeking to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, key parts of which were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. Since his time in office, Holder has focused on fighting gerrymandering and preparing for Congressional redistricting that will take place after the 2020 Census.

“As attorney general for the most pro-equality administration in history, Eric Holder has had a profound impact on the lives of countless Americans, and he played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for marriage equality and many of the rights LGBTQ people enjoy today,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Now through his leadership of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Eric Holder continues to be a champion of civil rights, helping to fight partisan gerrymandering and safeguard the fundamental right to vote.”

As a candidate for governor, Georgia House of Representatives Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams has made LGBTQ equality a centerpiece of her candidacy, vowing to fight any anti-LGBTQ laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly. She has also made clear that Georgia must be a welcoming place for all, repeatedly noting that if Georgia wants to continue being a hub for business and innovation, it must not pursue policies that would discriminate against LGBTQ Georgians.  

“Stacey Abrams is inspiring Americans across the state of Georgia and around the country through her historic campaign for governor,” Griffin continued. “As a stalwart supporter of LGBTQ equality, Leader Abrams is fighting for the rights of all Georgians. HRC is on the ground working tirelessly to help ensure she prevails on Election Day.”

Virginia Delegate Danica Roem and Nelson Araujo, who is running to become Nevada’s next Secretary of State and the first out LGBTQ person elected to statewide office in Nevada, will also speak on HRC’s National Dinner stage.

“As we work to turn out millions of LGBTQ voters across the nation, we are thrilled to welcome two trailblazing elected officials, Danica Roem and Nelson Araujo,” Griffin said. “Virginia Delegate Danica Roem made history last year when she defeated one of Virginia’s most vhemently anti-LGBTQ politicians and became the only out transgender state representative in the nation. And this fall, HRC is working to help Nelson Araujo make history in his own right by becoming Nevada’s first Latinx Secretary of State and the first LGBTQ Nevadan to be elected statewide.”

Delegate Danica Roem is the first out transgender person to be elected in Virginia and the first out-and-seated transgender state legislator in American history. Roem unseated former Delegate Bob Marshall, Virginia’s self-described “chief homophobe” who authored several anti-LGBTQ bills throughout his 26 years in office. In addition to working to make Virginia a more inclusive commonwealth for all, Delegate Roem is committed to serving her constituents by focusing on traffic, jobs, schools and government accountability. She’s also working to pass non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, improving affordable access to health care, updating the Virginia Human Rights Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation, and removing the outdated, unconstitutional language on marriage equality that still exists in the Virginia code and constitution.

Nelson Araujo is running for Nevada Secretary of State and has been a member of the Nevada State Assembly for two terms, serving as Assistant Majority Leader in the most recent legislative session. Throughout his time in the State Legislature, he has consistently led the fight on LGBTQ equality, and was instrumental in last year’s push for a statewide ban on so-called “conversion therapy” for minors. He was also political co-chair of the HRC Las Vegas steering committee from 2011 to 2014. If elected, Araujo would be the first Latinx Nevada Secretary of State and the first out LGBTQ person elected to statewide office in Nevada.

More information is available at www.hrcnationaldinner.org.

www.hrc.org/blog/eric-holder-and-stacey-abrams-to-join-day-of-events-celebrating-hrcs-22nd-a?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Man Claims to Be Lover of Chris Watts, the Colorado Man Charged with Killing His Wife and Two Daughters: WATCH

HLN Crime & Justice host Ashleigh Banfield spoke with a man claiming to be the former lover of Chris Watts, who has been charged in the horrific murder of his pregnant wife Shannan and their two young children in Frederick, Colorado. Shannan’s body was discovered in a shallow grave on the property of Watts’ former employer days after Watts had given public pleas for her return to local news outlets. The children’s bodies were found submerged in crude oil in drums nearby. Watts later claimed he had killed Shannan after she strangled her daughters because he told her he wanted to separate.

“This is a story we have to be honest with you we can’t independently verify,” said Banfield, leading into the segment.

Banfield spoke to the man, who claimed he met Watts on an app called MeetMe.

Said the alleged lover: “He messaged me. It all seemed very innocent at first…He was listed as straight and not bi or homosexual….I met him in person. The first time we met he came over to the place I was staying in Loveland, Colorado, which is pretty much a neighboring town to Frederick. It was clear that he was interested in me and attracted to me.”

The man said it turned romantic that night and went “off and on until March or April,” for “about 10 months.”

The man also said he found out later that he was married: “He told me had children but he portrayed that he was single, and there was some point that I met up with him and got in his Ford pickup and he had his daughters with him and the oldest pretty much spilled the beans that he was still married. She asked him if she could sleep with him and mommy tonight.”

Banfield shared that  portion of the interview on social media.

BREAKING: A man who claims to be a FORMER LOVER of Chris Watts is speaking out on the accused killers past in an exclusive interview! pic.twitter.com/9Ac94nQAOg

— Crime & Justice (@CrimeJusticeHLN) August 28, 2018

The man went on to discuss more, according to 9News: “I asked why his profile said straight. He said he was not out and not ready to be out as far as sexuality…I asked why he lied to me. He told me he knew he wouldn’t have a chance with me if he told me he was married. He told me what I wanted to hear…He told me his wife was verbally and emotionally abusive…He told me he didn’t love her. She didn’t love him. I knew something was wrong at home…I hope he gets convicted and I hope he stays in prison for the rest of his life.”

The post Man Claims to Be Lover of Chris Watts, the Colorado Man Charged with Killing His Wife and Two Daughters: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Man Claims to Be Lover of Chris Watts, the Colorado Man Charged with Killing His Wife and Two Daughters: WATCH

62 Photos of Peter Grant’s Mythology, Archetypes, and Fantasies

www.advocate.com/photography/2018/8/29/62-photos-peter-grants-mythology-archetypes-and-fantasies

John James Aligns with Politically Toxic Anti-LGBTQ Trump-Pence Agenda in Michigan

HRC is exposing the record of Vice President Mike Pence, who is scheduled to campaign for Michigan U.S. Senate candidate John James in West Bloomfield. James is eagerly accepting support from anti-LGBTQ extremist Mike Pence, and has previously refused to support laws protecting LGBTQ Michiganders from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.

“John James has proven he has no place in the U.S. Senate,” said HRC State Director Amritha Venkataraman. “In a state with 1.1. Million Equality Voters, where a strong majority of citizens support marriage equality and fundamental civil rights, James has nonetheless perplexingly chosen to align with Mike Pence — an extremist who has made virulent anti-LGBTQ activism the cornerstone of his political career. As they campaign to push their discriminatory, anti-equality agenda, HRC is on the ground mobilizing our hundreds of thousands of members and supporters in Michigan to reject the politics of hate and ensure that pro-equality champion Debbie Stabenow remains in office.”

HRC’s comprehensive “The Real Mike Pence” campaign includes a report, microsite and series of videos that shine a spotlight on Pence’s decades-long crusade against LGBTQ equality, and inside-the-White House efforts leading the Trump-Pence administration’s attacks on LGBTQ people, including those who bravely serve our nation in the military. It lays out his long record of support for the abusive practice of so-called “conversion therapy;” his relentless pursuit of a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people; his attempts to block hate crime legislation and funding for HIV and AIDS prevention; and his efforts to undermine access to health and reproductive care essential to LGBTQ people. He also keeps busy with his extremist agenda by working to undermine science, health, transparency, education, justice and public safety.

Senator Debbie Stabebow is a longtime supporter of LGBTQ equality. She supported marriage equality; the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell; the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act; and the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would require school districts to adopt codes of conduct prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion. Stabenow is also a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s civil rights laws.

In Michigan, HRC has identified more than 1.1 million Michiganders as likely “Equality Voters” — voters who support LGBTQ-inclusive policies. HRC has prioritized investments and organizing in Michigan in the 2018 cycle, and has put staff and resources on the ground in the state as part of the largest grassroots expansion in the organization’s 38-year history.
 

www.hrc.org

Can Your Summer Fling Be The Real Thing? Here’s How You’ll Know!

Although summer is coming to end, it doesn’t mean your summer fling has to. Turns out, your casual romance may actually turn into a lasting relationship, according to a recent survey of over 400 former POF users from the U.S. who married partners they met on the app during summer. Here’s what you need to […]

The post Can Your Summer Fling Be The Real Thing? Here’s How You’ll Know! appeared first on PlentyOfFish Blog.

Can Your Summer Fling Be The Real Thing? Here’s How You’ll Know!

Marcus Rose: Pride

I am the kind of guy that tends to go to about 3 pride events a year. This year due to work and other events I’ve managed to miss every pride thus far! BUT to my great joy this weekend pride is in town and I will NOT be missing out on it!I think part of the reason I am so into pride is because I was outed and ostracized back in 2008 (which was 8th grade/ my early years) I went through a few months of pure hell. I faced ridicule and judgement from my peers, and family! When I wasn’t being harassed or treated like leper, I was isolated and left with few comforts such as writing, reading, and drawing. Over time others began coming out after watching me silent treatment my way through my hell months, from there life started getting better.10 years later sometimes I still hold onto those insecurities and fears (I’m actually still a bit shy), but mainly I work to fight it. And I support others who are going through or have been through similar struggles. At the end of the day we are all human we ALL, have flaws, there is no such thing as PERFECT. Life will throw you good times AND bad that’s just the way things work. Ultimately what matters is how you deal with things, how true you are to yourself, and supporting those in need. I enjoy pride because I get to be around others like myself- granted there are those in the community that can be as judgmental as those from my “hell period”, but again, we’re only HUMAN. To me pride is about being yourself, and knowing who you fuck does not define who you are, or what you are capable of. Fuck the labels, and enjoy the freedom of being yourself. When it comes to Pride, and life in general my advice, don’t let ANYONE steal your smile or make you feel like you are less than. Fuck. That. Noise. Be proud of who you are and how far you’ve come. If you aren’t, keep working until you are (I know I’m still working! lol) You Only Live Once people. #YOLO

Visit Marcus Rose’s Chat Room

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With the Help of Welcoming Schools, A Missouri School District Moves Forward

Post submitted by Kimmie Fink, Welcoming Schools Consultant

When Kearney High School senior Joey Slivinski wrote his yearbook quote — “Of course I dress well — I didn’t spend all that time in the closet for nothing” — he never imagined that it would be rejected for inclusion in the publication.

But that’s exactly what happened to Slivinski and another gay student, Thomas Swartz, who expressed a similar sentiment in his quote.

Kearney High School officials released a statement at the time saying that the quotes by Slivinski and Swartz were considered potentially “offensive” and that’s why they were removed from the yearbook. But under intense criticism for their actions — including from the Kansas City Star editorial board, which accused the school officials of trying to erase the young men — they eventually apologized.

The implication of school officials’ actions, however, was clear: there was something controversial, or “offensive”, about living openly as an LGBTQ person.

To his abiding credit, Bill Nicely, Kearney school district superintendent, recognized that an apology wasn’t enough to correct the misstep and immediately reached out to the HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools for guidance on next steps in making his district classrooms more welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ young people.

What has happened since in Kearney has been encouraging and inspiring. This month, all elementary school staff in the Kearney School District were trained in the Welcoming Schools approach, and the HRC team will return to Kearney during the coming school year to complete follow-up training with staff at each of its four elementary schools, and hopefully also with middle and high school staff in the school district.

Nicely reflected on the experience, saying that the lessons helped him and the other educators “open the door to the very best version of all of us.”

“At (our) new staff convocation, I discussed the importance of creating schools where every child can grow into the very best version of themselves,” said Nicely.

“It was only a few days later, while participating with our staff in the Welcoming Schools professional development, that it occured to me that this mantra had a much broader meaning,” he continued. “The only way for each student to grow into their ‘very best version’ is to operate schools where no student is ever marginalized.”

Nicely said that the Welcoming Schools material gave Kearney staff the tools to address the myriad factors that lead to marginalization — be it a child’s LGBTQ status, race or socioeconomic status.

For more information about creating LGBTQ-inclusive schools, or to bring Welcoming Schools to your school or district, contact us.

HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the nation’s premier professional development program providing training and resources to elementary school educators to:

• Welcome Diverse Families;
• Create LGBTQ and Gender Inclusive Schools;
• Prevent Bias-Based Bullying;
• Support Transgender and Non-Binary Students.

www.hrc.org/blog/with-the-help-of-welcoming-schools-a-missouri-school-district-moves-forward?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Julia Louis Dreyfus Approves of Trump Phone Fail Set to ‘Veep’ Credits: WATCH

Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus gave her approval to a video of Trump failing to connect with the Mexican president on Monday which a documentary filmmaker had set to the credits of HBO’s Veep. Trump’s failed live theatrical moment seemed tailor-made for the show’s credit sequence.

Tweeted Louis-Dreyfus: “This experiment is a success.”

This experiment is a success. t.co/IK1H6jLUTs

— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) August 27, 2018

The post Julia Louis Dreyfus Approves of Trump Phone Fail Set to ‘Veep’ Credits: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Julia Louis Dreyfus Approves of Trump Phone Fail Set to ‘Veep’ Credits: WATCH

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: August 28, 2018

TRUMP AND PENCE WELCOME ANTI-LGBTQ EXTREMISTS TO WHITE HOUSE FOR DINNER: Last night, Donald Trump dined with evangelical leaders and anti-LGBTQ extremists at the White House, telling them, “I have given you a lot back, just about everything that I promised.” Trump has notably relied on the counsel of these extremists, who, through Vice President Mike Pence, have wielded substantial influence over White House policy, including the attempted ban on transgender troops in the military. Trump promised to make Pence the most consequential vice president in American history. Read more about the “Real Mike Pence” detailing his anti-LGBTQ extremism in HRC’s report. More from The Washington Post.

Standing under a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, Pres Trump thanks the Evangelical leaders, saying the support they’ve given him “has been incredible.” But he is quick to say he doesn’t feel guilty about it, “because I have given you a lot back, just about everything I promised.” pic.twitter.com/Mwx8dpiYl0

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 27, 2018

ONE YEAR AGO, HRC JOINED IN LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP-PENCE TROOP BAN AS AN ORGANIZATIONAL CO-PLAINTIFF: “In the year since the case was first filed and in court victory after court victory, we have seen that this impulsive ban was based on nothing more than the petty prejudice of Donald Trump, Mike Pence and the cadre of anti-LGBTQ zealots propping up this administration,” said HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride). “Whether the end to this president’s ban comes first from the courts or the ballot box, we will not stop fighting to support transgender people serving their country and those brave patriots willing to enlist — and we are grateful to Lambda Legal and Outserve-SLDN for their tireless and effective representation.” Read more from Stars and Stripes.

AMICUS BRIEF URGES SCOTUS TO DENY LGBTQ WORKERS PROTECTIONS UNDER TITLE VII: Sixteen states are unconscionably asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a recent Sixth Circuit court ruling that a Michigan funeral home violated Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 by firing a transgender worker in the case EEOC v. Harris Funeral Homes. Other legal bodies — including the the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in  Macy v. Holder (2012) and Baldwin v. Foxx (2015) — have found that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Numerous federal courts have also determined that sexual orientation and gender identity are forms of sex discrimination. More from Bloomberg.

TUESDAY TWITTER TAKEOVER FROM MICHAEL D’ANTONIO, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF “THE SHADOW PRESIDENT: THE TRUTH ABOUT MIKE PENCE”

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Michael D’Antonio is doing an #HRCTwitterTakeover at 2 p.m. ET to share revealing excerpts from his new book, “The Shadow President: The Truth About Mike Pence.” Follow along this afternoon & check out the book to get to know the #RealMikePence. pic.twitter.com/jZ0GiUoY3X

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) August 28, 2018

LESBIAN WOMAN WINS LEGAL ROUND AGAINST RETIREMENT HOME FOR ABUSE: The dismissal of Marsha Wetzel’s lawsuit was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which affirmed that she was harassed and discriminated against based on her sexual orientation. Matthew Walberg (@mattwalberg1) of the Chicago Tribune reports that “the operators could be liable for housing discrimination” as the case moves to trial court. Wetzel is represented by Lambda Legal. More from The Chicago Tribune.

HEARTBREAKING — DENVER FOURTH-GRADER DIES BY SUICIDE FOLLOWING ANTI-GAY BULLYING: Nine-year-old Jamel Myles died just four days into the school year. A recent report from the University of Connecticut and the HRC Foundation details the ways bullying, violence and harassment contribute to negative mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth. More from Fox Denver.

MORNING MUST READ ON KIDDY SMILE — THE BLACK, GAY, SON OF IMMIGRANTS WHO DJ’D AT THE FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL PALACE: Pierre Hache, also known as Kiddy Smile, sent the message that LGBTQ people of color and those from immigrant backgrounds exist and must be represented. “[White people] don’t understand that even though, yes, I’m an LGBT person, my existence is intersectional: I’m also a person of color and an immigrant’s son. You feel like France is your country, but you’re always reminded that you’re not from here. I have to represent for those people.” More from The New York Times.

French DJ, vogue dancer and house musician @Kiddysmile is one of the most interesting artists I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. I went to Paris and met his ballroom family for @nytimesarts:t.co/tyyAfWAGRu

— Kate Hutchinson (@katehutchinson) August 27, 2018

TRANS LATINX WOMAN ATTACKED IN CHARLESTON: HRC was horrified to learn of the brutal assault of Kendra Martinez, a Latinx transgender woman, while she was walking to her car. More from ABC 4.

CHICAGO CUBS’ OPENLY GAY CO-OWNER SAYS THAT PLAYER DANIEL MURPHY’S ANTI-LGBTQ COMMENTS WERE CONSIDERED IN TRADE DISCUSSIONS: More from USA Today.

TEXAS PHOTOGRAPHER TARGETED BY ANTI-LGBTQ EXTREMIST: More from KITV.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

CANING OF TWO WOMEN IN MALAYSIA POSTPONED: A court in Malaysia sentenced two women accused of ‘attempting lesbian sex’ to six strokes of caning and an approximately $800 fine each — set to happen today before it was postponed to September 3. More from Reuters.

FORTY MEN ARRESTED IN LAGOS ON SUSPICION OF BEING LGBTQ: More from No Strings NG.

BERMUDA COURT TO HEAR GOVERNMENT APPEAL AGAINST SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING MARRIAGE EQUALITY: More from Bernews.

HORRIFYING — TRANS WOMAN MURDERED IN ISTANBUL: Police have detained a suspect, identified from security camera footage. Friends of the victim, Esra Ateş, say she had been the target of violence before her death. More from Gay Star News.

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

PRIZM shares one Akron, Ohio, mom’s message of love to LGBTQ faithful; The Post and Courier interviews a local LGBTQ organization about protecting LGBTQ youth; Slate looks at the history of paper dolls as a means of expression for LGBTQ people; The Better India interviews Meghna, believed to be the country’s first openly trans taxi driver; Teen Vogue offers tips to make language more gender-inclusive

Paid for by Human Rights Campaign PAC (www.hrc.org) and not authorized by any candidate or committee.

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!

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