Milwaukee’s alarming HIV outbreak is being called the largest STI cluster In U.S. history
At least 125 people, including a small group 0f high school students, have tested positive for HIV, syphilis, or both.
Category Archives: MISC
Open Photo shoot in Los Angeles, CA
Open Photo shoot in Los Angeles, CA
Open NOH8 Photo Shoot and Pop Up Sale in Los Angeles, CA
www.noh8campaign.com/event/open-photo-shoot-in-los-angeles-ca-6
Ellen DeGeneres and celebrities keep the pressure on Bermuda as repeal of marriage equality moves forward
Ellen DeGeneres and celebrities keep the pressure on Bermuda as repeal of marriage equality moves forward
Last month, Bermuda became the first national territory ever to strip away the right to marry when the island reversed the Supreme Court of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda ruling in May 2017 that legalized marriage equality. Most recently, the marriage equality repeal was delayed for three months. This delay has been connected, in part, to the island’s lucrative tourism industry, according to Bermuda’s Minister of Home Affairs, who said, “Commencement [of the repleal] has been delayed to allow for any same-sex marriages that have licenses already issued and have been scheduled to be conducted in Bermuda, or on-board Bermuda-registered ships, to actually take place.”
GLAAD has called for business and tourism leaders to speak out against the repeal. The tourism industry has contributed $431 million to the island’s economy in 2017, up 20% from 2016, according to a report from The Research and Business Intelligence team of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
In the words of GLAAD’s President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis: “It is now imperative for international businesses that play major roles in Bermuda’s economy, such as cruise lines and the travel industry, to make their voices heard These brands and their business leaders should demonstrate true leadership and stand for those customers they’ve courted by helping to combat this harmful decision.”
This week Ellen DeGeneres spoke out against the repeal, announcing she would be canceling a vacation. Other celebrities and influencers including Tegan and Sara and Patricia Arquette, have also spoken out:
Bermuda just banned marriage equality. I guess I’m canceling my trip. Anybody else? t.co/c5bwUbyjZt pic.twitter.com/VpT5QQAFsq
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 7, 2018
Thinking of our friends in the LGBTQ community in Bermuda. “Bermuda is the first country in the world to remove the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples.” Learn more here and consider supporting the fight for justice and equality. t.co/LR2zNJSVzB t.co/gUgk7lOSad
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) March 8, 2018
Bermuda just overturned marriage equality. Boycott #Bermuda t.co/1ekRl1hAog
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) February 23, 2018
Things like this make me so sad. I guess I’ll never be going back to Bermuda. t.co/ha30pH0izH
— Suze Orman (@SuzeOrmanShow) February 10, 2018
Boycott Bermuda. t.co/Y6ENFnScAm
— Bradley Whitford (@WhitfordBradley) February 9, 2018
Progress is precious. This should worry us all! #BoycottBermuda t.co/R5tsVWTdgI
— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) February 8, 2018
Join the call and make your voices heard! Tweet your own message about this attack on LGBTQ rights, retweet Ellen and amplify those who have spoken out, and visit Same Love Bermuda’s CrowdJustice page for more information.
March 9, 2018
We’ve Got Surprises For You at SXSW in Austin
We’ve Got Surprises For You at SXSW in Austin
We’re DTFiesta in Austin. Join OkCupid all week for music, panels and freebies
Everything is bigger in Texas—including OkCupid’s presence in Austin for SXSW, a celebration of the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. All this week, we’re chatting stereotypes in dating, podcasting about ghosting, and throwing you a (really big) party. OkCupid is taking over Austin during SXSW — and we’d love to see you there. Here’s where you can find us.
‘Why’d You Push That Button’ Live with The Verge
Get spooked (sort of) and chat ghosting on dating apps with OkCupid’s Engineering Manager Jordan at Why’d You Push That Button Live with the Berge— a podcast about the choices technology forces us to make. Listen to the live stream at 4:00 PM CST on the Why’d You Push That Button podcast, or RSVP here.
When: Friday, March 9
Where: The Belmont, 305 W 6th St.
Time: 4:00 PM CST
More details here.
Better Than Stereotypes | Challenging View of Race, Gender, Sex and Age
Since the dawn of OkCupid, we’ve openly discussed stereotypes and the importance of inclusivity. Now you can join our Engineering Manager Jordan on the Better Than Stereotypes panel and learn about how OkCupid challenges the status quo today more than ever. RSVP here.
When: Saturday, March 10
Where: Capital Factory, 701 Brazos St., Voltron Room
Time: 3:00 PM CST
More details here.
Finding Magic Moments: How to Look Beyond the Touchpoint
Data-driven. It’s something marketers know they should be—but infinite amounts of data and analytics don’t automatically translate into insights. Chat with our CRM Sr. Product Manager Ana about how she uses data to guide CRM choices at OkCupid to meet critical KPIs in a cross-platform world. RSVP here.
When: Saturday, March 10
Where: CB’s at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, 801 Red River St.
Time: 9:00 AM CST
More details here.
The Lost Weekend 2
If there’s one thing to catch during your time in Austin, it’s a sweet lineup of emerging bands. Together with BrooklynVegan, we’re bringing you The Lost Weekend 2 — three days of great music and partying, plus OkCupid swag, a photo booth, and one complimentary drink with an OkCupid profile. The best part? It takes place at Austin favorite Cheer Up Charlie’s. RSVP here.
When: Thursday March 15 — Saturday March 17
Where: Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River St.
Time: 12:00 PM — 6:00 PM CST every day
Link: 2018.do512.com/lostweekend
Can’t make it to Austin? That’s totally fine. Find someone in your area on OkCupid now to recreate the festival experience in your own city.
We’ve Got Surprises For You at SXSW in Austin was originally published in The OkCupid Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
‘Dolly’ Minogue Releases Another Countrified Dance Track: LISTEN
‘Dolly’ Minogue Releases Another Countrified Dance Track: LISTEN
Kylie Minogue has released another pop-dance track from her upcoming album Golden that’ll have you asking, “Dolly, is that you?”
The good news is, if you liked the first single “Dancing”, you’ll probably like “Stop Me From Falling” too.
Kylie is set to headline NYC Pride’s Pride Island at the end of June, where you’re sure to hear these singles along with some others.
Kylie’s new album Golden is out on April 6.
Said Minogue to BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans: “I was a little bit fragile when I started working on this album. It was a really good time to be honest and work through everything, and give a snapshot of where I am in my life. A lot of it was done in Nashville, and that taught me about putting more story into the song. And then you can take that song and produce that any way you want.”
The post ‘Dolly’ Minogue Releases Another Countrified Dance Track: LISTEN appeared first on Towleroad.
‘Dolly’ Minogue Releases Another Countrified Dance Track: LISTEN
The Bizarre and Erotic Rituals of Milan Junek (Photos)
The Bizarre and Erotic Rituals of Milan Junek (Photos)
www.advocate.com/photography/2018/3/09/bizarre-and-erotic-rituals-milan-junek-photos
Alan Cumming Film ‘After Louie’ Gets March 30 Premiere Date in NYC and on VOD: TRAILER
Alan Cumming Film ‘After Louie’ Gets March 30 Premiere Date in NYC and on VOD: TRAILER
After Louie, the debut feature film from Vincent Gagliostro starring Alan Cumming which takes a look at the generations which grew up on both sides of the AIDS epidemic through the eyes of a romance, has been acquired by Freestyle Digital Media and will have a theatrical opening in New York on March 30 simultaneous with video on demand, Deadline reports.
The film first caught our eye as a Kickstarter when the filmmakers were guiding it through productionand last year made its way through the festival circuit.
The film also stars Zachary Booth, David Drake, Wilson Cruz, Justin Vivian Bond, Eric Berryman, Patrick Breen, and Sarita Choudhury.
The post Alan Cumming Film ‘After Louie’ Gets March 30 Premiere Date in NYC and on VOD: TRAILER appeared first on Towleroad.
Alan Cumming Film ‘After Louie’ Gets March 30 Premiere Date in NYC and on VOD: TRAILER
3 Ways to Keep the Conversation Flowing On a First Date
3 Ways to Keep the Conversation Flowing On a First Date
You did it! You’ve met someone great on Plenty of Fish, had amazing conversation online and are ready to meet in person, awesome. Unfortunately, sometimes the difficult parts about dating aren’t even in finding a person, but finding how to actually connect with another person. Witty banter, charm, and a relaxed flow of conversation are not things that can be faked IRL. Often times – even when you know you would hit it off with your date – your nerves inhibit you from carrying on a thriving conversation. But, here’s a secret, you can be yourself on a first date despite those inevitable nagging nerves. Down with the awkward silence!
TALK ABOUT THINGS YOU LIKE, TELL STORIES
The easiest way to speak freely is to speak about things that you like. Duh, right? I used to keep a self-serving question in my dating arsenal that would help me determine further interest in my date; It was arrogant, but worked. I would either ask “what are reading right now?” or “what are you listening to right now?” Books and music are topics of interest to me, finding out what my date is interested in helped me relate to them. If things are going well and the other person had an answer (probable) it would spawn another conversation and another and another.
Don’t feel shy to give anecdotes about your life. The idea is to get to know each other; you probably aren’t talking about yourself as much as you are stressed about talking about yourself too much. Giving specific details to the plot of a story you’re telling will create imagery that in turn helps the other person engage with you. Extra points if the story happens to be fun. Laughing is a great way to ease up.
TALK ABOUT THEM, ASK QUESTIONS
Just as it’s easiest for you to speak about your own experience, it’s equally as simple for someone else to do the same, give them a chance to. Listen when your date is talking. No, not that half-listening we all enter into once in awhile where we are preparing the next thing we’re going to say while the other person is still speaking. Really listen. When you genuinely listen to another person speak it provides the opportunity to naturally fall into a more empathetic listening mode. Also, ask questions. Not only will this help in keeping the conversation rolling, you will learn so much about your date. And, isn’t that the point?
STAY COOL, BE HONEST
Dating should always be fun; make comments about your surroundings, poke fun (with caution) at yourself and your date, laugh, acknowledge that you’re nervous – it’s all ok. Remaining calm, cool and collected is a feat easier said than done, I know. Dating can be intimidating, especially when you feel there might be a spark. A good way to avoid getting caught up in your thoughts, and acting out of character on a first date is to remember: You are interesting! Take a second to give yourself a confidence boost. This person is on a date with you.
The post 3 Ways to Keep the Conversation Flowing On a First Date appeared first on PlentyOfFish Blog.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 Trailer and Guest Judges (Including Xtina) Ruvealed: WATCH
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 Trailer and Guest Judges (Including Xtina) Ruvealed: WATCH
VH1 has released a brand new trailer for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 showcasing some of the upcoming queens and judges. Watch it above.
On the new season, which begins March 22, Asia O’Hara (Dallas, TX), Aquaria (Brooklyn, NY), Blair St. Clair (Indianapolis, IN), Dusty Ray Bottoms (New York, NY), Eureka O’Hara (Johnson City, TN), Kalorie Karbdashian-Williams (
Headlining the judges line-up this season is Christina Aguilera who shows up in the trailer in a cotton candy pink ensemble. She’ll be joined by Shania Twain, Lena Dunham, Abbi Jacobson & Ilana Glazer, Kumail Nanjiani & Emily V. Gordon, and Billy Eichner.
Kate Upton, Halsey, Padma Lakshmi, Courtney Love, Nico Tortorella, Audra McDonald, Ashanti, Logan Browning, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Carrie Preston, Andrew Rannells, Miles Heizer, Todrick Hall and Lizzo will also be guest judging, while Stephen Colbert, Andy Cohen, and Cheyenne Jackson are set to make guest appearances.
In related news, RuPaul this week expressed regret to the transgender community following backlash over an interview he gave to The Guardian in which he said he would “probably not” allow a transgender woman who had undergone gender confirmation surgery to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
When asked if he’d let a biological woman compete on the show, RuPaul told The Guardian: “Drag loses its sense of danger and its sense of irony once it’s not men doing it, because at its core it’s a social statement and a big f-you to male-dominated culture. So for men to do it, it’s really punk rock, because it’s a real rejection of masculinity.”
He was then asked how a transgender woman could then be a drag queen, referencing Peppermint, a contestant from Season 9: “Mmmm. It’s an interesting area. Peppermint didn’t get breast implants until after she left our show; she was identifying as a woman, but she hadn’t really transitioned.”
When asked if he would accept a contestant who had physically transitioned, RuPaul replied, “Probably not. You can identify as a woman and say you’re transitioning, but it changes once you start changing your body. It takes on a different thing; it changes the whole concept of what we’re doing. We’ve had some girls who’ve had some injections in the face and maybe a little bit in the butt here and there, but they haven’t transitioned.”
Following backlash from the trans community and allies, RuPaul doubled down, tweeting: “You can take performance enhancing drugs and still be an athlete, just not in the Olympics.”
You can take performance enhancing drugs and still be an athlete, just not in the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/HkJjzXzUGm
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) March 5, 2018
The remarks drew plenty of ire from former contestants:
!
— Peppermint (@Peppermint247) March 4, 2018
My drag was born in a community full of trans women, trans men, and gender non-conforming folks doing drag. That’s the real world of drag, like it or not. I thinks it’s fabulous and I will fight my entire life to protect and uplift it.
— Sasha Velour (@sasha_velour) March 5, 2018
— Jiggly Caliente (@JigglyCaliente) March 4, 2018
Trans women were the first entertainers I ever saw in drag & have always been a big part of the industry. To now hear such words of segregation from an icon who has created a world wide community of unity, makes me sad. Is never been LGB so let’s not forget about the T!
— Gia Gunn (@GiaGunn) March 5, 2018
Former Drag Race queen Willam wrote on Instagram: ‘We work with trans women every night side by side and for them to be denied the opportunities because of someone’s narrowminded view on what they call “drag” is fucked. And to my sisters who read this- doing the right thing ain’t always easy, but it’ll help u sleep at night. My motto is no sister left behind. I practice it every time i visit Mathu and when i stood up for him with the Emmy’s. Hell i did it in the airport yesterday with @therealtsmadison when we was running for our flight. Do something. Do it. Tag your favorite Ru Girls. I’ll start. Don’t let this slide. This is discrimination within our own community. @theonlyalaska5000@thebiancadelrio @bobthedragqueen@bebezahara @tyrasanchez @thejinkx@sutanamrull @violetchachki @sashavelour@sharonneedlespgh @chadmichaelsallstar‘
RuPaul suggested on Twitter Monday night that he’s listening.
Tweeted RuPaul: “Each morning I pray to set aside everything I THINK I know, so I may have an open mind and a new experience. I understand and regret the hurt I have caused. The trans community are heroes of our shared LGBTQ movement. You are my teachers.”
Each morning I pray to set aside everything I THINK I know, so I may have an open mind and a new experience. I understand and regret the hurt I have caused. The trans community are heroes of our shared LGBTQ movement. You are my teachers. pic.twitter.com/80Qi2halN2
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) March 5, 2018
He added: “In the 10 years we’ve been casting Drag Race, the only thing we’ve ever screened for is charisma uniqueness nerve and talent. And that will never change.”
In the 10 years we’ve been casting Drag Race, the only thing we’ve ever screened for is charisma uniqueness nerve and talent. And that will never change. pic.twitter.com/0jsyt6MRvO
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) March 5, 2018
The post RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 Trailer and Guest Judges (Including Xtina) Ruvealed: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 Trailer and Guest Judges (Including Xtina) Ruvealed: WATCH
Tinder Joins the Fight for Equality
Tinder Joins the Fight for Equality
We’ve got work to do.
This has been a year of marches. Of voices being heard. Of justice and outcries and coming together. Women are uniting in the fight for equal pay, equal treatment, and equal voice. Every day, the movement for respect and equality grows more public and more powerful.
The brave and bold women of the world have more than earned their seat at the table. They have fought the uphill battle against countless disadvantages and still manage to come out on top. We love that tenacity, but hate that it’s necessary.
In honor of International Women’s Day, Tinder will donate up to $200,000 to UN Women, an organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved:
- Tweet #TinderForEquality and tag @Tinder
- We’ll donate $100 to UN Women on your behalf (up to $200k)
Join the fight for equality today.
