Skype now optimized for Android devices running 4.0.3 to 5.1

This past year, Skype for Android reached the exciting milestone of over one billion downloads from the Google Play Store and was selected as a top Editors’ Choice for face-to-face video calling apps. We are releasing a new optimized version of Skype for our customers on Android devices 4.0.3 to 5.1. worldwide. This update—starting to roll out in the next few days—is lighter on both disk and memory consumption, allowing for greater speed and better audio and video quality on lower end Android devices, as well as increased performance in challenging network conditions. This update builds on our mission to connect people from wherever, whenever, and from whatever device possible.

In the coming weeks, the update will be rolled out around the world, so no need to worry if you are not seeing the update just yet. If you want to try out the latest version of Skype for Android today, simply sign up for our Skype Insiders Program and help us create the future of Skype together. As you receive the update, we hope that you will share your feedback, so we can provide the best Skype experience possible for our customers across the world and across all devices.

To learn more about this latest update, head over to Skype Support and share your feedback with us in our Skype Community.

The post Skype now optimized for Android devices running 4.0.3 to 5.1 appeared first on Skype Blogs.

blogs.skype.com/news/2018/03/02/skype-now-optimized-for-android-devices-running-4-0-3-to-5-1/

The Conflict of Watching Good Art That Features Bad Artists

Is it counterproductive to boycott inclusive films and shows that are tainted by one person’s bad acts?

www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2018/3/02/conflict-watching-good-art-features-bad-artists

111 Photos of Muscle Boys Bursting Out of Tiny Underwear

www.advocate.com/photography/2018/3/02/111-photos-muscle-boys-bursting-out-tiny-underwear

Queerties 2018 winners, highlights & hilarious red carpet moments
Queerties 2018 were a who’s who of LGBTQ media. Among the evenings winners were Call Me By Your Name, Trixie Mattel, and Ellen Degeneres.

www.queerty.com/queerties-2018-winners-highlights-hilarious-red-carpet-moments-20180301?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Cape Town is Africa’s Beacon of Hope for Gay, Bi Men (Photography)

www.advocate.com/photography/2018/3/01/cape-town-africas-beacon-hope-gay-bi-men-photography

Simple Tips to Elevate Your Dating Game

Between work, hobbies, family and friends, it can be hard to find time to date. But when you finally get some free time, you can meet people anywhere these days. There is no doubt that asking someone out can feel gut wrenching, but once they’ve said yes, the rest is a no-brainer. The most important thing to remember while dating is to keep an open mind. Bad dates might happen, and probably will happen, but they’ll only help you figure out what you want and don’t want in a partner. Throughout the process you’re going to have some questions, and thankfully, others have been in your place and have advice to help build your confidence and success in the dating world.

Is it wrong to text or call before the first date?

Before the big date, make sure you’re still actively communicating with your match. There is nothing worse than being ghosted before the first date even starts. While the two of you are chatting, make sure you figure out each others interests. This will help determine where your first date will take place. First impressions go a long way, so we recommend choosing a public location that will allow you to feel comfortable, and act your natural self. If you’re having trouble deciding where to take your date, check out these 20 Great First Dates for some inspiration.

What should I wear?

There is no need to stress when picking out an outfit for your date. Determining the location of the date is the stressful part, so figuring out what to wear should be stress-free! If you’re feeling unsure about what to wear, pick out a couple options and ask for some opinions. What else is Snapchat good for these days? Your friends won’t let you down!

When figuring out what to wear, make sure you are comfortable in whatever you’re wearing. There is nothing worse than sitting for hours in an uncomfortable pair of pants or sweating under multiple layers. If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’ll be able to act comfortable around your date. If your first date takes place during the day, or err on the side of wearing something casual (but not too casual!). For the ladies, we recommend wearing a fun colored sweater, such as this one, with a pair of skinny jeans. Throw on your most comfortable pair of booties, and you’ll be ready for your date! For the men out there, try wearing a pair of stretch jeans with a nice long sleeve shirt. Add a pair of chukka boots to elevate your casual look.

If your date takes place in the evening, try to figure out as many details about where you’re going before picking out an outfit. If the date is a surprise, try to give the other person as many specifics about the location. There is nothing worse than showing up somewhere under or over dressed for the occasion. For the women out there, you can never go wrong with a great pair of black jeans. Dress your jeans up with a black blouse with some accent jewelry, or a leather jacket. For the gentlemen, spruce up your dark wash stretch jeans with a classy dress shirt. Add a blazer on top for a dressy casual look.

Is dating etiquette still a thing?

Dating etiquette is by far the most important aspect of a first date. Looking good in your outfit shouldn’t be the only reason to “wow” your date. Etiquette is by far the most crucial aspect to a first date, and when taken into consideration is likely to increase your chances of getting a second date. There certainly will be nerves at the beginning, but don’t let that be a reason to forget your manners. One of the biggest things to think about is disconnecting from your phone. It can be hard, but we highly recommend putting your phones away altogether to avoid any temptation to use it. There is no worse feeling than being on a date when the other person whips out their phone to check out their Instagram feed or Snapchat a picture of their dinner – don’t be that person. Make sure you are engaged in the conversation. Eye contact and good conversation can go a long way! Check out how to tell if your first date is going well here.

The first date ends, now what?

Like mentioned before, always remember to keep an open mind while dating. You might not feel a connection with someone after the first date, and that’s okay! There is no reason to feel bad or upset. It’s a learning experience. The best thing you can do at that point is to be honest with the other person. Don’t agree to a second date if you’re just going to ghost them or make up an excuse in the end. They’ll appreciate it and you can build up your confidence in making the right dating decisions.

Lastly, there is always the debate of waiting a few days to text your date or to contact them right after your first outing. If the date was a success, don’t let any doubts cross your mind. Let them know that you had a great time! Don’t feel timid, and confidently plan that second date. If both parties are interested, the other person should offer to make the plans this time. And if that’s you, don’t stress. After all of the great conversation from the first date, planning a second should be easy!

The post Simple Tips to Elevate Your Dating Game appeared first on PlentyOfFish Blog.

Simple Tips to Elevate Your Dating Game

How to quickly find shared content in a chat

The new Gallery feature—on Skype for Desktop and rolling out to Skype for Windows 10—helps you easily retrieve shared content including media, links, and files. The Gallery pane displays all shared content from the beginning of the chat—so you can quickly find a picture you shared weeks ago, or a link sent to you in the chat. Just click Gallery under the chat name.

To filter content in the Gallery, click the All drop-down and select Media, Links, or Files. For example, you can filter by Media to group images—making it easy to save them to a folder and create a photo gallery.

Right-click an item to display what you can do with the content—such as copy or save an image, copy or forward a link or file, or remove content from the chat. You can also select View in Chat to jump back to the content in the conversation.

With the Gallery, finding and managing shared content has never been easier. Try it today on Skype for Desktop and Skype for Windows 10 and let us know what you think and by clicking your profile picture and selecting Help and feedback. And as always, please join us in the Skype Community.

The post How to quickly find shared content in a chat appeared first on Skype Blogs.

blogs.skype.com/tips/2018/03/01/how-to-quickly-find-shared-content-in-a-chat/

NEW: LGBTQ Advocates Launch TV Ad Targeting Trump-Pence Ban on Transgender Troops

Today, HRC, Lambda Legal, OutServe-SLDN, the American Military Partner Association, and Gender Justice League unveiled a new television ad — entitled “Patriots” — featuring military, national security, and bipartisan officials voicing opposition to the Trump-Pence administration’s ban on transgender service members. The television ad is part of the largest paid media campaign against Donald Trump’s ban on transgender troops since he tweeted the policy last July — and complements a full page print ad that ran in USA Today and more than 32 regional Gannett papers nationwide this week.

“Donald Trump and Mike Pence have pursued this unconscionable, unconstitutional ban despite the opposition of our military leaders, national security officials, bipartisan lawmakers, and the vast majority of Americans who believe that brave, qualified transgender troops should be allowed to serve their country,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “It’s long past time the White House abandon this reckless, unconstitutional ban and give these brave individuals the dignity, respect and honor they deserve.”

“The drumbeat of principled and expert opposition to the tweeted ban on transgender military service continues to grow louder and louder, illustrating how dangerous and short-sighted this discriminatory policy is,” said Sasha J. Buchert, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal. “Military leaders, elected officials from both sides of the aisle and an overwhelming majority of Americans oppose this ban. It is time for the Trump Administration to end this misguided and harmful policy, and no amount of paint will cover up its obvious and unconstitutional intent.”

“The Trump-Pence Administration needs to hear loud and clear that their bigoted, discriminatory ban is severely out of touch with not just lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and current and former military leaders but from every day Americans,” said Matt Thorn, President & CEO of OutServe-SLDN. “We urge Americans from every stripe to call and tell the Trump-Pence Administration to stop playing politics with our nation’s Armed Forces. Our trans service members deserve a Commander-in-Chief who values their commitment, their honor, their courage to this country, and their willingness to risk their lives in its defense of its freedoms. It is time for this administration’s attempt at a transgender service member ban be abandoned. We will continue our legal challenges should the Trump-Pence Administration continue down this road of discrimination and distraction.”

“We are at a critical juncture in the White House’s shameful attempt to implement a transgender military ban, and it’s essential that fair-minded Americans call and tell Donald Trump and Mike Pence to stop putting their politics ahead of our troops,” said Ashley Broadway-Mack, President of the American Military Partner Association. “Our transgender service members and their families deserve better than to be targeted and singled out by this administration for blatant, unconstitutional discrimination. It’s time this White House abandon this unconscionable transgender military ban and start honoring and supporting ALL of our nation’s brave service members.”

“What we know at Gender Justice League is what every court who has ruled on this ban has said; the transgender military ban is wrong and unconstitutional,” said Danni Askini, Executive Director of Gender Justice League, “We have members who are hard working service members and veterans who all deserve to be judged on their ability to do their jobs, not on their gender. We are calling on the Trump Administration to drop this cynical attack and do their job to support Americans willing to serve their country.”

Making clear the bipartisan opposition to the ban, the ad features quotes from Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John McCain (R-AZ).

HRC, the American Military Partner Association, and Gender Justice League are co-organizational plaintiffs, along with nine individuals, in Karnoski v. Trump — a case brought by Lambda Legal and Outserve-SLDN, challenging the ban in court. Six separate federal courts have issued rulings blocking implementation of the ban. Barring further court action, the administration cannot implement this ban.

www.hrc.org/blog/new-lgbtq-advocates-launch-tv-ad-targeting-trump-pence-trans-military-ban?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Trump Adviser Hope Hicks Resigning

Donald Trump’s closest adviser Hope Hicks is resigning one day after she testified for eight hours before the House Intelligence Committee, telling them she had to tell white lies for Trump.

The NYT reports:

Ms. Hicks, 29, a former model who joined Mr. Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign without any experience in politics, became known as one of the few aides who understood his personality and style and could challenge the president to change his views.

Ms. Hicks had been considering leaving for several months. She told colleagues that she had accomplished what she felt she could with a job that made her one of the most powerful people in Washington, and that there would never be a perfect moment to leave, according to White House aides.

The post Trump Adviser Hope Hicks Resigning appeared first on Towleroad.

Trump Adviser Hope Hicks Resigning

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: February 28, 2018

SEE YOU IN COURT — LAWSUIT AGAINST STARKVILLE, MISS., FOR DENYING PERMIT FOR LGBTQ PRIDE PARADE: It asserts that action by the city’s Board of Aldermen violated citizens’ constitutional rights to free expression and equal protection. “Everyone deserves to feel protected and celebrated in their community, and we applaud Roberta Kaplan and Bailey McDaniel for being brave enough to challenge the unfair and wrong decision from the Starkville Board of Aldermen,” said Rob Hill, HRC Mississippi state director. “HRC encourages the Board to reconsider its vote instead of wasting time and money to defend its discriminatory actions in court.” More from The Associated Press.

Thanks @kaplanrobbie for fighting for all Mississippians! We have your back and will be right there with you. ��️‍���� t.co/0OcVt3jtvJ

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 27, 2018

BILL PROTECTING TRANS PEOPLE FROM DISCRIMINATION ADVANCES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: The crucially important legislation would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse: “No person should be fired, evicted, or denied service just because of who they are, and it is far beyond time that these important protections include transgender people in the Granite State.” More from HRC.

WHAT WE’RE READING WEDNESDAY — TRUMP-PENCE FAILING TO PRIORITIZE ACHIEVING AN HIV-FREE GENERATION: “I think there is a lack of commitment and awareness at the highest level of the office, including the president,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy (@david_stacy). More from The Hill.

#StopTheHate — GUNMAN TARGETED LAS VEGAS BAR THAT WELCOMES TRANS COMMUNITY: Last weekend’s shooting injured at least two people, including Callie Lou-Bee Haywood, a black transgender woman. More from Into.

Horrific report of a gunman attacking a trans bar in Las Vegas. The rising tide of hate violence against LGBTQ people deserves the full attention of the nation. Hoping for a full recovery and justice for those injured. t.co/7trIkq8M30

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) February 27, 2018

HRC ENDORSES AARON FORD FOR NEVADA ATTORNEY GENERAL: “Aaron Ford’s lifelong commitment to equality and public service makes him the ideal candidate for Nevada Attorney General,” said HRC Nevada State Manager Briana Escamilla (@escamillabriana). “As AG, he will stand up for the rights of all Nevadans, ensuring that the Silver State remains an inclusive and welcoming state for all.” More from HRC.

NEW JERSEY SENATE PASSES PRO-TRANSGENDER EQUALITY BILLS: One would update existing law to remove the surgical requirement for a person to update the gender marker on their birth certificate. Another would require that death certificates reflect a person’s gender identity. More from NJ.com.

HRC MOURNS PHYLICIA MITCHELL, A TRANS WOMAN SHOT IN CLEVELAND: Mitchell, 45, was shot outside her home on February 23. Longtime partner Shane Mitchell told Cleveland.com that he met Mitchell some 30 years ago. More from HRC and Cleveland.com.

• Morning must read from a high schooler in The Los Angeles Times, “Trans Rights are Human Rights”

“Everyone loved her. My nieces and nephews opened up to her so much. She was just so funny and kind.” Phylicia Mitchell is the fifth reported murder of a transgender woman this year. #SayHerName t.co/kVz1jzAYQE

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

REFLECTING ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN ALABAMA: Says HRC Alabama State Director Eva Kendrick (@ewkendrick): “Alabama’s been one of the toughest states when it comes to access to marriage equality because of our marriage code and because the way it’s written for judges to choose to issue licenses or not.” While some bigger cities are granting marriage licenses, couples in some rural areas are forced to travel to places including Birmingham or Montgomery to get a license. More from NPR.

MANASSAS PARK (VA.) CITY SCHOOL BOARD ADDS SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY TO NONDISCRIM POLICY: Openly transgender Virginia State Delegate Danica Roem, who represents the district, spoke in support of the protections. More from The Washington Blade.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

KENYAN HIGH COURT BEGINS HEARING CASE THAT COULD OVERTURN BAN ON SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS: Kenya is one of at least 72 countries that criminalize same-sex relationships. More from CNN.

TRANS ADVOCATE IN BARBADOS ATTACKED, HARASSED BY POLICE: More from The Washington Blade.

GAY RUSSIAN MAN FLEES TO BELARUS AFTER BEING OUTED AT WORK: More from Pink News.

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

Vox shares a message to young people advocating for gun safety reform from Iowa Senate candidate Zach Wahls, who was an activist for LGBTQ Boy Scouts; BuzzFeed shares a plan for a groundbreaking museum on LGBTQ history in London; The New York Times shares the history of LGBTQ theater

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-february-28-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed