Comcast LGBTQ Liaison Blows Whistle on Alleged Discriminatory Culture
Klayton Fennell said he was told at various points he was too “flamboyant” and “high-pitched” to advance in position or pay.
www.advocate.com/news/2019/10/23/comcast-lgbtq-liaison-blows-whistle-alleged-discriminatory-culture
Graham Winnie Wants One Thing for Her 100th Birthday: ‘To Impeach This Sucker’ — WATCH
A woman calling herself Grandma Winnie went viral on Tuesday for a video in which she holds a MAGA hat and makes her birthday wish known.
Hopefully Grandma Winnie gets her wish! pic.twitter.com/fdohMHJL1t
— Monica Graham (@graham_monica) October 22, 2019
“I’m 100 years old,” she says in the clip, “and all I want for my birthday is for someone to impeach this sucker.” She then flings the MAGA hat out of frame where it is heard bouncing on the floor.
Marketwatch reports: ‘It’s unclear whether the Grandma Winnie video is legit, however. The original clip appears to have first been shared on Instagram on Monday by activist art project Indecline 2020, which has used street art, film and parody to “expose justices carried out by both corporations and government agencies.” The lead clip on its Indiegogo page even parodies a Trump ransom video, where an actor pretending to be the president (whose wrists are in handcuffs) asks for donations for the art project. The group has raised a little over $19,000 toward its $250,000 goal. It did not immediately respond to a MarketWatch request for comment. But many on Twitter were indeed eating the video up, with several expressing surprise at Grandma Winnie’s appearing to be a Trump supporter at first but then ending her video on the cusp of dropping an F-bomb against the president.’
The post Graham Winnie Wants One Thing for Her 100th Birthday: ‘To Impeach This Sucker’ — WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.
Grandma Winnie Wants One Thing for Her 100th Birthday: ‘To Impeach This Sucker’ — WATCH
#AM_Equality Tipsheet: October 23, 2019
HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID INTERVIEWED BY DERAY MCKESSON ON “POD SAVE THE PEOPLE”: On the podcast, David (@AlphonsoDavid) discusses his new role at HRC, racial justice and HRC’s HBCU Summit, voter suppression and more. Listen to the full interview here.
ICYMI — THANKS TO ALL WHO JOINED HRC’S CHEFS FOR EQUALITY LAST EVENING: More from HRC.
We the People, All the People…..������❤️���������� t.co/dSiPwAfYQk
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) October 23, 2019
JURY CONVICTS EDWARD DOMINIC THOMAS OF ASSAULTING BLACK TRANS WOMAN MUHLAYSIA BOOKER ONE MONTH BEFORE SHE WAS KILLED: Thomas was sentenced to 300 days in jail. More from CBS DFW.
HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON RAILS AGAINST “POLITICAL CORRECTNESS” AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING INSTEAD OF APOLOGIZING FOR EARLIER TRANSPHOBIC COMMENTS: More from Tracy Jan (@TracyJan) at The Washington Post.
WHAT WE’RE READING WEDNESDAY — HRC PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVID JOINS BLACK LGBTQ LEADERS IN SPEAKING OUT AGAINST TRUMP TWEET COMPARING IMPEACHMENT TO LYNCHING: “To compare an inquiry into your alleged corrupt behavior to the murders of innocent Americans is simply revolting,” said David. More from the Washington Blade.
Learn your history, @realDonaldTrump. From 1882 to 1968, at least 4,743 lynchings occurred in the US. Of those lynched, 3,446 were Black. To compare an inquiry into your alleged corrupt behavior to the murders of innocent Americans is simply revolting. t.co/DHgReWMnKe t.co/30qWGZUgRr
— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) October 22, 2019
TODAY — MIKE PENCE TO VISIT WISCONSIN BUSINESS OWNED BY PROMINENT ANTI-LGBTQ DONOR RICHARD UIHLEIN: Learn more about Pence’s anti-LGBTQ record from HRC.
HORRIBLE — SEVIER COUNTY, TENN., OFFICIAL MAKES ANTI-LGBTQ COMMENTS AT A COMMISSION MEETING: “Sevier County Commissioner Warren Hurst is using his position of power to publicly spew bigotry against LGBTQ people – people who are very likely his own constituents,” said HRC Deputy Communications Director Nick Morrow (@NRMorrow). More from Out Magazine, Metro Weekly and NBC Out.
YESTERDAY MARKED THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE MATTHEW SHEPARD AND JAMES BYRD JR. HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT: More from HRC.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER AND TRANS LATIN@ COALITION HELD A BRIEFING ON CHALLENGES FACED BY TRANS IMMIGRANTS IN DETENTION CENTERS: More here.
.@amnestyusa, @NIJC & @TransLatina_C held a moving congressional briefing about what trans immigrants are facing in detention centers. Thanks to @RepDebHaaland, @RashidaTlaib & @RepJayapal for speaking out. @HRC is a proud supporter of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act. pic.twitter.com/Ga9nmyy3Lp
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) October 22, 2019
GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!
JACOB TOBIA (@JacobTobia) TO VOICE NON-BINARY CHARACTER DOUBLE TROUBLE ON NETFLIX’S “SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESSES OF POWER”: More here.
It’s time for some trouble and this time, let’s make it Double!
Congratulations to longtime @HRC supporter @JacobTobia for becoming the voice of @DreamWorksSheRa‘s non-binary character Double Trouble! t.co/5jhkuNdKVM
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) October 22, 2019
READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
ABC 7 reports on how the Andersonville, Ill., community has shown up to support their transgender neighbors
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-october-23-2019?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
+Life counters HIV stigma with powerful new weekly video series
+Life is a new digital lifestyle brand which focuses on combating the stigma facing those living with HIV. Available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at PlusLifeMedia.com, +Life is produced by AOMEDIA and provides original content that shatters stereotypes, myths and inaccuracies about living with HIV. The +Life team will be working with GLAAD on upcoming videos and has already attended several GLAAD events where they have brought up much needed discussions of HIV.
The creation of +Life was inspired by Karl Schmid, an internationally known entertainment reporter who has been a featured talent on leading networks including KABC, ABC.com, TLC and Logo, as well as on programming in his native Australia. Schmid opened up about his own HIV-positive status in a Facebook post in 2018. Schmid serves as +Life’s editorial director, and will use the platform to continue sharing his message and educating others on the realities of living with HIV.
+Life launched with an original weekly video series called “+Talk.” Hosted by Schmid, it features honest conversations and empowering information around topics like the recent undetectable = untransmittable public education work. New content will be added regularly across social media channels, with +Talk episodes available on Facebook and YouTube.
“I kept my diagnosis secret for 10 long years because some well-meaning people I trusted told me that revealing my status would ruin my career. Did I really want to be known as ‘the guy on TV with AIDS?’ Then one afternoon while scrolling through The AIDS Memorial Instagram account, I was inspired to overcome my fear, and decided to share my positive status,” said Schmid. “I was amazed at the overwhelming support I immediately received from loved ones and strangers around the world, and my hope for +Life, is that it helps others learn they too, have the freedom to live and love proudly, and help change stigma-induced fear common among those living with the disease in private. A positive HIV status is not something that should hold anyone back from achieving their dreams and living life to its fullest potential.”
More than 37 million people globally are living with HIV today. Today, people who have HIV and engage in proper medical treatment can’t pass it on and live long, healthy, and productive lives, however, stigma remains and impacts access to health care, employment, and community.
+Life has plans for additional programming including interviews with newsmakers and activists, as well as relaying the latest in practical medical information. +Life will also address topics related to sex, dating and relationships, from the perspective of people living with HIV and their partners.
“+Life is for those living with HIV, the people who support them, and anyone at risk of contracting the disease – which is everyone,” said Executive Producers Brent Zacky and Michael Spierer, AOMEDIA. “Fear and lack of information can literally be a death sentence for people who do not get tested or are afraid to seek treatment. Our goal is to entertain while we educate, building a community and providing the facts everyone needs to lead happy, healthy, complete lives.”
www.glaad.org/blog/life-counters-hiv-stigma-powerful-new-weekly-video-series
R&B singer Tank says sucking d*ck doesn’t make a man gay
R’n’b singer Tank has prompted much comment on social media after his appearance on the podcast Lip Service.
Promoting his new album, Elevation (out Friday), the singer got into a discussion about honesty. Host Angela Lee was talking about men who tell lies: If a man lies twice, does that mean he is a liar?
Tank says no, pointing out he’s done construction work a couple of times in the past but that doesn’t make him a construction worker.
The conversation starts around the 2.10 mark below.
The specific quotes were highlighted on social media.
Is Tank wild or BIG WILD FOR THIS? pic.twitter.com/RJLrRtRlWG
— Kem (@Kembo_Slice) October 22, 2019
Host Angela Yee goes on to say: “Let’s say he sucked a d**k one time… say twice… does that make him gay?”
Tank replied: “No, here’s the thing. Twice is excessive, but let’s dig into it.
“He sucked a dick once and then he’s like, ‘I’m not sure if I liked it or not. Let me try again.’
“And then he says, ‘You know what, it’s not for me, I don’t like the taste!’
“It doesn’t mean he’s gay. It means he sucked d**k twice… because the art of being gay is being gay.”
Related: Gospel/R&B singer Terrence Stone: “I’m a bisexual male”
The comments have prompted some raised eyebrows among his followers.
That’s bs the guy had to initially be attracted to the other guy to even want to try it which makes him gay
wtf
— Silky T (@lsilkyth) October 23, 2019
However, many others have said Tank’s right to point out that experimenting with one’s sexuality, and physical acts alone, do not decide someone’s orientation. As we all know, many gay and lesbian people have had sexual experiences with people of the opposite sex, but that doesn’t make them heterosexual. Others are bisexual or bi-curious.
It’s called being curious and figuring out who you are. Doesnt make a person gay. If it’s a continued behavior then yes it’s gay but to see if it’s something you thought you liked then no, he’s not big wild for this statement. People just need to stop being childish.
— Queen Q. (@QDub__) October 23, 2019
Tank is best known for his US chart hits “Maybe I Deserve”, “Please Don’t Go”, and “When We”. He married his long-term partner, Zena Foster, in 2018. The couple have two children, and Tank also has three other kids from previous relationships.
He followed up the podcast by posting a video to Instagram last night in which he addressed his comments.
View this post on Instagram
Tune in to my interview with the ladies from @aylipservice!! Great topics and great perspectives. We all are not the same and the beauty of exchanging information is what i enjoy. You don’t have to agree with someones difference to not hate them. Lets try to find our way back to positivity and love. It’s a better place..
#TanksElevation Oct 25th Preorder NOW!#RnBMoney #TheGeneral #TanksElevation
A post shared by Tank (@therealtank) on
Promoting the podcast, he says, laughing: “I said what I said!
“You all so God-damn homophobic. You got to watch the whole clip, in any event. Homophobia is real, let me tell you. It’s just as real as racism, classism, all of these things, and just as damaging. And it plagues our community the worst.
“This can’t be used as a negative. You can’t use a human being’s existence as a negative. We’re going through enough shit … don’t do that: I get it. You want to call me gay. I don’t have to defend that to you or anybody, you don’t have that power over me, but … but let’s get back to positivity.”
He then gets in another plug for his album: “I don’t care what your sexual orientation is. Get this album. It’s gonna work for you.”
Related: Azealia Banks slams those taking PrEP and blasts “dumbass” Frank Ocean
Tank has made headlines before as an LGBTQ ally. In 2017, he performed at a Washington DC Gay Black Pride event. His latest Instagram comments were largely welcomed.
“People gone be so quick to say ya gay and miss what ya actually saying 
the homophobia and double standard bout to jump outta a lot of people too,” said @vincebarries.
Tank (@therealtank) responded: “It’s social media. No one really listens they just find the part that gives them the gas to be evil. That’s what this place represents. It’s entertainment for me and I know how to entertain..lol.”
View this post on Instagram
An amazing moment.. #DCPride #DopePic #TheGeneral
@twelvepastseven
A post shared by Tank (@therealtank) on
12 Movies That Celebrate the Richness of the Transgender Experience
www.advocate.com/film/2019/10/23/12-movies-celebrate-richness-transgender-experience
Always Sanitary Pads Go Gender-Free; Right-Wingers Freak Out
The maker of Always is removing the female symbol from its packaging to be more inclusive of trans men and nonbinary people.
www.advocate.com/transgender/2019/10/22/always-sanitary-pads-go-gender-free-right-wingers-freak-out
VH1 Announces ‘RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race’ for 2020
Famous folks will don drag in the hopes of becoming “America’s Next Celebrity Drag Superstar.”
www.advocate.com/television/2019/10/22/vh1-announces-rupauls-celebrity-drag-race-2020
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is getting another spinoff, this time featuring celebrities in drag
The Drag Race family is getting even bigger. On Tuesday, RuPaul announced that a new spin-off series, RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race, will arrive sometime in 2020.
The new series will feature celebrity contestants getting into drag and competing. Offering hands-on coaching will be: Alyssa Edwards, Asia O’Hara, Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Nina West, Trinity the Tuck, Trixie Mattel, and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
Related: Frontman of heavy metal band Judas Priest wants to guest-judge ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season 12
“Doing drag does not change who you are, it reveals who you are,” RuPaul said in a press release. “I can’t wait for the world to see what happens when our celebrity contestants get all up in drags!”
Three celebs will battle it out in each episode for the title of America’s Next Celebrity Drag Superstar. The winner will receive prize money, donated to charity, of course.
The limited series — only four episodes are being produced — will run on VH1. No word yet on who the celebrity guests will be.
Neil Patrick Harris had to try three times to get Pete Buttigieg’s attention
Whether or not he has any real shot at the nomination, it’s safe to say Pete Buttigieg is having a moment.
And with it comes something of a ‘Belle of the ball’ effect wherever the South Bend, Indiana mayor shows up. On Monday, Buttigieg appeared at the God’s Love We Deliver’s Golden Heart Awards in New York to accept the outstanding leadership and public service honor.
Related: Neil Patrick Harris undergoes surgery after freak vacation accident
The co-chairs of the event, Neil Patrick Harris and husband David Burtka, reportedly had to get strategic in order to get face time with the Democratic candidate, putting the phrase ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’ to its most literal application.
“Neil wants to meet Mayor Pete really bad,” Burtka told reporters at about 8 p.m.
Their first approach proved fruitless — Buttigieg was sandwiched between Anna Wintour and Tiffany Haddish and good luck breaking through that defensive line.
Later in the night, however, they tried.
Related: Bee lands on Pete Buttigieg and his – and husband’s – response is perfect
“Burtka and Harris made a second attempt, this time figuring their way in was through chatting up Haddish,” reports Variety.
No luck — “Buttigieg didn’t even turn around.”
But you’ll be relieved to know that the third time was the charm. Sometime after 9:30 p.m., the couple made contact with Buttigieg. It’s a true American success story.
Later during the charity auction, someone paid $85,000 for a dinner with Harris and Burtka.
We’re going to assume Buttigieg was not the buyer.
