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Every Vote Counts in the Keystone State
On Thursday, September 10, HRC volunteers hosted an evening of action with Pennsylvania Competes in support of an update to the Pennsylvania Fairness Act.
HRC.org
www.hrc.org/blog/entry/every-vote-counts-in-the-keystone-state?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
NBC Remaking the TV Classic ‘Hart to Hart’ with a Gay Couple
NBC is remaking the late ’70s TV drama/romance Hart to Hart, which starred Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a wealthy couple who also happened to be amateur detectives and solved international crimes while enjoying their luxurious lifestyle.
The remake revolves around a gay couple.
Written by Christopher Fife (Revenge, Private Practice), based on the Sidney Sheldon-created original, the new Hart To Hart is described as a modern and sexy retelling of the classic series that focuses on “by the book” attorney Jonathan Hart and free-spirited investigator Dan Hartman, who must balance the two sides of their life: action-packed crime-solving in the midst of newly found domesticity. The project, which has received a script commitment plus penalty after interest from multiple networks, is executive produced by Fife and Carol Mendelsohn Prods.’ Mendelsohn and Julie Weitz.
Watch Hart to Hart’s opening credits:
The post NBC Remaking the TV Classic ‘Hart to Hart’ with a Gay Couple appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
NBC Remaking the TV Classic ‘Hart to Hart’ with a Gay Couple
13 Things Men With Anxiety And Depression Want You To Know
Openly discussing mental illness can be a tough battle for anyone — but for men, the cultural baggage of traditional masculinity may make it particularly challenging.
There’s an obvious stigma when it comes to men and mental health. Research suggests many men find it difficult to disclose mental illness symptoms and a recent analysis found that men are more likely not to speak up if they’re having thoughts of suicide. In a society where “being a man” is conflated with being tough, it’s hard for men to come forward and reveal they have a mental health condition.
However, confidential conversation is better than no conversation when it comes to mental health. Recently, Ask Men anonymously surveyed male readers on what they wanted everyone to know about dealing with mental health issues. Check out some of their responses below, then share what you want people to understand about anxiety and depression in the comments.
1. It’s a health issue.
“It’s a medical problem.”
2. It’s important to open up about anxiety.
“It’s OK to have those feelings and wanting to talk about it is natural and healthy.”
3. Men with anxiety are seen as “weak” — and that’s a problem.
“We, men, don’t share any problems that we face because we think it makes us vulnerable and weak. Some have been taught to show that we are tough since childhood.”
4. Lifestyle changes can help.
“Get out of it as soon as possible. Change your habits … go on a vacation, movies, blind dates. Make new friends. Be positive.”
5. Insensitive comments can sometimes stand in the way of support.
“Pretending to sympathize and saying things like ‘toughen up,’ ‘it’ll get better,’ ‘grow up, you are acting so immature,’ ‘grow a pair’ are all not as helpful as [people] like to think it is. Perhaps they should consider observing people a little more before commenting like that.”
6. If you want to know more about what they’re dealing with, ask thoughtful questions.
“[A]sk questions that are not judgmental in nature. Rather than asking ‘how did you screw this up?’ consider how could this have gone better … no need to repeatedly bring up past failures.”
7. Mental health issues can be all-consuming.
“It always hurts 24/7 when you are experiencing anxiety and depression.”
8. Anxiety and depression don’t discriminate.
“It’s very real. It can happen to anyone, any age and any gender. There is no switch to turn it off. There is help you can give and receive.”
9. The conditions can cause poor thoughts.
“It’s a vicious cycle. When you’re suffering from it, one bad thought, event or interaction can be enough to send you into destructive thinking patterns.”
10. Treatment can make anxiety and depression manageable.
“These are natural human conditions, but it’s better looking for professional help in case you can’t control them.”
11. Mental illness is not just “all in your head.”
“[I]t’s not something for weak people, you can’t just ‘cheer up!’ and it’s okay and normal to talk about.”
12. It’s important to identify — and speak out — about the symptoms.
“How you deal with it is what matters. Usually the ones who undergo stress but don’t show it in public suffer the most. One should definitely see a [doctor if they] have trouble with sleep, lack in focus, increased/decreased appetite as these are the initial signs.”
13. Anxiety and depression should never make you feel ashamed.
“Depression and anxiety put you in a position where you have no control and feel very open, helpless and vulnerable. As [men], we are constantly being told we have to be strong and in control when we can barely get out of bed in the morning and every decision takes all the focus and energy we have. It can add to the downward spiral. Learn to ask for help and have someone to lean on, it will make your journey out of that black place a little easier.”
The survey was conducted on AskMen.com from August 20-29, 2015 and there were 73 total respondents. Each response was confidential.
This post is part of ShameOver: It’s Time To Talk About Men’s Mental Health,a HuffPost Healthy Living editorial initiative that aims reclaim what it means to “be strong” by addressing the stigma men face in disclosing and seeking support for mental health issues. Each week we’ll share features and personal stories about men and their caregivers as it relates to suicide, mental illness and emotional well-being. If you have a story you’d like to share, email us at strongertogether@huffingtonpost.com.
If you — or someone you know — need help, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If you are outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of international resources.
Also on HuffPost:
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Tea Rex celebrates 30th anniversary of the world’s most iconic kettle
In 1985, American architect and designer Michael Graves turned the whistling kettle into an icon of 20th century design when he created a stainless steel kettle for Italian brand Alessi.
It became an instant hit, selling 1.5 million pieces until today, and is on display in museums around the world – from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum to The Australian National Gallery in Canberra.
What set it apart from others was a small detail: instead of a simple whistle, the kettle’s spout was crowned by a small, red bird which would sing when the water boiled.
To celebrate the iconic piece’s 30th anniversary, Alessi’s president Alberto Alessi asked Graves to revisit his design – and he did, paying homage to the bird by turning it into a mightier version of itself: a dragon.
‘I imagined a new evolution in the history of our kettle. One where our little bird might transform into a superhero,’ Graves said.
The bird may have evolved into a dragon, but it’ll sing rather than roar once the water boils.
‘A reptilian creature that is at once prehistoric, mythological and futuristic. I chose the dragon imagery and its jade green color because of the rich cultural heritage found in Chinese folklore that uses the dragon to symbolize power and good luck.’
Apart from bringing good luck to homes around the world, the friendly dragon (it has a smile on its face and definitely doesn’t breathe fire!) is easy to hear when it whistles, while its wingspan means it can be easily removed from the spout without any burned fingers.
Tea Rex comes in three versions: the whistle can be either jade-colored, copper or, in a limited edition, brass. The anniversary pack also includes the original bird whistle in new colors.
Available directly through Alessi or through approved retailers, prices start from £99.95 (€137.39, $154.19).
The post Tea Rex celebrates 30th anniversary of the world’s most iconic kettle appeared first on Gay Star News.
Stefanie Gerdes
www.gaystarnews.com/article/tea-rex-celebrates-30th-anniversary-of-the-worlds-most-iconic-kettle/
PHOTOS: Brazilian Gymnast/Model Diego Miguel Wins Gold Medal In Body Hair
Does Diego Miguel have the perfect amount of body hair or is it just us? And does it require trimming or is that how it naturally grows in?
These are the important questions we’re asking ourselves this morning as we scroll through the genetically blessed Instagram account of the Brazilian model.
As for his waxed/shaved looks, we sincerely hope that was just a phase.
Take a look:
Dan Tracer
Why the 'Best Gay Bar in the World' Is Here to Stay
For nearly a quarter of a century, I have played host at the Abbey. When I opened the Abbey as a small coffeehouse on Robertson Boulevard, the LGBT and West Hollywood communities were very different. The gay rights movement already had momentum with leaders like Larry Kramer, Harvey Milk, and Elizabeth Taylor, but many LGBT people lived their lives in secret, and the community was still recovering from the peak of the AIDS epidemic.
Gay bars and clubs had always played a part in the gay rights movement, starting with Stonewall and later simply as gathering places. Even in 1991, the gay bars of the day were secretive. They were places mostly only other gay people socialized. They were hidden behind black curtains and smoked glass. You had to be so secretive to enter the bar. It was considered embarrassing if you were seen.
When we moved to our current location, I had an opportunity to do something different. We had an outdoor patio that was open to the street and adjacent to a park. People could see us as they went by, day or night. That was a radical idea for a gay bar at that time. I tried to make the Abbey nice and upscale, so it was a place where you could bring your non-LGBT allies and they would feel comfortable. I am always traveling, looking for different ideas that we can amplify with our own twist to help us stand out.
Sophisticated cocktails are pretty mainstream in gay bars now, but people were not doing it when I got my liquor license. We added flavored martinis, then later mojitos and more signature cocktails. Business started to build, but I still kept to the original idea of having the bakery, coffee, and café.
My guests were bringing their parents and their straight friends. I just focused on making sure everybody had a good time and everyone felt like an equal. I also wanted to support our community. I remember hosting our first event with ACT UP and later hosting events with GLAAD, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Human Rights Campaign, Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, and more. We tried to make sure when we hosted special events that we did it right and made them memorable. We tried to bring production value to all of our events, whether it was Gay Pride, a fundraiser, or even a Super Bowl viewing party. Celebrities started to come. Elizabeth Taylor visited on many occasions. I would be halfway around the world and mention to someone that I lived in Los Angeles and they would ask, “Have you been to the Abbey?” I couldn’t believe people knew who we were.
While all of this was happening, marriage equality came to the forefront of our nation’s political consciousness. Not that long ago, we saw President Barack Obama elected for his first term at the same time California’s Proposition 8 passed, banning same-sex marriage. We were happy and devastated at the same time. We saw more groups step forward, like The American Foundation for Equal Rights and Freedom to Marry. Through their leadership and your support, we saw a Supreme Court ruling granting the freedom to marry nationwide.
Along that journey, people would go to the Abbey when there was news. When we were happy, angry, defeated, or triumphant, we commiserated and celebrated at the Abbey, together. I was always proud that I could be part of the community in those moments and that we had a place like the Abbey, where we could be ourselves and share our experiences with our friends.
It has been an unexpected 25-year journey, and I can’t wait for the next 25 years to see how things change again.
People like to ask me what the Abbey means to the community. It means different things to different people. It is an establishment where you spend an afternoon with your friends, meet the love of your life, get over your ex, bring your parents, plot a political movement, meet your favorite celebrity, have a great cocktail, support a cause you believe in, dance the night away, go to your first gay bar, or do all of those things in one day. To me, the Abbey is my home. It’s where I always want to be. If you want to find out what the Abbey means to you, I will be here, working to make sure you have a great time.
DAVID COOLEY is the founder & CEO of the Abbey food and bar. Follow him at Instagram.com/davidcooleyla.
David Cooley
www.advocate.com/commentary/2015/9/16/why-best-gay-bar-world-here-stay
Bernie Sanders tells ultra-conservative Liberty University: ‘I believe in gay rights’
US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on Monday (14 September) spoke out for LGBTI rights at the ultra-conservative Liberty University in Virginia, despite a hostile crowd.
The 74-year-old Democrat made no attempt to hide his 20-year record of voting for LGBTI rights in Congress, but said he hoped to find ‘common ground.’
‘Let me start off by acknowledging what I think all of you already know, and that is the views that many here at Liberty University have and I on a number of important issues are are very, very different,’ he told the nearly 12,000 capacity audience.
‘I believe in women’s rights, and the right of a woman to control her own body. I believe in gay rights and gay marriage. Those are my views, and it is no secret.
‘But I came here today because I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is vitally important for those of us who hold different views to be able to engage in a civil discourse.’
Liberty University was founded by evangelical pastor Jerry Falwell, who blamed gay people for 9/11.
LGBTI groups are banned at the school, and anti-gay Republican Senator Ted Cruz chose to announce his candidacy there in March.
Sanders, on the other hand, was give a perfect equality score by the Human Rights Campaign. He defended gay people in the military in Congress back in 1995 and was among only 67 House members to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act the following year.
He is currently leading Hilary Clinton in polls in early voting states Iowa and New Hampshire.
The Vermont independent senator mentioned LGBTI rights once more in his 27-minute speech.
‘I understand that the issues of abortion and gay marriage are issues that you feel very strongly about,’ he said.
‘We disagree on those issues. I get that. But let me respectfully suggest that there are other issues out there that are of enormous consequence to our country and, in fact, to the entire world that maybe, just maybe, we do not disagree on. And maybe, just maybe, we can try to work together to resolve them.’
Watch the full speech below:
The post Bernie Sanders tells ultra-conservative Liberty University: ‘I believe in gay rights’ appeared first on Gay Star News.
Darren Wee
A Front-Row View of Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour
Neal Broverman
www.advocate.com/music/2015/9/16/front-row-view-madonnas-rebel-heart-tour
Uganda president says new anti-gay law ‘not necessary’
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said a new anti-gay law is ‘not necessary’ because the country already has one.
According to the Associated Press, the long-standing leader indicated that he would not further pursue anti-gay legislation he signed last year but was later thrown out by the country’s highest court.
‘That law was not necessary, because we already have a law which was left by the British which deals with this issue,’ he told reporters in Tokyo last week.
Uganda already punishes gay sex with up to life imprisonment under a colonial-era anti-sodomy law, and same-sex marriage is banned in the constitution.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act would have made it illegal to even ‘promote’ homosexuality, and those who failed to report LGBTI people to the police would also risk arrest or jail.
‘It is our view that we punish exhibitionism, recruiters and homosexual prostitutes,’ Museveni said in February last year as he signed the law on live TV.
‘We are sick of homosexuals exhibiting themselves. All Africans are flabbergasted by this exhibition of sexual conduct.’
The proposed law was widely criticized in the West, including by US President Barack Obama, and was struck down by the constitutional court that August.
The post Uganda president says new anti-gay law ‘not necessary’ appeared first on Gay Star News.
Darren Wee
www.gaystarnews.com/article/uganda-president-says-new-anti-gay-law-not-necessary/
Kim Davis loses yet another bid to delay gay marriage licenses
Kim Davis on Tuesday (15 September) lost yet another bid to delay her office from issuing gay marriage licenses.
A day after the Kentucky clerk returned to work, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reiterated that ‘Davis has not demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on her federal constitutional claims.’
She spent five days in jail last week for contempt after she defied a Supreme Court order to issue gay marriage licenses because of her ‘sincerely-held religious beliefs.’
The latest ruling was in a countersuit against Governor Steve Beshear, who ordered Davis comply with the US Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage nationwide and who she claims is partly responsible for her present troubles.
One of her deputies started issuing licenses to gay couples while she was away. When she returned on Monday, Davis said she would not block her deputies from issuing licenses, but ordered her name be removed from the templates and replaced with ‘pursuant to federal court order.’
Davis has one more request for reprieve before the appeals court, which argues that the order she was jailed for defying should only apply only to the four gay couples who sued her and no others.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who represented the couples, asked the court to reject ‘Davis’ latest attempt to avoid the obligations of her office.’
‘[She] keeps asking the same question and getting the same answer from the courts – that she has to do her job.’ said James Esseks, director of ACLU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Project.
‘Issuing marriage licenses doesn’t mean she approves of those marriages, it just means she’s doing the job she was elected to do.’
The post Kim Davis loses yet another bid to delay gay marriage licenses appeared first on Gay Star News.
Darren Wee
www.gaystarnews.com/article/kim-davis-loses-yet-another-bid-to-delay-gay-marriage-licenses/
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