Texas AG Ken Paxton Begs County Clerks Not To Issue Marriage Licenses To Gay Couples

On Wednesday, we told you how wingnut Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton said he’ll do “anything we can” to fight a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.

Now, Paxton is desperately pleading with county clerks not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples if such a ruling should come down.

From the Associated Press:

Paxton, a Republican who opposes gay marriage, suggested they stand pat until hearing from his office.

“Whatever the ruling, I would recommend that all county clerks and justices of the peace wait for direction and clarity from this office about the meaning of the court’s opinion and the rights of Texans under the law,” Paxton said in a statement.

Unfortunately for Paxton, it’s a little late. Clerks in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio have already said they’ll consult with their own local county attorneys and begin issuing licenses as soon as possible after the high court’s ruling.

Paxton’s desperate plea mirrors letters to county clerks from Texas Values, an anti-gay hate group. In the letters, Texas Values threatens that county clerks who issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples will be guilty of a criminal offense for altering marriage license application forms from the state, which currently say “male” and “female.” But I spoke to Lambda Legal senior counsel Ken Upton about that, and he said the following:

“That problem is easily resolved. Let the applicant alter the form.

“Give it to them and let them cross through anything that is gender inappropriate.

“I’m not sure it is a criminal offense for him [them] to alter the form anyway. What WOULD BE a criminal offense would be refusing to issue the marriage license for reasons other than lack of proof of identity or age. The statute does cover that. But it is irrelevant. He can ask them to be sure before they sign it that everything on the application is true and correct.”

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John Wright

Texas AG Ken Paxton Begs County Clerks Not To Issue Marriage Licenses To Gay Couples

Patrick Macnee Dies; 'Avengers' Star Was Son of Lesbian Mother

Macnee was best known as the dapper spy John Steed in the gay-beloved 1960s series The Avengers.

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Trudy Ring

www.advocate.com/obituaries/2015/06/25/patrick-macnee-dies-avengers-star-was-son-lesbian-mother

Gay Man Recalls Homophobic Nurse Trying to Sabotage Baby's Adoption by Him and His Partner (VIDEO)

I’m From Driftwood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit archive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer stories. New stories are posted on the site every Wednesday.

Andy Miller and his partner were having a dream come true: They were about to be parents, and sooner than they realized. Andy explains:

[W]e talked to [the birth mother] on Tuesday. On Wednesday we made a plan to drive down to San Antonio to meet her for dinner, meet her and her family. It went very well. By the time we got back to Austin, we were told that she had picked us, and then on Thursday we were invited to come back down, because she was having a sonogram to figure out the sex of the child.

Within just a week their baby boy was born. While the birth mother was resting with the baby, Andy and his partner took a break from the hospital to get some food. When they returned from eating, they had a flurry of phone messages from the mother, crying and urging them to get back soon. A nurse had been questioning her about her decision to let a gay couple adopt her baby. Andy recalls:

[The nurse] said, “I don’t know how you’re gonna do that. Aren’t you afraid he’s gonna hate you for doing that?”

And she said, “Well, that’s really not any of your business.”

And the nurse just kept going on and on, asking questions about, “Aren’t you afraid those boys are gonna hurt that baby? Aren’t you afraid that he’s not gonna grow up and be normal?”

Fortunately, the birth mother did not fall for the nurse’s fear mongering and still chose Andy and Brian as adoptive parents. From that point on, the day was full of tears — happy ones:

[W]e were sitting down there with my mother and being very calm, trying our best, and when our social worker came off the elevator and just kind of flashed us the [thumbs-up], all three of us just kind of broke down in tears at that point.

WATCH:

If you’re a gay or bisexual man interested in becoming a father, check out The Handsome Father for assistance in navigating whatever process you choose in becoming a dad.

For more stories, visit I’m From Driftwood, the LGBTQ Story Archive.

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State Department Report Documents LGBT Human Rights Violations

Annual human rights report paints distressing picture of situation for LGBT people in many places around the world. 
HRC.org

www.hrc.org/blog/entry/state-department-report-documents-lgbt-human-rights-violations?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Jesse Metcalfe Sings Country, Aaron Taylor-Johnson Shows His Coin Slot, Plus Dancing Twins!

That brilliantly-talented John Cameron Mitchell, creator-star of boundary-pushing works of art such as Hedwig & the Angry Inch and Shortbus, will join the ranks of John Waters and John Schlesinger as recipient of the 19th annual Outfest Achievement Award next month.

Longtime friend of the community Russell Brand showed his LGBT support yet again.

Unlikely though it may seem, given my outfit – RTing this helps gays. Homeless charity gets a quid. #poweredbypride pic.twitter.com/XrDVDBHc2R

— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) June 23, 2015

2014 Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst has landed the German cover of Rolling Stone. Amazon has renewed its zeitgeist-y series Transparent for a third season even before the second has aired.

501B9892.CR2

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles showed entertainer Britney Spears how it’s done with their rendition of “Work Bitch.”  

Aaron Taylor-Johnson let his trousers slip during a photo shoot for Flaunt mag. Actress Rose McGowan, who is just all kinds of awesome, got fired by her agent for complaining about a sexist casting notice for a stupid Adam Sandler movie. Here’s something to help you get through the rest of the work week: the footloose and fancy-free Brothers Rocha.

Jesse Metcalfe is more than just a pretty puss. He’s also a singer in Hallmark’s upcoming film A Country Wedding, in which he croons “Cowboy Rides Away.”

Jeremy Kinser

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Grand, Wet, and Wild: Explore the Range of Great Outdoor Spots in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has plenty to offer LGBT travelers by way of nightlife, dining, luxe hotels, great events, and a host of places to tie the knot. But LGBT visitors also flock to Vegas for its many outdoor activities.

Whether you’re a nature-lover, a pool-goer, or a sight-seer, check out our guide to the best Vegas has to offer by way of the great outdoors below:

Hike and Explore

Start your outdoor adventure at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Just a few miles west of Las Vegas, this park has a whopping 195,819 acres of natural beauty situated within the Mojave Desert. Exploring the park’s extensive trail system, you’ll discover the park’s eponymous geological formations and beautiful wildlife. You can also take a scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, allowing you to take in more sight-seeing in a single day. 

Further north lies Valley of Fire State Park. It’s Nevada’s oldest state park, named for the rock formations that appear to catch fire when the light hits them just right. The natural wonders here date back 150 million years to the time when dinosaurs roamed free. You’ll want to check out the rock art left behind by the Anasazi who once came here to hunt, gather and hold religious ceremonies.

Grand Canyon Tours

Getting to the Grand Canyon is easy when staying in Vegas. Helicopters, planes, Hummers, VIP mini coaches, pontoon boats and ATVs are all at your disposal to tour one of nature’s most majestic sites. While the Grand Canyon’s south rim is open all year long the north rim is open only from mid-May to mid-October, making now the perfect time to go.

The Ultimate Pool Destination 

Temptation Sundays at the Luxor (above), one of the biggest ongoing gay pool parties happening on the Strip, plays host to gay visitors and locals alike every Sunday from 1-7 PM now through September 27. Named Vegas’ best gay party last year, the Luxor Pool brings in resident and guest DJs and a full calendar of events to keep pool-goers entertained. If you’re looking for a more serene pool experience, check out the two outdoor pools at Four Seasons. With one pool dedicated as adults only, the Four Seasons guarantees tranquility and elegance. Meanwhile, the Palms Pool and Dayclub, a two acre pool complex with three bars, 27 cabanas, DJs, live music, a wading pool, capacity for up to 3,000 and ultra posh two-story bungalows each with its own private lawn, pool, fireplace and bedroom, embodies the maxim that “bigger is better.”

The Tank and Hideout Pools at Golden Nugget (above) in the city’s downtown neighborhood are perfect for ‘Shark Week’ lovers, with a giant shark tank in the middle of the pool. Guests can take a ride through the tank in a waterslide that descends three stories into the pool below. Head to the Flamingo GO Pool for a tropical oasis of pools connected by lagoons that surround a cascading waterfall. If, on the other hand, you’re feeling more in the mood for an Italian retreat, Bellagio’s five luxurious pools will make you feel as if you’re at a Roman villa. Hand-carved Italian-style stone fountains and Mediterranean-designed tile ornament the grounds. Misting systems will keep you cool at the whirlpools, cabanas, and Pool Café when the temperature spikes.

Outdoor Dining

Al fresco dining on the Strip feels like dining on the Champs Elysees when you’re at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas, a bistro en francais. Border Grill at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino meanwhile features bold and authentic Mexican flavor cuisine from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger which you can enjoy under the palms on the restaurant’s patio for lunch or dinner. But if a view is what you’re looking for, look no further than The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas. This contemporary take on the American steakhouse helmed by James Beard-nominated Chef Carlos Guía provides breathtaking views of the Wynn Golf Club’s fairways and 18th hole waterfall.

Attractions Galore

Vegas’ shows and attractions don’t only take place indoors. The famous Fountains of Bellagio offer a complimentary water show unlike any the world has ever seen. Taking place throughout the day and night, the fountains dance to a variety of music, including everything from Pavarotti to Tiësto to Sinatra. For outdoor shopping, head to the Downtown Container Park. Made completely of shopping containers stacked upon each other, this venue boasts boutiques, restaurants, and a kids play area within striking distance of vibrant Fremont Street. Cap off your Vegas experience with the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas. Ascend 450 feet into the air and take in the city’s landmarks on this half-sized replica of the Parisian original.

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Towleroad

Grand, Wet, and Wild: Explore the Range of Great Outdoor Spots in Las Vegas

Sadness Follows Murder of Man Motivated by Hate

A national group that works to combat violence is speaking out on this week’s fatal beating of Ricky Griffin in Dallas.

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Dawn Ennis

www.advocate.com/hate-crimes/2015/06/25/sadness-follows-murder-man-motivated-hate

Fighting for Equitable Financial Services: Money Challenges Facing Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex marriage is still not recognized in all 50 states, but by the end of the month that could all change. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry or whether current state bans against same-sex marriage will remain in place. How the ruling will impact the LGBT community is yet to be fully determined. However, I expect that this ruling will finally open the doors to a broader understanding of the many financial challenges that same-sex couples have faced when financially planning for their future.

No doubt the face of financial planning will be much impacted by the ever-growing presence of legally recognized same-sex married couples and families across the country. In many ways it will be simpler, but in others more complex. In order to win the business of this $830 billion investment market, many financial planners have a lot of catching up to do on the financial planning realities of same-sex married couples and families. As someone who has experienced these challenges first-hand, I think it’s important for families to understand the implications for their financial plans and how they can best prepare for the future.

If the Court rules to recognize these unions across the U.S., there will be a number of financial considerations that same-sex couples will want to look into:

• Extension of Healthcare: Spouses (and children) in same-sex marriages will be eligible for healthcare insurance that is provided by their spouse’s employer.
• Retirement Plans: Same-sex couples will be recognized as spouses for benefit purposes. Additionally same-sex spouses will be covered under the survivor benefits rule for both the defined contribution and defined benefits plans.
• Social Security: It’s important for couples to understand Social Security benefits and whether they will be eligible for spouse and survivor benefits.

• Tax Implications: Couples will be able to file federal tax returns using the “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately” options in order to receive spousal tax breaks and benefits. However, it is important to understand the financial implications of filing jointly, so couples may want to consult a tax advisor to help them make the best choice for their unique situation.
• Estate and Gift Planning: If both spouses are U.S. citizens, they will be able to use the unlimited estate tax marital deduction to pass assets to a surviving spouse without incurring federal estate taxes. Also, they will be eligible to pass any unused estate tax exemption, as well as any gift tax exemption, to a surviving spouse.
• College Planning: Couples with children heading off to college in a few years may want to consider the impact their union would have on applying for financial aid. If the couple’s union were recognized then both incomes would be listed on the financial aid application impacting the amount of money available to the student.
• Protecting your Children’s Financial Future: For many in the LGBT community full acceptance within their own immediate, or extended, family remains spotty at best. So having your intentions regarding your children well articulated, and perhaps contractually sanctioned, can go a long way in protecting your children’s financial futures should something happen to you or your spouse.

With or without full marriage equality, there are still many in the LGBT community who have yet to catch up to the many benefits of financial planning. As their unique challenges become more understood by the industry, no doubt many innovative financial services will surface to try and meet their needs.

For couples needing help with planning, Lambda Legal offers a variety of resources designed to help same-sex couples navigate what are often difficult financial matters.

TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Stock investing is subject to risks, including risk of loss. Commentary provided for educational purposes only. Past performance of a security, strategy, or index is no guarantee of future results or investment success.

TD Ameritrade does not provide tax advice. We suggest you consult with a tax-planning professional with regard to your personal circumstances.

— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

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The Oxford English Dictionary Now Includes “Cisgender,” “Twerk,” And “Hot Mess”

The Oxford English Dictionary has been loosening its bow-tie in recent years, demonstrating that it’s not afraid to rip off its tweed coat to twerk the night away and just be, like, a total hot mess.

Indeed, it’s just added 500 sexy new entries, including  “cisgender” (“Designating a person whose sense of personal identity matches their gender at birth”); “twerk” (to dance “in a sexually provocative manner, using thrusting movements of the bottom and hips while in a low, squatting stance” — ooh-la-la!); and yes, “hot mess” (“A person or thing that is spectacularly unsuccessful or disordered, especially one that is a source of a peculiar fascination.”)

Related: Oxford Dictionary Justifies Religious Right’s Fear In Changing Definition Of “Marriage”

Noteworthy additions include “meh,” “masshole,” “Twitterati,” and “Fo’ shizzle,” a term we’d hoped would fade from consciousness. Better luck next time, “Left Shark.”

Any words or terms you’d like Oxford to include next year? (Please note they’ve already written entries for “fierce,” “girlfriend,” and “honey.”)

Derek de Koff

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/dAH5Y80ew1A/the-oxford-english-dictionary-now-includes-cisgender-twerk-and-hot-mess-20150625

Larry Kramer in Love & Anger: An Exclusive Clip from the Upcoming HBO Film

On Sunday June 29 at 9 pm, HBO will be premiering Larry Kramer in Love & Anger, a new documentary directed by Jean Carlomusto which offers a detailed look at the evolution of Kramer into an outspoken activist who helped change the course of the AIDS crisis.

Towleroad has an exclusive clip from the film which you can watch below which features Kramer at a meeting of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) the activist group whose protests and demands that the U.S. government provide access to experimental AIDS drugs were the most effective medical activism in U.S. history.

While we’ve seen much of ACT UP’s story in documentaries like the Oscar-winning How to Survive a Plague, this documentary digs deeper into Kramer’s upbringing, his relationships with his parents and brother, his career as a screenwriter of films such as Women in Love and Lost Horizon, his controversial first novel Faggots, the success of his play (and later film) The Normal Heart, his health victories against an ailing body, and his 2013 marriage (in the hospital) to David Webster.

It’s a must-see film and a thoughtful tribute to an activist icon many credit for saving their lives.

Check out the clip and a trailer for the film, below:

Kramer turns 80 today. He was recently in Provincetown, Massachusetts for a screening of the film at the Provincetown International Film Festival where we also recorded him reading from his new novel The American People: Volume One: Search for My Heart. You can hear him read from his book in our TowleREAD feature, published to the site earlier today.

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Andy Towle

‘Larry Kramer in Love & Anger’: An Exclusive Clip from the Upcoming HBO Film