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Gay Marriage News Watch: FL, LA, TX, MS, MI, KY, TN, OH, NE – VIDEO
AFER’s Matt Baume reports on Florida’s big marriage week, SCOTUS meeting to decide whether to take up the Sixth Circuit’s anti-equality ruling, 5th Circuit hearing oral arguments in the Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi cases, and new polling numbers in Nebraska.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP…
Kyler Geoffroy
www.towleroad.com/2015/01/gay-marriage-news-watch-fl-la-tx-ms-mi-ky-tn-oh-ne-video.html
Tim Cook and the Way Ahead
Former BP CEO John Browne was the only out chief executive of a Fortune 500 company prior to Tim Cook’s announcement in October 2014. Browne writes for The Advocate on what the Apple CEO’s coming out means for business and the future of open, supportive working environments.
John Browne
Ricky Martin Is Not Dead As Singer Responds To Death Hoax In The Best Way Possible
If Ricky Martin is dead, he’s sending out some awesome photos of the afterlife.
Martin took to Instagram on Sunday to send out pics of #heaven after a YouTube video claimed to show images from an auto wreck in which the 43-year-old Grammy-winning singer was supposedly killed.
If there is a heaven, it’s not unreasonable to expect that it might look something like this. However, the Washington Post reports that the beach image may be from Culebra, Puerto Rico rather than any otherworldly shores.
Martin later sent out a second image from his #heaven:
The video claiming Martin had died was obviously a hoax. It said the report came from the sheriff’s department in Marin County, north of San Francisco, but that the singer had died on a freeway in Los Angeles some 400 miles away. In addition, the supposed video of the wreck is from another country, with cars bearing a different type of license plate and driving on the opposite side of the road.
However, some fans fell for the hoax and took to social media to express their anguish and share the video.
Martin shot to fame as a member of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo in the 1980s and then as a groundbreaking solo artist with crossover hits such as “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and “Shake Your Bon-Bon.”
His newest album, “A Quien Quiere Escuchar,” will be released next month.
UK sexual health experts blame Grindr for increase in STDs
‘Thanks to Grindr, you can acquire chlamydia in five minutes.’
joem
www.gaystarnews.com/article/uk-sexual-health-experts-blame-grindr-increase-stds050115
Frankie J. Alvarez On His ‘Unlikeable’ Looking Character, Gay Bears, Truvada And Sex Store Shopping With Jonathan Groff
Frankie J. Alvarez knows you don’t like Agustin, the character he plays on Looking, HBO’s half-hour dramedy about a trio of San Francisco-based gay besties (Jonathan Groff, Murray Bartlett and Alvarez). While viewers focused their positive attention on the love triangle between Patrick (Groff), Kevin (Russell Tovey) and Richie (Raúl Castillo), much of their scorn was directed at Alvarez’s character, an often-misguided struggling artist. Alvarez understands why. During season one Agustin tricked his boyfriend Frank into having sex with a hooker, accused Patrick of slumming with Richie and generally caused everyone close to him no end of misery. It was almost cathartic to witness Frank give him his walking papers in the season one finale. But change might be in the air for Agustin. Season two (premiering on HBO January 11) will introduce an unexpected new love interest — a bear named Eddie (played by Mean Girl‘s Daniel Franzese) — who will presumably call him out on his sometimes aberrant behavior. Alvarez chatted with Queerty about why viewers are challenged by his character, shopping at sex stores with his costars and how the series will address HIV prevention.
When I watch Looking I’m reminded of watching Sex and the City 15 years ago when my friends and I wondered if the writers were eavesdropping on our private conversations.
We’ve had experiences — me, Murray and Jonathan — where we’ll read a script and think, Oh my God! That happened to us. We had that conversation! There’s a scene coming up in the third episode where Augustin and Patrick go shopping for an enema. We had a similar experience when Jonathan asked me to go to a sex store with him to buy a certain product and we had a similar conversation and similar experience so it was eerie. I’m glad you said that. That’s the goal of the show — to be as real as possible.
Alvarez, Groff, Bartlett
During the season one finale Agustin got dumped — deservedly, some would say — by Frank, who told him that he didn’t know who he really is. Do you agree with that assessment of your character?
I think that is true and those words from Frank echo in the depths of Agustin’s soul. From the start of season two until the final frame that conversation is really debilitating. When we pick up with Agustin it’s been 6-8 weeks since that event and he’s just as aimless as when we left him. He’s drinking a lot, doing a lot of drugs, and he still doesn’t have a job Thankfully Patrick has taken him back in. They go away to the woods for the weekend partly to clean up Agustin’s act. It takes a lot more than that throughout the season. In the first season his sense of self is tied to his art so when his art is taken away — and rightfully so — he’s left with nothing. And there’s no better place to start from and to build from and through his new job and this friendship/romance with Eddie he starts to open up. Maybe people will see that this is the guy that Patrick went to college with when they first became friends. You’ll see another side of him and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.
You mention Agustin’s drug use. I’ve noticed that he’s been found on the sidewalk in a chemically-enhanced state twice so far.
[Laughs] I think obviously the drugs are a tool to forget. The pressure of disappointing his boyfriend and hurting his friends and the trail of brokenness that he left behind has crushed him and he doesn’t really know how to deal with his emotions. There’s a lot of bravado that’s covering a lot of fear. The drugs are a great way to forget. He starts to pick himself up from it and Daniel’s character Eddie is so much fun. The chemistry we had really comes through and the writers were excited about it and ended up writing more stuff for us. It was fun to stumble into that and it has a positive affect on Agustin.
He did some despicable things during season one. Why is he prone to being such a bitch?
As an actor I try not to judge who he is. I just think what is it he wants and how does he go about it. With somebody like that he makes bold choices but they’re not always thought out. They don’t come from a malicious place. He’s not twirling his mustache thinking, I can’t wait to hurt my boyfriend and fuck with my friends. I think he hurts their feelings and then realizes the repercussions of his actions. That’s the big thing in season two. He’s starting to become aware of how his actions can become destructive to his relationships. He’s really making an effort to be a better friend and be better in his relationship with mixed results. It’s a learning process and he’s definitely going through it in the second season.
A lot of viewers find Agustin to be very unlikeable, but I see him as a guy who just always acts on his worst impulses, which people do in real life even if they don’t want to admit it.
I’ve gone out with the guys to events and so many people come up to us and tell us they love the show and a lot of them, when they’re talking to Raul or Jonathan, they say “Oh my God, I’m just like you.” No one ever says, “I’m just like Agustin.” A lot of them people will say “I have a friend who’s just like Agustin.” It wouldn’t surprise me if some of them are making up that friend and it’s really them. It’s tough when you see yourself in that character, but I think that’s what’s so beautiful about him. He’s out there. I’ve met him out dancing in the Castro. I think it’s great that he’s provoking a strong reaction. He’s a real guy. He’s one of those friends who are always struggling a bit, but there are positives to him. You need him to be real with you.
Do you play the character just as he’s written or have you been able to incorporate some of your own characteristics?
In the second season I bring more of myself to the character. I’m a playful, mischievous guy and I think with the relationship with Eddie we were able to bring some of that out in Agustin. I think that’s good for him and it fleshes him out. Certainly as an actor I can identify with his sense of fear and wanting to succeed. I have healthier ways of coping than Agustin does, but definitely the fear can cripple you or motivate you and right now he’s at a crossroads. I think it will be exciting for audiences to see which path he chooses.
Daniel Franzese, Alvarez
In the episodes of season two I’ve watched Agustin becomes involved with someone who might surprise viewers. Does this relationship develop throughout the rest of the season?
Yeah. Eddie is a friend for a while and then a romance develops. I won’t go into it too much. It’s a really challenging, exciting relationship. They have a great system of checks and balances between each other. I think Agustin drops some truth bombs for Eddie and certainly Eddie puts Agustin in his place when he needs it. I think last year Frank had a tendency to support him until it was too much, but Eddie is more truthful and upfront and does say the tough things and it’s good for their relationship in the long run. It’s really beautiful. I’m excited for the bear community to see themselves in a character like Eddie. It was sad to speak with Danny about this. He told me that I was his first onscreen kiss. I’m glad that our show is on the forefront with this. That we’re not obsessed with cookie-cutter movie star looks. We’re trying to cast real people and tell real stories. Were trying to be as truthful to the nuances and the myriad of experiences within the gay community. There are so many parts that we can’t tell the whole story, but we’re trying our damnedest.
Were you aware of gay bears before the series?
I was aware. My mom was a ballerina while growing up and I danced a little bit. It was through that community that I got to know a lot of gay men and women. But as far as the categorization, that was new. I’ve learned the difference between a cub and a seal cub. It’s not part of the everyday vernacular so it was fun to navigate and learn. My wife got a kick out of it. She said, “Oh, you’re an otter!” [Laughs]
Last season Agustin and Richie were very adversarial, but that seems to change during season two. How will their relationship evolve?
There’s a really exciting scene coming up between the two of them, but I don’t want to give too much away. It’s a beautiful scene. Raul is an actor of tremendous grace and eloquence. He’s so truthful and he’s been acting for quite a while. I only graduated from grad school a couple of years ago so in many ways he’s been a big brother to me. I learn from him every day, especially the scenes with him and Jonathan. They’re two pros at the top of their game. They’re incredible. To finally get a chance to play a scene one on one with him was a real blessing. It was certainly one of the highlights of season two.
The friendship between the characters you and Jonathan and Murray play comes across as very authentic and natural on screen. How do you guys accomplish this?
It’s attributable to our real friendship off camera. Back when we tested in February of 2013 they were mixing and matching people and when the three of us read I remember making an offhand comment, “That was the dream team.” We chuckled about it, but sure enough they cast all three of us. We felt at ease. It starts with Jonathan, the way he leads us. He’s so generous and open. There are no divas in the bunch Everyone takes care of one another and we let each other shine in the moments where we’re supposed to shine. We know collectively as an ensemble that that’s the strength of the show. Nobody’s trying to get in front of the other to get more screen time. We love each other and these characters.
What would you guys do together when you weren’t filming?
We go to yoga together and to movies on the weekend and go dancing in the Castro. It’s insane how close friends we are. It was a new experience going back to San Francisco for season two after the first season had aired. We were mini-celebrities. We’d go out dancing and guys would buy us drinks and we’d get hit on and take selfies on the dance floor. It was cool. People really embraced us and the show. People feel a tremendous amount of pride for the show. They feel we’re showing parts of San Francisco that haven’t been seen on TV before. San Franciscans are really proud of their city and the fact that they feel we’re doing a good job is the ultimate affirmation.
Andrew [Haigh, the show’s producer-director] recently told Entertainment Weekly that you weren’t so good at canoeing. What was your experience like filming in Russian River?
[Laughs] First of all, when that interview came out he sent me an email apologizing. He said, “I told them Agustin wasn’t good at canoeing and it made it sound like you’re not outdoorsy.” I fake threw a tantrum at him. We all have a good sense of humor about that kind of stuff.
When I read it I just presumed you’re very urban.
[Laughs] Well, it’s definitely a character choice. Agustin isn’t an outdoorsy guy. He’s trying to get fucked up and forget his problems. All the stuff that Patrick is excited about, like seeing the oldest tree and canoeing, is just not his bag.
Without giving too much away, there’s a character who says he has a “House In Virginia” and another has what’s described as “AIDS hysteria.” Will the series tackle the debate over prevention drugs like Truvada?
All I will say is it’s a big plot point. It’s so perceptive of you that you picked up on that in the first couple of episodes because the writers are setting that up for later. That’s all I should say. We very much continue to be on the forefront of what it means to be a gay man or woman in today’s modern world. Obviously, issues of PrEP and Truvada certainly does come up multiple times throughout the season.
You’ve had to film some rather graphic gay sex scenes. What’s that like for a straight actor? I wonder how much of it is choreographed and how much of it is spontaneous between the actors.
I think it’s a mixture of both. Those scenes are already incredibly vulnerable and technical because of the way they’re shot. We’re trying to avoid showing certain body parts and still maximize the story’s potential so it ends up being pretty technical. I haven’t had a sex scene with a women yet so you’ll have to ask me next time. The circumstance of whether it’s gay, it becomes so technical that you’re not thinking about any attraction or nervousness for me as a straight man. Daniel was saying the same thing. There’s no romantic tension between us as actors. We’re not worried about what the other person is going to think. I’ve got a wife and I go home to my wife and that’s that so we can put aside any extra things that sometimes get in the way and just tell the story in the best possible way and respect each other in the process.
As a straight actor playing a gay character, what are some of the most ridiculous questions you’ve been asked? You’re welcome to include the last one I asked you.
Yeah, from a journalistic point of view it’s hard to think that I come to work and take my clothes off and have a sex scene, which is something that’s so intimate between two people. But for us, we’re approaching it from a storytelling point of view. What does Agustin want from the scene? When you invest in those things then the nervousness goes away. It’s always those questions. I just think it’s funny because this is my first big gig. I’ve never gotten to do a sex scene with Carey Mulligan or something so that would be a whole slew of other issues. I thought it was alarming during the first season to get all those questions but then I realized the the sex scenes are a big part of the show, so of course I’m going to get asked about it.
Jeremy Kinser
Egypt Gay Bathhouse Trial Criticized By Defense Lawyers
CAIRO (AP) — Defense lawyers for 26 men arrested in a televised raid by police looking for gays at an Egyptian bathhouse criticized the prosecution’s case Sunday, saying it is based on a faulty investigation and only one police officer’s testimony.
The raid was part of an ongoing crackdown on gays in Egypt, described by activists as the worst in more than a decade. While consensual gay and lesbian relationships are not specifically outlawed in Egypt, there is a societal taboo against same-sex couples. A private TV station’s crew filmed the men’s arrest, saying it tipped off police to a bathhouse “hosting men sex orgies.” The televised raid outraged activists.
One lawyer representing 14 of the men, Islam Khalifa, told the court Sunday that the defendants suffered “psychological duress” from the publicized arrests, which defamed and endangered both them and their families in conservative Egypt. He said having the television crew there violated the men’s right to privacy and Egypt’s constitution.
Of the 26 men, 21 have undergone medical examinations to see if they had had anal sex. Three of men had trauma that required further examination, defense lawyer Tarek al-Awadi said.
The men face charges including debauchery and performing indecent public acts. Such vague terms can apply to prostitution or even public display of affection.
Their trial began Dec. 21. On Sunday, the men stood in a small cage in the court, some with hoodies covering their face. Two wept in front of journalists, who were not allowed to approach them.
Family members were not allowed to attend the session, apparently to avoid outbursts as lawyers discussed details of the case. Angry family members largely refused to speak to the journalists gathered there, accusing them of trying to slander their relatives.
“We are innocent! We were scandalized! No one in our family is gay!” one screamed.
As the defendants left the courtroom, one relative chanted: “Raise your heads up high. Acquittals, God willing.” Once in a security vehicle to be return to jail, family members shouted: “You are men! You are men!”
The trial will resume Monday.
Dominican Rep. Allows U.K. Embassy to Wed Gay Couple, but won't Recognize Vows
Two men, one British and one Dominican, are the first same-sex couple to tie the knot in this religiously conservative Caribbean nation.
Thom Senzee
www.advocate.com/world/2015/01/04/dominican-rep-allows-uk-embassy-wed-gay-couple-wont-recognize-vows
Salt Lake County Prosecutors Pursuing Hate Crime, Assault Charges In Attack On Two Gay Men
Salt Lake County prosecutors are pursuing hate crime and assault charges against a pair of Wyoming men for allegedly attacking two gay men outside a Salt Lake City home on Dec. 21 reports The Salt Lake Tribune. The assault on Dec. 21 began with a volley of gay slurs, including explicit sexual references, aimed at Rusty Andrade and Maxwell Christen. A physical attack quickly followed and left the two friends bruised, bloodied and emotionally shaken. The two had just returned from a holiday party at Christen’s boyfriend’s house nearby, exchanging a hug outside Andrade’s garage when the suspects approached.
Said Christen:
“I let go and then these two guys were just standing there. They started calling us faggots … one of them pushed Rusty and then they hit both of us. It was just quick.”
An account of the attack in a Salt Lake City police report says the two suspects returned after the attack to search for a lost wallet at the same time a patrol officer arrived in response to a 911 call; the two suspects both denied participating in the fight when police questioned them. However, one of the men said he’d been drinking at a bar and couldn’t remember what happened according to the report. The man admitted that if there was an altercation then he was “probably involved,” which seems like a contradicting statement to what he said previously. He also had cuts on his face but claimed he couldn’t remember how he got them. The other man still flat-out denied any involvement in the assault.
Neither suspected assailants were arrested or cited, and initially the case was not being investigated as a hate crime according to responding Patrol Officer Sgt. Robin Heiden. A detective began a follow-up investigation and spoke with the victims a second time and discerned that a hate crime may have occurred. Andrade and Christen believe it was certainly a hate crime.
Said Christen:
“Once they found out we were gay, it was absolutely clear why they attacked us. It was a complete hate crime. If feel like if I could have done something, I would have.”
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill (top photo) said his office is reviewing police reports to determine what charges might be supported in regards to evidence and, if necessary, would conduct a follow-up investigation. Gill said his office is taking the charges seriously, regardless of whether it’s based on a person’s gender, religion or culture.
Nationally, 5,928 hate crimes were reported by law enforcement agencies in 2013, data from the FBI’s annual crime statistics report released in December show. Of those offenses, about 20 percent were motivated by a sexual orientation-related bias and most of the victims were gay men. A Utah report from the state Bureau of Criminal Identification for 2012, the latest year with readily available figures for Utah, shows the overall number of hate crimes dropped 29.31 percent to 58 percent. Of those, the report says fewer than 10 were sexual orientation motivated.
Troy Williams, the executive director of Equality Utah, says the attack sent a disturbing message to the wider community, especially in Salt Lake City and county where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals say they generally feel safe in. Williams also noted that the assault coincides with the anniversary of the surprising court decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Utah.
Said Williams:
“When you attack one member of the LGBT community, you really attack all of us. That’s the cruel irony of it … Biases still exist.
“We’ve had these amazing legal victories, but prejudice against us because of who we are is still pervasive in society. This is an ugly, brutal reminder of that.”
As of Dec. 31 it’s unclear how soon a decision about criminal charges will occur.
[photo via QSaltLake]
Anthony Costello
India Elects First Transgender Mayor
For the first time in history, India has elected a transgender Mayor.
Jase Peeples
www.advocate.com/politics/politicians/2015/01/04/india-elects-first-transgender-mayor
15 LGBT Must-Dos in 2015
The ball has dropped, the champagne has popped and the partygoers have kissed. It’s a new year. Now, it’s time to think about your travel calendar. Before you know it Phil will be prognosticating, resolutions will be neglected, the planet will tilt and then you’ll be roasting turkey and you don’t want to think, “I never got to wear that harness.” That would be tragic.
So here are my picks, arranged by date, for the 15 events and things to do in 2015:
1. Challenge your fetish tolerance. Be ready to push, pull and stretch your boundaries for an entire weekend in Washington, D.C. at Mid-Atlantic Leather, January 16 to 19.
Mid-Atlantic Leather photo by Denis Largeron
2. Run West Hollywood. Pack your sneakers and go for a run with LA Frontrunners, Los Angeles‘s LGBT running and walking club. Running will not only help rid that holiday weight it can help you shed the frustrations that come along with Grindr drama.
3. Shake off those winter blues at Miami‘s Winter Party. You’ll barely have use for a shirt, let alone a coat at this South Beach festival, March 4 to 9. Pack several swimsuits and leave the cold at home.
Winter Party Festival photo by Denis Largeron
4. Ogle the art at The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. It’s sensory overload of the non-disco-lights kind. This New York City museum is the first in the world dedicated to LGBTQ art. Housing over 22,000 objects, you’re sure to see your favorite queer artist. Added bonus: admission is free.
5. Break out the white before Memorial Day at Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party. This Palm Springs circuit party, April 24 to 27, electrifies the desert with a spicy array of men, music, DJs and superstar talent.
White Party photo by Phil Lobel / Lobeline Communications
6. Practice your overhand on one of ubiquitous Rehoboth Beach volleyball courts. As summer nears, request off a couple Fridays and Mondays, splurge on that new bathing suit and get beaching.
7. Mess with Texas. Head to Austin‘s first ever International Drag Festival, May 1 to 3 and wig out with some of the most fantastic, fierce and funny ladies, such as Lady Bunny, Sherry Vine and Pandora Boxx as they do their best to “Keep Austin Weird.”
Lady Bunny by Aaron Cobbett
8. Wave your flag high at Rhode Island Pride in Providence, RI, June 20. The country’s smallest state proves that size isn’t everything. Sometimes it’s the smaller cities that have the bigger Prides.
9. Celebrate the LGBT civil rights movement in Philadelphia. This Fourth of July mark a half-century since gay and lesbian activists protested in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. See where it all started and say “Thank You,” because without them we may not have marriage equality or “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia™
10. Let it grow out for Bear Week® in Provincetown. Meet up with furry friends July 11 to 19. PTown is serving up beers and bears in equal proportion this week. Be sure to pack a comb; you’re sure to get plenty of sand stuck in your mane.
11. Live la vida taco. Yes, I just paraphrased Ricky Martin. And yes, I’m serious. Grab some good friends and enjoy some great food at Tacos El Gordo on the Vegas Strip. By the way, it’s pretty inexpensive — something you’ll be craving after ordering a few Vegas-priced cocktails.
12. Take an uninhibited romp through The Big Easy. Southern Decadence, September 2 to 7, is all the craziness you’d expect from New Orleans but taken to its gayest extreme. This party challenges even the most accomplished partiers with events running around the clock.
13. Get cuddly in the countryside. When autumn nears take your lover outside the city to a Technicolor countryside town to see one of Mother Nature’s best shows. New Hope or Milford, both in eastern Pennsylvania, will offer you plenty of inspiration for handholding or more. Wink. Wink.
The Mansion Inn in New Hope, PA photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia™
14. Extend summer. Hold onto that summertime feeling just a little longer with a trip to San Francisco. In October, when most of the country starts to chill, San Francisco actually heats up.
15. Don’t be shy during Bone Island Bare It All weekend in Key West. From December 3 to 6, sun seekers let it all hang out (ha!). Please remember to apply sunscreen everywhere. Yes, everywhere.
To discover more about these gay-friendly cities and events and to plan your 2015 trip, visit fagabond.com.
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