K. Clark's Corner

For Nippy...

2012-02-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

Like many tributes, I thought it would be best to begin by reminiscing about the first time I heard Whitney's voice--that perfect, pure, powerful, awe-inspiring instrument--The Voice. But as I tried to conjure that first note, lyric and image, and where I was and what I was doing, for some reason I couldn't. However, it is not due to a sudden flash of amnesia. It is because I cannot genuinely recall a time when I didn't hear Whitney's voice. There's no point in my 25 years that I can't remember listening to her.

As with many a gay boy of my generation, my introduction to Whitney Houston came courtesy of my mother, who would play her cassettes (yes, cassettes!) of The Bodyguard, Whitney Houston and I'm Your Baby Tonight constantly. Whether we were at home or in the car, "Saving All My Love For You," "The Greatest Love of All," "All The Man I Need" "Run To You," "Shoop," "I Have Nothing" and of course "I Will Always Love You" were on constant repeat in my head, where they have stayed ever since. Although I embraced other divas and musical styles, I always came back to Whitney's music. Like an old friend or ex-lover, we may have lost touch or agreed to see other people, but we still hooked up from time to time. And I never felt cheated.

To this day, I can duplicate many of Whitney's vocal flourishes and runs verbatim. Even when I'm singing to someone's else music, a bit of her style always creeps in. Her voice and persona are ingrained in my psyche. She is the best vocal teacher I never had.

There's no need to run down Whitney's full chart/award history--the American Music Awards, the Grammys, the seven straight number ones--we know she swept the industry like a force of nature. But some oft-repeated "facts" need to be revised. Today, the popular tale of her career is that Whitney, while coming from a soul tradition of her mother Cissy and her godmother Aretha, was turned into a bland pop product by Clive Davis and that while vocally gifted, she lacked any fire or passion. Pardon my french but that's bullshit. While it's true that her phenomenal voice was reined on her records, all you have to do is search YouTube to know live performance is where Whitney really shined and her soul came bursting out.

At her peak, Whitney could sing the same song five or ten different ways and every performance would single worthy. How many American Idol wannabes can say the same? Who else could make a hit of The Star Spangled Banner? Who else could turn pansy ass tracks like "How Will I Know" and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" into full on pop anthems? Yes she could belt, but her talents for improvisation, lyrical/song interpretation, vocal control and melisma were almost unparalleled. Simply put, Whitney was/is your favorite singer's favorite singer, and the line of divas influenced by her--Mariah, Celine, Mary J, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Leona Lewis--is too long to mention. She is the reason big voiced, gospel-influenced vocals became standard in mainstream pop. She, along with Diana and Janet, is also the reason that black female pop stars can enjoy such widespread mainstream success in both music and film, and land on the covers of Vanity Fair, Vogue, Rolling Stone, Elle and other magazines.

I'll admit that I laughed at a MadTV sketch or two about Whitney, and chuckled while shaking my head at Being Bobby Brown. I could say that watching her downward spiral was so depressing that the only reaction was to laugh, but I'd be lying. But even though I chuckled at "crack is wack" and other cringe-worthy moments, all I had to do was pull up an old performance or listen to one of her songs and I was reminded of what I loved about her in the first place: that voice, and joy she luxuriated in while using it. It was what kept me hoping that she would work through her demons and come out the other side. For while it looked like a happy ending was on the horizon, with another rehab stint and a remake of Sparkle in the works. But for whatever reason, things didn't turn out that way, which makes hearing about her death feel even more like a punch in the gut.

While reading Twitter, posting lyrics with other fans and looking at all the condolences, someone asked why we only get upset about celebrity deaths when so many other unknowns are dying everyday. What I responded with, and what I believe, is that while everyone's life is important, celebrities live out their lives in a way that affects the masses, so when they die, the loss is felt that much more.

Stars--the biggest and best ones at least--work themselves into the inner cracks and crevices of our lives, the spaces where we are at our strongest or the most vulnerable. They irrevocably attached themselves to our happiest moments and saddest memories. At best, they inspire us to be better. At worst, they infuriate us and serve as scapegoats to make us feel better about our own shortcomings. So when they die, a part of us seems to go with them.

Whitney Houston may be gone. A sad fact for her family, especially for Cissy, who will have to bury her daughter, and Bobby Kristina, who will have to go on without her mother. But ultimately Whitney, has left her mark on the world, all aspire to do. As Dorian Corey once astutely quipped, "If you shoot an arrow in the air and it goes real high, hooray for you." Hooray for Nippy.

Whitney Houston Dies At 48

2012-02-11T19:13:00.000-06:00

I'm speechless right now. First Etta, then Don, now Whitney?

From AP:

LOS ANGELES — Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, has died. She was 48.

Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unclear.

At her peak in the 1980s and '90s, Houston the golden girl of the music industry and one of the world's best-selling artists.

Among her hits were "How Will I Know," ''Saving All My Love for You" and "I Will Always Love You." She won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year.

Her success carried her beyond music to movies like "The Bodyguard."

But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.

I just knew in my heart of hearts she'd pull a Mary J and come back somehow, whether in music or just life in general. Damn....it goes without saying but a tribute is in the works.

Where Did Our Love Go?

2012-02-10T12:38:00.000-06:00

Diana Ross, a.k.a Miss Ross, a.k.a The Boss, will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Grammys this Sunday (ironic given that she's never won a Grammy in her entire career). But a L.A. Times piece by Ernest Hardy makes a compelling case why that honor may not be enough.

A few choice quotes:

"The late Marvin Gaye, Ross' Motown contemporary and label mate, was vocal about his jealousy over attention she received from the label, but he also gave her due props. "Diana's about business," Gaye told biographer David Ritz in "Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye." "She'll out rehearse you, out dress you, and outperform you, so you best stay out of her way. I appreciate Diana's trip and her talent. She's worked hard for everything she's achieved."

R&B singer Ledisi:

"She made little girls dare to dream once they experienced her songs or films," says the singer. "And of course, I was one of them — a shy, skinny, awkward, big-eyed, brown girl watching 'Lady Sings the Blues' for the first time at a friend's house on a plastic-covered sofa. I remember thinking, 'Wow, look at that white suit with that hat, and those red lips.' Her version of 'Our Love Is Here to Stay' made me fall in love with jazz and Billie Holiday. I wanted to be like her."

Visual artist Mark Bradford:

"She was a trailblazer who wrote chapter after chapter, who put herself at the center of the conversation and demanded a seat at the table," he observes. "She didn't want black power. She wanted power. There's this thing with women — especially women of color — that when they have ambition, it's [perceived as] a character flaw" says Bradford. "But Diana Ross would throw it in your face. She didn't apologize for it."

Read the rest HERE.

Howard Stern Goes On Pro-Gay Rant, Inspired By Ellen

2012-02-10T11:40:00.000-06:00

Whether you love, hate or simply don't care about Howard Stern, after listening to this, you will respect him.

Two Suspects ID'd In Atlanta Gay-Bashing Video

2012-02-10T11:01:00.002-06:00

Atlanta Police say they've identified two of the three suspects who attacked 20-year-old Brandon White outside a convenience store. Watch AJC's report below.

Random Jam: Mary J. Blige "Changes I've Been Goin' Through"

2012-02-09T23:10:00.000-06:00

Can't believe it's been 20 years since this came out. The breakdown at the end always does something for me.

Mother Bey Out On The Town

2012-02-09T11:57:00.003-06:00

Ladies leave your babies at home...at least if you got a squad of nannies and your pockets are full grown lol. Not sure why I'm posting these pics of Beyonce out on the town sans Blue Ivy, if only for the fact that I saw them and immediately thought "damn she looks fab." Get into her post-baby curves, jewelry, heels and handbag below.

CNN Suspends Roland Martin After Homophobic Tweets

2012-02-09T11:21:00.000-06:00

Via Rod 2.0

In the wake of controversy over homophobic tweets during the Superbowl, CNN has decided to suspend contributor Roland Martin. GLAAD and the National Black Justice Coalition have been speaking out against Martin and calling for his resignation. CNN released this statement about the situation.

"Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive. Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being.”

CNN took its time, but it clearly reached a strong decision here. What Martin had tweeted — advocating beatings for men who’d enjoyed the David Beckham underwear ad shown during the Super Bowl plus the same for a New England Patriot clad in a pink suit — was the equivalent of cheerleading for violence against gays."

GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro applauded CNN's decision.

"CNN today took a strong stand against anti-LGBT violence and language that demeans any community," Ferraro said. "Yesterday, Martin also spoke out against anti-LGBT violence. We look forward to hearing from CNN and Roland Martin to discuss how we can work together as allies and achieve our common goal of reducing such violence as well as the language that contributes to it."

New Jersey-based pastor, gay activist, author and producer Rev. Kevin E. Taylor has a great editorial about Martin and why some black gays defended his tweets. Read it HERE.

Atlanta Gay Bashing Victim Speaks Out

2012-02-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

Brandon White, the young man who was assaulted by a group of gang members outside an Atlanta convenience store, has decided to speak out in effort to bring the cowards to justice. Watch the full press conference below.

"Faggot" Beaten By Thugs Outside Atlanta Grocery Store

2012-02-06T19:53:00.000-06:00

Awful and disgusting. World Star Hip Hop posted a graphic of a young man being assaulted by a group of gang members outside of an Atlanta grocery store. In broad daylight. All because "faggots," are not tolerated in their neighborhood.

According to The Smoking Gun:

The business, located at 1029 McDaniel Street SW, is a popular congregating spot for members of the Pittsburgh Jack City Gang (or “PBJC”). The group has also used the name “Jack City 1029.”

After being provided a link to the video, an Atlanta police spokesperson told TSG that the clip had been forwarded to the department’s gang division as well as the unit that investigates bias crimes against the LGBT community. Officer Kim Jones added that she was researching whether a police report was generated at the time of the attack (which investigators believe took place over the weekend).

The video opens with an unseen cameraman and a second man outside the grocery store. The second man announces, “Round one. Jack City. No faggots.” Then, after a diminutive man exits the grocery, an assailant approaches him from behind and delivers a brutal punch to the side of the victim’s head. The man’s cell phone flies from his hand and he crumples to the ground.

The victim is then set upon by three men who punch and stomp him while he tries to cover his head. One of the attackers--who is wearing a shirt with “Jack Gang” imprinted on the back--even strikes the victim in the head with a tire.

As the man is beaten, the giggling cameraman announces, four times, “No faggots in Jack City.” An onlooker can be heard saying, “No faggot, man.” The video ends after one assailant picks up the victim’s cell phone and then punches the man in the head while holding the device.

Watch the video (it is graphic) below.

WATCH: Madonna Performs At The Superbowl

2012-02-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

She came. She saw. She SLAYED (despite a little slip--see I can admit that:). Get into it below:

African Americans For Humanism To Put Up Atheist Billboards

2012-02-03T20:05:00.001-06:00

I saw this over at Sir Toddy English's blog and had to post it. African Americans for Humanism has started a billboard campaign targeted towards African Americans who are questioning their religious beliefs. Member Alix Jules (pictured above) and seven other local activists' faces will be on billboards alongside prominent black humanists from history.

“The question’s regarding doubt of religion. Do you really buy what you’re being told?” said Alix Jules, a member of African Americans for Humanism, a national organization of non-believers.

In July, Jules was featured in a hot-button Ebony magazine article discussing his decision to become an atheist. His face is also on the ad bound for the billboard. It will be alongside the famous free-thinker, historical writer and activist Langston Hughes.

“Can I believe in a God that will help me find my keys and win a ball game but allows hunger in places like Africa? Those are really big questions the church does not have answers to,” he said.

Obviously I'm on board with this campaign as well as its timing (Black History Month). Religion, particularly Christianity, is so entrenched in black culture that other beliefs, or lack thereof, are never given much airtime. Hopefully this will cause more black folks to pause for a moment and really think about what they believe. Watch KDFW Fox 4's report below.

Atheist Billboard Targets African Americans: MyFoxDFW.com

Give Me All Your Luvin....

2012-02-03T11:49:00.000-06:00

In case you didn't know, Madonna's video for "Give Me All Your Luvin" featuring Nicki Minja and M.I.A. has been unleashed on the world. And like all good videos, it's made me like the song even more. While the bevy of cheerleaders and football players are an obvious wink wink to her upcoming Superbowl performance(which I'm not mad at--Madonna's no marketing virgin, and she's pushing MDNA like it's 1985!) the overall Marilyn Monroe-meets-Ann Margaret-meets-"Like A Virgin"-meets-Sailor Moon-esque imagery is fun in a campy, tongue-in-cheek way.

Nicki and M.I.A. come off great too, and not just as accessories to make Madge seem "down with the kids." Although I would have preferred if her cut away solo shots had been a bit more choreographed (she just loves shooting those finger guns:), it's obvious Madonna's having a blast and looks gorgeous. Watch below.

Madonna On The Gays: "I Never Left Them"

2012-02-02T13:43:00.002-06:00

The Madonna media assault is in full swing with the queen of pop gracing the cover of The Advocate. While it's not as raunch-tastic as her 1991 sit down with the magazine (and if you haven't read it, you must; Madge goes IN chile:), it provides good insight into her new movie W.E., her thoughts on Gaga's gay appeal, and why those who doubt her rainbow credentials should have a Coke and a smile and....you know the rest.

On how she was personally affected by AIDS:

“I was extremely affected by it. I remember lying on a bed with a friend of mine who was a musician, and he had been diagnosed with this kind of cancer, but nobody knew what it was. He was this beautiful man, and I watched him kind of waste away, and then another gay friend, and then another gay friend, and then another gay friend. They were all artists and all truly special and dear to me. I saw how people treated them differently,” she says. “I saw the prejudices, and I think probably I got that confused with, intertwined with, you know, maybe things that…ways that people treated me differently.”

In response to the sentiment that she abandoned gay fans:

“I never left them. When you’re single, you certainly have more time to socialize and hang out with your gay friends, but then you get married and you have a husband and you have children, and your husband wants you to spend time with him. I’m not married anymore, but I have four kids, and I don’t have a lot of time for socializing. I hope nobody’s taking that personally. It certainly was not a conscious decision. As it stands, most of my friends in England are gay. But I’m back. Never fear.”

Read the rest HERE.

'Think Before You Speak' Anti-Gay Bullying Campaign PSA to Air During Superbowl

2012-02-01T21:18:00.001-06:00

This was good thinking. Being that everyone (especially the gays, being that Madge is gracing the stage this year:) will be watching the game this Sunday, a primetime slot provides the ideal place for GLSEN's message to reach millions of homes.

Via The Huffington Post:

"The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) will share its new PSA campaign targeting anti-LGBT language among teens with Super Bowl attendees at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. The award-winning "Think Before You Speak" campaign features stars Hilary Duff, Wanda Sykes and the NBA's Grant Hill.

"GLSEN is thrilled to share the Think Before You Speak campaign’s message of respect with tens of thousands of football fans attending the Super Bowl this year,” GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard said in a press release. "The PSA campaign featuring Hilary Duff, Wanda Sykes and the NBA’s Grant Hill has already reached millions of Americans across the country and we are truly grateful for this opportunity to increase awareness among a new kind of audience about the negative impact of anti-gay slurs."

View the PSA below.

'It Gets Better' Project Comes to MTV

2012-02-01T12:32:00.003-06:00

Dan Savage's It Gets Better campaign, created to combat anti-gay bullying and teen suicide, is making the leap from YouTube to the original boob tube with an hour long special.

The program, set to air on MTV and Logo on February 21, will follow the live of three LGBT kids as they grapple with issues related to their sexuality. The show, hosted by Savage, will feature guest appearances by Zachary Quinto (who else loved him in So Notorious?), Margaret Cho, Sia, Chaz Bono and singers Sia, Jake Shears and Adam Levine.

Watch a short clip from the special below.

Get More: MTV Shows

Soul Train Creator Don Cornelius Found Dead

2012-02-01T12:07:00.000-06:00

Damn....there's not much to say about this tragic turn of events.

Soul Train creator/original host Don Cornelius was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home by a family member. LAPD believes his death is a suicide and said Cornelius suffered a gun shot wound to the head, which appears to be self-inflicted. He was 75 years old.

Don Cornelius is an entertainment icon, and even though I didn't grow up the original Soul Train era, it is clear that the show had a huge impact on pop culture, from music to fashion to dance. There would be no Yo! MTV Raps, MTV Jams or 106 & Park had there not been a Soul Train first.

Rest in peace Don.

LOOK: Madonna Unveils 'MDNA' Album Cover

2012-01-31T12:26:00.000-06:00

Madonna is giving us "Vogue"/Blond Ambition-era vibes with this cover for MDNA comes out March 26th. The first single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" is set to drop this Friday, while the video with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj will premiere on American Idol this Thursday, just days before Madge's Superbowl performance, which is rumored to include the legendary House of Ninja (a.k.a the house founded by the late great Willi Ninja.) Are you excited? I'm excited:).

Cynthia Nixon Says Being Bisexual "Is Not A Choice"

2012-01-31T12:12:00.001-06:00

In the wake of her comments to the New York Times that being gay was a choice, Cynthia Nixon released a statement to clear up any confusion:

"My recent comments in The New York Times were about me and my personal story of being gay. I believe we all have different ways we came to the gay community and we can't and shouldn't be pigeon-holed into one cultural narrative which can be uninclusive and disempowering. However, to the extent that anyone wishes to interpret my words in a strictly legal context I would like to clarify:

"While I don't often use the word, the technically precise term for my orientation is bisexual. I believe bisexuality is not a choice, it is a fact. What I have 'chosen' is to be in a gay relationship.

"As I said in the Times and will say again here, I do, however, believe that most members of our community — as well as the majority of heterosexuals — cannot and do not choose the gender of the persons with whom they seek to have intimate relationships because, unlike me, they are only attracted to one sex.

"Our community is not a monolith, thank goodness, any more than America itself is. I look forward to and will continue to work toward the day when America recognizes all of us as full and equal citizens."

On one hand, it feels a bit sad that she had to release a statement to declare her sexuality, because I think anyone who really examined her earlier comments could come to a similar conclusion. Consenting adults shouldn't have to defend or define their relationships. Then again, putting this out will most likely stop any bigots from twisting her words or using her as an example of someone who "chose this wicked lifestyle." In the end it's a clash between idealistic dreams and political reality.

The Gal In The Mirror....

2012-01-28T16:06:00.000-06:00

All I can say is these videos are TOO REAL. Kid Fury serves from the hip! 1:30 in the second video is just....I'm dying and clutching the pearls as I type. Get into the clips below.

WATCH: Trailer for New TV Show 'DTLA'

2012-01-26T13:10:00.000-06:00

DTLA, a new show about gay life in downtown L.A., will begin airing in late spring on Canada's OUTtv. Produced by the L Word's Larry Kennar, the show follows a group of friends as they deal with the breakup of long-time couple Lenny (Darry Stephens--Noah got a new job ya'll!), and Bryan (Matthew Stephen Herrick).

DTLA, which seems to be in the vein of previous gay-centric dramas like Queer As Folk and Noah's Arc, features a few other familiar faces as well (a few ~~obvious~~ hints: Ms. Patterson, Love Muffins and Baby Gap:). To contribute funding for future episodes of the show, head over to Kickstarter. Watch the trailer below.

Rick Santorum Confronted By Florida Mom On Gay Rights

2012-01-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

More babble came spewing out of Rick Santorum's mouth at a campaign stop at Community Christian Academy in Stuart, Florida on Tuesday, during which he not only told a mother that her a gay son had no right to adopt a child, but that he engaged in "unhealthy activity" that the government should not "promote."

According to ThinkProgress:

“Everybody in America should have the same rights, and I would agree with that,” Santorum said. “Everyone in America should have rights that are endowed to them by the Creator, those are unalienable rights. And your son, just like everyone else here, has those unalienable rights.”

But, Santorum said, “There are certain things that government does that gives people privileges in order to promote activity that are healthy for society and are best for society. And those things we promote would give people advantages or benefits, government benefits because we think that is healthy activity. Mothers and fathers coming together, forming healthy marriages, having children and raising those children. Every American child has the right, and the government should support the right to have and know their mother and father and be raised by their mother and father.”

Santorum has gone on record saying he would outlaw same-sex adoption nationwide by banning same-sex marriage, and Los Angeles Times reported he told a crowd of supporters that, "He found that even fathers in jail who had abandoned their kids were still better than no father at all to have in their children's lives."

Watch a short clip of the exchange below.

Born This Way Or Choosing To Be Gay?

2012-01-24T13:13:00.001-06:00

Cynthia Nixon, a.k.a Miranda Hobbs, has pissed off some gays with some comments on whether she chose to be gay in a New York Times interview:

“I gave a speech recently, an empowerment speech to a gay audience, and it included the line ‘I’ve been straight and I’ve been gay, and gay is better.’ And they tried to get me to change it, because they said it implies that homosexuality can be a choice. And for me, it is a choice. I understand that for many people it’s not, but for me it’s a choice, and you don’t get to define my gayness for me. A certain section of our community is very concerned that it not be seen as a choice, because if it’s a choice, then we could opt out. I say it doesn’t matter if we flew here or we swam here, it matters that we are here and we are one group and let us stop trying to make a litmus test for who is considered gay and who is not.” Her face was red and her arms were waving. “As you can tell,” she said, “I am very annoyed about this issue. Why can’t it be a choice? Why is that any less legitimate? It seems we’re just ceding this point to bigots who are demanding it, and I don’t think that they should define the terms of the debate. I also feel like people think I was walking around in a cloud and didn’t realize I was gay, which I find really offensive. I find it offensive to me, but I also find it offensive to all the men I’ve been out with.”

As could be expected, some in the blogosphere reacted with anger, like America Blog's John Aravois, who said, "It's not a 'choice,' unless you consider my opting to date a guy with brown hair versus a guy with blonde hair a 'choice,'" he writes. "It's only a choice among flavors I already like... every religious right hatemonger is now going to quote this woman every single time they want to deny us our civil rights."

I'll have to admit, when I first read Cynthia's comments I, like Mr. Aravois, was ready to read her like a bedtime story. But then I came across J. Bryan Lowder's take on the whole controversy over at Slate and thought about Nixon's words a little bit more.

First of all, let me speak for myself: I did not choose to gay, and anyone who's read this blog for a extended period of time knows I struggled mightily to come to terms with that fact. But if I had to be precise, I'd say I'm a solid 5.5 on the Kinsey scale (0 being absolutely straight and 6 being totally gay for those who don't know). Throughout my life I have felt mild (and chile I do mean mild) attractions to women, but they are so minute that I identify as gay. My attractions/romantic desires are overwhelming directed towards men.

But what if, at another time and place in my life, I found myself attracted to the opposite sex? Would that be a choice? Would I have been living as a confused gay man in denial up until that point? Would that negate any of the relationships I had with men? Of course not. Because it would not be case of me hiding or repressing my sexuality like I did in my childhood and teen years. It would be me responding to a (very surprising) new development in my sexuality and making the choice to act upon it.

I think what's really getting everyone riled up is Nixon's shaky (at least IMO) use of the word choice. Her quote makes it seem like she's forcing herself to fall in love with and be sexually attracted to another woman, which I don't believe was her intention. I don't know about you, but I can't force myself to feel attraction, desire or love for someone when it's just not there. What's she most likely saying is that for much of her adult life she only felt attraction towards men, and pursued those attractions. But at some point, her sexuality shifted--like it often does with women (or at least they cop to it more than men)--and she chose to act on it. Why she phrased her words this way is beyond me, as they come off as confusing and make her sound like the bisexual she says she's not.

Secondly, I'm of the opinion that if scientists discovered inarguable, genetic proof that people are born gay, bi or trans tomorrow it wouldn't do diddly squat to change the minds of deeply religious people who believe what their holy book says about homosexuality or bigots who'd like to see us all destroyed. If anything, they would former would probably start spouting the same "being gay is horrible, but God will tolerate your evil sodomite ways" bullshit Joel Osteen crapped out for Oprah, while the latter would probably start looking for ways to remove the gay gene from all fetuses, if not abort them altogether. Being gay would be seen/proven to be a defect or a mental handicap. If someone chooses to put faith over logic, then there's not much that can be done to sway them.

Maybe she's a bisexual whose "choosing" to be gay because her attractions are mainly towards women (or perhaps only her girlfriend) for the moment. Maybe she's a pansexual who refuses to be labeled by either the LGBT or straight community. Hell, maybe she possesses some Mystique-like power to morph her sexual orientation at will (which if you do, gurl you betta keep that under wraps before the wingnuts kidnap you to run experiments). Obviously, I can't pinpoint Nixon's sexual orientation. But maybe that's what been the most enlightening part about this whole thing; that while for most people, including myself, sexuality is set and constant, for others it is or can be fluid over a lifetime. And that there are things that we still don't fully understand about it.

So what do you think about Cynthia Nixon's comments? Do you think she may be onto something or do Carrie, Samantha and Charlotte need to sit her down for an "inter-friendtion?" Discuss.

Random Diva Tribute: Pink

2012-01-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Like other random diva honoree Alicia Keys, I feel that Pink, a.k.a Alecia Moore (aww...Alica Keys and Alecia Moore...Alicia twins unite! But I digress), has been both consistently good and consistently underrated in the decade and two cents she's been making music.

Why this is the case I don't know. But let's break this down into pure diva terms: If Madonna is the "mother" of all current female stars (don't be mad Janatics....Ms. Jackson is definitely the auntie or the fab younger sister!), then her DNA is popping up in one way or another in every pop starlet currently on the scene.

As it stands Lady Gaga inherited Madge's arty/avant garde side, Katy Perry's got the cute cheekiness, Rihanna the kinky raunch factor, Beyonce the glamour goddess and Britney the enduring mainstream appeal (chile if someone can shave their head, sleepwalk through a performance now immortalized online, attack paparazzi with an umbrella and still have hit records and sold out shows, they got to have something that resonates with the public). I'd argue that Christina Aguilera has a mix of M's arty side (remember the Fighter video?) raunch and glamour, but with her pipes I consider her a part of the vocal diva tradition. You know, Whitney, Mariah and the like.

But if anyone inherited Madonna's attitude and wise-ass swagger, it's Pink. "U+ Ur Hand," "There U Go" "Stupid Girls," "Mr. President," "So What"--baby, Pink ain't scared nothing or nobody, m'kay? Not to mention her voice, all raspy, strong and full of life, is the perfect compliment to whatever genre she sings. If you're in a flip-a-middle finger-to-the-world mood, (minus the self-destructive nihilism:) Pink's your gal. She can also turn from raising hell to heart-on-the-sleeve intimate on a dime with cuts like "Family Portrait," "Just Like A Pill," "Sober," and "Glitter In The Air." Whatever she's feeling at the moment, she's not afraid to explore it.

And like Ms. Ciccone, she's also fearless in reinventing her sound, from R&B to rock, dance, or acoustic folk. Who else would have hired Linda Perry, who had one hit back in '92, or Rancid's Tim Armstrong to produce entire albums for them? Or explicitly call out other celebs for shallow, asinine behavior? Maybe that's why she's not automatically mentioned in the same breath as the other divas. She does what whatever she wants, regardless of what's selling and who's more popular at the moment. While the aforementioned Perry, Aguilera, and Rihanna amped up the weirdness in the wake of Gaga, Pink stayed in her own lane.

Or perhaps it's because Pink's persona, while clearly influenced by the Material Girl, is in the mold of Pat Benatar (I say Pat because Pink's sound isn't quite gutta enough to be compared to the likes of Joan Jett or Courtney Love. Debate me if you must!). If you don't know about Mama Pat, look her up on YouTube. But in the meantime, raise your glass, kick back and get into some of Pink's hits below.

The Gay Agenda...

2012-01-21T15:10:00.001-06:00

Oral Roberts (left), Randy Roberts Potts (Right)

Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of famed televangelist Oral Roberts--the original big baller of modern day American Christianity and founder of Oral Roberts University (Michele Bachmann's alma mater)--is out to expose the gay agenda for what it really is: watching TV, ironing, fiddling with a puzzle, lounging around with the boyfriend and other utterly mundane activities homophobes think gay couples are incapable of. It's all a part of Potts' traveling side show designed to challenge misconceptions about well, being gay.

"It could be a typically staid and eventless evening for Randy, with one fat exception: He's doing all this on a 6-by-16-foot set on a patch of downtown sidewalk, surrounded by drifting crowds of passersby.

With folded arms and befuddled frowns, the onlookers try to make sense of the scene—to the right, atop rugs laid directly on the concrete, there's a farm table and a bookcase stocked with cans of black-eyed peas and stewed tomatoes; to the left, a leather couch sits before a black-and-white television on which a silvery episode of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp is flickering. A few of them lean in to read a printed explanation affixed to a coatrack up front. THE GAY AGENDA, it explains, IS PERFORMANCE ART DESIGNED TO FOSTER LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE. Huh. They glance up at Randy—he's dipping a spoon into the slow-cooker now, or studying the half-done puzzle—and then lower their gaze back to the paper. In capital letters, they see: THE GAY AGENDA AS CONCEIVED SHOULD BE INCREDIBLY BORING TO WATCH."

Read the rest over at Details.

Blues Legend Etta James Dies At 73

2012-01-20T14:30:00.002-06:00

Blues and soul icon Etta James, whose powerful, earthy voice created R&B classics like "I'd Rather Go Blind," "Something's Got A Hold On Me," and the wedding staple "At Last," has died. She was 73.
The singer died of complications from leukemia with her husband Artis Mills and her sons by her side, according to longtime friend and manager Lupe De Leon. James, who also suffered from dementia and hepatitis, passed away at a hospital in Riverside, CA. She would've been 74 next Wednesday.

"This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world," De Leon said. "She was a true original who could sing it all -- her music defied category.

"I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always."

While James may be best known for "At Last," a lush, romantic ballad with smooth strings, the singer's rollercoaster life was anything but. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles to a teenage mother and an unknown father, she was raised by a string of different people before her mother moved them to San Francisco.

After starting a group called The Peaches she was discovered by singer Johnny Otis and eventually singed with Chess records. In the ensuing decades James endured troubled relationships with her family, men and the music business, and battled heroin addiction, but endured long enough to earn her the admiration of her peers and new artists like Adele. The British singer named James and Aretha Franklin as one of her favorite singers.

"If you were to look up the word singer in the dictionary, you'd see their names," Adele said in an interview. James also got the biopic treatment in 2008 when Beyonce portrayed the singer in the film Cadillac Records. Up until recently, James maintained a steady touring schedule, thrilling audiences with her voice even when she simply sat down onstage due to weight issues.

Throughout her storied career, James won six Grammys, opened for the Rolling Stones and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993. Get into a few of Etta's classics below.

Rick Perry To Drop Out Of Race Today

2012-01-19T10:44:00.000-06:00

Another one bites the dust. According to CNN.com, Perry "is telling supporters that he will drop his bid Thursday for the Republican presidential nomination, two sources familiar with his plans told CNN.

The Texas governor will make the announcement before the CNN debate in South Carolina, the sources said."

Just like when Michele Bachmann announced the end of her nomination bid, I think I'll let Ari sum this up:

Tennessee Rep. Says: ‘I would stomp a mudhole’ in a trans person'

2012-01-19T10:34:00.001-06:00

Republican state Rep. Richard Floyd went into graphic detail when describing his opposition to transgender people using restrooms that match their gender identity.

“I believe if I was standing at a dressing room and my wife or one of my daughters was in the dressing room and a man tried to go in there — I don’t care if he thinks he’s a woman and tries on clothes with them in there — I’d just try to stomp a mudhole in him and then stomp him dry,” the lawmaker told a Tennessee newspaper.

“Don’t ask me to adjust to their perverted way of thinking and put my family at risk,” the legislator continued. “We cannot continue to let these people dominate how society acts and reacts. Now if somebody thinks he’s a woman and he’s a man and wants to try on women’s clothes, let him take them into the men’s bathroom or dressing room.”

Mmmmm....Tennessee just sounds so nice and progressive (then again I live in Louisiana, so maybe I shouldn't throw stones lol:). Like a state where a pastor would never send deacons to attack his gay son and his boyfriend or a bill allowing students speak out against homosexuality for religious reasons would never have a chance of passing. Fortunately there was a least one voice of reason. The bill's Senate sponsor Sen. Bo Watson dropped the measure, saying there were “far more pressing issues facing the state of Tennessee at this time.”

No other Senators have voiced support for a bill. Listen to Rep. Floyd's ignorance below.

Second Class Citizens....

2012-01-19T00:11:00.000-06:00

I came across this via Darian Aaron's (a.k.a Living Out Loud With Darian) Twitter account and was genuinely moved by it. There isn't much to say, so just watch the trailer for Ryan James Yezak's documentary Second Class Citizens below and, if you feel like I did at the end of it, donate to help him fund the documentary HERE.

Random Jam: Daft Punk "Voyager"

2012-01-18T18:51:00.002-06:00

I dare you not to groove at least a little bit when the bass line drops.

Oh Snap! Bernice King Gives Pro-LGBT Speech At MLK Rally

2012-01-17T19:43:00.000-06:00

As I noted yesterday, Bernice King, daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., is known for her anti-gay actions and attacked. So you could imagine the shock and awe when she gave a positive shout out to the LGBT community at a MLK rally.

"In a passionate, sermon-like speech about building unity, King said she didn't care if people were Hindu, Buddhist, Islamist, were from the North side or the South side, were black or white, were “heterosexual or homosexual, or gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender” — that all people were needed to create unity.

LGBT people who attended the rally said they were shocked that King – who has a long anti-gay past — actually acknowledged the community in a public speech, but said they were also glad because it shows people can evolve.

Rev. Maressa Pendermon, a minister with LGBT-inclusive Unity Fellowship Church, said she at first intended to tune out King because of her anti-gay past, but decided to pay attention one more time.

For her father's vision to be realized we've got to come together across boundaries and then she got in preacher mode. Then she said ‘heterosexual or homosexual,’ and then backed up and said ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.’ We need all of us,” Pendermon said. There's always room for growth,” Pendermon said, describing her reaction to King's words. “People grow and people change. Sometimes we don't let them. I wasn't expecting that. And I was already ready to shut down but I challenged myself to listen and I'm glad I listened."

If anything, this is a welcome reminder that we can't always dis and dismiss those who've said hurtful/ignorant things in the past. We have to be open to the possiblity that folks can change and evolve. Read the rest HERE.

H/t Wonder Man

MLK And Gay Rights

2012-01-16T20:15:00.001-06:00

I was unsure of what to post, if anything, about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today. I mean what could I say that hasn't already been said? The man has had a massive influence on the way Americans, and the world, thinks about race, poverty, class and social justice. But what of gay rights? It's clear what his late wife thought about the gays, but what about King himself?

CNN.com has an interesting article about the subject, including a letter an anonymous boy sent to King in 1958:

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was writing an advice column in 1958 for Ebony magazine when he received an unusual letter.

“I am a boy,” an anonymous writer told King. “But I feel about boys the way I ought to feel about girls. I don't want my parents to know about me. What can I do?”

In calm, pastoral tones, King told the boy that his problem wasn’t uncommon, but required “careful attention.”

“The type of feeling that you have toward boys is probably not an innate tendency, but something that has been culturally acquired,” King wrote. “You are already on the right road toward a solution, since you honestly recognize the problem and have a desire to solve it.”

Yet King would have been a champion of gay rights today because of his view of Christianity, says Michael Long, author of, “I Must Resist: Bayard Rustin’s Life in Letters,” who shared the story of King’s Ebony letter.

“Dr. King never publicly welcomed gays at the front gate of his beloved community. But he did leave behind a key for them - his belief that each person is sacred, free and equal to all to others,” says Long, also author of the upcoming “Keeping it straight? Martin Luther King, Jr., Homosexuality, and Gay Rights.”

Ravi Perry, a political science professor at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, said King’s widow once said in a public speech that everyone who believed in her husband’s dream should “make room at the table of brother and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.”

There is no private or public record of King condemning gay people, Perry says. Even the FBI’s surveillance of King’s private phone conversations didn’t turn up any moment where King disparaged gay people, she says.

“If Dr. King were anti-gay, there would likely be a sermon, a speech, a recording of some kind indicating such,” she says. “And knowing how closely his phones were tapped; surely there would be a record of such statements.”

The article also mentions King's daughter Bernice, who infamously marched against gay marriage with Bishop Eddie Long, Coretta Scott King's support of LGBT rights, and openly gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, and his influence on King and the movement. Read HERE.

ABC's 'Work It' Canceled

2012-01-15T16:55:00.000-06:00

ABC came to its senses and fired it's cross dressing comedy Work It. From its inception the show was heavily criticized for it's none-too-subtle rehashing of the 80's sitcom Bosom Buddies and by the LGBT community (including moi) for it's potential negative impact on the trans community.

"ABC Entertainment Chief Paul Lee told reporters last week that he didn’t understand the response from the advocacy groups. He has said in the past that, as a Brit, he appreciates the cheeky humor that comes with cross-dressing comedies like the Dustin Hoffman movie Tootsie.

GLAAD’s senior director of programs Herndon Graddick released this statement today: “While many of ABC’s positive and groundbreaking portrayals of LGBT people have been critical and popular successes, the public had little interest in this outdated show. As a result of this campaign, an important dialogue has been started in Hollywood and mainstream media about the real discrimination faced by transgender people today.”

Rest the rest HERE.

WATCH: Ladies Of The View Go In On Pope Benedict XVI

2012-01-11T22:07:00.000-06:00

The women of The View (or as Sir Toddy English refers to them, Ms. Havisham and the Harpies) came out loud and strong against Pope Benedict XVI's recent comments on same sex marriage, which he decried as a threat to humanity's existence.

Whoopie and Joy Behar provide the usual sane logic, but the biggest "oh snap" moment came when Elizabeth Hasselbeck defended gay marriage, saying "Gay marriage doesn't affect my marriage. For people to actually say that gay marriage is harming marriage and the idea of marriage is inhumane."

Quelle surprise. Watch below.

Gay Man Beaten, Robbed In El Paso

2012-01-11T17:32:00.000-06:00

Police in El Paso, TX are investigating what they are calling a hate crime after a gay man was assaulted and robbed outside a bar, leaving him hospitalized with several face injuries including a broken nose.

Twenty-three-year old Emilio Moreno was beaten by two men late Sunday night in an alley outside the Rumors Sports Club and Lounge, according to police. Officer Javier Sambrano says the men allegedly shouted anti-gay slurs during the attack.

Read the rest HERE.

Baltimore County To Propose Transgender Anti-Discrimination Bill

2012-01-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

Baltimore County councilman Tom Quirk plans to introduce a measure to prohibit discrimination against transgender people. The bill, set to be introduced at a council meeting on January 17, would add gender identity and sexual orientation to the county's anti-discrimination laws.

The measure comes in the wake of a videotaped attack on transgender woman Chrissy Lee Polis, whose brutal assault at a McDonald's in Rosedale last April drew national attention. But Quirk explained his reasons for pushing the measure are bigger than the attack.

"To me, the bottom line is the majority of people want to make sure that people are hired and fired based on their job qualifications, period," Quirk said. "It's about respect."

Quirk said the he wants to focus on the issue of discrimination in the workplace, adding that he is still working out details of how the legislation would address discrimination in housing and public places.

The planned legislation was first reported by Patch.com.

Maryland state law bars discrimination based on sexual orientation, but efforts to add gender identity have failed. Howard County passed transgender protection bill last month, joining Baltimore City and Montgomery County, which have similar laws in place.

"It's about treating people with respect and on an equal playing field," he said.

Council Chairwoman Vicki Almond said she plans to co-sponsor the legislation. "I feel it's the right thing to do," said Almond, a Reisterstown Democrat. "I just think that freedom's for everyone."

Read the rest HERE.

Thank You Joel Osteen...

2012-01-09T21:09:00.001-06:00

During an interview on Oprah's Next Chapter (you know it just had to be with Oprah), megachurch pastor Joel Osteen said while he believes being gay is a sin, we can still get into heaven.

“I believe that homosexuality is shown as a sin in the Scripture,” but he doesn’t think anyone can become totally free of sin, so he believes gays will be accepted into heaven. He also said, “I would encourage people to be willing to change and grow” — for gays, ostensibly this means to become straight."

Awww, ain't that nice? Thank you Joel, for officially giving my gay ass the greenlight to enter into the gates of heaven, if such a place exists, even as you continue preach to millions that my orientation is inferior and a dirty sin that I should try to change and grow out of until my dying day. Thank for you for deeming me unworthy of burning in the eternal inferno known as hell, another place not proven to exist. Thank you Joel Osteen, you snake oil-selling used car salesman in preacher's clothing.

Watch this foolishness below.

Pope: Same Sex Marriage Endangers Humanity

2012-01-09T20:36:00.000-06:00

It's been a minute since we gays have had to bear the brunt of responsibility for a hurricane, tsunami, earthquake or some other act of massive desctruction. But now Pope Benedict XVI has come to our rescue by saying gay marriage threatens "the future of humanity itself." Well at least we got an upgrade in our destruct-o-meter. According to The Advocate:

"The Catholic pontiff made the comment in his annual State of the World address to the diplomats from about 180 nations who are assigned to the Vatican, Reuters reports. He said the traditional family, “based on the marriage of a man and a woman,” is “not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself."

Okay, first of all, marriage was a social convention long before it was based on any type of mutual love and committment. Marriage was for the most part a pre-arranged business transcation between families in which land and money were exchanged to strengthen said families' influence and power. Women often had little or no say when came to saying "I do" (Peep those Bible passages about making women marry their rapists in exchange for 50 shekels or being stoned to death if found guilty of adultery for confirmation).

Second of all, when will religious leaders understand that they can't legislate morality? You don't want gays getting married in your gaudy sanctuary? Fine. Those are your beliefs. Key word being your. You can't turn around (at least in most Western countries) and dictate whether or not gay folks can get married outside of your church walls.

And finally, I think an organization that has a decades-long history of looking the other way while their officials pass altar boys around like a pack of menthols in a penitentiary is much more dangerous than two guys or girls that want to walk down the aisle. People in kid-banging houses shouldn't throw stones m'kay? Plus it's hard for me to take seriously the opinions of any adult whose day-to-day wardrobe consists of a giant coffee filter on his head and gowns that would make Liberace give a Z-formation snap from his grave.

Read the rest of this mess HERE.

Tennessee Bill Could Allow Students To Speak Against Homosexuality For Religious Reasons

2012-01-04T14:43:00.000-06:00

Why single out homosexuality? Why not let students speak out against other races if their religion says so? But I think we all know the answer to that.

Transphobic New Zealand Tampon Ad Pulled

2012-01-04T14:29:00.000-06:00

New Zealand-based feminine hygiene company Libra has stirred up some controversy with an ad for tampons that sends what some call a transphobic message. In the ad, two women, one in subtle makeup, the other in heavy make up, enter a bathroom. The women apply makeup and compare breasts, with the heavily made up woman coming out on top with the larger bosom. Finally, the woman one on the right pulls out a tampon and flaunts it in front of the trans woman(not sure if they meant her to be a drag queen or trans woman, but most drag queens don't go out in full drag outside of the gay club, so I'll go with trans woman), causing the latter to leave the bathroom in a huff. And scene. Watch below.

Personally, I feel this ad reeks of hot messiness. It seems again, like the creators of Work It, that Libra's advertisers have confused being transgender with dressing in drag(and even if they haven't, see my view on that above). Notice how the woman on the left was big and masculine looking with exaggerated makeup, while the one on the right was petite and feminine with understated makeup? It's all designed to say "Look at this freak, with her big hands and man shoulders. She can slap on some makeup and get her breasts done, but she's not a real woman. But I think Renee of Womanist Musings, who wrote about the commercial in a guest post over at Trans Griot, really hits the nail on the head:

"Let's start with the most obvious suggestion, the idea that menstruating defines you as a woman. I am so sick and tired of this ridiculous suggestion. First, not all cis women menstruate. There are plenty of women who have to take medication in order to have a period to get pregnant, and of course those of us who do menstruate regularly will eventually reach menopause. The idea of menstruating defining womanhood means that plenty of cis women would be excluded. Menstruation as the determinant of womanhood is a fallacious argument at best.

This argument is further sexist because it reduces woman to the ability to bleed once a month. Seriously? Is that all there is to say about women? It is extremely reductive and offensive. I also think it is worth mentioning that the idea that women are always looking for opportunities to compete with each other is sexist. Who stands in a bathroom and compares themselves to another woman so blatantly? From my experiences, most people simply want to do their business, clean up and leave as fast as possible.

In an effort to make a profit, what Libra did was engage in the age old strategy of divide and conquer. Libra knew damn well that there are plenty of cis women who are actively engaged in maintaining cis supremacy. Feminism itself has a long history of excluding trans women and labeling them everything from men in dresses to frankenstinian. What Libra did was depend on transphobia to sell their product to women and in the process encourage cis women to continue to defend their privilege."

Read the rest HERE.

Michele Bachmann Ends Presidential Bid

2012-01-04T13:28:00.001-06:00

Although she may turn around and try to hitch a ride as a vice president (hence why she's suspending her campaign--that way she can still raise coins while plotting her next move), this is fabulous news. But I think Ari Gold can sum it up best.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:41:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! Oops...let me whisper that if you're still hung over *happy new year*:). Anywho, hope everyone has a safe and happy 2012...before we're all utterly annihilated, lol. I didn't make any hard and fast resolutions this year, only to pay off some lingering bills and get published in some way, shape or form. So what, if any, resolutions, or to put an Oprah-esque spin on it, realizations (can't you just hear O saying that in her most self-important, I-have-all-keys-to-life voice), did you make for 2012?

WATCH: Trailer For Byron Hurt's 'Soul Food Junkies'

2011-12-29T15:56:00.000-06:00

Filmmaker Byron Hurt, the creator of documentaries Beyond Beats And Rhymes, Barack & Curtis and I Am A Man, has switched gears from tackling patriarchy, black manhood, sexism, homophobia and misogyny to talk about the history of soul food and its affect on black culture. The documentary, entitled Soul Food Junkies, also covers how the food industry has negatively impacted eating habits, as well as the lack of healthy eating options in poor black neighborhoods.

The film is currently unfinished, but if the trailer is any indication, it looks like it'll be a good one. To help Byron Hurt complete Soul Food Junkies, you can donate online or send a check. Find out more about how to contribute HERE, or go to Hurt's Kickstarter page. Watch the trailer below.

Soul Food Junkies Webtrailer - 12 min. version from Byron Hurt on Vimeo.

Madonna Truth Or Dare Fragrance Ad Debuts

2011-12-28T11:09:00.000-06:00

The first ad for Madonna's fragrance Truth or Dare has been unveiled. While the images aren't new, they are fabulous. With the new album, W.E. and the Superbowl performance, next year looks like it'll be a big one for Madonna (and the last one for us if the Mayans are correct:). But we all have to be destroyed, listening to some new Madge would be some consolation.

Same Sex Couples Pay More Taxes

2011-12-28T10:58:00.000-06:00

According to a CNNMoney report, due to the lack of recognition the federal government gives same-sex marriages, gay couples have to file their tax returns separately, resulting in as much as $6,000 a year in taxes. Where dem dollars at indeed.

"The imbalance persists despite increasing acceptance of gay marriage as a legal right. More than 12 states now grant full or partial marriage rights to same-sex couples, and a recent Gallup poll showed -- for the first time -- that a majority of Americans favor gay marriage.

But not the federal government, which is constrained by the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Even as more same-sex couples are able to file jointly at the state level, they are still forced to file as single when submitting federal returns to the IRS.

This means they can't combine their income and deductions to take advantage of lower tax rates. It's also harder for them to qualify for certain tax breaks because the credits phase out sooner for single filers.

The report cited some living arrangements, such as one spouse working while the other stays at home with the kids, as an example of how gay couples pay more, saying "In the same-sex family's case, the working spouse files as "head of household," and the stay-at-home spouse is considered a "qualifying relative."

"Say that couple reported no other income or deductions. In that case, the same-sex household's federal tax bill is $15,199, which includes tax the head of household must pay on health insurance premiums to cover the stay-at-home spouse. That's $4,543 higher than the straight couple's liability."

Read the full report HERE.

The Root Reviews 'Pariah'

2011-12-27T15:06:00.000-06:00

Check out The Root's Teresa Wiltz's rave review of Pariah, the coming out, coming of age story of a black lesbian directed by newcomer Dee Rees. Wiltz writes:

"In lesser hands, Pariah, which opens in limited release Dec. 28, would read like some after-school special, earnest and heavy-handed, pounding the viewer with big themes and messages. Rees, a former NYU film student, was mentored by executive producer Spike Lee, and his influence is evident throughout, from the spot-on dialogue to the skillfully unforced performances. (Rees first produced Pariah as a film short; this is the expanded version.) Notwithstanding Lee's influence, Pariah, which was a big hit at Sundance earlier this year, is a distinct original, breaking up pathos with moments of high hilarity. (You'll never look at a dildo the same way again.)"

I'd love to see this in the theater, but something tells me it, like Milk or A Single Man, won't be playing at my local theater anytime soon. Guess I'll just have to wait for the DVD. Rest the rest of the review HERE.

Random Jam: TLC "Kick Your Game"

2011-12-23T19:49:00.000-06:00

ABC Sitcom 'Work It' Needs A Pink Slip

2011-12-20T20:35:00.000-06:00

ABC, a network known for LGBT-friendly fare like Modern Family, Happy Endings and the recently canceled Greek, has found itself in hot water over its upcoming sitcom Work It. In case you ain't up on thangs, a quick synopsis: two out-of-work dudes, frustrated that they can't find a job in the midst of this 'mancession' (their word, not mine) decide to dress up as women in order to get jobs. ~~Hilarit~~y Cringe-worthy, dated stereotypical comedy ensues. Check out Cathy Renna's excellent Huiffington Post piece to read some of the tired dialogue from the pilot episode to get a better idea.

I'll be honest. After viewing the trailer a few times, my first thought was "Is this really that offensive/that big of a deal? Obviously men donning women's clothing is nothing new, and has been going on since ancient Greece (but of course that was due to women being banned from the stage--old school sexism at its best!), and has continued in movies and TV ever since, from Milton Berle, Flip Wilson and The Wayans Brothers to Martin Lawerence, Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy. In the past I've watched and chuckled at Mrs. Doubtfire, White Chicks and The Nutty Professor and thought little of it.

But now all of the controversy surrounding Work It has given me cause for pause about some of my viewing habits. While I don't know a lot of transgender people, I am supportive and empathetic towards their struggle, and as such, wouldn't want to inadvertently support things that demean or degrade them. However, like portrayals of us gays, lesbians and bisexuals, I think each representation of transgender men and women has to taken in its own context. I've never seen Busom Buddies, the 80's show this farce is often compared so I can't comment on that. As for Nutty Professor, I'd contend that the humor derived not from Eddie dressing up as women, but from the fact the women he portrayed were quirky, kooky and generally crazy as hell.

Upon reflection though, I'll admit that films like Doubtfire, White Chicks, Norbit, and Madea (to an extent--Ms. Perry's character is so exaggerated and over-the-top she almost transcends the whole concept) all start from the same place: that men who dress up as or become women are to mocked, laughed at, and disrespected. In light of this realization, I know I need to be more discerning of when media depictions of transgender folks tread into transphobic territory. And in my opinion, Work It definitely falls into that category, trying to wring fresh humor out of big, macho men squeezing themselves into skirt, stomping around in stilettos and slapping on too much makeup. Notice how smaller, more effeminate men are never chosen in these scenarios?

Adding insult to injury, the trailer for the show used Rupaul's classic "Supermodel," which only offers more proof the show's creators consider being transgender as synonymous with (in this case) very bad drag. Some would argue that the two are the same, but they couldn't be more wrong. Although it can and does often challenge notions of gender, drag is ultimately a performance; living life as transwoman or man, which often involves fears of facing violence, hatred and discrmination, is not.

Needless to say, I won't be watching, for all the reasons above. That and the show just doesn't look all that funny (and there has been good comedy involving transgender folk--Hedwig And The Angry Inch anyone?). But what do you think of Work It? Discuss in the comments, and read transwoman Sara Jakubowski's letter to ABC HERE.

WATCH: 'The Dark Knight Rises' Official Trailer

2011-12-19T22:42:00.002-06:00

GUURRL PLEASE!

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Does this post have an actual point? Not really lol. But I'd thought it'd be funny to post some of my fav sasstastic moments from movies, TV and awards shows. I'm sure you'll recognize a few below. Enjoy.

(Go to about the 0:50 mark)

Columnist Discusses Being Young, Black and Gay In Chicago

2011-12-15T14:20:00.001-06:00

Via Rod 2.0

Twenty-six-year old ChicacoPride.com society and nightlife columnist Terrence Chappell is the latest subject in a special series on Chicago's Southwest Side Auburn Gresham neighborhood. In the clip, Chappell and his mother Marilyn talk about the challenges of being young, black and gay in their neighborhood. The close relationship between Chappell and Marilyn is pretty heart-warming as well. Watch below.

Auburn Gresham, Chicago - Terrence Chappell from WBEZ on Vimeo.

The Pursuit of Happiness....

2011-12-14T18:23:00.000-06:00

Joshua Lyon over at The Huffington Post has a good piece about the impact of Happy Endings character Max, played by straight actor Adam Pally, on gay images in the media. Lyon writes:

"A recent episode of ABC's Happy Endings ended with Max, the resident gay character played by Adam Pally, stretched out on a couch, shirtless, with a look of ecstasy on his face. Because he was stuffing it with a huge sandwich, its contents spilling out all over his large, exposed hairy stomach.

In terms of positive portrayals of gays on mainstream television, that one scene did more for me than three seasons of Kurt on Glee. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that a massive hit has a main character like Kurt, who's adamant about believing in and being yourself. But it also bugs me that Kurt reinforces the same cartoon stereotypes we've been fed for years -- he's what I imagine Dr. Smith from Lost in Space must have been like as a teen, before growing old and bitter."

I'm not sure about the Lost In Space reference (forgive me sci-fi gay geeks, you know I'm a Star Wars gal:), but for the most part I agree with him. While some queens may think Max isn't quite gay enough, I think gay dudes like him need to be shown on TV alongside the Kurts and Blaines. For every one of us that is stylish, witty and a little flamboyant, there is another who's messy, a little lazy and unfashionable. And that diversity needs to shown. Of course, being that it is a sitcom, Max is a bit of an exaggeration, and I am a little perturbed the writers haven't blessed him with a BF yet.

Hopefully the networks will throw us black gays a bone and give us another "Calvin" now that Greek has ended, or *keeps fingers crossed* another Carter (who else remembers Spin City lol). Any who, read the rest of Lyon's article HERE. And, if you haven't caught Max in action, watch an episode of Happy Endings below.

George Clooney To Star In Marriage Equality Play

2011-12-14T17:46:00.000-06:00

George Clooney is set to star in 8, a play written Dustin Lance Black and adapted from actual transcripts of of the Proposition 8 trial for marriage equality in California.

Clooney told The Hollywood Reporter "It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-class citizens. I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth that gay and lesbian people — like all human beings — are born equal in dignity and rights."

Rob Reiner will direct the one night only production March 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The L.A. production will also serve as a benefit for the American Foundation For Equal Rights. Other cast members will be announced soon.

Read the full story HERE.

California's LGBT Education Law Faces Challenges

2011-12-12T11:29:00.000-06:00

Anti-gay groups are banding to together in an effort to overturn or substantially water down California's new FAIR Education Law, which requires public schools to include the historical contributions of LGBT people. According to Talking Points Memo:

A number of right-wing groups have filed initiatives to repeal the law, or at least gut out the pertinent language, because it teaches kids to "endorse transgenderism, bisexuality, and homosexuality, looking to individuals with these lifestyles as models and viewing their sexual lifestyles positively," according to Stop SB 48.

“We all know that the issue of homosexuality is controversial,” said Jack Hibbs, an initiative sponsor. “It is unacceptable to require that our schools shine a spotlight on this lifestyle on the one hand and then demand that history books and teachers censor shortcomings on the other.”

The group Save California, run by Randy Thomasson, is also touting web ads that “Urge California Parents To Rescue Their Children from Sexual Indoctrination,” and asking for donations to help the group run them.

“The most in-year-face [sic] law that forces children as young as 5 years old to admire homosexuality, bisexuality, cross-dressing, and ‘sex changes’ is SB 48, which goes in effect in January with its ‘supplemental materials’ mandate on every public school in the state,” Thomasson said in a statement.

“Because of the Democrats’ social-engineering laws, children left in California government schools are guaranteed sexual brainwashing, but proficiency in reading, writing, and computing are not guaranteed at all,” he added.

Five initiatives have already been filed with California's attorney general. Read the full report HERE.

Gay Veteran Responds To Rick Perry Ad

2011-12-12T11:07:00.000-06:00

Gay veteran Jay Foxsworthy, who served the Gulf War, has released the latest response video response to Rick Perry's now infamous political ad, in which Perry claims soething is wrong with America when gays can serve openly in the military but kids supposedly can't celebrate Christmas (on what planet?) or pray in schools (they can, schools just can't require that they do--but you know Perry doesn't worry himself with critical thinking and such).

"I am not ashamed to admit that I"m an out, gay Christian," says Jay Foxworthy, who lives in California. "My family goes to church every Sunday, and there is something wrong in this country when conservative Christians want to use God to attack my family."

Foxworthy, who is the subject of the documentary called The Right To Love: An American Family, along with his husband Bryan Leffew and their two children, told the Advocate "It’s so easy to only think of these issues as ideas or concepts that you agree or disagree with. It turns into something else when you know these are matters of life and love for real people who have names. You probably know many of them.” Watch Foxworthy's response below.

Random Video: Screw Destiny!

2011-12-08T14:39:00.000-06:00

I came across the clip on YouTube and thought I'd repost it here. In the clip, Rational Warrior (his YouTube name) talks about the dangers that can arise in believing your destiny or life's purpose comes from outside of yourself. And I have to say I agree; while I'm certainly on the other side of religious now, I still do have the moments where I think my path is already laid out for me, or read too much into coincidences as part of some big picture. It's good to be reminded that we give our lives meaning and purpose.Watch the clip below and tell me if you agree or disagree.

Bubble Buttz...

2011-12-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

A few weeks I somehow stumbled across this fantastic blog, Bubble Buttz, a catalog of the backsides of singers, rappers, actors and athletes, and have been hooked ever since. Some of the pics are familiar, but there are enough unseen booty shots to keep you coming back for more, or at least reminisce on the ass you wished you had:). Take a look a few pics of The Rock, Rockmond Dunbar and a few other celebs below and after the jump, and visit the site HERE.

The Disbelief That Dare Not Speak Its Name...

2011-12-04T17:46:00.000-06:00

Ronnelle Adams with fellow atheist and journalist Jamila Bey

The New York Times has a very interesting article about the rise of black atheists. One of those interviewed, 30-year-old Ronnelle Adams, talked about coming out to his devoutly religious mother twice--once for being gay, and again for being an atheist.

“My mother is very devout,” said Mr. Adams, 30, a Washington resident who has published an atheist children’s book, “Aching and Praying,” but who in high school considered becoming a Baptist preacher. “She started telling me her issues with homosexuality, which were, of course, Biblical,” he said. “ ‘I just don’t care what the Bible says about that,’ I told her, and she asked why. ‘I don’t believe that stuff anymore.’ It got silent. She was distraught. She told me she was more bothered by that than the revelation I was gay.”

The NYT piece also touches on the isolation many black non-believers feel both from the larger black community and white atheist organizations as well as how social media have helped black atheists connect..

Read it HERE.

Eddie Long Planning To Take "Time Off"

2011-12-04T15:37:00.000-06:00

Ms. Eddie is taking a break from the pulpit in the wake of his wife Vanessa filing for divorce (then withdrawing it) to focus on his family. I guess it's been tough year for the old gal--you know, facing charges of tricking on young boys for sex in the name of Jesus then coming out largely unscathed while having fellow pimps of the cloth defend him and scold his flock for using common sense and logic--it's enough to blow the glue off any queen's lace front.

According to CNN:

"I'm going to take a little time off to work with my family," Long said Sunday to a packed house at the televised service.

"I do want you to know that this is, for me and my family, especially with me, one of the most difficult times and things I've had to face, and only because my strength, other than God, is in Miss Vanessa," he said to huge applause.

"And I want you to rest assured that I love her and she loves me. ... In all the things that I've ever had to deal with and being pastor, my rock has been to be able to come home to a virtuous woman who always had peace in my house," he said.

"We're going (to) work it out," he said.

He insisted that the two of them are not fighting, and that they are not mad at each other.

Long said the situation is "not because of allegations" of sexual relationships last year and instead blamed the pressures of being a pastor's wife.

"It's been very difficult to her, some of the things that she's had to endure," he said.

The church issued a statement emphasizing that Long is not stepping down, and "will continue to be the senior pastor of New Birth."

Read the rest HERE, or watch the report (note how he instructs the sheep to "give more") below.

VH-1 TLC Biopic In The Works

2011-12-02T19:26:00.001-06:00

VH-1 is planning to release a scripted biopic on TLC. Now before you roll your eyes and mutter "chile please," "gurl BOOM," or any other assorted shade at the thought of a Lifetime movie-esque rendition of the trio's story, there is a ray of hope.

According to VIBE, T-Boz and Chili will serve as executive producers on the project. "The reality of this brings me to tears because I am seeing one of my dreams come to life. I always felt our story had to be told," said Chilli, who is executive producing with T-Boz.

In my opinion, T-Boz, Chili and especially Left Eye, always came across as straightforward and candid about the ups and downs of their career, so I don't expect this to be a completely watered down treatment of their story. Hopefully it will be on the level of The Last Days Of Left-Eye (Was anyone else shocked that wasn't released in theaters?).

What do you think? Is this a good idea? Discuss.

D'Angelo Set To Stage Comeback Next Year

2011-12-02T19:12:00.000-06:00

After years of battling the bottle and run-ins with police, it seems D'Angelo may be finally getting himself together. According to SPIN:

D'Angelo will be performing at least six headlining shows in Europe in 2012: Stockholm on January 26, Copenhagen on January 27, Paris on January 29, a two-night stand at the Paradiso in Amsterdam on January 30-31, and London on February 3. The Guardian points to a link where fans can still buy tickets for the London concert.

A new album, his first since 2000's Voodoo, is also in the works.

?uestlove, the drummer for the Roots, has confirmed D'Angelo's European tour, Pitchfork reports. "It's an extremely real thing," ?uestlove is quoted as saying, noting that bass player Pino Palladino and drummer Chris Dave have already signed on to do the shows.

The outlook is finally looking positive for D'Angelo's long-delayed third album, too. "The album is pretty much 97 percent done," ?uesto told Pitchfork. "He's just finishing his lyrics now."

Read the rest HERE.

Random Question: Kanye West

2011-12-01T12:09:00.000-06:00

Is it just me, or has Kanye gotten...sexier all of a sudden? Granted, he's always been cute in an offbeat, quirky kind of way, but lately it just seems Yeezy's hotness level has increased. I'm really not sure why though. Maybe it's because he's a little older now and has a certain grown man swag about him. Or perhaps the leather pants and chest-revealing blouses have something to do with it. Take a look a few pics below and you decide.

Obama Announces New AIDS Initiatives

2011-12-01T11:05:00.000-06:00

President Obama is stepping up in the fight against HIV and AIDS by planning to help more people across the globe get life-saving drugs, as well as increase spending on treatment in the U.S. by $50 million. According to The Advocate:

The president announced the initiatives Thursday at a high-level panel discussion on “the beginning of the end of AIDS” hosted by ONE and (RED) in Washington, D.C. to mark World AIDS Day. In remarks prior to the panel, Obama reviewed progress toward "the real possibility of an AIDS-free generation" while he noted obstacles that remain the United States and challenged major partners including China to increase their share of funding to the global effort.

"The rate of new infections may be going down elsewhere, but it’s not going down in America," said Obama. "The infection rate here has been holding steady for over a decade. There are communities in this country being devastated by this disease. When new infections among young, black, gay men increase by nearly fifty percent in three years, we need to do more to show them that their lives matter. When Latinos are dying sooner than other groups; when black women feel forgotten even though they account for most of the new cases among women, we need to do more."

The president is also wants to put antiretroviral drugs in the hands of 2 million more people by the end of next year, as well as deliver drugs to 1.5 million HIV-positive pregnant women. Read the whole article HERE.

A Gay Old Time....

2011-11-29T22:55:00.000-06:00

I stumbled across this insightful CNN clip about LGBT seniors sharing their stories about growing up, early relationships, coming out later in life, caring for elderly lovers and growing old as an openly gay person. Definitely some food for thought. Watch below (The gal above isn't in the clip, but it's a fun pic lol!).

Conrad Murray Sentenced To Four Years For Involuntary Manslaughter

2011-11-29T12:35:00.000-06:00

Tyler Perry Writes Open Letter To Penn State Sexual Abuse Victim

2011-11-28T20:02:00.000-06:00

Via Rod 2.0

Ok, so you're probably thinking "Two Tyler Perry posts back to back? Gurl what's up?" But unlike the my previous one about Perry's new TV show, this one is shade free. While anyone who's been reading my blog for more than a minute knows I have issues with TP's oeuvre, I gotta give praise when praise is due.

Perry wrote a touching letter to the former 11-year-old boy who spoke about the alleged sexual abuse committed by Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky. Now a teenager, the boy has been forced to leave school due to bullying from other students. In the letter, Perry talks about his own childhood abuse:

"I was a very poor young black boy in New Orleans, just a face without a name, swimming in a sea of poverty trying to survive. Forget about living, I was just trying to exist. I was enduring a lot of the same things that you’ve come forward and said happened to you, and it was awful. I felt so powerless. I knew what was happening to me, but unlike you, I couldn’t speak about it because no one saw me. I was invisible and my voice was inaudible.

So to think that you, when you were only 11 years old, spoke up—you are my hero! I’m so proud of you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I want you to know you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not your fault. Please know that you were chosen by a monster. You didn’t choose him. You didn’t ask for it and, most of all, you didn’t deserve it."

Read the full letter HERE.

Tyler Perry Debuts New Sitcom "For Better Or Worse"

2011-11-26T16:51:00.001-06:00

Tyler Perry seems intent on turning TBS into 24-hour a day Perry vision, and the new series "For Better Or Worse" starring Michael Jai White and Tasha in reprisals of their Why Did I Get Married roles, is the latest step in his master plan. I haven't seen the new show, which debuted last night, but from the clips I've watched it does look interesting. Hopefully they won't have Tasha Smith screaming like a banshee all over the place (I loved her in the first film, but by the end of the second I wanted to reach into the screen and put a muzzle on her:).

But even if the series is a dud like House Of Payne and Meet The Browns, at least I'll have one reason to keep tuning in. *Clears voice and speaks like Lela Rochon in Waiting To Exhale:* MICHAEL!
Watching two clips below (speaking of Waiting To Exhale, Ms. Perry just had to live out her Bernandine fantasy through Angela) and see what I'm talking about:

Random Jam: General Public "Tenderness"

2011-11-26T15:33:00.000-06:00

Twangy guitars, twinkling melodic bells, handclap and shimmering synths meet melancholy lyrics about romantic insecurity in the way only an 80's pop song can in General Public's "Tenderness," a.k.a the closing song from Clueless. I know I wasn't the only one who caught it on TV Thanksgiving Day lol! Get into it below.

Google Sets Transgender "Gold Standard"

2011-11-23T10:29:00.000-06:00

Google has stepped its game up in increasing health care coverage for its transgender employees in the U.S., with other companies expected to follow suit.

Announced internally by company officials Friday and effective immediately, transition-related procedures such as genital surgery and facial feminization for trans women and pectoral surgery for transgender man will be covered under the updated benefits, which are in compliance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's standards of care.

According to WPATH such procedures can be considered medical necessities because of “unique clinical situation of a given patient’s condition and life situation,” according to the organization's seventh version of care standards, published in September.

Google spokesman Jordan Newman told The Advocate "“As the WPATH Standards of Care are considered the highest standards of care for transgender individuals, we agreed to cover the full range of procedures under WPATH.”

The company also plans to more than double the maximum amount for transgender health care benefits from $35,000 to $75,000. Right now there is no timeline for when Google when extend the new benefits to its international employees.

Jamey Rodemeyer's Bullies Not Charged: Police Say Not Enough Proof of Harassment Found

2011-11-23T10:10:00.001-06:00

Police have closed the case of Jamey Rodemeyer, saying that they were unable to prosecute any of his bullies because of lack of evidence. Outrageous.

Rodemeyer killed himself in September after facing bullying that he "could never escape,” he said in posts on the Internet. But Amherst, N.Y., police chief John Askey said that despite the 14-year-old's complaints online about bullying, there wasn't enough evidence of what happened, and the bullying couldn't be pinned to any single student.

For example, police told TheBuffalo News that they had investigated five incidents at North High School and found none had been reported to authorities, leaving investigators to rely on secondhand information.

"In most cases, you need a victim and a complaint," Askey told the News, noting that he isn't satisfied with the outcome.

Read the rest HERE.

WATCH: South African Documentary on African LGBT Refugees

2011-11-22T11:10:00.000-06:00

H/t Rod 2.0

Happy Birthday To Me!

2011-11-21T12:47:00.001-06:00

It's my B-day today, so I'd incorporate a little Madge into the celebration by posting the Truth Or Dare clip of her nasty, hilarious birthday poem to one of her minions. Not exactly a birthday serenade, but it's the next best thing lol. Enjoy.

Lest We Forget....

2011-11-20T14:38:00.000-06:00

Today is the International Transgender Day of Remembrance. Cities around the world in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, France and Greece are holding events to honor transgendered individuals who've lost their lives. View the full list of events HERE.

'Unhate' Ads Spark Controversy

2011-11-18T10:58:00.000-06:00

Benetton's (am I the only one who thought they went out with the 80's lol) new "Unhate" campaign has ruffled more than a few feathers since it debuted a few days ago. The ads, which feature political and religious leaders swapping saliva in a photoshopped kisses include President Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and more, have sparked outrage across the globe. Vatican City's reaction was particularly vitriolic, calling for the ads to removed immediately.

Of course, Benetton using socially-conscious ads is nothing new. But as VIBE's Krystal Holmes pointed out, how much good are the ads actually doing if they are pulled down so quickly and heavily criticized? Discuss.

Eye Candy: Morris Chestnut

2011-11-16T12:13:00.001-06:00

Ahhhh yes. Morris Chestnut. Like my first celeb crush Ken Griffey Jr., my attraction to Ricky has a little back story behind it. Like most black families every month our house received a copy of Ebony. Most of the time I'd flip through the magazine then forget about it. But one month when I was a burgeoning teen queen (pun intended lol) of about 13 or 14 it arrived at our mailbox. An Ebony cover featuring the twin titans of phine, Morris Chestnut and Shemar Moore (Obviously the editors had been proactive in ensuring they'd capture dark chocolate and caramel lovers). Shemar was cool, but Morris was on another level! Chile those lips. That smile. Those broad shoulders. Those biceps. It was lust at first sight.

I immediately snatched the magazine up and raced to my bedroom, salivating over the cover and pics (and there weren't even any shirtless shots!). Usually after I had my fill, I'd put the mag back in its place. But every day after school I'd scoop it up and go through the same routine, until my mother threw it out with the other old issues. I remember being so frustrated that I couldn't find it lol. Luckily through reruns on BET, I was able to see Morris in The Best Man, Boyz N The Hood, Two Can Play That Game and so on. All I can say is that I couldn't have been Taye Diggs and wished I was Vivica! Anyway, get into some pics below (not many shirtless ones, but you know I tried my best!).

Jon Stewart On The Penn State Scandal

2011-11-12T16:25:00.000-06:00

It's about time someone spoke the truth about this mess. Watch below.

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Body of Missing Detroit Trans Teen Found

2011-11-12T16:10:00.000-06:00

Sorry about being late on this guys. Sadly the charred remains of Shelley, the 19-year-old Detroit trans female reported missing two weeks ago, were found near I-94.

Henry Hilliard Jr., 19, also known as Shelley or Treasure, was last seen at 1:20 a.m. on Oct. 23 in the 900 block of Longfellow, wearing a silver dress. The 19-year-old had several piercings and tattoos, including one of cherries on the upper right arm.

Chief Investigator Albert Samuels of the Medical Examiner's office was able to connect the cherry tattoo to the information provided by police to make a match, said spokesman Dennis Niemiec.

Police said they're investigating Hilliard's death as a homicide.

I hope they catch and severely punish whoever did this to Shelley.

Detroit Police Still Searching For Missing Transgender Teen

2011-11-09T17:43:00.001-06:00

Authorities in Detroit are still searching for 19-year-old Henry Hillard Jr., a trans teen who goes by the names Shelley or Treasure. The Detroit Free Press reports she "was last seen at 1:20 a.m. October 23 when a cab driver she often used for transportation dropped her off at home."

"Hilliard’s mother, Lyniece Nelson, said three men were waiting for the teenager when she arrived home. Immediately after the cab drove away, a concerned Hilliard reportedly phoned the driver.

According to the article, the driver heard Hilliard ask “What are you doing?” before screaming “No!” The phone was then reportedly dropped as the driver heard “a few muffling noises” before the phone went dead. By the time the driver returned to the home, Hilliard and the three men were gone."

If anyone has information on the case, they are asked to call Detroit Police at (313) 596-2200 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.

Read the full article HERE.

Oh Snap! Eddie Murphy Quits As Oscar Host

2011-11-09T16:47:00.000-06:00

Eddie Murphy has decided to drop out as host of the 84th Academy Awards, following the resignation of his friend Brett Ratner in the wake of "rehearsal is for fags" gate. Chile, what would Johnny Gill say?

Murphy released a statement but didn’t give a specific reason for his departure. “First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony,” Murphy says. “I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.”

“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” says Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in a statement.

Sounds like Eddie just wants to bow out so he won't be forced to comment on Ratner's comments. Would a simple "He shouldn't have said that," be so wrong? Oh well. Maybe they can get Kathy Griffin, Chris Rock or Neil Patrick Harris to host.

New Music: Madonna "Give Me All Your Love"

2011-11-08T19:39:00.001-06:00

You know I couldn't just ignore this blessed pop cultural event-Madge's newest single/song-in-the works has leaked. And I have to say I love it! It's great that she's shifted gears from club-ready, bass heavy music to a pop/rock sound. "Give Me All Your Love" sounds like "Burning Up" meets "Beautiful Stranger." Don't know those previous two cuts? Then get on up your Madonna game and get into "Give Me All Your Love" below.

To Chi Chi, Thanks For Everything....

2011-11-08T12:33:00.000-06:00

Emmy-winning actor, John Leguizamo, has lent his voice as part of the HRC's Marriage Equality campaign, which previously featured Newark mayor Cory Booker, Academy Award-winning actress Mo’Nique, and NAACP chairman emeritus Julian Bond.

In the video, Leguizamo says "Loving, committed couples should be able to marry the person they love and protect their families. Nothing is more important than family and nothing says family like marriage." The actor is the first Latino to film a spot for the campaign, which plans to release targeted videos that include Republicans for Marriage Equality, African-Americans for Marriage Equality, Latinos for Marriage Equality, and Elected Officials for Marriage Equality in the coming months. View the clip below.

Google, Microsoft, Starbucks Say DOMA Hurts Business

2011-11-08T11:54:00.000-06:00

Now this a new angle on the gay marriage debate. According to The Advocate, last Thursday top companies like Google, Microsoft, and Starbucks filed a brief legally documenting their opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act, saying the law "forces" them to waste time and resources. Apparently discrimination doesn't make sense or cents:

The companies say DOMA "forces" them "to investigate the gender of the spouses of our lawfully married employees and then to single out those employees with a same-sex spouse." For example, HIPPA laws usually consider marriage a "qualifying event" that automatically enrolls a spouse in an employee's health insurance. Companies now spend time and money weeding out any gay employees who get married.

If companies don't want to discriminate, because it hurts their recruiting efforts or they're just opposed to it in principle, then DOMA causes a bunch of "workarounds" that come with wasteful administrative costs of their own.

Companies complain that when a same-sex couple legally marries, it requires them "to maintain two sets of books." That's because the couple is considered married under state law but not married under federal law. "The double entries ripple through human resources, payroll, and benefits administration," they write.

Some of the companies have had to pay consultants to jury-rig systems used to track benefits and taxes so they can accommodate the double records. "These dual regimes have spawned an industry of costly compliance specialists," they complain.

The brief said the law is especially hard on small businesses, who often don't have the money to hire consultants, which in turn may cause them not to hire qualified employees who have a same-sex spouse.

Read the full article, as well as a complete list of companies that signed the brief, HERE.

WATCH: NC Man Arrested After Having Unprotected Sex, Not Revealing HIV Status

2011-11-07T19:42:00.000-06:00

Via Rod 2.0

Random Diva Tribute: Shirley Manson

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Being that Garbage is gearing up for a new album in 2012, I figured it was good a time as any to give props to the ferocious Scottish goddess that is Shirley Manson. For whatever reason, I've always viewed Shirley and Gwen Stefani as being linked in some way. Perhaps it's because they're both frontwomen and their respective bands blew up around the same time. Either way, I've always viewed Shirley as the spice to Gwen's sugar.

While Gwen was cool in non-threatening way, at least on the surface--she can get introspective and down and dirty on occasion--Shirley displayed the flipside to Stefani's easygoing, bubbly persona. True, Gwenny Gwen could scream, mosh and curse with the best of ska boys, but Shirley was/is a whole other creature. Chile, Ms. Manson worked the stage like a panther, prowling around in her combat books or stilettos, her flaming red hair framing her alabaster skin or pulled back into a severe pony tail.

Meanwhile the dramatic, goth-inspired makeup painted across her face made her look both beautiful and tough. You didn't know whether she wanted to kiss you or rip you to shreds. This also carries over into her vocal delivery, which can wail alongside the electronic bleeps and thunderous riffs one minute, be sleek and sexy the next, or pull back the layers to display haunting vulnerability.

Here's hoping to a No Doubt/Garbage co-headlining tour, so I can get the best of both worlds. Get into a few of my fav Garbage vids/performance below.

New Music: Amy Winehouse Ft. Nas "Like Smoke"

2011-11-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

The first offering from Amy Winehouse's posthumous third album Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures has appeared. "Like Smoke" works the familiar jazzy/retro-soul groove the late singer perfected on 2006's Back To Black, with some killer verses from Nas. Taken a listen below.

How Would Your Life Be Different If Homophobia Didn't Exist?

2011-11-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

"What do you think your life would be like, without homophobia, racism, or sexism? A study featured in the journal of Sexuality Research and Social Policy asked the very question to 400 LGBT New Yorkers (wow it really is a gay mecca:). Well I'm not a Yankee, but I'll give it a shot. Perhaps the best the way to go about it is to simply make a list.

In a world without homophobia:

I'd be able to hold my boyfriend's hand in public or give him a quick peck on the cheek without worrying about who is watching and what may happen.
I wouldn't have to think about whether or not to be 'out' at work.
I wouldn't have had to feel (and sometimes still feel) estranged from my immediate and extended family.
I wouldn't have drifted into heavy drug use (I'm not gonna lie and say I never would've experimented), or struggled with depression throughout my teenage years.
I wouldn't have to think about who would actually attend my wedding.
I wouldn't have to had to sit through a church service on pins and needles, hoping that a preacher wouldn't spew out some anti-gay diatribe.
I wouldn't have to had to hide who I was in order to work in the church.
It wouldn't have to taken me as long to feel comfortable in my skin.
I would've been able to date and fully enjoy my adolescence like my straight relatives/friend.
I would have never been physically assaulted because of my sexuality.

I'm sure I could think of more, but I'll stop there. True, homophobia has caused me significant pain in my short lifetime. But on the other hand, without the adversity I faced along the way, would I be the same person I am today? Would I ever had found my voice if I was never forced to stand up for myself against the church, friends and family? Of course, in a world without any -isms, there would be no need to assert myself and my orientation because everyone I encounter would accept it without question. So I guess it's a catch-22.

When it comes to sexism, I guess I've been affected by it in the sense that some take my sexual orientation as a sign of weakness, or wanting to be woman. Or, like a lot of guys, I've at times been afraid to be too outwardly emotional or too supportive of anything that could be construed as feminine out of fear being scorned. Think about it: whenever guys (especially straight/wannbe homothug type guys) want to compliment another guy, what do they always say? "Man that's cool/badass/tight/fly." Anything else leaves room for 'pauses,' 'no homos,' 'that's gays' or whatever other idiotic phrases are currently in vogue to question one's manhood.

As far as racism, it's hard to say. Of course, there's the obvious: black people as a whole would be on better socioeconomic footing with white people, as there would've been no imperialism, slavery, or Jim Crow. We wouldn't have as many hang-ups about our African features (i.e hair, noses, lips, skin etc.). The entire course of America's (and much of the world's) history would be altered. There would be no more fear of racial profiling by police, or feeling that you have to bite your tongue in certain environments, particularly a work/mixed social setting, out of fear being labeled an "angry black man/woman."

But aside from those last two instances, it's hard to think how my life would be different in a truly post-racial society on a day-to-day level. Firstly, like many in our generation, attack dogs, lynchings, separate bathrooms and fire hoses seem like the archaic, barbaric images of a long ago era. Secondly, I can barely think of any examples where I'd heard a white person intentionally say something racist to my face or within ear shot. For the most part, we've been insulated from the more overt displays racism that our parents/grandparents had to witness or endure.

Unlike homophobia, your church, family and the larger black community more often than not nurture, inform you about and show you how to deal with racism, give examples (or serve as examples themselves) of those who've succeed in spite of it, and support you when you encounter it. That same safety net is not there when it comes to being gay and dealing with homophobia. Or at least it wasn't for me.

So how do you think your life would be different in an -ism free world? Discuss.

Random Jam: Whitney Houston "Fine"

2011-11-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

One of Whitney's more low key, and IMO, underrated jams. Get into below.

New Rules Cutting Crack Cocaine Sentences Go Into Effect

2011-11-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

Sick Chickens....

2011-11-02T11:32:00.001-05:00

The next you feel your stomach crying out for Chick-Fil-A's waffle fries, think twice. According The Advocate, the Georgia-based organization donated nearly 2 million dollars to anti-gay organizations back in 2009.

Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy has said that his company doesn't carry an "agenda against anyone," but it's hard to believe that after considering their "philanthropy." Some of the groups the corporation has contributed to through WinShape, the side company created in 1984 for corporate giving, include organizations that not only actively work to end marriage equality, but also groups that attempt to "convert" gay people and one that's considered a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Here are some of WinShape's contributions, according to tax records from 2009:

- Marriage & Family Legacy Fund: $994,199
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes: $480,000
- National Christian Foundation: $240,000
- Focus on the Family: $12,500
- Eagle Forum: $5,000
- Exodus International: $1,000
- Family Research Council: $1,000

While some of the names listed are no surprise, I'm sure I'm not the only one who did a double take when I saw Fellowship of Christian Athletes. FCA? Isn't that just about high school jocks reading the Bible and praying together to score touchdowns and sink three-pointers? Apparently not, as the organization has held conferences where leaders claim people have been "delivered" from homosexuality, and even feature an ex-gay story (a dykedelic P.E. coach) on their website.

View the full extent of Chick-Fil-A's benefactors' activities over at Equality Matters.

WATCH: Julian Bond For Marriage Equality

2011-11-02T11:09:00.000-05:00

The 1%

2011-11-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

I thought this was so hilarious and had to post it. For the record Big Will did not post this lol. But if he wants to show me the 1 percent lifestyle I'm ready!

It's Alive! It's Alive!

2011-10-31T11:21:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Halloween, I'd thought I'd combine my love of the holiday and off-beat artistic expression and post something a little different. That, and since I can't get off work and hit up a party/club dressed as Chun-Li (there's always next year lol), this is the next best thing. Check out a few these extremely lifelike looking pumpkins carved by former art and model designer Ray Villafane below. View the whole gallery HERE.

Homophobic Uganda Group Says Kill The 'Kill The Gays" Bill

2011-10-29T15:20:00.000-05:00

This is a surprise. The National Coalition Against Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse in Uganda has come out against the 2009 "Kill Gays" bill after politicians recently revived the legislation.

The "Kill Gays" bill, which includes strict penalties against homosexuals, including the death penalty for some, "is unrealistic and also diversionary," NCAHSA leader Solomon Male said, according to local media.

The legislation would require people to report incidences of homosexuality; that will be impossible to enforce, Male believes. The pastor also added that Uganda already criminalizes homosexuality and that the African nation hasn't executed anyone since 1999, so a new death penalty charge would be meaningless.

Now if they could just realize gay people are not only deserve to live, but to enjoy equal rights, we'd be getting somewhere. Read the rest HERE.

Two Snaps, A Twist And A Kiss!

2011-10-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

I shouldn't even have to tell you where that phrase comes from. "Men On Film" critics Blaine Edwards and Antoine Merriweather may be making their return to the small screen as In Living Color is slated to be resurrected by Fox.

According to The Advocate, an update of the hit sketch show, which originally ran from 1990-1994, will air on the network this spring in the form of two-hour specials co-executive produced by Keenan Ivory Wayans.

Of course, one of In Living Color's most popular sketches was "Men On Film," in which hosts Edwards and Merriweather (a.k.a Damon Wayans and David Alan Grier) reviewed movies with dialogue laced with gay puns and racy sexual humor while dressed in over the top clothes. While I'll admit as a child I found this funny as hell (I still occasionally snap in Z formation), when I view it now I can't help but squirm a little bit at the extreme stereotypical behavior.

Is it because pop culture has evolved so much when it comes to homosexuality and LGBT visibility (of course things aren't perfect; but you know what I mean) in the past two decades that the sketch now seems hopelessly antiquated and offensive? Or were we as young queens in training (particularly us black gay boys) so starved for gay images that we'd settle for anything? Perhaps, as several posters in The Advocate's comment section stated, if they bring the skit back they should throw out the frilly tops and little hats and add a little more nuance to the jokes.

Watch an old "Men On Film" clip and decide if Antoine and Blaine still tickle your funny bone below.

Long Island Couple Seeks Trademark For 'Occupy Wall Street'

2011-10-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm. In a way I'm surprised, but not surprised. Apparently a Long Island couple is looking to trademark the name "Occupy Wall Street," citing the movement's potential to become a global brand. According to The Smoking Gun:

In a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) application, Robert and Diane Maresca are seeking to trademark the phrase “Occupy Wall St.” so that they can place it on a wide variety of goods, including bumper stickers, shirts, beach bags, footwear, umbrellas, and hobo bags.

The October 18 filing, made in Diane Maresca’s name, cost the couple $975, which Robert Maresca, 44, termed “something of a gamble” in a TSG interview.

Maresca, pictured at right, lives with his wife, an occupational therapist, and three children in West Islip ... asked if his move to stake a legal claim to “Occupy Wall Street” might be seen as a crass attempt to cash in on a movement that has a harsh view of corporations and capitalism, Maresca answered, “No.” Noting that he has a “practical business side,” Maresca added that, “If I didn’t buy it and use it someone else will.”

For the record, I support OWS. High unemployment, a too-big-to-fail mentality and corporations using bailout funds to line their own pockets with bonuses as a reward for screwing the economy faster than two jack rabbits hopped up on speed are things we should all be speaking out against. And while we're on the subject, I don't believe any company in a capitalist system should be too big to fail. After a certain amount of assistance had been given, the government should've told AIG, Fannie and Freddie and the rest of them to get off the teat and fend for themselves. After all isn't that Republican gospel? And don't even get me started on the supposed 53% 'backlash,' which really seems to be a band of fools who have deluded themselves into thinking massa in the Big House actually cares about them and that working yourself to death and having nothing to show for it is some kind of noble, all-American sacrifice. But I digress.

However, this branding talk makes me a little uneasy. Part of the reason I feel OWS has succeeded so far is because it has operated outside of the mainstream. It has been an organic, grassroots movement born out of real anger at how messed up things are in our country right now, and has spread through alternate channels like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr, free from the reach of media and pundits, who want to define and categorize it as another version of the "Us vs. Them," conservative vs. liberal divide that has been American politics for the past decade.

In the interest of disclosure, yes I do work in the (very local) media (chile I'm light years away from working for Brian Williams), but I'm talking about those who want to water the movement down into a 30-second soundbite for the 24-hour news cycle, in lieu of doing real investigation.

Anyway, my fear is that this trademark, which will not likely make a dent in the long haul--Maresca doesn't seem all that powerful and influential--could inspire others to do the same, turning OWS from something with the potential to truly shake things up into the latest trend. Pain and frustration could simply be funneled into another fad to be co-opted by corporations, sold to consumers and tossed aside. I can see XXX-sized, airbrushed t-shirts being sold at gas-stations, "real" housewives clutching "99 percent" handbags and vacuous queens pumping down the street with glittery fitted tees that say "Occupy Me Bitch" now....

Read the whole article HERE.

WATCH: Mo' Nique's Americans For Marriage Equality Video

2011-10-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

Academy Award-winning actress Mo'Nique has lent her voice to the Americans For Marriage Equality campaign, the Human Rights Campaign-backed nationwide public education initiative.

“I believe since we’ve all been given free will, let’s use our will to let others be free,” says the Precious star and talk show host. “Gay and lesbian couples, they believe in commitment, family and love. If you don’t believe me, did you happen to notice that all that’s being asked for is the right to be married, which ironically promotes commitment, family and love? Join me and support marriage equality. It’s the right thing to do.”

According to The Advocate, the campaign, which launched last week with a video from Newark mayor Cory Booker, aims to release themed videos that including Republicans for Marriage Equality, African-Americans for Marriage Equality, Latinos for Marriage Equality, and Elected Officials for Marriage Equality. Watch Mo'Nique's video below.

True Blood's Alan Ball Developing HBO Medical Drama

2011-10-22T14:53:00.000-05:00

Alan Ball is developing a new show that's worlds away from supernatural blood suckers.

The True Blood showrunner is developing Wichita, an hourlong drama about a Kansas surgeon who inadvertently becomes the focal point of a contemporary political, cultural and ethical war.

Ball is set to executive produce the HBO project with writer Devin Friedman, the author behind the 2010 GQ article "Savior vs. Savior" about the late Dr. George Tiller, a Wichita, Kansas, doctor who was one of the few physicians who provided late-term abortions.

Tiller, who was the medical director of the Women's Health Care Services facility, survived an assassination attempt in 1993 and was shot in the eye and killed by anti-abortion activist Scott Roeder in 2009. Roeder was convicted of murder last year.

Ball would executive produce the hourlong project alongside Jimmy Miller with Friedman penning the project and serving as co-executive producer.

In a way the show sounds like vintage Ball, dealing with themes of morality, life and death, and contentious subject matter, albeit in a less surreal way.

Are you looking forward to this?

You Betta Werk!

2011-10-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

For those still laboring (pun intended) under the delusion that all gay men are fashion and/or interior designers or hairstylists, and lesbians are Paul Bunyan-esque lumberjacks, The Advocate's 'A Day In Gay America' a photo gallery of pictures taken of the magazine's readers at their job, shows just how diverse and *gasp* ordinary most of our jobs really are, celebrity encounters notwithstanding. View the whole gallery HERE.

Random Jam: Tears For Fears 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World'

2011-10-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

Pure 80's pop goodness (with deep and surprisingly insightful lyrics about power, war and conflict). Get into it below.

Transgender Center To Open In Philadelphia

2011-10-19T16:06:00.001-05:00

The city of brotherly love will soon have its own health center geared exclusive towards transgender people. While a specific site has not been released yet, there are hopes that The Morris Home will open next month, according to Sade Ali, deputy commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health.

“We are hoping to get the doors opened in November,” she said. “Everyone deserves access to services and a place to go.”

Such facilities are needed, as transgender people like Jaden Hensley find themselves being turned away by some of the city's other homeless shelters. Hensley, a transgender man, was told "we don't accept transgenders" by security guard when he visited the Appletree Center homeless intake center last month.

“It’s against city policy to discriminate against LGBTs in city-funded programs,” said Ali.“Can we monitor 24 hours a day the actions of folks who don’t understand the ordinance? I wish we could.”

The center will be funded by the city and will offer comprehensive health care for trans men and women.