Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Galantis and ROZES - Boys On Boys
A bunch of handsome fellas are featured in this cool cover of Galantis and ROZES’ single “Girls on Boys” called “Boys on Boys.”
The video is directed by Jake Wilson and was filmed at Nowhere Bar in NYC. A few of the gents featured in the video are Sam Digiovanni, Jeff Chastain, Johnny Dister, Adam Perry, Johnny Sibilly and Scott Bixby, among others.
Tori Amos: The First Place That Gave Me A Chance Professionally Was A Gay Club
On getting her start in a gay bar:
Well, when I was 13 years old, the first place that gave me a chance professionally was a gay club. There were all men there. My father had his clerical collar on as a minister [and we were] turned down at all these other piano bars. We walked into Mr. Henry’s on Wisconsin Avenue and there was a man there with a studded something. It should have been a key but my Dad didn’t get it. And he asked, “Will you give my daughter a chance?” And the person said, “Can she play?” And my dad said, “Yes, she can.” And the person said, “Well, she can play for tips and then lets see how it goes.”
On using that experience to expand her musical horizons:
The audience embraced me and started asking me to play songs that I hadn’t heard of. I knew hundreds of songs but I didn’t know necessarily all the ones that were being requested of me. I had The Beatles’ catalogue, but they weren’t really asking for that. They wanted musical theater, show tunes, and ’40s, some of those wonderful torch songs. So they made a deal with me. They said, “If you learn as many as you can and come back next week, we will be here.” I went and learned things and then I came back and back and back. And that was the beginning.
NBA's Jason Collins and MLS's Robbie Rogers Talk Allies in the Locker Room and Coming Out
Former NBA star Jason Collins and LA Galaxy star Robbie Rogers recently sat down together to discuss how their coming out affect professional sports and how the allies in their lives helped pave the way for them to live their true lives. The video is the third in a series of stories from a partnership between Barefoot Wine and OUT, titled “One Stride, Many Journeys.”
Check out the video after the jump and be aware, it autostarts!
Check out the video after the jump and be aware, it autostarts!
Rhein Haus: Serving Up Weiners Und Balls in Downtown Denver
The Debt Free Guys Are Frugal, Yet Fabulous, Tonight on Facebook Live
Nice To See StevieB: Nothing But Net
By StevieB
If you follow my non sequiturs elsewhere on the web, you would have noticed that I have started going to the gym after midnight. This is for several reasons: I’m up anyway, the gym is empty and I don’t have to wait of equipment, but mostly it is due to my worsening Agoraphobia, or Anthropophobia. It is easier to have the entire gym to myself in the middle of the night.
A couple of weeks back I stepped into the empty basketball court, just to get a drink of water. As I paused to wipe my chin I noticed the basketball court was completely flooded with light. A sense of emptiness was overwhelming as it usually was filled to capacity with guys at various stages of shooting hoops. That night it was deserted. The smell of the hardwood, along with the strange buzz left-over from high school gym class hung in the air. I get a strange feeling on basketball courts. A feeling of wanting to be in control, wanting the mastery of the wood and colorful lines, the enjoyment and comradeship of competition. Yet, as I stood next to the water fountain, the feeling of eighth grade gym class washed over me. The same feeling I would get from sitting in the CEO chair in a board room, hosting a dinner party, or being in front of a naked woman. A feeling of not understanding what should happen. A feeling that everyone around me knows the natural chain of events (enjoys them in fact) but hasn’t let me into the circle.
As I turned to leave the uncomfortable environment, I noticed a basket ball over in the corner.... Without thinking I went over and picked it up. I attempted to dribble. I wasn’t that bad. Until I hit my shoe. I walked out in front of the basket. All the technique I had ever learned was from Mr. Johnson’s gym class during the First Bush administration.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Missed.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Not even close.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Missed.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Hit the rim.
I left the court, and turned in the ball to the front desk as if I had a great game with my boys. The next night I found myself back on the wood.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Not even close.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Hit the rim.
I had watched a dozen YouTube videos. I took notes on finding my aim...
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Hit the rim.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.
I squealed. As I heard the squee bounce off the gym walls the glass court door opened and in walked a couple of guys talking to me in Greek about a “pick up” game. I pretended I was a deaf-mute and ran out of the court like a chunky eight year old girl running home, after the mean girls would not let her play Barbies. I left the ball on the wood.
The next night. I stood with fortitude. I announced to the empty gym, “This is Sparta!”
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.
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OUT on Netflix: The Freedom To Marry
Now available on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon and Vimeo. N
Field Medic - Do A Little Dope
Noisey, who premiered the song and interviewed Patrick, are calling it "undeniably infectious and darkly funny."
Athletes Call on UN States to Protect Sexual Orientation in Olympic Truce
The Olympic Truce Resolution promotes civility among nations during the Olympics and the one week preceding and one week following the games. It is negotiated by all 193 United Nations Member States every two years. In 2015 it included, by unanimous consensus, a reference to Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter. Principle 6 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation at the Olympic Games.
Breanna Stewart, 2016 US Olympic basketball competitor, commented on the situation, saying,
“Sport and society thrive when we embrace the diversity of our world. The Olympic spirit is grounded in inclusion, fair play and solidarity, and the explicit mention of Principle 6 within the Olympic Truce Resolution sends a clear message that we take these values seriously.””This year, the inclusion of Principle 6 has come under attack, with States, such as Egypt and Russia, trying to remove all reference to Principle 6 from the Olympic Truce. Both countries have openly persecuted and criminalized lesbian, gay, and bisexual people at home and exported their homophobic agenda to the United Nations.
The letter released today emphasizes that, “At a moment when oppressed communities around the world remain under attack, we can’t afford to turn our back on our most vulnerable communities. Explicit reference to Principle 6 in the Olympic Truce Resolution sends a strong signal of our community’s support of respect, inclusion and diversity -- values sport holds inherently close. Afterall, regardless of where in the world we practice sport, the rules are the same and apply to everyone. They are based on our shared values.”
Layshia Clarendon, a WNBA basketball star, also voiced her opinion on the inclusion of Principle 6, stating,
“Athletes and fans deserve the opportunity to enjoy the Olympic Movement free of the fear of discrimination, and should have the ability to live openly and authentically -- regardless of sexual orientation. I believe sports performance happens at its highest level when one feels unburdened and free to focus on their games. The explicit mention of Principle 6 within the Olympic Truce Resolution sends a clear message that we take inclusion seriously.”Luckily, with thanks to cross-regional support and pushback from key Member States, the efforts of Egypt and Russia have so far failed and Principle 6 still remains in the Truce. However, there is still time for Egypt and Russia to thwart a consensus and challenge the inclusion of Principle 6 in the Olympic Truce.
Hudson Taylor, Founder and Executive Director, Athlete Ally, commented,
“We’re witnessing the greatest expansion of athletic activism in modern history -- never before have we seen athletes speaking out so regularly for the protection and inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Today, the athletic community stands with its LGBTQ constituents and commits to not being sidelined in the fight for equality.”Seventeen professional athletes have signed on to the letter and reject any opposition by Egypt and Russia, as well as any other State, that is attempting to undermine the spirit of the Olympics. OutRight Action International and Athlete Ally stand with all the athletes in calling for public support of States to include reference to Principle 6 in the Olympic Truce.
A vote on the Olympic Truce Resolution will be made on November 13th, 2017.
Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, concludes,
"Egypt and Russia are invested in promoting discrimination at the Olympics, undermining the very spirit of the games. Thankfully, there are other States which recognize that there is no place for discrimination at the Olympics. Today, we hear clearly from these Olympians that the Games is a place for friendly competition, athleticism, and diversity, not a place for politics and divisiveness."The letter and signatories can be found here.
Historic Election Night Victories Make 2017 the Year of the Trans Candidate
“Hostile political forces at every level of government are targeting the trans community with legislation and policies that deny their equality,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. “Tonight was about fighting back – an unprecedented number of brilliant trans candidates asking for the votes of tens of thousands of Americans, and getting them. They are victorious because they focused on the local issues that matter most to their constituents – better schools, improved transportation and civil rights for all people. But it is also an undeniably historic night for the LGBTQ movement and for trans equality, having moved the needle on what is possible for a trans leader who aspires to run for office and make positive change. Now we have more trans voices in the halls of power, and 2017 will be remembered as the year of the trans candidate.”
Victory Fund invested heavily in its trans endorsed candidates this cycle, bundling hundreds of thousands of dollars in down-ballot races to dramatically increase the number of trans elected officials in the country. It sent staff to get out the vote for Danica Roem, Andrea Jenkins and Phillipe Cunningham, and provided regular campaign strategy sessions to help them target constituents and get out the vote.
Danica Roem, Virginia House of Delegates, District 13 (pictured): Danica will become the first out trans person to win and serve in a state legislature, and will be the only out trans state legislator in the nation once she takes office. Victory Fund raised more than $200 thousand to help her defeat three primary opponents, and then 25-year incumbent Bob Marshall, who proudly describes himself as “chief homophobe” of the Virginia state legislature. Victory Fund also organized dozens of volunteers to help get out the vote on election day and in the days leading up to it.
Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8: Andrea is the first openly trans woman ever elected to the city council of a major U.S. city, and will be the only openly trans person of color currently serving in elected office anywhere in the nation. Andrea was featured at Victory Fund’s national event in May and thousands of dollars were bundled on her behalf.
Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs City Council (CA): Lisa is the first openly trans person to win a legislative seat in the state of California, and Victory Fund held a fundraiser on her behalf. Lisa is a former Victory Institute Empowerment Fellow and a graduate of Victory Institute’s Candidate & Campaign Training – a four-day intensive training simulation aimed at building the skills necessary to run for office.
Tyler Titus, Erie School Board (PA): Tyler is the first openly trans person ever elected in Pennsylvania. Victory Fund provided national exposure to Tyler’s race, securing articles in the Daily Beast and other publications.
Additionally, results are still coming in for Phillipe Cunningham, who ran for Minneapolis City Council’s ward 4 seat. If he wins, Phillipe will join Andrea Jenkins as the only out trans people to be elected to the city council of a major U.S. city.
Currently just six openly trans people are elected officials nationwide.
Election Night Victories Expand LGBTQ Political Power; Trans Candidates Become Historic Firsts
While returns continue coming in, election results so far demonstrate LGBTQ political power is strengthening nationwide, and that transgender candidates are breaking down barriers like never before. 38 of 61 Victory Fund endorsed candidates won their elections, with four still undecided and one heading to a run-off – wins including historic victories by transgender candidates in school boards, city councils and the Virginia House of Delegates. Among the victorious candidates are Jenny Durkan, lesbian candidate for mayor of Seattle; Danica Roem, trans candidate for Virginia House of Delegates; and Andrea Jenkins and Phillipe Cunningham, trans candidates for Minneapolis City Council. Throughout the election cycle Victory Fund raised more than $350 thousand for its endorsed candidates.
“From state legislatures to city councils to school boards, we continue to grow our influence and political power in ways unimaginable even a decade ago,” said Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills. “Voters are increasingly supportive of our candidates and our rights, making it a historic night for equality and for those LGBTQ candidates who shattered lavender ceilings and broke down barriers. And it was a revolutionary election night for our trans candidates – nearly doubling the number of out trans elected officials and making 2017 the year of the trans candidate.”
“From state legislatures to city councils to school boards, we continue to grow our influence and political power in ways unimaginable even a decade ago,” said Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills. “Voters are increasingly supportive of our candidates and our rights, making it a historic night for equality and for those LGBTQ candidates who shattered lavender ceilings and broke down barriers. And it was a revolutionary election night for our trans candidates – nearly doubling the number of out trans elected officials and making 2017 the year of the trans candidate.”
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Daddy - I'm A Sword Swallower
Daddy, the duo comprised of James Franco and Tim O’Keefe, have premiered the visuals for “I’m A Sword Sword Swallower” remixes by Tim O’Keefe and Concret via The Music Ninja here. The videos were created by Yang Shen and Yiyang Cao, respectively. Both remixes come from Daddy’s latest project Let Me Get What I Want - The Remixes album, released in September here, and were featured in a collection of “I’m A Sword Swallower” remixes here.
Trump's trans military ban: Equality CA hits back
“California has the highest number of service members and LGBT people of any state in the country. Trump’s ban is a baseless, malicious attack on our own,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re in this fight, and we’ll keep fighting until this ban poses zero threat to our community and our military.”
“Last week, we secured a nationwide injunction that halts Trump’s ban,” said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter. “Right now, every transgender service member is protected, and qualified transgender Americans who wish to enlist can do so as of January 1, 2018. But we know this battle is not over—every federal court that declares this ban unconstitutional moves us closer to a permanent end to this nightmare for our dedicated and courageous service members.”
“Trump’s not playing with toy soldiers – these are real people whose lives are at stake. Thousands of transgender Americans are currently serving in our armed forces, and these highly trained, dedicated, and courageous service members have been experiencing real harms since Trump’s impulsive Twitter announcement, ” said GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi. “Last week’s clear and powerful ruling from Judge Kollar-Kotelly confirmed what we already know: Trump’s ban contradicts military leaders and expert research, and is based on nothing more than bias against the transgender community. We won’t stop fighting until we are assured every qualified transgender American who wishes to serve our country can do so on equal terms with all other service members.”
Today’s filing is strengthened by reasoning included in Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s recent ruling, and on these key arguments:
• In Stockman, the Trump administration makes the same arguments that Judge Kollar-Kotelly found to “wither under scrutiny” and relies on Interim Guidance characterized by Judge Kollar-Kotelly as a “red herring,”
• Under Trump’s ban, Stockman plaintiffs suffer actual, imminent, concrete harms:
Plaintiffs are targeted for forced separation solely because they are transgender and will suffer the loss of tenure, career prospects, and medical care,
• Plaintiffs are able and ready to accede into service but are categorically excluded simply because they are transgender Americans, and Plaintiffs suffer from the injustice of a discriminatory classification that demeans their abilities and fitness to serve as transgender people.
In addition to Equality California, plaintiffs in Stockman v. Trump, filed September 5, 2017, include three unnamed and four named plaintiffs. The named plaintiffs include Nicolas Talbott from Lisbon, Ohio, a 23-year old who wants to enlist but is unable to do so because of the ban, and Aiden Stockman from Yucca Valley, California, a 20-year old who wants to join the Air Force and took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test in high school. Aiden currently works at a local grocery store and sees the Air Force as a promising career as well as a way to serve his country, but has been prevented from moving forward because of the ban. Tamasyn Reeves, 29, started the process to enlist in the military but has been unable to serve because of the ban. Jaquice Tate, 27, is an active-duty member of the Army, serving as a Sergeant, E-5 Rank. Unnamed plaintiffs who do not wish to disclose their names include John Doe 1, a 28-year old currently serving as a Non-Commissioned Officer E-5 Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. John Doe 2 is a 20-year old currently serving as an E-4 Specialist (SPC) Operator-Maintainer in the Army. Jane Doe is currently serving as a Staff Sergeant, E-5 Rank, in the Air Force, a Risk Management Framework Program Manager at a strategically important overseas base.
Former top military leaders who were instrumental in the meticulous year-long process of assessing and adopting a policy of open service for transgender service members have lent their voices in legal cases against the ban, including retired Admiral and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen, former Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, former Secretary of the Navy Raymond Edwin Mabus, Jr., and former Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. All of these leaders have expressed their strong concern about the negative effects of Trump’s ban on military readiness, national security, and morale.
A hearing in Stockman v. Trump is scheduled for November 20 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Equality California, NCLR, and GLAD will continue to fight Trump’s ban in court until it no longer poses any threat to transgender Americans currently serving or who dream of serving our country.
In addition to NCLR and GLAD, plaintiffs in Stockman v. Trump are also represented by Latham & Watkins LLP.
The Annual Fine Art Market and ACES Show & Sale begin November 30
The popular Fine Art Market Show & Sale is back at the Arvada Center this holiday, now in its 31st year! The market features all original works in a wide range of media, size, and price by more than 90 artists throughout Colorado. The 10th annual ACES Show & Sale also returns, featuring work by the Arvada Center’s instructors and students. Both shows open November 30 with a free opening reception and run until December 17, 2017.
The Arvada Center’s Fine Art Market Show & Sale remains a delightful and unique place to do holiday shopping or just general art buying. Come find handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts for you or someone on your holiday shopping list from 95 Colorado artists! A free opening reception, with the opportunity to meet the artists, will take place in the Main and Upper Galleries Thursday, November 30 from 5-9 p.m.
While attending the Fine Art Market, plan to visit the 10th Annual ACES Show & Sale in the Arvada Center’s Upper Gallery. Over 50 instructors and students from the Center’s own outstanding ceramics studio are offering an extensive selection of works, most items are irresistibly priced!
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