Nice To See StevieB: Fabulous Up Lighting

By StevieB

When I was twelve, my mother bought me a lava lamp. Apparently wanting to stir up some straight-dude stoner tendencies in me. It was one of the first generation knock-offs and had red wax inside the glass cylinder. I watched in a transfixed manner as the red lava slowly moved up and down due to the heat from a 60 watt light bulb in the base of the lamp. This fascination lasted three days. Since I was a flaming gay twelve year old, I soon pulled out the glass portion of the lamp and placed the base behind a tall plant in the corner of my room to make fabulous up lighting. I still see how the light interacted with the leafy foliage on my bedroom ceiling. Much more hypnotizing than a lava lamp could ever be.

It took me just about a month to set up the "lighting scheme" in my new house. With my inner gay boy directing how to emotional impact the white walls with a lightscape. The first step was to drag out the countless number of extension cords, then map out the best use of each fixture. The best part; however, is the Wi-Fi. Every light, every switch, is controlled by my Wi-Fi network and controlled by my iPhone. It’s just like living in the god-damn future. This network, via a wireless hub, senses when I come home and triggers a light-scape before I enter my front door. When triggered, via the sun going down, a soft dimmed glow comes from most lights. All while being voice controlled by my Google Home thingy. I simply say "Hey Google, turn on the closet lights." And the closets are dramatically bathed in LED glow.

Yes, I am aware that really this stems from two much free time and a disposable income. But, the potted palms have never looked lovelier in the late evening. As their leafy foliage dances on the Livingroom ceiling.

Jonas Brothers Comeback With Record-Breaking Debut

Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum Jonas Brothers—capture #1 on the Billboard 200 with their blockbuster fifth full-length album, Happiness Begins. The band delivers the biggest debut of 2019 with total consumption of 414K units, including 68 million streams (Nielsen).

Get it HERE via Republic Records.

As the third #1 album of their career and first release since 2009, this #1 bow represents a landmark moment for the group and pop at large as they retain the place at the top of the charts they claimed a decade ago. Jonas Brothers notably achieve the biggest sales week of 2019 for an album. Not to mention, Happiness Begins generated a greater total consumption of more than the rest of the Billboard 200’s Top 10 combined!

A global success, the album also landed at #1 in Canada, with additional career high debuts in countries including UK, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands and more.

These achievements solidify the Jonas Brothers return as the biggest pop event of 2019.

“Sucker” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the first #1 for the band and the first #1 debut from a group this century. Recently ranked #1 on Billboard’s critic's picks list of the “50 Best Songs of 2019,” it has become a song of the summer anthem.  At radio, the multiplatinum Billboard Hot 100 #1 smash “Sucker” continues to dominate, rapidly ascending to #1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart where it led for eight weeks- the most for any song this year and longest running #1 since Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” in 2017.  The song also recaptured the #1 spot on Billboard's Adult Pop Songs chart, as the band’s follow up single “Cool” approaches the Top 10 on Pop Songs.

The historic week kicked off with the release of the band’s highly anticipated documentary Chasing Happiness—available now exclusively via Amazon Prime Video. In support of the release, the band made several high-profile media appearances throughout the campaign, including a surprise launch on The Late Late Show With James Corden, a performance on the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, Saturday Night Live, the season finale of The Voice, MTV’s TRL and more.  In addition, they graced the covers of Billboard, Paper Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar’s first ever Men’s Bazaar cover.  Most recently, they performed on the Today Show Summer Concert Series- which saw record breaking crowds- and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the band debuted their next single “Only Human.” Up next, the band will appear on NBC’s new hit show Songland, which stars GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter, producer, and lead singer of the multi-platinum band OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, who was a producer on the album.

Watch their debut performance of “Only Human” on Fallon HERE.

After selling out multiple shows, the Happiness Begins Tour will kick off August 7^th in Miami, FL with special guests Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw.  The band will then release their upcoming memoir Blood, which is available for pre-order HERE now and will be released in November 2019.

Bipartisan Coalition of Lawmakers and Advocates Opposes Confirmation of Anti-LGBTQ Trump Judicial Nominee

Advocates and lawmakers will hold a press call tomorrow to demand Senators reject the nomination of Matthew Kacsmaryk to a lifetime appointment as a federal district judge.

A bipartisan coalition of Senators now opposes the nomination of Kacsmaryk, who has built his career on extreme opposition to any form of legal protections for LGBTQ people, including the Equality Act recently passed by the U.S. House.

His professional life has been marked by toxic rhetoric about members of the LGBTQ community: he has called transgender people “problematic,” claimed being transgender is a “delusion,” suggested the LGBTQ rights movement is “typified by lawlessness,” and called for a “long war” against nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Given his record, no serious person could expect his courtroom to be a fair one.

Kacsmaryk’s record also includes extreme hostility to reproductive freedom, including his strong criticism of the Supreme Court’s landmark precedent in Roe v. Wade.

In December, over 300 parents and caregivers of transgender youth signed a letter opposing the nomination of Matthew Kacsmaryk, stating, “Confirming Mr. Kacsmaryk as a federal judge would send a damaging and dangerous message that the dignity of children like ours does not count in the courts, or in the U.S. Senate.”

Nationwide PBS Premiere 'The Lavender Scare' This Week

Award-winning, timely documentary The Lavender Scare will have its PBS premiere nationwide THIS WEEK on June 18 at 9:00PM, re-airing throughout June on digital channels. (For more details check local listings or pbs.org)

With the United States gripped in the panic of the 1950s Cold War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deemed homosexuals to be “security risks” and vowed to rid the federal government of all employees discovered to be gay or lesbian.

Over the next four decades,the longest witch-hunt in American history, tens of thousands of government workers would lose their jobs for no reason other than their sexual orientation.

But the mass firings have an unintended effect: they stirred outrage in the gay community, helped ignite the gay rights movement, and thrust an unlikely hero into the forefront of the LGBTQ fight for equality.Partly based on the award-winning book by historian David K. Johnson, The Lavender Scare illuminates a little-known chapter of American history, and serves as a timely reminder of the value of vigilance and social action when civil liberties are under attack.

Director Josh Howard is a producer and broadcast executive with more than 25 years of experience in news and documentary production. He has been honored with 24 Emmy Awards, mostly for his work on the CBS News broadcast 60 Minutes.

As Vice President of Long Form Programming for CNBC, he created a unit that produced a series of award-winning documentaries focusing on American business. The 90-minute film Big Brother, Big Business, which explored the ways in which corporate America works hand-in-hand with the government to collect information about the personal habits of private citizens, won the Emmy Award for Best Documentary on a Business Topic, one of three Emmy Awards he earned for CNBC.

Taylor Swift's 'Lover' Sets Apple Music Pre-Add Records

Taylor Swift's 7th studio album Lover has already set a new Apple Music record...and it's not even out yet!

Lover is officially the most pre-added album by a female artist ever on Apple Music in the first day with 178.6K Pre-Adds worldwide, breaking the previous record set by thank u, next by Ariana Grande.

The album has also set the record for most pre-added pop album in its first day worldwide.

Since opening pre-adds on Thursday June 13th, Lover has seen 222.4K Pre-Adds worldwide and that number continues to grow exponentially.

Lover drops everywhere August 23. Until then...You need to calm down!

For all things Taylor Swift on Apple Music, click HERE.

HRC: Trump-Pence Administration’s Attacks on LGBTQ Workers

President Trump might be launching a new campaign, but in reality, we know that it's the same anti-equality Trump-Pence Administration we’ve come to know.

Throughout Trump’s Presidency, this White House has led a coordinated assault on LGBTQ workers and our rights.

Here are some of the lowlights of the Trump-Pence Administration’s attacks on LGBTQ workers: 

1. Opposition to the Equality Act: Despite support from almost every segment of the US population and a majority of Republicans, President Trump opposed the Equality Act. Last month, the House passed the Equality Act, voting to guarantee critical non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ workers and allowing them to be who they are openly on the job without risk of being fired. 

2. Rollback of Obama-Era Non-Discrimination Protections: Trump’s Department of Justice upended previous DOJ interpretations of the Civil Rights Act that protects transgender and non-binary workers from employment discrimination and ceased enforcing non-discrimination protections as well as taking a hostile stance to LGBTQ workers in court. 

3. Planned New Rules to License Discrimination: Trump’s Department of Labor issued a directive that designed to allow federal contractors claim a religious exemption to fire LGBTQ workers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

FX Networks Partners with True Colors United to Create Self-Care Kits for U.S. Homeless Charities

FX Networks has announced a new partnership with True Colors United to create and distribute self-care kits to charitable organizations that are committed to ending homelessness amongst LGBTQ youth.

The partnership was inspired by the second season of Pose, the acclaimed and award-winning FX drama series that includes storylines addressing the consequences of homelessness, ranging from sexual abuse and exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse, in addition to challenges entering the job market. In the United States, 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ peers (Pulled from True Colors United’s website).

Founded in 2008, True Colors United implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people. Through a wide array of advocacy, training and education, and youth collaboration programs, True Colors United is creating a world where all young people can be their true selves.

"When it comes to homelessness, LGBTQ youth are overrepresented and underserved. We're proud to partner with FX Networks and Pose to put self-care kits into the hands of young people across the country,” says Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO, True Colors Fund. “The organizations we're sending these to provide essential services to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness and make an incredible impact in their communities. United, we can create a world where every young person, wherever they live, is celebrated for being their authentic self."

Following are the 14 organizations that are beneficiaries of the newly announced initiative:

• Housing Works (New York, NY)
• Hetrick-Martin Institute (New York, NY)
• Exponents (New York, NY)
• HEAT (New York, NY)
• Destination Tomorrow (New York, NY)
• Reach LA (Los Angeles, CA)
• NAESM (Atlanta, GA)
• Abounding Prosperity (Dallas, TX)
• Us Helping Us (Washington, D.C.)
• APEB (Oakland, CA)
• Posse Project at CHOP (Philadelphia, PA)
• LGBT Life Center of Hampton Roads (Norfolk, VA)
• Howard Brown Health (Chicago, IL)
• Department of Pediatrics: Adolescent Medicine at Tulane School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA)

“We are very happy to be partnering with True Colors United on this initiative and appreciate the generosity of the brands that contributed to this effort. Pose has fearlessly shined a light on issues facing the LGBTQ community and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark the return of the series, than to bring support to those affected. Our hope is that this program will bring awareness to these amazing organizations and the incredible work they do,” adds Kenya Hardaway, SVP of Integrated Promotions at FX Networks.

The self-care kits spotlight key items that the 14 organizations require to help LGBTQ youth. The items are being generously donated by brands such as Candywirez, Icelandic Glacial Water, KIND Snacks, Milk Makeup, Native Deodorant, and Vital Proteins.

Preserving Stonewall: Only 15% of Americans know the birthplace of LGBTQ rights

Bospar, the boutique PR firm that puts tech companies on the map, has discovered that a vast majority of Americans don’t know that New York’s Stonewall Inn is where the key turning point in LGBTQ rights started 50 years ago. In fact, only 15% of its survey respondents got it right. Bospar conducted the survey for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising for this June’s Pride Month, polling over 2,000 American adults from May 24-31, 2019.

It was interesting to see which demographic groups could correctly identify the Stonewall Inn as the location which catalyzed the explosive growth of the LGBTQ rights movement:

• Straight – 13% correct
• Gay/Lesbian – 38% correct
• Bisexual – 26% correct
• Trans – 27% correct
• Intersex – 45% correct
• Queer/Gender Fluid – 17% correct
• Democrat – 20% correct
• Republican – 13% correct
• Income Under $50,000 – 13% correct
• Income Over $175,000 – 22% correct

“LGBTQ history is vital to understanding why we’re celebrating the 50^thanniversary of the Stonewall Uprising this month,” said Ken Lustbader, co-director of the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project.  “What started out as a routine police raid at a Mafia-run bar was a key turning point in the LGBTQ liberation movement. Stonewall, as a bar, has been transformed from a site of oppression to a place of reflection and celebration. The poll conducted by Bospar is a call to action to not erase LGBTQ history and make it visible as a means to inform the next generation about the valiant efforts of activists who fought for their rights. LGBTQ history is American history.”

President Obama designated the Stonewall National Monument, America's first LGBTQ national park site, in June 2016.  In March 2019, CyArk, a heritage preservation non-profit, announced it had completed the first 3D digital record of the Stonewall National Monument. CyArk used data to create a photorealistic digital record of the Stonewall Inn to aid in the preservation of the national monument and make these historic sites accessible to visitors across the globe for generations to come.

This is important because, according to Bospar’s research, a majority of Americans (58%) would want to visit the Stonewall – and if they couldn’t do it in person, even more Americans (79%) would want to connect with such a historical place online, including taking a 3D virtual tour.

"These survey results show the need to make the story of the Stonewall Uprising accessible to everyone and engage the LBGTQ community with an important part of their history,” said John Ristevski, CEO of CyArk.  "We hope that this digital record can give new life to the story of the Stonewall riots and engage a whole new audience on this pivotal moment in LGBTQ history."

“Having access to the Stonewall Inn, whether physically or virtually, as well as other locations and stories of the LGBTQ movement, is critical to ensuring diversity in all aspects of life — the workplace, media and politics,” said Gabrielle Ayala, a principal of Propeller Insights.  “The data shows that acceptance is largely impacted by the perception that there are shared values between all of us, and I can’t think of a better way of helping people discover those shared values than by making this story readily available to all.”

“Americans pride themselves on being a beacon of freedom – and for many, nothing can be more freeing than being yourself,” said Curtis Sparrer, a Bospar principal.  “In that way, Pride is probably one of the greatest American exports.  According to our research, an overwhelming majority of Americans – 82% – say that LGBTQ rights are important.  And that wouldn’t have happened without the Stonewall Inn.  That’s why it’s so important to preserve its legacy for the future.”

OUT on DVD/VOD: The Most Dangerous Year

In early 2016, when a dark wave of anti-transgender “bathroom bills” began sweeping across the nation, The Human Rights Campaign published a report identifying 2016 as the most dangerous year for transgender Americans. In Washington State alone, six such “bathroom bills” were introduced in the State Legislature. Filmmaker Vlada Knowlton captured the ensuing civil rights battle from the perspective of a group of embattled parents as they banded together to fight a deluge of proposed laws that would strip away the rights of their young transgender children. With the help of a coalition of state lawmakers and civil rights activists, these families embarked on an uncharted journey of fighting to protect and preserve their children’s human rights and freedoms in this present-day civil rights movement. As one of these parents, Knowlton presents an intimate portrait of her own struggle to protect her 5-year-old transgender daughter from laws inspired by hate and fear. Take a look at the trailer here.

From tension-filled Senate hearings in Olympia to intimate household settings of the families involved; from thought provoking conversations with key lawmakers to elucidating facts explained by leading scientists, The Most Dangerous Year explores the transgender civil rights battle in all its richness and complexity. While the film follows the story and outcome of anti-transgender legislation in Washington, the heart of the film lies in the stories of the families who made the decision to accept and support their kids for exactly who they are.

The Most Dangerous Year is directed by Seattle based award-winning filmmaker, Vlada Knowlton. Knowlton’s first documentary feature, Having It All, was selected by Washington’s PBS station, KCTS9, as the anchor program for its “Women Who Inspire” series, and went on to also be broadcast by Oregon Public Broadcasting. Knowlton was recently selected as an Honoree in Queerty’s Pride50 for 2019. Queerty’s Pride50 marks 50 years of remarkable advancements in LGBTQ culture since Stonewall, and recognizes 50 trailblazing individuals who actively ensure that society continues moving towards equality, acceptance and dignity for all queer people. In Queerty’s Pride50 she joins an impressive group of artists, activists and authors including Ellen Page, Lizzo, Sir Elton John and Pete Buttigieg. Knowlton is also featured in Visit Seattle’s interview series, #weSEAlove: Behind the Image. #weSEAlove is a social media campaign and visual online gallery that celebrates Seattle's LGBTQ community. The interview series goes ‘behind-the-image’ of some of the most poignant photos from the Instagram account - @weSEAlove - celebrating images and stories that showcase how Seattle approaches the world: with love and acceptance.

The Most Dangerous Year premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival, receiving a runner-up award for Best Documentary, and went on to win a Best Social Issue Documentary award at the Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival. The film is produced by Knowlton, along with Chadd Knowlton and Lulu Gargiulo. The film is currently 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

THE MOST DANGEROUS YEAR will be available nationwide on VOD and DVD beginning July 9.

HALSTON: Astonishing documentary covers all the bases!

By Steve Cruz

The documentary HALSTON, now showing for one week at Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theater, is energetic, content-rich, eye-popping and intriguing. Aside from a “mystery woman”/narrator, (who might have rescued Halston’s archival videos from destruction, but it’s never made clear) the film is strong and steers clear of sentimentality.

From his friendships with Andy Warhol (they worked together at Bergdorf Goodman), to celebrity devotees and praise from former associates, this is Halston: design and marketing genius, mercurial temper, drugs and AIDS and all. No subject is taboo, which is refreshing when one considers how many documentaries suffer from “carefulness.”

This film benefits from a strong cinematic legacy: that of Frédéric Tcheng (director, producer, writer, editor). The French-born filmmaker’s 2015 directorial debut, DIOR AND I, was distributed worldwide to much acclaim. Tcheng co-directed DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL, and co-produced/co-edited VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR.

HALSTON is energetic, tightly edited, keeps track of its story and multitude of characters.

If, like me, you know of Halston’s golden-boy good looks from Studio 54 photos and drug exposé, this film will be a revelation.

Halston changed fashion in the 1970s by bringing ease of dressing to women of all body shapes and sizes. He never bragged about his technical tailoring, but some of his most iconic looks were constructed from single pieces of fabric joined at a single seam.

He was among five American designers invited to show in Paris — before which time, U.S. fashion was not represented in the City of Lights. His shows always featured numerous Black models, while Parisian collections featured one, if any.

Halston invented “Hot Pants!”

His reign over fashion lasted over a decade, then the 80s ushered in a new crop of designers whose trademark returned fashion to more tailored and traditional forms: Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, etc.

Perhaps the documentary’s beaming achievement is telling about Halston’s move into corporate circles, how it looked appealing, and how corporate $$$-first types “dealt with him.” The tightening of their iron grip on their “corporate property” is palpable. His futile attempts to rebel are understandable.

Instead of ending with Halston’s ending — death related to AIDS — this doc inserts what most documentaries use as a launch: it retells of his childhood and family life as a child of the Depression living with a stern father and salt-of-earth mother.

This format allows breathing room and takes a pause from the usual slide-into-the-grave tactics.

For showtimes, visit www.LandmarkTheaters.com/Denver.

Get In Loser, We're Going to See 'Mean Girls' at Film on the Rocks!

Denver Film Society has announced Mean Girls live at Red Rocks on Monday, June 17th, 2019. Tickets to Film on the Rocks are available at the Denver Coliseum box office from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Saturday. 

And here's a hint, download the Red Rocks App before your visit. From purchasing and managing your tickets, to park and venue maps, tips, weather alerts and special offers, the official Red Rocks app has everything you need for an unforgettable concert experience.

Bearracuda is Back for Denver Pride 2019!

Bearracuda - the largest attended bear dance party in the U.S. - now in 62 cities across the world - is back at for Gay Pride in Denver at the newly renovated Summit Music Hall this Friday! Kick off Pride weekend with 1500 of Denver's hottest guys and say howdy to the new go-go bears.  Last year's Bearracuda Pride party was Bearracuda's biggest event in Denver yet - and you can expect more of the same this year!

Sponsored by MileHighGayGuy,GROWLr, Strap Up Custom Gear, LLC and Midtowne Spa!

HRC Releases Sex Discrimination Report

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, published its “Inclusive Interpretations of Sex Discrimination Law,” a report that outlines how federal courts have developed a consistent legal narrative regarding discrimination against LGBTQ people as constituting unlawful sex discrimination under our nation’s civil rights laws.

“Over the past two decades, federal courts have made it clear that discrimination against LGBTQ people falls under existing sex discrimination laws,” said Sarah Warbelow, HRC’s Legal Director. “And numerous federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), have affirmed this interpretation and incorporated this into administrative protections in the context of housing, healthcare, grant making and more.”

The 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. This discrimination can take many forms. Although traditionally we have understood sex discrimination at work to include unfair bias that influences hiring, firing, and promotion decisions, protections from sex discrimination extend far beyond these explicit actions. Significant protections from discrimination have flowed to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community through an inclusive interpretation of the meaning of “sex” to also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes. This interpretation has been applied to LGBTQ people for almost two decades by both federal courts and federal agencies.

The Supreme Court has granted cert in three cases directly addressing Title VII coverage and LGBTQ people and could effectively decide whether to solidify or take away non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people under federal civil rights laws — which prohibit sex discrimination in contexts ranging from employment to housing, healthcare, and education.

However, judicially crafted protections cannot replace explicit federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Without these laws, victims of discrimination will have to file a suit against an employer, landlord, or business owner and argue their case in a court of law.

This is why the Equality Act is so important. The Equality Act amends existing civil rights law—including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Jury Selection and Services Act, to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics.

After the Equality Act received historic bipartisan approval in the House, the Human Rights Campaign called upon the Senate to finally ensure LGBTQ have comprehensive non-discrimination protections at the federal level.

Meet Brian and Trevor: They're Getting Married in Denver with Nine Other Couples at The Wedding Party!

 

Chosen as one of the 10 couples to be married in Denver on the new streaming show “The Wedding Party,” West Hollywood couple Brian and Trevor are proud to share their special partnership and commitment to a life together with an audience of millions in a non-traditional ceremony that celebrates love and marriage in all its forms. They are the only gay male couple to feature on the debut series of the show, which culminates in a wedding festival where 2,000 guests will watch the couples say, “I do.”

It’s especially bold for Brian and Trevor to make their union so public given they each come from traditional backgrounds in vastly different hometowns and different countries. They are definitely not your conventional couple. Brian is a 38-year-old country boy from the rural town of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Australia and Trevor is a 24-year old Mormon from Provo, Utah.

Brian had a stable, non-denominational childhood in his hometown before launching his career in Sydney, taking on the role of Director of Entertainment at the prestigious Jupiter’s Casino on the glamorous Queensland Gold Coast, and moving to Los Angeles in January 2013. Trevor was an “army brat,” moving from city to city throughout his childhood, spending much of that time in Leavenworth, Kansas before his family settled in Utah, where he commenced his college degree.

What amazed both men once they met and began their relationship was how striking the links and similarities were underneath those superficial differences.

They met by chance in Las Vegas in early 2018. Brian was there for work and Trevor was in town for a vacation. Their connection started with conversations surrounding Brian’s career in Event Marketing and Trevor’s upcoming graduation with a marketing degree. After heading back to their respective cities they continued to talk. They soon found out that their hometowns – Wagga Wagga, NSW and Leavenworth, KS – are official “Sister Cities.” Brian went to school on Leavenworth Drive in Wagga Wagga and Trevor had lived off Wagga Wagga Drive in Leavenworth!

A few weeks after meeting, Brian flew to Salt Lake City to visit Trevor. Multiple visits later, including weekends away together in Park City, New York, and Los Angeles, they were sure they were soul mates for life. Trevor moved to Los Angeles in mid-2018 to live with Brian and his puppy Willis in West Hollywood.

Brian and Trevor say, “We are excited that we have we have decided to skip the ‘traditional’ wedding and share our special day with nine other couples, straight, gay, bi-racial, multi-cultural, and without regard to religion, as part of ‘The Wedding Party.’ We want to celebrate love in a different way, a way where everyone is equal, welcomed, embraced, loved and supported regardless of their beliefs.”

Do We Have A Bid ... for Lesbian Titanic Passenger Ella White's Electric Walking Stick?

(above, Ella in the center, Marie on the left. Source: Encyclopedia Titanica)

On July 19th and 20th at Newport, Rhode Island’s renowned, non-profit International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS), Guernsey’s will be holding a massive nautically-themed auction focusing on great ocean liners, majestic sailing ships and other maritime-related treasures.  

The first item is the walking stick of Ella White that lit up the night and achieved notoriety in Walter Lord’s 1955 best-selling book A Night to Remember. “Mrs. J Stuart White,” as she is called in the book, emerged from her private rooms on the tragic evening of the 14^th of April, 1912 in just her nightgown, high-heeled diamond-studded evening “slippers” carrying her walking stick that had a built-in electric light. For the time, it was cutting-edge technology.

 

Once she was in a life boat, instead of helping her fellow passengers row, Ella appointed herself as kind of a signal person, trying to get the attention of boats nearby. It may have been Ella’s cane that helped the RMS Carpathia spot the rowboats from the Titanic. Ella’s family secretly held onto the cane for years, until consigning it to Guernsey’s Auction House this year. It is a brilliant artifact that attests to the real-life powerful women like Ella White and the “unsinkable” Molly Brown who are purported to have taken charge during the tragic sinking. In fact, in the movie Titanic when the row boat captain says to Molly Brown “there will be one less on this boat if you don’t shut that hole in your face,” that was based on a story reported by Ella White (source: Encyclopedia Titanica). Many historians commonly accept that later in her life Ella White was in a committed same-sex relationship with her Titanic traveling companion and later, Plaza Hotel roommate, Marie Grice Young.

Though the Titanic is clearly the most fabled of all ocean liners, this auction also features iconic objects from a wide array of other noteworthy ships including the Lusitania, the Normandie, the SS United States, and the the ill-fated Empress of Ireland and Andrea Doria. 99% of the items in the auction including the bronze quarter deck bell from the Normandie will be sold without minimum reserve. 
 
For more complete information, please visit www.guernseys.com or call the auction house (212-794-2280) with any questions or to discuss the possibility of a late consignment.