Tag Archives: gay

Christie Withdraws Appeal of Same-Sex Marriage Ruling in N.J.

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Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey announced on Monday that his administration would drop its legal challenge to allowing gay marriage in the state…

via Christie Withdraws Appeal of Same-Sex Marriage Ruling in New Jersey – NYTimes.com.

I sometimes get the feeling the Christie WANTS to be a progressive, but just can’t quite get there. I applauded him during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, stood up for him when Clinton’s former doctor called him fat, and decided that I would do anything I could possibly do to unseat him after this marriage equality debacle.

Not only is his referendum idea wrong on its face — you never allow the electorate to vote on basic human rights — but it’s laughable to think that somehow the courts are not a part of government. They are. They did their jobs. Lick your wounds and move on.

Or, perhaps more to the point, you realized that you can’t win another election on the wrong side of history.

Congratulations, Garden State. Fourteen is a lovely number. Fifteen’s a better one.

New Jersey Welcomes You — Or Not — We’re Unsure, Really. (Meanwhile, Enjoy our Turnpike)

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Several New Jersey towns were accepting applications for marriage licenses so gay couples can tie the knot starting Monday – unless the state Supreme Court blocks the nuptials before then.

via N.J. towns accept marriage applications, prepare for same-sex weddings – LGBTQ Nation.

‘Boy Wonder,’ Scientist and Inventor Jack Andraka Profiled on ‘60 Minutes’

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‘Boy wonder,’ scientist and inventor Jack Andraka profiled on ‘60 Minutes’ – LGBTQ Nation.

Happy to see this and watch the clip featuring Morley Safer’s entire piece on Jack. I wasn’t as happy to note that there was no mention of Jack being gay in the piece. I mean, it doesn’t add anything REALLY, but it would be nice to say, “You can be a big science nerd and also be gay.” I think that’s important.

My recent take on this.

Are Gender-Neutral Pronouns Actually Doomed?

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Are Gender-Neutral Pronouns Actually Doomed?.

Dennis Baron calls it the word that failed.

Baron, a professor of linguistics at the University of Illinois, has been monitoring the development of epicene—that is, gender-neutral, third-person singular pronouns—since the 1986 publication of his book Grammar and Gender.

I don’t know why I find this so interesting, but I do. I guess it’s along the lines of my longstanding consternation with the inherent gender bias with “husband” and “wife.” Michelangelo Signorile wrote about this recently, and I feel much of the same consternation that he does. And there’s even more eye-rolling with epicene pronouns.

Most of that, I assume, is because English is a language filled with nuance. Someday I’ll become comfortable calling my husband my husband, but I doubt I’ll ever feel comfortable using the alleged pronoun “e.”

Liveblogging “Days Of Our Lives:” Home Sweet Hell

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Liveblogging “Days Of Our Lives:” Home Sweet Hell – thebacklot.com.

Are ya reading the liveblogs of Days on The Backlot? You should be. It’s terrifically snarky and actually way better than watching the whole damn episode. And, I mean, really, we’re all only over there for Will and Sonny anyway, so… Anyhow, highly recommended, though you get less of that adorable Freddie Smith this way.

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The aforementioned adorable Freddie Smith, who portrays good guy gay Sonny Kiriakis on Days of our Lives. Smith was nominated for a Daytime Emmy earlier this year.

Report: Hollywood is less gay-friendly off-screen – LGBTQ Nation

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The online survey of nearly 5,700 SAG/AFTRA members also found that more than half of the gay, transgender and bisexual respondents had heard pro ducers and directors make anti-gay comments while working on-set.

The performers’ union, which is holding its annual convention in Los Angeles, said it pursued the first-of-its-kind research at the request of a committee that represents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members and as a methodical way to explore an issue usually discussed through anecdotes.

via Report: Hollywood is less gay-friendly off-screen – LGBTQ Nation.

OHMIGOD! How many times have I said this on this blog alone? THIS IS NOT NEWS. News would be actually fixing this problem. LGBT discrimination in Hollywood? Yes. Every day. Dammit.

I am Cassandra!

Aaron Hicklin on Steve Grand: His success as an out gay musician couldn’t have existed decade ago

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Aaron Hicklin on Steve Grand: His success as an out gay musician couldn’t have existed decade ago | Out Magazine.

There’s something infectious about hanging out with someone whose life is on the brink of change. Grand was like a boy who’d won the golden ticket — well-behaved and gracious, and enjoying every minute. It was one of his first public performances, and the fact that it was in an opulent Chicago institution that’s received every president since Harry Truman spoke volumes about where America finds itself in this particular moment.

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Out magazine’s Aaron Hicklin chatting with Steve Grand in Chicago. |Image: Out magazine.

Technology, says Out’s Aaron Hicklin, that’s what we’ve got to thank for Steve Grand and for the plethora of entertainment options from across the spectrum that are now available to us thanks to the Innerwebs.

It’s a lovely article. Read it. 

Also, search around for Hicklin’s Q&A with Grand from that event. I’ve seen it, but I can’t recall where. Towleroad, maybe? Anyhow, it’s a nice interview. The cut above has a video embed of Grand playing his debut, All-American Boy, at the Hilton.

Below is a link to a recent piece I did, featuring a video embed of his latest, Stay.

Steve Grand Would Like You to Stay

 

OK Gov. Tells Guard Not to Process Benefits for Gay Couples

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Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has ordered the National Guard to stop processing requests for military benefits for same-sex couples, her office confirmed Tuesday, despite a Pentagon directive to do so.

Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz said the governor was following the wish of Oklahoma voters, who approved a constitutional amendment in 2004 that prohibits giving benefits of marriage to gay couples.

via Mary Fallin, Oklahoma Gov., Tells National Guard To Stop Processing Benefits For Gay Couples.

*sigh* It’s like living in a country run by wolves sometimes. With apologies to smart wolves.

Out Mass. Legislator Releases ‘Adorable’ Ad Featuring His Dad

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You’ve got to take a look at this. One of the best political spots I’ve seen in a long time. Maybe that’s because it’s about issues, it’s lighthearted and it doesn’t make out the opposition to be the worst thing since Hitler. He’s selling himself. And doing a damn fine job of it, I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3S1zcbWkoM

According to the Huffington Post, Massachusetts State House member Carl Sciortino, Jr., 35, “is running to fill Sen. Ed Markey’s (D) empty House seat. The special election in the heavily Democratic district is set for Dec. 10, with the primary on Oct. 15. Sciortino is facing four other Democratic candidates.”

Sciortino is having a very busy fall. In addition to running for Congress, he’s set to marry his partner on October 5.

www.carlforcongress.com

Simon Pegg Snuggles Up to Nick Frost

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He’s just lovely, this one!

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