Author: Randy Slovacek

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Pride Music: Rayvon Owens “Volume”

Having come out with his earlier release, "Can't Fight It," the follow-up single from Rayvon Owen, "Volume," revealed the artist in full-on authentic mode.
Photo credit: Shannon Bray

Having come out with his earlier release, “Can’t Fight It,” the follow-up single from Rayvon Owen, “Volume,” revealed the artist in full-on authentic mode.

Owen says the process of writing “Volume” was healing for him as it became an anthem of self-encouragement and reminded him “to stay true to who I was.”

Owen told OUT at the time:

“Like most everyone, I have experienced many highs and lows this past year.

“While I feel I have come a long way, I still sometimes fall short and don’t always believe in myself in the way I should. Coming out and accepting myself for who I am was one of the most liberating and life-changing experiences for me. While my confidence has grown, I am still human and am still learning to love the person I am — flaws and all — more and more every day.”

Growing up in the conservative South, the top-four American Idol finalist found it difficult to do just that when the time came to come out.

“I was so afraid, being from the South and being black and coming from a more conservative area and growing up in an environment that is not very conducive to being gay or even questioning your sexuality,” says Owen.

Nevertheless, the outpouring of support from his fans was overwhelming – “I would get a message from someone who would say this helped me come out to my parents, or saved me from taking my life. And it’s just like- ok, this is worth it.”

In addition to making beautiful music, Owen also spends time working with LGBT organisations like The Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign and POINT Foundation.

With his silky smooth, effortless vocals paired with a penchant for raw emotion, he’s definitely someone to keep your eye (and ear) on. I’m sent new music every day and “Volume” is one of the first in a long time I hit repeat several times on first listen.

Check out “Volume” below, and you can find more of Rayvon’s music on SoundCloud.

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LGBTQ Acceptance Declines Among Young People

The percentage of non-LGBTQ adults reporting being ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable with LGBTQ people across seven scenarios remained stable (49%) after a significant decline last year (49% ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable in the 2018 report versus 53% in the 2017 report).
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced the findings of its fifth annual Accelerating Acceptance Index, a national survey among U.S. adults conducted on GLAAD’s behalf by The Harris Poll. 

The Index measures American attitudes toward LGBTQ people.

The percentage of non-LGBTQ adults reporting being ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable with LGBTQ people across seven scenarios remained stable (49%) after a significant decline last year (49% ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable in the 2018 report versus 53% in the 2017 report).

However, this year’s Index found the number of young Americans ages 18-34 who are comfortable across all seven scenarios dropped from 53% to 45%, the second consecutive year that this age group has shown a drop.

This reflects a continued erosion in comfort among this age group over the past two years. This year, the significant erosion is being driven by females ages 18-34, where comfort levels fell from 64% last year to 52% this year.

The seven scenarios were: learning a family member is LGBT, learning my doctor is LGBT, having LGBT members at my place of worship, seeing a LGBT co-worker’s wedding picture, having my child placed in a class with a LGBT teacher, seeing a same-sex couple holding hands, and learning my child has a lesson on LGBT history in school.

Also from the report:

• Reported hate crimes in America rose 17 percent last year, the third consecutive year that such crimes increased, according to data released by the FBI in 2018.

• The majority of non-LGBTQ Americans (80%) support equal rights for the LGBTQ community. This particular statistic has been consistent since 2016.

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“No Dough For You” – Crowdfunding Campaign For Homophobic Rugby Player Shut Down

Israel Folau (cropped image via Flickr/DavidMalloy – CC License)

Crowdfunding company GoFundMe has said, “No dough for you!” to sacked homophobic rugby star Israel Folau.

Over the weekend, GoFundMe shut down the crowdfunding campaign launched by Folau to pay for his legal defense citing violations in their terms of service.

“As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” said GoFundMe spokesperson Nicola Britton in a statement. “While we welcome GoFundMes engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.”

Britton noted that GoFundMe would be refunding all donations made to Folau’s campaign.

The campaign had raised AUS$700,000 before being terminated.

The former full-back had set a goal of AUS$3 million as he prepares to sue Rugby Australia for stripping him of his four-year contract reported to be worth AUS$5 million.

The action was a result of homophobic social media posts. Folau is a fundamentalist Christian, and on April 10 he posted a graphic on his Instagram telling homosexuals (among other people) “Hell Awaits You.”

Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 KJV _______________ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38 KJV _______________ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:30 KJV _______________
A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:18am PDT

After his contract was terminated, he challenged the decision and asked for a ‘code of conduct’ panel to decide.

“Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have made repeated attempts to contact Israel both directly and via his representatives since 6.30pm on Wednesday, and at this point he has failed to communicate directly with either organisation,” said Rugby Australia at the time.

“Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport,” the statement continued. “We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.”

The Sydney Morning Herald reports the former rugby star has filed a complaint with Australia’s Fair Work Commission against Rugby Australia and Waratahs Rugby Pty Ltd. saying “his employment was unlawfully terminated because of his religion.”

He is reportedly looking for AUS$10 million in damages.

Rugby Australia responded saying, “He was bound by a code of conduct for all professional player in Australia that spells out clear guidelines and obligations regarding player behavior, including respectful use of social media.”

After the crowdfunding campaign was shut down, Folau’s former teammate Drew Mitchell tweeted, “YOU are in fight that YOU chose to be in after YOU broke the terms of YOUR contract, the kids below are in a fight they NEVER wanted to be in & yet YOU think YOU deserve donations more than they do???!!”

Mitchell added, “It’s not longer about religion, it’s about YOU and YOUR greed.”

According to TheAustralian.com, Folau owns 8 homes worth over $5 million.

He also apparently owns a $500k Lamborghini. So, why can’t he pay his own legal bills.

Mitchell may be right on that point – “greed.”

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Madonna Scores 9th Number One Album On Billboard With ‘Madame X’

Madonna's new album, Madame X, garners the 'Material Girl' her 9th number one album on the Billboard 200.
(image via Instagram/Madonna)

Madonna’s new album, Madame X, garners the ‘Material Girl’ her 9th number one album on the Billboard 200.

From Billboard:

The set, released via Interscope Records on June 14, launches with 95,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending June 20, according to Nielsen Music. Of that sum, 90,000 were in album sales.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units are comprised of traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The new June 29-dated chart, where Madame X bows at No. 1, will be posted in full on Billboard’s websites on June 25.

Overall, Madame X’s debut sum of 95,000 equivalent album units is comprised of 90,000 in album sales, 1,000 in TEA units and 4,000 in SEA units.

Madame X grants Madonna her ninth leader on the Billboard 200. She last led the list in 2012, with MDNA. Here’s a look at all of Madonna’s No. 1 albums: Madame X, MDNA, Hard Candy (2008), Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), American Life (2003), Music (2000), Like a Prayer (1989), True Blue (1986) and Like a Virgin (1985).

Madonna continues to have the second-most No. 1 albums among female artists, trailing only Barbra Streisand, who has 11. Among all acts, The Beatles have the most No. 1s, with 19. They are followed by Jay-Z (14), Streisand and Bruce Springsteen (both with 11), Elvis Presley (10), Eminem, Garth Brooks, Madonna and The Rolling Stones (all with nine).

Madge also scored a #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Song chart.

The Queen of Pop has landed at the top of Billboard’s chart more than any artist in history, snatching up 163 number one positions across all charts including Billboard 200, Hot 100 (singles), Dance and more.

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Pride Music: Jamie Hannah “Sound Of My Youth”

Boy George protege, Jamie Hannah

Since 2017, Jamie Hannah has been working with Benny D, an award winning producer who has worked with artists including Stormzy and Kylie Minogue, to produce his debut E.P which will be released this year.

Brought into the project by Benny D, Boy George has been consistently impressed with Jamie Hannah’s voice, even going as far as saying that he’s never heard a voice like his.

The first single, “Sound of My Youth,” showcases his unforgettably smooth tone as the lyrics share the story of a past relationship that you just can’t seem to forget about, and the memories that continue to haunt you.

Jamie Hannah’s pure and emotive voice perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia and melancholy of the song while the lyrics document the singer’s feelings of ‘drowning’ and loss in a truly emotional way.

Hannah’s classical training at the Royal College of Music is self-evident on the track demonstrating real complexity and sophistication.

The track begins simply with a collection of dreamy, laidback synths before it’s quickly kicked up a notch by the addition of a weighty and pulsating drum beat and Hannah’s commanding vocals.

The track recently hit Top 5 on Music Week’s Commercial Pop chart.

Check it out below, and find more about Hannah on his Instagram here.

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NBA Star Dwayne Wade On Supporting Son Attending Pride: “It’s My Job As A Father”

“I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell,” Wade said to Variety during an interview at Cannes Lions, the annual advertising conference in the South of France. “I think as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do.”
Dwayne Wade

NBA star Dwyane Wade shared with Variety recently that it’s “his job as a father” to support his son attending a pride parade.

In April, Wade’s then 11-year-old son Zion posted pictures of himself at Miami Pride, with his siblings and stepmother Gabrielle Union.

Wade, who was on the road with the Miami Heat, chimed in and voiced his love for Zion on social media. “We support each other wide Pride!” Wade wrote on Instagram.

“I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell,” Wade said to Variety during an interview at Cannes Lions, the annual advertising conference in the South of France. “I think as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do.”

Asked if he had a message for other parents during Pride month, Wade said it’s no different than parenting every other month of the year.

“I’m asked a question about my kids a lot from a sports perspective,” Wade said. “I think people expect you to parent each kids the same. They are all different, and I have to get to know them and where they are. I have to say to most parents, get to know your kids. Don’t put your wants and needs on them.”

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Gallup: Trump Lags Behind Modern Presidents In Approval

Donald Trump

Gallup polling shows Donald Trump lags behind most other modern presidents in terms of approval ratings.

The approval ratings reported here are based on Gallup Daily tracking averages for President Donald Trump in 2017 and 2018, and periodic multi-day polls for Trump starting in 2019.

As you can see from the graphic below via Gallup, Trump’s current approval stands at 43 percent.

His highest rating to date in the Gallup poll was 46 percent in April, and his lowest was 35 percent in December 2017.

Click image to enlarge

Compared with previous presidents at this point in their presidency, though, Trump lags behind just about every modern president except Jimmy Carter who was mired in the Iran hostage crisis and a terrible economy.

Barack Obama garnered 46 percent approval at this point; George W scored 63 percent; Bill Clinton, even with impeachment looming, had 47 percent approval.

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Touching Anonymous Note Demonstrates Why Showing LGBTQ Pride Is Important

An note from a young neighbor told a Texas lesbian her Pride flag inspired them to come out.

Earlier this week, partners Meghan Stabler and Sal Stow found a touching note placed under a rock on their doormat in Williamson County, Texas.

“You don’t know me, but my name is [redacted]” the note read. “We’re moving today, but I wanted to thank you.”

“Seeing a pride flag waving so proudly out side your house every day has given me the courage to come out to my family and be more comfortable with who I am,” the note concluded.

“This is why visibility is SO important,” Sal Stow wrote on Facebook in sharing the note. “You never know who needs the support and to know it’s ok. I hope this person is ok, their family is being supportive and they find a community to connect with that can help them through this brave process.”

She also explained that county officials recently voted 4-0 to not allow the Pride flag to be flown over the courthouse, but that won’t stop her from showing her pride.

“I am proud of who I am and the person I love” Stow wrote. “I will continue to be visible in whatever way I can.”

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Catholic Bishop Told Jesuit High School To Fire Gay Teacher, School Said ‘No’

The Archbishop of Indianapolis told a Jesuit high school to fire a gay teacher. The school said 'no.'
Brebeuf Jesuit Prep School

The Archbishop of Indianapolis told a Jesuit high school to fire a gay teacher.

The school said ‘no.’

From CNN:

A Jesuit high school in Indiana can no longer call itself “Catholic” because it employs a teacher engaged in a same-sex marriage, the Archbishop of Indianapolis says.

Archbishop Charles Thompson’s decree, dated June 21, means that Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis will no longer be recognized or identified as a Catholic institution within the archdiocese.

Thompson said the church considers Catholic school teachers to be “ministers” of the faith.

“To effectively bear witness to Christ, whether they teach religion or not, all ministers in their professional and private lives must convey and be supportive of Catholic Church teaching,” the Archdiocese of Indiana said in a statement on Thursday.

In a statement, leaders from Brebeuf Jesuit Prep School said it has “respectfully declined the Archdiocese’s insistence and directive that we dismiss a highly capable and qualified teacher due to the teacher being a spouse within a civilly recognized same-sex marriage.”

The Rev. Brian Paulson, who heads the Midwest Province of Jesuits, said that the teacher does not teach religion and “is a longtime valued employee of the school.” The teacher is not named in any of the statements.

“To our knowledge, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ direct insertion into an employment matter of a school governed by a religious order is unprecedented,” said the letter from the school’s president, the Rev. William Verbryke, and two members of the board of trustees.

“This is a unique action among the more than 80 Jesuit secondary/pre-secondary schools which operate in dioceses throughout North America.”