Author: Randy Slovacek

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News Round-Up: May 12, 2020

Bremen Minelli (via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: I love fitness guy Bremen Menelli’s (above) caption for this – “You have to know how to do both.” • US News & World Report: A new study shows lesbian, gay, and bisexual members in the U.S. military are at higher risk for sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking. Researchers say that sexual victimization can trigger mental health problems such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, and suicidal behavior. • The Advocate: An arrest has been made in the case of a gay man killed over 30 years ago. Police in the Australian state of New South Wales have charged a 49-year-old man with the murder of Scott Johnson, an American living in Sydney who was 27 at the time he died on December 8, 1988. • NBC News: An unreleased White House report shows coronavirus infection rates are spiking to new highs in several metropolitan areas and smaller communities across the country. The 10 top areas, recording surges of 72.4 percent or more over a seven-day period, include Nashville, Tennessee; Des Moines, Iowa; Amarillo, Texas; and — with a 650 percent increase — Central City, Kentucky. • Politico: Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) is reportedly emerging as a front-runner to become former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate in the 2020 presidential election. Major Biden supporters see her as the best fit, although Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is a leading contender, too. • NY Post: More insiders come forward to say Ellen DeGeneres isn’t all that nice.  One former associate producer says one day, when she couldn’t find her eyeglasses and was unable to read a text on her phone, she called Apple CEO Steve Jobs in front of staff to complain iPhones should have “a bigger font.” Because she could. • Talking Points Memo: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman has been hospitalized due to the coronavirus. Russia has reported more than 232,000 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Tuesday. • InstaHunks II: As I close this post, how about a quick peek down in Brazil? Tourism professional Kiko Riaze is pensive pondering quarantine life. Nice view, right? #YouKnowWhatIMean

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A New Study Finds Coronavirus In Semen Of Infected Patients

A bill introduced in Oklahoma would make it a crime to text a nude photo to someone

(image via Eddy Billard/Unsplash)
Another reason why it might be a good idea to hit pause on dating apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new study by researchers in China found evidence of the coronavirus in the semen of infected men raising concerns that the virus could be sexually transmitted. The study, by doctors at China’s Shangqiu Municipal Hospital, found six men in a group of 38 patients being treated for severe coronavirus infections tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in their semen. Of the six, four men were still infected and two were recovering. The results seem to contradict an earlier study released in April in which no traces of the virus were found in a group of 34 men with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The researchers working on the new study say the findings were ‘preliminary’ and based on a small number of patients. “Further studies are required with respect to the detailed information about virus shedding, survival time and concentration in semen,” the team wrote in their study. Independent experts, pointing to the small size of the study group, say the new findings are ‘interesting’ but don’t necessarily mean the virus can be transmitted through sex. Dr. Ryan Berglund, a urologist with the Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, told CBS News the report doesn’t “constitute concrete evidence that COVID-19 can be sexually transmitted.” “I think that’s premature,” added Berglund. “You have to look at this as a sign that semen, as along with a number of other body fluids, can contain the virus.” Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at Britain’s Sheffield University, told Reuters the study didn’t conclusively find whether the virus found was active and capable of causing infection. “However, we should not be surprised if the virus which causes COVID-19 is found in the semen of some men since this has been shown with many other viruses such as Ebola and Zika,” he said. It’s worth noting that earlier studies have found traces of the virus in stool as well, which means rimming could put people at risk. So, when it comes to having sex, keep in mind the guidance from the New York City Health Department when considering having sex. First, you are your safest sex partner as masturbation will not spread COVID-19. Second, the next safest partner is someone you live with. Having close contact with only a small circle of people helps prevent spreading the virus. And remember, kissing can easily pass the virus on to someone else. (sources: CBS News, Reuters)

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Aimee Stephens, Who Took Transgender Rights Case To Supreme Court, Dies At 59

Aimee Stephens (image via GoFundMe)
NBC News reports that Aimee Stephens, the transgender funeral home worker whose firing led to legal proceedings that ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court, died Tuesday of renal failure. She was 59. The ACLU, which has been handling her case, announced the news on Twitter. In 2013, Stephens came out as transgender to her employer and was subsequently fired. Stephens sued and her case, Stephens v. R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, became part of a combined LGBTQ employment rights case. The high court heard oral arguments in October. In doing so, Stephens became the first transgender person to have their case heard in the highest court of the land.

A ruling from SCOTUS could be handed down any day now which could affect the employment rights of transgender people across the entire U.S. Years of kidney disease took its toll on Stephens and she required lengthy dialysis treatments. A GoFundMe campaign was launched last week to fundraise for her end-of-life costs.

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Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Subpoenas For Trump Financials

The current U.S. Supreme Court (image: public domain)
The U.S. Supreme Court heard three hours of oral arguments today in multiple cases regarding whether Congressional committees or district attorneys can subpoena the financial records of a president. Donald Trump is trying to fight two sets of subpoenas — one from three House committees and another from Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance. Reading several legal experts, Vance’s office appeared to have fared better during today’s oral arguments than the House’s lawyer. From the New York Times:

The court’s ruling, expected by July, could require disclosure of information the president has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect. Or the justices could rule that Mr. Trump’s financial affairs are not legitimate subjects of inquiry.

But some of the justices’ questions raised a third possibility: that the court could return the cases to lower courts for reconsideration under stricter standards. That would have the incidental effect of deferring a final decision beyond the 2020 presidential election.

The first argument of two the court heard, which dealt with the congressional investigations, seemed to go better for Mr. Trump.

The justices seemed more skeptical of the president’s case during the second argument, in which Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Mr. Trump, argued that he was absolutely immune from criminal investigation while he remained in office.

The subpoenas ask for documents from Trump’s accountants or bankers, not from Trump himself. The firms have previously said they are willing to comply with the court’s ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts appears to be an apparent swing vote in the eventual ruling.

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Broadway To Remain Shuttered Through Summer

(photo: Ludovic Bertron/Flickr)
The Broadway League has announced the current closure of Broadway theaters will now extend to September 6, 2020.

With the ongoing suspension of Broadway performances due to COVID-19 continuing until further notice, the Broadway League is updating information regarding performance cancellations and ticketing protocol. While a date to resume performances is yet to be determined, Broadway theatres are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for performances through September 6, 2020.

“While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theatre – behind the curtain and in front of it – before shows can return. The Broadway League’s membership is working in cooperation with the theatrical unions, government officials, and health experts to determine the safest ways to restart our industry,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League.

“Throughout this challenging time, we have been in close communication with Governor Cuomo’s office and are grateful for his support and leadership as we work together to bring back this vital part of New York City’s economy – and spirit.”

Those holding tickets for performances through September 6, 2020 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through September 6, 2020 that have not received an e-mail by May 18th are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.

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Restaurant’s License Suspended After Opening For Mother’s Day During COVID-19 Shutdown

C&C Coffee and Kitchen on Mother’s Day 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic (screen capture)
From Colorado Community Media:

A Castle Rock restaurant reopened its doors to full dine-in service May 10, allowing dozens of customers inside despite public health orders put in place in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

C&C Coffee and Kitchen, a breakfast and Korean kitchen at 4284 Trail Boss Drive, had a line out the door about 10 a.m. Mother’s Day. Families of all sizes filed in past a “bouncer” with a visible sidearm. Every seat was taken as folks dined in. The floor was packed with people standing, waiting for coffee or take-out orders. One person could be seen wearing a mask inside the building.

“I expected it to be busy. I never expected this,” owner April Arellano said. “I’m so happy so many people came out to support the Constitution and stand up for what is right. We did our time. We did our two weeks. We did more than two weeks…and we were failing. We had to do something.”

The Tri-County Health Department says it received four complaints about the reopening. The Denver Post reports the restaurant has now lost its license to operate.

State health officials on Monday suspended the license of a Castle Rock restaurant that opened to large Mother’s Day crowds, a warning to other Colorado eateries that might also consider defying the statewide public health order that limits restaurants to take-out and delivery services.

C&C Coffee and Kitchen presents an “immediate health hazard,” Gov. Jared Polis said at a news conference, and its business license will be suspended until it no longer creates a threat to public health — likely for at least 30 days.

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Broadway Mega-Hit ‘Hamilton’ Will Stream on Disney+ July 3

Broadway fans are about to lose their minds! The filmed version of the mega-hit musical Hamilton – originally scheduled to hit theaters on October 15 – will now premiere on Disney+ on Friday, July 3. The televised version was shot over three days in July 2016 with the original Broadway cast. Squee!!! Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator, and Bob Iger, executive chairman of The Walt Disney Company, made the surprise announcement Tuesday on “Good Morning America.”

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Podcast: Anderson Cooper Is A Dad, Two Pioneering Gay Artists Pass Away, Plus News From Germany & Brazil

The Randy Report podcast

The Randy Report podcast delivers the week's top stories in a quick, convenient podcast - 'the 60 Minutes of gay news - only shorter' In this week’s headlines: • Brazil changes course on regulations that limit gay and bisexual me from donating blood • A gay couple in Tulsa speaks out after a neighbor posts anti-LGBTQ signs his front yard • Germany bans so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors • Out CNN anchor Anderson Cooper announces he’s become a dad • Two ground-breaking stars in their respective fields – rock and roll pioneer Little Richard and magician Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy – pass away All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

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Barack Obama Will Deliver Primetime Commencement Address For Class Of 2020

Former President Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama (photo: Pete Souza/Public Domain)
The Donald must be seething over this news. From the Chicago Tribune:

Former President Barack Obama will deliver a televised prime-time commencement address for the Class of 2020 during an hour-long event that will also feature LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai and Ben Platt, among others.

ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC will simultaneously air the special May 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern along with more than 20 other broadcast and digital streaming partners, according to the announcement Tuesday from organizers.

Several high school students from Chicago public schools and the Obama Youth Jobs Corps will join, as will the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe and H.E.R.

The event is titled “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.” It’s hosted by the education advocacy group XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation and The Entertainment Industry Foundation.

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‘Rona Rave’ Guests Denounce Social Media Attacks & Gay ‘Cancel Culture’

L-R Chris Weaver, DJ Alec Brian (screen captures)
Two attendees of last week’s now-infamous ‘Rona Rave’ in New York City have posted statements to the community at large admitting attending the shindig was a mistake, but also denouncing social media’s ‘cancel culture’ for the attacks the party-goers have experienced online. As I reported last week, videos of the party were posted by adult entertainment performer Ian Frost to his Instagram Story during the event. And when I say ‘videos,’ I mean some 31 videos were shared tagging many of the attendees with their Instagram handles. In the clips, you can see the 30+ party-goers were not of a mind to keep ‘social distancing’ practices in place, nor was anyone seen wearing a face mask amid the purple/pink party light. Twitter user Phillip Henry downloaded some of the clips and shared them to his followers, and quickly news of the event went viral.

Many were angry that, with New York City being THE hotspot in the U.S. for COVID-19, the party seemed reckless and dismissive of the efforts of frontline workers. Chris Weaver, who performs drag under the stage name Nedra Belle and is a past contestant on NBC’s The Voice, began his video message on Facebook saying that he respects all those medical and essential workers. In fact, he shares he has friends “serving on the front lines,” and he’s “reached out to a couple of them to let them know that if they need anything, I’m there and would love to help in any way I can.” He then segues into the social media “dragging” aimed at the party-goers and adds that there’s now a “call for us to be ‘canceled.'” “I’m a human,” says Weaver. “I make mistakes just like you make mistakes. It’s life.” “I fully understand that I have to deal with the repercussions of what I did and that it’s just a reality that we have to face,” he adds. “But, I won’t be scared or run into a hole or a box because you don’t agree. Okay?”

Admitting that attending the party was ‘dumb,’ Weaver says in hindsight, “If I had to do it all over again, would I have attended the event? I would have not.” “Everybody’s all up in arms and so upset – that I can understand,” he continues. “There are thousands and thousands of people who have perished from this, and that is unfortunate.” “But I didn’t go out with the intent to hurt anyone,” explains the singer. “I didn’t go out with the intent to say, ‘Oh I’m gonna go out to this party and not wear a mask to get the virus and to spread the virus.’ That’s not what I did, that’s not what I plan on doing and that’s not who I am.” Weaver also shares that he’s suffered a personal loss during the COVID-19 health threat as his 31-year-old cousin succumbed to the disease last week. “So, for all these negative comments, let me tell you something about the gay community, the LGBTQ+ community. What we do is we are so good at building each other up. But we’re even better at tearing each other down. And the problem with that is, we can drag and drag and drag folks all day and all night, but there’s never a chance – where is the chance for redemption? Where’s the chance for somebody to make up for their mistakes or to get it right? We don’t give that, but we wanna cancel folks.” “Some people are going to look at this video and say… that’s the thing, people can issue an apology and people are never satisfied,” he continues, although there’s no apology in the 11-minute video. “People just want something to attack people on. If you want to cancel me, cancel me, I mean that’s, it is what it is. And I’m hoping that you open up your hearts, not just for me but for those who you have attacked. Please know that your reaction causes reaction. Think about the person on the other side.” “And so I love you all,” he says concluding his message. “And for those of you who are still on this train with me, thank you. For those of you who aren’t, I’ll see ya.” He then sings an a cappella “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and signs off with a call to keep practicing social distancing. “It’s hard, I know. I just needed a moment, y’all.” The DJ who was captured in one of the videos, Alec Brian, also posted a Facebook video with similar sentiments saying he regrets accepting the gig, he took the job on the spur of the moment, and since then he says he’s been attacked on social media by people who didn’t bother to learn the “whole story.” Again, there was no ‘apology’ to anyone but he does say he used the money he earned at the party to buy 300 face masks that will be donated to those that need them.

According to the New York City Health Department, at the time of the party, there were 171,723 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city; 43,383 hospitalized, 13,724 confirmed deaths and another 5,383 probable deaths. Today, those numbers have escalated to 178,766 confirmed cases. 44,812 hospitalizations, 14,753 confirmed deaths, and 5,178 probable deaths related to COVID-19.