Author: Randy Slovacek

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Bolton Revelations Amp-Up Pressure On GOP Senators

Trump walks past reporters with no comment

Trump walks past reporters with no comment
Donald Trump (image via public domain/White House)
From the New York Times:

Revelations from President Trump’s former national security adviser, John R. Bolton, threatened to upend the Republican strategy for a fast trial and acquittal.

A handful of Republican senators appeared to be moving closer to Democrats, who want to hear from Mr. Bolton, whose manuscript accuses the president of tying Ukraine’s military aid to politically motivated investigations as well as describes the national security adviser’s concerns that Mr. Trump was doing favors for autocratic leaders.

The president’s legal team must conclude its oral arguments on Tuesday.  After the arguments, senators have 16 hours to ask questions of each side.

A vote on whether to hear witnesses in the trial is now expected on Friday.

The Times also reports that John F. Kelly, former chief of staff to Trump, told an audience in Florida on Monday night that he believed the revelations in Bolton’s upcoming book and believes the Senate should call witnesses in the impeachment trial. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is one of the GOP senators who now seem to favor Bolton testifying.

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Michael Henry On The Issue Of Labels “I’m Not Gay”

L-R Michael Henry, Eliot Mac (screen captures)
YouTube wise-guy Michael Henry runs into Eric (Eliot Mac) on the streets of West Hollywood as he’s heading to brunch at Woody’s (“They have the best vodka!”). But when Henry wishes him a “nice, fun, gay brunch,” Eric feels the need to clarify: “I’m not gay.” ***glass break*** A stunned Michael Henry does a double-take, then asks, “Ok, but you were at Danny’s rooftop game night/sex party, right?” “And?” Replies Eric. “And ten guys ran a train on your a**!” “Choo-choo – so what?” As Henry tries to digest the seemingly opposing positions, Eric explains he doesn’t “do labels.” “I’m Eric, I’m 21, and I’m a human being.”

The admitted ‘smooth bottom twink’ shares that he wants to live in a world “where one can be fluid and just explore and never have to know what word they are.” His plan is to “explore forever – you don’t have to land on a letter.” Watch the exchange, directed by Paul McGovern Jr., above. What do you think, readers? Are labels useful for understanding the world we live in? Or are people more complex and ever-changing than a letter in an acronym?

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Israel’s Netanyahu Indicted On Corruption Charges

Benjamin Netanyahu (image via Flickr)
They say timing is everything. Donald Trump’s buddy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, was formally charged on corruption charges today just hours before meeting with Trump for the reveal of the long-awaited Middle East peace plan. From CNN:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was formally indicted on corruption charges Tuesday, just hours before he was set to meet President Donald Trump for the unveiling of the US administration’s long-anticipated Middle East plan.

Netanyahu has been charged with bribery and fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit submitted the indictment in Jerusalem District Court on Tuesday shortly after Netanyahu withdrew his request for parliamentary immunity, a request he was almost certain to lose.

Netanyahu has insisted he is innocent, calling the investigations an “attempted coup” driven by the left and the media.

The charges in court mean that Netanyahu will be the first sitting prime minister to face trial in the country’s history. A trial date has not been set yet, but the legal process could possibly take years.

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Documentary Explores Impact Of International Male On Men’s Fashions & Masculinity

(Image via Facebook)
The upcoming documentary, All Man: The International Male Story, takes you beyond the glossy pages of the iconic, men’s mail-order fashion catalog, exposing its impact on fashion, sexuality and masculinity in America. From the official synopsis:

More than outrageous fashions, hunky models, and scandalous undies, ALL MAN is a journey across three decades of the International Male catalog’s lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and gay rights.

With revenues at its peak of $120 million and circulation of over 3 million, the catalog successfully appealed to both gay and straight audiences.

For gay men, the images of sensually dressed men were a gateway into a fantasy world providing an escape from the AIDS crisis and widespread homophobia.

For straight men and their female admirers, the catalog gave permission to take fashion risks and enjoy a more carefree expression of sexuality without threatening their masculinity and sexual appeal.

ALL MAN: The International Male Story is designed as a tribute to the catalog’s unique aesthetic and cultural relevance. The film mixes exclusive never-seen-before photographs and videos, interviews with super fans and celebrities, and creative re-enactments of the infamous photoshoots, and more!

The cast includes Carson Kressley, Jake Shears, Brian Buzzini, David Knight, Steve Lyon, and Robert Goold. Speaking to NewNowNext, the film’s directors Jesse Finley Reed and Bryan Darling share that International Male helped give men permission “to look at each other and themselves in a way where sexuality is open and the body is something to be celebrated and looked at.” As Carson Kressley says in the teaser video below, “International Male really capitalized on putting masculine guys in some pretty ‘not’ masculine outfits. The very start of the metrosexual movement – where you can wear clothes just to have fun.” I can remember when the IM catalogs were practically seen as gay porn hiding as a fashion catalog. I also remember when the clothes featured by International Male eventually went so over the top they became something of a joke making their way into primetime TV sitcoms like Seinfeld (above). You can find more information about the upcoming film at the project’s website here. Watch the teaser video below.

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News Round-Up: January 27, 2020

(via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • Instagram: I love the wisdom and illustrations of artist Henry J. Garrett like the one above. Make sure to follow him on the gram of Insta here. • Miami Herald: Former New York mayor and 2020 presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg broke with most of the Democrats vying for the party’s nomination to unequivocally back statehood for Puerto Rico in a policy plan released Monday. • Reuters: The U.S. Supreme Court gave the go-ahead on Monday for the Trump administration to implement a rule denying legal permanent residency to certain immigrants deemed likely to require government assistance in the future. Opponents of the policy view it as a “wealth test” that would disproportionately keep out non-white immigrants. • CNN: Apparently, a blending tank door at Rodney Strong Vineyards popped open and spilled 97,112 gallons of red wine into the Russian River. #alcoholabuse • Politico: Andrew Yang is the seventh candidate to qualify for the next Democratic debate joining Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer and Elizabeth Warren. • NY Times: In a recent interview, SNL cast member Bowen Yang revealed that when his parents found out he might be gay, they sent him to conversion therapy – an experience Yang describes as ‘crazy.’ • Out Music: The latest from international pop star Ricky Martin, “Tiburones,” was filmed in Puerto Rico. No translation needed, really. Both the song and the video are about deciding to change plans or directions so all involved can move forward together. Sounds simple enough, yes?

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Senate Republicans Say They Were Blindsided By White House

Donald Trump and John Bolton

As Donald Trump’s legal team begins its second day of oral arguments in the Senate impeachment trial, some Republicans in the Senate were roiled by the report from the New York Times that the White House had been sitting on a copy of former National Security Adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which apparently asserts that Trump did condition the release of military aid for Ukraine on an announcement of investigations into Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

Via the New York Times:

By Monday morning, several Republican senators had angrily called the White House trying to determine who at the administration knew about Mr. Bolton’s manuscript, which aides there have had for several weeks, and what was in it. They told the White House they felt blindsided, according to people briefed on the calls who insisted on anonymity to describe private discussions.

One reason for their ire is that Mr. Bolton’s account flies in the face of the rationale the president’s lawyers have offered the Senate for his actions, and which many Republicans have latched onto themselves as a defense of his conduct.

Trump, of course, denies Bolton’s version of the story. He tweeted, “I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination. If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book.” Trump’s lawyers now have to somehow argue that the Donald didn’t do what he’s accused of doing after Bolton has said he did. It’s difficult to see how some GOP senators won’t vote in favor of Bolton testifying at the impeachment trial now, especially since he’s said he would testify if asked. Even folks over at Fox News see the bad timing of the Bolton news.

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Pro Ice Hockey Player Comes Out As Bisexual

Zach Sullivan (center) with Manchester Storm teammates (image via Twitter)
Professional ice hockey player Zach Sullivan of the Manchester Storm came out as bisexual this weekend. As the Elite Ice Hockey League held its first official Pride weekend promoting diversity and inclusivity in the sport, Sullivan took to his social media to share his message.

“I have battled with mental health problems over this issue and with the support, understanding and acceptance from my family, friends and teammates, I finally feel ready to say: I’m bisexual,” wrote the 25-year-old athlete. He added he has “never been more proud to wear a jersey before, especially one that celebrates all gender identities and sexualities.” The responses on social media were overwhelmingly positive. Not only from his fans, but his team, the Elite Ice Hockey League, and more. Ryan Finnerty, head coach for the Manchester Storm, tweeted his support writing, “His strength and courage will inspire the youth of tomorrow.”

Sullivan told the BBC’s Radio Manchester that while his sport is hyper-masculine he realized he had “quite the opportunity with it being the first-ever EIHL Pride weekend.” He also shared his hope that if he can come out “maybe it will help someone who is going through the same problem, going through the same situation.” Congrats, Zach, on living out loud!

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Lil Nas X And Other LGBTQ Artists Score At The 62nd Grammy Awards

Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, Lizzo at 62nd Grammy Awards (image via Instagram/lilnasx)
It was a great night for LGBTQ artists and allies at the 62nd Grammy Awards Sunday night. Several out artists picked up awards including: Lil Nas X scored two trophies – Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his mega-hit “Old Town Road” with Billy Ray Cyrus. The country rapper performed the song with all the artists who had been featured on “Old Town Road” remixes last year including BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey, and Cyrus.

Brandi Carlile, who came out in 2002, took home a Grammy as one of the songwriters of Tanya Tucker’s “Bring My Flowers Now” in the Best Country Song category. She also appeared in the broadcast performing the song with Tucker. DJ Tracy Young made history as the first woman and the first lesbian to win for Best Remixed Recording for her remix of Madonna’s “I Rise.” LGBTQ allies also had major moments throughout the night. Lady Gaga picked up Grammys in two categories – Best Song for Visual Media (“I’ll Never Love Again”) from the A Star Is Born soundtrack and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Billie Eilish won in four big categories – Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Lizzo, the most nominated artist of the night with 8 nods, picked up trophies for Best Pop Solo Performance (“Truth Hurts”), Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Jerome”) and Best Urban Contemporary Album (Cuz I Love You). And there were performances that stole the show. Out singer Demi Lovato had one of the night’s most talked-about moments as she delivered a powerful performance of her song “Anyone.” The song immediately went to #1 on iTunes after the performance.

Pop diva and ally Ariana Grande, who didn’t go home with a Grammy, was a knockout performing a three-song medley of “Imagine,” “7 Rings,” and “Thank U, Next.”

Special shout-out to Darrion Gallegos, the male dancer in her corp who lived his best life dancing it out in heels and short shorts along with the other dancers. Back in December, as Grande’s tour came to an end, he thanked the powers that be for letting him “gender-bend the fak out of this” and contribute his part for the LGBTQIA+ community.

And of course, it wouldn’t be an awards show without a red carpet and Billy Porter delivering the goods:

Lil Nas X didn’t disappoint, though, serving up a hot pink Versace cowboy suit complete with double-choker harness:

Anthony Ramos, GLAAD’s Head of Talent, spoke to Jojo, Rosalia, Victoria Monét, and Bebe Rexha about LGBTQ inclusion and the changing landscape of music:

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National Security Adviser: Trump Tied Military Aid To Ukraine To Biden Investigations

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton (image via White House - public domain)

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton speaking to the press in May 2019 (image via White House – public domain)
This seriously undercuts the position of Donald Trump’s legal defense team. I think it’s safe to say Bolton HAS to testify at Trump’s impeachment trial. From the New York Times:

President Trump told his national security adviser in August that he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens, according to an unpublished manuscript by the former adviser, John R. Bolton.

The president’s statement as described by Mr. Bolton could undercut a key element of his impeachment defense: that the holdup in aid was separate from Mr. Trump’s requests that Ukraine announce investigations into his perceived enemies, including former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden, who had worked for a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was in office.

Mr. Bolton’s explosive account of the matter at the center of Mr. Trump’s impeachment trial, the third in American history, was included in drafts of a manuscript he has circulated in recent weeks to close associates.

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Lil Nas X Wins Grammy Award For ‘Best Music Video’

Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X won the first award presented today at the Grammy Awards as he and Billy Ray Cyrus scored for Best Music Video for “Old Town Road” marking his first win of the evening and his first win ever. “THANK U TO EVERYBODY!! I AM NOW GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST LIL NAS X !!!” he shared on Twitter. He also shared a thank you on Instagram, posting a snippet of the modern-day Western video and writing “GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST LIL NAS X!!!!” Shortly after that, the artist removed the social media posts out of respect for the loss of Koba Bryant. Billboard reports:

Lil Nas could be a six-time Grammy winner by the end of the night, as he’s one of this year’s most-nominated artists with six nods. “Old Town Road” is also up for record of the year and best pop duo/group performance, “Panini” is up for best rap/sung performance, 7 is up for album of the year, and Lil Nas X is up for best new artist.