Category: Entertainment

Posted on

News Round-Up: March 19, 2021

U.S. flag and Pride flag

Some news items you might have missed: • Human Rights Campaign: New polling conducted by HRC and Hart Research Associates shows an overwhelming 70% of voters support the Equality Act. That support spans across all ages, races, religions, and political parties. And yet, Senate Republicans strenuously oppose the bill. • BosGuy: It’s Furry Friday over at the Boston-based blog – squeee! Click over to see which fur ball is featured this week. • Kenneth-in-the-212: Check out Kenneth’s weekly round-up of the what’s what in LGBTQ publications including Florida’s Hotspots Magazine (below) featuring their 2021 Sex Survey. The cover of Hotspots Magazine • Pink News: The newly crowned Miss Silver State USA, Kataluna Enriquez, will be the first trans woman of color to compete in the Miss Nevada USA pageant – and if she wins, could go on to Miss USA. • Instinct Magazine: A Russian man pulled off a rather inexplicable stunt while bungee jumping in Russia – with the cord attached to the piercings on his bum. • AP News: Former President Donald Trump’s Palm Beach club has been partially closed because of a COVID outbreak. A receptionist at the Mar-a-Lago club confirmed the news, saying it was closed until further notice, but declined to comment further.

Posted on

New Music: NIKO Wants To Be Your ‘Idol’

NIKO photographed by Billie Black
NIKO (photo: Billie Black)
Check out the latest from LA-based Euro-pop artist NIKO – ‘Idol’ – blending acoustic elements with textured electronic leads & thumping dance beats. “’Idol’ is a song about wanting to be seen and heard,” explains NIKO. “It is also an exploration of the concept of fame, but it mostly can be interpreted as the need for love – the desire to be somebody’s somebody.” Influenced by 90’s dance and house music, ‘Idol’ brings to mind hints of Robyn, Years & Years and Danny L Harle.

A guaranteed floor-filler, the track is pure, unapologetic pop. And NIKO’s confident, well-honed vocals drive the song like a boss. Due to the COVID pandemic lockdown, the track is a truly international collaboration. Working with his producer Joakim Buddee completely remotely, the dynamic duo confabbed via Zoom sessions and email. When ‘go time’ came, NIKO recorded the vocals in a studio on Sunset Boulevard, Joakim mixed the song in his studio in Stockholm, and then whole enchilada was sent to Germany for mastering. Born in Italy, NIKO grew up in a household where the radio was always on and his love for music was informed by icons such as Madonna, Britney Spears and George Michael. Fueled by his passion, NIKO formed a band and started performing in local venues in Milan. But it wasn’t until he experienced nightlife that he discovered a love for dance music. A new door opened, and he started working with DJs as a vocalist. After moving to the U.S., NIKO launched his career as an indie artist releasing his first EP RMNC 21 in 2019, a collection of songs inspired by love and lust. He now resides in Los Angeles where he’s working on his upcoming releases, crafting an uplifting soundscape inspired by European pop, immersed in the California sunshine. You can find my previous coverage of NIKO and his music here. Stream ‘Idol’ on Spotify here and on Apple Music here.

Singer/songwriter NIKO (via official website)

Posted on

News Round-Up: March 18, 2021

Screen capture from the acclaimed film, Poppy Field

Screen capture from the acclaimed film, Poppy Field
(screen capture from the acclaimed film Poppy Field)
Some news items you might have missed: • The Advocate: South Carolina Democratic Rep. Cezar McKnight is facing ire from his fellow party members for introducing a new anti-trans bill that would make it a felony for doctors to prescribe life-saving hormone therapy for transgender youth. McKnight is joined in supporting the bill by 23 fellow lawmakers, all Republicans. • JoeMyGod: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) says he “would talk ’til I fell over to make sure that the Equality Act doesn’t become law.” Methinks the lady doth protest too much. • Stonewall Gazette: The film Poppy Field (top image) follows the struggle of a young Romanian police officer, Cristi (Conrad Mericoffer), who tries to find balance between being a working man in a macho hierarchical environment and that of being a closeted gay person trying to keep his personal life a secret.

• NBC News: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with Asian American community leaders during a scheduled visit to Georgia on Friday in the wake of the spa shootings in Atlanta that left eight people dead, six of whom were women of Asian descent. • KATC: A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a six-count indictment charging Chance J. Seneca, 19, of Lafayette, with hate crime, kidnapping, firearm, and obstruction charges based on his attempted murder of a gay man and his overarching scheme to kidnap and murder gay men whom he met online. • CNN: Xavier Becerra was confirmed by the Senate as the first Latino Health and Human Services secretary on Thursday. The vote was 50 to 49. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) was the only Republican to vote yes – Democrat Mazie Hirono was absent.

Posted on

OnlyFans Quietly Bans This Category Of Content

Shirtless man in a park
Shirtless man in a park
(photo: Pexels/Gauthier-Pierre)

The powers that be at OnlyFans, where adult entertainment performers share their own content to subscribers, recently changed its rule that prohibits one certain genre of content.

The change, made without fanfare to the site’s terms of service in February, effectively bans any content that “was recorded in or is being broadcast from a public place where members of the public are reasonably likely to see the activities being illustrated.”

Ok, so, that makes sense. In most states shooting adult content in public would fall under public lewdness and/or indecency laws, and OnlyFans doesn’t want to have anything to do with that.

The problem, however, arose for some creators who shot content outdoors deep in the forest or out on country property they own.

Vice spoke to one creator, Aspen Eden, who only became aware of the change in policy when she received an email saying her outdoor content violated the terms of service and was removed from the platform.

The email informed her that even photos or video shot in areas “far away from populated places” would still constitute “public nudity.” The only outdoors content with nudity allowed is “if it is a private territory only,” like as a private ranch or beach.

(photo: Unsplash/Derek Owens)

In those cases, though, creators have to provide proof of ownership or permission from the owner to post those images to OnlyFans.

Eden told Vice that since most of her content is captured outdoors, she’s now forced to rethink her focus.

“All of my content was either created on private property, secluded areas deep in the mountains/deserts or national forests,” she explained. “None of my content was ever made in a public area with people around or the chance of people walking up. No parking lots, busy streets or public parks. I’ve never and would never want to put someone in a situation where they haven’t consented to seeing me nude.”

Eden surmised the change in policy probably was due to pressure from banks who do business with the platform. Those entities are probably uncomfortable aiding in the sale of content that might have been created illegally.

Last year, credit card companies like MasterCard and Visa stopped doing business with PornHub when concerns of underage videos on the adult site arose.

OnlyFans has an extensive list of what isn’t allowed on its platform including baby-themed content using bottles, diapers or baby powder; anything involving bruising or spanking unless it’s “not violent” (but that’s kind of vague); or promoting the sale of alcohol.

Posted on

New Music: Scott Cruz Wants To Be ‘The Reason’

Out recording artist Scott Cruz releases his latest, "The Reason"

Out recording artist Scott Cruz releases his latest, "The Reason"
Scott Cruz (photo via Instagram)
Out artist Scott Cruz – who describes his music as “elements of rock and pop with a pinch of soul, blues, R&B, and sometimes funk” – recently dropped his new single, “The Reason.” In that he also works as a TV and film composer, Cruz can spin out classical and cinematic styles as well. “As cliche as it sounds, I like to be seen as a recording artist with different expressions,” says the handsome artist. That wide musical perspective can be heard in “The Reason” as Cruz mixes up the beats with winning results on the track. His muscular vocals soar effortlessly above the pop/rock soundscape.

Cruz told Instinct Magazine the new single was “actually written to the world.” “In this time of massive polarizing divides, the one thing people seem to be certain of are their self entitlements,” said Cruz. “It seems people have gotten so wrapped up with the injustices of the collective and their individual world, they’ve forgotten they must still bring something to the table themselves.” “’The Reason’ is my way of calling it out and reminding people, you still need to give someone a reason to love you too instead of demanding everyone love you. We need to live and be (with every ounce of our being) the reason for people to love us.” Hit the play button for “The Reason,” and follow Cruz on Instagram here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by scott cruz (@thescottcruz)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by scott cruz (@thescottcruz)

Posted on

Marvel Comics Announces Gay Captain America In Time For Pride Month

Out teenager Aaron Fischer as Captain America
Out teenager Aaron Fischer as Captain America
Marvel Comics has announced plans to introduce a gay Captain America this summer as part of a limited-series honoring the 80th anniversary of the star-spangled super-hero. The 5-part series will be titled The United States of Captain America and will feature the original Cap along with Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson and John Walker – who have all taken on the Captain America persona in the past. According to a press release, the foursome will travel the country in search of Captain America’s shield which has been stolen. Along the way, they’ll encounter local heroes, all from different walks of life, who become Captains America for their communities. In the first issue, which will debut June 2 in honor of Pride Month, readers are introduced to teenager Aaron Fischer, the Captain America of the Railways, who is gay. He is described as “a fearless teen who stepped up to protect fellow runaways and the unhoused.”
Concept design for Aaron Fischer, Captain America of the Railways
Concept design for Aaron Fischer, Captain America of the Railways
“Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life,” says Joshua Trujillo, who wrote the issue. “He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten. I hope his debut story resonates with readers, and helps inspire the next generation of heroes.” Artist Jan Bazaldua was given the job to bring the young Aaron to life on the page. “I want to thank Editor Alanna Smith and Joshua Trujillo very much for asking me to create Aaron,” Bazaldua said in a statement. “I really enjoyed designing him, and as a transgender person, I am happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society.” “While I was drawing him, I thought, well, Cap fights against super-powerful beings and saves the world almost always, but Aaron helps those who walk alone in the street with problems that they face every day,” added Bazaldua. “I hope people like the end result!” (h/t ComicBook.com)

Posted on

Podcast: Leslie Jordan, Joshua Sade James, Gunnar Montana, EU, Queer As Folk Reboot

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 podcast: • The European Union’s Parliament overwhelmingly approves a resolution declaring all 27 member countries an LGBT ‘Freedom Zone’ • GLAAD has launched the Biden Equality Accountability Tracker which will monitor the Biden administration’s executive orders, legislative support, speeches and nominations that affect LGBTQ people and rights • After the success of It’s A Sin, could a Queer As Folk reboot could be in the works? • Philadelphia performance artist and dancer Gunnar Montana celebrated National Barbie Day in a ‘Super Gay’ way • Love in quarantine – Joshua Sade James‘ new song “I’ll Wait For You” sings out for separated couples during the pandemic • And Leslie Jordan wants the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, to know ‘The gays have your back’ All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Posted on

News Round-Up: March 12, 2021

Fitness trainer Marc Burgum

Fitness trainer Marc Burgum
Fitness guru Marc Burgum (via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: It’s Friday night and fitness guru Marc Burgum (above, proving clothes are sexy) asks, “If you could be doing anything right now, what would it be?” Follow him on Instagram here. • Washington Blade: Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), whose support for the Equality Act is seen as crucial to winning Republican votes for the LGBTQ non-discrimination bill, has laid out the proposed revisions she’s demanding in exchange for her support. • Stonewall Gazette: Check out the short film Sauna the Dead where two men must overcome prejudice during a night at the sauna by joining forces in taking down a horde of towel-wearing zombies. Who will live to see the dawn?

• Andrew Christian Blog: The underwear and swimwear designer offers five reasons why he believes bulges are sexier than seeing naked peen. • WLTX: South Carolina’s hate crime bill got its first round of approval Thursday, but with an amendment that may exclude the LGBTQ community??? • Instinct Magazine: DC Comics will celebrate this year’s Pride Month with the release of an anthology series titled DC Pride which will include “LGBTQIA+ characters from all corners of DC’s ever-expanding Universe, including cameos by fan favorites Batwoman, Renee Montoya, Alan Scott, Midnighter, Apollo, Extraño, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Constantine, and more.”

‘Superman’ #32 Pride variant cover (Credit: David Talaski via DC Comics)
• Pink News: Following the enormous success of his new series “It’s A Sin,” creator Russell T. Davies is looking at a reboot of his 1990s series “Queer As Folk.” • Twitter: The hashtag #CancelFox was trending at number one this afternoon as the Twitterverse noted the irony that Fox News is all upset about ‘cancel culture’ while professing to love the ‘free market.’

Posted on

New Music: Joshua Sade James “I’ll Wait For You”

Joshua Sade James
Joshua Sade James (photo via Instagram)
It’s love in the time of quarantine for Canadian artist Joshua Sade James and his yearning new single, “I’ll Wait For You.” “I originally wrote this song about four months into quarantine,” James shares. “It took me less than two hours; all of those feelings were incredibly raw at the time, so I wasn’t surprised at how quickly it flowed. “I’m in a long-distance relationship,” he explains, “and once the borders closed, it became virtually impossible for us to meet — the only way was with the power of FaceTime. “In a way, ‘I’ll Wait For You’ was written almost as a ‘swan song’ to my relationship since we didn’t — and still don’t — know when we will be able to see each other again,” he adds. “I’ll Wait For You” was penned with his grandfather’s acoustic guitar on-hand, but ultimately James knew the background vocals and overall vibe needed to level-up their impact, one way or another. “I just knew I wanted a grand experience to match the feelings I put into the song. Once I started revisiting it, I knew I wanted a choir background which… Checked out. If you ask any of my producers, I am one who is prone to wanting grand embellishments on my tracks!” “Since we were under lockdown, however, I had to improvise. My producer, Mike Tompa, turned my voice into an army of 30!! I cried the first time I heard the song in its full form, and had an ‘a-ha’ moment: when I perform this song live, it’s gonna be epic.” Between shifting rhythms and a romantic rap thrown in for good measure, it all comes together with James’s smooth-as-silk vocals shimmering above the gorgeous pensive production. Cover art for Joshua Sade James new single, "I'll Wait For You" Wanting to capture “the essence” of his life and the song, James admits there is a duality at play in the music video. “We wanted to capture the two sides of me: the one who is JSJ, who wears extravagant outfits and SLAYYYYYS, and the Joshua who loves being lazy and hanging out in his velour tracksuit. We also wanted to capture the essence of the song: being in love, and separated by factors outside of your control.” “So, naturally, I chose to wear a fancy outfit and sing while lost in the wintry woods, while also in my sweats in a studio on FaceTime. It represents the before and after, the behind the scenes vs the final product, and the stage performance vs the crushing reality.” James kept busy during the pandemic releasing his previous singles and videos, “All Fall Down” and “Closer” in 2020 and early 2021 respectively, as well as a six-track EP, Mirrors And Smoke. He’s also putting the finishing touches on his upcoming EP, JSJ, (Joshua Sade James). In addition to his extensive performing and recording work, James is an active advocate for mental health rights and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out the new song, “I’ll Wait For You,” below. You can follow Joshua on Instagram here.

Posted on

TBT: Liza Minnelli ‘Don’t Drop Bombs’

Liza Minnelli in 'Don't Drop Bombs'

Liza Minnelli in 'Don't Drop Bombs'
Liza Minnelli in ‘Don’t Drop Bombs’
For a little #ThrowBackThursday action, I was reminded of this music video from EGOT legend Liza Minnelli. Jumping into some new wave pop synth vibes with the oh-so-awesome Pet Shop Boys in 1989, Liza totally landed the new sound. ‘Don’t Drop Bombs’ was the second single from her album, Results. Plus, Liza pulled off the new stylish look, which shocked some longtime Liza fans. The musical collaborations with PSB hit the bulls-eye with unerring ease. I love this. p.s. the legendary Liza turns 75 tomorrow. HB, Miss Minnelli.