A new survey from Ipsos Polls shows 54% of Republican respondents believe the January 6 invasion of the U.S. Capitol building was “led by violent left-wing protesters trying to make Trump look bad.” I’m guessing those are the same people who believe the COVID-19 pandemic was all staged to “make Trump look bad.” You have to wonder if those conservatives are genuinely delusional or if they just decided to lie to pollsters? More from the poll: • 59% of all respondents feel Donald Trump should not run for president again, only 31% support his running again • 33% feel Trump was not responsible for the Capitol riot while 58% believe he bears some responsibility • 30% of Republicans feel confident that absentee or mail-in ballots were accurately counted, compared to 86% of Democrats and 55% of independents Check out the full results of the survey here.
In a new Ipsos poll, 54% of Republican respondents say the January 6 riot was “led by violent left-wing protesters trying to make Trump look bad.” Only 30% disagreed. 16% said they didn’t know. https://t.co/j3qNCCVX0k
(screen capture via YouTube) John Earle Sullivan, of Utah, has had $90,000 confiscated from him after he sold video footage of a woman being fatally shot during the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building on January 6. Sullivan has also been charged with entering the building unlawfully and taking part in the invasion. From Reuters:
According to the court filings, Sullivan portrayed himself as an independent journalist who was reporting on the chaos, but actually encouraged other participants to “burn” the building and engage in violence.
Sullivan recorded video of the confrontation between rioters and police just outside the U.S. House of Representatives chamber that included the shooting of protester Ashli Babbitt and, according to court filings, boasted to an unnamed witness that “my footage is worth like a million of dollars, millions of dollars.”
Sullivan sold that footage to several news outlets for a total of $90,000, according to a seizure warrant.
More than 440 individuals have been charged for taking part in the attack by Trump supporters which left 5 dead and over 100 police officers injured.
The one and only Brody Some news items you might have missed: • TheOUTfront: My pup Brody (above) is famous! The Brody-o makes an appearance in TOF’s post on the upcoming Broadway Barks event this Sunday! #AdoptDontShop #RescueDogs • Pink News: Andy Cohen says there have been ‘talks’ about a gay Real Housewives franchise for Bravo. • Right Wing Watch: Right-wing pastor Andrew Wommack recently announced that homosexuality is “three times worse than smoking.” In his view, gays should have a label across their forehead, ‘This can be hazardous to your health.’ #Assholery #homophobes
Right-wing pastor Andrew Wommack claims that being gay is “three times worse than smoking,” so gay people “ought to put a label across their forehead, ‘This can be hazardous to your health.'” https://t.co/kQWBHESBwRpic.twitter.com/KzrevwYJ1O
• LGBTQ Nation: Out Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reversed a Trump administration policy this week, allowing for more federal dollars spent on public works projects to go to minority and disadvantaged workers. “As we invest in world-class infrastructure for Americans, we want to make sure that our investments create jobs for people in the communities where the projects are located.” • The Daily Beast: Former New York City police officer and current Queens GOP district leader Philip Grillo admitted to the FBI that he breached the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection pro-Trump—but said he “was drunk at the time.” The FBI says he was turned in by two childhood friends. • JoeMyGod: The hate group that hired accused sexual molester Josh Duggar now wants Lego cancelled for celebrating Pride Month with its first rainbow Lego set. “The Left is tearing down mainstream values — brick by brick! Lego, the latest company to pander to the woke, just decided to test the waters with a rainbow set of “LGBTQIA+” figures.”
Heritage of Pride, the group that organizes New York City Pride events each year, reversed it’s decision to ban gay armed police officers in uniform from marching in this year’s Pride Parade last night. The original decision, announced last week, sparked days of controversy voiced by the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL). So, last night the general membership voted to allow uniformed gay officers to march in the parade “By a 55-40% margin (5% abstaining), they voted to let GOAL march in uniform with concealed weapons but NOT to have an ‘NYPD’ contingent in the parade,” wrote Andrew Humm on Facebook. “Andre Thomas, the co-chair, resigned as did some other people of color at the meeting who were left in tears.” But at 1:30am, the HOP board announced they had reversed the reversal, saying they “voted to set a new policy regarding GOAL’s participation in an effort to be mindful and focus on our mission of creating safe space for marginalized communities.” “It fell under our purview to do so, as elected representatives of this organization,” continued the board. “We firmly believe that this decision is in the best interest of our community.” Having decided the officers “will not march armed and in police uniforms,” the board shared it may consider allowing gay officers to march out of uniform and without armed weapons.
The Executive Board of HOP cited past actions by police officers against LGBTQ people and POC as the reasons for excluding armed police officers in uniform.
The NYPD, and policing across America, is fundamentally flawed. These are institutions started as slave patrols, and continue to oppress Black, Brown, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals who stand at the intersections of these identities.
Over their lifetime, Black men have a 1 in 1000 chance of being killed by the police. LGBQ people are six times more likely to be stopped by the police.
Nearly 3 out of 4 of lethal anti-LGBT hate crimes committed against transwomen and girls.
Transgender individuals who survive violence are 3.7 times more likely to experience police violence compared to non-transgender survivors and7times more likely to experience physical violence when interacting with the police.
Until 2021, transpeople in New York could be arrested for wearing clothes that did not correspond with their sex assigned at birth. And after over 267 complaints related to abuse of force by NYPD when dealing with protesters, only two officers have faced serious disciplinary action.
In the past year, as Black Lives Matter protests spread across the nation following the murder of George Floyd and other Black men, HOP notes that NYC police officers attacked queer people who took part in the protests. HOP also points out that the gay rights movement was born out of a vicious 1969 police raid on the Stonewall Inn gay bar. That said, due to pressure from LGBTQ advocacy groups, the NYPD issued an official apology in 2019 for the 1969 raid as well as for years of brutal treatment of LGBTQ people in the city. In their statement last week, GOAL made note of the work being done by gay police officers to improve relations between police and the LGBTQ community. As I reported last night, the New York Times editorial board penned an op-ed this week calling the banning of gay police officers by HOP a “misstep.” The Times added that the decision “disproportionately affects L.G.B.T.Q. police officers, many of whom have been fighting for reforms; they shouldn’t be judged, and even set back, by the worst behavior of their colleagues.”
(image via Lego) Some news items you might have missed: • NBC News: Lego is kicking off LGBTQ Pride month by releasing a special set, called “Everyone is Awesome,” that celebrates the diversity of its fans. This is the first time in Lego’s 72-year history that it is releasing an official LGBTQ Pride set. • The Hill: Coronavirus vaccinations in Ohio jumped 28 percent in the days following the governor’s announcement of a lottery for residents who get the shots, state health officials said Thursday. Residents who have been vaccinated will be eligible for five drawings of $1 million each. • Kenneth-in-the-212: Six foot seven doctoral candidate Aidyn asks if he’s “still a big boy” as this week’s ‘Mask4Masc’ feature. #woof https://www.instagram.com/p/CKg2FIchBpt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link • New York Times: The Times editorial board penned an op-ed calling the decision by Pride organizers in NYC that police officers would not be allowed to march in the annual Pride parade until 2025 a ‘misstep.’ I agree. • Right Wing Watch: QAnon Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) falsely claimed in an interview that Texas has not reported a single COVID-19 death since the state lifted all restrictions over two months ago. ACTUALLY, the Texas Department of State Health Services reports more than 3,400 people have died of COVID-19 since the state removed all restrictions two months ago. • OUT: It seems folks who hadn’t seen (or didn’t know much about) the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen were under the impression it was about a gay high school student after the official trailer for the upcoming movie adaptation dropped yesterday. p.s. it’s not
so many people wikipedia-ing dear evan hansen today and so many people finding out it’s not a musical about a gay kid who broke his arm lol
During an appearance on Fox News’s Ingraham Angle, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) continued to rewrite history regarding the invasion of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6. “By and large, it was a peaceful protest except for there were a number of people, basically agitators that whipped the crowd and breached the Capitol, and that’s really the truth of what’s happening here,” said Johnson. “But they like to paint that narrative so they can paint a broad brush and basically impugn 75 million Americans, call them potentially domestic terrorists and potential armed insurrectionists as well,” he added. Last week, Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) claimed “if you didn’t know the TV footage was a video from January the 6th, you would actually think it was a normal tourist visit.” If only there was a way to form an investigation into what actually happened…
Ron Johnson claims it wasn’t an insurrection and goes on to say by and large it was a peaceful protest pic.twitter.com/E9TVzhNPTS
Hey @SenRonJohnson, you want to say that to the police officer who nearly had his eye gouged out? Or the other 139 officers injured by Trump’s violent mob? How dare you.
The Capitol was desecrated. They spread excrement on walls, pissed on desks and carpets, stole government property, smashed windows, beat and killed cops and went there with the intention of hanging mike Pence and shooting Nancy Pelosi. They were armed and dangerous #Insurrection
Actor/singer Demi Lovato (screen capture) Some news items you might have missed: • Christian Post: A licensed therapist is suing Washington state over its 2018 law banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors. The therapist is being represented by virulently anti-LGBTQ hate group Alliance Defending Freedom. • NBC Out: Actor and singer Demi Lovato came out as nonbinary today and said they would be changing their pronouns to they/them. “Today is a day I’m so happy to share more of my life with you all,” Lovato wrote in a social media post in announcing the news. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPD6wPqHH20/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link • Washington Post: The European Union on Wednesday agreed to open its borders to vaccinated Americans and others, after more than a year in which travel into the bloc has been severely restricted, a spokesman said Wednesday. • Out Music: LGBTQ-led band Hemisphere has been nominated for ‘Best World Music Album’ by the prestigious San Diego Music Awards for their album American Dreams. The album is meant to emphasize and promote the spirit of ‘Unity’, ‘Diversity’, and ‘Equality’. Hemisphere members Rob Shinno and Don Bowman have been publicly out since 1994.
• CBS News: Fox News Media filed a motion to dismiss a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed against it by Dominion Voting Systems over false claims about the 2020 presidential election amplified by some of its hosts. The motion laughingly says Fox’s “responsible journalists covered both sides” of the controversy and that the network’s opinion hosts provided commentary which “a reasonable viewer” would consider as little more than “hyperbole.” • Twitter: Rep. Tim Ryan was DONE with Republican House members who voted against a bipartisan commission to investigate the January invasion of the U.S. Capitol building. The measure passed by a vote of 252-175, with 35 Republicans joining Democrats in supporting the plan. Note – Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN), brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, voted against the bill even though the rioters on January 6 called for hanging his brother.
The Texas Tribune is reporting Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a measure into law that will ban abortions in Texas as early as six weeks.
The signing of the bill opens a new frontier in the battle over abortion restrictions as first-of-its-kind legal provisions — intended to make the law harder to block — are poised to be tested in the courts.
Abortion rights advocates have promised to challenge the new law, which they consider one of the most extreme nationwide and the strictest in Texas since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
It would amount to an outright ban on abortions, as the six-week cutoff is two weeks after a missed menstrual cycle.
Bolding is mine. The new law has no exceptions in cases of rape or incest. The new law goes into effect in September.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott just signed a bill into law that bans abortion at 6 weeks, before many women even realize they’re pregnant, and allows Texans to sue anyone who provides abortions or even helps someone to get an abortion.
Texas just passed a bill banning abortions as early as 6 weeks. Most women don’t know they’re pregnant until at least 5 weeks. Even if detected early, the ability to make an informed decision will now be rushed.
I am so unbelievably disappointed in Texas right now.
BREAKING: Texas Gov. Abbott just signed law to ban abortion as early as 6 weeks, before many know they're pregnant. No exceptions for rape or incest. Almost *anyone* can sue anyone who "aids or abets" the abortion: provider, front desk staff, person who drove the patient, etc.
“Love Will Not Rest” is a song created to support the movement for black lives and collective liberation. 100% of the proceeds will go to Black Lives Matter – Los Angeles. From the creators of the project: “If it’s within your means, let’s redistribute our wealth into imperative movement work and lean into radical change to create a future where all people are provided for regardless of race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, age and class.” Sung by TaRhea Ray, Kaiice, Liz Chanel, and Royvine Producer: Austin Danson Mix/Master: Brady Waibel Vocal Engineer: Sam Garfield Songwriter/Video Editor: Royvine Lyric Video: Kathy Inoue Single Artwork: Christopher Versackas
Michael and I loved this year’s installment of MisCast, the annual fundraiser for MCC Theater (Manhattan Class Company). The annual gala celebration features artists performing songs from roles in which they wouldn’t traditionally be cast. Performances in MisCast21 in order of appearance:
RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY performing THOSE MAGIC CHANGES from GREASE MELISSA BARRERA and LESLIE GRACE performing WHAT YOU OWN from RENT CHEYENNE JACKSON performing IF I WERE A BELL from GUYS AND DOLLS JAI’LEN JOSEY performing OUT THERE from THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME ROBIN DE JESÚS performing NOTHING from A CHORUS LINE PATRICK WILSON performing THINK OF ME from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LACHANZE performing WAIT FOR IT from HAMILTON ANNALEIGH ASHFORD performing MISTER MISTOFFELEES from CATS KELLY MARIE TRAN performing YOU AND ME (BUT MOSTLY ME) from THE BOOK OF MORMON BILLY PORTER performing DIVA’S LAMENT from SPAMALOT AARON TVEIT and GAVIN CREEL performing IN HIS EYES from JEKYLL AND HYDE KELLI O’HARA performing BEAUTIFUL CITY from GODSPELL IDINA MENZEL performing MORNING GLOW from PIPPIN
Broadway stars Billy Porter, Kelli O’Hara and Robin DeJesus Funds raised from Miscast21 help MCC Theater produce new work Off-Broadway and support its Youth Company and in-school partnerships that serve New York City public high school students as well as MCC’s literary development work with emerging playwrights. Hit the play button and enjoy. One thing I’ll say about the pandemic – it’s really helped artists to get really skilled at sharing their gifts in these virtual galas.
A new survey from Ipsos Polls shows 54% of Republican respondents believe the January 6 invasion of the U.S. Capitol building was “led by violent left-wing protesters trying to make Trump look bad.” I’m guessing those are the same people who believe the COVID-19 pandemic was all staged to “make Trump look bad.” You have to wonder if those conservatives are genuinely delusional or if they just decided to lie to pollsters? More from the poll: • 59% of all respondents feel Donald Trump should not run for president again, only 31% support his running again • 33% feel Trump was not responsible for the Capitol riot while 58% believe he bears some responsibility • 30% of Republicans feel confident that absentee or mail-in ballots were accurately counted, compared to 86% of Democrats and 55% of independents Check out the full results of the survey here. 
In the past year, as Black Lives Matter protests spread across the nation following the murder of George Floyd and other Black men, HOP notes that NYC police officers attacked queer people who took part in the protests. HOP also points out that the gay rights movement was born out of a vicious 1969 police raid on the Stonewall Inn gay bar. That said, due to pressure from LGBTQ advocacy groups, the NYPD issued an official apology in 2019 for the 1969 raid as well as for years of brutal treatment of LGBTQ people in the city. In their statement last week, GOAL 
