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| Percussionist Angel Emilio |
Cuban percussionist and natural body building champ Angel Emilio is giving you beats in this quick clip from South Beach in Miami, Florida.
Happy Hump Day!
Hump Day Dance: Angel Emilio
Trump Proposes Ending HIV Despite His Administration’s Track Record
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| Donald Trump proposes ending HIV by 2030 |
In his State of the Union address tonight, Donald Trump says he plans to end the HIV epidemic within 10 years.
“In recent years, we have made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” said Trump. “Scientific breakthroughs have brought a once-distant dream within reach. My budget will ask Democrats and Republicans to make the needed commitment to eliminate the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. Together, we will defeat AIDS in America — and beyond.”
“Together we will defeat AIDS in America and beyond.”President Trump says he has a plan to eliminate the HIV epidemic within 10 years. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/fVq4wo10VA
— Cheddar (@cheddar) February 6, 2019
While a laudable goal, Trump’s past actions on HIV point to a far different position.
In December 2017, he fired his entire Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS with no warning after several member quit penning a TIME Magazine essay, “Trump Doesn’t Care About HIV.”
He defunded NIH vaccine research efforts and requested additional cuts in funding to fight HIV/AIDS that Congress has rebuffed.
He’s proposed diverting funds from the Ryan White HIV Program to pay for border security.
And then there’s the litany of attacks on the LGBTQ community as a whole.
Sorry, I call bullshit. As the old commercial goes, “Where’s the beef?”
“HIV advocates all agree that ending transmission is an important goal,” Stacey Long Simmons, director of advocacy and action at the National LGBTQ Task Force told the Washington Blade.
“Based on Trump’s repeatedly broken promises, we have cause to question his commitment until we see the necessary funding flowing to strategies that will actually end transmission.”
I’d love to be proven wrong in the long run.
We shall see.
News Round-Up: February 5, 2019
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| (image via Instagram/Johnny.Desperado) |
Some news items you might have missed: • I love Wrangler jeans. And the outdoors. And cowboy hats. And something else, wait, it’s coming to me… 🙂 • The movie Boy Erased, based on Garrard Conley’s real-life journey through so-called ‘conversion therapy’ will not be released in Brazil. Universal Pictures says the film won’t be released due to ‘financial reasons.’ The South American country recently elected openly-homophobic Jair Bolsonaro as president. • If you ever wondered EXACTLY what it’s like to be bullied at school as a young boy, before he’s even figured out who he is, please read this by my talented friend, David Toussaint. Definitely worth the read. https://twitter.com/DRToussaint/status/1092872236124565505 • ABC News: An investigation by a government watchdog organization shows President Donald Trump’s four trips to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida over four weeks in March and February 2017, including his summit with the Japanese prime minister, cost the government nearly $14 million. • Opera singer David Daniels and his husband Scott Walters, were arrested Tuesday over allegations of rape by baritone Samuel Schultz in 2010. Schultz, who told police he was drugged and raped in 2010, came forward with the allegation in August. • Texas political phenom Beto O’Rourke gave Oprah “a strong signal” he is seriously considering a 2020 run for the White House. https://twitter.com/Jay1043/status/1092923855910457344 • A seven year-old boy in Wisconsin was beaten, tortured and buried in the snow until he died of hypothermia for not knowing his Bible verses. • Pet Shop Boys drop their first single, “Give Stupidity a Chance”, from their upcoming EP Agenda (release date April 12). Neil Tennant describes the track as “a satirical song about the poor quality of political leadership in the modern world.” “Chicks are always up for it / You’ve got to grab whatever you can / We need a leader who knows money means class / With an eye for a peach-perfect piece of ass” Check out the lyric video below.
Trump Embraces Comparison To Mafia Boss
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| Donald Trump |
I’m not so sure this is really a compliment.
Donald Trump tweeted out a screen capture of a headline from The Drudge Report that read, “Call For Unity, Trump Approval 48%, Teflon Donald.”
That last part is a riff on the moniker “Teflon Don,” which was used to describe Mafia crime boss John Gotti, who the police could never seem to make charges stick to.
Until they did.
Gotti was charged, tried and thrown in the slammer in ’92 where he stayed until his death in 2002.
So…there you go.
Looking forward to tonight! #SOTU pic.twitter.com/lGKkZeaxUZ— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 5, 2019
Billy Porter Delivers The LGBTQ State Of The Union Address
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| Billy Porter delivers Logo’s State of the Union address for the LGBTQ community |
In advance of President Trump’s annual State of the Union address tonight, actor/activist Billy Porter delivered Logo’s “LGBTQ State of our Union” address regarding issues facing the LGBTQ community – triumphs, setbacks and looking ahead to 2019 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Porter begins with a statement of fortitude: “While our rights are under threat and the sanctity of identities is in peril, let me be clear: the state of our union is strong.”
Addressing some of the challenges the LGBTQ people face today, Porter points out:
• 29 transgender people (mostly trans women of color) ‘lost their light’ to violence in 2018
• Anti-LGBTQ violence is on the rise as 40% of LGBTQ survivors of hate violence sustained an injury in 2017 compared to the 31% in 2016.
• 42% reported seeking medical attention in 2017 compared to the 23% in 2016.
• 27% reported weapons were used their assaults compared to 13% in 2016.
While that does sound bleak, the Golden Globe nominee calls for a more positive approach to addressing these ills.
“How do we fight this hate? With love,” says the Pose star. “Continue to demonstrate out love for each other. Love is strength – strength we must have to fight for our integrity and for our very lives. We will fight hate with solidarity by standing for our siblings around the world.”
Porter calls on the LGBTQ community to declare, “We are here through the banning of transgender service members. We are here through the violence enacted by hate speech. We are here. And if the victories of the last year prove anything, we ain’t going no damn where.”
The 49-year-old also noted the results of the midterms elections delivering the most diverse Congress in history.
He mentions the successes of openly gay politicians – Jared Polis’ election to governor in Colorado; and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay Democratic presidential candidate, joining “a strong crop of Democrats ready, willing and able to throw down with 45.”
“And you better believe we’re coming for that White House and we’re gonna paint it rainbow,” adds Porter.
When it comes to pop culture there’s more good news.
“On TV, on film and in music we are ‘showing up and showing out,” boasts the Tony Award winner. “We are in front of, and behind the cameras; we are increasingly the authors of our own stories.”
Recognizing 2019 as the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and New York City hosting this year’s World Pride event, Porter says, “We will continue to come together to acknowledge and embrace our intersectional community, and to push for equality and justice – for ALL.”
He closes the address by saying, “Make no mistake – our best days are ahead of us. Onward and upward. God bless our LGBT community and God bless the United States of America.”
Definitely worth the watching.
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| Out actor and LGBTQ activist Billy Porter |
You Can’t Make This Up: Trump Celebrates The Year Of The Pig
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| Donald Trump |
The White House has issued a statement by President Trump recognizing the Lunar New Year and 2019 as the Year of the Pig.
Melania and I send our greetings to those celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Today, people across the United States and around the world mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year with spectacular fireworks displays, joyful festivals, and family gatherings. This is a sacred time for many people of Asian descent, and it is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the important contributions these communities have made to the story of American greatness.
As families, friends, and loved ones gather to welcome the Year of the Pig, we join in sharing our best wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness.
The White House didn’t say if the statement was issued during ‘executive hours’ or not.
Madonna To Be Honored As “Advocate For Change” At GLAAD Media Awards
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| Madonna (via Instagram) |
GLAAD will recognize Madonna, the Queen of Pop, with this year’s Advocate for Change Award at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on May 4.
Madge is the first woman, and only the second person, to receive the honor. President Bill Clinton was the first to receive the award in 2013.
It’s a fitting accolade for the international music star and longtime LGBTQ ally who has supported the community since the beginning of her stellar career in the 1980s.
“Change” is certainly a word we all can attribute to Madonna. Not only for her own ever-evolving pop culture persona, but for the way she impacts the world around her.
Madge hasn’t just ‘talked the talk,’ but truly walked the walk when it comes to addressing issues important to LGBTQ people.
From performing at early AIDS benefits, speaking out for more action by the federal government on the AIDS epidemic, and including crucial information about the disease in a flyer packaged with her album Like A Prayer.
She’s raised her voice calling for LGBTQ protections and equality in far-flung countries like Russia, Romania and Malawi.
In 2010, when two men were sentenced to 14 years in prison for marrying in Malawi, she didn’t hesitate to speak out.
“As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. This week, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved.”
Addressing the bullying of LGBTQ youth and the high incidence of LGBTQ youth suicide have also been high on Madge’s agenda.
Truly, “Advocate for Change” is a fitting title for the Golden Globe and Grammy Award winner.
This won’t be her first trip to the GLAAD Awards, either.
In 2013, she presented CNN’s Anderson Cooper with the prestigious Vito Russo Award.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the GLAAD Media Awards as well as the 30th anniversary of her mega-hit album, Like a Prayer, which spawned huge hits like “Express Yourself,” “Like a Prayer,” and “Cherish.”
Funds raised from the GLAAD Media Awards support GLAAD’s crucial programs working to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ people.
For ticket information to attend the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel on May 4, click here.
And head over to GLAAD.org a complete list of this year’s nominees for the GLAAD Media Awards.
Just Because…
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| (via Instagram) |
Spanish sports model and InstaHunk Frandullon86 stopped by the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.
Shorts, calves, biceps, thighs, chest… #seriously
Happy Tuesday!
Bernie Sanders Will Give His Own Response To SOTU At Same Time As Democrats’ Response
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| Sen. Bernie Sanders |
UPDATE: Sen. Sanders has reversed himself (see tweet below) saying he will issue his rebuttal following Stacey Abrams’ official Democratic response.
Stacey Abrams is a great choice to deliver the Democratic response. I’m very much looking forward to her speech.For the third year in a row, following the Democratic rebuttal I’ll be on Facebook Live, Twitter and YouTube to respond to Trump. https://t.co/4xOCjkNwtF
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 4, 2019
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The Hill is reporting that Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont will give his own response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
The senator’s office confirmed with The Hill that he will give his rebuttal speech via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at the same time as Democrat Stacey Abrams delivers the official Democratic Response.
He’s got to give his response at the same time???
The senator, who is listed as an Independent but caucuses with the Democrats, is considering another run for the White House in 2020.
And you can bet it will be as a Democrat.
It would be dope if Bernie was like I don’t need to do a SOTU response bc a capable Black women has got that covered but he couldn’t and didn’t and Black women see that and we won’t forget. #takingnote pic.twitter.com/9YldwWk37E— Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell) February 4, 2019
So does that mean he is asserting himself an Independent since Stacey Abrams has been tapped to give the Democrats response? #BernieSanders #SOTU #Democrats https://t.co/dCxMULMDHY— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) February 4, 2019
Big mistake by Bernie Sanders in doing his own state of union response and in process stepping on official response by Stacey Abrams.— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) February 4, 2019
Just one day. That’s all. Wait until the little hand does two complete cycles and have at it. Why is that so much to ask? Why is @BernieSanders choosing the same night as the first Black woman to deliver a State of the Union response? It is so damn disrespectful.— Charlotte Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) February 4, 2019
#smh
Rami Malek Pans Working With Bryan Singer “It Was Not Pleasant, Not At All”
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| Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ |
Rami Malek, whose acclaimed performance in the musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, has won him a Golden Globe Award and made him the front runner for the Oscar, has finally come clean about his working relationship with film’s director, Bryan Singer.
Malek shared during an interview at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival that his relationship with Singer was combative, reports The Guardian.
“In my situation with Bryan, it was not pleasant, not at all,” said Malek. “And that’s about what I can say about it at this point.”
As the press has previously reported, Singer was dismissed from Bohemian Rhapsody with two weeks left on the shooting schedule. He was replaced by Dexter Fletcher, although Singer is still listed as the only director on the film.
Malek did offer this for those people who are uncomfortable with Singer sharing in the success of Bohemian Rhapsody:
“For anyone who is seeking any solace in all of this, Bryan Singer was fired. Bryan Singer was fired, I don’t think that was something anyone saw coming but I think that had to happen and it did.”
Malek has previously told the Los Angeles Times that the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled at Singer were “honestly something I was not aware of” when he was working with the director.
A recent article by The Atlantic detailed the accusations of four men who say Singer had sex with them while they were under age.
Singer has denied all allegations of sexual abuse.
Bohemian Rhapsody, however, is doing just fine having banked over $800 million at the box office worldwide.
The film won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 76th Golden Globe Awards, and was nominated for the Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture and BAFTA Award for Best British Film.
The movie also picked up five nominations at the 91st Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Malek.