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Virginia Governor Apologizes For Racist Photo, Then Claims It’s Not Him

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam addresses blackface scandal

High profile Democrats are calling for their colleague, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, to step down after photos from his 1984 medical school yearbook appear to show him dressing up in racist costumes.

The Virginian-Pilot obtained a photo of his yearbook page showing what appears to be men in either blackface or a Ku Klux Klan uniform, although it wasn’t clear which person was the future governor.

Initially, Northam issued an apology:

“I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now,” Northam said. “This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians’ faith in that commitment. I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their governor.”

And that was followed by a video where he again asked for forgiveness but promised to serve out his term as governor which ends in 2022.

But this morning, Northam is reversing saying it isn’t him in the photo.

According to today’s Virginian-Pilot, he called state Sen. Louise Lucas to say, “I”m not going to resign because it’s not me in the photo.”

Her response – “Then you waited too long to say it wasn’t you.”

“He should have said that yesterday then,” Lucas told The Washington Post. “He just told me he didn’t think it’s him. And I said, ‘Ralph, this is a day late and a dollar short. It’s too late.’”

Virginia Democrats have asked the governor to step down as well as former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro was the first 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to call on Northam to resign, followed by Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also called on Northam to resign.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become governor should Northam step down.

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Cameron Kasky To Attend State Of The Union Address

Cameron Kasky at the March for Our Lives (screen capture)

The Washington Post reports one of the survivor activists from the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida will attend this year’s State of the Union address next Tuesday as the guest of a Democratic congressman.

Rep. Eric Swalwell of California has invited activist Cameron Kasky to join him at the SOTU next week.

In the aftermath of the deadly shooting that left 17 dead, Kasky co-founded Never Again MSD, an advocacy group that lobbies for stricter gun laws. He also helped organize the March for Our Lives protest that took place in Washington, D.C. last March.

Kasky famously told CNN shortly after the shooting, “My message for the people in office is: You’re either with us or against us. We are losing our lives while the adults are playing around.”

Swalwell said in a statement he personally admires the “remarkable strength” Kasky has shown since the “unimaginable” shooting at Stoneman Douglas.

“He stands at the forefront of the fight for action to address gun violence,” said Swalwell. “I’m proud to have Cameron join me at the U.S. Capitol, nearly one year after he faced a horror no kid should endure at school, to continue this fight, because there is no right more important than the right to live.”

Swalwell has called for legislation banning military-style semiautomatic weapons. He is also reportedly considering a run for the White House in 2020.

Kasky joked on his Twitter that he would be running himself in 2020, co-opting Barack Obama’s campaign slogan a bit with #YesWeCam.

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Ben Platt Drops First Tracks From Debut Album ‘Sing To Me Instead’

Tony Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) drops the first two tracks from his upcoming debut album, Sing To Me Instead.
Tony Award winner Ben Platt

Tony Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) drops the first two tracks from his upcoming debut album, Sing To Me Instead.

Platt recently told the Los Angeles Times that the album will be structured with a loose narrative based on his own past relationships.

The first, “Bad Habit,”gives Platt fans exactly what they want: a sensitive and raw reading on missing an ex that builds to pop power ballad levels complete with long-held, over-the-bar notes.

“‘Bad Habit’ is like a prologue, somebody singing retrospectively about a relationship they’ve gotten out of and realizing that they have somewhat of an addiction to this person,” he told the LA Times. “And regardless of understanding they may not be the best or healthiest person for them, there’s just still this hole inside that’s hard to ignore.”

Out actor Charlie Carver (The Boys in the Band, Teen Wolf) has a cameo at the end of the music video   which seems to make this a story of gay love gone bad.

Did Ben Platt just come out?

The second, “Ease My Mind,” is a thoughtful, piano-driven, R&B-style ballad that leads to a rich, gospel-inspired release.

Platt says the track, “harkens to the beginning of that relationship to consider the reasons why it got started in the first place.”

Platt will next lead an all-star cast in the much-anticipated new Netflix series, The Politician, set to premiere laster this year. Platt’s co-stars include Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Zoey Deutch.

He will also star in the upcoming films Run This Town – premiering at this year’s SXSW Film Festival – and Broken Diamonds.

Check out the new tracks below. Sing To Me Instead will be released March 29.

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Former Oklahoma State Chair For Trump Campaign Ordered To Pay $125K In Restitution To Child Sex Victim

Former Oklahoma state Sen. Ralph Shortey, who was busted for child sex trafficking, has been ordered to pay more than $125,000 in restitution to his victim.
Former OK state Sen. Ralph Shortey

Former Oklahoma state Sen. Ralph Shortey, who was busted for child sex trafficking, has been ordered to pay more than $125,000 in restitution to his victim.

Shortey, who served as Donald Trump’s state campaign chair in 2016, was arrested in March 2017 after police found him with a 17-year-old boy in a motel room in Moore, Oklahoma. Police found marijuana and condoms on the premises at the time of the arrest.

An affidavit from one of the police investigators revealed text messages between the teen and Shortey showed the former ‘family values’ lawmaker was looking to pay the boy for sex.

(click image to enlarge – warning: mature language)

Shortey pleaded guilty to one count of child sex trafficking in November 2017 in exchange for three child pornography charges being dropped. He’s currently serving a 15 year prison sentence in Texas.

Although federal prosecutors requested $535,000 in restitution to be paid to the victim, the judge has ordered Shortey pay $125,850.

Shortey does not have the right to appeal the judgment.

According to local news station KFOR, the original $535K figure sought by prosecutors was “to include mental, psychiatric and psychological treatment along with the victim’s estimated lost income resulting from Shortey’s offense.”

The prosecutors pointed out in their motion that the victim “did not complete high school, largely because of the trauma and victimization caused by the defendant.”

The majority of the requested restitution, $410,000, was to offset lost future income as the Social Security Administration calculates a lifetime loss of approximately $410,000 for individuals who don’t finish high school.

But the judge disregarded that argument as speculative since the boy had obtained his GED.

Shortey’s attorney, Ed Blau, told KFOR he felt the judgment was fair, although the victim won’t receive the majority of the funds anytime soon.

“By statute, my client was ordered to pay $125,000 immediately,” said Blau. “Obviously, he’s incarcerated – he’s not going to be able to do that, so what they will do is they’ll take a certain amount off his books each month.”

(h/t KFOR)

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Sen. Cory Booker Announces 2020 Run For White House

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey announced today that he is throwing his hat in the ring to become the Democratic nominee for president in 2020.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey 

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey announced today that he is throwing his hat in the ring to become the Democratic nominee for president in 2020.

In a video on Twitter, Booker intoned the spirit of the civil rights movement, on this first day of Black History Month, as he shared his vision for a country that will “channel our common pain back into our common purpose.”

“The history of our nation is defined by collective action; by interwoven destinies of slaves and abolitionists; of those born here and those who chose America as home; of those who took up arms to defend our country, and those who linked arms to challenge and change it,” said Booker in the video.

The 49-year-old former mayor joins an already-crowded field of Democrats vying for the 2020 nomination including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Tulsi Gabbard, former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, and Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

The folks at NJ.com served up this quick video on Booker’s personal history.

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Jussie Smollett “I’m Ok”

(image via Instagram/JussieSmollett)

In his first public statement regarding the homophobic, racist assault he experienced earlier this week in Chicago, Empire star Jussie Smollett has spoken to Essence saying he is ‘ok’ and assured folks that he has ‘been 100% factual and consistent on every level’ about the attack.

Let me start by saying that I’m ok. My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words.

I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.

As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process. Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me.

With Love, respect & honor…Jussie.

This follows a statement released by Smollett’s family yesterday on Instagram saying they are standing by their “beloved son and brother.”

“Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed,” read the family’s statement. “We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country.”

The family closed with, “Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world.”

See the full statement by the family below.

Because there’s a light in him that cannot be dimmed, because we are a family of joyful warriors, we will not let this get the best of us. Although this is a picture from happier times, this is the spirit to which we chose to move forward…they will not steal, our joy. ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 ________________________________________________________Statement from our family: “ In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed. We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country. Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world. With love & gratitude, The Smollett Family”
A post shared by Jurnee Smollett Bell (@jurneebell) on Jan 31, 2019 at 7:36pm PST

(h/t Boy Culture)

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Ellen Page On Trump/Pence Attacks On LGBTQs: “This Has To F**king Stop”

Out actress Ellen Page calls out Trump/Pence administration for attacks on LGBTQ people

During an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, out actress Ellen Page became  emotional as she spoke about the damage Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have inflicted on the LGBTQ community.

The appearance began on an upbeat note as Colbert congratulated Page on her one year anniversary of marrying her wife.

Colbert asked how she sees the current environment in Hollywood for LGBTQ people since she publicly came out five years ago.

“I mean, look, there’s clear evidence that it has changed, that there’s some progress; that there’s some more representation,” said the former Oscar nominee. “But honestly, I think we really need to hurry up.”

After talking on environmental issues and the disproportionate way climate change affects marginalized people) Page segued into a passionate takedown of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, connecting their hateful, incessant attacks on LGBTQ people to the violent hate crime on Empire actor Jussie Smollett earlier this week.

“Sorry, I’m like really fired up tonight. But it feels impossible to not feel this way right now, with the president and the vice president, Mike Pence, who, like, wishes I couldn’t be married.

“Let’s just be clear: The vice president of America wishes I didn’t have the love with my wife. He wanted to ban that in Indiana, he believes in ‘conversion therapy,’ he has hurt LGBTQ people so badly as the [governor] of Indiana.

“Connect the dots. This is what happens. If you are in a position of power and you hate people, and you want to cause suffering to them, you go through the trouble, you spend your career trying to cause suffering, what do you think is going to happen? Kids are going to be abused and they’re gonna kill themselves, and people are going to be beaten on the street.

“I have traveled the world and I have met the most marginalized people you can meet. I am lucky to have this time and the privilege to say this.

“This needs to f**king stop.”

The silence between Page’s thoughts is raw and palpable. Kudos to Colbert for not jumping in and allowing the moment to breathe.

And as she ended her impassioned plea, the audience erupted in a roar of approval.

Watch below.

LGBTQ advocacy groups cheered:

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News Round-Up: January 31, 2019

Instagram hottie José Adones – check his moves out at the end of this post

Some news items you might have missed:

• A candidate for the Wisconsin state Supreme Court wrote just a few years ago that legalizing homosexuality would lead to bestiality. But he has no bias against LGBTs whatsoever…

• New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a law requiring school boards to use instructional materials that accurately portray political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTs and persons with disabilities. #Bravo!

• Donald Trump responded to reports of the horrific attack on Empire star Jussie Smollett telling reporters in the Oval Office today, “That I can tell you is horrible. It doesn’t get worse.”

• Yorke Print Shoppe in Chicago refused to print a fundraising brochure for an LGBTQ charity. The owner, Brad Scull, says he has nothing against “those people” but has an issue with promoting “the lifestyle.”

Note: There is no religious exemption to Illinois’s nondiscrimination law, and sexual orientation is specifically included as a protected class. So, you do the math…

• The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday ruled the city of Fayetteville may not continue enforcing its anti-discrimination ordinance while the city challenged the constitutionality of a 2015 law that prevents cities and counties from enacting their own LGBTQ protections not covered by state law.

• A deaf lesbian couple say Delta Airlines mistreated them when they tried to communicate with a gate agent in Detroit. The women say they wrote down their request to sit next to each other on the plane, but the agent crumpled up their note and threw it away.

• This could technically qualify as a ‘Daily Dance’ post, but I thought I’d leave this right here.

Florida-based dancer/entertainer José Adones (top of page) is giving you all kinds Latin flavor here. And I ain’t mad 🙂

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Presidential Hopeful Pete Buttigieg On Whether America Is Ready For A Gay President

Appearing on The View today, presidential hopeful Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, was asked the question everyone wants to know: Is America ready for its first gay president?
South Bend Mayor and presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg

Appearing on The View today, presidential hopeful Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, was asked the question everyone wants to know: Is America ready for its first gay president?

Buttigieg’s answer was perfect.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out,” replied the 37-year-old mayor with a smile.

He continued:

“When I came out it was 2015, I was in the middle of a reelection campaign. I was ready – you know you’re ready when you’re ready? – and I wanted to have a personal life.

“It was not obvious that was going to be a safe thing to do – it was in Indiana, Mike Pence was the governor at the time – and I wound up getting reelected with 80% of the vote.

“So I think people will evaluate you for the job you’re doing.”

Buttigieg also says coming from a different generation isn’t a bad thing, and that he promised his father (who passed away this Sunday) he would make him proud.

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Vinny Guadagnino Will Make It “Gym, Tan, Strip!” As New Chippendales Celeb Guest Host

Vinny Guadagnino (image via Instagram)

The men of Chippendales will soon be welcoming reality star Vinny Guadagnino as their next celebrity guest host in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old, who first grabbed the national spotlight in 2009 as a cast member of the uber-popular MTV series Jersey Shore, will be grabbing the host mic starting April 26 for five weeks at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I have spent a lot of time in Vegas, I love it there,” says the Now, to be cast as guest host of Chippendales – WOW!, let’s do this!,” says Guadagnino. “I guess my ‘Keto Guido’ diet is working!”

Guadagnino recently shed 50 pounds thanks to revamping his nutritional intake via the Keto Diet.

The Keto Diet focuses on minimizing carbohydrate intake and upping high quality fats.

He’s even launched an Instagram account, named KetoGuido, so fans can follow his progress.

This won’t be Guadagnino’s first visit to the Chippendales: Last year, he and the cast of Jersey Shore Family Vacation shot an episode of the MTV reboot at Chippendales.

And his Jersey Shore co-star, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, guest-hosted the Chipps muscle-fest for one night in 2011.

Guadagnino is just the latest in a line of guest stars at Chippendales which has included international super-model Tyson Beckford, America’s Next Top Model & Dancing with the Stars champ Nyle DiMarco, 90210 & Sharknado star Ian Ziering, and Joey Lawrence, among others.

Ian Ziering, Tyson Beckford and Nyle DiMarco
(photos courtesy of Chippendales)

The high energy show, consistently voted “Best Male Revue” in Las Vegas, features the men in a mix of current dance music set against high-tech LED walls. And yes, men are always welcome at Chippendales.

You can check out Chippendales nightly at 8:30 p.m., with additional shows at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more info, head over to Chippendales.com.

A post shared by Vinny (@vinnyguadagnino) on Oct 21, 2018 at 11:13am PDT