GOProud dipped into the convention social scene Tuesday with Homocon 2012, an invitation-only party for gay conservatives and supporters who believe in limited government and individual empowerment.
Around 600 guests packed into Tampa’s Honey Pot nightclub, where dancers sported “Freedom is Fabulous” t-shirts and Romney buttons were the accessory du jour.
But what made the evening most interesting was the direct honesty some gay supporters shared in terms of their own personal priorities in politics:
“I understand I’m going to be subject to certain limitations,” said Robert Stevens, sporting a Romney/Ryan button late Tuesday night. “I understand I won’t have equal rights. But I also want to be filthy rich, and I think the Republican ticket can get me there.”
I’ve often said how people vote and where they stand is a reflection of their own priorities in life. I think it’s great that GOProud members are open to sharing their own priorities of wealth over equal rights.
The New Normal, a new sitcom about two gay men (Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells) who decide to have a child through a surrogate mother, is available for viewing online before it’s network premiere September 11.
Rannells stars as Bryan and Justin Bartha plays David, a well-heeled gay couple preparing to have a child with the help of a sweet surrogate (Georgia King), despite the objections of her comically bigoted grandmother, played with great zest by Ellen Barkin.
The two gay dads scenario of the series not only taps into the cultural zeitgeist, it comes with an impeccable pedigree. It was conceived and developed by Emmy Award–winning hit-maker Ryan Murphy, on a long winning streak after Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story, and Glee writer Allison Adler, and it costars The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s breakout star, NeNe Leakes, as the unrestrained assistant to Rannells’s character.
The sitcom has already come under fire from conservative groups such as One Million Moms due to its subject matter. In addition, Salt Lake City TV station KSL has announced it won’t air the series, calling the subject matter “inappropriate” for the Mormon Church–owned affiliate.
In a recent interview with The Advocate, Rannells expressed his hope that viewers will respond to the show’s timely message.
“Gay or straight, the family dynamic has very much changed based on who’s around to raise the kid,” he said. “Because of divorce or financial reasons there are all sorts of people who have to pitch in to help raise kids.”
In the first of three votes which have to take place, New Zealand’s marriage equality bill passed by a large margin:
The 80 to 40 vote in front of a packed and cheering public gallery was the first of three votes Parliament must take before the bill can become law, a process that typically takes several months and allows the public to weigh in. Only a simple majority was needed to ensure a second vote, and the margin is a strong indication that the law will be passed. Should New Zealand pass the measure into law, it would become the 12th country since 2001 to recognize same-sex marriages. Some states in the U.S. also recognize such marriages, but the federal government does not. Polls indicate about two-thirds of New Zealanders support gay marriage. It also has the support of most of the country’s political leaders.
“Every year The Stranger puts out an issue of advice for college students—all the things you need to know about life that everyone else “forgot” to tell you. And now the best of this advice is collected in How to be a Person: The Stranger’s Guide to College, Sex, Intoxicants, Tacos, and Life Itself.”
“From which majors to avoid to how to do laundry, it’s all here, including the very best advice about sex and love from Savage Love columnist and It Gets Better Project founder Dan Savage.”
Everyone knows I’m a big fan of THE AMAZING RACE. Haven’t missed an episode of any season. Love it.
So, of course, I’m excited to see the new season and meet the teams, which were announced today. And lo, and behold, my favorite team already – Team Chippendales! Scruffy, hunky guys – what’s not to like?
