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Disney Channel Has Its First Character To Say The Words “I’m Gay”

More history was made yesterday when the character of Cyrus Goodman (played by Joshua Rush) became the first Disney character to ever say the words, "I'm gay."
Joshua Rush in the Disney Channel series, ‘Andi Mack’
(screen capture)

In 2017, the popular Disney Channel series Andi Mack announced the show would feature a gay story arc – a first for the channel.

More history was made yesterday when the character of Cyrus Goodman (played by Joshua Rush) became the first Disney character to ever say the words, “I’m gay.”

In the episode titled, “One in a Minyan,” the show’s principal characters are at the shiva of Goodman’s grandmother.

Helping to explain some of the Jewish dishes at the buffet, Goodman points out kuegel, bagels and lox, and gefilte fish before ending his list by telling the character of Jonah Beck, his former crush, “I’m gay.”

“Yeah?” Beck replies. “Cool.”

And, life went on – just as it should.

(photo: Disney ABC)

The writer of the episode, Jonathan Hurwitz, wrote in a guest post for GLAAD that the inspiration for the moment came from his own coming out process back in 2010 with a college friend.

While grabbing burgers one afternoon, he asked me to pass the ketchup, so I handed him the bottle while mumbling the words, “I’m gay.” He looked up at me, said “Cool,” then proceeded to put ketchup on his burger as if I hadn’t just revealed my most personal, deepest truth.

I remember thinking: “That’s it?! After a ten-year journey to come out to myself, I finally come out to my friend and all I get is a ‘Cool?!’” But what I ultimately realized was that my friends and family loved me unconditionally before I’d even learned to truly love myself.

Rush took to Twitter to share his pride, writing,“Every day is a blessing working on this show. This milestone is just another stitch in a rich and vibrant tapestry that is Cyrus Goodman.”

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P!nk Announces New Album And Previews 1st Single, “Walk Me Home,” On ELLEN

Sitting down with Ellen this week, international pop-star P!nk announced she has a new album called "Hurts to Be Human" coming out in the spring, and even sang an impromptu preview of the first single, "Walk Me Home."
International pop-star, P!nk

OMG, I love me some P!nk.

Sitting down with Ellen DeGeneres this week, international pop-star P!nk announced she has a new album called Hurts to Be Human coming out in the spring, and even offered an impromptu preview of the first single, “Walk Me Home.”

The singer chatted with Ellen about her 17-year relationship & marriage with husband Carey Hart; how if she were “truly happy” she would be ‘useless’ as a songwriter and artist; plus how she’s really good at getting nominated for Grammys.

To be clear, though, she has won 3 Grammys out of 20 nominations. I’m guessing she’s just feeling a bit of the dry spell since her last trophy win in 2010.

But, she’s totally charming and fun. If you haven’t seen P!nk in concert, make sure you do next time she’s nearby. The best pop concerts I’ve ever attended.

Watch below.

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‘Will & Grace’ Reel Highlights The Series’ Fashion Don’ts Of Its Stars

A new highlight reel from the producers of Will & Grace focuses on the fashion 'don'ts' of the shows four stars - Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes.
Sean Hayes (L) and Eric McCormack (R) of Will & Grace

A new highlight reel from the producers of Will & Grace focuses on the fashion ‘don’ts’ of the shows four stars – Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes.

The description of the clip, titled, “The Fashion Police’s Greatest Busts,” references New York Fashion Week (currently underway) reading, “It’s Fashion WEAK whenever someone misses the style mark.”

A third season of the revival has already been ordered for next fall.

Will & Grace airs Thursdays at 9:30/8:30c on NBC.

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West Virginia Lawmaker Calls LGBTs “Socialists” And Compares Them To The KKK

Eric Porterfield (image via Porterfield campaign)

Things got heated in the West Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday when first-term Delegate Eric Porterfield advocated for an amendment to House Bill 2699 that would have prohibited local municipalities from adding nondiscrimination ordinances that protect sexual orientation and gender identity.

Porterfield defended the amendment saying, “As legislators, I don’t think it’s our job to legislate behavior,” according to MetroNews.

“This is discrimination against the first amendment and religious liberty, and the LGBT is the most socialist group and they don’t protect gays,” he added.

He also said the word ‘faggot’ as he referenced the speaking tour of infamous homocon Milo Yiannopoulous, “Dangerous Faggots Tour.”

To be clear, the word was chosen by Yiannopoulos, not Porterfield, for the title of the tour. But his colleagues objected to the use of the word much like folks would object to the use of the n-word.

On Friday, Porterfield continued his attacks on the LGBTQ community, telling the Charleston Gazette-Mail: “The LGBTQ is a modern day version of the Ku Klux Klan, without wearing hoods with their antics of hate.”

The Gazette-Mail went on to add that Porterfield called the LGBTQ community a “terrorist group,” and that he is being “persecuted” by the gay community in retaliation for his hateful comments.

Porterfield alleges he has received threats on Facebook and voicemails.

He took to his Facebook to write:

“Last night and today, members of the LGBTQ have exercised hate crimes and threatened my safety. We have reported this to the Capitol Police in Charleston and I would like all of my friends to pray for the safety of me and my family. These vicious monsters are proving that they are the most bigoted and discriminatory people in America. Though they try to intimidate and bully and try to strike fear to me and my family, we ask the Lord to help us stand tall against their persecution and their leftist minions within the legislature.”

Porterfield, a Baptist preacher, heads up an organization called Blind Faith Ministries. The name is a reference to Porterfield being vision-impaired.

West Virginia Democrats have called for the freshman Delegate’s resignation over his inflammatory comments and language.

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News Round-Up: February 8, 2019

(image via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunk ‘Steve In LA’ wants you to remember to consider adopting from a dog rescue next time you want to expand your furry family. OMG, I want all four! 

• The Arizona state government has raised over a million dollars for a notorious anti-LGBTI group, Alliance Defending Freedom, by selling specialty license plates.

• Things got way out of hand last night at popular West Hollywood gay bar, Micky’s, when a patron being escorted out of the establishment turned and stabbed the security guard twice in the back.

• Tennessee state Sen. Joey Hensley, virulently anti-gay and professes “deeply held religious convictions,” has introduced legislation in his state that would allow adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples. Hensley, who has divorced four times (sanctity of marriage my ass), was named in a divorce proceeding in 2017 for sleeping with another man’s wife. #DeeplyHeldReligiousBeliefs

• One of the highest ranking officers in the California National Guard has announced the state won’t discharge transgender soldiers from its ranks even as the Trump administration continues to move its ban on trans military service members.

• The president of Brazil has announced plans to remove all references to homosexuality, feminism, and violence against women from public school textbooks. President Jair Bolsonaro’s campaign for the presidency proudly included anti-LGBTQ policies.

• Laverne Cox was giving you LIFE as she closed the 11 Honore fashion show finale during New York Fashion Week.

The event is a first for 11 Honore as it only featured plus size clothes from designers.

Wearing a gown by Zac Posen, the Orange is the New Black star twirled on the runway, serving up glamour, and clearly having the time of her life. Get it, diva!

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1980s Pop Queen Slays At Sin City Drag Brunch

It was a case of “Is she or isn’t she?” at a recent performance of “A Diva-Licious Brunch” in Las Vegas when diners paused for a moment not sure if they were watching iconic 80s songster Debbie Gibson popping a bop or a really good drag queen.
Debbie Gibson drops by “Diva-Licious Drag Brunch” in Las Vegas
(all photos: Dayna Roselli)

It was a case of “Is she or isn’t she?” at a recent performance of “A Diva-Licious Brunch” in Las Vegas when diners paused for a moment not sure if they were enjoying iconic 80s songster Debbie Gibson popping a bop or a really good drag queen.

Frank Marino, who has been drag royalty for over three decades headlining on the Las Vegas Strip, hosted the event at the popular-with-the-gays DW Bistro at The Gramercy.

Marino brought along several of his drag cohorts to entertain the patrons with tributes to Diana Ross, Katy Perry, Cher, Lady Gaga, and Whitney Houston.

The Gibson look-alike was introduced to the strains of 1987’s “Shake Your Love,” and within moments the audience realized the voice was real and so was the singer.

Gibson, who owns a home in Las Vegas, was attending the event and an associate from Marino’s team asked the 48-year-old if she’d like to say ‘hey’ to the crowd or perhaps sing a bit.

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal’s John Katsilometes, Gibson was down to play.

“I was like, ‘Oh, you want me to do 30 or 45 seconds?’ ” said Gibson. “I said, ‘We’ve come this far. I’m wearing sequins. Give me a full song and a live mic.’ ”

Stepping out onstage in bedazzled high heels (girl comes prepared), the platinum-selling popster worked the room as she belted out her song, at times stepping up to dance on tabletops.

As she neared the dance break, she returned to the stage calling the queens to come out and shake their ‘love.’

As the former teen pop star took a bow to a standing ovation, Marino bragged, “Now you know, DW’s has the budget to get the real Debbie Gibson!”

Gibson is scheduled to tour soon with fellow 80s hitmakers New Kids on the Block, Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany and more on the upcoming 53-city “Mix Tape Tour.”

Here in Las Vegas, though, Marino is teasing there are talks of a new incarnation Divas Las Vegas, his legendary line-up of drag impersonators, on the near horizon.

Plus, word is “A Diva-Licious Drag Brunch” could very well become a regular event at DW Bistro.

To paraphrase the old saying, “What happens in Vegas, SLAYS in Vegas.”

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Congress Moves To Block Trump Ban On Transgender Soldiers

As the Trump administration continues to push for a ban on transgender military service members, new legislation is being introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers to allow open service by trans soldiers.

The Washington Post reports that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the bill in the U.S. Senate along with Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Calling out President Trump for the proposed ban, which was unceremoniously tweeted out in July 2017, Gillibrand said in a statement, “President Trump’s ban on transgender service members is discrimination, it undermines our military readiness, and it is an insult to the brave patriotic transgender Americans who choose to serve in our military.”

“We should end this discriminatory ban for good and ensure our transgender service members can continue to do their jobs, serve with dignity and protect our country,” she added.

Gillibrand recently announced she making a run for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.

The legislation would ban the Pentagon from discharging any currently serving trans soldiers only on the basis of their gender identity. Additionally, new recruits could not be turned away from enlisting based only on their gender identity.

A similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by California Democrat Rep. Jackie Speier. Co-sponsoring the bill in the House were Reps. Anthony Brown (D-Md), Joseph Kennedy (D-Mass.), Susan Davis (D-Calif.) and John Katko (R-NY).

Last month, the Supreme Court issued a stay of injunction on two lawsuits that blocked the ban. The policy hasn’t gone into effect yet as the last lawsuit is still being appealed in Maryland.

While the House version could very well pass, the Republican majority in the Senate pretty much ensures the legislation will be dead in the water there.

However, even if the bills passed in both chambers, it would land on Donald Trump’s desk where he is sure to veto the legislation.

Both Speier and Gillibrand invited trans soldiers to attend the State of the Union address this week as their guest to highlight the issue.

In related news, one of the highest-ranking officers in the California National Guard announced the state would not discharge trans soldiers from it’s ranks.

LGBT advocacy groups praised the bills:

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Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Pens Blog Post Alleging Blackmail By National Enquirer’s Parent Company

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos (image via Flickr/JD Lasica)

Last night, Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos took to Medium to tell the world that the parent company for the National Enquirer, American Media Inc.,  had threatened to blackmail him by releasing embarrassing photos and text messages of Bezos.

Not only did he address the alleged threat head on, he published the threatening emails in full.

Just a taste from Bezos via Medium:

Something unusual happened to me yesterday. Actually, for me it wasn’t just unusual — it was a first. I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse. Or at least that’s what the top people at the National Enquirer thought. I’m glad they thought that, because it emboldened them to put it all in writing. Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I’ve decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten.

Any personal embarrassment AMI could cause me takes a back seat because there’s a much more important matter involved here. If in my position I can’t stand up to this kind of extortion, how many people can? (On that point, numerous people have contacted our investigation team about their similar experiences with AMI, and how they needed to capitulate because, for example, their livelihoods were at stake.)

In the AMI letters I’m making public, you will see the precise details of their extortionate proposal: They will publish the personal photos unless Gavin de Becker and I make the specific false public statement to the press that we “have no knowledge or basis for suggesting that AMI’s coverage was politically motivated or influenced by political forces.”

One of the photos listed in the threats is described as “a shirtless Mr. Bezos holding his phone in his left hand — while wearing his wedding ring.”

It goes on to mention that the wealthiest man in the world is “wearing either tight black cargo pants or shorts — and his semi-erect manhood is penetrating the zipper of said garment.”

AMI says it ‘acted lawfully’ but will investigate the issue.

Right.

Of course, AMI has admitted to paying one of Donald Trump’s mistresses for her story in a ‘catch and kill’ move to make sure it never saw the light of day as the CEO of AMI, David Pecker, is a longtime fan of the Donald who hates Bezos.

Go read the entire post by Bezos. It’s worth the read.

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Ellen Really Wants To Shave Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman’s Beard

Ellen DeGeneres offers Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman money for charity if she can shave his awesome beard
Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman (and his awesome beard)

Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots dropped by The Ellen Show to chat about winning this year’s big game, but Ellen clearly had one thing on her mind.

After walking out with the Vince Lombardi Trophy in hand (and that glorious beard on his face), Ellen asks if each player gets a trophy. The answer is ‘no,’ but Edelman does share you can buy one – from Tiffany’s!

After presenting him with the MVP award, Ellen does explain since it’s his first time on the show that there’s a tradition that a shirtless pic has to be shown (!!!).

And she does. Squee!!! I ain’t mad.

But wait, there’s more!

Another pic – and jostling Julian is naked in it! This one from his photo shoot for the 2017 ESPN Magazine Body Issue.

When did TV talk shows get to be so much fun?


Ellen notes the technical merits of the photo asking, “How’d you do that? What’s happening there? I mean, you just jumped in the air and they took that picture?”

“You know… it was a crazy day,” offers Edelman. “The temperature was just right, though, that was a good thing,” he adds with a smile.

After pointing out his obviously muscular legs, Ellen shifts her attention to Edelman’s arms and how you can’t miss them, even asking, “Do you wear shorter sleeves than the other guys?”

And he does!

Edelman explains something about ‘being tight,’ and less surface area, and ‘putting hands on him,’ but it was lost on me as I was still looking at his biceps, so, oops.

He adds it takes two guys to put the jersey on him before a game. “And afterwards, it’s like the worst thing ever… getting it off.”

“Getting it off?” inquires Ellen.

“Yeah, getting it off….” affirms the wide receiver.

“Cause it’s so tight and sweaty?”

“Without a doubt,” confirms Edelman.

I might have lost consciousness there for a second, anyway…

Ellen finally gets to what’s really been on her mind as she addresses Edelman’s big, bushy beard. #swoon

Asked if he’s shaved at all since the football season began months ago, Edelman explains, “(Patriots) Coach Belichick says ‘Put everything in the drawer, and worry about it ’til the season’s done.’ So I put my razor in the drawer.”

Noting that the 32-year-old wide receiver is a fan of The Boys & Girls Club of America, our intrepid host finally gets down to business offering him $10,000 for the charity if he’ll allow her to shave his beard.

Wait, whaaaat? The beard is going away…??? But, but… #stunnedblankface


Edelman grabs his whiskers (as if to protect them) as he ponders the offer. “It’s like a child that grows on you…,” he says.

But he’s up for it, and even offers to kick in his own $10K for the Boys & Girls Club. So, off to the barber’s chair they go.

Before they get started Edelman does inquire as to whether Ellen knows how to trim a beard, and she helpfully offers that she’s used clippers on her dog.

So, great.

Ellen gets going with the clippers and you can see some apprehension in Edelman’s face. But he’s a tough guy, he’ll get through.

Halfway through Ellen checks to see if “there’s anything else” he’d like trimmed?

“Are we talking a Brazilian?,” says Edelman laughing.

Ellen does stop to consider whether the considerable porn stache should stay for a moment…

Going, going….

Gone!

You know, that is a handsome face.

And all for a good cause! Happy Friday!

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Trump Twitter Rant Ricochets From Favorite Target To Favorite Target

Donald Trump

Donald Trump began his Friday with a Twitter meltdown that ranged from more declarations of ‘No Collusion’ to bashing Dem Rep. Adam Schiff, back to more “NO COLLUSION” trumpeting the GOP-led Senate investigation that found nothing (quel surprise), and ending up with (wait for it…) a ‘Crooked Hillary Clinton’ reference.

Busy morning for mister ‘Executive Time.’  #whew