Olly Alexander in It’s A Sin Russell T. Davies, creator of the acclaimed new queer series It’s A Sin, said in a recent interview his series might have been green lit years earlier if he’d written a scene suggested by a TV exec. But he refused to write the scene that he described as “unbelievably crass.” From Pink News:
“I was told at one channel: ‘What if it starts on an AIDS ward in say, 1990 or 1992, with the machines and people dying – and then went: 10 years earlier,’” Russell T Davies recalled.
“I thought that was unbelievably crass and literally refused to do it.
“My producer said: ‘I know you don’t like that scene. If you just type it out, if you just type one page of that, it might get made.’
“I’d rather die than type that page. It’s the wrong way to tell it. There was a lot of nonsense like that. Then you just wait for the right commissioner. In my experiences, all the bosses will leave their jobs every two or three years. So just sit still and the right person will enter the seat again.”
And five years later, Davies got the go-ahead for the series the way he envisioned it. Hubby Michael and I watched the five-part series over its first weekend it was available in the U.S. on HBO Max, and we loved it. I highly recommend watching.
Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead in Bewitched (screen capture) Smart guy and LGBTQ pop culture historian Matt Baume takes a deep dive into the 1960s sitcom Bewitched calling it “one of the queerest shows” he’s ever seen. From Baume:
The sitcom Bewitched is one of the queerest shows I’ve ever seen — which is a little strange, since it’s about a straight couple.
Just a few years later, Soap had gay characters; Mary Hartman Mary Hartman had a gay couple; MASH had a gay coming-out episode. Bewitched never had any of that.
And yet … it somehow feels more queer than any of those other shows. So, why is that? Well, that’s what I want to show you.
I love how Matt breaks these things down showing us LGBTQ characters and story themes were really out there all the time, we just didn’t know to look for it. For more of my coverage of Matt Baume’s insights into classic TV, click here.
Dr. Yazan Abou-Ismail (via Instagram) Some news items you might have missed: • Out: A transgender woman has filed a lawsuit against staff at the Michigan Department of Corrections where she was imprisoned, claiming she was raped after staff forced her to share a cell with a convicted rapist and murderer. She was raped a second time by another inmate after staff forced her to share a cell with him (another convicted rapist) following her return from the hospital. • Greg In Hollywood: Today marks the 12th anniversary of the longtime LGBTQ blog run by the awesome Greg Hernandez. In recognizing the date, Greg says he’s going to take some time off – but not permanently – before heading into his next year of celebrity/entertainment news. • The Hill: Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), a Trump ally and fiscal conservative, says he plans to force the Senate clerks to read aloud the entire $1.9 trillion COVID-relief bill on the Senate floor, which could slow it down by as much as 10 hours. It’s worth noting a wide a majority of Americans support the legislation: a new Morning Consult poll shows 77% of Americans support the bill.
Ron Johnson: “I’m going to make them read their 600-700 page bill.”
Johnson also plans to force votes on a HUGE amount of amendments to drag it out. “We need to keep this process going…I’m going to lead the effort to resist this thing.” Suggests it could drag into Sunday — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 3, 2021
• Washington Post: The House of Representatives will not be in session on Thursday as planned after officials warned of credible threats of violence circulated by right-wing extremists that March 4 is the “true Inauguration Day” when former president Donald Trump will be sworn in for a second term. • CBS News: Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York addressed the mounting sexual harassment allegations against him Wednesday. “I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it and, frankly, I am embarrassed by it.” Cuomo said he will “fully cooperate” with the attorney general’s investigation, adding he’s “learned an important lesson.” • InstaHunks: Woofy Dr. Yazan Abou-Ismail (top photo) is giving you serious furry goodness. He also has a fun sense of humor.
During a perfectly socially-distanced afternoon in the park, funny guy Michael Henry has a question for John Hartman about the men he’s attracted to.
Before Henry can get to the question, though, we find out Hartman has an ‘issue’ with oversharing on a range of topics including erectile dysfunction, never tipping bartenders, and flatulence in libraries.
Anyway…
Henry is specifically curious to know if men’s confidence is a turn on for Hartman.
“The reason why I ask is because a good friend of mine told me his number one turn-on when it comes to men is confidence,” explains Henry. “And I thought, ’No, no, no, no, no, no.’”
But Hartman lands on the other side of this spectrum: “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, dummy. Who doesn’t love a confident man?”
Apparently, not Henry. Which leads Hartman to flip the script and ask, “What do you like then? Insecure, emotionally damaged men…like you?”
Ouch…
The discussion quickly turns into a pros and cons comparison of confidence vs. vulnerability. Henry finds men who are sure of themselves in work and life just fine, but really digs guys who are insecure about those things, too.
John Hartman (screen capture)
“Weirdo – I don’t want to hear about his insecurities,” says Hartman. “Don’t tell me you’re uncomfortable with your bald spot or your weight gain. Own it!”
“Nothing makes my d*ck more limp than a guy whining about his misfortunes,” he adds.
Hartman admits he’s drawn to a more stereotypic kind of guy as he rattles off qualities like “assertive,” “sturdy,” an achiever of “big things” with a deep voice, a beard and a three-piece suit…although now the conversation is more about masculinity and not confidence.
Obviously, attraction is more than a simple ‘this’ or ‘that’ equation. But Henry raises a valid question about how and what gay men find to be a turn-on. I have to admit I’ve said for years confidence (not cockiness) is a definite turn-on for me. Let me know in the comment section, readers – where does confidence land on your dating spectrum? You can find more coverage of Michael Henry’s short queries on queer life here.
UK rock band Trash Boat (screen capture) New music for your Hump Day listening, and there’s something for everyone ranging from head-banging rock, guitar pop, a classic rock ballad, and pensive, chill hip-hop. First up is the powerful new single from Trash Boat, “He’s So Good,” a concept piece about a young man who, even in the face of abandonment, spite and naked homophobia remains a positive and loyal element in their family; forgiving and loving parents who don’t love him back. “Mercifully, my background is love and support,” explains lead singer Tobi Duncan. “I come from a family who never expected me to be anything other than myself. I will always be thankful for that. I never felt the need to announce that I felt differently, because I didn’t feel different in a way that was upsetting me. I have a brother, a cousin and an uncle, all gay. No issues, just love.” “I too was interested in men the same way I was with women,” continued Duncan. “I reserve my right to be attracted to any one human in the world regardless of their gender/ orientation or whatever. Why box myself in? A label seems limiting. I just felt like me and felt comfortable being so with the support of my family and friends.” It’s not often we get full-on rock music that lands so solidly in the LGBTQ space, but this is terrific. And Duncan’s vocals are killer. The band is teaming up with Hopeless’ Records Sub-City not-for-profit to donate proceeds from merchandise sales to AKT, a charity dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ youth at risk of homelessness in the UK. Follow Trash Boat on Instagram here.
UK songwriter Lande Hekt (photo credit: Gingerdope) UK songwriter Lande Hekt recently released the music video for “December,” a track from Hekt’s critically acclaimed debut solo album, Going to Hell. Going to Hell is an introspective guitar-pop showcase that represents a time when Hekt was coming out. The record details how there were so many things that didn’t feel right in her life, along with learning how to come to terms with being gay. Or, more accurately, realizing that pretending you’re not gay can’t go on forever. Atwood Magazine called the new album “a rousing, emphatic charge through the mind of Hekt. It’s passionate, powerful and thoroughly entertaining.” A track centered around feeling scared to do anything when you like someone, the video for “December” utilizes a single take for the majority of the clip showing her cutting off her own hair in a very bold move. “My hands were shaking as I chopped my hair shorter than I’ve had it since I was four-years-old, whilst trying to remember the words to the song and not cry,” she recalls. Check out the new video below, and follow her on Instagram here.
Jeffrey St. Germain (image via Facebook) Out singer/songwriter Jeffrey St. Germain recently released his latest single, “Evermore.” The piano ballad shares a message of overcoming difficult obstacles that life often throws at us. The track has a dreamy, classic rock vibe as the Canadian-born singer offers solace and peace repeating the lyrics, “It’s alright, just keep fighting.” The track is dedicated to those who have been affected by addiction, depression or anxiety. And after the year we’ve had, who hasn’t? A favorite frontman for cover bands in downtown Las Vegas, Jeffrey began to create and record original songs during the pandemic lockdown with the help of his musical partner and BFF Kevin Woodall. “We wanted to write music that we felt, had been missing from the market; real, authentic and artistic,” says the musical duo in a press statement. Hit the play button below. You can find more on Jeffrey at his official website here.
Blxck Cxsper’s new single ‘Self Medicating’ (screen capture) Montreal artist and Trans Trenderz label founder, Blxck Cxsper returns with their latest single and video for “Self Medicating.” The track represents a more vulnerable side of Cxsper as they recently opened up about their struggles with suicide, depression, and their recent diagnosis of autism. The vibe is chill and introspective, and leads the listener to a terrifically pensive guitar solo. “‘Self Medicating’ is a song about me, an autistic person who is going through life masking as neurotypical, not knowing that that’s what they’re doing and that that’s why they feel so lonely and so hopeless,” says Cxsper. “And the same way this song helped me find the words to finally learn about myself, I’m hoping it will help others the same way.” Earlier this year, Cxsper was named one of Billboard’s first Change Agents: Leaders Stepping Up In A Year of Turmoil, highlighting their efforts to boost up-and-coming Black Trans artists. “Music has the power to humanize Trans people in the eyes of society,” Cxsper told the magazine. “Building a platform to elevate Black Trans voices into the mainstream music industry is the way that I’m contributing my skills to help.” Stream “Self Medicating” here, and you can follow them on Instagram here.
The U.S. Capitol building (via senate.gov) Senate Democrats have agreed to narrow the income limits for those who would receive stimulus checks in order to draw in more support from moderate Senators. From the New York Times:
Like the House bill, the proposal under discussion would send $1,400 checks to people earning up to $75,000 and households earning up to $150,000, with those earning more receiving smaller payments.
But the Senate proposal would end the checks altogether for those making $80,000 or couples earning $160,000, while the House measure had a higher cap of $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for households.But Senate Democrats have agreed to the House-passed proposal to provide a $400 weekly federal unemployment payment through the end of August, rejecting a bid by some moderate senators to keep the weekly benefit at the current amount of $300 per week.
Read the full article. This morning, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement saying he has confidence Democrats have the votes to pass the measure.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says "we'll have the votes" to pass COVID relief bill in the Senate this week https://t.co/Na5yOErxM9
(image via Flickr/Thomas Arnoux) A Delta Air Lines passenger on a flight from Miami to Atlanta now faces a $27,500 fine for slapping a flight attendant while arguing over the flight attendant’s instructions to follow safety and the airline’s mask policy, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration handed down it’s decision that the passenger pay the fine on February 26. From FOX35:
The FAA said the unnamed passenger was traveling with another person who refused to wear his mask, fasten his seat belt or put up the tray table in front of him. As a result, the flight returned to the gate due to his refusal to follow the flight attendant’s instructions and the two passengers were asked to voluntarily get off the plane, the agency said.
“In response, the passenger accompanying the non-compliant traveler ignored the flight attendant’s instructions, began yelling expletives at the flight attendant and other passengers, and struck the flight attendant under her left eye,” the FAA said in a statement.
President Joe Biden (screen capture) Due to ramped up manufacturing of coronavirus vaccine supply, President Biden announced today that by the end of May there will be enough vaccine supply for every adult in the U.S. to get vaccinated. Biden had previously indicated that it would be closer to the end of July before enough vaccine would be available. The shortened timeline is due, in part, to the approval of the Johnson & Johnson 1-shot vaccine being approved by the FDA. Plus, pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co has agreed to help manufacture the J&J vaccine under a new deal brokered by the White House. Biden is also asking every state to prioritize teachers for vaccination.
Biden: "We're now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May." pic.twitter.com/QEPBhvR7kY
Today, I am directing every state to prioritize educators for vaccination. We want every educator, school staff member, and child-care worker to receive at least one shot by the end of this month.
It’s time to treat in-person learning like the essential service that it is.
The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has lifted his state’s face mask requirement and given the green light for businesses to operate at 100% capacity. From the New York Times:
The wide-reaching announcement in Texas came as similar rules were being lifted elsewhere: Restaurants, schools, movie theaters and bars are reopening and shedding restrictions in some of the nation’s biggest cities and most populous states, prompting more Americans to emerge after months of isolation and bringing the country closer to a semblance of life before the coronavirus pandemic.
In Chicago, tens of thousands of children returned to public school this week, while snow-covered parks and playgrounds around the city that have been shuttered since last March were opened. Mississippi ended its mask mandate, too. Restaurants in Massachusetts were allowed to operate without capacity limits, and South Carolina erased its limits on large gatherings.
This virus has killed more than 40,000 Texans. @GregAbbott_TX's response? Ignore health professionals, attack mask rules, & endanger lives to score political points.
Locally, we must continue wearing masks & caring for our sick, despite the cowardice of our governor.
FBI Director Christopher Wray (screen capture) From NBC News:
FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday repeatedly shot down claims by Republican allies of former President Donald Trump and others that antifa activists participated in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol.
“We have not to date seen any evidence of anarchist violent extremists or people subscribing to antifa in connection with the 6th,” Wray said in testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing to address concerns about the intelligence leading up to the riot and the domestic terrorism threat more broadly. “That doesn’t mean we’re not looking, and we’ll continue to look, but at the moment we have not seen that.”
Wray explained that those who participated in the breach of the Capitol fell into two main groups of violent extremists — those associated with militia groups, such as Oath Keepers, and those who advocate white supremacy.
For weeks, many allies of Donald Trump have tried to deflect blame for the violent invasion of the Capitol building from Trump to “antifa activists.” The vast majority of the 300+ participants who have been arrested for taking part in the insurrection have social media accounts chock full of far-right content. Wray also said today the FBI is not aware of any widespread evidence of voter fraud that would have affected the outcome of the presidential election.
FBI Director Wray: "We have not to date seen any evidence of anarchist violent extremists or people subscribing to Antifa in connection with the 6th." pic.twitter.com/iQbrhvU0Dm
