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Gays Are Hooking Up 84% Less Due To COVID-19

Congress is considering legislation that would require internet platforms to allow an algorithm-free version of the platform.

Who’s been on Grindr lately? (stock image via Depositphotos)
A new study of gay and bisexual Australian men found the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic reduction in casual sexual behavior. How dramatic? Researchers at the Kirby Institute surveyed 940 gay and bi men about casual sex practices and found the number of sexual contacts dropped 84 percent in the month of April. Other than monogamous relationships, all types of sexual intimacy saw a steep decline in the number of hookups. Additionally, 95 percent acknowledged they understood the risk of hooking up and/or having group sex represented an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus. Dr. Mohamed A. Hammoud, the lead author of the study, told QNews decades of coping with the HIV epidemic has taught gay and bisexual men how to be adaptive in the face of health threats. “Our community has a long history of creating innovative strategies to reduce risk,” explained Hammoud. “[We’re] seeing this continue with this new health challenge.” Hammoud added, “The results from our study show that an overwhelming majority of gay and bisexual men have adapted their behavior and are adhering to physical distancing guidelines.” There is an upside to the drop in hooking up. The decline in casual sex will likely result in “a reduction in new HIV and STI diagnoses in the short term,” according to Associate Professor Garrett Prestage, one of the co-authors of the study. “Trends in these diagnoses are likely to fluctuate significantly in response to changes in physical distancing restrictions,” said Prestage. The new study was published in the medical journal JAIDS on Friday. (Source: QNews)

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NYC Party Boat Shut Down For Violating COVID-19 Safety Practices

The Liberty Belle (image via NY Sheriff’s Office)
Lord, these people just want the pandemic to last forever I guess. From the New York Times:

The Liberty Belle, a riverboat with four bars, three outdoor decks and space for 600 guests, has been touted by its operators as a “favorite venue” of New Yorkers who hold parties, fund-raisers and other trendy events on the water.

But now it has become yet another symbol of reckless socializing during the pandemic: The boat was used on Saturday to host a party with more than 170 guests, violating state and local social-distancing rules, according to the New York Sheriff’s Office.

It was unclear what kind of party was held on the Liberty Belle and how much organizers might have charged for admission. The authorities received a complaint about a party boat departing Pier 36 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side around 8:30 p.m., and deputies intercepted and boarded the boat when it returned around 11:30 p.m.

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Lame Gay Trump Supporter Vandalizes #BLM Display (Twice)

The founder of LGBTrump, a queer Facebook group that supports Donald Trump’s reelection, has been arrested twice in the past week for defacing the Black Lives Matter mural painted in front of Trump Tower in New York City. According to the New York Post, Mark-David Hutt of Rochester, New York, was arrested on July 25 for spreading red paint on the BLM display on Fifth Avenue shortly after 5 pm, and charged with criminal mischief. But the next morning, the 31-year-old was back at it trying to smear white paint on the BLM. Hutt was cuffed and arrested again by 10:10 am. The next day, Hutt took to the group’s Facebook page to boast of his lame efforts: “Saturday, I splashed Red. Sunday, I splashed White. & on Monday…,” Hutt wrote when he posted the latest in a string of videos of his vandalism. “Mayor Bill de Blasio has ruined NYC & has put a target on the back of NYPD’s finest. We need to STAND UP and take our country back. #BlueLivesMatter” Video of Hutt on his hands and knees pushing the white paint on the ground made it to Twitter. In the clip, you can see a police officer attempt to stop the Trump supporter, but Hutt just ignores the officer. Eventually, four officers gingerly stopped Hutt from finishing his vandalism.

The Washington Post reports at least 8 people have been arrested for vandalizing the BLM display since it was initially installed on July 9 by the city. Hutt was so proud of himself he made a screen capture of his arrest the banner for his Facebook page (above). On July 29, he posted a meme letting people know, “If you need a reason to unfriend me, I am pro Trump, pro military, pro law enforcement, pro gun, pro life, a Christian, and there is only two genders. P.S. All Lives Matter.” (source: NY Post)

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COVID-19 Outbreak On One Of First Cruises To Resume

(image via The Points Guy)
One of the first cruises to set sail since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought to a halt after 36 crew members test positive for the virus. From The Points Guy:

Norwegian expedition cruise company Hurtigruten late Friday said four sick crew members from the 535-passenger Roald Amundsen were admitted to the University Hospital of North Norway in Tromsø, Norway, earlier in the day after the vessel docked in the city. All four had tested positive for COVID-19.

On Saturday, the line said another 32 crew members had tested positive for the illness. All four of the hospitalized crew members had been sick for several days while onboard the vessel, and all four had been placed in isolation. But the line said their symptoms weren’t consistent with COVID-19. They only tested positive for the illness after the ship docked in Tromsø early Friday.

The entire ship has now been placed in isolation, and the 154 remaining crew members on board have all been tested for COVID-19. Hurtigruten on Saturday said 122 of the crew members had tested negative for the illness.

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Self-Proclaimed White Supremacist & Trump Supporter Slaps, Punches Woman

Nicholas Arnold Schock (screen captures)
A self-proclaimed white supremacist went on a loud, curse-laden rant at a restaurant in Sarasota County, Florida, and then slapped and punched a female employee. From Law & Crime:

The man was identified as Nicholas Arnold Schock, 36. He was booked into the Sarasota County jail on a count each of battery, and disturbing the peace. It is unclear if he has an attorney at this time. Records viewed by Law&Crime show the Wachula-resident was arrested Friday in the city of Nokomis. He was held on a $620 bond.

In the video, the man identified as Schock demands “Call Donald Trump.” He goes on like that.

“I’m a white supremacist,” he said. “The Aryan nation will rule the world!” he yells at the camera. “People covered in tattoos are going to be my closest relatives, I promise you.”

“Hey, we’ve got children in here,” a bystander said.

“I don’t give a fuck,” the suspect said. “Call Donald Trump, please.”

A bystander in a light cyan shirt tries to lead him off.

“Do you know Donald Trump?” the suspect said. “If you don’t know Donald Trump, I’m not going nowhere. I will butt-fuck this bitch on the table right now.”

He ambled off, and a woman stepped in front of him with her arms spread. The woman apparently said something about there being kids there, but the suspect then slapped her in the face. Bystanders rushed the man and took him down. One of them cinched in a chokehold.

Here’s the video clip. Warning: graphic violence.

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Gun Nut Shoots At Employee When Asked To Wear Mask, Apprehended In Police Shootout

Adam Zaborowski (via screen capture)
On Friday, an unhinged gun nut pulled out a gun and fired at a cigar store employee in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The man was apparently enraged at being asked to wear a face mask in the store due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state currently requires face masks while in public. The man – Adam Zaborowski, 35, of Slatington, Pennsylvania – was apprehended on Sunday and has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and reckless endangerment. From Philadelphia’s ABC News affiliate:

According to authorities, around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, an officer from the Slatington Borough Police Department and troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Bethlehem barracks attempted to make a traffic stop at the intersection of East Washington and 2nd Streets in Slatington.

State police said the driver of the vehicle, identified as Zaborowski, exited his vehicle and began shooting at police, striking a Slatington Borough patrol vehicle.

Both the Slatington Borough officer and the state troopers returned fire and struck Zaborowski, police said. They then administered first aid to Zaborowski.

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InstaHunk Round-Up: Weekend Edition

Green.Joel (via Instagram)
Checking in with the Hunks of Instagram – first up, Joel Green (above) answers the eternal Sondheimian question: Does anyone still wear…a hat? (The answer is clearly yes, and, well). International pop star Maluma is dancing in Hawaii asking if anyone celebrates “for the love that is gone?”

Bremen Menelli had some quality time with Hugo the doggo:

Bearded Frank needed (and got) some well-deserved beach care:

Daniel Newman seems to know as much about sportsball as I do, LOL…

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Great game!

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I don’t really need an explanation about what Jason Momoa is doing here. I just want to watch 🙂

Ignacio Pérez Rey gets all mysterious with his caption, “All good, but…” #thingsthatmakeyougohmm

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todo bien, pero…

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Apparently Rick and the Griffopotamus had a lake party:

Don’t forget to tune into this year’s virtual edition of Broadway Bares tonight at 9:30 pm ET on the Broadway Cares YouTube channel:

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🔥 You've never seen #BroadwayBares quite like this 🔥 Watch two numbers never before seen online when the free show streams tonight at 9:30 pm Eastern at broadwaycares.org/bares. • The African Mask Choreographer: Nick Kenkel Costume Designer: J. Kevin Draves Assistant Costume Designers: Jonathan Clay, Ken Davis, Colleen Ehrlich Hair and Wig Coordination: Daniel Koye Projection Designer: Daniel Robinson Music Editor: Brent Lord Scenic Designer: Mary Houston Lighting Designer: Philip S. Rosenberg Performers: Afra Hines and Grasan Kingsberry with Meredith Akins, Samantha Berger, Sam J. Cahn, Andrew Chappelle, Olivia Cipolla, Kristin DeCesare, Wilkie Ferguson, Aaron Hamilton, Daxfurth Houston, Renee Marino, Jessica Press, Julis Anthony Rubio, Anthony Wayne, Randy Witherspoon Photo by Peter James Zielinski Pan Choreographers: Denis Jones and John Paolillo Costume Designer: Jen Caprio Music Editor: Lee Wilkins Scenic Designer: Mary Houston Lighting Designer: Philip Rosenberg Performers: Nick Adams, Monique Alhaddad and Todd Buonopane with Rosie Colosi, Holly Cruz, Michelle Dowdy, Leslie Goodard, Anastacia McCleskey, Hayley Podschun, Josephine Rose Roberts

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And speaking of woofy guys, the handsome Snoopy is giving you serious face here:

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Donald Trump Wants To Ban TikTok And We Know Why

Comedian Sarah Cooper on TikTok (screen capture)
Donald Trump told reporters on Friday he’s looking at banning the popular social media site TikTok. “As far as TikTok is concerned we’re banning them from the United States,” Trump told members of the press traveling with him. “I have that authority. I can do it with an executive order or that,” he said referring to emergency economic powers. I’m not sure a president can ban a social media platform as it could fall under 1st Amendment Free Expression, but, hey… Vanity Fair believes comedian Sarah Cooper’s rise to fame on the video platform could be the reason Trump’s ticked at the Tok.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. was looking at banning TikTok as well as other Chinese social media apps, citing national security concerns. Pompeo added that the Trump administration was evaluating TikTok as it has with other Chinese state-backed tech companies like Huawei and ZTE, which he has previously described as “Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence.”

But are national security concerns really behind Trump’s sudden pronouncement? Or is there another reason why the president wants to ban TikTok? Social media had their own answer: It’s all about Sarah Cooper.

Cooper, of course, is the actress and comedian who has come to Internet fame by posting videos of her lip-syncing Trump’s speeches and interviews to hilarious effect, whether it’s him denying he retreated to the White House bunker because of a threat posed by protestors, dodging a question about what his favorite Bible phrases are, or, most memorably, recreating his now-famous “People, woman, man, camera, TV” interview.

With more than half a million followers on TikTok, Cooper has been written up by The Hollywood Reporter, The Washington Post and The New York Times and appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen Show. (“You make me so happy,” Degeneres said). A profile in the Times of London was headlined: “How Sarah Cooper’s Trump Takedowns Made Her America’s New Comedy Hero.”

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News Round-Up: August 1, 2020

Reichen and Chip win Season 4 of The Amazing Race (screen capture)
Some news items you might have missed: • Instinct Magazine: My colleague at my ‘other home’ has done a terrific round-up of LGBTQ reality show winners over the years including Amazing Race Season 4 champs Reichen and Chip (above). Hit the link for winning LGBTQ moments from Survivor, Big Brother and more. • Global News: Shane Daum, 43, reports he was gay-bashed by a group of seven individuals while camping in British Columbia. During the incident, the men (who recognized him from his local grocery store) held his dog as they beat him unconscious. He was treated for a concussion, but law enforcement says they aren’t pressing charges because there are “no independent witnesses to identify any particular accused at the time.” • Out Music: With his work in television, film and theater, Tituss Burgess is quickly emerging as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and dynamic performers. Burgess recently dropped his first single, “Dance M.F.,” aimed squarely at the dance music culture and this year’s many unstoppable virtual pride celebrations. The track is a sultry sexy stomper with an attitude that is certain to bring comfort and escapism to our currently socially distanced souls. Burgess says the song “is a love letter to all the party people who in spite of the pandemic, are still committed to ‘live their best lives,’ party on down and celebrate Pride safely while in lockdown.”

• Variety: Facebook is unleashing hundreds of thousands of music videos in the U.S. starting this weekend — a direct challenge to YouTube, which has had a virtual lock on the internet music-video space for years. With the U.S. launch of music videos, which Facebook has been actively developing since at least last fall, the company has updated Artist Pages of musicians and singers with a new section to let users browse their official music videos. • Yahoo News: Now that Donald Trump’s big GOP donor buddy Louis DeJoy has been installed as Postmaster General, orders are going out to employees reducing hours and services. I’m sure it’s all part of a plan to hobble voting by mail which Trump has been demonizing for weeks now for alleged ‘election fraud’ potential. • The Hill: Some Republicans are urging GOP leaders to abandon the attacks on mail-in voting and to instead embrace it, warning that the president is effectively sabotaging his own party. The impact could be particularly pronounced in Florida, a battleground state where Republicans have traditionally outpaced Democrats among absentee voters. It’s also the preferred method of voting for many seniors, who broke for Trump in 2016. • InstaHunks: I thought I’d share another shot of Backyard Envy host Garrett Magee since he made such a splash yesterday in my post about the upcoming Season 2 premiere on Tuesday, August 4.

 

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How Did I Miss All The Eye-Candy On ‘Backyard Envy?’

L-R James DeSantis, Garrett Magee, Melissa Brasier (via Instagram)
Set your DVRs for the season premiere of Bravo’s Backyard Envy on Tuesday, August 4, on Bravo at 10/9c when the “Two Wills and a Grace” from New York City continue their adventures with the most demanding landscape clients in Manhattan and the burbs. Garrett Magee is the expert landscaper aka “the plant whisperer,” Mellissa Brasier handles all the logistics, and James DeSantis is “the money guy.” Together they make up the successful landscaping company Manscapers. The series follows DeSantis, Magee, and Brasier as they transform barren outdoor spaces into lush, jaw-dropping oases. Along the way, the trio juggles tight deadlines, multiple clients, and – just to add some more drama – each other.

Today, World of Wonder, which produces both Backyard Envy and RuPaul’s Drag Race, is sharing a special crossover mini-episode with three RPDR favorites. The trio of drag superstars joins the cast of BYE via Zoom to show off their backyards and get pro advice from the experts to make their outdoor space that much more chic.

Garrett offers Jackie Cox (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12) an insider secret on how to kill weeds without lifting a stylishly gloved finger. James chats with All-Stars Season One winner Chad Michaels suggesting some wall hangings to add to Michaels’ already gorgeous backyard. And Melissa gives Yuhua Hamasaki (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10) one little tweak to take her Manhattan hideaway to the next level. Check out the mini-episode above and make sure to tune in for the season premiere of Backyard Envy on August 4 at 10/9c on Bravo. Here’s a bit more eye-candy from the show’s Instagram.  

 

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Hot weather with @garrettbmagee 🔥 Let us know if you want to see Garrett, James and Mel out in the garden ☀️ 🌱

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We’re back!! Season 2 drops Aug 4 @bravotv 🌱

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