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Anti-LGBTQ Group Asked To Pack Up Central Park Field Hospital

Franklin Graham (screen capture)
Virulently anti-LGBTQ evangelist Franklin Graham and his Samaritan’s Purse organization have been asked to shut down their Central Park tent hospital after attempting to spread their homophobic agenda. New York City officials asked Graham’s group to pack up and leave after it was revealed volunteers were forced to sign “statements of faith” denouncing same-sex relationships, comparing LGBTQ people to drug addicts and more. Volunteers who refused to sign the document were reportedly turned away. Originally, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he had received assurances the controversial group wouldn’t discriminate before granting permission to Samaritan’s Purse to set up the temporary facility in March. Those promises were apparently discarded soon after setting up the field hospital. In addition to requiring the “faith statements” to be signed, Pink News reported that a camera crew was brought in to shoot a highly publicized Easter service from the Central Park location.
Field hospital in Central Park (screen capture)
And videos released by Samaritan’s Purse have shown Bible verses displayed on health care workers’ face masks and equipment. News outlets including the New York Times have reported on Samaritan’s Purse using medical emergencies in the past to bring aid victims of disasters while seeking to convert those same people. New York City council speaker Corey Johnson, who is gay, issued an official statement from the City Council saying, “It is time for Samaritan’s Purse to leave New York City.” “This group, which is led by the notoriously bigoted, hate-spewing Franklin Graham, came at a time when our city couldn’t in good conscience turn away any offer of help,” wrote Johnson. “That time has passed. Their continued presence here is an affront to our values of inclusion, and is painful for all New Yorkers who care deeply about the LGBTQ community.” “At the City Council, we are committed to supporting those workers and protecting our city’s public health,” he added. “But as a city that values diversity and compassion for all, we cannot continue to allow a group with the track record of Samaritan’s Purse to remain here when we are past the point they are needed.” Noting that Graham has called the LGBTQ community “detestable,” “immoral,” and “an affront to God,” Johnson called for Mount Sinai the end its relationship with the organization The Speaker ended his statement saying, “Hate has no place in our beautiful city.” CBSN New York reports Mount Sinai Hospital and Samaritan’s Purse issued a joint statement saying the tent hospital was packing up. “Now that the surge in COVID hospital admissions is reaching manageable levels, we will stop admitting new patients to the Central Park field hospital as of May 4,” said a Mount Sinai spokesperson on Saturday. ….and stay out!

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Someone Threw A ‘Corona Party’ & Shared It On Instagram

(screen captures)
I’m just sharing, folks. Twitter user Phillip Henry posted these videos on his account a few hours ago that seems to be from an Instagram account with the handle ‘IanFrostok.’ They appear to be a lengthy series of videos shared on his InstaStory (since deleted or expired) that Henry says were “full-on house parties on a Monday night in NYC.”

I don’t know if that’s true but I can tell you the Instagram account has disappeared. Some in the Twitterverse are curious about the shindig (coronavirus don’t you know) and identifying attendees has proven easy enough it seems since they were tagging each other with their Insta-handles. If – cause it could be wrong – but if it’s the same person, it seems an IanFrostok was profiled by DNA Magazine six days ago on how he’s “coping” with the lockdown. I guess now we know. Needless to say, the idea that a group of people partying this close together in a NYC apartment is NOT what the doctor ordered. According to the New York City Health Department, to date there have been 171,723 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city; 43,383 hospitalized, 13,724 confirmed deaths and another 5,383 probable deaths. Twitter had some shade to throw, though.

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Social Distancing: Airline Will Keep Middle Seat Empty For $39

(image via Facebook/FrontierAir)
If you would like to ensure an empty middle seat when flying, Frontier Airlines will let you pay $39 to block off the seat. From NBC News:

Customers will be able to select a “more room” option, beginning at $39, to ensure that the middle seat is reserved without a passenger, the airline announced Monday. Some airlines such as Delta and EasyJet have already started to block off the middle seat, where possible, to allow for social distancing.

Starting May 8, face coverings are also mandatory at the gate and boarding areas as well as on the plane, the airline said.

“While we believe the best measure to keep everyone healthy is to require face coverings, for those who want an empty seat next to them for extra peace of mind or simply additional comfort, we are now offering “More Room,” Frontier chief executive Barry Biffle said in a statement.

Frontier also announced all passengers will have to fill out a form declaring neither they nor any family members have had COVID-19 symptoms in the two weeks before traveling. Additionally, anyone with a fever will not be allowed to travel. (h/t JoeMyGod)

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Republicans Opposing Trump Riff On Reagan Slogan: ‘Mourning In America’

Riffing on Ronald Reagan’s iconic 1984 campaign ad, “Morning in America,” a group of Republicans who oppose Donald Trump’s policies and presidency released this devastating video, “Mourning in America.” The caption on YouTube reads, “Donald Trump’s failed presidency has left the nation weaker, sicker, and teetering on the verge of a new Great Depression. There’s mourning in America.” From AdAge:

Against a backdrop of scenes of empty streets and shots of people wearing masks, and underscored by plaintive classical music, an announcer says (in a script that directly echoes that of “Morning in America”).

The Lincoln Project launched in December with an op-ed in The New York Times headlined: “We Are Republicans, and We Want Trump Defeated.” The NYT bio line for the op-ed’s authors—George T. Conway III, Steve Schmidt, John Weaver and Rick Wilson—noted that they “have worked for and supported Republican campaigns.”

Predictably, Trump lashed out on Twitter raging at the group and specifically George Conway, husband to Trump’s White House chief counsel, Kellyanne Conway. Mr. Conway, who Trump nicknamed “Moonface,” clapped back.

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Free Streaming Event – ‘Sarah Brightman: In Concert At The Royal Albert Hall’

On Saturday, May 9th, the full performance of Sarah Brightman: In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall will be streamed via YouTube for all to enjoy. The critically acclaimed performance, not commercially available, features Andrea Bocelli and Andrew Lloyd Webber and will be streamed to raise funds for COVID-19 relief charities. Recorded in September 1997 at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, Sarah together with the English National Orchestra, perform an unforgettable concert of well-known Classical and Broadway pieces by composers such as Puccini, Gershwin, Delibes, Bernstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Included are memorable special guests: Andrea Bocelli, performing “Time to Say Goodbye” with Sarah, Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano while Sarah sings the title song from his musical Whistle Down the Wind and a special duet performance of “Pie Jesu” with Adam Clarke. The full performance will premiere exclusively via Sarah’s YouTube channel beginning Saturday, May 9th, 2020 @ 12:00 pm PT/3:00 pm ET/8:00 pm UK/9:00 pm Europe and will be globally available for everyone to enjoy for 72 hours.

In efforts to raise money and support the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief and COVID-19 Solidarity Response Funds, donations are encouraged to these music and health care industry professionals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Brightman In Concert: Performance Track Listing 1. Overture: Capriccio Espagnol/Scena e Canto Gitano/Fandango Asturiano 2. Chanson Espagnol (from Les Filles de Cadiz) 3. O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi) 4. Solveig’s Song (from Peer Gynt Suite No. 2) 5. Summertime (from Porgy & Bess) 6. Pie Jesu (from Requiem) – duet with Adam Clarke 7. Medley: Somewhere/I Feel Pretty/Tonight (from West Side Story) 8. Tu Quieres Volver 9. Who Wants to Live Forever 10. Whistle Down the Wind (from Whistle Down the Wind) – duet with Andrew Lloyd Webber 11. Overture/Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (from The Phantom of the Opera) 12. The Music of the Night (from The Phantom of the Opera) 13. Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) – duet with Andrea Bocelli 14. Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (from Evita) Brightman’s 15th studio album HYMN, released on November 9, 2018, debuted at #1 on both the Classical and Classical Crossover Billboard charts. (via press release)

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News Round-Up: May 4, 2020

Some news items you might have missed: • Monday Memory: I came across this photo (above) from a couple of years ago when Michael, I and some friends were invited to the opening of a new club in Las Vegas. We got there kind of early I guess as not many people were there. A photographer told us to pose for a pic laying down and flexing. For some reason, I (top right) was more fascinated with my cocktail than my bicep. • Boy Culture: Matt Rettenmund reminisces on Madonna making her Broadway debut in David Mamet’s acclaimed play, Speed-the-Plow, thirty-two years ago. • NBC News: On April 20, Trump estimated the death toll in the U.S. from the coronavirus threat could be 50,000 to 60,000; by that point, there had been 40,000 U.S. deaths related to COVID-19. Earlier last week, he spoke of 60,000 to 70,000 deaths. During a Fox News town hall Friday night, Trump shifted his estimates to perhaps 100,000. At this writing, there are over 68,000 COVID-19 deaths in the US.

• Gay Star News: Reports of Tunisia recognizing a same-sex marriage have put LGBT+ people in danger. Tunisian LGBT+ organization Mawjoudin – We Exist – told GSN the reports were probably based on an administrative mistake. Moreover, they said the reports have caused ‘a wave of queerphobic speech, attacks, and bullying’. • Twitter: Star Trek star George Takei jokes about people disregarding social distancing guidelines, “I’m starting a rumor on the Breitbart (conservative website) chats that Covid-19 turns you gay. That should keep a lot of these idiots at home.

• Instinct: Trenton Councilwoman Robin Vaughn became unhinged during a city council conference call and launched vicious, homophobic personal attacks against Reed Gusciora – Trenton, New Jersey’s first openly gay Mayor. The slur-laden screed included calling the mayor a “pedophile” and “bitch-ass.” Gov. Murphy has called for her resignation. You can hear the conference call here. • Pink News: Homophobe Franklin Graham has been asked to pack up his tents and leave New York after exploiting the setting up of a tent hospital during the coronavirus crisis to discriminate against gay people and evangelize. • People: And finally, something uplifting to end this round-up. Check out the video below 🙂

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Man Shops In KKK Hood After Face Mask Requirement Goes Into Effect

(screen capture via Channel 8 San Diego)
Social media has been sharing photos of a man wearing a KKK hood while grocery shopping at a Vons store in Santee, California. The photos were taken at the store on Mission Gorge Road in Santee Saturday afternoon. The incident took place just a day after San Diego instituted health guidelines requiring citizens to wear a face mask when entering a business. Clearly the man was trying to make a statement.

According to Newsweek, “The man reportedly refused to take off his hood after being confronted by others at the store until he went to go pay for his items at the checkout.” Several social media users noted that Santee has a sad, sordid history regarding white supremacists which caused the city to be nicknamed, “Klantee.” See the report from Channel 8 San Diego below.

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Florida: Haters Advance In Attempt To Reverse LGBTQ Rights In Jacksonville

(image via VisitJacksonville.com)
For years, the city of Jacksonville, Florida, had a terrible track record when it came to LGBTQ rights in the city. In 2015, for example, the Human Rights Campaign rated Jacksonville a 23 out of a possible 100 in terms of LGBTQ rights and protections. Since the city expanded its Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) to include sexual orientation and gender identity in early 2017, the HRC rating has improved to 79 out of 100. But now, Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal has sided with a handful of anti-LGBTQ activists that want to see the HRO reversed on a technicality. Florida Politics reports that the appellate court ruled unanimously 3-0 that the lawsuit filed by virulently anti-LGBTQ law group Liberty Counsel should be allowed to move forward after being dismissed twice by lower courts. Jason Gabriel, the city’s head lawyer in the office of General Counsel, called the decision a “mindboggling” and “bizarre” appeals court ruling against the local LGBTQ protections and vowed to fight to defend the law. “It’s a hyper-technical ruling with some bizarre findings,” said Gabriel. The decision from the three-judge panel mainly hinged on how language was presented in the initial public notices about how the existing HRO would be amended. When the amendments were being considered in 2017, the sections of the local Ordinance Code that would be affected were listed and then followed with instructions to add sexual orientation and gender identity to those sections.

“Section 2. Amending Sections 60.105, 400.101, 400.301, 402.102, 402.107(g)(1), 402.107(g)(3), 402.201, 402.202, 402.203, 402.204, 402.206, 402.210, 402.211, 406.102, 406.104(g)(1), 406.104(g)(3), 406.201, 408.102, 408.204, 408.401, 408.402, 408.403, 408.404, 408.406, and 408.407, Ordinance Code.” “The foregoing sections of the Ordinance Code are hereby amended as follows: wherever protected categories are listed, that sexual orientation and gender identity, as defined in Section 3 below, shall be added to the list.”

The amendments also added specific definitions for “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” Sounds pretty straight forward, yes? Everyone concerned understood what and how the changes were to the HRO. But the Liberty Counsel held that all 25 sections of the Ordinance Code that were affected by the amendments should have been written out in full text showing the insertion of the new language. The appellate court agreed on that very narrow legal view saying the process “violated governing principles of notice and due process.” And so, the Liberty Counsel won its reversal on previous rulings and is now allowed to further proceedings in trying to overturn the LGBTQ protections.

Mat Staver of the anti-LGBTQ Liberty Counsel
In a press release, the Liberty Counsel’s Mat Staver gloated over the ruling writing, “The citizen plaintiffs were injured by the city’s deceptive practice in presenting the HRO for passage, and that this deceptive practice of not revealing the intent and scope of the law invalidates it.” Gabriel disagreed with the appeals court telling Florida Politics that “full text of the rules … was set forth for the Council and the public, both before or after enactment, and was immediately officially published after enactment.” One solution to the issue, according to incoming City Council President Tommy Hazouri, who sponsored the 2017 legislation, is to simply pass the law again. Since the bill passed in 2017 (by a vote of 12-6), the membership of the City Council has not changed. The city is also considering appealing this new ruling to the (currently conservative) Florida Supreme Court. LGBTQ blogger JoeMyGod notes that the Liberty Counsel has been trying to repeal Jacksonville’s LGBTQ protections since they were passed in early 2017.

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Pence Admits He “Should Have Worn A Mask” At Mayo Clinic

Vice President Mike Pence is the one without a mask (photo via press pool video)
During a Fox News town hall event Sunday night with Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence admitted he “should have worn a mask” when he visited the Mayo Clinic earlier in the week. The Minnesota clinic requires all visitors to wear masks as a precaution against spreading the coronavirus. Health care experts criticized Pence, currently heading up the White House anti-coronavirus effort, for not following the task force’s own guidelines in wearing a mask. A member of the traveling press corps photographed Pence visiting with healthcare professionals and patients. He was the only person in the photos not wearing a face mask. Reuters reports during the town hall event, Pence said, “I didn’t think it was necessary, but I should have worn a mask at the Mayo Clinic.” Pence later said he wanted to look the healthcare personnel “in the eye” and thank them for their efforts. Fyi – face masks don’t cover the eyes. Pence’s wife told the press he didn’t know he was supposed to wear a mask at the clinic, although several people attending the visit say they were informed of the rules the day before. Pence explained Sunday night that, since he and Trump are frequently tested for COVID-19, he felt he wasn’t a risk to others. It wasn’t until his appearance Sunday night that he acknowledged the symbolic weight of leaders wearing masks at this time as the death count from COVID-19 in the U.S. has surpassed 67,000. “It’s really a statement about the American people, the way they have been willing to step forward, practice social distancing and wear masks in settings where they can’t do that,” he said. After Pence received a backlash of criticism, his team reportedly threatened to retaliate against the journalist who released the photos showing him without a mask at the clinic.

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SF Couple Exchange Wedding Vows With Friends, Face Masks & Social Distancing

L-R Kyle Hill and César Salza (image via Instagram)
Even the coronavirus can’t stop love 🙂 The Bay Area Reporter shares that, just as cities and states began to follow shelter-at-home orders in March, César Salza and Kyle Hill found they had to rethink the wedding ceremony of their dreams they’d hoped to host in San Francisco. Having already obtained their marriage license (which the city has now stopped issuing due to the epidemic), the couple arranged to be married on April 18 in a friend’s backyard complete with face masks and social distancing among 8 friends. “We had planned on something in June but we realized quickly with COVID-19 that it wouldn’t be possible,” Hill told the Reporter. “The pandemic couldn’t stop us,” Salza wrote on Instagram. “Don’t worry we practiced social distancing with the rest of witnesses.” Congratulations to the happy couple!

(h/t Instinct)