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Did The LGBT Media Call Mayor Pete “Not Gay Enough?”

Mayor Pete Buttigieg told SiriusXM Radio he "can't read LGBT media anymore"

Mayor Pete Buttigieg told SiriusXM Radio he "can't read LGBT media anymore" In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s Urban View, Democratic presidential candidate Mayor Pete Buttigieg discussed a range of topics including the mayor’s work to earn the support of the African-American community. Pivoting from that subject, host Clay Cane shared that when he had discussed Buttigieg’s candidacy with his straight friends, the majority indicated they could vote for a gay man for president – “A gay man could win.” But Cane added that when he broached the subject of a gay man winning the White House to his LGBT friends, the response was, according to Cane, “There’s no way a gay man could win.” Buttigieg responded by pointing to his 80% win in his race for a second term as mayor of South Bend after coming out in a fairly conservative state. Cane then asked, “How different do you think your candidacy would be if you were more effeminate?” “I’m sure you’ve heard this before in LGBT circles that more masculine-presenting men have more access?” continued Cane. “How different would it be if you were quote-unquote, “more effeminate?” Buttigieg, a two-term mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and a military veteran had the right answer. “It’s tough for me to know, right?” he began. “‘Cause I just am what I am, and, you know, there’s going to be a lot of that. That’s why I can’t even read the LGBT media anymore, because it’s all: ‘Too gay, not gay enough, wrong kind of gay.’” “All I know is that life became a lot easier when I just started allowing myself to be myself and I’ll let other people write up whether I’m ‘too this’ or ‘too that.’”

Some in the LGBTQ media space have gotten their nose out of joint thinking Buttigieg was taking a swipe directly at them. Having listened to the entire interview, that’s not what I understood Mayor Pete to be saying. Cane introduced the question of doubt by the LGBT community with his comment about LGBT friends who can’t imagine a gay man winning the presidency. He then pivoted to the ‘effeminate’ talking point sourcing the issue from ‘LGBT circles.’ As someone who writes in the LGBTQ media space every day, I can’t recall reading an LGBTQ outlet criticizing Buttigieg as “too gay” or “not gay enough.” There have been gay writers in non-LGBTQ outlets, like the hatchet job by gay author Dale Peck for The New Republic, which was so twisted and controversial it was deletedfrom the website in a day. There were also pieces written over at Slate and Vice which take Buttigieg to task for his ‘gayness.’ But those outlets are not LGBTQ media. Of course, I’m already seeing comments on social media saying ‘the LGBT media should stop attacking Mayor Pete.’ I asked a few of those folks for an example of the LGBT media calling Pete ‘not gay enough,’ and each time they referenced the Dale Peck piece, which as mentioned, was not on an LGBT media outlet. I’m of a mind to believe that Buttigieg misspoke, as a politician can do during an interview, when he used the phrase ‘LGBT media.’ I’ve reached out to the Buttigieg campaign for clarification on the kerfuffle.

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Why Have Networks Stopped Reporting On LGBTQ Issues?

(photo credit: Pexels/Rosemary Ketchum)

(photo credit: Pexels/Rosemary Ketchum) Taking a look at the media coverage of LGBTQ issues over the past ten years, the folks at RealClearPolitics (RCP) noticed a disconcerting trend. Crunching the numbers from the Internet Archive’s Television News Archive, it seems the mention of the word “gay” or “gays” on cable news networks like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC has dropped dramatically. Check out the graphic via RCP below. While the topic of gay rights was a mainstay in the daily news cycle during the Obama administration, thanks in great part to the fight for marriage equality, since the 2016 presidential election “gay” or “gays” have become almost nonexistent on cable news networks. The researchers considered that the networks might have shifted to using other terms – like LGBTQ, LGBT, lesbian, queer, or transgender – in recent years. But, looking at the numbers, there wasn’t a big difference when factoring in those terms. Perhaps the interest in gay rights has simply waned in the past three years? Could that be the issue? Using Google Trends, the data shows lots of internet searches regarding LGBTQ issues since Trump’s inauguration. Media Fellow Kalev Leetaru at RCP suggests that “a very mediagenic presidency has bombarded outlets with so many newsworthy stories that historically important topics like LGBTQ issues have been displaced from the news cycle.” Certainly, that’s a possibility. Donald Trump and his administration have tended to ‘suck up all the oxygen’ in the daily news cycle on a regular basis. Earlier this year, NewNowNext and Media Matters for America took a look at the number of LGBTQ stories during Pride Month on major news networks including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, and PBS. Considering it was the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, there was an expectation of decent coverage, no? In the end, Media Matters called the reporting “shallow and sparse,” especially in light of the fact that LGBTQ Americans make up approximately 4.5% of the U.S. population according to Gallup. For LGBTQ representation to reach a level of 4.5% of newscasts, Media Matters determined CNN and MSNBC would need to increase coverage by a factor of five. And NBC and Fox News would need to ramp up queer reporting to 11-15 times what was televised during Pride Month. It’s also worth noting that among the three Democratic primary debates so far, there’s been scant mention of LGBTQ issues. One of the few LGBTQ-centric moments among the debates was Mayor Pete Buttigieg sharing his coming out story as an example of learning to trust his constituents. Hopefully, the dearth of attention to these issues will be addressed (at least to some degree) when the Human Rights Campaign Foundation presents its LGBTQ town hall event, Power of Our Pride, to be co-hosted by CNN on October 10 beginning at 7pm ET. Touted as “the largest-ever audience for a Democratic presidential town hall devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) issues,” HRC says the event will “mark the first time in history that a major cable news network will air a presidential event devoted to issues of importance to the LGBTQ community.” Nine of the eleven qualifying candidates have now confirmed their participation: former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Cory Booker, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary Julian Castro, Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Representative Beto O’Rourke, Businessman Tom Steyer and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Each candidate will get 30 minutes alone on stage with a moderator to answer questions from the audience. Both Senator Bernie Sanders and Businessman Andrew Yang reportedly received invitations, but have not confirmed at this date. Additionally, ten Democratic candidates (Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Sestak, Elizabeth Warren, and Marianne Williamson) — will take part in an LGBTQ forum Friday night (September 20) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The event, sponsored by GLAAD, One Iowa, The Gazette and The Advocate, will be hosted by transgender actor Angelica Ross (POSE), and will be the first time such an event has taken place since November 2007. (info & graphics via RealClearPolitics – lead image via Pexels/Rosemary Ketchum)

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GOP Group Criticizes Pence For Indifference On Foreign Governments Spending At Trump Hotels

A group of Republicans who are critical of Donald Trump has released a new TV spot that calls out Vice President Mike Pence for looking the other way when foreign governments spend millions at Trump resorts and hotels. Since Trump took office, bookings by foreign governments at Trump hotels has skyrocketed. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Pence criticized Hillary Clinton for the Clinton Foundation’s acceptance of donations during her time as Secretary of State. Note: none of the funds donated to the Clinton Foundation went into Hillary’s pocket. All went to charitable organizations.

Today, Pence’s reaction to the ramped-up stays at Trump resorts is just, “Who cares?”

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Trump: “Is Anybody Dumb Enough To Think I’d Say Something Inappropriate?”

There are reports Donald Trump made a 'promise' to a foreign leader that concerned a U.S. intelligence official

There are reports Donald Trump made a 'promise' to a foreign leader that concerned a U.S. intelligence official The Washington Post is reporting Donald Trump, during a communication with a foreign leader, allegedly made a ‘promise’ of some kind that triggered a report from a U.S. intelligence official.

Trump’s interaction with the foreign leader included a “promise” that was regarded as so troubling that it prompted an official in the U.S. intelligence community to file a formal whistleblower complaint with the inspector general for the intelligence community, said the former officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

It was not immediately clear which foreign leader Trump was speaking with or what he pledged to deliver, but his direct involvement in the matter has not been previously disclosed. It raises new questions about the president’s handling of sensitive information and may further strain his relationship with U.S. spy agencies. One former official said the communication was a phone call.

Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson determined that the complaint was credible and troubling enough to be considered a matter of “urgent concern,” a legal threshold that requires notification of congressional oversight committees.

But acting director of national intelligence Joseph Maguire has refused to share details about Trump’s alleged transgression with lawmakers, touching off a legal and political dispute that has spilled into public view and prompted speculation that the spy chief is improperly protecting the president.

In the weeks prior to the whistleblower’s complaint, White House records indicate communications between Trump and five world leaders, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of July. As the Post points out, Trump has been a bit sloppy when handling classified intel in the past. In May 2017, he shared “classified information about espionage operations in Syria to senior Russian officials in the Oval Office, disclosures that prompted a scramble among White House officials to contain the potential damage.” Trump took to Twitter to ask, without a trace of irony, if anybody is “dumb enough to believe that I would say something inappropriate with a foreign leader?”

(lead image via White House Flickr/Public Domain)

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News Round-Up: September 18, 2019

InstaHunk Jeff Ferreira Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Hump Day inspiration from fitness guy Jeff Ferreira (above) who looks like he’s auditioning for the next poolside X-Men movie. • Human Rights Campaign: International pop star and actor Ricky Martin will be honored with the HRC National Visibility Award at HRC’s 23rd Annual National Dinner in Washington, D.C. on September 28, 2019. • BBC: Rugby legend Gareth Thomas recently made headlines as he came out as HIV positive. Taking part in a new documentary for the BBC, watch the UK athlete become emotional as HIV expert Chloe Orkin explains that an undetectable viral load means the virus cannot be transmitted to others and can expect to live as long as those without HIV:

• Variety: According to reports, SNL hired now-fired comedian Shane Gillis in an attempt to attract more conservative viewers. His stand-up act jokes were fine, but then producers became aware of hours and hours of off-the-cuff, off-color comments on his podcast. And that was that. • Instinct Magazine: My colleague Mickey Keating over at IM has been reporting on prominent West Hollywood resident, Ed Buck, who was arrested from his residence and charged with operating a drug house. Buck is now being called a violent, sexual predator who seeks men struggling with addictions and who are homeless. • New Music: Céline Dion dropped three new singles – “Lying Down,” “Imperfections,” and “Courage” – in advance of her upcoming album set for release on November 15. “Lying Down,” penned by David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, and Sia (who you can easily imagine recording the song) plays right into Dion’s sonic super powers.

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Devastating ‘Back To School’ PSA From Parents Of Sandy Hook Shooting

Devastating new PSA from the parents of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting

Devastating new PSA from the parents of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting I can’t let the day end without sharing this new PSA from Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit founded by parents of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook mass shooting. Beginning with a lighthearted tone about back-to-school supplies like new sneakers and headphones, the one-minute video shifts tone to devastating effect. The Washington Post reports:

In the PSA, “Back to School Essentials,” young students breezily show off their new school supplies before the tone veers into something much darker: A boy marveling over his new sneakers is running down the hallway not to dodge a hall monitor but a gunman.

“Back to School” debuted on NBC during the Wednesday morning broadcast of the “Today” show alongside an interview with Sandy Hook Promise co-founder Nicole Hockley. Hockley’s 6-year-old son, Dylan, was among the 20 children and six adults who were killed in the December 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month With CNN’s Javier Morgado

CNN executive producer Javier Morgado

CNN executive producer Javier Morgado I’m always so proud of my friend, Javi Morgado. As the executive producer of CNN’s New Day, he just kills it every day. Such a pro. But that’s just part of his story. I’ve known Javi for years as a leader among LGBTQ journalists where, as a longtime member of the National Lesbian Gay Journalists Association, he’s given back time and time again. And throughout his career, he’s returned to Miami – where he began his professional journey – to give back to aspiring journalists. In one of the rare moments Javi has stepped in front of the camera, he shares some thoughts on his pride for Hispanic Heritage Month. “Proud to share my family’s story & represent CNN in AT&T’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration,” says Javi.

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Gay CEO Announces Bid For Governor Of Indiana

Indiana business man Josh Owens has announced his bid to become the first openly gay governor of Indiana

Indiana business man Josh Owens has announced his bid to become the first openly gay governor of Indiana It looks like Pete Buttigieg’s success as a two-term mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has inspired some other accomplished LGBTQ folks to run for office in the Hoosier state. Josh Owens, the CEO of Indianapolis-based online retailer SupplyKick, has announced his bid for governor of Indiana. Owens is the state’s first openly gay major party candidate for that office. Owens promises to focus on improving education and bringing an end to housing and workplace discrimination in Indiana. “I’m running for Governor now because I believe in an Indiana where teachers are paid what they deserve and where all are welcomed, respected and protected,” says Owens in his announcement video. “We need a leader who will ensure our state budget, policies and laws reflect a bold and inclusive vision for collective Hoosier success. “Today, many Indiana teachers have to work second jobs and even then, they spend their own money on classroom supplies,” he adds. “As a businessman, I know every Hoosier in the workplace matters, and leadership is required to solve this problem and finally pay them fairly.” Find out more at JoshOwens.com.

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Out Music: Cazwell “Duo Lingo”

Screen capture from Cazwell's latest music video "Duo Lingo"

Screen capture from Cazwell's latest music video "Duo Lingo" Out rapper Cazwell‘s new music video, “Duo Lingo,” featuring Tom Bike and Mad Science, is a veritable Latin go-go buffet. Cazwell says the inspiration for the collaboration came after “using the Duo Lingo app on his phone trying to learn Spanish and failing miserably.” He’d been chatting with Tom Bike about working on a project together and thought a Spanish/English rap would be cool. Filmed in West Hollywood’s FuBar, the music video features thong-clad adult performers like Beaux Banks, Fernando Figuero and Abel Pirela. “I wanted to make sure the bar looked like a hole-in-the-wall dive bar, as grimy and as ratchet possible,” says Cazwell. “We all have a hustle. Some people get their hustle on social media or on the go-go box and some people do it on Wall Street. I respect everyone’s grind. These boys have a lot of discipline and work very hard.” I previously covered Cazwell’s “No Selfie Control” music video here. Hit play but note – totally not suitable for worktime viewing 🙂

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Madonna Premieres ‘Madame X’ Tour In Brooklyn

Matt Rettenmund's front row ticket to Madonna's Madame X concert

Madonna premiered her Madame X concert in Brooklyn last night Madonna premiered her Madame X concert tour last night in Brooklyn, and Boy Culture’s Matt Rettenmund had a front-row seat for the event. Even posting his report at 2:50 am, Rettenmund’s clever wordplay comes through as he details his adventure at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House. I won’t include all of his thoughts on the more-intimate-than-usual Madge-fest, but here’s how he sums up the event:

Sometimes, when Madonna does a lot of new material in a show, I can see how it may be offputting to casual fans. I defy anyone with an open mind and open ears to begrudge her the desire to air these new gems. With just enough nods to her past, Madonna is too busy reveling in the present and making plans to go into the future to get mired down by deep cuts and too many of yesteryear’s hits.

There is always next time for a hits tour.

Madame X is one of the biggest gambles Madonna has ever taken as a live performer (oh, I take it all back, what if she sang “Gambler”?), and it’s one that pays off in the form of a show that perfectly showcases her musicality, her curiosity, her understanding of how to hold an audience and her resolve to be an artist who instigates, who “disturbs the peace,” who leads and whose legacy is always whatever comes next.

The Queen of Pop has announced 17 performances at BAM (through October 12) before taking the show on the road. Click over to Boy Culture to read the full blow-by-blow account of the concert including the night’s setlist.