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Another Same-Sex Couple Denied Services For Their Wedding

Another wedding vendor has denied services to a same-sex couple for their upcoming nuptials.
Angel Lane and fiancee Tiffany Allen (via Facebook)

Another wedding vendor has denied services to a same-sex couple for their upcoming nuptials.

Angel Lane and her fiancée Tiffany Allen have plans to get married this October in Las Vegas.

In making plans for what to wear for the big occasion, they reached out to fashion brand D. Auxilly in New York City, specifically regarding a $1,500 jumpsuit.

The couple reached out to designer Dominique K. Galbraith about ordering the clothing.

But Galbraith refused to take the order after hearing the couple were lesbians. She said whipping up a wedding outfit for a same-sex wedding violated her Christian faith.

In an email, Galbraith wrote:

“I wouldn’t be able to make a piece for a same-sex wedding. It goes against my faith in Christ. I believe Jesus died for our sins so that we would live for him according to His Holy Word. I know you both love each other and that this feels right but I encourage you both to reconsider and see what the Lord has to say and the wonderful things He has in store for you both if you trust and obey Him.”

She added that she would “be available to talk and share more about Jesus if you’d like. Feel free to call me.”

Speaking to Metro, Allen said, “I hurt because I didn’t feel good enough.”

“A person who truly has that heart will tell you that God doesn’t make any mistakes,” she added. “I’m not a mistake. My fiancée is not a mistake.”

Since sharing their story on social media, the couple say many designers have reached out with offers to provide for their wedding ceremony.

It’s important to note that Lane and Allen live in Missouri where there are no public accommodation laws to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

However, Galbraith’s business is located in New York state which most certainly does prohibit turning away business due to anti-LGBTQ bias.

Metro reports Tiffany and Angel are filing now filing a formal complaint against D Auxilly, and are also considering taking a lawsuit against the company.

Galbraith reportedly hung up the phone without comment when contacted by Metro.

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House Votes 242-187 To Reverse Trump Military Trans Ban

Trans airman Logan Ireland

The House of Representatives has approved amendment to the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that would reverse Donald Trump’s ban on transgender military service members.

The measure, known as the ‘Harry Truman’ amendment, passed by a vote of 242-187. Ten Republicans joined the full Democratic caucus in approving the amendment.

The sponsor of the amendment, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), said, “Over the last three years, 14,000 transgender service members have served openly and successfully.”

The congresswoman also noted that “all five service chiefs affirmed they do not hamper lethality or cohesion.”

The nickname for the amendment references the 1948 executive order by President Harry Truman which desegregated the military.

The measure would require the military to consider gender-neutral occupational standards as well as military occupational specialty in weighing potential applicants.

However, such consideration “may not include any criteria relating to the race, color, national origin, religion, or sex (including gender identity or sexual orientation) of an individual.”

Additionally, the amendment calls for ensuring “equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, and sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation).”

The ban, which took effect in April, was announced in July 2017 via tweet by Donald Trump. According to multiple reports, the announcement took military leaders by surprise.

Last month, the Senate passed its own version of the defense authorization bill, which does not include the ‘Harry Truman’ amendment language.

Once the House finishes its work on the defense bill, members of both chambers will meet in conference to come to final agreement.

Don’t hold your breath on the GOP-led Senate approving the amendment without a fight.

(h/t Washington Blade)

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Trump To Abandon Citizenship Question On Census, Will Seek Info By Other Means

Donald Trump

CNN reports that Donald Trump will back down from his push to have a question regarding citizenship on the 2020 census.

Instead, he’ll issue an executive order asking the Commerce Department to obtain the citizenship info he wants through other means.

These people said Trump is expected to table his effort to add a question about citizenship status to the 2020 census, setting aside his demands last week to continue pursuing the issue despite a Supreme Court order blocking it.

Trump tweeted Thursday morning he would be holding a press conference in the Rose Garden in the afternoon about “the census and citizenship.” Attorney General William Barr will participate in the event, according to Justice Department spokesperson Kelly Laco. The Justice Department declined further comment on the details of the planned announcement.

The Supreme Court late last month blocked a citizenship question from being added to the 2020 census. The bitter controversy centers around whether the administration can ask all recipients a citizenship question on the 2020 census for the first time since 1950 — a move that could impact the balance of power in states and the House of Representatives, which are based on total population.

Opponents say adding the citizenship question could discourage undocumented immigrants from answering the questionnaire.

That could, in turn, produce lower population counts. And those counts are used to apportion congressional districts, as well as determine where federal funds are used.

More from the New York Times:

Government experts have predicted that asking the question would cause many immigrants to refuse to participate in the census, leading to an undercount of about 6.5 million people.

That could reduce Democratic representation when congressional districts are allocated in 2021 and affect how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending are distributed.

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Rosie O’Donnell On Donald & Ivanka: “I Think He’s Been Doing Bad Things With Her”

Rosie O’Donnell (image via Instagram)

During an interview segment with SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorile, Rosie O’Donnell shared her thoughts on Donald Trump’s relationship with his daughter Ivanka, as well as Ivanka’s ‘public service’ working in the White House and a possible future run for president.

“I don’t know what he’s doing with her,” said O’Donnell “I think he’s been doing bad things with her for a very long time. There’s a creepy incest feel that is a very prevalent amongst Donald Trump and his children, at least his daughter. Very creepy. I don’t know.”

“I think she’s like, you know, a talentless, non-intelligent, non-powerful woman. And, I think she’s…it’s laughable to think of her in any kind of public service role. No one in his family has ever been in public service. Why should they start now?”

Rosie doesn’t cite any particular instance between Trump and his daughter, although many in the public square have noted various statements by the Donald about his daughter that seemed to step into queasy territory.

Listen to the clip below.

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Gus Kenworthy & Matt Wilkas “Taking Time Apart”

Gus Kenworthy & Matt Wilkas (via Instagram)

PEOPLE Magazine reports that out Olympic silver medalist Gus Kenworthy and longtime boyfriend, actor Matt Wilkas, have “decided to take a break in their relationship.”

“Gus and Matt are taking time apart,” a spokesperson for the couple told PEOPLE. “They love and support each other and remain close friends.”

The couple met via Instagram when Kenworthy reportedly messaged Wilkas in November 2015.

Kenworthy told PEOPLE that some folks found the Insta approach unusual.

“It sounds bizarre, because I’ve said it to people and they were like, ‘I didn’t know people did that,’ ” Kenworthy shared after competing at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.

The two exchanged messages, then exchanged phone numbers and met for a coffee date in New York City. They’ve been dating ever since.

A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on Aug 5, 2018 at 3:42pm PDT

Happy #NationalComingOutDay everybody! That doesn’t mean that today is intended to pressure anybody to come out before they’re ready. Instead today is a gentle reminder to us all to live our lives honestly and authentically and not allow anybody else’s expectations to force us into silence. Coming out is an extremely personal journey that each person should do on their own time when they feel ready, safe and comfortable. There is no “right” way nor a right time to come out. It’s all up to you! If you happen to be struggling in the closet then I hope today can be a beacon of hope for you. Click the hashtag to see and read stories of others who have walked the same trail that you’re maybe now just finding yourself embarking on. Sometimes it can feel like a tough path to walk but I promise it will be worth it in the end. There is no feeling more liberating, fulfilling or freeing than accepting and acknowledging who you are and then sharing your true self with the world. We all deserve to live our lives authentically and unabashedly. When you live your truth, unafraid and unapologetically, you make it easier for someone else to do so. Representation is how we break down barriers, combat discrimination, and make positive change in the world. Although you may feel alone in the closet there is a community out there that sees you, hears you and not only accepts you but is actually waiting with open arms to embrace you. Good luck! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on Oct 11, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT

The couple was famously photographed kissing at the bottom of a ski slope at the Winter Games after a successful run by Kenworthy.

The last social media post to feature the duo was on June 8 as the couple took part in the AIDS/LifeCycle annual fundraising event.

It’s hard to put into words what this past week has meant to me but it was quite a journey, both physically and emotionally. By the end of day two I was questioning why I ever even signed up. I was tired, my legs ached, I was bored out of my mind and all I wanted was for the ride to end. Throughout the week things started to shift though and as we got closer and closer to Los Angeles I began to feel sad that it was coming to an end. The people I met along the way were some of the sweetest, most patient and most generous that I’ve ever known. Everyone had their own story behind partaking – but on night 6, during a seaside candle-lit vigil commemorating the lives we lost to the AIDS epidemic, it became very clear to me the real reason and importance of our participation. I am so thankful to have been a part of this year’s ride and I’m already looking forward to next year’s (even if my ass isn’t). I pledged to raise $1,000,000 for the cause and although I didn’t complete that goal I’m going to participate every year until that dream is realized. If anybody is considering riding next year, I genuinely encourage you to do so. For this year’s ALC I’ve currently raised over $243,000 (although there are still donations that I’m expecting and my page is still open for any of you who want to help!). My efforts exceeded the previous highest fundraiser more than threefold and I am so incredibly thankful to each and every one of you who contributed to that. Whether you donated, posted, shared, commented, bought a product or simply rooted me on, I can’t express my gratitude and appreciation enough. I couldn’t have done this without you all! I also want to give a special thank you to all the people in all the tiny towns along the route who stood outside with signs and balloons, snacks and music – y’all were truly a sight for sore eyes every single time. ❤️
A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on Jun 8, 2019 at 6:47pm PDT

Kenworthy’s latest Instagram post shared his excitement in joining the cast of the upcoming American Horror Story: 1984.

And Wilkas has been spending time in Provincetown, MA.

A post shared by Matthew Wilkas (@mwilkas) on Jul 9, 2019 at 11:48am PDT

Sometimes, people come together for a period of time to learn some life lesson. When the lesson is learned, folks head to the next chapter.

Or, sometimes couples take a break and then find each other again.

Wishing both talented men the best in whatever comes next.

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Teen’s Heartbreaking Letter To Homophobic Parents Goes Viral

Kent Mendez (image via Instagram)

A gay teen shared a heartbreaking note he left his parents explaining why he had to leave home after they rejected him for coming out as gay.

The letter, penned by 19-year-old Kent Mendez, was shared on Twitter Monday and quickly went viral. At this writing, the post has been retweeted 15,000 times.

“There hasn’t been a day where I haven’t cried or struggled to find the energy to get out of bed,” begins Mendez. “This doesn’t feel like a home and I don’t think it ever will.”

“You have accused me of being a bad person, of being an embarrassment, and telling me I have a psychological disorder,” he continues. “I don’t think you guys will ever understand what it’s like to hear that from your own parents and how harmful and damaging it is to a child.”

Mendez goes on to share the ways his parents “used money” to “control” and “suppress who I am,” from forcing him to choose between his happiness or his education to forcing him to watch videos “to make me feel ashamed of who I am and who I love.”

“The other day you asked me what parents were for: Parents are supposed to love an accept their children unconditionally,” writes the teen in one of the most affecting passages. “That’s all I asked for but sadly I guess I asked for too much.”

After detailing his journey of self-acceptance, he tells his parents, “I refuse to live a lie, not for you or anyone.”

He closes the note writing, “I’m leaving because I refuse to become another statistic.”

The response on Twitter has been overwhelmingly positive.

He followed up by telling his Twitter followers, “I’m not sharing this for pity or for attention, but because I know there are people out there just like me who are scared and stuck in abusive homes and I want to be an example that you’re never stuck and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

He also shares that he’s currently living with a friend, adding, “As f*cked up my life is right now I’m glad I’m finally in a place where I can laugh and crack jokes again.”

Tuesday morning, Mendez tweeted that his parents hadn’t contacted him since he left home.

He has launched a crowd-funding campaign to help him get through school.

On the GoFundMe campaign page, he explains he “made the decision to leave a very toxic environment for the sake of my mental health and happiness.”

His goal, for now, is to “at least attend community college and be able to get back on my feet.”

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New Book: Paul Ryan Retired To “Escape” Trump

A new book, titled "American Carnage" by Tim Alberta, offers even more insight into why Republicans who once loathed Donald Trump made their deal with the devil to get what they want. One passage quotes former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who says he saw retirement from politics as an "escape hatch."
Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan

A new book, titled “American Carnage” by Tim Alberta, offers even more insight into why Republicans who once loathed Donald Trump made their deal with the devil to get what they want.

One passage quotes former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who says he saw retirement from politics as an “escape hatch.”

Via the Washington Post:

Now out of office and trading in his power suits for a blue vest, Ryan is back to critiquing Trump in unflattering terms in conversations with Alberta, who writes the former speaker could not stand the idea of another two years with the president and saw retirement as the “escape hatch.”

“We’ve gotten so numbed by it all,” Ryan says. “Not in government, but where we live our lives, we have a responsibility to try and rebuild. Don’t call a woman a ‘horse face.’ Don’t cheat on your wife. Don’t cheat on anything. Be a good person. Set a good example.”

“I told myself I gotta have a relationship with this guy to help him get his mind right,” Ryan recalls. “Because, I’m telling you, he didn’t know anything about government . . . I wanted to scold him all the time.”

[snip]

In Alberta’s telling, Trump offers perks to gain support, threatens foes with the wrath of his supporters and makes cold, narcissistic calculations to keep power.

“Those f—ing evangelicals,” Trump says in a meeting with GOP lawmakers, according to the book, smiling and shaking his head. In Trump’s mind, Alberta writes, he would “give them the policies and the access to authority that they longed for. In return they would stand behind him unwaveringly.”

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Brawl At The Bagel Shop: When You Dare Someone To Attack You And They Do

(screen capture)

UPDATE: Some folks got creative… LOL

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Note: When ranting at complete strangers in a bagel shop about nothing that has to do with them, if you dare someone to “Go ahead and attack me” – it just might happen.

Apparently, the man has had some bad luck on dating apps with women having issue with his height of five feet tall and had been taking out his rage at everyone at the bagel shop.

I don’t think his issue is his height, just saying.

And by the way, as the saying goes, “Don’t let your mouth write checks your ass can’t cash.”

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News Round-Up: July 10, 2019

Anthony Bowens (via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Pro wrestler and InstaHunk Anthony Bowens (above) points out that “Summer is heating up…” One look at that pic and you know why 😉

• ABC News: Thanks to a police tip line, authorities say they have apprehended a suspect, 20-year-old Tyresse Singleton, who allegedly set fire to a rainbow flag outside of a Harlem gay bar. Gov. Andrew Cuomo had directed the State Hate Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation

• USA Today: Posters featuring U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe were vandalized with homophobic slurs at a New York City subway station Monday evening.

• FOX9: The mayor of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, is facing calls of homophobia because she won’t sign-off on a Pride event proclamation. The mayor claims the local LGBTQ organization failed to follow (brand-new) guidelines for proclamations.

• NBC News: Kentucky Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath raised more than $2.5 million in the first 24 hours of her campaign against Mitch McConnell. McGrath campaign manager Mark Nickolas said it’s the most ever raised in the first 24 hours of a Senate campaign.

• The Advocate: Michael Johnson, convicted in 2015 for one felony charge of “knowingly” transmitting HIV to one man and four charges of exposing four other men to the virus who didn’t contract it, was released this week 25 years early. His lawyers won an appeal after showing that prosecutors failed to turn over significant evidence. Because the charges he pleaded to fell under health statutes, Johnson will not be required to register as a sex offender.

• Out artist Billy Winn says the songs on his new EP, Dreamland II, are based on the idea that “it’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.”

The first single from the EP, “Another Broken Heart,” an EDM/dance track, was inspired by circumstances in his own life, adding, “It’s a dance track with a strong, relatable message about something we’ve all been through at least once.”

Check out the new single below, and for more info head to BillyWinn.com.

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‘Fuller House’ Star Juan Pablo Di Pace Comes Out

Juan Pablo Di Pace (image via Instagram)

Juan Pablo Di Pace, one of the stars of Netflix’s Fuller House, recently came out as gay during a TedX event in the Netherlands.

Di Pace (Mamma Mia!, AD The Bible Continues, Dallas and Camp) spoke to the audience about growing up in Argentina and how, as a small boy, he realized he enjoyed playing with girls instead of boys.

Until one day, he heard a word for the first time in first grade.

“It started like thunder that got closer and louder to me as it exploded like egg in my face: maricón or f*gg*t.”

He admits he didn’t really know the word, but it came to represent a big part of his own internal dialogue.

Describing his younger self as “this sad kid who suffered,” Di Pace shares he found solace in learning to sketch and draw because “it was the only thing my bullies could not fight against.”

He soon came to regard drawing as his ‘super power,’ because it helped create some sense of respect or acceptance from his bullies. And he loved it.

“I wanted more,” he told the crowd. “I became an addict of acceptance.”

So, as puberty hit him and his school mates, he decided to use his drawing skills to create animated cartoon porn. And again, he found acceptance.

“Acceptance was my fuel, and when that is the case, like an addict, you do whatever it takes to get a fix,” he said.

“In order to please others – what do you do?” he asked the crowd. “You change.”

“I figured, if I changed my f*gg*t self, I could be in,” Di Pace admitted. “I hated that word so much I spent years perfecting myself to become a very convincing little actor.”

A post shared by Juan Pablo Di Pace (@juanpablodipace) on May 3, 2019 at 4:16pm PDT

In a stroke of luck, he scored a two-year scholarship to the United World College in Italy, where he was able to “befriend other ‘freaks’ like me – it was beautiful!”

It was there that he first stepped on a stage. Singing the opening notes of “Summer Lovin’” from GREASE, he had an epiphany (“It felt amazing!”) becoming an addict of something new: Applause.

That addiction would take him to London where he would begin his professional performing career, first as a dancer (which included an early gig as a naked extra in an opera) and then later as an actor.

It wasn’t until he was offered “the role of a lifetime – Jesus Christ,” in the TV series AD The Bible Continues, that he finally came to terms with his sexuality.

“So, there I am, hanging on the cross…in Morocco…and I look up at the sky, and I think, ‘You could still strike me down with lightning. Are you sure you want me to play your son? Me?’”

He waited for a response. But, instead he experienced “an overwhelming feeling of love and acceptance and freedom that I could never even put into words.”

“A message from God?,” he thought. “Maybe.”

“Words are like universes, and we are magicians who can create universes with them,” he added. “When you’re aware that you’re screwing up your own movie, change it.”

Since 2016, Di Pace has played the role of ‘Fernando’ in the Netflix reboot of Full House.

The farewell season of Fuller House will be released this fall.

He sings and dances, too!