Christmas Archives

December 25, 2019

InstaHunk Round-Up: Christmas Edition

*Fitness guy Nik has the perfect package for you (via Instagram)*

Spending some Christmastime with the InstaHotties: First up, fitness guy Nik (above) has the perfect package for you this holiday season. Joel Green is giving you full-on Florida #BlackSanta realness: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6docoeJFnk/ Mitch Fit got a huge sword from Santa and looks like he knows how to use it: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6eh54rp8Oj/ Super-fit paleontologist Francesc Gascó and friend want everyone to eat, smile and be happy: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dnRJ2IZjx/ Shoutout to the ModernBearMedia guys for knowing a real Santa when they see one: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6d7DaBJNTw/ Fitness expert Ramses Principe wants to know if you landed on the “Naughty” or “Nice” list this year? https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ddbQbnk7g/ Simon Dunn and Felix Maisey-Curtis are looking adorable in matching stripes and their big Weiner: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6fhcmChLth/ ABC News reporter Gio Benitez and hubby Tommy Didario are playing the matching outfits game as well (down to the socks!): https://www.instagram.com/p/B6f9idTlCWG/ Jim Newman got a really, really nice package from his boo: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6gG5zolepJ/ Photographer Michael Stokes offers his own take on elf shenanigans: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6gFz8KhN4Q/ Gorgeous Steve_in_LA is spending his holidays in gorgeous Salzburg, Austria: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6d0zN8hQ2W/ Rick and the Griffopotamus celebrate gay penguins with an invitation to kiss under the mistletoe: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6d0hCZga-9/ Spanish fitness model Jonathan Guijarro is giving you sexy eyes on Christmas Day: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6f1GSIoasx/ Max Emerson sends holiday greetings from Thailand: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6f0UdvFruL/ Rodiney Santiago offers his Christmas Eve greetings in classic champagne glass: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dL-DgnwbF/ We are totally loving artist Silverjow’s take on Santa Claus and reindeer: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dzylPH-Zq/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B6daGy1nvbi/

December 19, 2019

‘Biblical Believer’ Asks Miss Manners Most Polite Way To Disinvite Gays To Christmas

*Miss Manners’ Judith Martin (image via official Facebook)*

Advice column Miss Manners recently received a letter from some ‘Biblical believers’ asking the most polite way to tell a gay family member their significant other isn’t welcome at a family Christmas celebration. It seems the matriarch of the family discovered a distant gay relative living in her city some years ago and has since made it a point to invite him to holiday gatherings. But the homophobe of the brood is apparently dismayed the family gay brings along his ‘male friend’ to the holiday festivities. “As committed Biblical believers, we believe homosexuality to be a serious sin and do not like being put in the position of appearing to condone it,” reads the missive. The writer adds that they haven’t said anything to the ‘distant relative’ yet because “we also feel that each person should have the right to make their own judgments.” After emailing family members saying they would like to come up for Christmas, the advice seeker was appalled the gay relative chimed in saying he and his ‘man friend’ would be available to join in. The bigot concludes their query by writing, “I feel this is presumptuous but am at a loss to know how to put a stop to it without causing offense.” Miss Manners’ Judith Martin clapped back with a perfect balance of good taste and common sense. “What strikes Miss Manners as ‘presumptuous’ is the idea that your attending a party with this relative and his partner condones homosexuality any more than your presence amounts to a referendum on the private life of anyone else present,” wrote Martin. BOOM! Miss Manners went on to suggest that “a bit of goodwill toward all would be appropriate for the holidays.” You know – that whole ‘Christ-like’ thing… But if the judgmental relative can’t make the leap to goodwill, Miss Manners suggests a Plan B. “People have the right to make their own judgments. And if yours precludes extending that, you should make other Christmas plans.” Miss Manners for the win. (source: Mercury News)

December 9, 2019December 9, 2019

Trans People Go Home For The Holidays In #BeautifuLGBTQ Pantene Ad

Since 1943, the wistful holiday classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” has resonated deeply for those who can’t go home for the holidays. While the song was written with World War II soldiers in mind who were separated from their families, LGBTQ people often have their own difficulties in heading home for the holidays. Pantene has partnered with GLAAD and the 42-member Trans Chorus of Los Angeles on an inclusive ad for this Christmas season featuring the song with the hopes of raising awareness of the challenges LGBTQ folks face during returning home at Christmas time. “137 million Americans will travel home this holiday season,” reads an official statement from Pantene for the ad. “But, 44% of LGBTQ+ people feel they can’t come home as their true selves, fearing their identity (including hair, makeup, and personal style) won’t be accepted.” “Let’s make the most wonderful time of year wonderful for all,” the message continues. “Because no matter when you come home, where you call home, or who you come home to—coming home should be #BeautifuLGBTQ.” Procter & Gamble Vice President Ilaria Resta said in a statement, “Inclusion is at the heart of Pantene’s mission to celebrate the beauty of all transformations and of all people.” In addition to the ad, Pantene has also produced several videos with Trans Chorus members who share their personal struggles with family acceptance. “Hearing these LGBTQ individuals speak about the trials and triumphs of going home for the holidays — as well as their irrepressible desire to be their true selves — will inspire others in the community and remind us all what true beauty is about,” said Resta. Earlier this year, Pantene promoted Spirit Day and National Coming Out Day. As part of this collaboration with GLAAD, the hair giant has pledged to donate $100,000 to Family Equality, a group dedicated to making sure LGBTQ people have the same opportunities and parental rights as heterosexual couples.

The campaign also includes videos sharing the personal stories of Chorus members Crystal S., Steven H., MJ and Miliana S.

November 16, 2019November 16, 2019

Excitable Baby Dragon Featured In 2019 John Lewis Christmas Ad

UK retailer John Lewis has released its annual Christmas ad for 2019 as a collaboration with its sister chain Waitrose. Set in a fairytale village in Hungary, the short video tells the story of a little girl named Ava and her dragon friend, Excitable Edgar. Using Bastille’s cover of the 1980s hit, “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” the Christmas spot shows Edgar unable to control his excitement about the impending holiday as he accidentally melts a snowman with his fiery breath, defrosts an ice rink where children are skating, and accidentally burns down the town’s Christmas tree. But eventually, Ava discovers a good use for his accident-prone talent — toasting the Christmas pudding. Via press release, John Lewis shares the theme of the advertisement “centers around the theme of bringing people together at Christmas time through delicious food and thoughtful gifts, which show loved ones how much you care.” “Our story this year is all about the magic of friendship and how one thoughtful gesture can make all the difference,” says the retailer. “Edgar’s excitement around the festive season can often lead to fiery consequences, but Ava sparks an idea for the perfect present to help him light up Christmas in his own special way 🔥”

Last year’s ad featuring pop superstar Elton John showcasing the power of a gift received more than 14 million views.

November 6, 2019

First Posthumous George Michael Track Released – ‘This Is How (We Want You To Get High)’

Photo of George Michael by Andrew Macpherson

Some 35 years after the release of the smash-hit “Last Christmas” by Wham!, George Michael’s millions of fans get another festive treat. “This Is How (We Want You To Get High),” which was recorded during George’s final studio sessions, is his first original material to be released in seven years. George died on Christmas Day in 2016. A funky, upbeat soon-to-be-classic, “This is How (We Want You to Get High)” has a seductive George Michael hook and melody. The lyrics, written exclusively by George, see the star addressing society’s ills with his trademark blend of self-deprecation and wry humor. Work on the track began in early 2012, was subsequently recorded in sessions at Air Studios in London, and ultimately received finishing touches in late 2015 during George’s final recording sessions. With its uplifting vibe and socially-conscious message, “This is How (We Want You to Get High)” will be featured during the credits of the upcoming Last Christmas, Universal Pictures’ new romantic comedy. The film was inspired by the eponymous Wham! hit, and has a soundtrack featuring three Wham! tracks and twelve songs from George Michael’s solo career. Hit the play button below.

November 1, 2019

Now That Halloween Is Over…

Photo showing a reindeer jumping high over a road with caption, "Reindeer tryouts were held today"

December 19, 2018August 20, 2019

News Round-Up: December 18, 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• Who’s getting ready for Christmas? (image via Instagram)

• Michael Critchfield, a transgender boy in West Virginia, was harassed while using the boys room at his high school by a vice principal. According to reports, Lee Livengood, the vice principal, kept yelling over the bathroom stall door, “Why are you in this bathroom?” Even though the bathroom was empty, the encounter left Critchfield in tears.

• After suggesting that immigrants are making America “dirtier” last week, Fox News host Tucker Carlson has lost 14 advertising sponsors to date.

• The White House has now signaled it will back off a threat of shutting down the federal government if Donald Trump doesn’t get the funds he wants to build his infamous wall along the Mexican border. Wasn’t Mexico was going to pay for the wall???

• Earlier today I wrote about the passing of director and actress Penny Marshall, but you really should click over to Matt Rettenmund’s much more comprehensive obituary at Gr8erDays. Matt knows his TV history like no one.

• Queer as Folk is getting the reboot treatment on Bravo! According to my Instinct Magazine colleague, Mickey Keating, we’re getting all new characters in a new setting which follows a group of club going friends who find support in the gay community after a tragedy.

• Gus Kenworthy wins the award for yesterday’s funniest tweet after Donald Trump accidentally referenced a gay movie in one of his Twitter rants.

Accidentally mentioning Paris Is Burning is the closest that Trump has ever gotten to supporting LGBTQ people… https://t.co/EJCFINDyYo

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) December 18, 2018