Tag: LGBTQ ally

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Penn Lt. Gov. Won’t Back Down From Displaying Pride Flag

Sen. John Fetterman (D)
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D)
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (photo: Flickr/GovTomWolf – CC License)

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is currently embroiled in a battle for free speech after he displayed the rainbow Pride flag and the pro-legalization green leaf flag from the balcony of his Capitol office.

Fetterman, an LGBTQ ally, hangs the flags to encourage support for an amendment to the state’s constitution that would outlaw LGBTQ discrimination and for the legalization of marijuana.

According to NBC News, during negotiations for an omnibus spending bill late last year, Republicans (who control the legislature) quietly added a provision that bans ‘unauthorized’ flags on Capitol grounds.

Once Gov. Tom Wolf (D) signed the bill into law, state employees removed Fetterman’s flags, folded them, and left them in his office.

The 6-foot-8 Democrat promptly put the flags back on display.

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman with his flags
(image via Twitter/JohnFetterman)

He told NBC News “he’ll continue to do so if they’re taken down again until the state legalizes marijuana and outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“It’s unbelievable that they actually passed a law to bar me from [flying his flags], so if they want to send the antigay flag police to take them down, then go ahead,” he told The Advocate.

“They came earlier this year and took them down, and I put them right back up,” he added. “Now this week, they took them down again, and when I’m back in Harrisburg on Monday, I’m going to hang them back up.”

On Twitter, Fetterman shaded the Republican lawmakers writing, “The same party that collectively shrugged at its members being photographed at the January 6th Capitol Hill riot, really really has a issues with my weed and Rainbow flag flags but ok.”

A spokesperson for State House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff told NBC News Republicans are just making an effort “to create some uniformity and decorum for what’s outside the Capitol.”

But Fetterman says the clause was a direct swipe and him and his flags.

“It’s flattering to be living rent free in their head like this,” he added.

For the record, the effort to expand the state’s anti-discrimination laws to include LGBTQ people failed this week by a vote of 90-112. Fetterman didn’t hesitate to call out the lawmakers who voted against the bill.

After graduating from Harvard University with a master’s degree in public policy, he ran for mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, in 2005 and won by a single vote. He would end up serving four terms as mayor of the Western Pennsylvania town.

He ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016 but lost in the primary. The Democrat in that race would ultimately lose in the general election. Fetterman was elected Lt. Governor in 2019.

Now, several sources say he is now considering another run for the Senate in 2022 as Republican Sen. Pat Toomey has announced his retirement.

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Dolly Parton On #BLM: ‘Do We Think Our Little White Asses Are The Only Ones That Matter?’

International superstar Dolly Parton (via Instagram)
Sometimes, it’s the divas that lead the way. In a new interview with Billboard, international music superstar Dolly Parton makes her support for the Black Matters Lives movement clear and unequivocal: “I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen. And of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter? No!” The Billboard article offers a detailed profile of Parton’s extensive business empire and explores some of the secrets to her success. Being flexible in business situations is one skill that’s served her well both financially and in showing the world her authentic self. Years before talk of Confederate flags and statues leaped to the forefront of political discourse, Parton renamed her Dixie Stampede dinner venue Dolly Parton’s Stampede in an effort to be sensitive to the painful history of slavery. “There’s such a thing as innocent ignorance, and so many of us are guilty of that,” Parton tells Billboard. “When they said ‘Dixie’ was an offensive word, I thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to offend anybody. This is a business. We’ll just call it The Stampede.’” “As soon as you realize that [something] is a problem, you should fix it,” shares the 74-year-old wise woman. “Don’t be a dumbass. That’s where my heart is. I would never dream of hurting anybody on purpose.”
(image via Billboard)
Of course, Parton has a long history of supporting and uplifting her LGBTQ fans. She’s often been quoted as saying, “If I hadn’t have been a girl, I’d have been a drag queen.” In a 2009 interview with Joy Behar, she was asked about her support for same-sex marriage to which replied with a smile, “Why can’t they get married? They should suffer like the rest of us do.” She reiterated that stance in 2014 telling HuffPost, “I think everyone should be with who they love.” “I don’t want to be controversial or stir up a bunch of trouble but people are going to love who they are going to love,” she continued. “I think gay couples should be allowed to marry. They should suffer just like us heterosexuals, hahahaha.”

And last November, promoting her Netflix series Heartstrings (which featured a gay romance episode “Two Doors Down”), she told Logo, “I’ve always been proud of my gay following. I think they care about me because I care about them.” And around that same time, the country diva jumped into the dance music world with her terrific collaboration with Galantis, “Faith,” giving us all something to dance about. Happy Friday, folks! Here’s to celebrating a diva who gives back to all her fans.

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Hearse Carrying Rep. John Lewis Pauses At Rainbow Intersection

The hearse carrying the late Rep. John Lewis pauses at Rainbow Intersection
As the motorcade for the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) made its way through the streets of Atlanta on Wednesday heading to the Georgia State Capitol, the hearse carrying his body paused in tribute to his support for the LGBTQ community at an intersection marked by rainbow-painted crosswalks. Supporters were already waiting at Piedmont and 10th Street where the scheduled stop had been previously announced. When the hearse paused in the intersection, supporters clapped and cheered the memory of the civil rights legend. And as the motorcade resumed its journey, Terrence James, a downtown Atlanta resident, began singing “We Shall Overcome.”

In addition to his lifelong commitment to equal rights for Black Americans, Lewis was an early ally to the LGBTQ community In 1996, long before gay rights were widely embraced by mainstream America, Lewis took to the floor of the House of Representatives to denounce the heinous anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as a “mean” and “cruel” bill. “This bill seeks to divide our nation, turn Americans against Americans, to seed fear, hatred, and intolerance,” declared Lewis. “Marriage is a basic human right. You cannot tell people they cannot fall in love.”

A few years later, he penned an op-ed for the Boston Globe urging equal rights for LGBTQ Americans. “This discrimination is wrong,” he wrote in 2003. “We cannot keep turning our backs on gay and lesbian Americans. I have fought too hard and too long against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up against discrimination based on sexual orientation.” “I’ve heard the reasons for opposing civil marriage for same-sex couples. Cut through the distractions, and they stink of the same fear, hatred, and intolerance I have known in racism and in bigotry.” And in 2017, he compared the struggles by the LGBTQ community to those of other marginalized Americans. “It doesn’t matter whether they are black or white, Latino, Asian American or Native American, whether they are straight or gay, Muslim, Christian or Jews,” Lewis said during a Congressional hearing. “We all live in the same house. The American house.”

Rest in power, Rep. John Lewis.

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Video: Sassy Firefighters Shade Anti-LGBTQ Twitter Trolls

When firefighters in the UK added a Pride flag to its Twitter profile last year, the first responders received several ugly, homophobic comments. In response, the South Yorkshire firefighters have clapped back with a cheeky video reciting many of the actual hate tweets they received while rainbow flags, socks, and hats are surreptitiously included in the background. A hunky fireman recites in a droll tone, “I don’t see or understand why you feel the need to celebrate,” as Pride flags wave and confetti rains down. Another fire official tells the camera, “Constantly going on and on about who wants to shag who shouldn’t be a fire service priority,” while an eggplant emoji floats on a TV screen in the background. In between the mini-scenes, the firefighters make their point with the statement:

LGBT+ people still face prejudice at home and at work. We celebrate LGBT+ pride in solidarity with all those we serve and employ. Fires don’t discriminate, neither do we.

In a statement on the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue website, Chief Fire Officer Alex Johnson wrote, “We fully expect the video will have a mixed reaction but some of the comments we received last year were awful and totally unacceptable.” Johnson explained the heroes had a couple of reasons for producing the video. “Firstly we wanted to support the month and let our staff, and communities, know that we are proud to employ and serve them, regardless of those comments,” said Johnson. “Secondly, we wanted to demonstrate that we are a genuinely inclusive organisation that values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their LGBT+ status.” Crew Manager Rebecca Savin, who acts as the South Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union LGBT rep said she was “really pleased with the video.” “It’s great that, as an employer, SYFR wants to challenge these comments and stand up for its staff and the people it serves.” Check out the deliciously defiant video below. ≤center>

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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.

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Pete Davidson: I Used To Get Off To Leo DiCaprio

In an interview with Paper Magazine, SNL’s Pete Davidson (he who almost became Mr. Ariana Grande) was asked about what it feels like be a sex symbol and realize you are someone’s “sexual awakening.” In response, Davidson reveals a surprising tidbit from his past. “Well, I used to jerk off to Leonardo DiCaprio,” said the funny man before clarifying, “Uhh, like his acting.” “I used to have a HUGE crush on Leonardo DiCaprio,” he continued. “I had this huge poster of him from The Beach in my room, and there used to be, like, ‘Leo love books’… Do you remember? Like, right when Titanic came out [when I was] in like third or fourth grade, he was just like, ‘teen milk.’ There were love books and I had all of them. He was the coolest.” Davidson has since met the Academy Award & Golden Globe winner, but kept the encounters brief. “I’ve met him twice and I’ve just shaken hands and run away fast.” Now, we all know it’s possible to crush on an artist for his talent, so let’s leave it at that.

Davidson is also asked about having lots of gay friends and being an LGBTQ ally, and he gushes in his response. “Well, nothing’s cooler to me than seeing my friends crush it,” says the 26-year-old comic. “I also have the most talented friends ever. And I think my friends are a good reflection of me… anybody that I fuck with is sweet and morally sound, you know?” I find it super weird that it’s weird that a straight dude has gay friends,” he adds. “Like, some straight dudes do have gay friends, but like they make like a big show of it as opposed to them genuinely being a friend.” Davidson has also noticed how some pop stars seem to “use gay men as props,” and he has an opinion about that. “If you really listen to any of the songs that they’re doing, or any of the things that they’re doing, it’s to promote them[selves]. It’s rarely for the LGBT community. It’s to make them look good. Like, how cool they are that they’re hanging out with gay people.” You can read more of Davidson’s candid interview over at PaperMag.com.

(lead image via Instagram)

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Which Presidential Candidates Recognized Bi-Visibility Day?

Since 1999, September 23 has been recognized as Bi Visibility Day which highlights the history and achievements of the bisexual community as well as the challenges of biphobia and bisexual erasure. According to the Williams Institute, studies indicate that approximately 50 percent of people who identify as either gay, lesbian or bisexual, identify as bisexual, making the bisexual population the single largest group within the LGBTQ community. But bisexual people are often excluded from LGBTQ spaces and are invisible to each other which can make the journey of living authentically incredibly daunting. Several Democratic presidential candidates took to social media throughout the day to affirm the bisexual community and acknowledge some of the challenges they face. Check out the messages from former Vice President Joe Biden, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, former HUD Secretary Julián Castro and businessman Tom Steyer.

Interestingly, Sen. Bernie Sanders and entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who both skipped the GLAAD-sponsored LGBTQ Forum in Iowa last week due to ‘scheduling conflicts,’ did not seem to acknowledge Bi-Visibility Day in their social media. More ‘scheduling conflicts?’ For more information about bisexuality, visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website here.  

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Podcast: Jake Owen ‘Believes’ In His LGBTQ Fans, World Pride, Trump’s Gay Spokesman & More

In this week's podcast: • World Pride comes home to New York City • Donald Trump’s gay spokesman says the president’s anti-LGBTQ policies “just don’t matter” to him • South Florida LGBTQ organization accidentally honors men accused of gay-bashing • A new survey of LGBTQ Americans shows 83% believe sex work between consenting adults should be legal • Country star Jake Owen gives us one more reason to 'Believe' he loves his LGBTQ fans All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

In this week’s podcast:

• World Pride comes home to New York City

• Donald Trump’s gay spokesman says the president’s anti-LGBTQ policies “just don’t matter” to him

• South Florida LGBTQ organization accidentally honors men accused of gay-bashing

• A new survey of LGBTQ Americans shows 83% believe sex work between consenting adults should be legal

• Country star Jake Owen gives us one more reason to ‘Believe’ he loves his LGBTQ fans

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

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Country Star Jake Owen Does Not Suffer Anti-LGBTQ Fools Lightly

You best 'Believe' that country star Jake Owen loves his LGBTQ friends and colleagues. And when an anti-gay fan trolled his recent tribute for Pride Month, the 37-year-old singer clapped back in smooth, country style.
Jake Owen (image via Facebook/JakeOwen)

You best ‘Believe’ that country star Jake Owen loves his LGBTQ friends and colleagues.

And when an anti-gay fan trolled his recent tribute for Pride Month, the 37-year-old singer clapped back in smooth, country style.

Owen shared in an Instagram post, “Some of my closest friends and coworkers, are part of the #lgbtcommunity and I couldn’t be more happy for the progress they have made.”

“I’m inspired by people loving people no matter who you are,” added the Nashville-based singer. “I BELIEVE the world needs more love. No matter where it comes from.”

Owen went on to say he “googled ‘gayest’ songs of all time” to find the right tune with which to record a musical tribute for Pride Month.

“The boys and I decided to put our country spin on Cher’s ‘Believe,’” he told his one million Instagram followers. “Hope you dig.”

The singer, who’s had seven #1 hits on the country charts, closed the post with a clip of the song writing, “Stay tuned friends, and most importantly, love everyone. [rainbow emoji]”

A post shared by Jake Owen (@jakeowenofficial) on Jun 24, 2019 at 2:56pm PDT

But one fan wasn’t in the mood to ‘Believe.’

“Suddenly I feel sick that I have tickets to your show here on Thursday night,” wrote the fan.

The comment received nearly 300 responses including one from Owen.

“I’m sorry you feel sick that you have tickets to my show Thursday night,” said Owen in his reply. “Maybe it would do you good to come out, smile, laugh, sing a long with a bunch of strangers that are all going through what we call ‘life.’”

From there, Owen really hit his stride, telling her, “It’s really only you and few other ignorant people that make yourself look silly. If you make it out to my show, come give me a hug. You need one.”

He also assured the former fan that, if she decided not to attend the concert, “Trust me… we will all be okay. We like to share our shows with people that are kind, and loving.”

Suh-nap!!!

Others chimed in as well with supportive comments for Owen and his tribute.

One commenter wrote, “I’ll take your tickets!! Jake Owen is amazing!”

Another said, “Keep making your amazing music, Jake Owen! Your true fans can get enough of your country music! #lovealwayswins”

And this was popular: “Suddenly I feel sick that I might have been at that show with you. Love is Love. Accept all. Jesus did.”

Eventually, the Instagram user came back with, “I don’t hate him. I don’t hate homosexuals. I just don’t agree with their behavior and I don’t like it shoved in my face. I don’t shove my sins in their faces. I just want musicians to play music.”

Sashay-away with your troll-self, Miss Thing.

I’ve got to go download some more Jake Owen tunes.

Follow Jake on Instagram here, and you can visit the handsome country crooner’s official website here.

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Kirsten Gillibrand Serves Drinks At Iowa Gay Bar For Pride Weekend

Click to enlarge pic (image via Twitter/SenGillibrand)

New York Senator and Democratic presidential hopeful Kirsten Gillibrand dropped by local gay bar The Blazing Saddle in Des Moines, Iowa, to help celebrate the city’s Pride weekend.

Via The Hill:

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) served drinks at a gay bar in Des Moines on Friday to kick off Pride Month celebrations in Iowa’s capital city this weekend. The 2020 hopeful was behind the bar at The Blazing Saddle, answering questions about her policies and taking drink orders.

She was also spotted at popular Des Moines-based retailer Raygun with Chasten Buttigieg, the spouse of campaign rival Pete Buttigieg, where she was shopping for rainbow pride gear.

Gillibrand’s stop in Iowa comes days after she released a sprawling LGBT rights agenda, which includes codifying marriage equality, banning “conversion therapy” and rescinding the Trump administration’s policy banning transgender people from serving in the military.

“The LGBTQ community is not a monolith with a finite set of needs, and equal rights and freedom from discrimination should be the bare minimum we accept,” she wrote in a Medium post outlining her plan.

“As president, I will do more than defend LGBTQ rights — I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ community in the fight for equality,” she added. “We’re in this together, because LGBTQ rights are human rights.”