Politics, pop culture and entertainment news of interest to the LGBTQ community
(image via the White House)Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama returned to the White House today for the formal unveiling of their White House portraits. Continue reading “White House Portraits Of Barack & Michelle Obama Unveiled”
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were joined by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton at a ceremony in New York City commemorating the 20th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks. Continue reading “On The 20th Anniversary Of The 9/11 Attacks”
Former President George W. BushFormer Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Rosalynn Carter discuss the important role of COVID-19 vaccination in getting back to the moments we miss and love.
Let me see, something seems to be missing… Nope. I’m wrong.
To get the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit GetVaccineAnswers.org.
Former First Lady Michelle ObamaThe election is in less than a month and early votes are already being cast across the country.
But, for anyone who might be undecided, former First Lady Michelle Obama offers this “closing argument” for Americans to support Joe Biden.
“If we want to regain any kind of stability, we have to ensure that every eligible voter is informed and engaged on this election,” says Obama.
Noting Trump’s “constant downplaying of the importance of masks and social distancing” as well as his “relentless pressure” to reopen schools while people are still in danger, Obama adds, “We simply can’t trust this president to tell us the truth about anything.” Obama added.
“It’s painful to think that months into this crisis, this is still where we are, with no clear plan, no peace of mind, and the worst part is, it didn’t have to be like this. Look around the world.”
“He boasts about gains in the stock market, but when you look at the lives of regular folks, whether it’s creating blue-collar jobs, making healthcare more affordable, protecting the environment, keeping our families safe from gun violence, let alone the coronavirus, there’s nothing much to brag about.”
“By contrast, Joe Biden has lived his life guided by values and principles that mirror ones that most Americans can recognize. I know Joe… he’s a good man who understands the struggles of everyday folks.”
Watch the compelling message below. And please – VOTE.
(image via Facebook)Some news items you might have missed:
• FOX13Now: A waiter at an Ogden restaurant is sharing his story after finding a bigoted message written on a cash tip that was left for him. Even though the transaction was all-electronic, the customers specifically asked for a pen. The $5 bill (above) was marked with the words, “Get out of America, Fag!”
• Pink News: HIV activists are cheering that China has finally approved the drug Truvada for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) which can prevent people from contracting HIV through condomless sex. According to the United Nations, 44 percent of new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific region last year were in queer men.
• YouTube: I loved this rundown of Top 20 Best Gay Romance Movies (with a happy ending). Lots of my favorite films here.
• Out: A federal judge in Boise has temporarily blocked a controversial law in Idaho that banned trans athletes from participation in school sports. The bill, which Governor Brad Little signed into law this past March, allowed for internal and external verification of a disputed athlete’s reproductive system.
• Washington Blade: A gay former assistant superintendent and contracting liaison for the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $2.1 million in funds for personal use from two federal coronavirus relief programs. Kenneth P. Gaughan, 41, reportedly used the funds to purchase a $300,000 yacht, a $1.13 million townhouse in D.C., and a $46,000 luxury sports car.
• Democratic National Convention: I meant to get around to sharing my thoughts on the first night of the convention, but…the day got away from me.
As the second night is about to begin, I have to share this one-two knockout punch from Night One – Michelle Obama’s pitch-perfect keynote speech, followed by Billy Porter and Stephen Stills performing the iconic anti-war protest song, “For What It’s Worth.” #Bam
(image via Norfolk Police Department)Some news items you might have missed:
• WSET: The Norfolk Police Department has updated its uniform policy to allow officers to grow a beard and openly display tattoos while on-duty. So, if you see me speeding through Norfolk, you know why 🙂
• The Verge: YouTube announced an expansion of its anti-harassment policy that will ban video creators from insulting individuals or inciting violence against people on the basis of their race, gender expression, or sexual orientation. But will YouTube enforce the new rules?
• Bloomberg News: The share of credit card borrowers who are at least 90 days past due on their accounts will probably tick up to 2.01% next year, the highest level since 2010.
• KIT212: Kenneth has the low-down on the what’s what happening the gay rags across the country.
• Gaily Grind: The Senate voted to confirm homophobic nominee Lawrence VanDyke to serve as a Ninth Circuit appeals court judge, despite being rated as “not qualified” by the American Bar Association (ABA) over concerns of anti-LGBTQ past. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was the only GOP ‘no’ in a 51-44 vote.
• Washington Blade: The Screen Actors Guild has announced the nominees for its 2019 awards presentation, and like the Golden Globes nominations earlier this week, there are multiple nods for projects with LGBTQ-relevant content and performers.
• ESPN: Marijuana will be removed from the list of drugs of abuse and will be treated the same as alcohol as part of changes announced Thursday to the joint drug agreement between MLB and the players’ association.
• Tweet of the Day: After Donald Trump trolled 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg, saying she need to “work on her anger management” and should “chill,” former First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted her encouragement. #GodILoveHer
.@GretaThunberg, don’t let anyone dim your light. Like the girls I’ve met in Vietnam and all over the world, you have so much to offer us all. Ignore the doubters and know that millions of people are cheering you on.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 13, 2019
The folks at NowThis share this video compilation contrasting how differently the folks at Fox News treat First Lady Melania Trump versus her predecessor, Michelle Obama.
Even on similar subjects, the treatment is shockingly different.
When Michelle opted to encourage kids to eat better, it was called the “nanny state.”
But when Melania launched her ‘BeBest’ campaign asking kids to stop bullying, she’s a saint.
There’s much, much more.
Hit the play button – you’ll see.
Melania Trump and Michelle Obama receive shockingly different coverage from Fox News, a supercut pic.twitter.com/0F4Lr52tri— NowThis (@nowthisnews) July 23, 2019
Some news items you might have missed:
• My girl Olivia Newton-John can add “New York Times Best-Selling Author” to her long, long list of accomplishments. Her memoir, Don’t Stop Believing’ debuts at #12 on the famed NY Times list. Folks are going nuts over the audio book version where you can hear Liv tell her story to you one-on-one in her own voice. Check it on iTunes here.
• The Human Rights Campaign has announced that U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), one of the many pro-equality champions running for the White House in 2020, will speak at the 2019 HRC Los Angeles Dinner next Saturday, March 30, 2019.
• Removed from the prom ballot for being trans, 17-year-old Dex Frier was added back with the support of his peers and was crowned as part of the prom court.
• Out Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy was NOT having the homophobic social media posts during a Pride ski week at Breckenridge, Colorado.
Always saddened by the homophobia on Pride posts. If seeing a rainbow flag while you’re on vacation upsets you then please do the world a favor and stay the fuck at home. Thank you to the many ski resorts that designate a week to making more people feel welcomed, included & safe! pic.twitter.com/410uLAySIF— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) March 26, 2019
• Fox News host Elisabeth Hasselbeck said that former The View colleague Rosie O’Donnell’s confession of a crush on her is “offensive” and that she is immediately began praying for O’Donnell.
• Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, has sold more than 10 million units since its release in November. The autobiography is nearing the top of all-time memoir sales.
• Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter DAYA drops the music video for her latest hit “Insomnia.”
The video throws viewers into rave culture with an epic party; but while everyone is dancing in the club, Daya is alone in a darkly-lit room, unable to join the party as her thoughts stay focused singularly on missing the one she loves.
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| Michelle and Barack Obama named “Most Admired” in America |
Gallup reports that for the first time in 17 years, a woman other than Hillary Clinton tops the list of women Americans admire most.
Former first lady Michelle Obama, who finished second to Clinton three times and is currently touring to promote her recently released autobiography, won by a significant margin this year. Oprah Winfrey was second, with Clinton and Melania Trump next.
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama was the winner among men for the 11th consecutive year, including one year as president-elect, eight as president and two as former president. President Donald Trump ranks second for the fourth year in a row.
