Tag: openly gay

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Colorado Could Elect The First Openly-Gay Governor In The U.S.

Colorado Democratic candidate for governor, Jared Polis

Less than one percent of elected officials in the United States are openly LGBTQ.

According to The Victory Institute, in terms of LGBTQ representation, we have:

• 1 governor
• 7 members of Congress
• 4 statewide elected officials
• 37 mayors
• 123 state lawmakers
• 306 local officials
• 95 judicial elected officials

That’s a total of 573 LGBTQ elected officials in the entire country which breaks down to 0.11% of all public offices.

With a record number of LGBTQ candidates running for office this year, that could change after this year’s midterm elections.

Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon is the first openly LGBTQ person to be elected to governor in the country. After succeeding John Kitzhaber upon his resignation in 2015, Brown, who’s openly bisexual, was elected to the office in 2016.

Brown is currently running for reelection this year, as are three more LGBTQ leaders (which end up ticking all of the LGBT boxes):

• Lupe Valdez, a lesbian woman running for governor in Texas
• Christine Hallquist, a transgender woman running for governor in Vermont
• Jared Polis, a gay man running for governor in Colorado

Of those four, the one poll in Vermont shows Hallquist trailing her opponent by 14 points, and Lupe trails her opponent by an average of 20 points.

Brown looks steady for reelection as she leads her opponent in Oregon by an average of 3.4 points.

And in Colorado, Polis could be poised to become the country’s first-ever gay man elected to a governor’s mansion. (In 2004, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey was closeted when elected but came out during his resignation speech).

According to RealClearPolitics, Polis leads his race by an average of 7 points.

Polis is one of the wealthiest members of Congress having made several fortunes as a tech entrepreneur. After taking his family’s greeting card company online, he also founded and sold ProFlowers.com for hundreds of millions of dollars.

With an estimated $300 million in personal wealth, Polis is funding much of his own campaign telling NBC News, “I’m beholden to no one except voters.”

So, if you’re in Colorado, make sure you vote for Jared Polis for governor.

And if you live in any of the 49 others states, make sure you get out and vote for our candidates as well!

You can find a list of LGBTQ candidates at The Victory Fund.

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Out Music: Echo V “Rainbow”

Jay, Mike, Randy, Devin and Gama are ECHO V, five guys with distinct, echoing voices that combine to create one beautiful sound. By all outward appearances, they seem to be the typical boyband with good looks, lush harmonies and killer choreography, but they have one important difference: they’re all gay. Their debut single, “Rainbow,” reflects their decision to be out about their sexuality. While it is a fun, high energy pop anthem with an explosive hook that will get listeners dancing and singing, it also has an important message.
(photo credit: Bernard Mesa)

Meet Echo V, America’s first all-openly gay boy band.

It’s totally apropos that since the band itself is a virtual rainbow, their first single is titled, “Rainbow,” a high-energy pop anthem that reflects their decision to be open about their sexuality. Check out Jay, Mike, Randy, Devin and Gama in their debut music video below.

 “Our hope is that the song inspires people to stand up and claim their truth, be happy with who they are and find comfort in the fact that they are not alone,” says Jay.

“Rainbow is about unapologetically owning your multifaceted-ness and realizing that you have to live for yourself. It’s a journey to self-discovery and the strength it takes to live life in the open, day in and out.”

The five were united by their management who were looking to build the next generation of boy band. At first, management didn’t know the group they had assembled were all gay. It was the guys that realized it after coming together. They and management decided to go with it.

 “At the end of the day we are musicians who take a great pride in the art we create,” Jay explains. “We want listeners to be proud of who they are and there is no other way for us to do that other than to be honest with who we are.”

Says Mike, “I hope listeners find something fresh in ECHO V. Something different.”

“Is it over zealous to hope they find the voice of a generation?” he questions, with a grin.

Check out the debut song “Rainbow” below, and head over to the official website for Echo V for more info.

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Iceman & Pyro Mix Fire And Ice In New “X-Men: Gold” Comic Book

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Growing up, I was truly a super-hero comic book fanatic. They were my escape.

Little did I know the allegories being taught and the messages being sent by heroic figures in those pages and pages of fantasy.

Fast forward to today, where a member of the X-Men, Bobby Drake (“Iceman”) is now openly gay and in a new issue, has a one-night stand with fire-powered super-mutant Simon Lasker, also known as “Pyro.”

I guess opposites really do attract.

In X-Men: Gold #32, Pyro is revealed exiting the bathroom announcing that the shower is free before adding, “Or, I could go back in if you want company.”

Drake hems and haws as he tries to tell Pyro, “I thought we agreed last night was a onetime thing.”

Pyro offers a cheeky, “Actually, if I’m counting right, last night was a three-time thing…”

Unfortunately, the super-heroes are then interrupted by a noise.

Iceman formally came out in 2015, during a time-travel episode that took him to the future to meet his older self.

In that story line, its the newly-out younger Bobby Drake that addresses the issue with his future, still-closeted self.

I know, I know, that time travel thing gets complicated.

In any case, here’s hoping Iceman works things out for something more permanent with Pryo.

Time will tell.

Issue No. 32 of X-Men: Gold hits stands July 18.

Like other comic book fans, several Twitter users were shook by the development:

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Openly Gay U.S. Marine Wins Runoff In Highly Democratic Alabama District

Openly gay former U.S. Marine Neil Rafferty won his runoff contest last night in Alabama to become the Democratic candidate for the state House seat in District 54.
Democratic candidate for the Alabama state House, Neil Rafferty

Openly gay former U.S. Marine Neil Rafferty won his runoff contest last night in Alabama to become the Democratic candidate for the state House seat in District 54.

I reported last month that Rafferty narrowly missed having a runoff at all after getting 48% of the primary vote on June 5.

The political newbie is vying for the seat vacated by Democratic state Rep. Patricia Todd, who was the first openly gay legislator in Alabama. Todd has held the seat since 2006.

Rafferty was endorsed by Todd, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

I previously wrote about Rafferty when he announced his candidacy back in February.

The Birmingham native spent four years in the U.S. Marines before returning home to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He currently works as the director of research and development at Birmingham AIDS Outreach.

Michael Rudolph (L) and Neil Rafferty (R)

Rafferty joined the Marines after his longtime boyfriend, Michael Rudolph had been deployed twice to Iraq as a Marine so they could stay together even though ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ was still in effect. The couple, now together 14 years, are currently engaged and planning their wedding.

According to AL.com, Rafferty received 2,531 votes, or 67.12 percent with 100 percent of the vote reporting. His opponent, environmentalist and marketer Jacqueline Gray Miller, received 1,240 votes, or 32.88 percent.

Although no Republican competed in District 54, Rafferty can’t quite claim victory just yet.

Joseph Baker has entered the race as an Independent and will face Rafferty in the November general election. That said, in that a Democrat has held the seat for 12 years and noting the current political environment, Rafferty’s chances at victory look very good.

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Democrat Jared Polis Could Become 1st Openly Gay Man Elected To Governor

Last night, Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado came one step closer to becoming the first openly gay man to be elected governor in the United States.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis

Last night, Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado came one step closer to becoming the first openly gay man to be elected governor in the United States.

Shortly after the polls closed, the Boulder native was declared the winner of the Democratic nomination for governor of Colorado with 44.7% of the vote. His nearest competitor, Cary Kennedy, garnered only 24.7% of the vote.

Come November, Polis will take on current Colorado State Treasurer Walker Stapleton in the governor’s race. Current Gov. John Hickenlooper – who is term-limited.

A recent poll shows Polis leading Stapleton, a second cousin of George W. Bush and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, by 5 points.

One of the wealthiest members of Congress, Polis is said to be worth upwards of $400 million. In his 20s, he helped turn his family’s Blue Mountain Arts greeting card business into an e-card retailer eventually selling the business for $780 million.

Elected in 2008, Polis is one of seven openly gay members of the 113th Congress and caucuses with the LGBT Equality Caucus. He campaigned for governor on a platform of universal healthcare, free pre-K education and robust renewable energy.

Polis has a long-term partner, Marlon Reis. In 2011, Polis became the first openly gay parent in Congress when they welcomed a son, Caspian. They also have a daughter, Cora.

While former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey came out as gay during his time in office, Polis would be the first openly gay man to be elected to a governor’s mansion.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown became the first openly bisexual governor when she took office in 2015.

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Out NBA Exec Rick Welts Named To The Basketball Hall Of Fame

Rick Welts

Openly gay NBA executive Rick Welts, currently the Golden State Warriors president, has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame

Welts is the first openly gay man to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

From Outsports:

Welts is the first openly gay man to be elected to the Hall of Fame, an incredible and historic feat. He has been in the NBA in some capacity since 1969 and served as the league’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from 1996-1999. He is created with the early building and marketing of the Dream Team and the WNBA.

Welts came out in 2011 and blazed the trail for other openly gay front office members in the league. After coming out, Welts resigned from his position with the Phoenix Suns to become the Warriors president, and the team has won two championships since he joined the team.

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Skater Adam Rippon Could Be One Of The Few Openly Gay Skaters At 2018 Olympics After Strong Short Program

Adam Rippon

Twenty-eight-year-old figure skater Adam Rippon had an excellent night at the 2018 U.S. National championships last night coming in just a tad behind reigning national champ Nathan Chen.

Rippon, a two-time world junior champ, scored a personal-best of 96.52 points which leaves him within striking distance of Chen who notched a 104.45 in the short program.

Rippon, who came out in 2015, missed out on the 2014 Olympic team due to a flu that kept him from posting his best at the nationals that year.

More bad luck followed as he missed nationals last year due to a broken foot.

But Rippon isn’t dwelling on past disappointments.

From The L.A. Times:

“Every disappointment I’ve ever had has made me so much stronger and so much better. I wouldn’t be the person I am now, I wouldn’t appreciate what I’m doing right now as much as I do if I didn’t have those ups and downs of not making the team, of breaking my foot, of feeling like I’ve come up short.”

He was shaky during the six-minute warmup but coaxed himself to relax. “I said, ‘Girl, you tight,’” he recalled. It worked, putting him in position to become one of the few openly gay figure skaters to compete at the Olympics.

He joked that being a gay athlete is “exactly like being a straight athlete, only with better eyebrows,” but he’s serious about being a role model to kids because he never had one.

“I think sharing my story has made me a better competitor because I don’t really care what other people think of me. I’m able to go out there and I’m really able to be unabashedly myself. And I love myself,” he said. “When I’m able to go out there and just really be me, I’m able to put my hard work forward and I want somebody who’s young, who’s struggling, who’s not sure if it’s OK if they are themselves, to know that it’s OK that there are so many people out there who have the same worries. …If you set your mind to something, you can truly do anything.”

The men’s free skate competition is on Saturday.

Watch Rippin’s short program below.

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Sarah Paulson Was Advised To Keep Relationship With Holland Taylor Under Wraps


 American Horror Story star (currently starring in The Post) opened up to The Edit about her “unconventional” choices in life, like her relationship with actress Holland Taylor.

Via The Washington Blade:

“Early on, when people found out I was with Holland, some said: ‘I think you have to be careful, I’m afraid it’s going to affect your career negatively.’ I was like what? It never occurred to me at all,” Paulson says.

Paulson openly declared her love for Taylor during her Emmys acceptance speech in 2016 when she proclaimed “Holland Taylor, I love you.” The actress admits she debated not giving her girlfriend a shout-out for fear of people’s opinions.

“It occurred to me, ‘Should I not?’ And then I thought, ‘Why would I not?’” Paulson says. “The fact I’m having this thought is wrong. But I had a moment of societal concern; wondering if, maybe, people who didn’t know that about me would be like, ‘Wait, what?’ But then, you know, I did it anyway.”

However, Paulson says she’s aware her relationship with the 74-year-old actress is “unconventional.”

“My life choices are, um, unconventional. I’m with a much older person and people find that totally fascinating and odd, and, to me, it’s the least interesting thing about me. But I do feel a bit unconventional. I am a woman of a certain age who chose not to have children, and who has made my career my priority. I am the captain of my own ship, and I’ve never looked to anyone else to validate that, or tell me it’s okay,” Paulson says.

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This Teacher Won The Internet With His “Spiderman” Halloween Costume Picked By His Students

Incredibly photogenic Indiana teacher Tell Williams dresses up for Halloween every year. In past years, he’s donned Peter Pan and Robin costumes to amuse his students.

The cool thing is he lets his students pick the costume each year.

This year, Spiderman was the choice of the kids – and the internet.

As you can see above, Williams carried off the Peter Parker persona like a champ. He certainly gets my “Spidey-senses” tingling.

Not only is he a superhero on Halloween, he is every day living his life authentically as an openly gay man at school.

Williams told Gay Star News, “They’re young so they don’t really understand different marriage dynamics. I just say “In my family, there are two Dads.” It’s about normalizing it. I want my students to know all families are built differently. It helps build tolerance and understanding.”

One more thing: just to cover bases, Williams added that he wore sweats at school so as not to make any parents uncomfortable. See below.

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Gay Republican Withdraws From Homeland Security Position Over White House Trans Ban

John Fluharty

Former executive director of the Delaware Republican Party, John Fluharty, has withdrawn his name from consideration for a position at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over President Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from the military.

Fluharty is openly gay.

Speaking to the Washington Blade, Fluharty said recent actions by the White House run “counter to my deeply held beliefs:”

“The president has squandered an opportunity to strengthen not only our nation’s example to the rest of the world, but he has also squandered his party’s ability to have creditable messengers in the LGBTQ community on issues where there can be agreement such as reform of our public education system, lower taxes, and growing our economy,” he said. “Issues that are important to all families.”

“The ban on allowing transgender heroes to continue to serve in the military, and the actions by the Justice Department the following day, have effectively alienated the Republican Party from our community for a generation,” added Fluharty.