Wednesday, June 1, 2016

#GiveSpockABoyfriend: 5 Same-Sex Relationships We’d Like To See In Summer Blockbusters

From: NewNowNext
2
Dory 
in 
“Finding Dory”

The only problem is she’d forget she had a girlfriend every 10 minutes. (We know some people like that, TBH.)

1980s Music Challenge #7: "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics

From: Deep Dish
My friend Helaine Miller nominated me on Facebook to do this challenge, and I thought it would be fun to share it here on DEEP DISH. So for seven days, I will be posting a favorite song from the 1980s AND nominating someone new to accept the challenge (today's lucky person is Marc Moder).

My seventh and final groovy tune of the 1980s is "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" from Eurythmics' second studio album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). It was released in the US on May 2, 1983, and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Televangelist Jan Crouch Dies At Age 78, Co-Founded World’s Largest Religious Network

“[She] loved many things, but most of all she loved Jesus."
From: NewNowNext
 Televangelist Jan Crouch, who cofounded Trinity Broadcasting Network in 1973, passed away yesterday after a recent stroke.

“Laurie and I have just watched the transition of our precious mother from this world to the next; watched her step into the presence of Jesus and into her heavenly reward,” wrote Crouch’s son Matt in a statement. “[She] loved many things, but most of all she loved Jesus, and now has seen him face to face and has experienced his grace in fullness.”
A photo posted by David Rives (@davidrives) on


Crouch, widow of the late TV preacher Paul Crouch, was something of an over-the-top figure, with cotton-candy hair, ample bosom and lip gloss applied by the gallon. But “Momma Jan,” as she was known, helped to create a Christian media empire that reaches millions of viewers via more than 18,000 television and cable affiliates.

She also oversaw the Holy Land Experience, a biblical theme park in Orlando.

With their lavish lifestyle and constant calls for donations, the Crouches seemed to embody the kind of “prosperity theology” popularized by televangelists of the 1980s—that wealth is a blessing from God, and donations to ministries will result in a windfall for believers.


Like Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker before them, the Crouches were plagued with scandals: There were claims of financial misdeeds and fraudulent cancer “cures” promoted on TBN.

In 2004, the Los Angeles Times reported that Paul and Jan lived separate lives, and that Paul had an affair with a male employee. Enoch Lonnie Ford claimed he had been payed $425,000 to keep quiet about their relationship, which he said Crouch pressured him into.

Nyle DiMarco Is Single (!!!) And Looking For A Partner With These Three Qualities

🚨🚨 THIS IS NOT A DRILL 🚨🚨
From: NewNowNext
 Nyle DiMarco sat down with People in the wake of his historic Dancing With the Stars win this week.

Mirrorball Trophy in hand, the 27-year-old deaf model and former America’s Next Top Model winner talked about life after DWTS and what he’s headed for now that he’s conquered two reality competition shows and come out on top.

“A friend and I are writing a show together so I’m looking forward to doing that,” he said.

“It’s a series,” he added, though he wouldn’t confirm whether it was a reality series. “We’re working with a really great deaf writer. You know, I think we really do need deaf people out there writing their own shows.”

Asked by People’s Jeremy Parsons what he’d like people to see about his life if he were to do reality TV, Nyle said, “I think I would like people to see how I work with people, as a deaf person; how I’m able to interact with people. Really I just want a show that would follow my career, and that’s a great way to educate the public about how they can work with deaf people in this world.”


 Asked whether he was “single and ready to mingle,” Nyle, who is sexually fluid, responded, “I am very single.”

“A relationship isn’t a priority of mine but, you know, I’m hoping soon enough!”

He sounds enthusiastic and like he’s actively looking for someone, but — attention boys! — you’ve got to have three very special qualities to be considered dating material.

Said Nyle: “First one, they have to be independent — they have to believe they can do their own thing. The second one, communication, I think is the most important. And [they have to be] outgoing as well. I’m an outgoing person, so…”


Line forms behind me, everyone!

Zac Efron’s Used Jockstrap Is Up For Auction

Who's got $300?!
From: NewNowNext
 Over 100 authentic props from the set of Dirty Grandpa are being auctioned off, and while the lot includes items worn and used by the likes of Aubrey Plaza, Jason Mantzoukas, and Robert De Niro, the hottest item is obviously the used jock strap Zac Efron wore during several of his nearly-nude scenes.

The auction, which began Monday and lasts through Friday, June 10, also includes the horse mask worn by Mantzoukas, a pair of Plaza’s overalls, De Niro’s whole collection of Hawaiian shirts, and basically everything Zac Efron wore, including the jock strap.





 According to the jock’s listing, it includes “assorted stains from use during production but remains in good condition.”


At time of posting, 20 people had bid on the item at an asking price of $300.

So get on it!

Your Guide To Pride 2016

When, where and who's headlining?
From: NewNowNext
 Pride season is upon us, and in addition to celebrating the LGBT equality that means major musical acts will be taking the stage at Pride festivals around the country. Check out who’s performing where and when—plus loads more details—below.
 Atlanta Pride
The weekend of October 8 sees the largest Pride in the southeast kick off in Piedmont Park on National Coming Out Day. (No coincidence there).

This year Atlanta Pride includes the annual Dyke March and Trans March, the official parade and an all-day festival with music, food and entertainment. Past headliners have included Taylor Dane, Sister Sledge, Colbie Caillat and Meghan Trainor.

Parade Date
October 9 at 1 pm

 Baltimore Pride
July 23-24, 2016

Baltimore Pride turns 41 this year with Steve Grand taking the Pride Festival stage at Druid Hill Park on July 24. The weekend also includes a high-heel race, block party and, of course, the parade down Charles Street.

Parade Date
July 23rd at 3:30 pm


 Boston Pride
June 11-12

This year’s parade kicks off at Copley Square and meanders down to City Hall, with marshals including White House LGBT liaison Raffi Freedman-Gurspan and activist Claire B. Naughton.

Trans fitness model Aydian Ethan Dowling emcees as Conrad Sewell, Samantha Johnson and Brandon Skeie take the stage at the Pride festival in City Hall Plaza.

Parade Date
 June 11 at noon


 Capital Pride
June 1-12, 2016

Every June, a quarter-million people descend on Washington, DC, for Capital Pride, making it one of the largest in the country.

There’s a week of activities—fundraisers, forums, parties and performance—leading up to Pride weekend June 10-12. Leslie Jordan is the grand marshal of the annual parade down Pennsylvania on June 11, which has a theme of “Make Magic Happen.”

This year, Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, Alex Newell and Melanie Martinez headline the Pride Concert on June 12, presented by Hot 99.5.

Parade Date
 June 11 at 4:30 pm


 Chicago Pride
June 18-19 and 26, 2016

Boystown is home to Chicago’s two-part Pride bonanza: On June 18 and 19, the Chicago Pride festival features drag shows, food trucks, exhibitors and more. Then, on June 26, more than 750,000 people will watch the four-mile Pride parade as it rolls down Broadway and Halsted from Uptown to Lincoln Park.

Big name acts that have performed at Chicago Pride include Jennifer Hudson, St. Lucia and Big Freedia. This year, Jordin Sparks headlines Pride Fest on June 18.

Parade Date
 June 26 at noon


 Dallas Pride
September 18, 2016

The Big D’s main Pride event is the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, procession along Cedar Springs Road from Wycliff Avenue to Lee Park, named for its longtime organizer.

The festival takes place at the parade’s end in Lee Park, where all of all ages mingle and catch performances by local and national acts. In 2015, the headliner was out country star Ty Herdon.

Parade Date
September 18 at 2 pm


 L.A. Pride
June 10-13, 2016

Christopher Street West is spotlighting the city’s trans community with educational and social events spanning the three-day celebration, not to mention an outdoor roller rink.

The daytime Pride parade sashays down Santa Monica Boulevard through the heart of West Hollywood. The route ends at West Hollywood Park, where, this year, Carly Rae Jepsen, Charli XCX, Hailee Steinfeld and Big Freedia rock the music festival stage.

Parade Date
June 8 at 11 am


 New Orleans Pride
June 17-19, 2016

The Big Easy’s annual Pride celebration features men’s and women’s parties, film screenings, a block party and even an evening with former local Bianca Del Rio. Plus, New Orleans hosts one of the few nighttime Pride parades in America, as the French Quarter buzzes with queer energy.
Debby Holiday, the Nawlins Johnnys and Jai Rodriguez perform at PrideFest 2016 on June 19, hosted by Billy Francesca and Persana Shoulders.

Parade Date
June 18 at 7 pm


 Philly Pride
June 12, 2016

Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney is grand marshal of the city’s Pride parade, which kicks off on 13th and Locust Streets in the Gayborhood.

Later that day, Deborah Cox headlines the Gay Pride Festival at Penn’s Landing.

Parade Date
June 12 at 11:30 am


 PrideFest Milwaukee
June 10-12

This year’s parade down South 2nd Street will be without a grand marshal—honoree Miriam Ben-Shalom was uninvited after reportedly making transphobic comments.

But it’s still going to be a weekend jammed with excitement, including performances by Sarah Silverman, Crystal Waters, Deboarah Cox and Blondie.

Parade Date
June 12 at 2 pm


 New York Pride
June 21-26, 2014

The New York Pride March—don’t call it a parade—winds down Fifth Avenue down to the Stonewall Inn, birthplace of the modern LGBT rights movement.

A week of events kicks off with a Pride Luminaries Brunch on June 19 and Family Movie Night on June 21, followed by the annual LGBT rights rally on June 24.

The grand marshals at this year’s march on June 26 are teen reality star Jazz Jennings, Syrian activist Subhi Nahas and HIV/AIDS advocate Cecilia Chung, a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.

Fergie takes the stage at the legendary Dance on the Pier later that night, joining a pantheon of performers who have played the event, including Janet Jackson, Cher, Whitney Houston and Jennifer Lopez.

Parade Date
 June 26 at noon


 Pittsburgh Pride
June 3-12, 2016

There’s plenty going on during Pittsburgh Pride, including pool parties, pub crawls and a picnic in the park. This year’s biggest attraction, however, is Pride in the Streets on June 11, featuring performances by Kesha and rapper Angel Haze.

Parade Date
June 12 at noon


 San Francisco Pride
June 25-26, 2016

Celebrating the theme of “For Racial and Economic Justice,” San Francisco Pride kicks off at City Hall, where Harvey Milk rallied queers in the late 1970s.

This year’s grand marshals include the Cast of Fuse’s Transcendent as well as Mia Satya, Fresh White!, Larry Yang, Janetta Johnson, Mike Shriver and the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The music headliner is still to be determined, but past performers include Lady Gaga, the Backstreet Boys and Cyndi Lauper.

Parade Date
June 26 at 10:30 am


 Utah Pride Festival 
Salt Lake City
June 3-5, 2016

The Salt Lake’s LGBT celebration includes a film festival, a Dyke March, an interfaith service, charity run and, of course, a parade. (It’s actually the second largest parade in the state after after the Days of ’47 Parade.)

Performer on the main stage in Central City include AB Soto, Perfume Genius and Belinda Carlisle.

Parade Date
June 5 at 10 am


Seattle Pride
June 28-29, 2016

Now in its 42nd year, Seattle Pride is one of the most unique LGBT celebrations in the country (and not just because of the naked bicyclists). No word on who the grand marshals are this year, but George Takei had the honor in 2014.

Parade Date
June 26 at 11 am

Why The World Needs LGBT Superheroes

A director made an epic film trailer to demonstrate what a gay superhero movie might look like.
From: NewNowNext
With #GiveCaptainAmericaABoyfriend trending on Twitter last week, and fans vying for a Finn/Poe romance in the next Star Wars movie, it seems like the world is ready for more LGBT characters in Hollywood films.

Director Mike Buonaiuto passionately agrees with this idea, and created a trailer to inspire studios like DC and Marvel to include more LGBT representation in their projects.

“Iceman, Mystique and Catwoman are LGBT in the comic books, but appear as straight on screen,” the video begins. “So, we imagined a story where all superheroes could be portrayed accurately.”

What follows is an incredibly well-made trailer for a faux film that features the story of a man becoming a superhero while also falling in love with another man.

Buonaiuto shared that he believes it’s important for LGBT kids to have a hero they can look up to, and that “it’s time all superheroes were accurately portrayed on screen.”

The young director said that a physical copy of the trailer will be delivered to Marvel and DC studios alongside web analytics that illustrate the audience size.

Check out Buonaiuto’s trailer below.

Want To Keep Republicans From Voting? Send Them Marriage Equality Postcards!

A new study reveals interesting findings about campaign messaging.
From: NewNowNext
A new study out of Duke University confirms that campaign communications can be targeted in such a way as to prevent certain groups from turning out on election day.

Grad student Ying Shi conducted the study, which sought to measure the effects of cross-cutting messages on voter turnout. The study, which Shi published in 2015, looks specifically at the May 2012 primary elections in North Carolina, which included a vote on Amendment 1, a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage.

To test whether or not disagreement stimulates or discourages political participation, Shi sent 9,211 individuals (roughly half Democrat, half Republican) one of two messages: a pro-marriage equality message (“Denying marriage to same-sex couples is a form of discrimination”) or an anti-marriage equality message (“Nontraditional forms of marriage result in children growing up in an environment that often lacks a biological parent.”). She then compared their turnout to a control group.

The results were not too surprising. Voters who received messages affirming their beliefs (pro-marriage equality for Democrats, anti-marriage equality for Republicans) were more likely to vote than voters receiving messages that contradicted their beliefs.

However, these effects were not consistent across the board. In fact, the only group for whom the results were consistently significant were Republicans who received the pro-marriage equality message, especially if they lived in large households of three or more people.

Shi was hesitant to conclude that this meant anything specific about Republicans. She rationalized that if the sample had been bigger, the same results would have probably shown up in the pool of Democrats. Regardless, she noted that demobilization effects were much stronger than mobilization effects, meaning that getting someone to stay home from voting is much easier than getting them to turn out.

That being said, the study hints at an interesting new tactic in campaign messaging that could be particularly effective for issue-based votes, such as gun control for Republicans or Abortion rights for Democrats.

Transgender Man Beaten To Death In Vermont

Police are investigating as a possible hate crime.
From: NewNowNext
A transgender man attacked at a homeless encampment in Burlington, Vermont, last week has died.

Amos Beede, 38, was found unconscious near the Barge Canal on Pine Street on May 22, with facial fractures, broken ribs and a subdural hematoma.



He was taken by police to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where his initial prognosis was good. Eventually, though, he succumbed to his injuries.

Beede had a tent at the encampment—it’s believed his attacker lived there, as well. Police hope to determine to what extent his being transgender was a motive for any attack.

“Could this be a bias incident? Yes, it’s on the table,” Burlington Police Lt. Shawn Burke told WPTZ. “Whether or not that bears on why this particular assault happened is yet to be determined.”

Burke also said Beede had been assaulted long before authorities had been called.

“I hope somebody would have some more information about this individual,” said the Pride Center of Vermont’s Dr. Kim Fountain.

“We would love to be able to reach out, to find support in any way we can, and that is going to be part of the planning this evening, is to find out ways the community can support this individual.”

Lesbian Couple Convicted Of Murdering 2-Year-Old Son, Abusing Other Children

A stunning and horrific case.
From: NewNowNext
 A lesbian couple in Fife, Scotland has been found guilty for the brutal murder of their young son Liam and the violent torture of two other children in their care.

Liam’s body was discovered in the home of his mother Nyomi Fee and her civil partner, Rachel this past March. Clear physical evidence showed that the two-year-old had sustained prolonged abuse with officials finding over thirty injuries to his body.

When police originally found Liam, Rachel and Nyomi claimed that another child in their care had murdered him. The pair had convinced the seven-year-old boy that he’d strangled Liam, going as far as to force his hand inside the dead child’s mouth to fake evidence.


The couple presented the argument in front of a court, but interviews conducted with the boy by police showed that there was no way he could have committed the crime.

DI Rory Hamilton of Police Scotland’s major investigation team east said: “During joint interviews with specially trained detectives and officials from Fife council, the evidence began to build towards a picture of horrendous abuse which directly contributed to the version of events being put forward by the two accused being utterly discredited.”

As it turned out, he had also been a victim of abuse, along with another young boy. The boys were allegedly tied up inside of cages and bound to chairs in locked rooms with caged rats and snakes. They were also routinely subjected to long cold showers and forced to eat dog defecate.

The couple has since been found guilty of all eight charges brought against them, including not only murder, but prolonged child endangerment and abuse.

The news has shocked the UK and led officials in Fife to investigate the efforts of the child protection agencies who were originally alerted to Liam’s case.