Hamilton
Sunday, June 12, 2016
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Cynthia Erivo
The Color Purple
as
Celie Harris Johnson
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Leslie Odom, Jr.
Hamilton
as
Aaron Burr
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Frank Langella
The Father
as
Andre
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Jessica Lange
Long Day's Journey into Night
as
Mary Tyrone
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Reed Birney
The Humans
as
Erik Blake
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda
(music and lyrics)
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Daveed Diggs
Hamilton
as
Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Hamilton
as
Angelica Schuyler Church
And The Tony Goes To...
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Jayne Houdyshell
The Humans
as
Deirdre Blake
Thousands Brave Prejudice, Violence, For Warsaw Pride Parade
"Rights cannot be given to those who hide their faces. We ask you: Come out!"From: NewNowNext
Thousands marched through downtown Warsaw at the city’s annual Pride celebration today, kicking off outside the Palace of Culture and Science, which was lit up in rainbow lights after sundown.
The Equality Parade, as it’s known, has had a rocky history—cancelations by the mayor, violence from right-wing protestors—but organizers hoped this year would be the biggest one yet. (Right-wing nationalists gathered nearby but no attacks were reported, thanks to a heavy police presence.)
“The truth is that we do not really have any legal rights to protect,” parade organizer Jej Perfekcyjność told Deutsche Welle.
“We expect a record crowd because many people have joined demonstrations against this government in the past few months. We need a big crowd to make sure things do not get worse.”
— Ulrike Lunacek (@UlrikeLunacek) June 11, 2016
It’s unclear how many attended the parade—estimates vary from less than 10,000 to upwards of 30,000. Visibility is increasing in Poland, but the predominantly Catholic nation still has one of the lowest rates of LGBT acceptance in Europe.
The nationalist Law & Justice party won the parliamentary elections last fall and have been accused of controlling the courts and rolling back civil liberties.
Ahead the march, dozens of prominent LGBT Poles—including Slupsk mayor Robert Biedron and Anna Grodzka, the first trans person in the Polish parliament—released a statement calling on their closeted countrymen to come out:
“Rights cannot be given to those who hide their faces. We ask you: Come out!”
The Tony Awards Dedicate 2016 Ceremony To Those Affected By Orlando Shooting
“Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando,” the organizers said.
From: Huffington Post
From: Huffington Post
Sunday night’s Tony Awards will be dedicated to those affected by the mass shooting early Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida, the organizers announced.
The massacre at Pulse, a gay nightclub, left at least 50 dead and 53 wounded. The Twitter account for the award show, which honors the best of Broadway theater, offered condolences to the friends and families of the victims.
Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando. (1/2)— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 12, 2016
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight's ceremony to them. (2/2)— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 12, 2016
The 2016 #TonyAwards are dedicated to those affected by the events in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/ILNbbhxSHD— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 12, 2016
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick On Gay Nightclub Massacre: “You Reap What You Sow”
"Do not be deceived—God cannot be mocked."From: NewNowNext
Thousands have been sending their prayers to the victims of the mass shooting at Orlando gay nightclub Pulse last night, but at least one elected official has sent a rather disturbing message.
This morning, Republican Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick tweeted a card quoting Galatians 6.7.
“Do not be deceived—God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Patrick has since deleted the tweet, but not before it received 240 likes and was re-tweeted more than 180 times.
The 66-year-old politician has consistently attacked the LGBT community even before taking office: In February 2014, when a federal court ruled Texas’s marriage ban unconstitutional, he declared his intention to fight the ruling if elected.
He also strongly opposed HERO, Houston’s inclusive civil rights ordinance protecting LGBT people and other classes.
More recently, he’s threatened to push a measure similar to North Carolina’s “bathroom bill” banning trans people from using facilities that match their gender expression.
UPDATE: A spokesperson from Patrick’s office claims the tweet was prescheduled and not a reaction to the shooting: “This was certainly not done with any fore knowledge of the events of the day.”
Orlando Gunman’s Father Says Son Was Furious About Seeing Men Kissing
"He said, ‘Look at that. In front of my son they are doing that.'"From: NewNowNext
29-year-old Omar Mateen has been identified as the man responsible for the mass shooting at a gay club in Orlando that left 50 dead, and his father has now provided more information as to what may have fueled his son’s horrific rampage.
Mir Seddique spoke with NBC News about his son’s actions, saying “this has nothing to do with religion.”
“We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident. We weren’t aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country,” he said.
Instead, Seddique suggested that the massacre may be related to an incident in Miami a couple of months ago in which Mateen got “very angry” over seeing two men kissing.
“We were in Downtown Miami, Bayside, people were playing music,” Seddique said. “And he saw two men kissing each other in front of his wife and kid and he got very angry.”
“They were kissing each other and touching each other and he said, ‘Look at that. In front of my son they are doing that,'” he added.
According to TMZ, Mateen “held a Florida security officer license and a state firearms license.”
UPDATE: CNN is reporting that Mateen was known to the FBI as “one of hundreds of people on the agency’s radar suspected of being ISIS sympathizers.”
Orlando Blood Bank Is NOT Lifting Ban On Gay Blood In Wake Of Nightclub Massacre
Reports began circulating that OneBlood was accepting blood from gay men.
From: NewNowNest
From: NewNowNest
In the wake of the attack on an gay nightclub that killed 50 and wounded dozens more, the call for blood donation has gone out in Orlando.
Sunday morning reports began circulating that one local blood bank announced it was accepting blood from all healthy donors—including gay men.
“We are in crisis need for all donors, and will be accepting all donors” — crucially, including gay men,” a card reportedly from OneBlood read.
That’s in contrast to longstanding FDA banning gay men from blood donations if they’ve had sex in the 12 months. (Those guidelines were only updated in December—previously men who had sex with men faced a lifetime ban.)
This is the line outside of an Orlando blood bank #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/FNYnaXXJFU— Zak Houara (@Daftzak) June 12, 2016
But within the past 20 minutes, OneBlood underscored that FDA standards were still being followed.
All FDA guidelines remain in effect for blood donation. There are false reports circulating that FDA rules were being lifted. Not true.— OneBlood (@my1blood) June 12, 2016
Whether there was misinformation being circulated or staffers decided to ignore the ban without authority is not clear.
While the ban is still outdated and dangerous, we are heartened that hundreds of residents have come out to donate blood.
Man Arrested With Assault Rifles, Possible Bomb, En Route To L.A. Pride
Police encountered the man just hours after a deadly massacre at a gay club in Orlando.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Police in Santa Monica discovered assault rifles, ammunition and possible explosives in the car of a man claiming he was going to L.A. Pride.
Authorities received a call about a prowler near Olympic Boulevard and 11th Street on Sunday morning and investigated. They encountered an unnamed man who said he was waiting for a friend and was heading to the annual Pride celebration in West Hollywood.
His automobile had Indiana plates and, inside, they discovered the weapons and loads of ammunition as well as tannerite, an ingredient that can be used to make a pipe bomb.
“They found him with weapons that were very disconcerting,” an official told the L.A. Times, adding officials are “taking the appropriate safety precautions.”
Law enforcement say there is no clear connection between the incident and the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando last night that took the lives of 50 people.
There are no plans to cancel today’s festivities but the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department is ramping up security.
“We are hearing absolutely devastating news reports from Orlando this morning,” said L.A. City Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath.
“Gun violence on the LGBTQ family during Pride Month makes me sick. The deadliest mass shooting in America happened to LGBTQ people on Latin night. While we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we must also rededicate ourselves to the fight for full equality for all people. No one is equal unless everyone is equal.”
The investigation has been taken over by the FBI.
L.A. Pride Starting With Moment Of Silence, LGBT Celebrations Nationwide Amp Up Security
"I will march for you today."From: NewNowNext
L.A.’s Pride parade will continue as planned today, but with a somber tone after the tragic news of the gay nightclub shooting in Orlando that killed 50 people.
Police officials are tightening security for the day’s events, and people have been encouraged to still come out as a way to memorialize victims and show that the LGBT community will not be silenced.
“Of course we are grieving and angry and we need to express that,” said Lorri L. Jean, chief executive of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “We also need to make sure we don’t allow this hateful incident to silence us.”
Christopher Street West, the nonprofit organizers responsible for L.A. Pride, and the city of West Hollywood will be holding a news conference and then a moment of silence before the parade begins.
“Forty-six years ago, members of the LGBTQ community came out in cities across the country in response to the Stonewall riots,” said L.A. Pride President Chris Classen in a statement. “Today, we are heartbroken that so many of our brothers, sisters and allies were lost in this tragic [attack]. As we remember them today at our moment of silence, we must continue to show our pride, not just today but every day.”
Residents of West Hollywood have already been seen holding Pride flags that say “Not Afraid” and making signs that say “We are Orlando.”
Other cities celebrating Pride this weekend, including Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., have also said they will hold a moment of silence, in addition to increasing security.
Meanwhile, police in Santa Monica have just discovered assault rifles, ammunition and possible explosives in the car of a man claiming he was going to L.A. Pride.
The man has been arrested and the FBI has taken over the investigation.
Clinton, Trump, Hollywood React To Terrifying Orlando Massacre
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were among the first to share their sorrow and disbelief over the tragedy.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
As news of the horrific mass shooting at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando that left 50 dead and 53 injured continues to spread across the globe, politicians, celebrities and other personalities have taken to social media to share their condolences.
Some have simply stated that their hearts are breaking, while others are calling for greater gun control in the wake of the senseless tragedy.
Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act. -H— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 12, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are w my brothers and sisters who were at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub. RIP to those who lost their lives.— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) June 12, 2016
My heart and body aches for ORLANDO. May we turn our focus on the victims & ending Gun violence. NOT the shooter. pic.twitter.com/z9H2DjLxHa— TYLER_GLENN (@tylerinacoma) June 12, 2016
Sending strength to our #Orlando victims & their families. Very angry, but you can't break what you didn't build. We will rise & persevere.— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 12, 2016
Just crying watching these mothers weep over the loss of their sons. How heartbreaking, it's unbearable. #Orlando— Dorinda Medley (@DorindaMedley) June 12, 2016
How how how how can one have so much hate ????? My heart...... is so broken. Praying for the families of the Orlando victims. I am so sorry.— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 12, 2016
I'm heartbroken by this tragedy. Praying for Orlando and the suffering created by this senseless violence.— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) June 12, 2016
Donald Trump thought it was the perfect time to attack President Obama.
My heart goes out 2 the families & friends of those who lost their lives in Orlando last nite. A sad, horrific day in US history.— Sean Hayes (@theseanhayes) June 12, 2016
Very difficult to work this morning. My heart, soul and anger are in #Orlando. But our prayers alone will not be... https://t.co/izRVvObaBF— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) June 12, 2016
Orlando I weep for you and the families of 20 human beings murdered because of hatred and… https://t.co/gLASqOKVFI— Lea DeLaria (@realleadelaria) June 12, 2016
My heart breaks for Orlando. I cannot even comprehend the suffering for the victims - their friends & families. This is my family too.— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) June 12, 2016
My heart breaks to wake up to this news... We all need to do more to protect our country and each other. #Orlando https://t.co/4Ik46gMRWM— Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) June 12, 2016
This tragedy in Orlando has left me empty. sadness beyond emotion. This is what is still happening. My heart is weeping. I send prayers— michelle visage (@michellevisage) June 12, 2016
Email or call your Representative and ask them why they have done nothing to #EndGunViolence #Orlando https://t.co/GDvX9u3nKU— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) June 12, 2016
30 Days of Gay Pride
As we celebrate June as Gay Pride Month, we need to take moment today to honor & remember all the victims, their families & friends of the horrific act of terrorism & hate that happened today in Orlando.
#PulseNightclub #OrlandoShooting #gaylivesmatter
June 12th is Multicultural American Child Day
It's about sharing the talents and treasures of the many cultures that make up the richness that is America.
Orlando Nightclub Shooting: Mass Casualties After Gunman Opens Fire in Gay Club
I woke up to this news this morning, and has me crying, scared and sick to my stomach. How much more can can we handle in this country. It just scares me to even walk out my apartment anymore.
From: NBC News
Approximately 20 people are dead and scores wounded after a gunman opened fire and took hostages at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, police said.
Officials said a hostage situation developed after the gunman stormed the Pulse Nightclub about 2 a.m Sunday. The assailant was shot dead about three hours later when a SWAT team entered the club, police said.
The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, officials said.
"We are looking at probably in the range of 20 [dead], but we don't want to give you an exact figure," Orlando Police Chief John Mina told press. He said 42 people had been transferred to local hospitals.
Minda said a uniformed officer working extra duty exchanged gunfire with the shooter, who was armed with an assault-type rifle, a handgun and some type of suspicious device.
"The officer engaged in a gun battle with that suspect. The suspect at some point went back inside the club and more shots were fired. This did turn into a hostage situation," Mina said.
Officials made the decision "to go in on a rescue" just after 5 a.m. Mina said, adding that an officer was injured after being shot in the head.
"It appears his helmet saved his life," he said. "So he has an injury to his eye, but it looks like the bullet did hit his helmet."
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said the incident "could definitely be classified as domestic terrorism."
However, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks said authorities were also investigating whether international terror was involved, and if the shooter was a lone wolf.
Police had said previously reported on Twitter that there was a "controlled explosion" at the scene of the shooting. Mina later clarified that the noise was caused by a device intended to distract the shooter.
Revelers described scenes of horror inside the club. One witness told MSNBC that they had to crawl over bodies to escape.
A post to the club's Facebook page at around 2 a.m. warned "everyone get out of Pulse and keep running." Witness video from outside showed dozens of first responders at the scene, and several victims on the ground.
"It was tragic," club-goer Christopher Hansen told MSNBC. "I wasn't sure if it was the music, because ... it went with the beat almost until you heard just too many shots.
"It was just like — bang, bang, bang, bang, bang bang — and that's when you just know chaos is just, it was in turmoil," he added.
Mina Justice was outside the club trying to contact her 30-year-old son Eddie, who texted her when the shooting happened and asked her to call police. He told her he ran into a bathroom with other club patrons to hide. He then texted her: "He's coming."
"The next text said: 'He has us, and he's in here with us,'" she told the Associated Press. "That was the last conversation."
Witness Anthony Torres posted to Facebook that he and his friends made it out of the club "just barely as we started to hear fire being shot."
"They are just pulling people out in stretchers loading them up," he said, referring to first responders. "Omg please god let everyone make it.
"People are screaming that people are dead," Torres wrote in another post.
The shooting at the nightclub comes during a series of national celebrations that mark LGBT pride month.
"As soon as we have any information we will update everyone," the club later posted to Facebook. "Please keep everyone in your prayers as we work through this tragic event. Thank you for your thoughts and love."
June 12th is Race Unity Day
Race Unity Day is observed worldwide by Baha'is and others with meetings and discussions. The day was begun in 1957 by the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly in the United States, with the purpose of focusing attention on racial prejudice.
The Baha'is see racism as a major barrier to peace, and teach that there must be universal recognition of the oneness of all humans to achieve peace.
Favorite Pic Series of The Day for June 12, 2008
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
Yesterday's pic of the day had many emailing for more, sorry I don't know his name, but he is a great looking guy! I have to thank Leduc from Blood & Custard for the pics. This pic is also important to me as I believe it to be the stimulus for the blog finally getting the adult warning tab now there prior to entering. I guess given the blog is now 9 months old I did pretty well to last this long without it.
