 |
| Phil Bruce by Andrew Bowman |
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Keith Urban Dedicates Emotional Performance To Orlando Victims
"They had dreams and hopes, plans, just like every one of us. So I know them like I know you guys."
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Keith Urban performed a show in Tampa, Florida just a few days after the terrifying Orlando massacre earlier this month, and used the opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of the attack.
Before ending his concert, the country star spoke to the crowd about his feelings on the tragedy.
“I want to say something that’s been on my heart for the last week,” Urban said. “I know we got a lot of folks here from Orlando tonight. And although I didn’t know anybody in that horrific incident, I did because they’re just guys and girls, brothers, sisters. They had dreams and hopes, plans, just like every one of us. So I know them like I know you guys.”
He then began to play a poignant cover of U2’s “One” that left many in the audience in tears.
Check out his emotional tribute below.
Attacker Shouts “Happy Pride” Before Beating Trans Victim Outside Orlando Fundraiser“
“This is something that happens in our community frequently, and we won’t stand for it."From: NewNowNext
A transgender Seattle resident was brutally attacked while leaving a fundraiser for the LGBT victims of the Orlando massacre on Wednesday night.
Michael Volz, who uses “they” pronouns, was walking to their car in the LGBT-friendly neighborhood of Capitol Hill when a stranger walked up and said “Happy Pride” before violently attacking them.
The man reportedly punched and choked Volz while shouting anti-LGBT slurs, until they lost consciousness.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help Volz through their recovery and goes into more graphic detail about the attack.
“This is not an isolated incident,” Volz said in a news conference. “This is something that happens in our community frequently, and we won’t stand for it.”
The Seattle Police Department and the FBI said that they are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
116 Groovy Gay Movies You Need to See
From: Deep Dish
It's time once again to post my annual list of the grooviest LGBT films, so I've selected 116 movies (in chronological order). Although I wasn't able to feature every groovy gay movie, hopefully you will find a few of your favorites (and if you don't, please leave me a comment with their titles). And, FYI, the pics here are of Peter Finch and Murray Head in Sunday Bloody Sunday.
1)
Victim
1961
Barney Frank Remembers Marching With Hillary In The 2000 NYC Pride Parade
"I encountered one of the most moving, emotional outpourings I've ever seen."From: NewNowNext
In a video posted to Twitter by Hillary Clinton, former Congressman Barney Frank shares the story of marching in the 2000 NYC Pride Parade with the current presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
Frank reminds us of how significant it was for the First Lady to have marched with the LGBT community — something “a lot of senators and congressmen had been afraid to do until fairly recently.”
“I encountered one of the most moving, emotional outpourings I’ve ever seen,” Frank remembers. “Because here were people who had lived their lives being mocked, being shunned by their own families…And the sight of the First Lady of the United States…marching in a gay Pride Parade. That was an enormously powerful demonstration.”
16 years later, Clinton is still celebrating New York City Pride.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 26, 2016
LGBT members of her campaign staff also released a special video in time for Pride this weekend, discussing their belief that Clinton will further equality and inclusion.
Frank seems to agree with those sentiments, and you can check out his memories of Pride in 2000 below.
.@BarneyFrank on the time he marched in NYC's gay pride parade with the First Lady of the United States in 2000.https://t.co/G1b5cUV0pJ— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 25, 2016
Willam’s New Song Is A “Hello” Parody Called “Uck Foff”
A breakup anthem to end all breakup anthems.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Willam Belli, queen of parodies, puts a spin on Adele’s “Hello” in a brand new song describing her breakup with a total asshole.
“Fuck you and your stupid ass / don’t make me put your life on blast” Willam sings in the chorus of the appropriately titled “Uck Foff.”
The video, which also stars famed drag queen Jackie Beat, shows Willam popping a handful of pills and swigging a bottle of beer in between interspersed frames of her asshole ex-lover undressing on a rooftop.
The song is now available on iTunes. Check out the video below:
Watch The “Drag Race” All Stars Salute Harvey Fierstein At Trailblazer Honors
Icons serving icons.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
There were many memorable moments from this year’s Trailblazer Honors ceremony, but one of the evening’s highlights was watching the queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2 perform for honoree Harvey Fierstein.
Ginger Minj belted out an emotional rendition of the classic gay anthem “I Am What I Am” from the musical La Cage Aux Folles as Alaska, Alyssa Edwards, Phi Phi O’Hara and Tatianna lit up the stage as her color coordinated backup dancers.
Watch 100 Years Of Men’s Underwear In Three Minutes
There's been a lot more than boxers and briefs.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Mode.com is once again revisiting men’s style and fashion over the past 100 years, this time focusing on undergarments. Usually we moan how the model looks his best in 1920s and ’30s garb, but in this instance it’s modern all the way.
I mean, these turn-of-the-century longjohns leave EVERYTHING to the imagination.
At least we get the advent of the jockstrap in the 1940s.
So much no.
Better. Much better.
The clip ends with a montage of contemporary undies, worn by a diverse mix of body types.
Watch the full progression below
Vice President Joe Biden Addresses Orlando, Anti-LGBT Laws, At Logo Trailblazer Honors Special
"We’re all Americans. Unbowed. Unrelenting. We endure. We overcome."From: NewNowNext
Vice President Joe Biden addressed the crowd at the third annual Trailblazer Honors last night, honoring the victims of the Orlando shooting and calling out anti-LGBT laws passed around the nation.
In a video message, the vice president pointed out the contrast between our feelings one year ago, when marriage equality won at the Supreme Court, and today, as we mourn the lives lost at a gay nightclub.“As we celebrate a year of equality in marriage, draconian state laws deny transgender Americans basic civil rights,” said Biden.
“And in nearly 70 countries, it’s a crime to be who you are. And because the freedom to live freely means being free from bullying, free from harassment, and free from violence.”
Acknowledging the nation is still healing from the shooting at Pulse nightclub, Biden added “you’re showing tonight that we are Orlando. We’re all Americans. Unbowed. Unrelenting. We endure. We overcome. We’re hopeful and we will not be silent.”
Other honorees at the special, included Billie Jean King, Harvey Fierstein and the Advocate magazine.
King was presented with an award by actress Emma Stone, who will play the tennis legend in the upcoming film Battle of the Sexes.
Syrian LGBT activist Subhi Nahas and transgender trailblazers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were also saluted, as was the workplace equality group Out Leadership and Charlotte, North Carolina, mayor Jennifer Roberts.
Other celebrities at this year’s event included Chloe Grace Moretz, Lance Bass, Thomas Roberts, Joel Grey, and singers Rachel Platten, Macklemore and Mary Lambert.
They’re Remaking “Splash”—With One Big Change
Director Brian Grazer confesses his dream vision for the project.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
The 1984 rom-com classic Splash, about a hapless man who falls head over fin for an entrancing mermaid, is set to get a modern reboot. However, its director, Brian Grazer, who co-wrote the original, says there will be a major difference between the two films: the new one will be told from the perspective of the mermaid.
Grazer made the announcement while chatting with CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla about his years working as a successful Hollywood producer. At one point in the interview, Grazer admitted that he was excited about the prospect of re-making Splash, but that in the re-telling, he’d like to pivot the point of view from Allen Bauer, played in the original by Tom Hanks, to Madison, the mermaid famously portrayed by Daryl Hannah.
Grazer didn’t divulge any further details about the project other than to say that “there’s a movie star involved.” If the remake does half as well as its predecessor, it will certainly make a splash of its own—at the time, Splash was a box office smash, grossing $69.8 million and scoring an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Check out the full CNBC interview below.
Rachel Platten Sings “Stand By You” At Trailblazer Honors
The performance was a tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub attack.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Last night’s Trailblazer Honors on Logo was an inspiring and emotional evening celebrating pioneers in the LGBT community, as well as paying tribute to the victims of the Orlando massacre.
Pop star Rachel Platten opened the show with her hit song “Stand By You,” as the names and photos of those who tragically lost their lives in the horrific attack were displayed on the screen.
The song was just one of many tributes to the victims throughout the show, including an emotional speech by Harvey Fierstein while he was being honored for his years of artistry and activism.
“As soon as we heard the news, we knew—we knew who took out that gun and shot,” he said. “We knew it wasn’t something to do with Islam. We knew that it was hate, but hate turned inward. Hate so strong, hate that destroyed so completely that his soul was gone and all he could do was cry out.”
“Now you are surrounded with love, now you are surrounded with acceptance,” Fierstein added. “So take advantage of it. Put your arms around each other. Tell each other, ‘I’ll have your back no matter what.’”
Police Officers Propose To Boyfriends During London Pride
One of them even stopped the parade just to pop the question.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
While police officers watched over the crowds of London’s Gay Pride to keep them safe, the celebration of love inspired two of those cops to propose to their boyfriends.
Metropolitan LGBT Network, a staff association for LGBT police officers, posted both proposals on Twitter to spread the officers’ good news.
The first cop even stopped the parade to propose to his boyfriend who was watching on the sidelines.
And the second proposal was actually from one cop to another.
He said yes too @LondonLGBTPride @MetLGBTNetwork @LGBTpoliceuk #ByYouSide #OrlandoShooting #AB #DI #CA #AC #LH pic.twitter.com/yEZvSSzRvh— MET LGBT Network (@MetLGBTNetwork) June 25, 2016
A bystander captured a great video of the proposal that halted the parade and you can check it out below.
Latrice Royale Proposes To Boyfriend On Stage In Seattle
"A bitch went to Jared!"From: NewNowNext
Pride can make you do crazy things—come out to your parents, get a rainbow tattoo, march topless in a parade. It can even make you propose to your boyfriend in the middle of a drag show.
Last night, Drag Race star Latrice Royale got on one knee and proposed to boyfriend Christopher Hamblin at R Place in Seattle’s Capital Hill.
The chunky and funky diva admitted she didn’t put much stock in marriage, “but, bitch, I’ve had a change of heart!”
JuJubee captured the whole thing.
We’re so happy for you guys. Now Latrice and Phi Phi O’Hara can have a double ceremony!
Hillary Clinton Campaign Staff Release Pride Video: “We’ve Got More Work To Do”
"I can't wait to see, as president, what she's going to do."From: NewNowNext
LGBT members of Hillary Clinton’s campaign staff released a special video in time for New York City Pride this weekend.
A variety of queer and ally campaign workers appear in the clip, including openly gay chief of staff Heather Stone, and share their hopes for the community and their belief that Clinton will further equality and inclusion.
One staffer, Victor, says he was inspired to come out to his family by the former Secretary of State’s gay rights speech in Geneva in 2011.
“It was one of the hardest things Ive had to do in my life but i really credit a lot of it to that video.”
Dominic Lowell, the campaign’s Director of LGBT Outreach, says the tragedy in Orlando has inspired him to go to as many Prides as he can and be as loud and proud as possible.
“We applaud the progress we’ve made and re-dedicate ourselves to the work that remains,” said Dominic Lowell, the campaign’s Director of LGBT Outreach. “It is in that spirit that the Hillary for America family made this pride video—to bring awareness to the challenges that the LGBT community faces and let them know they’re not alone.”
Watch the full video below.
Celebrating Today June 26th
Happy Birthday To:
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
Chris Isaak turns 60 today.
Netherlands freestyle swimmer Mark Veens turns 38 today.
Sean Hayes turns 46 today.
The Third Eye: Not, for Bedtime Stories
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
'This is my friend Ron, Who I call Redd because I already have too many Rons in my life. He's a good sport. He even allows me to dress him like Vincent van Gogh who I think he looks like.'
'Oddly enough, Redd was the first person who responded to my ad was asking for time for print. He is a big man and loves to ride Harleys. He has bright red hair to the middle of his back and beard. Ron ended up painting my studio, which was a mess, in exchange for the photos. He was basically homeless, and hooked up with women to find places to live. Although our lives are completely different we stayed in touch.'
'The image below was during a phase and my interest with photography where I thought everyone needed a prop. Almost every model had to hold some type of taxidermy small animal and sometimes they would be given an accordion to play. Someone finally told me that that looked stupid.'
'About 2 1/2 months ago I got a text from him stating that he had run out of luck with the women and was requiring surgery on his back. Long story short, Redd now stays at my house.and does most of the cooking. he often makes me fudge, as he knows I like it. His Harley sets in the garage while he recovers from surgery two weeks ago on his back. '
Georgio
'I was looking through Craigslist ads, a daily event. In the resume section, there was an ad with the heading, 'Won't someone help a felon?"
'There was a dark head shot but you couldn't see or tell much about him. I wrote to him and he agreed for a $30./hr Photo shoot. The shoot lasted for two hours. Georgio had a commanding presence. He and I are roughly the same height, but the similarities stopped there. He was the first alpha male I recognized immediately. I like him. He was extremely bright and articulate. His strongest weapon in defending himself was not his hands, but instead his words. He could make one unsure of themselves with just his words.'
''He disrobed almost immediately. There, standing before me was an earthly God. His body was the most perfect and his penis the largest I had ever seen. I normally don't notice those things until editing, and prayed that I did not have a "OMG look" on my face.' That was the day, that all I did was snap the camera. His movements were deliberate and intuitive. There may have been a time during the shoot that was out of body for me. I suppose I was under some sort of spell. He knew that as a photographer, that I was mesmerized by him.'
'By the end of the shoot he almost had me convinced to give him photos in addition to an hourly wage. He had a strong argument on why he deserved more than other models. In the end I came to my senses. It was a long ride home as we were both unhappy with the other. When I got home to edit his shoot, it was clear that these were some of the best photos I had ever taken. I remember him saying "prison is a powerful learning ground" I am inclined to agree.'
Ronnie
'Ronnie is another young man from CL. If I remember right, he was looking for a cougar. He had no photo, but described himself as fit and attractive. I wrote my traditional shtick to him and asked if he were camera worthy. He sent a selfie back which I still have.'
'Ronnie was 24, a young man. Nice eyes and a complexion like peaches and cream. He confessed that his Mother and Grand Mother had applied foundation and blush to cover his blemishes. That was very endearing. Ronnie was the most street savvy of my models. He knew how to turn on the charm and the manipulation. I photographed him four times over several months. Each time his "birthday" was the next day. " are you going to give me extra money as a present? " Very few models were loved by the camera as much as Ronnie. He had the most beautiful, glassy eyes.'
'He was very comfortable posing nude. With direction, he did some very good and unique work. Although he did it for money, I think he felt important and desired. He was a small, nervous young man. He could more easily attract women (and men) through his photos then in social interactions. During those two months it was clear Ronnie was slowly losing his identity and falling into a large well. Those magnificent eyes were fading. The "street" sucked him into the false hopes of being a tougher man.'
'The last time I photographed him, I picked him up in what appeared an abandoned houses in a lousy neighborhood. It was clearly not the safe environment of his grandmother's house. It appeared he sorely missed her nurturing and guidance. No more peaches and cream. He warned me prior to the last shoot that he had injuries from a bicycle accident the day before. During the shoot it was obvious the marks weren't from a bicycle wreck, but instead, bruising that looked an awful lot like fists to the gut. My guess is that this is a revolving way of life when you play with bad boys. I have had no further contact, but am protective of his photographs, as they are some of my best and favorites.'
Cory
'I also found Cory on Craigslist. I remember he had a nice photo in his ad. He was looking for a woman for casual sex.'
'I contacted him and explained my purpose. He was agreeable to the shoot. He said he was doing it for the money, $30, and said he was comfortable in his skin. When I met him, he did not look as harsh as his photo. His teeth had mostly rotted. He made me aware of the reason. We talked frankly throughout the shoot. He had spent a lot of time living on the street. He had no support system and no family.'
'Cory's girlfriend, the only person he trusted, had gone to prison the week before. They were both charged for selling. Her sentencing was scheduled before his and he knew he would be going to prison that next week. It was a sad shoot in the sense it was not for fun or interest. It was out of desperation and a specific purpose for him. His phone was disconnected by the next week. I never have heard from him again. When I began editing his photos I could clearly see the track marks on his arm He was one model whose eyes were like windows to his soul, expressing all of his sadness.'
