Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Married Conservative Politician Outed For Sexting Teen Boy, Kissing Him In Mall Bathroom
From: Queerty
Ruh-roh! A married conservative politician from Louisiana has been outed for allegedly having a teenage boyfriend, local New Orleans news station WWL-TV reports.
According to his Twitter profile, Republican Mike Yenni is “the President of Jefferson Parish and happily married with one daughter.” But according to the several unnamed sources, he’s a closet case who has been sending some rather racy texts to a teen boy he met at a Catholic high school function while on the campaign trail last year.
40-year-old Yenni and the teen, who was 17 at the time and whose name has not been released, were allegedly connected with each other by a mutual friend. The teen says he and Yenni, the former mayor of Kenner at the time, the city neighboring New Orleans, would talk on the phone and text one another regularly.
As Yenni and the teen’s relationship deepened, he says the politician would occasionally visit him at his job at a mall food court. Once, he says, they met in the mall bathroom where the teen says Yenni gave him a pair of designer underwear. Afterwards, they shared a kiss.
The texting continued, becoming more and more explicit as time progressed. In one of the texts, Yenni allegedly told the teen that he “wants him naked.” In another, he asked if he’s worn the underwear he gave him, then says he would like him to model it for him. And in a third, he said he wanted to perform a sex act on the teen that night.
While Yenni doesn’t appear to have much of a record when it comes to being for or against LGBTQ rights, he is a member of the political party that, in its most recently adopted platform, officially defines marriage as “between one man and one woman,” calls pornography harmful “especially on children,” and wants to police which restrooms trans people use in an effort to protect women and children from sexual predators. So it’s ironic, to say that least, that he would send dirty texts to a teenage boy then make out with said teenage boy in a mall bathroom. But we digress.
The texts were provided by the teen to WWL-TV on the condition that they not be directly quoted. The station verified that they did, indeed, come from Yenni’s personal cell phone, which is not billed to taxpayers.
The teen, now 19 and in college, tells WWL-TV that over time the texts started to make him uneasy, particularly one that suggested they have a threesome with the mutual friend who initially connected them.
“He asked me to go with him to his house in Oxford (Mississippi),” the youth said. “Also, the way he would describe the sexual things he wanted to do to me. And he asked me to be a secretary or assistant in his office; that way I could be with him and not be questioned.”
In June, he says he finally broke the affair off with Yenni.
According to WWL-TV, under Louisiana law, the age of consent is 17, so any sexual activity between Yenni and teen would not be illegal; however, the sexts may violate a federal law that bars the use of any telecommunications device to engage in “obscene” conversation with anyone under the age of 18.
Yenni has yet to comment on the allegations.
Black Lives Matter Activist DeRay McKesson Was Arrested During Protest
He was one of 100 protesters taken into custody at the rally.
From: NewNowNext
The out #BLM leader was taken into custody July 9th while marching along Airline Highway. Authorities told demonstrators to stay off the road, but there was apparently no sidewalk.
Livestreaming the event on Periscope, McKesson—who actually turned 31 on that day—filmed part of his arrest before passing his phone to fellow activist Brittany Packnett.
“He was standing on the side of the road. He was not disobeying police officers whatsoever. He was snatched and grabbed,” said Packnett. “Start calling the Baton Rouge Police Department to demand that he’s released.”
Police claimed the marchers were “clearly blocking the roadway.”
“We welcome the protests. We want them to voice their opinions. That’s what we’re here to do—to make sure they’re safe and they’re able to do that,” a Louisiana state police official told the Louisiana Advocate. “We wouldn’t arrest people who are quietly protesting off the roadway.”
More than 100 other protesters were arrested along with McKesson. A crowdfunding campaign to cover their bail and other legal expenses has reached more than $100,000 in less than one day.
From: NewNowNext
On the night of July 9th DeRay McKesson, a well known Black Lives Matter activist, was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during a peaceful protest over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and other minorities at the hands of police.
@iamderay was unlawfully arrested last night with over 100 other protestors in #BatonRouge… https://t.co/v89Nqw2aGH pic.twitter.com/SfLAKC98EL— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) July 10, 2016
The out activist—who was one of 100 demonstrators taken into custody—livestreamed his arrest on Periscope.
Vice reports:
He was filming as protesters marched up Airline Highway at about 11.15 pm. The video shows lines of flickering police lights in the distance. McKesson realizes that police are arresting protesters and stops to record video of the interactions.
Then one officer points at McKesson and approaches him.
“Watch the police, they are just literally provoking people,” McKesson said during his Periscope video.
If anything happens tonight, it was caused by the police. Everybody has been peaceful tonight but them. #BatonRouge— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
Officers warned McKesson about walking over the line in the road, and then arrested him—though it did not appear he crossed the line.
Remember, airline highway was not blocked by protestors. But the police have been aggressors anyway. #BatonRouge— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
After McKesson was taken into custody, his phone was passed onto other protestors, who kept filming.
“In a booking record, the Baton Rouge authorities said Mr. McKesson ignored a police officer’s order to stay out of the road. He was charged with simple obstruction of a highway of commerce,” reported the New York Times.
.@deray officially charged with "simple obstruction of a highway of commerce." See affidavit of probable cause. pic.twitter.com/0zScUQ9cs2— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) July 10, 2016
McKesson was active on social media during the protest. Watch some of the videos he posted throughout the night below:
And now the SWAT vehicle goes down the street. #BatonRouge https://t.co/Sk1lHaN98K— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
And the arrest bus is moving back for some reason. #BatonRogue https://t.co/0AJMKk4uGE— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
And now the police are pacing the protestors, provoking us for no reason. #BatonRouge https://t.co/bCGmh46x7T— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
And now more armored vehicles pass by. #BatonRouge https://t.co/EXjFVZTGqG— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
We are walking on the sidewalk. Their presence with their weapons displayed is provocation, FYI. https://t.co/LlS45xl9aE— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
And now the state police arrive. #BatonRouge https://t.co/j48Ma4xF03— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
Current scene, heading back. #BatonRouge https://t.co/FkHuAnxLFS— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
Again, the police provoke protestors for no reason. #BatonRouge https://t.co/wCLQZKeRUI— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
Maya Liu, a criminal justice reporter for The Baton Rouge Advocate was on the scene, and interviewed a Louisiana State Police Officer about the accusations that the police were aggressive, not the protestors:
Here's @LAStatePolice Maj. Cain answering Qs about why cops apparently rushing crowd unprovoked #altonSterling pic.twitter.com/9n4Ix89Zj8— Maya Lau (@mayalau) July 10, 2016
“Well, they’re clearly blocking the roadway,” the police officer told Liu. “We welcome the protests. We want them to voice their opinions. That’s what we’re here to do, to make sure they’re safe and they’re able to do that.”
As news spread of McKesson’s arrest, the #FreeDeRay hashtag began trending on Twitter, with many people urging the Baton Rouge Police Department to free McKesson. As of now there is no word on when he will be released from custody.
McKesson had traveled to Louisiana that morning to join the protesters.
Black Lives Matter Leader DeRay McKesson Released After Spending Birthday In Jail
“We wouldn’t arrest people who are quietly protesting off the roadway," said a rep for the Baton Rouge police.
From: NewNowNext
Black Lives Matter activist DeRay McKesson was released from jail in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 10th after being arrested at a protest over the death of Alton Sterling July 9th.
McKesson was reportedly charged with “simple obstruction of highway commerce,” though the terms of his release or the amount of his bail is not known.
“I think of protest as truth-telling in public. And I will never be afraid to tell the truth,” he tweeted later in the day.
McKesson was reportedly charged with “simple obstruction of highway commerce,” though the terms of his release or the amount of his bail is not known.
“I think of protest as truth-telling in public. And I will never be afraid to tell the truth,” he tweeted later in the day.
In the Parrish prison cells, we continued to talk about the work of social justice & to build community. We all continue to grow.— deray mckesson (@deray) July 10, 2016
The out #BLM leader was taken into custody July 9th while marching along Airline Highway. Authorities told demonstrators to stay off the road, but there was apparently no sidewalk.
Livestreaming the event on Periscope, McKesson—who actually turned 31 on that day—filmed part of his arrest before passing his phone to fellow activist Brittany Packnett.
“He was standing on the side of the road. He was not disobeying police officers whatsoever. He was snatched and grabbed,” said Packnett. “Start calling the Baton Rouge Police Department to demand that he’s released.”
Police claimed the marchers were “clearly blocking the roadway.”
“We welcome the protests. We want them to voice their opinions. That’s what we’re here to do—to make sure they’re safe and they’re able to do that,” a Louisiana state police official told the Louisiana Advocate. “We wouldn’t arrest people who are quietly protesting off the roadway.”
More than 100 other protesters were arrested along with McKesson. A crowdfunding campaign to cover their bail and other legal expenses has reached more than $100,000 in less than one day.
7 Scorching Hot Calendars We’re Excited To Hang In 2017
Bring on the new year!
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
It is fall, which means it’s officially time for department stores to decorate for Christmas and for you to invest in a hot new calendar.
There are literally hundreds to choose from, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If waking up to a half-naked man every morning sounds like your thing, we’ve picked out a few that would look lovely in your room next year.
1
Red Hot
British photographer Thomas Knights’ annual ode to red-headed men is a tall drink of water to quench your insatiable ginger thirst. Knights launched the fiery Red Hot calendar in 2012 to “rebrand the ginger male stereotype,” and best of all— a portion of proceeds benefit anti-bullying charities.
2
Always Loyal
Out photographer Michael Stokes, arch nemesis of Facebook’s obscene and overly puritanical censorship policy, pays homage to American troops and “showcases the beautiful side of wounded Marines and soldiers, whose injuries and/or lost limbs are detailed in intimate, exclusive photographs.” Former models include the beautiful Alex Minsky and Chris Van Etten.
3
The Warwick Rowers
Classic choice. The annual calendar that disrobes the men of Warwick University’s rowing crew is one of the most widely celebrated and one of the most charitable. Despite the guys being mostly straight, they’re tireless in promoting their mission — both socially and financially — of ending homophobia in sport.
4
Chris Mears and Jack Laugher
The team GB sweethearts and Olympic gold medalists are no strangers to posing nude (Jack bared all in Gay Times and Chris’ steamy 2016 calendar left little to the imagination), but it will be their first time nudge together if they decide to team up for a 2017 calendar. The pair discussed it recently and Chris said: “I don’t know if people can handle that. [But] get chatting on twitter. You never know.”
5
Haikus on Hunks
Beautiful Asian men and poetry come together on the all-new Haikus On Hotties calendar, from the makers of Haikus With Hotties, a book featuring interviews with hot Asian models conducted solely in haikus. As an added bonus, next year’s inaugural calendar will feature Power Ranger actors Yoshi and Peter Sudarso, as well as Logo’s own Chef Ronnie Woo. Swoon!
6
Every gay rugby club
The Warwick Rowers paved the way for sports teams willing to use their bodies to raise some much-needed funds. A number of gay rugby teams launched their own calendars last year to fund their way to the Bingham Cup Tournament in Nashville, and now there are as many calendars as there are gay rugby clubs. If you’re looking for the best, let us suggest the Amsterdam Lowlanders, the Nashville Grizzlies, or the Brisbane Hustlers.
7
Austin Armacost
Newly single and a year out of his intimate bromance with Apprentice UK star James Hill, Celebrity Big Brother runner-up Austin Armacost is taking it all off (again) for his fans in a peep show that’s more “artistic and dynamic” than last year.
“Queer Health Field Guide” Comic Book Will Tackle Dating, Sexuality, Gender And Coming Out
The authors want to help young people with the often "terrifying and exhausting" personal journey of accepting themselves.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
LGBT teens and young adults will soon be able to turn to a comic book in order to learn more about their budding sexuality.
Oni Press just announced that it will be releasing The Queer Health Field Guide as the latest edition to its erotic and sex education imprint Limerence Press.
The comic, which is aiming for a 2018 release, will cover topics like gender, sexuality and the coming out process.
“The Queer Health Field Guide has the potential to educate and break down barriers between people of all walks of life,” said authors Jude Vigants and Mady G. “We’d like to engage people academically as well as easily articulate the science and sociology behind our bodies and identity, with an emphasis on transgender health.”
They added that they’re currently undergoing extensive research and working on personal interviews to help enhance the book and truly make it a resource for young people exploring their sexuality.
They said, “The personal journey one embarks on can be terrifying and exhausting, so we are here to hold your hand through it with this book!”
“Swiss Army Man” Directors: “We Accidentally Made A Gay Necrophilia Movie” With Daniel Radcliffe
"We just kept rewriting and rewriting, until we allowed them to fall in love."From: NewNowNext
The two directors behind Swiss Army Man, a new film about a man who “rides a farting corpse” across the ocean, explained how their inside joke became “a gay necrophilia movie” in a new interview with the Telegraph.
Swiss Army Man stars Daniel Radcliffe as Manny, a corpse that washes up on a deserted island where a man, Hank (Paul Dano), befriends him, feeds him beans, and then rides his “gas-propelled body as a jet ski to escape the island.”
Calling their initial pitch “the worst idea we’d ever come up with,” directing duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert said they managed to gain positive critical reception at Sundance by pouring their hearts into the ridiculous story line and refusing to feel ashamed by it.
“Because we were so ashamed of this idea, so ashamed that we were spending time on it, that kind of naturally bled into the film,” said Kwan. “That was a very relatable thing, having thoughts or ideas or neuroses that you’re too afraid to share with the world.”
“In some ways, this movie became that: something that we were afraid to share with the world. We realized we could connect those feelings with the feelings of body shame, and put them all together into a stew of what it means to be human, and what it means to be alive.”
Kwan and Scheinert said their original story involved Manny helping Hank back to the woman he loved, but that it didn’t make sense once they started writing.
“We could tell that Hank and Manny needed each other more than Hank and Sarah ever did,” said Kwan. “We just kept rewriting and rewriting, until we allowed them to fall in love. And once we allowed ourselves to write that, that story really started to grow and blossom into something worthwhile.”
“So that was a really interesting turning point – when we let Hank and Manny fall in love and accidentally made a gay necrophilia movie.”
The gay necrophilia point also connected with their overall moral, the directors said.
“The moral of the story that we came up with – because every great story needs a moral – was that shame keeps us from love,” said Scheinert.
“It gave us permission to go down these deep, philosophical routes. And talk about farts. They’re the most ridiculous thing in the world to be ashamed of. Literally every human and every animal farts.”
Check out the trailer for Swiss Army Man, available on DVD and streaming now, below:
A heartfelt, hilariously funny story on friendship & survival. Now on Digital HD: https://t.co/Wc6QHZCs4W pic.twitter.com/c56mw1cJ2t— Swiss Army Man (@SwissArmyMan) September 23, 2016
Cher Goes Off On Donald Trump: “He’s An Asshole!”
"I could go on and on on this subject forever because I'm so traumatized by him."From: NewNowNext
Cher hasn’t kept quiet about her disdain for Donald Trump during this election season—and she brought her vocal opinions to last week’s One Young World event in Ontario, Canada.
“I don’t know how he’s a candidate,” she told the audience. “He is so dangerous. He’s so terrific at lying, I’ve never seen someone so good. I could go on and on on this subject forever because I’m so traumatized by him.”
The singer-actress also warned millennials in the audience that the outcome of this election will “change America and have consequences for the world for 40 years.”
“It’s not going to hurt me, I’m 70, but it’s going to do stuff to young people and that really scares me and really bothers me.”
Watch her share her thoughts on Trump and Hillary Clinton in the video below.
October 5th is Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day
This year, why not celebrate ‘Country Inn Bed and Breakfast Day’ by choosing one of the world’s finest rural retreats and enjoying a relaxing weekend getaway.
‘Country Inn Bed and Breakfast Day’ is an occasion that originated a good while ago in the west, and thousands of hostelries now make a special effort every year to welcome visitors by providing special events, information and entertainments.
Ways that you could celebrate ‘Country Inn Bed and Breakfast Day’ could include cooking your family a traditional fried breakfast, if you are unable to get away for the occasion, perhaps with some specialties of your region, or researching the history of country inns and bed and breakfasts. There are thousands, and quite a few have been the scene of thrilling historical moments. Why not make a bucket list of famous country inns that you would love to visit?
Watch Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn Blast Mormon Church For Increase In LGBT Youth Suicide
"There is blood of your members on your hands."From: NewNowNext
In a powerful video posted on his Facebook page, out singer and ex-Mormon Tyler Glenn slammed leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for contributing to the recent suicides of LGBT Mormon youth.
At the start of the video, Glenn points the camera at the images of two boys. “This is Stockton,” he begins, “and this is Wyatt. These two teenage boys have something in common. They’re both gay, they’re both Mormon and in the last week, they both committed suicide. I want you to say their names and remember their photos.”
In addition to Stockton and Wyatt, Glenn claims that three other LGBT Mormon youth took their lives in the past week alone. These, he adds to the nearly 40 suicides that have occurred since leaders of the LDS church announced a new anti-gay policy in November declaring same-sex individuals apostates, barring both them and their children from being baptized. At the time of the announcement, Church President Russell Nelson (pictured below right) called it a “revelation” from God.
“I make this live video to help you put a face to this policy that bans same-sex couples and their kids, to see that it’s actually happening, that it’s real and it’s right now.”
“Dear Russell Nelson, you spearheaded this policy in November, and you and your colleagues claim to speak directly to and for God,” he continued. “As his mouthpieces on this Earth today, you have yet to respond to the confusion, chaos and disruption that you have caused so many current and former members of your church, both queer and straight alike.”
“There is either no God, or God isn’t speaking to you,” Glenn said through tears. “Maybe it’s both, but you have a responsibility to speak to us.”
Glenn goes on to share his personal story about coming to terms with his sexuality while also attempting to come to terms with his spirituality. Eventually, he found that the Mormon church was not interested in creating a space for LGBT individuals like himself, so he parted from the fold.
At the close of the video, Glenn makes a gut-wrenching plea to Nelson and the other leaders of the LDS church.
“There is blood of your members on your hands…Please make a space for your gay members. Please tell them they are OK and they’re made in the image of God and they’re not flawed. Please stop telling them that they are abnormal. Please, please, please, how many more? How many more?”
The Church responded with a short statement:
Suicide is tragic, no matter the explanation or circumstance. Our hearts ache for those who face such tragedy among those they love. The Church is actively pursuing ways to help, including online resources and local leader training, and we encourage communities to continue to partner on prevention and intervention. Every soul is precious.
VP Debates: Four Questions We Wanted The Candidates To Answer
Mike Pence and Tim Kaine went head-to-head last night in Virginia.
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Last night was the first (and only) debate between the Republican and Democratic candidates for Vice President. And while Tim Kaine and Mike Pence could have ended up fielding questions about 3am tweets, tax returns and secret email servers at Virginia’s Longwood University, it was expected that LGBT rights would have been addressed, as well.
Below, we gave moderator Elaine Quijano a short-list of some pressing questions.
1.
Do you support “religious freedom” laws that allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT people and others?
As governor, Mike Pence signed Indiana’s “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” into law, granting individuals and businesses the right to discriminate against LGBT people in the workplace, housing and elsewhere.
“The legislation… is about respecting and reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are intact,” Pence said at the time. “I strongly support the legislation and applaud the members of the General Assembly for their work.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) has already made it clear that he supports protections for the LGBT community (he voted for ENDA), but it would be good to get him on the record about the so-called “religious freedom” laws popping up across the country
2.
Would you support efforts to overturn the Supreme Court’s marriage equality ruling?
In 2000, Donald Trump told the Advocate that, though he backed civil unions, “the institution of marriage should be between a man and a woman.” He told Bill O’Reilly in 2011, “I don’t feel right about it… I’m opposed to gay marriage.”
And this January he told Fox News he would favor putting justices on the Supreme Court who would overturn Obergefell v. Hodges: “If I’m elected, I would be very strong on putting certain judges on the bench that I think maybe could change things.”
Of course, Hillary Clinton was slow to warm to same-sex marriage, too. (She opposed it during the 2008 presidential election.) But she’s been an unequivocal supporter since 2013, when she declared “LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends, our loved ones. And they are full and equal citizens, and they deserve the rights of citizenship—including marriage.”
Earlier this year, she declared “The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality represents America at its best: just, fair and moving toward equality.”
So, how do the VPs stack up?
In 2006, Pence supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. “Societal collapse was always brought about following an advent of the deterioration of marriage and family,” he insisted, adding that because people choose to be gay, denying them the right to marry isn’t discrimination.
Back in 2001, Senator Kaine avoided taking a stand on marriage equality, telling the AP, “I have never said I supported gay civil unions, gay marriages.” But, by 2006, he opposed Virginia’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. (It passed anyway.)
It wasn’t until 2013, his first year in the Senate, he announced his full support for marriage equality: “I believe all people, regardless of sexual orientation, should be guaranteed equal rights, including the legal benefits and responsibilities of marriage.”
3.
Would you support legislation or an executive order granting transgender Americans the right to use facilities that align with their gender identity?
In May, Governor Pence joined other Republicans in condemning President Obama for sending guidelines directing public schools nationwide to respect the needs of trans students.
“Policies regarding the security and privacy of students in our schools should be in the hands of Hoosier parents and local schools, not bureaucrats in Washington, DC,” he stated. “The federal government has no business getting involved in issues of this nature.”
Still, Indiana is not currently one of the states suing the Departments of Justice and Education over Obama’s directive.
3.
Do you agree with your running mate’s stance on immigration?
Quijano is the daughter of immigrants herself, so you can almost guarantee the issue will be raised. And immigration is a crucial issue for our community: Around the world, LGBT people are subject to harassment, discrimination and even violence.
A workable road map to citizenship—and compassionate asylum provisions—are the only hope many have.
Donald Trump has made his feelings pretty clear. But does Governor Pence support building a wall across the Mexican border? In December, he declared he’d bar all Muslims from immigrating to the United States.
At the time Pence condemned his proposal as “offensive and unconstitutional,” but now that Trump has “moderated” his plan, saying he favored a temporary ban on immigrants from “from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism,” Pence is on board.
“I am very supportive of Donald Trump’s call to temporarily suspend immigration from countries where terrorist influence and impact represents a threat to the United States,” Pence told Sean Hannity this summer. “I believe that’s an appropriate action given the horrendous, horrendous violence that we see.”
What would Pence do with LGBT people fleeing those countries, where they face beheading or stoning?
Senator Kaine, meanwhile, has promised Clinton would push a bill to legalize illegal immigrants in “the first 100 days” of her presidency. (How much power Kaine or Clinton would have to force Congress on the issue is debatable.)
As Senator, he supported the DREAM Act and voted in favor of the most recent immigration reform bill to pass the senate, addressing the senate floor in a speech in fluent Spanish.
Today In History...
October 5, 456 –
The Visigoths under king Theodoric II, acting on orders of the Roman emperor Avitus, invade Iberia with an army ofBurgundians, Franks and Goths, led by the kings Chilperic I and Gondioc. They defeat the Suebi under king Rechiar on the riverUrbicus near Astorga (Gallaecia).