Equality in Maine

The Maine Senate has passed a marriage equality bill. Another day, another gay rights victory! The bill still has to pass the House before going to the governor who has not said if he'd sign it.

Chapter 11 for Chrysler

Hopes that Chrysler could avoid bankruptcy vanished overnight as negotiations with hedge funds that hold the automaker's debt broke down. Two Obama administration officials have said that the automaker will now file for bankruptcy. The President is expected to address the auto sector at noon.

ABC News Poll: 49% Support for Marriage Equality

A stunning new ABC News poll shows 49% of Americans support marriage equality, while 46% oppose it. Let that sink in a bit. According to that poll, more Americans support marriage than oppose it! This is a first. Furthermore, 57% of Americans believe that legal marriages from those states that allow it should be recognized in other states.

On the other hand, a Quinnipiac Poll found that only 38% support full marriage equality, though 57% support civil unions. It also found 56% support ending the military gay ban.

This is all on the heels of the NY Times/CBS poll that showed 42% support marriage equality. That's three polls showing a significant increase in public support for gay equality. Any way you slice it, a solid majority of Americans support equal rights for gay couples, whether civil unions or marriage, and the numbers supporting marriage are growing strongly and steadily.


What are the haters going to do when they can't trust popular votes to go their way?

Hate Crimes Passes House!

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Matthew Shepard Act, has passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 249-175. Now, it's on to the Senate. This is a victory of truth and justice over the deceitful lies of the American Family Association and other so-called pro-family groups.

If Jesus Had Wanted Her to Have a Nice Rack, Woudn't He Have Given Her One?

Lazy Circles NY Bureau Chief Doug has confirmed (OK, he read it on Perez Hilton) that the Miss California organization paid for Carrie Prejean's fake boobies.

Oh yeah, and that bizarre claim that her sister is a "gay rights activist?" Not so much. I guess lying isn't a sin at her church.

One of these days, that dumb girl's going to wake up and realize what a mistake she made aligning herself with the wrong side of history.

Equality in New Hampshire!

The New Hampshire Senate has just passed a marriage equality bill. The House has already passed a bill. Now it's up to Democratic Gov. Jim Lynch to decide if he will veto it or not. He's been silent on the matter up to now, although in the past he's said he's opposed to same sex marriage, but what politician hasn't said that?

NV Gov's Wife: Give Me Veto Override Over Domestic Partnerships

Dawn Gibbons, the estranged wife of Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, has said that she would like a veto override over her husband's expected veto of domestic partnership legislation pending in the Nevada legislature. Mrs. Gibbons, herself a former Republican assembly woman, met with gay rights leaders in the governor's mansion, which hopefully pissed off her husband to no end. She said:

"They asked me how I felt, and in fairness I believe everybody deserves dignity and respect," she said. "They are just asking for equality. They're not asking for marriage -- they're just asking to enter into a contract as they choose, which seems very reasonable to me."

You remember Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons, don't you? He's the guy who was accused of sexual assaulting a woman in 2006 when they met in a bar and he allegedly followed her to a parking garage and tried to get freaky with her. She escaped, ran away and ended up cowering in a Starbucks ladies room, calling 911. Oh yeah, that family values Republican. No charges were ever brought but a civil suit is pending. Of course he's opposed to domestic partnerships because gosh, think of the sanctity of marriage!! !

42% of Americans Say Yes to Marriage Equality

A New York Times/CBS News poll released today shows 42% of Americans support full marriage equality, which is a 9 point jump from March. 57% of people under 40 support it. 25% of Americans support civil unions, and 28% support no legal recognition. In other words, a solid majority of Americans support full legal recognition of gay relationships and the trends continue to flow strongly in our favor.

No wonder some wise Republicans are re-thinking the Bush/Rove era gay-bashing strategy.

Significantly, the differences between black and white responses were so minor as to be statistically insignificant. That's interesting after all the hysterical blaming of African-Americans for the Prop 8 victory.

Spector To Switch Parties

Republican Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has announced that he will become a Democrat. He noted that 200,00 Pennsylvanians have switched party affiliation from the GOP to the Democratic party in the past year and his own political philosophy is now more in line with Democrats than Republicans. He was one of only three Republicans who voted in favor of the President's stimulus package. This is a huge turn of events that threatens the Republican's ability to impede legislation. Once Al Franken is confirmed in Minnesota, the Democrats will have a filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority, though you can bet Norm Coleman will fight to the death. The Republican leadership was apparently caught flatfooted and is scrambling for a response. Most who've commented on the switch, including Michael Steele and John McCain, have noted that Specter is trailing his Republican opponent in his 2010 re-election bid. The lone Republican who refrained from bitchiness was Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, who also voted for the stimulus package. She had this to say:

“On the national level of the Republican Party, we haven’t certainly heard warm, encouraging words about how they view moderates, either you are with us or against us,” Ms. Snowe said. She said national Republican leaders were not grasping that “political diversity makes a party stronger and ultimately we are heading to having the smallest political tent in history for any political party the way things are unfolding.”

Is Olympia considering a switch too?

Republicans at 21%

According to an April 24 Washington Post/ABC News poll, only 21% of Americans identify as (admit to being?) Republican. That's down from 25% on March 29 and 31% last November. Basically, the only ones left are the hard core base that wants to bomb abortion clinics with gays thrown from black helicopters. This explains why people like Rich Perry are pandering to the militia crowd. Nobody else is listening.

Maybe the GOP strategy of defending torture and hoping Obama fails wasn't quite so fucking brilliant after all, ya think?

Monday's Man: Steve Sandvoss

Why hasn't Latter Days star Steve Sandvoss starred in a hundred romantic comedies by now? He's talented and gorgeous, what more is he supposed to be?

What's wrong with Hollywood that someone annoying like Robert Downey, Jr. has 25 comebacks and Steve isn't a major star?

End of rant, I'm bushed.

More Steve here.

Beatrice Arthur: 1922-2009

The great Bea Arthur died today at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 86. She had cancer and was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. The Tony and Emmy winning singer, actress, and comedienne made everything she did legendary. She turned a recurring character in All in the Family into the landmark series Maude. She followed that with the lovably acerbic Dorothy Spornak in The Golden Girls, earning Emmys for both shows. Before her TV success, she was a major Broadway star whose credits included the original cast of Fiddler on the Roof and The Threepenny Opera. Her great Broadway triumph was, of course, Mame. She won a Tony for playing Vera Charles. She also appeared in numerous films including Mame with Lucille Ball and Mel Brooks' The History of the World Part I. She is survived by two sons, two granddaughters and every gay man alive.

Pontiac is Dead

Edmunds.com is reporting that GM intends to kill off Pontiac in its reorganization plan to be announced on Monday. In December, I posted that GM planned to turn Pontiac into a niche brand with one or two models. Now it looks like Pontiac, which has been producing cars since 1907, will go the way of Oldsmobile, Rambler, and Studebaker and become part of automotive history.

UPDATE: As of Monday, April 27, it's official. Pontiac is dead.

Correction: Commenter Jeff has correctly noted that Pontiac dates from 1926. It's predecessor, Oakland, began producing cars in 1907.

Second Coming of Celestia

This shot of Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche is from their upcoming film Spread. He plays a "sexual grifter" who uses older women for clothes, cars and stuff until he falls for a girl his own age. Wait, does Demi know about this?

Liberace Coming to Broadway!

You only thought Broadway was gay. This fall, a new show is coming that will make the Sharks and Jets dance-off seem like...okay, they'll still seem really gay, but Broadway will be turning the gayness up to eleven with Liberace! The show will recreate one of his legendary Vegas performances. Get ready, Doug, because I'm packing the sequins and heading for the Great White Way.

Another Miss California Speaks Out

Former Miss California Nicole Lamarche, who is now a Christian minister in Massachusetts, has some interesting things to say about Carrie Prejean's claim to "Biblical correctness." Here's an excerpt:

"She [Carrie Prejean] said, 'It's not about being politically correct, it's about being biblically correct.' While this sentiment is shared by many who seek to condemn gay people and gay marriage, citing pieces of the Bible to further one’s own prejudice fails to meet the Bible on its own terms."

Go to Perez Hilton to read the rest as she briefly explains some theology behind acceptance of gays as we are. She's not covering new ground, the theology behind the full communion with God by openly gay people is abundant and readily available, but those who seek to use religion as an excuse for bigotry are rarely interested.

Thx to Lazy Circles NY Bureau Chief Doug for his intrepid internet scouring.

Jersey Supports Marriage Equality

A new poll reveals that a plurality in New Jersey support marriage equality. The poll found 49% support full marriage rights for gay people and 43% are opposed. I'm not sure which is more impressive, that a majority of people in a state support equality or that the rest of the country seems to be taking it in stride.

I wonder what the "let the people vote" crowd will say about it?

Alicia Jacobs Gets Death Threats

Alicia Jacobs, the Miss USA judge who blogged about the Miss California debacle, has received death threats for her support of marriage equality. As a result, she took down her initial post that I blogged about yesterday. However, she continues to speak out about her strong support of gay rights and about Miss California, both on her blog and in an interview with The Advocate. Here's an excerpt:

Q: "There is, of course, the possibility that as runner-up Miss California could become Miss USA. What would you need to see from her -- an apology? What needs to happen now?"
A: "If that were to happen, I would hope that this had opened her eyes and she sees that her words were hurtful to some people. If she were to become Miss USA, [I hope she] would do everything she could to try and bring people together. She doesn’t have to love the idea, but maybe have an understanding that people who love each other just want to be together."

It turns out Equality California is giving Miss CA just that opportunity by issuing her an invitation to meet with gay leaders, students and families. We'll see how she responds.

Pageant Judge: "MISS USA must have social grace...Miss California USA does not"

My new favorite girl, Miss USA judge and former Miss Nevada Alicia Jacobs, has blogged about the Miss California debacle.

"I was STUNNED on several levels. First, how could this young woman NOT know her audience and judges? Let's not forget that the person asking the question is an openly gay man, at least 2 people on the judges panel are openly gay. Another judge has a sister in a gay marriage. Her very own state pageant director, KEITH LEWIS is an openly gay man who has been a very generous benefactor of hers...in many ways. Did I mention I was STUNNED?"

Go read the whole thing here. Her blog is terrific and entertaining, by the way, and Alicia's quite an accomplished lady. I'm going to blogroll her right now.

Oh yeah, and according to Joe.My.God, an earlier version of Alicia's post hinted at the possibility that Miss Cali's boobies are as fake as her morality.

I've Monetized

I decided to monetize this blog by adding advertising, which you can see on the right. Apparently I get some small amount depending on the number of times readers click on the ads. I don't expect it to be much, but even if it's $5.00, then that's $5.00 I didn't have, right? What do you think? Have I sold out my artistic integrity? Oh wait, I have to have artistic integrity to sell it out so I'm OK on that score. Do you think it's tacky or a smart move? What does it say about me that four out of first ten ads have to do with Tori Spelling? Let me know.

Of course, if I'm going to make this monetization pay off, I'm going to have to get more hits on this blog. So I guess I need to post more stuff like the clip below. That's the kind of artistic integrity I can live with.

America's Sexiest Mayor Wants to Become America's Sexiest Governor

Gays Tortured and Murdered in Iraq

According to the United Arab Emirates based news network Alarabiya, gay men in Iraq are being rounded up and murdered in a particularly horrible way. The anus is superglued shut with something called "Iranian gum" and they are force-fed a diarrhea inducing drink. This results in a slow, agonizing death. Both Sunni and Shiite clerics have recently called for death for homosexuals prompting the round up and murders. All in the name if God, of course.

This is the so-called freedom and democracy that American lives were sacrificed for?

Monday's Man: Steve Jones

I am totally stealing this idea from Square Hippies, but he'll just have to forgive me because I can't help myself. Steve Jones is a British actor and these pictures are from a film (TV show?) called Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. It's a brilliant cinematic triumph that has apparently not been released in the US. In case the pictures aren't enough, enjoy a little clip below.





By the way, if you're not visiting Square Hippies every day, you need to start.

MIss Bigotry California

In tonight's Miss USA pageant, Miss California, seen at left shaking her tits and ass for Jesus, revealed that she is an ignorant bigot. The Cali girl, who was certainly made beautiful by gay make-up artists, fashion designers, hairdressers, and pageant coaches, was asked by judge Perez Hilton how she felt about marriage equality. Her "Christian" response?

"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage," [whatever the fuck that means, LC] "And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

By the way, she was booed...then she lost.

Good thing your pageant career's over, girlfriend, because without the gays you'd just be another dumb brunette with an eating disorder.

She also told co-host Billy Bush that she went to college on a basketball scholarship. Basketball? Really? Over-compensate much, sporty girl?

The winner? Gorgeous Kristin Dalton of Wilmington, North Carolina!

UPDATE: Keith Lewis, the Executive Director of Miss California USA/Teen USA has issued a statement:

"As co-executive director of Miss CA USA and one of the leaders of the Miss CA family, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss CA USA 2009 believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman. Although I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit, I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone. Religious beliefs have no place in politics in the Miss CA family."

Thank you Keith!

Via Perez Hilton, who, naturally, has all the scoop on this story.

Stephen Colbert Takes on NOM

Steven Colbert has seen the "brewing storm" ad from the National Organization for Marriage and has put his own twist on it. As usual, he skewers the bigots.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Colbert Coalition's Anti-Gay Marriage Ad
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

White House Releases Torture Memos

The Obama administration has released previously-secret memos detailing Bush administration torture of terror suspects and the news is grim. I used to teach the law of war when I was a JAG officer in the Army during the George H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations. The George W. Bush White House turned notions of torture and the Geneva conventions on their heads. The actions of the Bush administration were shameful, shocking and counter-productive and I hope this story is not ignored. Andrew Sullivan has been all over this and his posts are must-reads.

TX Gov Threatens to Secede

Texas' teabagging Governor, Goodhair Perry, has threatened that Texas could secede from the Union if Americans continue voting for Democrats, or Washington doesn't stop spending, or some sort of retorical equivalent of a dog whistle. Only fellow teagbaggers could understand it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to teabagging, I just draw the line at teabagging with these folks.

Nevermind that Goodhair is facing likely defeat in his re-election bid against Kay Bailey Hutchison and is aliging himself with the black helicopter brigades because nobody else will have him, I'm sure his secession motives are as pure as his heterosexuality. If the Dems continue their taxin' and spendin' (sooo different from the Repubs' taxin' and spendin') the Lone Star State will become the Republic of Texas again and Texas can clean up after its own hurricanes, Texas can defend its own border, Texas can build its own highways...oh wait, he didn't mean Secede secede, just, you know, kinda secede, just enough to get re-elected. Um, when did you say those federal troops are coming to the border?

I'm Going To Be Published: Update

Rememer when I posted about my short story that is going to be published? Well, the book, Best Gay Love Stories 2010, pictured at right, is now up on the Alyson Books site available for pre-order! It's on Amazon, too. My story is called The Trick I'm so flattered and excited I can't begin to express it.

Wall of Justice

Phil Spector has finally been convicted of second degree murder in the death of actress Lana Clarkson six years ago. Sentencing will commence next month and Spector will get at least 18 years.

Jersey Swap

This is possibly the best clip ever to hit the internet tubes. Mix and match the New Zealand rugby players until you find your favorite combo. My fave? Richie McCaw and Liam Messam. It took me hours and hours to decide. You might not want to click on this at work unless your boss is beefcake-friendly. That means you, Junior.

Via Kenneth in the 212

Rachel Maddow Takes on NOM

Have I mentioned how much I love Rachel Maddow? I could totally go straight for her, not that that would help matters. She has been taking on the National Organization for [hetero only] Marriage over their recent hysterical ad campaign and, if last night is any indication, she's not letting up.

Marilyn Chambers Dead at 57

Legendary adult film queen and Ivory Snow model Marilyn Chambers was found dead in the mobile home where she had been living for several months. No cause of death has been announced. Chambers was the star of landmark porn films including Beyond the Green Door and Insatiable. She performed under her real name because she was unashamed of how she made a living.

Monday's Man: Sergio Garcia

As I said in my last post, I had the privilege of attending this year's Masters golf tournament. The quality of golf being played is amazing and the Augusta National is breathtaking, but naturally, I was focused on the cute players. They're not all cute by a long shot (winner Sergio Cabrera, Kenny Perry) but a few stop me in my tracks. My absolute favorite is Spaniard Sergio Garcia.

No, this is not the Masters trophy he's kissing, and it's not me either, dammit. He ended up at 1 under par, an outstanding score, but far behind the winner, but this post is not about his golfing skill

Here he is, relaxing at home. Need someone to rub your feet, baby?

I first saw him in 1999, the last time I went to the tournament. He was a 19 year old dreamboat. He's maturing quite nicely, don't you think?

Pumped for Vacation

I'm off again for a few days. I'm going to visit my dad who has tickets to a certain golf tournament that I've written about before. I'll be back on Monday. Happy Easter everybody!

Equality in Vermont!

As expected, Vermont Governor Davis vetoed the marriage equality bill passed by the state legislature. Today, the Vermont legislature voted to override the Governor's veto! We have marriage equality in Vermont! That makes four states and counting!

Why We Will Achieve Equality

Here is Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal responding to Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley's push for a Consitutional Convention in Iowa to write anti-gay discrimination into the constitution. It's a beautiful expression of why we're winning and why we'll win

Gays Executed in Iraq

Gays are being rounded up and executed in Iraq. In the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City, six gay men were murdered within ten days and a cafe popular with gays was torched. More on the murders here. Here's a CNN report:



This is what American soldiers have fought and died for?

Via Joe.My.God.

Monday's Man: Paul Rudd

I can't believe I haven't posted about adorable Paul Rudd before! I saw him in his new movie, I Love You Man over the weekend. The movie was all right but Paul was as charming and sexy as ever.

I love that he always plays with sexuality but never in a way that's demeaning to gays.

Here he is on Saturday Night Live earlier this year doing just that.

I'm From Driftwood

That's the title of a new blog that's brilliant in its simplicity. Editor Nathan Manske (pictured), who's originally from Driftwood, TX, was inspired by Harvey Milk, specifically the sign he carried in the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade that read "I'm From Woodmere, NY." Nathan realized that "There are gay stories from every corner of the Earth and I think they should be told." So he's doing just that. I contributed one and I'm flattered that he published it here.

Equality in Iowa!

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that a 1998 law that limited marriage to a union of one man and one woman is unconstitutional. The ruling further directed that "remaining statutory language be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage." In other words, we now have marriage equality in Iowa, a mid-western, middle-American state.

To quote Richard Socarides, former advisor to President Clinton on gay civil rights, "As they say during the presidential caucuses, as Iowa goes, so goes the nation."

Iowa now joins Connecticut, Massachusetts, and seven nations in allowing full marriage rights for gay people.

Equality in Vermont

Last night, the Vermont House passed a marriage equality bill by a vote of 95-52, tantalizingly close to a veto-proof majority. The bill will be brought up again today for final approval, then back to the Senate where language changes must be approved. Then it's on to Gov. Jim Douglas who has promised to veto it. If he does so, it will return to the legislature for a possible override. Gay rights are never achieved easily.

Marriage Equality Opponents: It's Not About You

The Atlantic writer Ta-Nehisi Coats gets at the heart of right-wing arguments that marriage equality will destroy heterosexual marriage. An excerpt:

"Bigotry, in all forms, requires a shocking arrogance, a belief that other communities deepest desires revolve around your destruction. It is the ultimate narcissism, a way of thinking that can only see others, through a paranoid fear of what one might lose."

Read it all here.

Guiding Light: RIP

CBS has announced the cancellation of The Guiding Light, which has been on the air for 72 years. The show began on NBC radio in 1937 and moved to CBS TV in 1952. The network cited years of declining ratings. In 1966, The Guiding Light became the first soap to feature regular African-American characters and has provided breakthroughs for actors including Kevin Bacon, Calista Flockhart, Allison Janney, James Earl Jones, and Cicely Tyson. That's quite an alumni association.

The lady in red is star Kim Zimmer who has won four Emmys for her work on the show.

Project Runway to Return

The lawsuit over Project Runway has settled and the show will air on Lifetime. The suit was between NBC, which owns Bravo, and the Weinstein Company, which owns the show and wanted to move it to Lifetime. Under the settlement, Weinstein will pay NBC an undisclosed amount for the right to move the show. The sixth season, which has already been taped, will air this summer. Just pretend like you didn't look at all those pictures of the finalists at Fashion Week.

Breaking: Michelle Obama Wears Sleeves to Meet Queen!

She kept them on for what was hopefully style advice for the Duchess of Cornwall.


Never fear, arm fetishists! She bared her guns for dinner with the PM.

Oh yeah, and rioters stormed the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of England, yadda, yadda, yadda, but Michelle looked fab!

Photos via Huffington Post.

Equality in Sweden

Marriage equality has come to Sweden. Parliament approved a same-sex marriage bill by a vote of 261-22. It will take effect on May 1. Sweden joins Norway, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and South Africa in granting full marriage rights to gay couples.

Don't Cry For Me, General Motors

Rick Wagoner, the former GM CEO, made headlines earlier this week when he was forced out as part of GM's titanic struggle to avoid death. Under Wagoner's watch, GM had gone from the dominant player in the US auto industry to a latter-day Studebaker-Packard, while Toyota and Honda ran laps around them. It's hard to fathom, since the General produced such seminal cars as the Pontiac Aztec and the Dustbuster mini-vans. Somehow, given the choice between Toyota, the company that pioneered the hybrid and GM, which pioneered a gigantic, rolling penis extension, people chose the former.

But don't worry about poor Mr. Wagoner. Turns out he's due pension and benefits worth approximately $23 million. I know it'll be tough and he might have to sell one of the chalets in Gstaad, but it should tide him over until he can get a new gig.

Miss Universe Goes to Gitmo

No, this isn't an April Fools joke. A controversy has erupted over a visit by Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza, to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Ms. Mendoza, along with Miss USA, Crystle Stewart, went to Gitmo as part of a USO tour and she wrote a glowing blog post about it. The post can be read in full here. Ms. Mendoza described the warm welcome she and Ms. Stewart received from the troops and gave a brief account of a tour of the detainee barracks. She simply called the prison tour "very interesting" and was brief and non-political.

The controversy over two beauty queens touring the prison where alleged terrorists are held was not helped by the fact that Ms. Mendoza is from Venezuela who's president, Hugo Chavez, is not exactly the USA's biggest ally. Donald Trump's Miss Universe Organization promptly removed the blog post and replaced it with a statement affirming their long relationship with the USO.