Obama Signs Ryan White Act

President Obama has signed the 4th renewal of the Ryan White Care Act and announced the lifting of the HIV travel/immigration ban. Watch it here:

Something for Us in Health Care Reform

Congressman Jim McDermott, Democrat of Washington, has inserted the following language in the health care reform bill:

Section 571. Certain health related benefits applicable to spouses and dependents extended to eligible beneficiaries. This section promotes parity in health benefits by expanding the definition of “eligible beneficiary” so that domestic partners can enjoy the same tax benefits with regard to health insurance coverage, as married couples do.

In other words, my disabled husband can receive health care benefits from my employer (thank God we have DP benefits) without having to pay taxes on them, just like heterosexual married couples. Thanks, Congressman McDermott!

Hate Crimes Misinformation

On Monday, the Dallas Morning News published an incredibly ignorant letter about the new hate crimes laws. You can read it here. The author complained about "the lone white male" being the only remaining "unprotected species." Naturally, he threw in a comment about "thought crimes" for good measure. The Morning News has published my letter in reply. You can read it here.

Levi's Johnston Confirmed

According to Levi Johnston's manager Tank Jones, the father of Sara Palin's grandchild will post full-frontal for Playgirl. Previously, Jones had said it was 90% certain but now it's a done deal, Levi's manhood will be on display in all it's 19 year-old glory. "We're gonna do it tastefully," said Levi. That's a relief. There's nothing worse than a tacky cock.

President Signs Hate Crimes Bill

President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard hate crimes bill into law today in a ceremony attended by Shepard's parents. The LGBT inclusive law marks the first federal civil rights law that includes us. I know there has been a great deal of criticism of the President for not moving fast enought on DOMA and DA/DT and I agree, but it's appropriate to pause today and celebrate a historic moment. It's a great day for America.

You can read Judy Shepard's statement here.

Happy Birthday Fran Lebowitz

Fran Lebowitz is 59 today. Years ago, I read her book Metropolitan Life and was hooked on her unique wit. My favorite Lebowitz quote is in the header above. Here are a few more:

"Calling a taxi in Texas is like calling a rabbi in Iraq."

"Children are the most desirable opponents at scrabble as they are both easy to beat and fun to cheat."

"Don't bother discussing sex with small children. They rarely have anything to add."

"If you are of the opinion that the contemplation of suicide is sufficient evidence of a poetic nature, do not forget that actions speak louder than words."

"Original thought is like original sin: both happened before you were born to people you could not have possibly met."

Levi's Johnston

The Huffington Post and Lazy Circles New York Bureau Chief Doug are reporting that the father of Sarah Palin's grandchild will likely grace the world with a full-frontal spread in his upcoming Playgirl photo shoot. According to his manager Tank Jones, there is a "90%" certainty that you will be able to see the babymaker in all it's glory just in time for the holidays. Merry Christmas!

Monday's Man: Mark Ruffalo

I saw Where the Wild Things are over the weekend. It features Mark Ruffalo in a tiny part. He was hardly on for a minute and kept all his clothes on. Too bad, but I guess it was understandable for a kids movie.

It turns out he gets naked in his movies a lot, so I got the idea of featuring him just in case any of my readers like hot, hairy naked guys. The link is totally not safe for work.

Starbucks Says Yes on R71

Starbucks has issued a statement of strong support for Washington State's so-called everything but marriage domestic partnership law. The law, already passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, is subject to a referendum next month. A yes vote upholds gay rights while a no vote takes them away. Starbucks said that approving R71:

"ensures that basic benefits and important protections are not taken away from committed couples, so they are able to take care of each other, especially in times of crisis." Starbucks wants voters to approve the measure "because it is aligned with our business practices, providing domestic partner benefits, and one of our core values of treating people with respect and dignity.”

Starbucks now joins Microsoft in public support for gay rights in Washington.

Glenn Beck: Beware of Obama Star

Watch this clip of Glenn Beck talking about On Star controlling our lives. He begins with On Star's technology that enables them to turn off a stolen car's engine and somehow jumps to government control of our lives. In the end, he seems to believe that On Star, a private company, is really a secret arm of the government. He is insane.



Millions of people listen to him every day for information. We truly live in bizarre times.

Via Joe.My.God

Senate Passses Hate Crimes Bill

The Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act today, adding GLBT people to those already covered in existing hate crimes law. This is the first federal civil rights legislation to include gay people ever. It was attached to a DOD appropriations bill and it passed 68-29. It now goes to the President for signature.

TABC Agent: "I Have Quite a Few Homosexual Friends"

Former Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission officer Chris Aller, who was fired after the Rainbow Lounge raid, has spoken to the press and surprise! He has gay friends! Excuse me, make that "homosexual" friends. He even knew gays in college! Me too! We have so much in common! I wonder if his gay friends know Sarah Palin's gay friends? Or maybe Joe the Plumber's gay friends? Here's the quote:

"Actually I have quite a few friends who are homosexual," he said. "I lived with a couple gay guys in college. They were roommates."

He also said that Chad Gibson, the patron who was hospitalized for a week with a serious head injury, groped him with the back of his hand.

"I mean not hard, but he hit me. I mean, my badge was right here, so it was obvious he knew who I was," he said, pointing to the front part of his belt.

How do you grope someone with the back of your hand? I've engaged in a little consensual groping in my time and I can tell you that the back of the hand is very ineffective. You'd think someone who was hanging with the gays in college and who has scads of "homosexual" friends wouldn't be so jumpy over being brushed by the back of a gay's hand.

Watch the whole thing here.

A Great American

Watch this 86 year-old World War II veteran explain why he supports marriage equality in Maine. You might want to have a Kleenex handy.



Via Joe.My.God

Mammory Motions

You may recall that former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean has sued the Miss California pageant for having the temerity to fire her after she failed to show up for numerous obligations. Now, K2 productions, which organizes the Miss California USA pageant has counter sued for compensation for the money they forked over for Carrie's fake boobies. They allege that Carrie, whose God-given breasts were apparently so small that her tops blew right off whenever photographers were around, wanted get the bingo-bongos done so she could "be more competitive" for Miss USA. They're asking for $5,200 and other damages, plus proceeds from her book which they allege was negotiated using the Miss California USA title without approval.

The suit also speaks the Biblically correct one's language: "had [Prejean] heeded the guidance of the Gospel of John, who admonished only those who are without sin to cast stones in judgment, she might have avoided this legal battle."

Sing her off, Pamela.

And She's Telling You She's Not 50

Today is Jennifer Holliday's 49th birthday. In her honor, watch her performance at the 1982 Tonys.

Monday's Man: John Slattery

I love handsome John Slattery of Mad Men. I don't necessarily love his character, but I've loved him since his Desperate Housewives days.

He can work a suit like nobody else. He looks pretty good out of it, but pics like that are hard to find. Remember when Gabby rubbed the crab shampoo on him? There's got to be a screen shot somewhere.

In the meantime, his patrician good looks will do just fine.

White House Issues Statement Opposing Anti-Gay Referenda in ME and WA

The Advocate asked the White House for a specific clarification on the President's position on the anti-gay ballot initiatives in Maine and Washington. Here's the reply:

“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples, and as he said at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, he believes ‘strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.’ Also at the dinner, he said he supports, ‘ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.’"

Remember that the haters used Obama's opposition to marriage equality to their advantage during the Prop. 8 campaign in California.

It would have been nice if he had actually used the words Maine and Washington.

Hot Air

Yesterday, the nation's news media spent hours focused on a balloon floating over Colorado that was supposedly carrying a boy. When the balloon landed, the boy wasn't there, instead he was hiding in the house. Okey dokey, end of story, right? Wrong. This morning, I turned on the CBS morning show and the balloon boy was the top story. I switched to Good Morning America, and there was more balloon boy. The Today Show? Same thing. CNN? You got it. 20 minutes later, I checked again and CBS was still playing the balloon boy story. The boy wasn't in the balloon. Basically, the national "news" media was focused on a balloon floating over Colorado and today, when it was clear that the story was bogus, they were still focused on a balloon floating over Colorado. I know it may have been a hoax perpetuated by the boy's parents, but still, it's just a balloon floating over Colorado. You know how children are easily distracted by a shiny object?

I can't think of a better metaphor for our nation's "news" media than an empty balloon.

Rush Limbaugh to Judge Miss America

The Miss America Organization has announced that Rush Limbaugh will be one of the judges of the pageant to be held January 30, 2010.

"We are thrilled to have Rush join us for our pageant this year," said MAO President and CEO, Art McMaster. "We know that the 2010 Miss America Pageant will be filled with new twists and exciting opportunities with him as one of our national judges."

As a long-time pageant queen, I am appalled. Has Mr. McMaster (pictured at left above) lost his mind? Miss America is supposed to be an iconic, unifying figure in our culture. Choosing one of the most divisive figures in national media as a judge is inviting needless controversy. Does he not realize Rush's history of racist and sexist comments? Rush Limbaugh said he would be forced to "bend over and grab his ankles" for President Obama because he's black. He called the President the "little black man-child." He said slavery in the South "had it's merits" because "the streets were safer after dark." He told an African-American woman caller to "take the bone out of her nose and call me back." Speaking of women, Limbaugh justified John Edwards' affair by saying “Edwards might be attracted to a woman whose mouth did something other than talk.” Another Rush gem: “He’s trying to figure out how he can get involved in the deal down there at Duke where the lacrosse team…supposedly, you know, raped, some, uh, hos.”

Does this seem appropriate for an organization that prides itself on being " the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women?" If you would like to express your disgust at this development, like I did, here is contact information for the Miss America Organization:

222 New Road
Suite 700
Linwood, NJ 08221

Phone: 609-653-8700
Fax: 609-653-8740
info@MissAmerica.org

King of the Crown

Lazy Circles New York Bureau Chief Doug turned me on to a TV gem that I can't believe I had missed: King of the Crown on TLC. This show is all about one Cyrus Frakes, pageant coach extraordinaire and proprietor of Crowns and Gowns of Columbia, SC, which provides "complete pageant preparation." Every week, Cyrus enlightens lovely young Carolina girls on the mysteries of pageants. How on earth did I not know about this show? Hell, this could have been me if I hadn't left South Carolina joined the Army. I was young and foolish. Anyhoo, last night, Cyrus was coaching Margaret Ann and Mae-Ann (love those double names) for the all-important South Carolina Peanut Princess pageant. It's part of the Pelion Peanut Festival, but you knew that already, I'm sure. Margaret Ann got 5th runner up. Whoever heard of a 5th runner up? Were they just screwing with her? I've got your 5th runner up right here, judges. Margaret Ann was too much of a lady for that, even if she did shock the confederacy by wearing a strapless dress to the interview! Horrors! Mae-Ann won and is the current reigning Peanut Princess. Next stop, Miss South Carolina! And then after that? Well, there's Tri-Delt at USC where she can meet a cute law or med student, then it's straight to the McMansion in Lexington where she can have a precious baby girl and start training her to be Miss South Carolina 2036! It's the Circle of Life, which, BTW, is a great pageant song.

I made up the last part.

I watched a mini-marathon of episodes and the most awesome reality show moment involved Kaleigh, a sexy blonde who I think was more interested in being a Maxim cover girl than Miss Columbia. She had just dropped 12 pounds for the swimsuit competition and Cyrus asked her mother how she was doing. "I'm doing fine. I always do better when Kaleigh looses weight because she does so much better at everything when she's thin." Way to give your daughter an eating disorder, Momma! Your happiness is dependent on Kaleigh's ability to rock a bikini.

Mad About Her

Belinda Carlisle has released this spot for the No on 1 campaign in Maine. Somehow it's just perfect that her son is gay.

Otter Prayers

Watch The Full Silkwood. Cutest thing I've seen all day.

Sullivan on Solomnese

Andrew Sullivan was less than pleased with HRC head Joe Solomnese's email blast urging everyone to withhold judgment on President Obama until 2017. Watch:



My comment is here.

Joe Solomnese's response to the uproar over his 2017 email is here.

Andrew Sullivan's Readers are Brilliant

"I realize that's why so much of the country fears letting homosexuals serve openly in the military, because it will show America that they are not inferior."

A reader of Andrew Sullivan's blog. Read the rest here.

Newlywed Gays

George Takei and his husband Brad Altman made game show history tonight as the first gay couple on the Newlywed Game. They were introduced as "George Takei and Business Manager Brad Altman." I'm not kidding. Business Fucking Manager.

Who did the producers think they were kidding? They kissed after every right answer. They won the game, too.

At right is a picture of George and his "business manager" sealing an important deal.

Snowe Right

The Senate Finance Committee approved a health care reform bill today with one, count 'em, one Republican voting in favor. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, who the American people apparently elected President of Health Care when I wasn't looking, voted for the bill which will now be sent to the full Senate. She is shown above with Sen. Max Baucus who represents about 37 people. The bill would require all Americans to have health insurance and provides subsidies for low income people. There is no public option. If it's approved by the Senate, as is expected, it goes to the House meat grinder where several bills will be bastardized in hopes of getting one Republican from fucking Idaho to vote for it. Or something like that.

Actually, this took courage on Snowe's part. She will be savaged by the GOP. "When history calls, history calls" she said.

Schwarznegger Signs Gay Rights Bills

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has sighed two gay rights bills. The first creates a state holiday in honor of Harvey Milk and the second recognizes out-of-state gay marriages. This does not make up for vetoing marriage equality twice and vetoing Harvey Milk day once, but it's a start.

Monday's Man: Brian Batt

My favorite Mad Men character is certainly handsome Brian Batt who plays the closeted gay Salvatore. The poor guy is so tortured, trying to make is way in pre-Stonewall America.

In real life, Brian Batt is very openly gay and lives in New Orleans with his cute partner Tom and their adorable Boston Terrier. Quite a contrast from Sal. Brian Batt, of course, also starred in Jeffrey. SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't seen last night's episode, stop reading NOW.

I love episodes that feature Batt, but really, did they have to fire him? Surely he's not gone from the show permanently? What do you think will happen to him? I predict that he'll resurface in a couple of episodes calling Don Draper to bail him out of jail on sodomy charges. Then he and Don have a torrid affair.

Equality March Draws Huge Crowd

The National Equality March occurred today and early crowd estimates put it at 150,000-200,000 (although those numbers are very unscientific). It was the lead story on the NBC nightly news and Lester Holt brought on Washington correspondent John Harwood to tell America that the White House considers the marchers "the internet leftist fringe" and that nothing will come of this. Wouldn't want anyone to get uncomfortable.

UPDATE: The White House has denied the "internet leftist fringe" comment. Whew! I'm glad they cleared up that misunderstanding. I feel so much better now.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Obama Speaks to HRC

President Obama spoke at the HRC dinner tonight, on the eve of the march on Washington. I listened to it on Sirius OutQ. Frankly, I didn't hear anything that I haven't heard before. There was no exciting news, no big surprise. I would have loved to have heard strong statements on the ballot initiatives in Maine and Washington, but he said nothing. He reasserted his commitment to repealing DA/DT and DOMA, but gave no details on how or when that might happen. Disappointing.

''We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country,'' Obama said. ''We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage ... especially when we are fighting two wars.''

So do something about it. You have the power. Whenever someone says Obama is too busy and will get to DA/DT at the appropriate time, I think of the gay service men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Imagine the stress they are under. Obama doesn't have it so bad, does he?

Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Wow, that's a surprise. It's intended to be encouragement for him to continue his mission as opposed to reward for accomplishments. It still seems a bit premature to me. I had a short story published and would like to write a novel. Would someone nominate me for the literature prize?

I kid. Actually, I believe it reflects the world's relief that we finally have a calm, measured, highly intelligent President. After 2004, I think most of the world held it's breath waiting for Americans to regain their sanity.

Mark Sanford IS the Law in These Heah Parts

A South Carolina state trooper got a bit of a surprise when he pulled a Crown Vic for doing 85 on an interstate. He asked the driver why he was going so fast and told him there was no good reason for speeding. The driver simply said "tell him" and got back in the car. Sanford lowered the passenger side window, muttered "Mark Sanford" and they drove away. You can watch the video here. Sandford could have at least given the Trooper some tips on picking up hot Latinas.

It turns out the State Troopers don't just favor Sanford. Totally heterosexual French Lt. Gov. Andre' Bauer has gotten pulled twice, the first time for doing 101. Both times he got warnings. C'est la vie en Caroline du Sud!

Note to my readers: If you're driving your Miata with rainbow stickers down I-95 in Aiken County on your way to Gay Days at Disney World, don't think you're going to get the Bauer/Sanford treatment. Keep it under the limit.

Max Blumethal: Zombie Conservatives

Max Blumenthal thinks conservatism isn't dead, it's undead. Watch:

Bug Man Pulls a Palin

In the grand Republican tradition of quitting when things get tough, Tom Delay is leaving Dancing With the Stars. He's citing stress fractures in his feet, which is probably a lie since it involved his lips moving. This is the same man who quit Congress when he faced a tough re-election battle.

Now that he's gone I might actually watch. No wait, then I'd have to sit through that homophobe Donny Osmond. Forget it. I'll just watch Antiques Roadshow.

Microsoft Donates $100,000 to Gay Rights in Washington

Microsoft has donated $100,000 to the campaign to pass Referendum 71, the proposition that would retain Washington's "everything but marriage" domestic partner law. As the Slog said, this took guts and the haters will be gunning for them.

Of course Microsoft wants R-71 to pass because they want to attract the best and brightest who are drawn to liberal communities. Gay rights are good for business.

Monday's Man: Romain Duris

I saw the French film Paris over the weekend. It was a beautifully made story of intersecting lives in the big city. It was something like Crash, except it didn't suck.

It featured handsome French actor Romain Duris as a dancer with a heart condition. And amazing chest hair.

He isn't really movie star handsome, at least not in a Hollywood way, but on screen he has a sex appeal that is undeniable.

West Side Story in the Black

The greatest thing I've ever seen on stage has now recouped its investment and is operating in the black. It continues to play to packed houses. Great news for an extraordinarily talented group of artists. Go see it!

Dallas Judge Finds Texas Gay Ban Unconstitutional

Dallas state District Judge Tena Callahan has granted a divorce to two men who were married in Massachusetts and in the process has called the Texas gay marriage ban into question. Her ruling found that the voter-approved ban violates the equal protection clause of the US Consitution and that her court has jurisdiction to hear a divorce petition brought by two persons legally married in another jurisdiction. The Attorney General immediately announced he will appeal the ruling and I would be stunned if it wasn't overturned, but this is a highly significant case, nontheless. I believe this ruling recognizes the important Constitutional implications of the tyranny of the majority over the rights of a minority. It also reinforces the humanity of a gay couple who only want to be treated as full citizens of the United States.

In 2003, a Texas court granted a divorce to a lesbian couple who had received a Vermont civil union. That ruling was overturned on appeal. The present case differs because the two men were granted a full marriage in a state, not a civil union.

Beijing Rangerettes

China celebrated 60 years of the People's Republic with a huge parade including this female militia unit. Costumes by Gussie Nell Davis.

I still prefer the Texas original.

Nate Silver: Maine Marriage Looking Good

Nate Silver, the number cruncher whose election predictions have been pretty darned accurate, has analyzed the upcoming Maine ballot initiative to overturn marriage equality. His conclusion is that the measure will fail and gay Mainers will be getting hitched. An important part of his calculation is the fact that Maine is one of the least religious states in the US, much less so than California. He adds some cautions, but things are looking good.

Saturn is Dead

GM's deal with Penske to sell Saturn and save the brand fell through and Saturn is being quickly shuttered. GM was to continue building Saturns for two more years and Penske would then sell foreign-built cars under the Saturn brand. Penske failed to find a foreign manufacturer and yesterday, abruptly called off the deal. Saturn now joins Pontiac and Oldsmobile in the automotive graveyard. Look for them in orphan car shows in about ten years. They'll be next to the Studebakers.

Madonna is Not a Cheese Person

A beautiful looking Madonna was on David Letterman last night, riding hockey players and munching pizza. Take a look: