Equality in Washington

The Washington state Senate has voted to recognize all legal partnerships, including civil unions and marriages, from other jurisdictions.  The bill now goes to Gov. Gregoire, who has promised to sign it.  Washington joins Rhode Island, New York, and Maryland in passing similar laws.  Massachusetts, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriage.  Hawaii, Illinois, and New Jersey have civil unions while California, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Nevada, and Wisconsin have domestic partnerships.  That's seventeen states plus DC that provide legal recognition of our relationships.     

Rob Lowe at 47

I know he gets paid to look good, but does he really have to keep getting better looking as he gets older unlike mere mortals like me?  Read all about it here.

Is New York Times Trying to Straight-Wash Farley Granger?

An Associated Press obituary of Farley Granger was published on-line today by the New York Times.  In it, Granger is called a "lifelong bachelor" whose only real romance was with Shelley Winters.  As of this post, there is no mention of Granger's decades-long partner, Robert Calhoun.  In fact, Granger and Calhoun co-wrote the memoir Include Me Out in which they spoke of becoming lovers in 1963.  They became domestic partners and remained so until Calhoun's death three years ago.  Granger was quite open about his affairs with many men and women, including Winters, Ava Gardner, Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents, but it was with Calhoun that he forged a life of nearly 50 years.  I believe that deserves a mention in his obituary, at the very least.  

UPDATE:  The AP article has been replaced with a far more appropriate obituary by Times theater and film critic Neil Genzlinger.  Granger's long relationship with Calhoun is noted. 

Farley Granger: 1925-2011

Lazy Circles reader Clay has left a comment alerting me to the fact that the handsome and talented actor Farley Granger has died at his home in Manhattan at the age of 85.  He follows his long-time partner, Robert Calhoun, who died three years ago.  Granger was an A-list star whose credits included Hitchcock's Rope and Strangers on a Train as well as The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing and Around the World in 80 Days.  He also had great success on Broadway where his credits included The Warm Peninsula with Julie Harris, The Seagull, The Crucible, The Glass Menagerie, and the revival of The King and I, starring opposite Barbara Cook.  He won an Obie award in 1986 for the Lanford Wilson play Talley & Son.

In 2007, Granger and Calhoun published a memoir called Include Me Out in which he freely discussed his many affairs including Shelley Winters, Ava Gardner, Arthur Laurents, and Leonard Bernstein.  Calhoun's sister, Linda Plevin, said of Granger, "He was a very handsome and beloved film star who always did exactly what he wanted to do, which was a little bit of everything."  Sounds like a life well lived. 

                

Quote of the Day

"Now I am wondering why, if two gay people want to commit their lives to one another, they should ever be denied that chance. No church or pastor should be forced to perform those ceremonies, and they can choose not to recognize gay marriage for their adherents. But the constitution of the Presbyterian Church does not explicitly forbid a pastor from being a thief, a murderer, or an egotistical jerk. It is not designed to do these things. It does prohibit a gay person from becoming a pastor. All I can ask is: Why."

--Murray Richmond, who was a Presbyterian minister for 17 years and served in North Carolina and Alaska.  His position on homosexuality evolved from "hate the sin, love the sinner" and absolute clarity that he "could not fully accept, ordain and marry gays;" to the quote above.  Read about his journey here.

Monday's Man: Sullivan Stapleton

I recently saw the powerful movie Animal Kingdom, starring Jacki Weaver (who should have won the Oscar) as the matriarch of a crime family.   If they were casting for animal magnetism, they found the right man in Sullivan Stapleton as one of her sons.  I don't normally go in for excessive tattoos (and I'm pretty sure these were fakes), but I could make an exception for this hairy beast. 

He cleans up rather nicely, don't you think?

But not too clean, know what I mean?

Geraldine Ferraro: 1935-2011

Geraldine Ferraro has died at the age of 75 after a long battle with blood cancer.  She died surrounded by her family, including her husband of 50 years, John Zaccaro, as well as her 3 children.  She also had 8 grandchildren.

She was born, appropriately enough, on Women's Equality Day, August 26, 1935 in Newburgh, NY. 
She married after graduating from Fordham Law School and kept her name to honor her mother, who worked long hours as a seamstress.  Private law practice led to a position as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens, NY.  She prosecuted crimes against women, children, and the elderly.  In 1978, she was elected to the first of 3 Congressional terms representing her district in Queens.  Of course, in 1984, she was asked by Walter Mondale to be her running-mate, becoming the first woman on a major party presidential ticket.  In the 90s, she was appointed an ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission by President Clinton. 

Here is her acceptance speech at the 1984 Democratic convention:

Quote of the Day

“[M]ovement intellects such as Buckley are indelible.  Like the majority of conservatives, I watched and marveled at his eloquent didacticism drawn from a prolix lexicon that can only be described as Buckleyesque.”


--Lucas Bachmann, one of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann's 28 children, 5 by birth and 23 foster kids.  All have been homeschooled, which explains the totally awesome vocabulary. 

Elizabeth Went Out With a Laugh

Elizabeth Taylor's funeral was held yesterday and, at her request, began 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.  It was announced that the legend who was notorious for being late for everything, "wanted to be late for her own funeral."

Read all about the funeral here. 

'It's about respect"

Thomas Roberts does a great job of featuring straight allies.  Watch his conversation with college wrestler Hudson Taylor:

"We Must Never Forget Elizabeth Taylor"

You must read this tribute to Dame Elizabeth.  Here's an excerpt:

"Today I hope she is laughing with Rock and Roddy, Richard, Eddie, Mike and the 30 million people we have lost to AIDS. For those of us she has left behind, please whisper a prayer, light a candle, give a chant or whatever it is you do to take just a moment to thank Elizabeth Taylor.


Over the next few months as we write the 30 year history of AIDS, this is a call to honor a lady who not only cradled us in her arms; she made damn sure the world did as well. In 2000, Queen Elizabeth named her a Dame. Go forward knowing to so many of us, this Dame was truly our Queen Elizabeth."

Quote of the Day

"There's a lot of Hollywood cause-puffery these days, but what I loved about Taylor is that she meant it, deep in her bones. That was obvious from her timing—she became an AIDS activist when everyone else was running for the hills. And she was an activist. The first time I met her she raved about the condom we put over Jesse Helms' house and said, 'The next time you do something like that again, invite me along.' I couldn't help but laugh, imagining her on top of a roof unfurling a gigantic condom."

--Peter Staley, co-founder of Act Up, remembering Elizabeth Taylor.

Elizabeth Taylor Dead

A local radio station has just announced the death of Elizabeth Taylor.  I haven't found any other mention of this.

UPDATE:  Apparently it's true.  Elizabeth Taylor died this morning of congestive heart failure.  She was 79.  Her son, Michael Wilding, released the following statement: 

"We will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world."

Elizabeth Taylor was a movie star, two-time Oscar winner, and a business woman, but most importantly, she was a fierce warrior in the fight against AIDS.  She stood up and was counted long before it was acceptable for a public figure, and she never let up.  There will never be another Dame like her.      

Equality in Delaware?

It might be coming.  Civil Union legislation has been introduced in the Delaware Senate.  The bill was introduced by Sen. Dave Sokola, D-Newark, and currently has 27 co-sponsors in the General Assembly.

Apple Removes Exodus App

Apple has removed the iPhone app for Exodus International, the notorious "ex-gay" organization that promises to help people with "unwanted same-sex attractions."  For a price, of course.  After a petition campaign and letter from a doctor whose 1992 research has (and continues to be) distorted by Exodus, Apple has acted.  The American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, American Counseling Association, and the Psychiatric Association have all said that "ex-gay" therapy is harmful and ineffective.  You can be sure that Alan Chambers and company will squeal about what victims they are, but at least they won't be allowed to victimize others through iPhone apps any longer. 

It's the Wedding of the Year!

And you thought Kate and Wills were big news:



h/t LC NY Bureau Chief Doug

Quote of the Day

"Every year, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) holds a National College Conference that the conference Director, Danny Burns, described as where "God freed some people from homosexuality, sexual sins, addictions and even ushered newcomers into His Kingdom."

--Quote from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Ministry Leader application.  Their website contains a testimonial from an "ex-lesbian" who claims she suddenly dumped her long time partner after one emotional church service.  This is presented as a moral message.  The FCA received a grant of 631,600.00 from the Winshape Foundation between 2003 and 2008.  Winshape is the charitable arm of Chick-fil-a.  There are many more examples of strongly anti-gay organizations that benefit handsomely from Chick-fil-a. 

I hate this.  Chick-fil-a is the only fast food I like.  Their chicken sandwich is delicious.  But, they're helping to destroy lives.  Can't eat there.  Organizations like FCA are what It Gets Better was built for. 

On a lighter note, here's Bryan Safi's take on it:     

Monday's Man: Ramin Karimloo

Did you see the 25th anniversary Les Miserables concert on PBS recently?  If so, you probably swooned over the unbelievably handsome and dynamic man playing Enjolras (pictured above, in red and gold with original cast member Colm Wilkinson).  Who was that gorgeous man?  He was Ramin Karimloo, a rising star of the West End stage.  He was born in Iran, raised in Toronto and is now finding stardom in London.  Watch him below in the Les Mis finale.  He first appears at 1.5, then again at 2.4 when he generously tones it down so as not to upstage the miscast Nick Jonas:

Ramin was cast as the lead in the Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies.  The London production got scathing reviews (although his were positive), but watching this makes me want to see it:

Of course, this picture of Ramin as the Phantom also, shall we say, sparked my interest:

I don't know what the picture below is from or who she is, but I don't really care:

Nice jeans:

Cute: The Definition

That's Ewan McGregor on a bike with a puppy.  More cuteness here. 

NIck Adams for 2(x)ist

Towleroad published this picture of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Broadway star Nick Adams in 2(x)ist briefs and...I'm sorry, what was I saying?  I've totally lost my train of thought... 

Palin: I didn't win in 2008 because "I wasn't at the top of the ticket."

She actually said it.  She was speaking in India (she probably wondered why it took so long to fly to Indianapolis) and gave a speech titled "My Vision for America."  Not surprisingly, her vision includes drilling the hell out of the wilderness and laughing at green energy.  Oh yeah, high gas prices are Obama's fault.  Even in India.  The queen of self-victimization also said she "doesn't play the victim card," or at least I guess that's what she meant when she said this:

“I don’t play the victim card, and when they do, in a campaign, call out a opponent, to call out their record….”

Direct quote.  God knows how the Indian reporters translated it.  Stupid + ego = Miss Wasilla 1984.

Of course, this is a slap in the face of John McCain, the man who brought her to national prominence.  Most decent people would show a little gratitude and loyalty.  She's probably not even aware that she's insulted him.

James Franco and Vogue Take Pit Fetish Mainstream

A few more shots here.

GOP Wants IRS to Become Abortion Police

I know this sounds like an Onion piece, but it's true.  A new Republican-backed bill, expected to sail through the House of Representatives, would provide that any woman who claims a tax deduction or credit for medical expenses or medical insurance that covered an abortion, must prove, if audited, that the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest.  In other words, the IRS agent conducting the audit would have to become an abortion detective and force women to provide written documentation of their rapes.  You thought IRS audits were bad now?  Imagine having to relive your rape to satisfy the tax guy.  Imagine you're that tax guy who thought he would be sorting through business expenses and finds himself forced to ask a woman the details of the most horrifying experience of her life.  Imagine you're a mother whose 13 year old daughter is pregnant by her uncle.  You pay for an abortion and are later faced with the prospect of providing written documentation to the IRS.  What documentation would that be?  What if you never went to the police because of the overwhelming emotional torture of the whole thing?  Rape and incest victims don't always go to the police.  The Republicans' answer is too damn bad.  Tell your daughter to have the baby and get a job.  Hope like hell it's not premature because these same "pro-life" Republicans are cutting funding for aid to preemies.  The Republicans in Congress will continue to send their daughters to Europe for their abortions and could give a shit about anyone else.  Just when you thought the Republican war on women couldn't get any worse, along comes this.

Anthony Weiner on NPR

Watch Rep. Anthony Weiner (D, NY) call out the House GOP over defunding NPR:



We need a few hundred more like Weiner.

"You're a Strong Man, Bryan"

Who remembers this 1979 commercial?  Carve yourself a bar of soap and take a look: 


Say what you will about the 70s (and I have), but that pre-waxing world was a safe place for chest hair. 

via Slog

Quote of the Day

"There's nothing wrong with being gay. But I'm not."

--Joe Jonas in a Details interview.  He said this while preparing "Asian inspired" lettuce-wrapped tacos in his Hollywood loft, convenient to his gym where he works out five days a week.  I guess he's not the one who did the Les Miserables anniversary show. 

GaGa For Griffin

Look who showed up for Kathy Griffin Wants at Tony on Broadway last night.  It's Mama and Pappa GaGa!  Plus one.  Isn't Mama GaGa pretty?

Did You Watch Glee Last Night?

If so, watch the video after the break.  If you haven't, do it!

Japanese Nuclear Crisis Worsens

"Japan’s nuclear crisis verged toward catastrophe on Tuesday after an explosion damaged the vessel containing the nuclear core at one reactor and a fire at another spewed large amounts of radioactive material into the air, according to statements from Japanese government and industry officials."

Read the New York Times article here. 

NHK English language Japanese TV is livestreaming here. 

Zune: 2006-2011

Who knew they still made them? 

Councilman Joel Burns' Brother Dies in Car Accident

I'm sure you remember Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns' moving account of coming out in Texas, delivered at an open City Council meeting.  Yesterday, it was reported that his 27 year old brother, Cody Burns, was killed in a car accident.  He lost control of his truck as he was rounding a corner on a dirt road.  Apparently, he and another front seat passenger were not wearing seat belts.  The other passenger is hospitalized.  A back seat passenger who was wearing a seat belt was not seriously injured. 

Monday's Man: Matt LeBlanc

Frankly, I never gave much thought to the guys from Friends, although Matt LeBlanc was easily the best looking of the 3.  Squarehippies has discovered that Matt is back and he's matured from a cute guy to a daddy hunk.  Here are a couple of shots from his new show Episode:  

You can see the whole series here.  It's really worth your time.

Salt and pepper really suits him.  Suits me, too. 

 Here he is in his younger days.  Very cute, but this is one man who has definitely gotten better with age. 

Holy Shit

"There is a possibility, we see the possibility of a meltdown."

--Toshihiro Bannai, Director of Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. 

Quote of the Day

"What I love about New Hampshire and what we have in common is our extreme love for liberty. You're the state where the shot was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord."

--Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R, MN), probable presidential candidate and founding fathers fetishist, speaking in New Hampshire.  Lexington and Concord are, of course, in Massachusetts.

Color Photos of San Francisco in 1906 Discovered

This is one of a cache of color photographs taken in San Francisco shortly after the great earthquake of 1906.  These are not hand colored.  They were taken with a true color technique by Frederick Ives, one of the earliest photographers to experiment with color photography.  They were recently discovered by a volunteer at the National Museum of American History.  Amazing. 

Kappa Schmuck

A (West Coast) USC  Kappa Sig who calls himself a "cocksman" (no doubt aspirational) has written a truly disgusting email that has gone viral.  He talks about his many female conquests and names names.  An excerpt:  

"However, in order for this to happen you first must know a couple key terms. Note: I will refer to females as 'targets,' They aren't actual people like us men. Consequently, giving them a certain name or distinction is pointless."

Charming.  He'll probably go to law school, marry a Tri-Delt, gain 50 pounds by 35, have a heart attack by 40, get divorced by 45, and marry a stripper by 50 who will take him for everything he's worth.  I'm so glad we're preserving the sanctity of marriage for assholes like this. 

If they'd let alumni drop blackballs, I'd be the first in line.

Annette Funicello Injured in House Fire

Annette Funicello's Encino, CA home was severely damaged in a fire yesterday and she was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.  The 68 year old actress and former Mousketeer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over 20 years ago.  She is said to be in good condition. 

Massive Quake Hits Japan

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 has hit Japan, making it the 5th largest quake ever recorded by the US Geological Survey.  The quake also spawned a powerful tsunami that swept away everything in its path and engulfed the airport at Sendai.  A ship carring 100 passengers was swept away.  Assessments of dead and missing have just begun.  Here is video of the tsunami sweeping inland in northeastern Japan:


Tsunami warnings have gone up from Russia to Hawaii, California and Oregon.  In Hawaii, people have been ordered away from coastal areas.

Kathy Griffin Responds to Sarah Palin

Alex O'Loughlin in GQ Style Australia

More at Just Jared. 

You're welcome. 

Alexander Skarsgard is Shirtless, Lost, Confused

It's International Women's Day

Daniel Craig and Judi Dench have a message for you:

Monday's Man: Sal Mineo

 Wes has just finished reading the new Sal Mineo biography by Michael Gregg Michaud and has become a bit obsessed with the late star.  We watched his Oscar-nominated performance in Rebel Without a Cause last night and he was amazingly good.  He was sensitive, troubled, adorable and obviously in love with James Dean's character.  It may have been Dean himself he had the crush on and there seemed to be no attempt to hide the attraction.  Many movies of the era had homosexual undertones, but these were right there on the surface.  I wonder what mid-50s audiences thought?   

Before he broke into the movies, Sal was on Broadway in The King and I.  He was a small kid and Yul Brenner introduced him to weight lifting, something Sal kept up the rest of his life.  The results speak for themselves. 

In the picture above, Sal is on stage with his long-time lover, actor Courtney Burr.  They were living together in Los Angeles in 1975 when Sal's life ended tragically.  Sal was stabbed in the heart in an apparent robbery attempt outside their apartment.  He was 37.  Also tragic was Courtney's treatment in the aftermath of the murder.  He was not allowed into the apartment until the Mineo family could come.  Reportedly, they burned everything they deemed gay and trashed the home the two men shared. 

I understand that James Franco has purchased the rights to this book.  Hopefully, it's as a director or producer because Franco is too old and mature looking to play Sal Mineo.

Thank You Sarah Palin! Love, Kathy

Watch ex 1/2 term Governor Palin give Kathy Griffin free publicity:



One of the things that makes Palin such an attractive subject for comedians is her thin skin.  If a comic mentions her, she will respond, preferably in front of a TV camera.  You can't buy publicity like that.  If she were smart, she'd know that the best response to something like that is no response.  I love that she challenged Kathy to come to Alaska and "pick on" her.  You know Kathy will do it!  Of course, Kathy has already gone to Alaska and knocked on Palin's door.  Nobody answered.  What do you want to bet Sarah chickens out if Kathy returns to Wasilla?    

Better With a Beard

Naturally, Andrew Sullivan pointed his readers to this site.  I agree with some, like the Afflecks, Paul Rudd, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mr. Ferguson, above.  Others, like Antonio Banderas and William Hurt, need a shave.  Check it out and see if you agree.    

We're Winning

LC NY Bureau Chief Doug tipped me off to the latest Pew Poll which found that support for marriage equality continues to grow:

The linked Huff Post article noted that this reflects findings by several other pollsters:

"While the level of support varies from pollster to pollster depending on the question wording and format, these results collectively show an unmistakable trend towards greater support for allowing same-sex marriage."


Maybe Sam Arora and Tiffany Alston need to read this and re-think their broken promises to the citizens of Maryland. 

Stop Raining on Kirk's Parade

When you watched the Oscars, did you find yourself wondering who the hot guy was, wrestling with Kirk Douglas over his cane?  Much more interesting than Miss Golden Globes, don't you think?  He is none other than Omar Sharif, Jr., the grandson of Mr. Arnstein, himself.  Omar, Jr. an actor in Hollywood now, and you can read about him here.