Axel Hotels is launching a new contest that could take you around the world. If you book hotel stays through their website between November 1st, 2020 and April 1st, 2021, you’ll be entered to win a very unique prize… Each month, for 7 months, a winner will be named. This person (along with a plus one) will get a 5-night stay in seven Axel hotels around the world. That’s 5 nights in Barcelona, Madrid, Miami, Berlin, Ibiza, San Sebastian, and Maspalomas. Walk the beaches of San Sebastian, experience the delicious Cuban food of Miami, marvel at the architecture in Barcelona,…
Author: Keith Langston
Molly Solomon, the president of NBC Olympics Production, raised a few eyebrow recently when she hinted that NBC would have an obligation to address China’s current human rights violations, especially its treatment of the Uyghur Muslims. According to Deadline, Solomon said: “Our coverage will provide perspective on China’s place in the world and the geopolitical context in which these Games are being held. But the athletes do remain the centerpiece of our coverage.” Naturally, none of this sounds too inflammatory. But it’s important to remember the context in which China views the world. Any slight misstep can be seen as…
Anita Bryant, one of the most despicable anti-gay bigots in history, was shocked and dismayed recently to discover her own granddaughter is a lesbian. One of Bryant’s biggest public campaigns was to help get gay teachers fired from schools by accusing them of being pedophiles. According to LGBTQ Nation, Bryant stated, “Homosexuals cannot reproduce, so they must recruit.” Eventually, another famous bigot, Jerry Falwell Sr., came to help Bryant in her crusade against the gay community. It should also be noted that Falwell was convinced that the second coming would happen in his lifetime and also believed that the antichrist…
We’ve all heard the story of those pivotal events that took place at a New York City gay bar in the summer of 1969. What you might not know is the surprising events that took place after the notorious Stonewall Riots. As you can imagine, shortly after the riots the Stonewall was closed. A mafia-owned bar that was home to an uprising against cops wasn’t bound to last long. Flash forward fifty years to the present day. I’m standing in Christopher Park with three members from the National Parks Conservation Association. It’s pouring rain and I’m completely soaked because I…
As all LGBTQ people likely know, there are strict laws that prevent the community from donating blood, especially for men who have sex with men. The FDA’s policy used to be that gay men couldn’t donate at all, but has since been switched to allow a man to donate blood as long as he’s been celibate for three months – which greatly reduces the number of eligible donors. To challenge this, artist Jordan Eagles is launching his installation Our Blood Can Save at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center in Brooklyn, New York. The installation is on…
A new children’s book, Pepito Has a Doll will be released on January 20th. The book focuses on the life of young Pepito, whose only friend in the world is his doll Lola. However, fearing that others will make fun of him, Pepito has to hide his doll from the world. But one day, a new boy arrives at school, and a friendship emerges! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N41UZ5eJ7uM&feature=emb_logo The story is a powerful teaching tool for parents and children, showing that everyone is different and unique, and that it’s a wonderful thing. The book is also bilingual, being written in both Spanish and…
Queer legend and dance hall staple, k.d. lang, has just released a remix of her 1995 hit song “If I Were You”. The single was released in anticipation of her upcoming album, Makeover, which will feature tons of remastered and remixed hits from k.d. lang’s song library. Included in the album will be songs originally released between 1992-2000, including, “Sexuality,” “Miss Chatelaine,” “Theme from the Valley of the Dolls,” “Summerfling,” “Lifted By Love”, and more. Makeover will release on May 28th in preparation for Pride month and pre-orders are now available. The album’s cover is a never-before-seen image taken of…
Talk about pronoun usage is hot in society right now. As we continually discover new things about gender and sexuality, pronoun usage has shot to the front of the national conversation. Many people, however, are asking: What exactly is a pronoun? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a pronoun is “a word that is used instead of a noun or a noun phrase” – an example is saying “She said” instead of “Rebecca said”. The folks over at TheFreeDictionary.com have revealed that there actually 100 pronouns, some of which are obvious, like “he” and “they,” and some that might not be…
The adult entertainment website Mr. Man collects the hottest images and clips of male celebrities from movies and TV. Each year, the site also puts out a ranking of the most searched celebrities, based on page-clicks on their site. And now, as the decade came to a close, Mr. Man is releasing the top-searched steamy, dreamy male celebs of the decade. Can you guess who made the list? 5.) Michele Morrone ~ 147,797 searches Steamy Projects: 365 Days The movie 365 Days, which was released last year, was bashed by critics as being…quite bad. Variety even called it, “Thoroughly…
This year marks the 5th anniversary of Wes Anderson’s modern classic The Grand Budapest Hotel, which showcases the peculiar and curious life of a quirky European hotel. The Grand Budapest in the film has a striking resemblance to real life The Corinthia Budapest (Anderson visited the hotel to view its archival images when planning his film). The hotel’s Hollywood connection is what served as the inspiration for the Corinthia to create its “Grand Hotel Experience.” The Corinthia will transport guests back to the hotel’s magical heyday in the 1930’s…. Just like the film, which was set in Hungary’s glamorous 30’s, the Corinthia…
Calling all Roses, Blanches, Dorothys, and Sophias! A Golden Girls-themed cruise is setting sail from Miami on April 8, 2023. The cruise, officially titled Golden Fans at Sea, will embark on the Celebrity Summit and will launch from Miami on April 8th, taking cruisers to Key West and Cozumel before returning on the 13th.Throughout the cruise, various Golden Girls activities will be held, such as dance parties, trivia nights, and even costume parades. Plus, the ship will be loaded with special guest speakers, such as Melinda McClanahan, Rue McClanahan’s sister. Melinda will share stories, comedy, and even outfits from the…
In 1999, a new film made its way around the festival circuit. It redefined what LGBTQ characters could be. And it had critics hailing its wit and humor. Before But I’m a Cheerleader, gay characters were often only seen in a negative light. Then, suddenly, this film showed queer characters as lovable, innocent protagonists. The film was also hysterically funny, with outstanding performances from stars Natasha Lyonne and Clea Duvall, as well as supporting actors like RuPaul, Mink Stole, and even Michelle Williams. The movie had its theatrical release in 2000, and now, 20 years later, the anniversary is being…
It’s been reported that a woman has been cured of HIV. She is only the third person ever to be fully cured of the virus, and the first woman. According to The New York Times, the woman was cured after receiving “a new transplant method involving umbilical cord blood.” She received the treatment to help with the cancer she was battling, but the blood came from a donor “with the mutation that blocks H.I.V.’s entry into cells”. As these transplanted cells multiplied and replaced her others over time, it ended up curing her of the virus. The way she was…
The ‘Old Gays’, a group of older gay friends who live life to the fullest, have become a social media sensations, amassing 4.5 million followers on TikTok and 306,000 on Instagram. Recently, they visited with a young fan, Evan, who is autistic and identifies as nonbinary. In Evan’s own words he calls himself a “girlboy” and loves wearing dresses. In an NBC News article, his mom, Erica McLead, says that Evan is supported at school and at home, but that he never gets to see other people like him in the world. To fix that, the old gays dropped by…
Legacy fashion brand, Gap, has launched a new limited collection to help celebrate Pride. The collection, titled GAP x PRIDE features colorful and uplifting images and was designed by Gap’s own LGBTQ employees. Better yet, to help the LGBTQ community, Gap has committed to donating $50,000 to GLAAD, an LGBTQ nonprofit dedicated to making media more inclusive, safe, and welcoming. Check out some of the artists and and their designs below: Artist: Star Casimir, Senior Manager, Product Engineering, Athleta “I am excited to design for Pride because working for Gap Inc, it’s the first time I haven’t had to hide who…
Elon Musk’s trans daughter recently turned 18 and legally changed her name and gender. Now going by the name, Vivian Jenna Wilson, she told the court, “I no longer live with, or wish to be related to, my biological father in any way, shape or form.” (via NBC News). Publications are currently scrambling to reach out to Jenna for comment, but she has yet to respond and so far, her exact reasonings for disavowing her father remains unknown. However, what is known is that in recent years Musk has become more and more conservative, aligning further and further with Republican…
Eduardo Leite, the governor of the southern Brasilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, came out as gay last week. The 36-year-old Leite came out during an interview on national television. According to The Guardian, during the interview, Governor Leite stated, “I’m gay – and I’m a governor who is gay rather than a gay governor. Just as Obama in the United States wasn’t a black president, but a president who was black. And I’m proud of this.” This isn’t just a powerful moment because of Leite’s status as a Governor, but also because he plans to run for president.…
Model and transgender advocate, Kataluna Enriquez, was just crowned Miss Nevada USA. After winning her state-level competition, she will now compete in the national Miss USA pageant. Enriquez is breaking barriers, becoming the first openly trans contestant in the competition’s history. Upon hearing the news, GLAAD’s Head of Talent, Anthony Allen Ramos today said, “Kataluna Enriquez being crowned Miss Nevada is a huge win for trans visibility and sends a powerful, but simple message to the world: trans women are women,” said Anthony Allen Ramos, GLAAD’s Head of Talent. “Enriquez’s presence on the Miss USA stage later this year will…
The 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics set records for having the most openly LGBTQ athletes in Olympic history. Now, the Paralympics are also breaking records. The Paralympics, which are also taking place in Tokyo, will began on August 24th and current reports state that there are 28 openly LGBTQ athletes from eight countries competing in this year’s games. Among them are Robyn Lambird, a wheelchair racer from Australia, and Sir David Lee Parson, an 11-time gold medal para-equestrian from the United Kingdom. The International Paralympic Committee states that a total of 22 sports will take place this summer, including swimming, cycling,…
Two gay men were arrested on a beach in Tulum, Quintana Roo, not far from the tourist hotspots of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Shortly after being handcuffed, a large crowd gathered around the men and the police, voicing their displeasure with the blatant homophobia being perpetrated by the police officers. The police claimed that they received a call that the men were partaking in “immoral acts” and that they were spotted performing oral sex on each other. The nearby beachgoers all denied this, saying that none of them had noticed them having any form of sex. As…
T.J. Osborne, one half of the hit country duo, the Brothers Osborne, has been making waves in the country music industry this year since coming out in February. Since then, he’s become an advocate for equality as well as standing as an example that LGBTQ people can achieve their dreams, no matter what they are. Last night at the annual Country Music Awards, the Brothers Osborne won the award for Vocal Duo of the Year – marking the fourth time the Osbornes have taken home that award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcxLVx8wYoI Upon hearing of their win, the two brothers hugged each other, and…
Earlier this year, photographer Manuel Rodriguez teamed up with The Phluid Project to collaborate on a special project for World Pride. Rodriguez believed it was important to showcase the vast beauty and strength within the LGBTQ community, and the dichotomy of World Pride taking place in an era when LGBTQ rights are being stripped away served as his inspiration: “This book was to tell the world, we’re here,” he said. To create this vision, he spread the word that he would be taking photos of the LGBTQ community and for everyone to send their friends, family, and colleagues his way.…
David Hayward, better known by his artistic moniker, the Naked Pastor, has been creating cartoon drawings that challenge religion and politics, and preach acceptance, equality, and love for all. And Pastor isn’t just in the name, Hayward actually once was a fervent member of the church, studying both at Pentecostal Bible College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. However, Hayward’s beliefs began to change, and he realized he wanted to take his preachings in a whole new direction. Now, though he’s a cisgender, heterosexual male, Hayward’s dedication and belief in love and equality have turned him into a dedicated ally to the…
The parliament of Hungary has passed legislation that effectively bans LGBTQ content in that country. The measure, which passed by a vote of 157-1, makes it illegal for LGBTQ issues to be taught in school, for media to portray LGBTQ people, and it even bans advertisements that have LGBTQ themes. According to Hungary’s extremist, far-right ruling party, the measure is aimed at preventing pedophilia, which doesn’t make any sense because LGBTQ people are not pedophiles. So how exactly does banning LGBTQ content from minors stop pedophilia? This is beyond any rational reasoning, but sadly in Hungary reasoning means nothing. Similar…
Orbitz, easily the most inclusive online travel agency, is once again showing their commitment to the LGBTQ community. This time, they’re teaming up with Jeremy Pope and Indya Moore, the stars in FX’s POSE. Together they’re launching #TheJourney project which is all about celebrating the people and places that have helped you come into your own. From supportive relatives to inspirational teachers and more, #TheJourney is all about giving thanks for the special people and places in your life. Orbitz is encouraging everyone to visit Orbitz.com/thejourney from December 1-6 so you can share your own story. Better yet, for every…
DIVA media group, along with The Advocate, and Kantar, have released the findings from a new survey of LGBTQ+ women. The answers were received prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, so they give a good indication of what women were feeling during relative “normal” times. In all, they managed to get over 1,400 responses to the survey, proving to be the largest piece of research of LGBTQ+ women to date. Now, as Lesbian Visibility Week begins, DIVA has released the survey results, and some might surprise you. The results from the survey revealed that 43% suffer from stress and anxiety and…
The documentary film A Secret Love tells the story about professional female baseball player Terry Donahue and her wife Emma Marie Henschel. The two had to keep their love a secret for decades due to homophobia from both their family and the public. In fact, despite being together for almost 70 years, the couple didn’t actually get married until 2015, when it was finally legal to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghv3-lpFOcc Donahue played for the Illinois-based women’s baseball teams the Redwings and the Admiral Music Maids back in the 40s. Though Donahue played almost every position in the game, she was most commonly…
A draft bill has entered Ghana’s parliament that will imprison everyone in the LGBTQ community and anyone who supports them. According to The Guardian, the bill, tentatively titled the “promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values bill” states that LGBTQ and intersex people are intrinsically wrong, are against God’s wishes, and are hurting society. The bill is even threatening “violators” with “no less than five years” and “up to ten years” imprisonment. According to BBC West Africa (which is written in Pidgin), the bill states, “Anybody wey go use media, technological platform, technological account or any other…
Adam Berry is having a bit of a moment. His paranormal investigation show Kindred Spirits is one of Travel Channel’s most popular, and is currently filming its fourth season. Adam also participates in Strange Escapes with his Kindred Spirits co-star Amy Bruni, where the two, along with other paranormal professionals, guide participants through ghost hunts at some of America’s most haunted locals. And to top it all off, he’s happily married to his handsome husband, Ben Berry. Seeing as October is here, autumn is in the air, and Halloween in fast approaching, I sat down with Adam to ask him…
The LGBTQ History Project, a New England-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the voices of past queer icons, has just launched a new calendar that’s sure to make the perfect holiday gift to any LGBTQ person or ally on your list this year. The calendar is loaded with historical photos taken throughout the years, and each page offers fascinating information into queer history. For example, did you know that on October 13, 1982, Jerry Falwell and Virginia Apuzzo debated gay rights on national television during a segment on The Phil Donahue Show? Or how about that it was July…