On Monday, a new ad campaign from Cathay Pacific titled “Move Beyond” was meant to showcase the airline’s dedication and commitment to its customers. Part of this campaign includes diversity. Cathay Pacific, being one of Asia’s earliest global carriers, knows the importance of diversity as it has been flying passengers of all genders, races, and sexualities for decades. The new ad (image featured above) was swiftly banned from appearing on Hong Kong’s various forms of mass transit for being “immoral, and offending the generally accepted standards of public decency and the social or cultural standards of the society,” said a…
Author: Keith Langston
The United Kingdom has just expanded Turing’s Law, a measure that seeks to pardon LGBTQ people who were convicted of archaic crimes, largely aimed at gay men who were convicted under sodomy laws. According to NBC News, gay sex was legalized in the UK in 1967, but the age of consent was kept higher (at 21 years of age) for gay men than for heterosexuals (which was 16 years of age) all the way until 2001. This means that someone who was 25 or 26 could have been convicted of pedophilia for having sex with someone who was 20 years…
9-1-1 quickly skyrocketed into one of FOX’s most-watched series. The show centered around larger-than-life disasters and pulpy, campy fun. Before long, the series received a spin-off, 9-1-1: Lone Star, which is set in Austin, Texas. Along with longtime Hollywood veterans like Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler are three LGBTQ stars. First, Brian Michael Smith, who stars as firefighter Paul Strickland, became the first Black trans man to star in a network television series. Smith told NBC News he was excited to work on the show because he’s also able to portray a trans character in the series, giving a voice…
Republicans are continuing their attack on LGBTQ rights and are continuing to demonize the community in order to win votes without having to tackle America’s real, pressing issues. The newest target in Republicans’ scapegoating scheme is television. It’s been revealed that five Republican senators have signed a letter asking for shows to be given a special content warning if they feature LGBTQ characters. According to LGBTQ Nation, the five senators are Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Steve Daines (R-MT). The publication quotes the group’s letter, which says, “In recent years, concerning topics…
Earlier this week, Elizabeth Warren shared a powerful moment on her social media. During a rally in Iowa, a 17-year-old high schooler named Raelyn asked Warren a question. Raelyn said, “I was wondering if there was ever a time in your life where somebody you really looked up to… um” then Raelyn slightly paused, seemingly nervous, “maybe didn’t accept you as much? And how you dealt with that?” See Warrens answer below: https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1201523273202327552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1201523273202327552&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcrooksandliars.com%2F2019%2F12%2Felizabeth-warren-shares-emotional-moment According to CNN, who briefly interviewed Raelyn after the exchange, Raelyn identifies as part of the LGBTQ community and had extended family visiting for the holidays. She…
NYC Pride announced today that tickets are on sale for the opening ceremony of this summer’s epic WordPride. The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, from 7-10 P.M. NYC Pride says the ceremony will be formatted as a benefit concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Proceeds from the ticket sales to this historic concert event will support the Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE. The event is set to be a star-studded who’s-who of New York. EGOT-winning actress, Whoopi Goldberg, is primed to host the event. Goldberg stated, “I’ve been a longtime advocate of the…
Club Cumming, the popular East Village lounge founded by the legendary Alan Cumming himself, will be opening “Club Cumming on the Coast” in Kennebunkport, Maine this summer. The seaside village is home to intimate resorts, stunning ocean views, and endless acres of New England charm. This summer though, Club Cumming will be turning the town into a red hot piano bar and cabaret. The Manhattan lounge is famous for its Broadway singers, jazz bands, drag performances, burlesque shows, and more. Now, the troupe will bring all that excitement to the Maine Coast. Anchored at the Kennebunkport Inn, the show will…
Out of the Blue, the a capella group of Oxford University, is celebrating the holiday season by doing their own rendition of Elton John’s popular Christmas hit ‘Step Into Christmas’. The group has performed numerous Christmas songs in the past, including Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’, ‘I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard, ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham, and many more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuDVzqtJmb8 Their new version of ‘Step Into Christmas’ is a charity single that’s raising money for the Helen and Douglas House, a nonprofit that cares for terminally ill children and their families. Out of…
MAC Cosmetics is one of the most prominent names in the cosmetic industry, known for its bold colors and edgy appeal. In 1994, MAC launched Viva Glam, a rotating selection of cosmetics where 100% of profits go directly towards nonprofits that help women, the LGBTQ community, and those who are living with HIV/AIDS, including organizations like Broadway Cares. This year’s collection, Viva Glam x Keith Haring takes inspiration from the bright, bold primary colors that Keith Haring was known for in his famed artworks. The highlights of the collection are the electrifying lipsticks that can give any look a beautiful…
Costa Rica, the Central American nation known for its gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, and abundant wildlife, is about to be known for something else: The first Central American nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Back in August 2018, the country voted to implement same-sex marriage, and that ruling is set to go into effect at the end of this month on May 26th. Despite widespread acclaim for the ruling, some conservatives are trying to delay the implementation of the law. In fact, recently, two members of Costa Rica’s National Liberation Party (PLN) got into a physical altercation over the matter. David…
You’ve probably heard that The Dixie Chicks have recently changed their name to The Chicks. The band has decided to distance themselves from a word that’s heavily associated with the Confederate South. The change has enraged some conservatives, but this isn’t the band’s first brush with controversy. Back during the Bush era, the band famously received extreme backlash from Americans (including death threats) because of their comments about the sad direction America was moving in. While many thought that incident was going to be the death of the band, The Chicks came back swinging with their manifesto album Taking the…
I was lucky enough to snag a seat on Virgin Atlantic’s Pride Flight, which flew from London Heathrow into New York City to herald in the start of WorldPride. The flight was, put simply, completely insane. I’m talking conga lines through the aisles, Britney blasting on the speakers, and the plane being completely depleted of its alcohol supply. It was a flight that will surely go down in history. Here are 8 things that made it epic! THE FUN BEGAN AT THE AIRPORT The festivities began the second you walked up to the doors of Heathrow’s T3. A giant…
Comedic actress and legendary gay icon Fran Drescher is set to star in Lifetime’s new LGBTQ holiday movie, The Christmas Setup. In the film, Hugo heads home to Milwaukee for the holidays. But once he arrives, his mom (Drescher) decides to play a little matchmaking between him and his high school crush. Hugo is forced to question what’s truly important in his life and what direction his life should take. It looks like the perfect offering to add to your Christmas watch-list. Plus, with Drescher involved, there’s sure to be a good dose of humor and fun along with way.…
A new ad that was posted to YouTube by Congressman Eric Swalwell features the hit Taylor Swift song, Only the Young. The ad, which according to Rolling Stone, had Swift’s full permission to use the song, features prominent moments that have shaped the last four years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VO2_KG6g-Q&feature=emb_logo It shows moments from the COVID pandemic, the #MeToo movement, ICE raids, the Black Lives Matter protests, the Women’s March, the wildfires that have deviated California, attacks on the USPS, the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and more. The ad asks younger viewers what kind of country they want to live in and…
Hey, Chicagoans and visitors to the Second City! Are you looking for a great way to get outside, get some exercise, experience the beauty of your city. and help others? Take part in Chicago’s AIDS Run and Walk! In order to promote social distancing, the event will be taking place in various parts of the city throughout the week beginning September 28th. Event locations include Hyde Park, The Loop, and Lakeview, among others. There are numerous ways to take part – You can walk, run a 5k or 10k, support a participating team, or even simply by sharing the news…
OUTFEST, the world’s premiere LGBTQ entertainment festival, has partnered with the Colin Higgins Foundation to secure grants worth $15,000 to be awarded to young LGBTQ filmmakers. The Colin Higgins Foundation is named after acclaimed LGBTQ screenwriter and director Colin Higgins, who wrote hit films (and queer classics) like Harold and Maude, 9 to 5, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Sadly, Higgins was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985. After receiving his diagnosis, he was determined to help the future of the LGBTQ community in whatever way he could. He then established the Colin Higgins Foundation, which would be used…
The temporary field hospital being built in Central Park to help people affected by the Coronavrus in New York City is going to be staffed by volunteers of Samaritan’s Purse, a religious organization whose President and CEO is evangelical fanatic Franklin Graham. Graham has, to date: Thought the world was coming to an end in 2011. Claimed Obama was a Muslim and part of the Muslin Brotherhood. Thinks God helped Trump get elected. Is in favor of gay conversion therapy. Opposed gay marriage. Called Pete Buttigieg a sinner. Praised Putin’s anti-gay positions. And now, Graham’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse, will be…
Tobi, a 16-year-old transgender student at Siegel High in Murfreesboro, was harassed and threatened while using the boy’s bathroom at their high school. According to the Daily News Journal, while Tobi was using one of the stalls, a group of boys entered the bathroom yelling slurs and began banging on the stall door. At one point, Tobi had to press against the door with all their weight in order to keep it from opening. When help finally arrived, Tobi was in the stall crying and shaking with fear. Tobi was given permission to use single-person bathrooms in the school, however, on…
Sprinkles is one of the most famous names in cupcakes. During the cupcake craze of 2010, the brand exploded in popularity and even became known for their cupcake vending machines. Now, Sprinkles is using its platform to help the LGBTQ community. In honor of pride month, Sprinkles has teamed with popular Austin BBQ joint, la Barbecue. Helmed by LeAnn Mueller and her wife Alison Clem, the BBQ spot has become famous in every corner of Texas for producing some of the state’s most badass brisket, ribs, and house-made sausages. For Pride Month, the ladies have partnered with Sprinkles to bring the…
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved an injectable form of “PrEP.” Currently, PrEP is taken orally and known by brand names Truvada and Descovy, among others. According to The Washington Post, which cited the CDC, oral PrEP is up to 99% effective when taken daily, but its efficacy drops when intake becomes sporadic or patients begin missing doses. The new injectable form of PrEP, which goes by the name of Apretude, seeks to solve this problem by becoming a bi-monthly injection. To start, patients will get two shots, one month apart. After that, patients will…
Part burlesque, part musical, and part spectacle, with a pinch of Hedwig and the Angry Inch thrown in. If you’re asking what this is, it’s LatinXoxo, the new one-man show by performer Migguel Anggelo. The show premiered earlier this year at Joe’s Pub and went on to be featured in the Afterglow Festival. Now, due to popular demand, Anggelo will reprise his show for three nights only at Joe’s Pub. Preview night is October 15 and then the show will run November 6-7. The show is inspired by Anggelo’s Venezuelan background. Machismo culture is prevalent in Latin countries, so growing…
Today, in a groundbreaking ruling, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize gay marriage! The country of almost 24 million people celebrated as the ruling was announced. President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted after the vote. “We took a big step towards true equality, and made Taiwan a better country.” and #LoveWon is currently trending on Twitter. It’s great to see that a country in Asia has stepped forward in this landmark decision. Now that Taiwan has legalized same-sex marriage, the doors for other countries in the region to do the same have been blown wide open. If you’re planning on…
LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA is bringing entertainment to everyone during the coronavirus outbreak. Starting March 28, at 8pm ET, VACAYA will begin their Saturday Night Spotlight. Each weekend, the spotlight will feature a different performer, live from their own home. VACAYA knows that entertainers have suddenly stopped being able to generate any income, so in response, the company decided to create a way where their talent could still perform. Hence, Saturday Night Spotlight was born. VACAYA will be paying their performers per show, and a Venmo tip jar will also be available. To watch, all you need to do is…
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…
Today, President Biden signed an executive order to reverse Trump’s transgender military ban in yet another win for equality. With Biden’s policy, trans people are able to openly serve in the United States military. According to CNN, Biden stated, “This is reinstating a position that the previous commanders, as well as the secretaries, have supported. And what I’m doing is enabling all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform.” The ban on transgender people serving in the military was just one of Trump’s many homophobic and anti-LGBTQ actions. Most notable was Trump’s choice for Vice President, Mike Pence, who…
In yet another blow to the LGBTQ community from the Trump administration, according to the New York Times, Washington Post, NBC News, and more, the US State Department will not allow US Embassies around the world to fly the pride flag during June. Multiple embassies requested permission, to which the State Department responded that flags could not be flown “on public-facing flagpoles,” according to the NYT article, but could still be flown in other places, such as inside… Sadly, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The Trump administration has been avidly hateful of the LGBTQ community. Our current…
According to NBC News, this year, 77 commercials will air during the Super Bowl, bringing in a whopping $400 million dollars in profit for FOX. The Super Bowl is the most expensive time-slot of the entire year, with each commercial costing companies millions of dollars. But this year, a new trend is taking place in a very unlikely space…Inclusivity at the Super Bowl. That’s right, this year’s commercials are filled with LGBTQ personalities and famous females. Here are eight #superbowl commercials you’ll must see! SABRA HUMMUS Starring Miz Cracker and Kim Chi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ex5xnVm2po RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Miz Cracker…
The Stephen Petronio Company was founded in 1984 by choreographer Stephen Petronio to showcase and celebrate dance, as well as to provide a platform for broader and more diverse voices in art. The dance company is teaming up with New York’s famous experimental dance center, La MaMa, to premiere Petronio’s Punk Picks and Other Delights from November 18-21, 2021. The show revives a series of iconic solos and duets from Petronio’s formative days in the East Village, featuring collaborations from the ’80s and ’90s. The program includes solos from Full Half Wrong (1993), Stephen’s version of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of…
Trixie Mattel. Drag queen, singer, songwriter, autoharp pro, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and star of her YouTube series UNHhhh alongside her drag partner-in-crime, Katya. With all this success, Trixie has become a world traveler. Whether she’s selling out concert halls to play music or on the road with Katya for UNHhhh Live, one thing’s for sure, she’s been everywhere. I had the privilege of catching up with Trixie at New York’s DragCon to discuss all things travel. From her favorite destinations to her must-have travel accessory, and even an inflatable urine-filled pillow…Trixie Mattel reveals it all. By…
A group for LGBTQ Fox Corp. staff (which consists of assets like the Fox channel, Fox News, Fox Business, TMZ, and more) has reportedly made internal complaints about the blatant bigotry and homophobia being spewed across Fox News in recent weeks. Being a Republican propaganda network, Fox News has given its full support to Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, and his hatred of the LGBTQ community. In order to support his “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Fox News has resorted to demonizing the LGBTQ community and supporting harmful conspiracy theories that gays are all “grooming” young children to apparently become gay. The…