Category Archives: News and Happenings
San Francisco Remembers Harvey Milk Nov 27th
Source Towleroad
Gay rights icon Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone will be remembered on November 27 at 7 pm with a candlelight walk from the plaza named for Milk to City Hall, where they were assassinated by SF Supervisor Dan White 40 years ago.
The walk, which will echo the spontaneous march that took place shortly after the murders, is being organized by the Harvey Milk LBTQ Democratic Club, which writes: “In November of 1978, bookending the Thanksgiving holiday, the city of San Francisco and, it might be said, the world was changed forever. The double horror of the tragedy at Jonestown, followed by the slaying of Harvey Milk and George Moscone was a crushing trauma to the heart and soul of San Francisco, and yet in that darkness we rose together in candlelight not only to remember those we had lost but to strengthen and galvanize ourselves to give them voice to continue their fight and and vision for the future….In honour of that same eloquent response, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club invites all to join us in quiet reflection from those who knew these great advocates of social justice at Harvey Milk Plaza. Following this, we will walk in candlelight to the steps of City Hall where current community leadership will echo their vision, just as those who were there did that warm November night in 1978.
Barbra Streisand Walls CD and Trump
BARBRA chatted with NPR recently;
Scott Simon: Why was it important to you to do this album?
Barbra Streisand: Because I could express my thoughts and feelings at a time when I was feeling sad and heartbroken about what’s happening to our country. And I’m so grateful that I have music in my life that gives me the chance to express my feelings through my work.
I gather the song “Don’t Lie to Me” is not about a busted love affair.
No. I started off trying to create that so that more people could relate to it in a way — lovers who go through this all the time. But it’s like that joke: A woman walks in and her husband is in bed with another woman. She gasps, and he says, “Well, who are you going to believe: me or your lying eyes?” I guess it’s about lies: The lies that are coming out of this administration are very unpleasing, unsettling. Maybe that means so much to me because I was lied to as a child. I’ve based my whole career on telling the truth.
Read the lengthy interview HERE.
Her newest cd Walls finds Barbra exploring both her concerns and hopes for the future in a collection filled with beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. In addition to the three original tunes which the Oscar-winning songwriter contributed to, the songs on Walls explore topics near to the celebrated artist’s heart. Streisand also brings a fresh perspective to the classic songs “Imagine” and “What A Wonderful World,” and the Bacharach/David pop standard “What The World Needs Now.” The penultimate song that Streisand sings is a timely one called “Take Care Of This House” by the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner.
Of all the reasons there are to love Barbra Streisand – and if you find that proposition contentious, I encourage you to stop reading and do something else – the quickest and easiest can be found in the answer she gives to the first question I ask her. Streisand, speaking on the phone from her home in LA, is about to release Walls, her first album of primarily original songs since 2005 and for which she has written the bulk of material. The lyrics are sharp and political, the arrangements are strong, but it is the vocals that are the most surprising: crisp, forceful, with none of the mellowing one might expect of a 76-year-old artist who on recent albums has seemed muted. I mention this to her – how great she sounds – and she bursts out laughing and says: “I know! I swear to God, I don’t know where my voice came from. I would come out of the studio and [the technicians] would go, ‘How the hell?’ And I don’t know, I don’t know! It just came out of me!” – source Guardian.
Over the course of her astonishing career, Streisand has recorded a number of songs that address the human condition. Recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary song, “Don’t Lie To Me,” and the other songs on Walls are sure to add to her enduring legacy as an award-winning singer and songwriter. In 1977, she became the first woman to win an Oscar for composing the music to the timeless standard “Evergreen” (Love Theme from A Star Is Born), which also went on to win the Grammy for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe. In addition, she has been duly recognized throughout her career for compositions on film projects emblematic of her songwriting gifts.
Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour
They are back! A fabulous assortment of your favorite queens!
Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour!
COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU! 37 cities!
It’s a Hilarious evening of holiday performances featuring contestants from the reality television show on VH1.
(Line up will vary by city – check online for your city and tickets HERE)
These talented girls will get you into the holiday spirit, with a naughty twist!
Plus special guests the Zakar Twins as Santa’s helpers!
This special event is Presented by Murray & Peter.
Get tour info at www.DragFans.com
Super Fan packages are also available in the first few rows with a first-in-line meet and greet pass, official tour poster and laminate with lanyard.
The holidays were never this naughty!
All ages welcome.
Tickets range $35 – $150
TORCH SONG on Broadway! Limited Run!
I am SO LUCKY, that as a young gay boy about 22 years old, I think it was 1982, I made it to New York city (from small town Michigan) and got into Studio 54 for an amazing evening and also got to see Harvey Fierstein on Broadway in Torch Song Trilogy with Mathew Broderick and Estelle Getty! ( I had read about the show in After Dark magazine, and seeing the show was the primary reason for my trip).
In that eye opening trip to the big apple I saw amazing clubs that are no longer around. I also met Andy Warhol on that trip! All the things I had read about NYC were true! What a trip! My little gay life would never be the same!
Harvey and the story left such an impression on my soul. I followed Harvey’s career over the years and saw his works whenever I could. He is genius to me, and “an icon.”
So I was THRILLED beyond belief to see Torch Song, a compact version of Torch Song Trilogy, make it to the stage in New York!
And with Michael Urie no less! Who I met in Chicago when he performed “Buyer & Cellar”. He is so wonderfully talented.
It’s magical that Torch Song is at the Hayes Theater, on it’s 35th anniversary, on the same Broadway stage where the Tony Award-winning premiere forever changed the face of popular entertainment. Along with the talented Drama Desk Award Winner Michael Urie, Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl shines are Arnold’s mother.
Torch Song Trilogy won Tonys for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play for Fierstein. 3 years on Broadway, it was truly a landmark show!
I am sure most of you know the story, but there may be some younger people reading who do not know the story; This show is fiercely funny and heart-wrenching. Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song follows Arnold
Beckoff’s (Mr. Urie) odyssey to find happiness in New York. All he wants is a husband, a child, and a pair of bunny slippers that fit, but a visit from his overbearing mother (Ms. Ruehl) reminds him that he needs one thing more: respect.
This story was of Arnold’s struggle to be accepted as a young Jewish gay man living in New York City in the late 1970s and ’80s. What’s amazing, in some ways, is that it was powerful then to me; this is pre AIDS, pre gay marriage, PRE EVERYTHING and today the story is still just as powerful.
“Forty years after writing Torch Song, it still speaks to audiences making them laugh and weep and happy,” says Fierstein in a statement. “Unbelievable. And to now return to the theater where it played all those years ago… Beyond wishes… Beyond dreams.. Beyond the most outrageous fantasy.”
“A great play makes you think, and what’s going on in the White House is always in the back of our minds,” Urie told NewNowNext about the timeliness of the revival. “We’re all confused, terrified, and clinging to each other, so Arnold, the ultimate caretaker, is the kind of friend we need right now. Yes, he’s flawed, but he has so much heart and compassion.”
I urge you to see this brilliant show, if you haven’t already! LIMITED RUN!!
Join Arnold on this all too human journey about the families we’re born into, the families we choose, and the battles to bring them all home.
Torch Song is playing at the Hayes Theater at 240 West 44th Street.
Directed by Tony Award nominee Moisés Kaufman
www.torchsongbroadway.com
CHER New Cd and Tour
SEE THAT GIRL…
WATCH THAT GIRL…
SHE’S THE DANCING QUEEN!
She’s back! At 72 and going strong!
The one and only Cher will released Dancing Queen last week, a new album of all Abba hits by Warner Bros. Records.
The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winning icon was inspired to record the album following her stunning performance in the recently-released mega-hit film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Commented Cher: “I’ve always liked Abba and saw the original Mamma Mia musical on Broadway three times. After filming Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, I was reminded again of what great and timeless songs they wrote and started thinking ‘why not do an album of their music?’ The songs were harder to sing than I imagined but I’m so happy with how the music came out. I’m really excited for people to hear it. It’s a perfect time.”
Dancing Queen was recorded and produced in London and Los Angeles with Cher‘s longtime collaborator Mark Taylor, who previously produced Cher‘s global smash “Believe” which was number one in over 50 countries. And it does not disappoint! I truly love the last song on CD I think the best, “One of Us”.
Cher is scheduled to be awarded a Kennedy Center Honor on December 2nd in Washington DC.
She is a co-producer of the The Cher Show, the upcoming Broadway musical opening on December 3rd ( we saw it in Chicago and LOVED IT!)
She is currently performing a residency at MGM Resorts. Get tickets HERE!
NEW TOUR – The Here We Go Again Tour is the seventh solo concert tour by American singer-actress Cher in support of her twenty-sixth studio album Dancing Queen. It is the first time the singer tours Oceania since her Living Proof: The Farewell Tour in 2005. The tour started on September 21, 2018 and will finish on May 18, 2019.
Cities with Ticket links HERE
Summer Drag Camp – Camp Wannakiki
The premise is simple… take eight drag queens to see who can last the week at an actual Summer Camp and claim the crown “Queen of Camp!” CAMP WANNAKIKI is a new drag reality show airing on YouTube.
This hilarious new show features eight of the campiest campers in the Midwest (O’laysia Prime, Dominique DeGrant, VajayJ Snappinturtle, Pagan Holladay, Sylvia Nixx, Alexis P Bevels, Muffy Fishbasket and C’est Kevvie), along with kooky Camp Counselor Dear Ruthie and Camp Directors Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi!
Each episode reprises a day at camp, where campers perform various activities best suited for 10 year olds, as opposed to grown-ass drag queens. Tune in for the hilarity that ensues!
This entertaining competition keeps the focus on fun and friendship, while giving drama and backstabbing the cold shoulder, as was the goal of creators and producers Ashley and Brandon Wright.
The Wrights are real life twin brothers and drag life twin sisters Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi Sugarbaker. The twins are also co-owners of Hamburger Mary’s International, and were recently featured on the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.” Going on 20 locations, Mary’s is known not only for their gourmet burgers, but also for putting on great drag shows across the country.
Let’s Eat, drink and be “Mary” this summer at Camp Wannakiki!
Follow the campy fun on YouTube
Camp Wannakiki FB page
365 Days of Love Letters
Dive into the modern games of love.
“365 Days of Love Letters,” an episodic romantic drama, follows two Millennial best friends who embark on a path of self-discovery, chronicling romance, heartbreak, and rebirth through the lens of technology. Together, the two face addiction to love, security, and fantasy. Join the movement to make a new series come to life.
With Chris Salvatore (the Eating Out series), RJ Aguiar (social media pioneer), and Caitlainne Gurreri (Grey’s Anatomy, All My Children) headlining the show, this new series is generating buzz already and has begun to attach several key players who round out the team across acting, producing, marketing, fashion, and music. From the team alone, we have cumulatively generated over 13 million YouTube views, 2 million Facebook fans, 405K Instagram followers, 171K YouTube subscribers, and 169K Twitter followers. Created by Kyle Thomas and produced by Jessica Bryant, the show was shot by Jessica Ramos (worked on Breaking Bad, Hail, Caesar!, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) and will be scored by powerhouse Craig J Snider (worked with Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Kelly Clarkson). Craig J Snider will also produce three pop singles that will be released in connection with the series.
What They Need & What You Get
We are looking for $50,000 in finishing funds to complete the first season. All funding will be going to cover the costs of equipment, rentals, food for our actors and crew on set, production expenses, and post-production. We believe in building a community that lives and breathes stories that are raw, authentic, and intimate. We want you to become a part of our series — a part of our journey — and share your own love letters in the process. We have many different perks, ranging from original music, personalized calls from the cast and crew, as well as ways to bring your own art into the series.
Other Ways You Can Help
While we understand that not everyone has the ability to donate, we appreciate each and every person who supports our team and story by spreading the word about our series. Whether that’s by sharing this Indiegogo on your social media, hashtagging #Our365Letters, or telling your friends about the show/trailer, your support means the entire world.
Guide to Pride Flags
I never knew so many pride flags existed!
This info comes from Comics by Xan!
The rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag or LGBT pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements. Other older uses of rainbow flags include a symbol of peace. The colors reflect the diversity of the LGBT community, as the flag is often used as a symbol of gay pride during LGBT rights marches. While this use of the rainbow flag originated in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area, the flag is now used worldwide.
Originally devised by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker, the design has undergone several revisions since its debut in 1978, first to remove colors then restore them based on availability of fabrics. The most common variant consists of six stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The flag is typically flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would be in a natural rainbow.
Gilbert Baker (June 2, 1951 – March 31, 2017) was an American artist, gay rights activist, and designer of the rainbow flag (1978).
Lady Bunny Holiday Sale
Need a last minute holiday gift!
Your friends WILL LOVE THESE!
and they are on SALE!! WHOO HOO!!
Lady Bunny t-shirts are now on sale for $20, including shipping! (This does not include PayPal charges, however.) 100% cotton in black only, with sizes S-3XL. Order right now to ensure delivery just in time to wrap them!
The shirts feature an eye-popping design by famed illustrator Michael Economy, who’s best known for his work for both designer Anna Sui and his own creations on iheartme.com. As a testament to his talent, he totally captured that demented look in my eyes and even made me look thinner!
To help you find your perfect fit, these tees are manufactured by Next Level Apparel. They aren’t the super-duper trim fit, but they are a trimmer fit than the boxy, oversized thick cotton type. (In other words, if you are usually in between sizes, you should probably select the larger of the two. No shade intended cuz I wear a 2XL myself!
Check them out here: http://ladybunny.net/team/
Do Collegan Peptides Work?
I used to work in advanced skincare at Neiman Marcus in Chicago. I was there for three years. Seemed like every other month, some new product would come out, claiming to be revolutionary! Well it makes sense; Skin care is a $121 BILLION industry globally, and an $11 BILLION industry in the US. And it shows no signs of slowing down. People care about their skin and companies spend millions in research and development, searching for the “fountain of youth”. Or at least products the slow down the aging process.
Skin care awareness and consciousness are some of the driving forces behind the booming industry, says Kathleen Zacrep, MarketResearch.com.
Although older consumers are still key to marketing efforts, younger consumers are becoming more aware of the value in taking care of their skin, notes Zacrep. (read more about the markets and trends here.)
I was at a party recently and someone was talking about collagen supplements. “Injestibles” vs topicals. I guess they have been around for a few years, but I had not heard of them. It’s all about healing and repairing from the inside.
While collagen supplements have long existed in specialty vitamin stores, in the past couple years they’ve expanded to drug and grocery stores and are proliferating rapidly. The promise of all these pills, powders, and drinks is enough to get anyone’s attention and sounds too futuristic to be real: You can swallow a pill and turn back the clock, not just by plumping fine lines for a few hours or days, but by causing your own body to rebuild its collagen from within.
It is backed with clinical research. Research seems to indicate that there’s something real to those claims. In a large double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in early 2014, women took 2.5 g of a particular hydrolyzed collagen peptide once a day; after 8 weeks, researchers measured a 20% reduction in wrinkle depth around the women’s eyes.
I am all about turning back time!
After doing my own research, I found this company, Vital Proteins.
They say, “Vital Proteins helps people feel better and live fuller lives through sustainably-sourced nutrition products, promoting health, fitness and natural beauty. We do that by providing nourishing collagen and promoting our production of collagen – an essential nutrient stripped from our diets by modern food-processing.
We know that while our bodies’ collagen production slows as we age, our need for it only grows as our bodies become less efficient and we maintain a vibrant life. And Vital Proteins believes that if you want to, you can make the most out of every moment you’re given – that your body shouldn’t be a limitation, but a catalyst.”
So I decided to give it a try. Not only is it supposed to be good for your skin, but helps your hairs, nails, bones and digestive system.
The company arranged for me to try a 30 day kit. It included 2 pills; Beef liver capsules and Beauty Boost Capsules. A box of Collagen peptide powder – that I made a drink with. And Collagen Creamer to add to morning coffee. It was a 30 day supply but I did miss a few days. So it lasted about 40 days. I can honestly say, and I was not paid to say this, I thought my skin had improved and looked better, it had a bit of a “glow”, my hair felt thicker, and my digestive tract felt like it had improved. (I am 53, by the way).
And you don’t have to take my word for it – this company has been featured in many prominent articles.
I strongly encourage you to check these products out! – we give it 5 pink crowns!
Broadway Cares – Christmas Carols for a Cure
Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, Hamilton, Waitress and A Bronx Tale.
The Christmas season is in full show tune swing now that the 19th volume of Broadway’s Carols for a Cure has arrived. The latest compilation from the beloved series continues Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ tradition of pairing the casts from award-winning Broadway musicals with seasonal songs that are both classic and new. Once again, the result is pure magic and is sure to help make the 2017 holiday season shine brighter than ever before.
“These are all new, original recordings, creatively arranged and performed by the incredibly talented performers and musicians from the 2017 Broadway season,” explains producer Lynn Pinto who, once again, collaborates with engineer Andros Rodriguez on the album. Pinto allows each company a great deal of freedom in choosing the material and the style of the arrangement. She adds, “We record the musicians and singers in layers, utilizing isolation booths for a higher quality recording. It gives the album a unique sound from most cast albums and allows us to showcase some of the best voices and instrumentalists in the world.”
The first Broadway’s Carols for a Cure album debuted in 1999, making this year’s album the 19th in the annual series. Fans of Broadway will be overjoyed to hear recordings from Tony Award winning casts of Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, Come From Away and many more:
WICKED God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Highlights are copious but include Billy Porter and the cast of Kinky Boots singing an all-new, rockin’ version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and the cast of A Bronx Tale performing “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” in a New Yawker-style that will have listeners humming for days.Additionally, Meghan Toohey (Sara Barielles’ long-time guitarist) serves up a lovely 1960s-style original song, “Wonder What You Got For Me,” featuring the talented Anastacia McCleskey and the rest of the company and band from Waitress; and Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the composer/lyricist team behind Anastasia perform their original carol, “All Those Christmas Cliches,” along with their award-winning cast.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with serious illnesses including AIDS receive the health care and support they need. In addition, they provide financial support in the form of grants to AIDS and family service organizations throughout the country.
“The 19th volume of Broadway’s Carols for a Cure is the best yet,” promises Lynn Pinto. “It exudes such warmth, like a cozy blanket on a snowy Winter’s day.”
The 2-CD set is in the web store at BroadwayCares.org or by calling Broadway Cares at 212-840-0770.
Tom of Finland Red Wine
Tom of Finland Wines (tomoffinlandwines.com), a new label created in tribute to the legacy and artwork of Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920-1991), popularly known as Tom of Finland, is pleased to announce its inaugural release – the 2015 OUTstanding RED. Following a successful launch in Finland in 2016, Tom of Finland Wines is making its US debut, with the wine available exclusively direct-to-consumer on the website for $24 per bottle.
Tom of Finland Wines is made in partnership with the Tom of Finland Foundation, a non-profit started in 1984 by TOM and Durk Dehner. Though the Foundation’s original purpose was to preserve TOM’s vast catalog of work, today the Foundation has greatly expanded its efforts and exists to educate the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and the promotion of healthier, more tolerant attitudes towards sexuality through experiential workshops, residencies and exhibitions.
Terry Miller, Official Tom of Finland “TOM’s Man” and spokesman for Tom of Finland Wines comments on the project: “Tom is about pleasure and enjoying life. A part of enjoying life involves indulging your sensual side and appreciating the finer things… self-expression, openness and freedom – that’s why wine is the perfect manifestation in honor of the legendary artist. As for the wine, OUTstanding RED is remarkably smooth, delicious and sexy. Tom of Finland’s work is the most recognizable and important gay iconography in the world, and it both warms and excites me to see it presented front and center on the bottle of OUTstanding RED.”
Tom of Finland Wines will host an official launch party for media, trade, and consumers on December 14th in at The Oasis in San Francisco. Guests can expect a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Terry Miller, and of course, plenty of OUTstanding RED. Additional details to be published at a later date. Learn more about Tom of Finland wines on the new website www.tomoffinlandwines.com, on Facebook at ‘Tom of Finland Wines’, on Instagram at @tomoffinlandwines, and on Twitter at @tofwines.
About Tom of Finland Wines:
Tom of Finland Wines is the first time Tom of Finland enters into the world of wine. Tom of Finland Wines first introduced the OUTstanding RED California red-blend in the artist’s native home of Finland in 2016. Now available in the U.S. market, Tom of Finland Wines offers a high-quality wine crafted with detail, passion and a desire to satisfy even the most discerning wine drinker – a true tribute to TOM and his significant contribution to contemporary art and popular culture. Learn more and purchase the wine at www.tomoffinlandwines.com
AT&T Live Proud to Support LGBT Homelessness
AT&T Launches Live Proud Holidays Sweepstakes to Support True Colors Fund’s Effort to End LGBT Youth Homelessness
AT&T* is supporting the work to end LGBT youth homelessness with True Colors Fund this holiday season. AT&T invites the LGBT community and allies to take part in our Live ProudSM Holiday Campaign Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.
You can participate in this campaign to raise awareness of the LGBT youth homelessness crisis in two different ways: by participating in the AT&T Live Proud Holiday Sweeps and by sharing the campaign video.
AT&T is encouraging the LGBT community and allies to participate in this campaign by doing the following:
- From Nov. 1-26, participants can join our Live Proud Holiday Sweeps by tagging 3 friends on our AT&T Instagram post with #ProudHolidaySweeps for a chance to win a trip to NYC to attend the 7th Annual True Colors Fund Home for the Holidays benefit concert presented by AT&T on Dec. 9. The winner and 3 friends will also get to meet concert host, legendary singer and longtime LGBT advocate Cyndi Lauper.
- Share the campaign video featuring Cyndi Lauper and True Colors Fund “True Fellows.” Our goal is to reach 100,000 views.
AT&T is also contributing $100,000 to True Colors Fund’s events and programs in 2017 to help expand the work to end LGBT homelessness.
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Today 40% of America’s 1.6 million homeless youth are LGBT. The campaign video reveals important facts about LGBT youth and homelessness, and presents the work that the organization and its youth leaders are engaged in to help bring an end to this problem. Our goal is to reach 100,000 views.
Will you help us spread awareness about LGBT youth homelessness by sharing this important campaign?
BALLS A Documentary by Charlie David
Balls is a one hour documentary that covers every angle and topic we could brainstorm to do with testicles. From sex and sports to health concerns like sperm count, torsion and bringing attention to Movember we’ve left no jock-strap unexplored.
During Movember, we’re sharing our BALLS documentary series for free on YouTube! Please consider writing an article, posting these videos and sharing on your social.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to explore all things balls related in this special men’s health series.
Please share with your friends, post on your social and encourage your buddies to check their balls – or lend a helping hand – it could save a life!
November is men’s health month. Share this link with promocode FreeBalls for 50% off your rental of the unblurred, unbleepedBalls documentary on Vimeo.
Lesbian Couple Conquering Social Media
We recently discovered these lesbian vloggers, who have been creating YouTube content for some time now! They recently relocated to Chicago. They create new vlogs as frequently as possible, plus unscripted comedy, challenges, travel and entrepreneurship videos, and LGBT advice content. Vegetarians and devoted moms to their kitten, Mumford.
Well it looks like you moved here from Iowa? How long have you been here in Chicago?
Yeah! We moved to the city in July and have loved every minute of it so far!
What brought you here?
Besides the appeal of a vibrant city with so much energy and activity, we were attracted to the opportunities to advance our career goals. There’s such a great LGBTQ+ community here that we love and we do a lot of traveling, so it’s a great centrally located hub with a big airport! There are, of course, it’s other perks: deep dish pizza, the amazing Chicago sports teams, and tons of vegan restaurants for us to try out!
How long have you been together?
We have been together for 5 and a half years! It’s been such a crazy ride, but we’ve loved exploring the world and starting a business together. It’s so special that we get to share our relationship online to help so many other people and document the things we do together.
How long have you been doing videos?
We started making videos in March of 2015. At that time we wanted to start a channel as a way to have a creative outlet and a place to practice our cinematography and editing skills, because of our interest in film. As we started to pick up a following, we realized that we really had an opportunity to share some of the difficult experiences we’ve been through with coming out, self acceptance, etc with our audience. We began to share our stories online and have since been able to help literally thousands of people who send us messages and use our channel as a resource for similar struggles. Our videos have led us across the world to countries in Europe and the Caribbean to create travels films, vlogs and attend conventions for YouTube creators. We would love to see one of these conventions come to Chicago someday!
Besides vlogging, do you both do other work in Chicago?
We both have small part time jobs within the city, but what we spend the most of our time doing and what we love the most is our work on YouTube and other social platforms. Being in Chicago has already afforded us some opportunities to attend events and get involved locally using our videos. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow that more and more!
Check them out here!
Also check their podcast “Between The Sheets” that comes out every Wednesday on iTunes and soundcloud!
Andrea Gibson on Gender Identity
Andrea Gibson is not gentle with their truths. It is this raw fearlessness that has led them to the forefront of the spoken word movement– the first winner of the Women’s World Poetry Slam –Gibson has headlined prestigious performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love, and spirituality. After 7 full length albums and 2 publications Andrea is working on their 3rd published book and 8th studio album.
Their work has been featured on the BBC, Air America, C-SPAN, Free Speech TV and in 2010 was read by a state representative in lieu of morning prayer at the Utah State Legislature.
“Your Life” from Andrea’s upcoming album HEY GALAXY (out January 12th 2018)
Pre-Order the new record at www.andreagibson.com
National Coming Out Day October 11th
In anticipation of National Coming Out Day (NCOD) on Oct. 11, you might be interested in checking out some of the awesome stories collected and curated by Coming Out, a 501c3 non-profit that shares LGBTQ coming out stories.
Always expanding their reach, they are working on a NCOD social campaign in collaboration with a few different groups:
- LGBTQ Filipino-Americans (Filipino-American History Month takes place the entire month of October):
- Angela AC Dumlao (queer, non-binary), activist recently featured in NBC Asia America’s A to Z List; EJ Samson (gay male), Assistant Vice President at L’Oréal; Matthew Ortile (gay male), Global Publishing Lead at BuzzFeed, among others
- LGBTQ influencers and artists:
- James Whiteside (ABT Ballet); Levi Foster (photographer); Alex Berg (journalist)
- NYC Commissioner on Human Rights Malalis’ Office
In previous campaigns, they have worked with familiar LGBTQ faces like Dan Donigan (Milk from Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 6), Matteo Lane (comedian) and Barrett Pall (model, blogger), Max Emerson (model, actor) and others. Their stories are already live on the site.
SUBMIT YOUR personal stories!
They are constantly working to expand the diversity of their content to be as inclusive as possible. The site is open-source, so anyone is able to submit a written or video story on the Coming Out website.
also – check out –
Facebook: ComingOutDotSpace
Instagram: @ComingOut_Space
Twitter: @ComingOut_Space
YouTube: Coming Out
HIV Vaccine Moves Forward
Johnson & Johnson have announced plans to bring a HIV vaccine to large scale efficacy testing in humans, making it the first to ever reach this stage of testing.
The vaccine has been designed to treat all strains of HIV, has has already proven to be 100% effective at achieving immunity against the virus after a trial of 350 volunteers.
“Today we are thrilled to announce for the first time, that we are going into large scale efficacy testing of the HIV vaccine in humans,” announced Paul Stoffels, Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson.
“As a scientist and a physician, I can tell you that this vaccine holds the promise of groundbreaking development.”
The Gates Foundation and the National Institute of Health will now help test the vaccine on a larger sample of humans.
ALSO
CDC says, There is No Chance of HIV Transmission if Positive Partner’s Viral Load is Undetectable
The statement, which came as part of a press release from the CDC on National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day:
Scientific advances have shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) preserves the health of people living with HIV. We also have strong evidence of the prevention effectiveness of ART. When ART results in viral suppression, defined as less than 200 copies/ml or undetectable levels, it prevents sexual HIV transmission. Across three different studies, including thousands of couples and many thousand acts of sex without a condom or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), no HIV transmissions to an HIV-negative partner were observed when the HIV-positive person was virally suppressed. This means that people who take ART daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner.
Cher and Barbra and Oprah and More
from NEWSDAY –
Celebrities from stage, screen and sports — from Barbra Streisand to Justin Bieber, Julia Roberts to Jamie Foxx — banded together in a telethon Tuesday night that aired on every major network to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
“Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief” raised nearly $15 million in an hour featuring numerous pleas including one from Beyoncé, a native of Houston, which was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. “Natural disasters don’t discriminate,” she said. “They don’t see if you’re an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor . . . We’re all in this together.”
CAN YOU IMAGINE calling in and getting Cher or Barbra or Oprah on the phone???
Before leading a gospel choir on “Lean on Me,” however, Stevie Wonder couldn’t resist making a slight dig at climate change deniers.
“We should begin to love and value our planet,” he said. “And anyone who believes that there is no such thing as global warming must be blind or unintelligent.”
Andrew Christian Model Contest SIR JET
He made the first cut, now he is in the video round! PLEASE VOTE ASAP.
Sir JET #Singer, #vlogger, #model, and #gender-nonconformist Sir JET aka Joel Evan Tye!
The mysterious and alluring gender-bending Sir JET aka Joel Evan Tye is a popstar like no other. With his super-hero body and love for skin tight costumes and anime, he is what has been referred to as “Nick Lachey meets Ziggy Stardust.” The online article “The Boy Who Talked Like a Girl,” is the story of JET’s childhood struggle with gender anxiety that lead him to become an agoraphobic mute for almost a decade to only rediscover his voice again at age 20 and become the man you see today.
Stop by the “Submissions” page and cast a vote for our friend. Singer, model “Sir Jet” Joel Evan Tye.
https://2017modelsearchvideo.hscampaigns.com/#submissions
SPECIAL THANKS to EGOIST STORE on Halsted in Chicago!
EGOIST is a boutique specializing in men’s designer underwear, swimwear, athletic wear and casual wear in Lakeview, Chicago located in the heart of Boystown. Great selection of shirts, shorts, tanks and tees. Solid color or print, classic or enhancing, cotton or microfiber, brief or trunk….they got you covered!
See also
Sir Jet on Facebook
Sir Jet on YouTube
Sir Jet on Instagram
Grace Jones Documentary
“Listen to me! I’m human, man! I’m human,” Grace Jones says in the trailer for Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, a documentary that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
We’ll just see about that, won’t we? Shot over the course of a decade, Bloodlight and Bami was directed by Sophie Fiennes and documents the extraordinary Jones’s life onstage and off.
“You get all different sides with this documentary – totally natural, no makeup, just improv, no rehearsals and no special lighting until we did the performances, which I was totally involved with,” Jones recently told Now Toronto. “It’s really the first time that I unmask, I guess you could say.”
Jones also said she gave Fiennes complete creative control, aside from “a couple of ideas in the editing.”
“I never watched any of the footage,” said Jones. “I just had total trust in her, which is how I usually work when I collaborate.”
“Grace had fiercely controlled her public image, but made the bold decision to unmask,” Fiennes says. “She never sought to control my shooting process, and I didn’t second-guess the narrative of the film as I was shooting. I just gathered evidence. The film is a deliberately present-tense experience; for me this is the thrill-ride of verité cinema.”
Bloodlight And Bami juxtaposes Jones’ avant-garde stage persona with the true off-screen identity we seldom see. “The performer out there takes the risk—it’s a lonely place,” Jones says in the trailer. “But it’s a fascinating lonely place.”
“She is gypsy, artist and partying hedonist, warm and funny but also a fierce and tenacious businesswoman,” the film’s press notes promise of its subject. “This is a Grace we have not seen before.” GET A PEAK!
Best Hairline Tattoo in the World!
USE YOUR HEAD WITH SKALP®
Hair loss is a difficult subject to broach for many people. It is a topic that can cause embarrassment and social awkwardness, creating undue pressure and stress. Hair loss is as old as mankind itself but still far too many people are left to deal with this unfair stigma in silence.
While the scientific search for a permanent cure for baldness continues, recent advances in medical technology has seen an exciting new treatment become available that was never before possible. This simple technique has changed the lives of thousands of men and women in both the UK and America.
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Skalp™ lead the way in breaking down outdated taboos and fears associated with hair loss. You may have read about their amazing technique in Men’s Health, or seen their exclusive features on ITV and Channel 4’s Bodyshockers in the UK.
What makes their micropigmentation treatment so effective is the ability to offer such consistent coverage. A front, side or rear hairline can be simulated to give the look of a full head of hair. It can also be used to complement a recent hair transplant operation, or help to camouflage any scarring, alopecia or birthmarks.
How it works couldn’t be easier. Using a micro needle application, Skalp’s fully qualified and highly skilled practitioners are able to create a permanent medical hairline tattoo, which in most cases only takes 2-3 sessions to complete. In order to create the most realistic finish to match the existing texture of your hair follicles, 3-4 pigment shades are used to ensure the best accuracy possible.
Best of all, it doesn’t matter if you are in the early or latter stages of hair loss because the Skalp™ Micropigmentation treatment can perfectly restore a full or partial hairline.
There are six stages involved, with each one carefully implemented to guarantee you get the most out of the application. Skalp offer a free consultation as the first step so you can find out everything you need about the process, while their staff talk through the best options available to you. If you decide to proceed, you will then see an invaluable and free virtual hairline mock-up of how it will look once finished.
The treatment process itself is spread across 2-3 sessions, with each one lasting up to 4 hours, depending on the depth of micropigmentation required. Once perfection has been reached the service doesn’t stop there. Their aftercare support provides detailed advice to help customers keep their scalp in the best condition.
With clinics located in the UK and US in New York, Skalp™ is an accessible procedure open to a vast majority of the country. Rather than just take my word for it, get in touch and discover how it can change your life.
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