FOR NOW - he has a message for the gay people of Russia...YOU ARE WONDERFUL!
Russian gay activist Nikolai Alexeyev, who until now was considered Russia’s top lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocate, appears to have ended his political career tonight in a series of anti-Semitic Facebook and Twitter posts that have even his most ardent supporters calling out his ongoing anti-Semitism.
I’d reported earlier on Alexeyev’s anti-Semitic social media posts last week, and on his earlier run-in with charges of anti-Semitism. Last week, in an apparent fit of ire against a (Jewish) man who penned an op ed in OUT magazine critical of him, Alexeyev retweeted comments calling the author a “jewish pig†and “israeli monkey,†and calling OUT magazine a “jewish slut magazine that supports jews and their filthy faggotry propaganda.†Alexeyev then tweeted and posted on Facebook his own comments about Jewish vodka being made from sperm. More at America Blog
In a call earlier today, U.S. Treasury Department Secretary Jacob Lew told leadership of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and other LGBT interest groups that effective immediately the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage.
"Today's ruling provides certainty and clear, coherent tax filing guidance for all legally married same-sex couples nationwide. It provides access to benefits, responsibilities and protections under federal tax law that all Americans deserve," said Secretary Lew. "This ruling also assures legally married same-sex couples that they can move freely throughout the country knowing that their federal filing status will not change."
This is a major victory for the entire equality movement, but especially for married same-sex couples who own and operate businesses. LGBT people who are legally married in one of the 13 states that grant same-sex marriage, can now ensure their business is a "family" business and are legally entitled to determine the legacy of their wealth.
The NGLCC will continue to work with LGBT small business owners to ensure they are equipped with all the pertinent knowledge and resources throughout this transition. The organization will also advise dozens of our more than 140 corporate partners who will be augmenting grossing-up best practices as a result of this announcement.
Other key takeaways:
- Joint filing beginning 2014 for couples married in 2013.
- Retro-active filing for those married in the past three years.
- Same tax treatment for items like income, gifts, and estate.
The 700 Clubs Pat Robertson claimed that gay people in San Francisco wear special rings in order to cut people so they can then intentionally infect them with AIDS when they shake hands.
Thankfully, CBN edited Robertson's claim out of the broadcast which it aired online, Right Wing Watch reports.
Robertson's claim came in a response to a viewer question from "a woman who wondered if it was wrong for the church not to inform her that a man she was driving to worship services is 'dying of AIDS,.'"
Robertson rambled:
“There are laws now, I think the homosexual community has put these draconian laws on the books that prohibit people from discussing this particular affliction, you can tell somebody you had a heart attack, you can tell them they’ve got high blood pressure, but you can’t tell anybody you’ve got AIDS...
...You know what they do in San Francisco, some in the gay community there they want to get people so if they got the stuff they’ll have a ring, you shake hands, and the ring’s got a little thing where you cut your finger. Really. It’s that kind of vicious stuff, which would be the equivalent of murder."
Wrote Miller in a letter published on GLAAD's website:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice.
Said GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz: "Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians: you are not alone. "As people from across the globe continue to speak out against this horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law."
During his time acting on Prison Break, Miller repeatedly denied he was gay. He was also tied to actor Luke McFarlane.
Cedar Point amusement park, one the biggest coaster parks in the US, initially limited the contest to male and female couples because it said state law doesn’t allow gay couples to legally marry in Ohio. A spokesman says the park decided to cancel the event once it started to take on political undertones, reported the Sandusky Register.
Akron couple Scott Kenimond, 37, and Eric Morrison, 28, who had considered holding their commitment ceremony at the park, recruited friends and strangers to send “tweets†to Cedar Point, asking them to allow gay couples to apply.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s legal or not,†Morrison said. “You should be able to have a commitment ceremony."
Cedar Point simply decided to cancel the contest.
The theme said there was no negative intent for the contest, but that “Cedar Point does not take any official stance on political issues.â€
“I’m disappointed they would choose to go that way rather than stand behind their LGBT community,†said Morrison. “Ultimately, they’re playing it safe. But it’s a cowardly choice.â€
What kind of message does this send to their LGBT employees? to their LGBT park guests?
With marriage equality gaining in popularity, why not allow it, and be the hero?
THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT -
Cedar Point does not discriminate against any guest for any reason. The ‘Friday the 13th Wedding’ event was created as a fun, in-park promotion to generate excitement for the kickoff of HalloWeekends. There was no negative intent.
When the promotion logistics started to take on political undertones, as indicated by several guests who gave us feedback, it was decided that now is not the best time for this event. Cedar Point does not take any official stance on political issues.
Outside of official park-provided promotions, Cedar Point does offer opportunities for all couples to have weddings, commitment ceremonies and other events here at the park. We encourage guests to contact us if they’re interested in planning such an event.
Ohioans’ certitude about gay marriage a decade ago has given way to ambiguity, potentially setting the stage next year for a second major battle on one of the most divisive social issues of our time.
Some backers of a constitutional amendment to allow two consenting adults to marry regardless of gender want to go to the statewide ballot in the 2014 gubernatorial election, a roll of the dice on a question that 62 percent of voters answered in 2004. They amended the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, effectively prohibiting same-sex marriages in Ohio.
Since then, polling shows a shift in Ohioans’ views, and there have been high-profile Republican defectors to the pro-gay-marriage side, including U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of Cincinnati and former Ohio attorney general and state auditor Jim Petro â€" both of whom changed their positions after eachhad a child come out.
In his new album, HIS FIRE, Leonard showcases a deep evolution in his voice, songwriting and producing from his 2010 home-recorded debut album, WITH A PEN.
NEW SONG AND VIDEO - WANTING IT ALL
"His Fire is a personal collection of confrontations," says Leonard. "When I started writing this album, I was drawn to the physical and emotional effects and fears of fire and its parallel relationship to man. Both can be warm and giving. Both can be strong and attractive. And both can be rather impulsive and even seen as threatening. Every song on this record is me confronting the fire and digging beneath the flames."
Leonard's passion for powerful music and individuality has helped pioneer a growing and supportive community of singers and songwriters in Chicago and has produced and hosted concerts and events that have helped raise thousands of dollars for various causes. In 2011, Leonard received the Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 Award for his outstanding contributions to the Chicago LGBTQ music and sports communities.
Russia has come under serious criticism for passing an “Anti-gay propaganda†Law which forbids anything to be said about the LGBT community to people under the age of 18 years. The law also makes LGBT parades or gatherings illegal.
Canadian Author Robert Joseph Greene has been campaigning for the law to be repealed since his gay short fairytale love story “The Blue Door†was used by Russian protesters. The short story is from Greene’s book The Gay Icon Classics of the World II which is a collection of gay love stories from different cultures. The story is about a Tsar who proclaims that his three sons could marry anyone they choose but he didn’t figure one of his sons would pick a man for his life partner.
“The law has caused considerable alarm and confusion for parents in Russia, “ says Greene “We found a website where Russian mothers are voicing their concerns about the lawâ€
Svitman.ua, a Ukrainian based Russian website that features parenting articles, recently published the full short story of “The Blue Door†for parents to read. It is illegal to publish the short story on any Russian site. Svitman has received over 87 comments from Russian parents but their concerns weren’t about the story but about the new Russian law.
Based upon the collective online comments from parents, the story was not viewed as inappropriate. However, what was more alarming was that Russian parents worry about how the new Russian anti-gay propaganda law would affect their families.
“Will I be arrested if my son or daughter turns out gay?†writes one mother’s comments.
With Russia hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, The new Russian “Anti-gay Propaganda†law has been criticized by Western politicians and human rights groups, and has raised concerns that visiting gay athletes and spectators could face discrimination or even legal action.
“This is history repeating itself when the Nazi’s hosted the 1936 Olympic Games,†says Greene “The IOC was silent when the 1936 German Olympic committee wanted to ban jews and blacks from participating and the IOC is virtually silent now and the situation is clearly deteriorating for the LGBT community just as it was for jews back in 1936.â€
Svitman link: http://svitmam.ua/user/vikad/
If we look at the Russian crisis of anti-gay laws, the rise of anti-gay fascist groups and the killing of political opponents, it becomes very clear that Russia is on the verge of collapse. Putin is also trying to revive Cold War tensions with the Snowden affair and is bullying LGBT citizens as if this had any chance of resuscitating the flaccid Russian economy. These are the symptoms of Russia's sickly infant, her dying democracy.
It's camp. It's fun. It's funny. And it addresses the real live current issues of diversity, acceptance, same-sex marriage, and the ability to be who you really are -- but through fresh eyes and with a novel approach. The producers hope to open the eyes and hearts of some, and to entertain everyone.
Also, please invite all your friends and family who you think might enjoy a romantic comedy that will challenge their beliefs on issues like interracial marriage, ageism, common body issue stereotypes, and GLBT issues, this feature film will make them laugh and think.
There is no nudity. No violence. No bad language. So, why watch? We believe you'll be glad you did. We also know your friends will think your amazing for having recommended such an amazing film to them FOR FREE! Yep, no Netflix account needed here.
My third album, "Everything I Have," is the album I was born to make. As the liner notes say, "It's hard to imagine working any harder or capturing more of my heart and soul than I did on this record."
These are the stories of my life...spirutual beliefs, joys, heartbreak, insecurities, resiliance, and of course love. My name is John Jones, and this is "Everything I Have."
Special thanks go to:
Steve Willis for directing the video and creating it's concept.
Post production by Cody Swanson (editor), Shannon Laskey (graphics), Dustin Wadsworth and Thomas Ramsey (post effects).
The groovy dancers in the video are Princess Lockerooo in red, C.J. Quinones looking all sexy in the tank top and Muffinhead Daehniffum in all white.
Milk Studios in NYC for donating their exquisite space to a zany drag queen and crew!
Bobby Shaw for everything! And all the DJs who have supported us on our intergalactic quest to make the universe dance.
Billy Erb (NYC) for his amazing album cover photo.
My friend/phenomenal singer Phillip Ramirez for introducing me to Wayne/Lybra Records and for always encouraging me to sing and write music."
Queer Nation has organized a boycott of Russian vodka.
From their statement:
In light of the Putin regime's attacks on the LGBT community, Queer Nation is calling for a worldwide boycott of Russian vodka.
Do not buy or drink Russian vodka: Brands include Russian Standard and Stolichnaya. Demand that bar owners do not buy or serve Russian vodka. Ask your favorite club promoters, DJs, and entertainers to insist that Russian brands are not served in the venues in which they perform.
It's time to target Russia. Dump Russian vodka!
Stoli has shown support to LGBT community in the past - is a boycott the answer, to send a message to Russian Government? At first, I wasn't sure it was the right choice - but now I do - even though Stoli has shown support to the gay community, the Russian government still shares in Stoli's profits. We MUST put pressure where we can, so they stop this madness over there!
Dan Savage, columnist, author, and founder of the It Gets Better Project, published an article in Seattle's independent newspaper The Stranger on Wednesday titled “Why I’m Boycotting Russian Vodka,†urging gay bars to stop serving the brand and others like Russian Standard, Shustov, Starka, and Stolnaya.
“[T]here is something we can do right here, right now, in Seattle and other U.S. cities to show our solidarity with Russian queers and their allies," wrote Savage on Wednesday. "And to help to draw international attention to the persecution of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, and straight allies in Putin's increasingly fascistic Russia: DUMP RUSSIAN VODKA.â€
The SPI Group, which owns Stolichnaya Vodka, contacted The Advocate today to release an open letter to the LGBT community. The statement stressed that Stoli “firmly opposes such attitude and actions†committed by the Russian government and continues to be a “fervent supporter and friend†of the community, pointing to past endorsements of Pride events and LGBT organizations.
The statement claimed that the Luxembourg-based company is not affiliated with the Russian government, and that the vodka's production is divided between Russia and Latvia.
Cory Monteith, who played heart throb Finn Hudson in the Fox hit "Glee," was found dead in a Vancouver, Canada, hotel room Saturday, police said. He was 31.
Vancouver police said the cause of death was not immediately apparent, but they ruled out foul play.
Medical examiners will conduct an autopsy Monday.
Monteith's body was discovered by staff members at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel after he missed his checkout time, acting Chief Constable Doug LePard told reporters.
Monteith apparently had several people over to his room at one point Friday night, but LePard said Monteith, who had checked in July 6, was seen on hotel surveillance video returning to his room in the early morning hours by himself.
Monteith spent time in rehab this year, checking into a drug addiction treatment facility in late March.
He had been frank about his struggles with substance abuse, telling Parade magazine in 2011 that he began using drugs at 13, and by 19 went into rehab after his mother and friends intervened.
"I had several interactions with him yesterday where he said that he was doing amazing," Shankman said. "He even said I am feeling fantastic. I'm like everybody else, really devastated and confused by what happened."
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