Brian Dowling: I was so fearful to come out as gay because of my religion

New York’s 18th Congressional District is widely seen as one of a handful of seats that will determine which party secures control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the midterm elections.

President Biden has finally offered a trade to Russia for the return of out WNBA star Brittney Griner and ex-marine Paul Whelan, but the offer is a tough one for some to swallow.Griner has been detained in Russia for five months just for having cannabis oil vape cartridges in her luggage — an innocent enough mistake, yet one that found her trapped in a notoriously anti-queer foreign country for months on end.Related: Megan Rapinoe gives powerful speech calling for Brittney Griner’s return homePresident Biden’s offer stipulates that if Griner and Whelan are returned safely, the U.S. will hand over a prisoner of its own: a man named Viktor Bout.Bout was a prolific Russia arms dealer sentenced in 2011 to 25 years in prison for a myriad of horrible crimes that earned him the moniker the “Merchant of Death”.

De bestrijding van aids in de wereld loopt vast. De hiv-epidemie die al 40 jaar duurt ontwikkelt zich zorgwekkend en brengt miljoenen levens in gevaar.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest LGBTQ news“Federal, state, and local government should aggressively enforce existing statutes to stop the perverted sexualization of minor children,” he said. “You have the statutes.”The “sexualization of children” is a phrase that the right has been using this past year to refer to any discussion of LGBTQ identities and children.

Both Americans, Griner and Whelan, await for Russian answers to the US dealBy: Chris Gilmore/TRT Reporter—The Biden Administration has allegedly offered Russia the release of Viktor Bout in exchange for the release of two jailed Americans, WNBA star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, according to a report from CNN. The official announcement came from the Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s press conference but he did not mention Bout nor details of the deal.The deal’s importance signals a few firsts for the U.S.It is the first time the U.S.

monkeypox outbreaks around the world.The U.N. agency declared the MPV outbreaks a global emergency over the weekend, which designates the outbreaks as needing a global response to stem the spread of the virus across borders.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, told reporters in Geneva, Switzerland, that 98 percent of global MPV cases confirmed since May have been among men who have sex with men.“This is an outbreak that can be stopped, if countries, communities, and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups,” Tedros urged.

One of two leading Democratic candidates, in a field of 11, vying for the position to replace retiring Missouri U.S. Sen.

You know Instagram is doing badly when even the Kardashians are hating it.The app has recently been testing out a new interface with some users, featuring a full-screen feed that jumps from post to post, prioritizes video, and shows tons of “recommended” content. Sound familiar?This new interface just happens to have the exact look and function of TikTok and its main “For You” page — albeit a less accurate, more visually off-putting version.It makes sense for the platform to be biting TikTok’s style; it’s taken Insta 12 years to get to their current 1.4 billion monthly user count, while TikTok has reached a billion monthly users in half that time.IG users have been upset about Instagram’s pivot to video, shopping, and recommendations for years now, as many just want to see photo posts from their friends and folks they follow.

For 65 years a question has puzzled the world’s brightest minds. Who wears short shorts?The answer has finally been revealed, and it’s Donald Glover, the genius behind Childish Gambino and FX’s Atlanta.

Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis, continuing his months-long, fear-based attack on the LGBTQ community, appears to be claiming that elementary school teachers are “instructed” to tell children they they might be transgender, and insisting if anyone dares to disagree with him, they are “lying.”

monkeypox because “it’s not a threat to most of the population,” according to far-right Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.Greene made the remark at a recent conservative conference, the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Fla. The Georgia representative is well known for her anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and embrace of conspiracy theories.She has already spread much false information about monkeypox, or MPV.

Facebook and Instagram allowed anti-LGBTQ content and misinformation to flourish during pride month. A recent study conducted by Media Matters for America, which monitors right-wing misinformation in media, claims that Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, allowed over 3,000 homophobic or transphobic posts to remain on its platforms during June, despite policies allegedly prohibiting hateful speech and anti-LGBTQ attacks.“Facebook and its parent company Meta had eagerly promoted Pride Month, adding Pride features on the platform, claiming to amplify LGBTQ creators, and reiterating the company’s supposed commitment to supporting LGBTQ people and to eliminating hate speech targeting them,” the report reads. “But Facebook has regularly failed to remove the dangerous and dehumanizing hate speech and misinformation targeting LGBTQ people coming from right-wing outlets, figures, and groups.”A large amount of the hateful posts were made by right-wing media outlets, the study found.

U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today that the Biden Administration had offered the Russian government a deal to obtain the release of jailed WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan.

Gemma Collins has posted a photo from her kitchen wishing fans a "happy summer", but some couldn't help but notice the former TOWIE star seemed to be missing something. The reality star, 41, shared a photo of herself standing behind her kitchen counter wearing a blue floral blouse as she flashed a smile at the camera. In the caption, the blonde beauty wrote: "Wishing you all the best summer", before suggesting fans take a look at her new clothing collection if they wanted to "feel fabulous".

Sex and the City ever so slightly. The original gang was older; one was missing; and some new friends had arrived to . While Sex and the City creator Darren Star wasn’t involved with And Just Like That, he perhaps wanted to do some riffing of his own, as evidenced by the new Netflix series Uncoupled (July 29).

it was announced that best buds Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna would reunite for Hulu’s Spanish-language boxing series, La Máquina, the latest project for this lifelong bromance.The two handsome stars have been friends since childhood—according to García Bernal’s parents, the pair met when Luna was just two days old—and their enduring (platonic) relationship has led to many creative collaborations over the years (not to mention, endless, heart-eyed internet adoration).But our personal favorite will always be Y Tu Mamá También, the sexy, Mexican road trip movie from Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón. You know, the one with the threesome!Related: 5 homoerotic Latin films to be savored in the universal language of loveReleased in 2001, the film was a major international breakthrough, scoring Cuarón a Best Original Screenplay nomination at the Oscars and a Best Foreign-Language Film nod at the Golden Globes.

Brittney Griner and another detained American may be headed home after the Biden administration offered Russia a deal weeks ago.The U.S. government has offered a “substantial” deal to get Griner and Paul Whelan freed from Russian detention, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

monkeypox because “it’s not a threat to most of the population,” according to far-right Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.Greene made the remark at a recent conservative conference, the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Fla. The Georgia representative is well known for her anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and embrace of conspiracy theories.She has already spread much false information about monkeypox, or MPV.

LGBT Center Côte d’Azur for an informal social gathering. I quickly realize on my first day in Nice that the city’s social nature is as identifiable as its famous coastline. The welcoming storefront recently celebrated its 11th anniversary. If you can find it — and speak a modest amount of French — queer locals will steer you toward some of their favorite hangouts, restaurants, and nightlife.

The Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach, Del., announced on Wednesday that it has dropped its plans to build a larger theater and an adjacent rehearsal theater in a new in-town location because it no longer has the financial resources to continue its lawsuit challenging local officials’ refusal to approve the building project.

won’t accept is “personal attacks about me.”The individual, identified as Stephen LaFrance in the email, sarcastically wrote “Nice job,” followed by a homophobic slur.

Supreme Court's landmark ruling legalizing gay marriage "clearly wrong," Republican Senator Ted Cruz wants Texas to repeal its now-dormant law banning gay sex.On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the conservative senator said he thinks the state should nullify its sodomy law, which has not been enforceable since the Supreme Court declared the ban unconstitutional in the 2003 case of Lawrence v. Texas.

By now it’s clear that Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by critics, is impacting students in ways far beyond its originally stated purpose.This week a group of Florida teens and their families, along with LGBTQ advocacy groups, filed a lawsuit against the new restrictions, which prevent discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom.When the bill was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis (above) in March, proponents claimed its purpose was to limit early sex education in grades K-3.

By now, everyone has heard tale of Jojo Siwa calling homophobic “Queen of Christmas” Candace Cameron Bure the “rudest celebrity” she’s ever met on TikTok.Yesterday, the Fuller House actor took to Instagram to tell her version of a phone call the two allegedly had after the story blew up.To hear Bure tell it, Siwa started backtracking as soon as their phone call started.  A post shared by Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure)Related: JoJo Siwa gives homophobe Candace Cameron Bure the shady superlative she deservesApparently, this leanest of beefs started back in 2014, when an 11-year-old Siwa encountered Bure on a Fuller House red carpet.When the young dancer asked Bure for a picture, she allegedly brushed her off and went back to taking pics with other people.Bure launches into a spiel about how she just can’t believe she made her feel that way and how, as a mother, she would never want someone to make her child feel ignored like that.It’s naturally a lot easier for her to consider Siwa’s feelings now that the Dance Moms alum is leagues more famous than her, but that change in status doesn’t make its way into the conversation.Related: Fans criticize Queer Eye guys for posing with “violently anti-LGBT” Candace Cameron BureSiwa hasn’t yet, in the words of Jaida Essence Hall, retattled the retittle of Bure’s rebuttal.

Senate insiders are bullish on the prospect of a measure seeking to codify same-sex marriage after an unexpected bipartisan vote for the measure in the U.S. House as some predict lawmakers could find the 60 votes needed to end a filibuster and vote to send it to President Biden’s desk, although concerns remain about limited time on the congressional calendar.

Tom Daley will front a new BBC documentary next month shining a spotlight on the widespread homophobia still present across Commonwealth countries.

monkeypox a global health emergency, making clear that the growing number of cases calls for an international response. The outbreak has mostly affected men who have sex with men.

In From The Side opens with that line, and—hey, get your mind out of the gutter! He’s talking about rugby!Joking aside, we finally have a lovely first look at filmmaker Matt Carter’s In From The Side, a celebrated British indie about two rugby players who fall for each other hard. The feature’s been scoring fans while playing the queer film festival circuit, and Verve Pictures is now sharing an official teaser clip ahead of its fall release date in the U.K.In a fictional South London gay rugby club, we meet Mark (Alexander Lincoln), a newer club member, and Warren (Alexander King), a seasoned player who’s highly respected among his team.

Kamala Harris became the latest focal point in this battle after she spoke at a White House meeting with disability rights campaigners.The ClaimA series of tweets, posted on July 26, 2022 show a video of Harris introducing herself to a White House audience and announcing her gender identity, pronouns, and what she was wearing.VP: "I am Kamala Harris, my pronouns are she and her, and I am a woman sitting at the table wearing a blue suit." pic.twitter.com/gtBXTyHB4jHer comments were widely shared and mocked by right-leaning Twitter users, which received thousands of engagements in the process.What in the 200 genders and 99 ProNouns is going on with Kamala Harris. Who’s ProuNouns are Better , Mine or Theirs ?https://t.co/PBBRVATOJ1 pic.twitter.com/YdNEMXzg6JThe only pronouns Kamala Harris needs to worry about are “inflation” and “gas prices”.Kamala announcing her pronouns.

A gay man who has lived with HIV since the 1980s has become only the fifth ever person to be cured of HIV, according to doctors.

This week we learned about GOP Rep. Glenn Thompson, the Pennsylvania lawmaker who voted against protecting same-sex marriage rights then jetted off to celebrate his gay son’s wedding.We wondered allowed about what on Earth his reception toast was like, knowing the grooms and their guests were aware of exactly what side of history he was on.Well, wonder no more — a wedding attendee recorded Thompson’s speech and has leaked it online.The guest shared the audio anonymously with Buzzfeed News, telling the outlet “I think the word should definitely get out there.

Related: As monkeypox cases rise, New York opens three mass vaccination centersObviously, this is bullsh*t. MSM are being encouraged to get vaccinated because that is the community that has, so far, been most affected by the virus.

Video from inside Dallas Love Field of the woman who shot into the ceiling near a Southwest Airlines ticket counter on Monday, July 25. Portia Odufuwa, the shooter, was shot by Dallas Police Officer Ronald Cronin. Odufuwa was taken to Parkland Hospital. No bystanders were injured. Traffic at Love Field didn’t return to normal until Tuesday. The video is narrated by DPD Assistant Chief Ruben Ramirez.

Gemma Collins looked sensational as she took to Instagram with another inspirational post.The 41-year-old proved that she had no time for filters or trousers when it came to her latest scorching display on the popular platform.Even though the GC had attempted to hide the fact she was bottomless by strategically placing herself behind the kitchen island in her fabulous Essex home, she'd forgotten to cover up some obvious flesh.READ MORE: Dancing on Ice's Jason Gardiner slams 'unprofessional' Gemma Collins after public feudLooking stunning, Gemma rocked a floral green and white wrap top from her own collection with New Look.The garment showcased her killer curves with the top boasting a belted waist.Fortunately for the TV star, the summer-time item fell long at her hip and concealed most of her modesty - with the exception of a cheeky flash of thigh still visible to the eye.Captioning the reveal, the ITV star said: "Wishing you all the best summer."If you want to look and feel fabulous this summer then check my collection out @newlook."She included the hashtags: "Ad," and "no filter or edits just happiness".One eagle-eyed fan also highlighted the fact she'd forgotten to dress her bottom-half within the comments section.They penned: "Where's your trousers. This is how I walk round the house lol."Others however, were loving Gemma's newly found confidence and instead decided to heap their praises.One person said: "Looking fab here Gem," a second remarked: "You look beautiful.

Disabilities like autism are often spoken about in negative ways. People outside of our community research cures on our behalf; develop therapies to make us less autistic; and use language about us that we don’t use for ourselves. The thing is; we don’t need a cure, we don’t need support in being less autistic, and […]

Cancel all your plans for this bank holiday weekend, because you’ll need all three days to recover. Queer dance rave series Not Safe For Work (NSFW) is back for its next monthly installment on Friday, July 29 with a Big Summer Blow Out Party! UK producer AeroFunk will be headlining the night and is not […]

Clothing rental platform Rotaro have teamed up with Tommy Hilfiger to give the people of the UK the opportunity to rent garments from the TommyXRomeo collection, Tommy Jeans and an exciting assortment of one-of-a-kind Tommy Hilfiger archive pieces.

The post ‘I’m an autistic trans person and I understand who I am’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Aaron Schock sucks at throwing shade.Conservatives have been freaking out ever since Vice President Kamala Harris said her pronouns are “she/her” during a meeting yesterday with disability advocates to discuss the impact of Roe v. Wade being overturned.Harris kicked off the meeting, which was held on the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, by saying her pronouns and providing a physical description of herself out of respect to those with impaired vision.Related: I like all of Aaron Schock’s thirst traps. Does that make me a horrible person?“I want to welcome these leaders for coming in to have this very important discussion about some of the most pressing issues of our time,” she introduced.

ABOVE: Saucy Santa excitedly recounts performing with Madonna as “Material Gworl” is set for single release on Friday. I love this take on the song — watch/listen HERE.

Food is inherently political — including the spaces that serve them. Restaurants, as “third places” in the public arena (outside of home and work), are accessible and open, a convener of society. Politicians in D.C. have traditionally treated restaurants as a half-third space: a semi-private location outside of the office to conduct business, utilizing restaurants as an extension of their workspace. This public presence, however, implicitly invites the public in — and lawful protesters have taken note.

lawsuit has been filed against Florida's "don't say gay" law. Lambda Legal joined the Southern Poverty Law Center, Southern Legal Counsel, and private attorney Baker McKenzie to file a federal lawsuit challenging the law on Monday.By prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity discussions from kindergarten through third grade and imposing undefined standards for appropriateness for students through graduation, the suit claims, Florida’s law silences and erases LGBTQ+ families and students. The suit also takes issue with the fact that any parent dissatisfied with a school district’s law implementation can sue the district over it.Gov.

Donald Trump said Tuesday before a rapt audience that his political consultants had advised him not to criticize transgender athletes as he regaled the crowd with a long transphobic rant.During his speech at the America First Agenda Summit in Washington, D.C., Trump said: “By the way, we should not allow men to play women’s sports. It’s so disrespectful to women.” When his comment was met with wild applause, the former president paused for nearly 20 seconds to revel in the attention he was receiving.“So crazy.

On Tuesday Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana issued an preliminary injunction that blocked an Indiana law that prevents trans youth from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity.

In the latest POLITICO/Morning Consult poll published Tuesday, the survey found that on the question of same-sex marriage: Fifty-eight percent of Americans support passing a federal bill to codify the right, including 44% who strongly back it, compared to 31% who oppose.  

supports HTML5 videoEver since Johannes Radebe joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, he has been a firm fan-favourite among viewers, delighting with his extraordinary talent and contagious zest for life.The South African dancer has made history on the programme on several occasions, performing an exquisite same-sex routine with Graziano Di Prima in 2019 before two years later, making it to the final of the competition with Great British Bake Off star John Whaite in the show’s first all-male couple.Johannes feels strongly about supporting other members of the LBGT+ community, with his latest venture seeing him joining forces with MADE.com to transform LGBTQIA+ community centre The Outside Project in London, one of the first ever charities to place focus on trans and gender non-conforming people.Metro.co.uk had the opportunity to sit down with Johannes, 35, at The Outside Project to witness the space’s ‘MADEover’ transformation firsthand, which included incorporating a sensory room, a beautifully-organised bookshelf, a lounge area with a TV, powerful artwork on the wall and a clothes rail full of colourful garments.Johannes spoke about the importance of the project to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are facing issues including homelessness and feeling endangered, while also opening up about his experience growing up gay in South Africa and how a space like The Outside Project could have impacted him.I just feel like we have all experienced rejection, especially as a part of the LGBTQI+ community. When I heard about what MADE wanted to do, I honestly just wanted to jump on board some of their stories, of course I can relate.

A protest is scheduled to take place outside the Nigerian Embassy tomorrow evening, Thursday, July 28 2022 at 6pm, to protest the execution of three Nigerian men found guilty of homosexuality. The men, who were tried by an Islamic sharia court in Bauchi, Nigeria on June 30, have been sentenced to be executed by stoning […]

If you’ve been seeking a perfect sweet spot between jazz club and dance club, let Bryan Carter’s new video pull you out onto the floor.“Not Yet” serves as a lovely second installment in a music video trilogy, following his previous single “You and I“.