Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Will Hurt Teens Like Me

What was supposed to be the triumphant return of Cherry Weekend in DC after a two-year-long delay due to the ongoing global pandemic turned out to be a fiasco which left hundreds of partygoers upset and demanding refunds.20 popular D.J.s were set to play eight events across the four-day-long circuit party produced by the Cherry Fund that raises money for HIV and AIDS as well as mental health services. Revelers from across the country traveled to Washington D.C.

Jonathan Groff and the cast of Spring Awakening are headed to HBO Max in a new documentary.

Ron DeSantis has faced criticism over the new legislation that prevents discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for younger children in schools across the state. LGBTQ advocates say the law is meant to silence members of the community while supporters of it argue that it prevents children from being taught about sexuality at too young of an age.Giuliani, who is the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, defended the law during an appearance on Newsmax."Basically, what this is saying is simply something that as a father I completely agree with," he said.

Afghanistan may have subsided, but for the LGBT+ people still trapped and facing displacement, the trauma will remain forever ingrained in a psyche already scarred by war. It’s been nearly seven months since the Taliban’s violent takeover of Kabul, but still its effects continue to be felt. With growing reports of kidnap, beatings and executions — an already oppressed LGBT+ community has been forced to take desperate measures to avoid detection. Shortly after the Taliban’s sudden sweep to power, Metro.co.uk heard from five victims, all of whom were struggling to adjust to life under a group actively persecuting those within the LGBT+ community. Hiding their sexuality in a bid to evade capture, and fearing for their lives – Rabia, Ahmadullah, Sultan and Ismailzada spoke of the daily terrors they endured.

Weho Times. The friend said that he heard a loud sound come from Senzee’s room the morning of March 22, but assumed it was Senzee’s cat.The veteran journalist’s death is currently under investigation, according to the Los Angeles Blade.For more than 30 years, Senzee worked in journalism. His immense work included founding and moderating LGBTs in the News, serving as a correspondent for The Advocate, writing as a HuffPost signature blogger, and being the former Editor in Chief of LGBT Weekly.

ABOVE: Breaking in a new Mantique.

This article originally appeared on Q Voice News and is shared here as part of an LGBTQ+ community exchange between Q Voice News and Pride Media.Andi Mudryk is the first openly transgender judge appointed to the bench in California late last month. She will serve in Sacramento County Superior Court.Mudryk’s appointment was announced Friday by California Gov.

Welcome to Screen Gems, our weekend dive into queer and queer-adjacent titles of the past that deserve a watch or a re-watch.Oscar-winning director Errol Morris contributed one of his best–and strangest–movies to the zeitgeist in 2010 with Tabloid, based on a scandal that swept headlines in the 1970s. Dubbed “The Manacled Mormon Case,” the story involved Kirk Anderson, a young Mormon missionary allegedly kidnapped and assaulted by a beauty queen turned dominatrix named Joyce McKinney.

Hundreds of people took to Downing Street on 10 April to protest the UK government’s decision to exclude trans people from a ban of so-called ‘conversion therapy’.

get hot and bothered in the gay sports musical Good Enough, then catch up on the latest from Gay TikTok:Maluma shielded his skin.Potatochippopotamus impersonated a gay owl.Tim Murray had a moment.Jarius Joseph had bottomless mimosas.Jeff Perla kissed straight guys.Reed tried on his prom dress.Laith Ashley was a good boy.Trinity the Tuck stopped trafficA new drinking game was invented.And Paul Ryan met a fan.

It’s been nearly 36 years since Top Gun first took flight. Essentially a recruitment ad for the Navy disguised as an action flick, the Tony Scott-directed film is remembered for ushering in a new age of blockbuster spectacle and solidifying Tom Cruise’s ascent to movie stardom.

Once upon a time in Hollywood, LGBTQ people didn’t exist, at least on screen.Early censorship codes labeled queerness as a topic far too explosive for the movies. Still, that didn’t mean LGBTQ people didn’t sneak into a movie or two, usually as a cold-blooded killer. Thus began the unpleasant trope of seeing queer people on screen as ruthless villains.Related: Rosamund Pike & Eiza González on how to play a gay villain without being a homophobeFortunately, times–and movies–have evolved to show LGBTQ heroes too.

The Merchant of Venice share an affection like friends, like father and son, or like “bosom lovers,” but the play leaves no question that, for Antonio, Bassanio’s happiness is worth risking riches, reputation, and a pound of flesh.The script implies much in the pair’s intense devotion, and director Arin Arbus’ boldly queer production of The Merchant of Venice (★★★★☆) at the Shakespeare Theatre Company merely makes their attraction plain. Alfredo Narciso as Antonio and Sanjit De Silva as Bassanio cast a riveting spell as paramours who have reached a crossroads, now that Bassanio yearns to marry the heiress Portia (Isabel Arraiza).To ensure his beloved Bassanio is set up financially for marriage, Antonio will stake his own funds and flesh, striking a deal with a Jewish moneylender whom he despises.

Rocking a chrome dome? Exhibiting male pattern baldness? You just moved to the front of the line for many gay dudes, as users of the Reddit community r/AskGayMen can attest.In a recent thread on that subreddit, one person wrote, “I’ve always been attracted to bald and balding guys. It’s at the top of my list for what I look for in looks. But I’ve always wondered: Is this a common preference/fetish? Because it’s not an archetypical ‘tribe’ like bear, twink, or otter.”Whether it’s a tribe or no, a lot of other Redditors could relate! Sure, there were some men who said they prefer their matches to have full heads of hair, but many commenters said that baldness—or balding-ness—was a turn-on.

Anyone Can Whistle was a flop when it first opened on Broadway in 1964, closing after just nine performances. The first major production of a Sondheim show since the composer’s death is Southwark Playhouse’s bold revival of this elusive work – from our experience it’s not difficult to see why it wasn’t a success first time around. There’s nothing inherently wrong with Sondheim’s score – far from his finest collection of songs, but ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ and ‘There Won’t Be Trumpets’ are both excellent – the issue lies with Arthur Laurents’ baffling and sometimes problematic book.

To the dismay of LGBTQ advocates, the proposed San Francisco electoral map for the next decade cleaves the Tenderloin apart from the South of Market neighborhood. But it does preserve the residence of the lone LGBTQ member of the Board of Supervisors in his current district.The San Francisco Redistricting Task Force is set to meet Wednesday to vote a final time on its new maps for the city's 11 supervisorial districts. It is obligated by the city's charter to deliver the new boundaries to the supervisors by April 15.After holding another marathon meeting April 9 that dragged into the early morning hours of Sunday, the nine-member volunteer body dissolved into chaos near 2 a.m.

The actress Laverne Cox, who is known for her roles on “Orange Is the New Black” and “Inventing Anna,” has become a familiar face on Hollywood red carpets. But this season, she found herself on the other side of the mic, ushering television audiences onto the red carpet as the host of preshow specials for the Oscars and Grammys on E! Her presence on the carpet and interactions with guests, where she mixes her natural charisma with a personal warmth, have made her stand out, despite having limited experience as the interviewer, not the interviewee. Ms.

Two queer superheroes are set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel.

bills that were brought in at the state level this year.today, new Fox contributor and grifter Caitlyn Jenner said she "absolutely" supports Ron DeSantis and Florida's "don't say gay" billDespite Caitlyn saying she “can teach those lessons,” many of the Kardashian/Jenners have suggested that they "found out" about Caitlyn being trans by discovering Caitlyn wearing dresses, wearing makeup, etc.Trash. @Caitlyn_Jenner I’m only going to say this: possibly if ur teachers had been allowed to have educated discussions with u about sensitive issues perhaps you would have felt empowered to own your own identity before your 60s, or at least allow others the space to own theirs. https://t.co/rp6eD20XdSCaitlyn Jenner is an absolute garbage person and an absolute piece of shit.

This image from Google Maps shows a building on the grounds of Love Field in the 8000 block of Lemmon Avenue.

In a major blow to LGBTQ+ rights, Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey has signed two horrific anti-trans bills into law.

She has beenreveling in the success of her hit series Emily In Paris and her latest film Windfall, whichwas directed by her husband CharlieMcDowell.But on Saturday, Lily Collins took time out from all the Hollywood hustle and bustle to wish her mother, Jill Collins, a happy 66th birthday.'Happy birthday mom!' the appreciative daughter began, in the caption of a throwback snap of herself as a toddler and her mother. Tribute to mom: Lily Collins wished her mother a happy birthday on Saturday by posting a throwback snap of the two that's likely from 1989'I appreciate and respect you so much.

A trans activist was found dead along Lake Michigan in Chicago on Thursday, March 17, after being reported missing by her family earlier in the month. Elise Malary was reported missing by her family on March 11 leading to an extensive search of the area.For 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.Her body was discovered on March 17 and identified by police on Saturday, March 19. Malary worked at the Chicago Therapy Collective, a group dedicated to supporting and advocating for the transgender community. A colleague at the group, IggyLadden, said, “She’d speak out on behalf of any issue that impacted woman of color, LGBTQ folk — her heart’s so big.”In a post, the Chicago Therapy Collective said, “The outpouring of love, care, and community response reflects the deep impact of Elise’s love and advocacy on so many of us. We hope that you are taking tender care of one another.

The body of beloved trans rights activist Elise Malary was found off the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago.

On Saturday night, Greg Berlanti used his PGA acceptance speech as a platform to widely criticize the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation in Florida.

Weyant acknowledged Thomas' win by shaking her hand in the water. While conservatives argue that transgender women's physical differences give them an unfair advantage in sports competitions, LGBTQ supporters say measures keeping them from participating in sports hurt all women.Thomas, who competes for the University of Pennsylvania, made history Thursday by becoming the first transgender NCAA champion in Division I.

Disney over its reaction to Florida's controversial new bill that will prevent teachers from discussing LGBTQ+ issues with students up to third grade.Called the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics, the Parental Rights in Education bill was passed by Florida's House of Representatives on February 24, before being passed by the Republican-controlled state Senate this month.Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who has faced criticism from employees for not publicly condemning the legislation, last week stated that he would be meeting with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and LGBTQ+ leaders at Disney to discuss the bill.Union revealed her continued dissatisfaction with Disney's reaction while attending Wednesday's premiere of Disney+' Cheaper by the Dozen, in which she co-stars with Zach Braff.The actress told Variety: "Somebody asked me, 'Are you disappointed?' I'm disappointed when my order isn't right at [burger restaurant] In-N-Out. I don't even think that's a word that you could use for something like this, where children's lives are literally hanging in the balance."We need to own that if you truly are taking stands against hate and oppression, you should not fund hate and oppression.

The brand new issue of GAY TIMES Magazine is championing the beauty of the trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming communities.

Olympics, I saw my wildest dreams come true as I stood on the podium, an out gay silver medalist and one of the first women to swim the 1,500 meter event. I feel incredibly grateful that coming out as gay never kept me from being able to participate in the sport I love. All athletes—including transgender athletes—deserve to be respected and included, exactly as we are.Throughout my life, swimming has enabled me to learn so much both in and out of the pool, and transgender athletes should not be excluded from this opportunity.

Republican legislators in Idaho have blocked a bill that would have made giving trans children gender-affirming care a crime.

Senate floor that "gay is not a permanent thing.""As a Senator, and more importantly, as a life-long member of this community, I fully understand the responsibility and impact of words on others. That's why I want to apologize to anyone I offended by my comments on the floor of the Senate during the debate on HB 1557, Parental Rights in Education," she said in a statement posted on Twitter.House Bill 1557, the Parental Rights in Education bill, passed in the Republican-controlled Florida Senate on March 8 after it was approved by the state's House of Representatives.Senator Garcia was discussing the bill ahead of the vote on March 8 when she stated, "Gay is not a permanent thing, LGBT is not a permanent thing—and it's not a bad thing.

A final hurdle for reopening gay bathhouses in San Francisco should be removed by Pride Month. The proposed zoning change will also allow adult sex venues to operate in neighborhoods historically home to LGBTQ districts.A prohibition against such businesses having locked rooms, enacted in the 1980s during the height of the AIDS epidemic, was officially lifted in early 2021.

he wrote. “A 6’2” daddy-type wreathed in world-weary mystery, the man was on fire in the 80s, starring in a series of critically acclaimed hits—Body Heat (1981), The Big Chill (1983), Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985), and Children of a Lesser God (1986)—about love and passion and the reconciliation of desire and difference.”Davis goes onto explain the problematics of Hurt the human, rather than the actor: he was famously abusive to partner Marlee Maitlin. He drank.

Lizzo used a keynote discussion at South By Southwest to condemn anti-trans laws and policies being introduced in her home state of Texas.

wrote. '[I] am sending support to all of the trans families across the US who are being targeted in this moment by conservative legislatures. This country was founded on freedom.

Hawaii passed a bill that requires insurance companies to cover gender-affirming care. 

Last October, I attended a high school Halloween party. A group of guys from my school surrounded me and shouted homophobic slurs. One even threatened me with physical violence.

Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek announced Disney will be pausing all political donations in the state of Florida following a week of significant criticism of the company's initial silence on the Florida Legislature's "Don't Say Gay" bill.The company's lack of response to the bill, which would ban discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in some public school classrooms, sparked an intense backlash against Disney, internally and externally, prompting Chapek to shift to a public stance, calling for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oppose the bill.DeSantis then called out the entertainment titan for its ties to China, accusing the company for criticizing "parents' rights" but continuing to work in China despite knowledge of the human rights issues in Xinjiang regarding Uyghur Muslims.After statements of apology to Disney's LGBTQ employees, Chapek released an internal memo on Friday further stating that the company would be pausing all political donations in Florida, affecting many of the politicians who had previously received money from the company.Several Disney donations were made to key co-sponsors of the bill, and in total, the company gave $253,850 to senators who voted to pass the "Don't Say Gay" bill.Donations made only for the 2022 general election go back to January 1, 2021, and records reviewed by Newsweek showed that Disney donated at least $33,000 for state Senate races and more than $98,000 in state House contests.Other primary GOP figures who have received donations from Disney included DeSantis, who received $50,000 from Disney Worldwide Services Inc., according to the Florida Division of Elections.Ashley Moody, Florida's attorney general, was given $25,000 from Disney during the 2022 general

More than 60 major businesses, including household names in technology and retail, have signed onto a new advertising campaign in Texas protesting a move by the state’s governor to label as “child abuse” medical treatments that are widely considered to be the standard of care for transgender teenagers. In digital ads and a full-page advertisement in Friday’s Dallas Morning News, the businesses assailed a Feb. 22 directive by Gov.

Texas and Florida continue to compete in their race to be named The Worst State in the U.S. It’s an absolutely exhausting display of anti-LGBTQ bigotry, and especially exhausting for LGBTQ people and their families. People are under enough stress, damn it! Between the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine,

The Human Rights Campaign is not taking money from Disney anymore.

More than 60 major businesses, including household names in technology and retail, have signed onto a new advertising campaign in Texas protesting a move by the state’s governor to label as “child abuse” medical treatments that are widely considered to be the standard of care for transgender teenagers. In digital ads and a full-page advertisement in Friday’s Dallas Morning News, the businesses assailed a Feb. 22 directive by Gov.

Arthur came to an end earlier this week after 25 years and 253 episodes, much to the disappointment of fans.The cherished television show, based on the book series by Marc Brown, was the longest-running children’s animation having first aired in 1996. It was a staple watch for so many growing up, with Arthur, D.W., Buster and the gang transforming the childhoods of many around the world.‘It just kind of grew and grew, certainly beyond our wildest expectations,’ Brown exclusively told Metro.co.uk as he reflected on its success. ‘It’s been an amazing adventure and I’m so grateful.’We caught up with Arthur fans and creator Brown to celebrate the show’s incredible 25 seasons, while we patiently wait for more details on the feature film with John Legend.Rebecca, 35, grew up watching Arthur and now enjoys watching the cartoon with her three-year-old daughter.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization, said today it will not accept any funding from the Walt Disney Co. without a greater commitment to the LGBTQ+ agenda.

The Idaho House approved legislation Tuesday to make it a felony for a doctor to provide age-appropriate, medically-necessary, best practice gender-affirming care for transgender children.

A transgender Army veteran tragically died in her friend's arms after suffering a heart attack in the street.

provide gender care to transgender youth, including hormones.A near-party-line vote saw the Republicans win 55-13. The House's only physician, Dr.

Release date: March 29 and August 23What it's about: If you are a fantasy reader that doesn't like long waits between series entries, do I have the duology for you! A Magic Steeped in Poison introduces Ning, who is heading to the imperial city to participate in a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi, masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making. For Ning, more is riding on the competition than just pride, as the winner gets a favor from the princess, one that might be the only chance for her to save her sister's life.