Archive for the ‘opinion’ Category

GET READY FOR THE BIG GAY BIBLE

The Queen James edition rethinks homosexuality

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 12/19/2012 at 9:57AM | 2 Comments

Courtesy of Queen James Bible

What the Bible has to say about homosexuality has long been up for debate. And while the scripture – however much it was passed down through much doctoring over the centuries – it takes a pretty steadfast view (in the Old Testament anyway) against all things gay. But by the time Jesus makes an appearance – with a much more tolerant view of people – things start looking up.

But things have never looked quite so rosy for religious queers as they do now that a new version of the Bible has been produced. This one – known as the Queen James Bible – is a gay-friendly alternative to the “Good Book.” It’s basically been scrubbed of references that are believed to be homophobic.

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WHAT WE LOVE: PROP LOVE

Wear celebrity-styled rings on your big day

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 12/12/2012 at 10:49AM | 1 Comment

Put a ring on it (courtesy of Prop Love)

Harvey Milk once said that “hope will never be silent.” That’s likely what they had in mind when they created Proposition Love, an LGBT jewelry company that has partnered with several celebs to create some unique wedding bands.

“On June 24, 2011, same-sex marriage became legal in New York,” explains the company. “This historic moment inspired us to develop a fine jewelry collection including wedding bands called ‘Proposition Love.’ We have incorporated a triangle into all our designs as a symbol of the ongoing gay rights movement.”

And if you’re thinking about tying the knot anytime soon – and you’re a fan of, say, Kathy Griffin – you’re in luck. The funny girl designed a 14K gold and silver ring with an XOXO design and K/Triangle motif.

Other celebs on board to support marriage equality with their own rings include Melissa Rivers (we bet Joan’s proud), Tori Spelling and Perez Hilton, among others.

Click here to find out how you can bid on these star-studded rings.

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LAST-MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

Party favors, fashion finds and so much more

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 12/10/2012 at 1:02PM | No Comments

Music, art and celebrity defined Lance Loud's life

Still need to find that perfect gift? We have some great gift ideas – just in time for all the house parties, soirees and gift exchanges that are filling up our calendars this festive month.

Lance Loud became America’s first reality television star when he became the subject of the documentary An American Family. He was also arguably the first

Snap away with the Fujifilm Instax 210

real-life, openly gay man to hit the boob tube. His mother and photographer friend Christopher Makos have put together a gorgeous book – Lance Out Loud – with dozens of photos of Loud’s life – including his early years, his stint in the punk band The Mumps, and his hob-knobbing with famous folks like Andy Warhol.

Take your own Polaroid-style photos with the Fujifilm Instax 210. This point-and-shoot comes with a built-in film slot that lets you print out pics directly from the camera. It’s the prefect party favor for anyone who can’t wait to download the images of your friends’ legendary behavior.

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WHAT WE LOVE: YOUR HOLIDAY MOM

A website sends messages to LGBT youth this season

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 12/5/2012 at 10:25AM | 2 Comments

For many LGBT young people, the holiday season can be especially difficult as they navigate family, religious communities and their own feelings. That’s what inspired as many as 40 real moms (and some dads) from around the country to join YourHolidayMom.com, a website offering messages of support to the community.

The concept was started by a woman named Robin Rice who sent recorded messages to young people under the guise of Your Holiday Mom. She eventually recruited other parental figures to join the cause. Here’s an example of just one of the messages being shared this season:

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TWINKIE: THE GAYEST SNACK ON EARTH?

And the coming out was in 1979. By Abe Gurko

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/26/2012 at 10:33AM | No Comments

It really is a shame that Hostess Twinkies could go belly up under after 80 years of bringing toxic plazmosa to American children of all ages. As I looked back at the rich history of this iconic brand, I couldn’t help but notice how gay the brand is when you look at their product assortment.

I have three words for you: Twinkie The Kid.

This mascot is as nelly as you get – and his faux cowboy duds didn’t fool me. In fact, Twinkie the Kid seemed even gayer once the Village People went mainstream (hello, Randy Jones). Suddenly cowboys and Indians were less about guns and fighting and more about, well, tops and bottoms.

And we can’t forget that “twink” became an endearing term for young queens by the late 197os.

And do you remember the “Twinkie defense?” Wikipedia tells us that while it’s not a recognized legal defense, it became a catchall term coined by reporters during their coverage of the trial of defendant Dan White who was accused of killing out San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. White’s defense? That he suffered diminished capacity as a result of his depression and his taste for, yep, Twinkies.

Still don’t believe that Twinkie is way gay? Check this out:

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WHAT WE LOVE: PINK PUB CRAWL

Tonight's drink-a-thon kicks off at ICandy

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/21/2012 at 10:21AM | No Comments

 

Rob Goddard (photo by Adam Wojtowicz)

Bruce Yelk is ringing in the holiday season with his famous Pink Pub Crawl around the Gayborhood tonight ($25). Starting at 9 p.m., oh-so-gay imbibers wearing pink (it’s $5 more if you aren’t wearing his signature color), kick off the evening at ICandy, before making the rounds at Tabu (10:15 p.m.), Woody’s (11:30 p.m.) and Voyeur (12:30 p.m.).

Ending the crawl at Voyeur also means getting free admission to one of the busiest party nights of the years at this, Philly’s gayest after-hours club – where they’ll be spinning music until dawn. Drew G is on the main floor with Proper Panda in the Ruby Lounge.

The Thanksgiving Eve event is also being hosted by the new DNA cover model Rob Goddard, who was voted as Mr. Gay Canada last year.

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WHEN I ENTER THE VOTING BOOTH, I WON’T BE ALONE

The issues that matter most to me today. By Robert Drake

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/6/2012 at 10:51AM | No Comments

WXPN's Robert Drake

As a member of media, I try my best (publicly at least) to remain impartial in regards to politics. Those who know me, know me. So, as we count down the hours to America’s next Election Day – all I can say is that when I enter that voting booth today, I won’t be alone.

With me is the love of my partner that I have had for several years, a love that is as pure and sincere as two people can have, regardless of sexual orientation. With me is the hope that someday we can be recognized as a couple just as easily as my straight friends.

With me is the thankfulness that my partner and several of my close friends – all with various pre-existing health conditions – may finally have a chance to receive healthcare without incurring a massive debt.

With me is the personal passion that so many of my friends have when it comes to simply accepting another without judgement – and the hope that our leaders, and our country, will follow suit in the years ahead. 

Finally, with me are the hundreds of friends that I’ve lost in the past three decades to AIDS – from casual friends to a lover. Those men never got the chance to see how far America has grown in understanding and acceptance – I keep them in my thoughts every time I cast a vote.

Be sure to vote. If not for you, for those you love.

Robert Drake works at WXPN and regularly DJs at events around town, including Bottoms Up at the Bike Stop every Friday and the monthly Sex Dwarf at Fluid Nightclub.
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I AM YOUR REASON TO SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY

A new video makes the political personal

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/6/2012 at 9:55AM | 1 Comment

As we go to the polls today, please considering sharing this video with your friends and family members. Because this election is personal for LGBT folks around the country. And here’s why:

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DON’T LET ROMNEY TURN BACK TIME

Kathy Griffin and Cher have an important message this Election Day

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/6/2012 at 9:43AM | No Comments

Cher and Kathy Griffin say: Don't let Romney turn back time on LGBT and women's rights

Don’t let Mitt Romney turn back time. That’s the message that comedian Kathy Griffin and music superstar Cher are sending to voters this Election Day. “I’m looking at you, gays,” says Griffin – as the duo invite voters to consider how a Romney win could impact not only the LGBT community, but also women’s rights, health and the economy – you know – issues like fair pay.

And all the talk about what’s “legitimate” rape in this country? “Sick stuff,” says Cher.

“This is not the election to be complacent,” adds Griffin. They both remind us about the importance of casting a vote on the right side of history – and why we should be encouraging our friends and loved ones to do the same. Sure, we may all be pretty tired of all the campaign ads and robo-calls (we have a voice mail system flooded with them), but when it comes down to what these two say about the future of America, we couldn’t agree more.

Click here to watch the duo talk politics.

And click here for the hilarious out takes.

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LIBERTY CITY’S ENDORSEMENTS

Find out who the organization supports during today's general election

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/6/2012 at 9:39AM | No Comments

The Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club has announced its endorsements for today’s election. Here are the picks:

President of the United States
President Barack Obama

United States Senate
Senator Bob Casey

Congress
Congressman Robert Brady- 1st District
George Badey- 7th District
Kathy Boockvar- 8th District

Auditor General
Representative Eugene DePasquale

Pennsylvania State Senate
Senator Larry Farnese, 1st District
Senator Daylin Leach- 17th District

Pennsylvania State House
Kelly Devine- 150th District (Montgomery County)
Will Sylianteng- 151st District (Montgomery County)
Steve McCarter – 154th District (Philadelphia & Montgomery County)
Representative Mike O’Brien – 175th District
Brian Sims – 182nd District
Jordan Harris – 186th District
Representative Jim Roebuck – 188th District
Representative Vanessa Lowry-Brown – 190th District
Representative Cherelle Parker – 200th District
Representative Mark Cohen – 202nd District

Click here to find out where to vote.

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