So apparently Kris Humphries has been hiding out here in Minnesota while recovering from his “wife” filing for divorce.  I’ve decided I’m using quotes around all heterosexual marriage terms.  If some straight people are refusing to recognize or respect gay relationships, I’m refusing to recognize theirs.  I’m also going to use air quotes when talking to my straight friends.

Oh, you’re inviting me to your “wedding”? (air quotes)

My friends wouldn’t hit me, would they?

Poor Kris.  Pick a nice Minnesota girl next time.

I can’t believe I’m even writing about this.  I’ve been back and forth about it all week, not wanting to contribute to hype and yet wanting to contribute to the hype.

I wonder, do you think they were prepared for the level of backlash they’ve received from the gay community?  Was it planned all along, the “divorce”?  Is Kris hiding out here in Minnesota just part of the act?  I’m gonna go find him and ask him.  I wonder what gym he goes to.

The internet has certainly exploded with commentary, and many of my gay friends have been discussing/arguing/venting their views on Facebook.  E! Network has been in damage control-mode, and Kim herself, as attention loving as she is, canceled the remainder of her Australia trip.

On a side note, Kim and Kris renewed their “wedding vows” (can’t stop with the quotes) on The Ellen Degeneres Show last month.  Ellen has been curiously silent since the news broke.  C’mon Ellen, where’s the gay outrage?

Actually, I don’t even think my voice of gay outrage is any different from anyone else’s in the matter.  I’m mad for all the same reasons everyone else is – they have the legal right to get married and then divorced in a few months, and yet people believe gays getting married would undermine the “sanctity” of straight marriage.  That’s why we’re all mad about this, right?

I do think, however, I can fix Kim’s PR problem.  Why would she want to lose her gay fan base; we can make or break a show.  (Does she HAVE a gay fan base?)

Really, my solution solves all her problems by keeping her in the spotlight AND allowing her to show her support for the gay community.  It’s easy.

Kim, get gay married!

Everyone knows you were shopping for a basketball player boyfriend for your show long before you met Kris (who wasn’t even your first choice) so, time to start shopping for a nice Minnesota boi.  NOT me, I’m taken.  Actually, probably shouldn’t pick a Minnesota boi, either, as long as we have Michele Bachmann in this state, we’re not going to be getting married any time soon.

So, how about New York?  Any New York bois willing to step up to the plate?  Who would you like to see Kim coupled with?  I bet Dani Campbell wouldn’t mind 15 more minutes of fame.  Do we even want Kim on our team?  Share your thoughts below!

Have something to say to Riley?  Email her at RDylan1980@gmail.com or find her on Facebook.  http://facebook.com/rdylan1

Sean Maher

The explanation for why the “I don’t do LGBT stories” lady got this one is simple – I’m the only staff member who’s a devotee of Firefly.

For seventeen hours – a two-hour pilot, thirteen episodes and a feature film, we watched poor Kaylee pining away for the aloof Dr. Simon Tam. As she so graphically put it in the film, “It’s been nigh on six months since I had anything twixt my nethers weren’t run on batteries.” Kaylee may have finally gotten her man, in fact Jewel Staite got him again on an episode of Warehouse 13, but that’s fiction and in the real world, no woman darkens Sean Maher’s door.

Anyway, Sean Maher has finally, after 14 years in Hollywood, come out of the closet, just in time to really confuse people over his new role in the series Playboy Club.

Surprised? No, not really. Frankly, my dear, he’s too damned good looking to be straight. Lesson learned frm 1950′s heartthrobs like Richard Chamberlain and Tab Hunter. It’s part of why people thought Paul Rudd was gay – he’s too gorgeous to be straight.

Thirty-six year old Sean came out in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly magazine given at Little Dom’s Italian bistro in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles where he lives with his partner of nine years, Paul, and their two children, Sophia Rose, 4, and Liam Xavier, 14 months. Now how the hell he kept that a secret in a town notorious for a media that turns rocks for fun is the real mystery.

Also not surprisingly, Sean is feeling very liberated right now. It has been standard advice in Hollywood since coming out became possible at all, that keeping gayness a secret helped fuel female fantasies and bolstered an actor’s acceptability. It’s the kind of advice that comes from male agents and publicists who don’t understand straight women. It doesn’t matter what a man is in real life, the fantasy is in the characters he plays. Real live men scratch in embarrassing places, belch at the wrong times, smell when they sweat and have advanced cases of selective hearing – as in they never hear what their women say. No one really adores Fabio, they adore the image of Fabio.

Jewel Staite and Sean Maher

So, congratulations to Sean Maher on his liberation. As much as I like him as an actor, and he’s a very good actor, I’m not planning on watching Playboy Club anymore than I’m going to watch Pan Am. I lived through those times. I don’t need to see them rewritten by someone who didn’t. But I will keep an eye out to see if Jewel Staite shows up because I like the chemistry between them.

Related articles

• Firefly Alum Sean Maher’s Coming Out Ball (geeksaresexy.net)
• ‘Playboy Club’ star Sean Maher opens up about his sexuality: ‘This is my coming out ball’ (insidetv.ew.com)
• ‘Firefly’ Actor Sean Maher on Coming Out as a Gay Actor (aoltv.com)
• ‘Playboy Club’ and ‘Firefly’ Actor Sean Maher: I’m Gay (towleroad.com)
• Actor Maher reveals he’s gay (hollywood.com)

To some, British comedienne and writer Dawn French is the Fat Lady in the portrait who opens the door to Gryffindor Tower, to others, the star of The Vicar of Dibley. For thirty years, she has been partnered with Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous fame in a team that formed part of the center of a generation of British comedians and actors whose one-degree-of-separation includes Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and just about everyone in British television and movies who’s around 50 years old. People tend to forget that Laurie, of House, and Fry, of Bones, started as a comedy duo within an overlapping group of skit comedy shows.

To women of a certain size, though, Dawn French was an earth goddess who celebrated her “19 stones” weight (265 pounds) on a five-foot tall body and posed nude for some absolutely fabulous artistic portraits during her “Big Is Beautiful” campaign aimed at improving British women’s self-image problems. She carried that weight with far more dignity than Kirstie Alley, but could make fun of it constantly in Dibley with candy-bar binges and jokes about growing up nurturing dreams of being a super model, but never getting tall enough. Geraldine Granger’s romantic encounters were both glorious hosannas to huge boobs and poignant reminders of the manner in which society equates boney rib cages with sex appeal. I was disappointed when she was cast as the Fat Lady in the Gryffindor portrait. I wanted her to play Madame Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons. The Vicar of Dibley was both slapstick comedy and social commentary, touching on such issues as hunger in the third world and the quiet coming-out of an older gay man.

Dawn French, now

At this week’s Glamour Magazine awards in London, French revealed her new body, nearly 25% slimmer than her former self, having shed “four-and-a-half stones” (63 lbs.). Still favoring the tent-like tunic-and-pants look of the past (where are Trini and Suzanne when someone needs to learn What Not To Wear?) Dawn’s new figure became the headline, instead of her award-winning first novel A Tiny Bit Marvellous. She had previously written Dear Fatty, which was not addressed to herself, but was a collection of fictionalized letters to her jokingly-nicknamed, skinnier partner Jennifer Saunders.

The novel was the result of her British-cliche separation and divorce from fellow comedian Lennie Henry, best known to American PBS audiences as the title character in the series Chef!  They continued to share their Cornwall home for nearly a year after separating, just as Prince Andrew and Fergie have continued to share homes. A Tiny Bit Marvellous draws on the people in French’s life for the story of a family in meltdown. French retreated to a few rooms in her home and began writing as a coping mechanism. She continued performing primarily as a guest, but French and Saunders were on a hiatus from their joint work as writers, directors, producers and performers in a broad range of projects while Saunders successfully battled breast cancer.

French explained the weight loss as something that just evolved. She reached the age of 50 and accepted what professionals had been saying about her weight for years in their condemnation of her “Big Is Beautiful” campaign – being overweight is unhealthy. For the sake of her daughter Billie, (now 19) French changed her “life priorities” from “my daughter, writing, chocolate and kissing” to her daughter, writing, walking and kissing, though she’s not revealing who she’s kissing these days. In the course of her career, she’s kissed Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, chef Gordon Ramsay and Hugh Grant – and that doesn’t even include her co-stars. French’s “diet” consisted of making healthy food choices and doing a lot of walking. Though nowhere near the size 0 that is the current standard of beauty on both sides of the ocean, French is poised to become the next role model in the mold of Queen Latifah – a woman who can publicly express the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and strong body while still being voluptuous. We don’t have to trade in our grapefruits for Keira Knightly’s grapes. We can exalt in our natural cleavage instead of relying on Victoria’s Secret trickery.

Now fully recovered from both breast cancer and the debilitating effects of chemo, Saunders is apparently moving ahead with a reunion show for AbFab with Joanna Lumley, and hopefully to more joint projects with French. As individuals, they are extraordinary performers, as a partnership, they have always been greater than the sum of their parts, no matter how zaftig those parts were.

Related articles

• Dawn French is dating again and “open to marrying again” after her split from Lenny Henry (mirror.co.uk)
• Dawn French reveals health fears inspired her weight loss (mirror.co.uk)
• Comic Strip returns for one-off potshot at Tony Blair (guardian.co.uk)
• My Crushes (mradclyffe.wordpress.com)
• The 9 0′Clock News – Victoria Beckham converts her gym to a new nursery (heatworld.com)
• AbFab To Return, Sweetie (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• All jokes aside, there’s nothing funny about obesity (thepunch.com.au)
• Radio review: French and Saunders (guardian.co.uk)

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

06/03/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Want to own a lil piece of lesbian history? How about buying the home where Portia and Ellen lived, loved and married? Now you can for the low, low price of 60 million dollars! I know, a steal right? Ladies you better snap this up before I do. Ellen and Portia are selling their lovenest in Beverly Hills for approximately double the amount Ellen bought it for back in 2007.

It seems kind of crazy that in this economic climate the asking price would be so high and the ladies could make double what they paid for it back when the market was still booming. But that’s the life of two genetically gifted, talented, hardworking, blond lesbians.

Don’t worry, the DeGeneres’ aren’t selling because they are breaking up. The word is that the couple is looking to downsize their living space to fit their lifestyle better.

[Source]

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too big for the limo?

Well, we have no idea who made the winning bid, but Princess Beatrice’s hat from last month’s Royal Wedding has been sold for $131,341.47 on E-Bay.

The Phillip Treacy creation has had a great run as one of the best millinery jokes of all times. We are all waiting to see what the new owner plans to do with this piece of Royal history. The hat, along with sister Princess Eugenie’s lopsided-hem outfit, has been blamed for the Queen removing the 24/7 bodyguards from her wayward granddaughters. Her Majesty was not amused by the diversion these girls’ fashion non-sense provided on Wedding Day. Her Majesty is rarely amused when members of her family can be parodied, satirized, lampooned and giggled upon with such ease, and a half-decent knowledge of PhotoShop.

The proceeds of the auction will go to “Little Bea’s” favorite charities. No, not her mother the terminally fiscally-stressed Fergie, but Unicef and Children in Crisis.

And I apologize for initially describing this valuable and expensive designer creation as a hollowed-out teddy bear. At approximately four times the height of the Coronation Crown, it was clearly a bow. Just blame it on Ascot Gavotte Shock – too many utterly British racing meet hats for one morning. Come on – it was what, 5 a.m.? I’m not used to seeing hats like those without thoroughbreds behind them. Horses, that is. Speaking of bows – wouldn’t it have been fun if any of these outrageous hats had had to curtsey to Her Majesty the way the bride did?

Related articles

• Princess’s ‘toilet seat’ hat sells for $131,000 (today.msnbc.msn.com)
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• Somebody Bought Princess Bea’s Fallopian Tube Hat For $131,000 (dlisted.com)
• Minor Flacks Over Minor Royals (lezgetreal.com)
• Phillip Treacy – Mad hatter or Millinery Genius? (fashion-mommy.com)

Ken Jeong hosted tonight’s MGM Grand in Las Vegas, 2011 Billboard Music Awards with Taylor Swift the big winner taking home three trophies including Top Artist. Justin Bieber as New Artist was no surprise – lame speech and all- “i am only 17, I am only 17 and thank you God” in whichever order you choose!

The List of Nominees and winners

Top Artist:
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
WINNER: Taylor Swift

Top New Artist:
WINNER: Justin Bieber
Taio Cruz
Ke$ha
Bruno Mars
Nicki Minaj

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
WINNER: Eminem
Bruno Mars
Usher

Top Female Artist:
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry
WINNER: Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group:
WINNER: The Black Eyed Peas
Bon Jovi
Lady Antebellum
Linkin Park
U2

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Justin Bieber
Susan Boyle
Eminem
Lady Antebellum
WINNER: Taylor Swift

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Drake
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
WINNER: Rihanna
Usher

Top Touring Artist:
Bon Jovi
Michael Buble
Lady Gaga
WINNER: U2
Roger Waters

Top Social Artist:
Akon
WINNER: Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

Top Streaming Artist:
WINNER: Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Shakira

Top Digital Media Artist:
Akon
WINNER: Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

Top Rap Artist:
Drake
WINNER: Eminem
Lil Wayne
Ludacris
Nicki Minaj

Top Country Artist:
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Top Dance Artist:
The Black Eyed Peas
David Guetta
WINNER: Lady Gaga
LaRoux
Rihanna

Top Christian Artist:
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Skillet
tobyMac
WINNER: Chris Tomlin

Viral Innovator of the Year:
WINNER: Cee Lo Green

Fan Favorite of the Year:
WINNER: Justin Bieber

ALBUMS AWARDS:

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Justin Bieber — “My World 2.0″
Susan Boyle — “The Gift”
WINNER: Eminem — “Recovery”
Lady Antebellum — “Need You Now”
Taylor Swift — “Speak Now”

Top Pop Album:
WINNER: Justin Bieber — “My World 2.0″
Black Eyed Peas — “The E.N.D.”
Ke$ha — “Animal”
Lady Gaga — “The Fame”
Katy Perry — “Teenage Dream”

Top R&B Album:
Monica — “Still Standing”
Rihanna — “Loud”
Sade — “Stronger Than Love”
Trey Songz — “Passion, Pain & Pleasure”
WINNER: Usher — “Raymond v. Raymond”

Top Rap Album:
Drake — “Thank Me Later”
WINNER: Eminem — “Recovery”
Nicki Minaj — “Pink Friday”
Lil Wayne — “I Am Not a Human Being”
Kanye West — “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”

Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean — “My Kinda Party”
Lady Antebellum — “Need You Now”
Sugarland — “The Incredible Machine”
WINNER: Taylor Swift — “Speak Now”
Zac Brown Band — “The Foundation”

Top Rock Album:
The Black Keys — “Brothers”
Jack Johnson — “To the Sea”
Kid Rock — “Born Free”
Linkin Park — “A Thousand Suns”
WINNER: Mumford & Sons — “Sigh No More”

Top Alternative Album:
The Black Keys — “Brothers”
Jack Johnson — “To the Sea”
Kings of Leon — “Come Around Midnight”
Linkin Park — “A Thousand Suns”
WINNER: Mumford & Sons — “Sigh No More”

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Daft Punk — “Tron Legacy (Soundtrack)”
WINNER: Lady Gaga — “The Fame”
Lady Gaga — “The Fame Monster”
Lady Gaga — “The Remix”
Owl City — “Ocean Eyes”

Top Christian Album:
MercyMe — “The Generous Mr. Lovewell”
WINNER: Skillet — “Awake”
tobyMac — “Tonight”
Chris Tomlin — “And If Our God is for Us”
Various Artists — “WOW Hits 2011″

SONG AWARDS:

Top Hot 100 Song:
WINNER: Taio Cruz — “Dynamite”
Eminem Feat. Rihanna — “Love The Way You Lie”
Bruno Mars — “Just the Way You Are”
Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg — “California Gurls”
Usher Feat. will.i.am — “OMG”

Top Digital Song:
B.o.B Feat. Hayley Williams — “Airplanes”
WINNER: Taio Cruz — “Dynamite”
Eminem Feat. Rihanna — “Love the Way You Lie”
Bruno Mars — “Just the Way You Are”
Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg — “California Gurls”

Top Radio Song:
Taio Cruz — “Dynamite”
Eminem Feat. Rihanna — “Love the Way You Lie”
WINNER: Bruno Mars — “Just the Way You Are”
Usher Featuring Pitbull — “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”
Usher Feat. will.i.am — “OMG”

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Taio Cruz — “Dynamite”
Eminem Feat. Rihanna — “Love the Way You Lie”
Lady Antebellum — “Need You Now”
Bruno Mars — “Just the Way You Are”
WINNER: Nelly — “Just A Dream”

Top Streaming Song (Video):
WINNER: Justin Bieber Feat. Ludacris — “Baby”
Eminem — “Not Afraid”
Eminem Feat. Rihanna — “Love the Way You Lie”
Lady Gaga — “Bad Romance”
Shakira Feat. Freshleyground — “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)”

Top Pop Song:
WINNER: Taio Cruz — “Dynamite”
Bruno Mars — “Just the Way You Are”
Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg — “California Gurls”
Katy Perry — “Firework”
Katy Perry — “Teenage Dream”

Top R&B Song:
Alicia Keys — “Unthinkable (I’m Ready)”
Rihanna Featuring Drake — “What’s My Name”
Trey Songz Feat. Nicki Minaj — “Bottoms Up”
WINNER: Usher Feat. will.i.am — “OMG”
Usher — “There Goes My Baby”

Top Rap Song:
B.o.B Feat. Hayley Williams — “Airplanes”
B.o.B Feat. Bruno Mars — “Nothin’ on You”
WINNER: Eminem Feat. Rihanna — “Love the Way You Lie”
Far*East Movement Feat. Dev & The Cataracs — “Like A G6″
Nelly — “Just a Dream”

Top Country Song:
The Band Perry — “If I Die Young”
WINNER: Lady Antebellum — “Need You Now”
Miranda Lambert — “The House That Built Me”
Sugarland — “Stuck Like Glue”
Taylor Swift — “Mine”

Top Rock Song:
The Dirty Heads Featuring Rome — “Lay Me Down”
Florence + The Machine — “Dog Days Are Over”
Mumford & Sons — “Little Lion Man”
Neon Trees — “Animal”
WINNER: Train — “Hey, Soul Sister”

Top Alternative Song:
Florence + The Machine — “Dog Days Are Over”
Linkin Park — “Waiting on the End”
Mumford & Sons — “The Cave”
Mumford & Sons — “Little Lion Man”
WINNER: Neon Trees — “Animal”

Top Latin Song:
Enrique Iglesias Featuring Juan Luis Guerra “Cuando Me Enamoro”
Pitbull — “Bon Bon”
Shakira — “Gypsy”
Shakira Feat. El Cata — “Loca”
WINNER: Shakira Feat. Freshleyground — “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)”

Top Dance Song:
Lady Gaga — “Bad Romance”
Lady Gaga Feat. Beyonce — “Telephone”
La Roux — “Bulletproof”
WINNER: Edward Maya &Vika Jigulina — “Stereo Love”
Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup — “We Speak No Americano”

Top Christian Song:
Kris Allen — “Live Like We’re Dying”
MercyMe — “All of Creation”
Sanctus Real — “Lead Me”
tobyMac — “Get Back Up”
WINNER: Chris Tomlin — “Our God”

LGR's Melanie Nathan with Stan Wright and Chely Wright

(San Francisco, CA, May 22, 2011)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) presented its highest honors to five trailblazers in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality at its 34th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in San Francisco.

LezGetReal was there to enjoy the dinner and after party, which turned out to be a huge success.  It seems that NCLR out-does itself each year.  The women were magnificent.  The trailblazers inspiring, speeches lending sousing aplauses and standing ovations.  What a night!

Voice & Visibility Award: First-ever openly LGBT country music star Chely Wright and her father, Stan Wright.
Chely, who attended with her fiance, looked stunning in a simple black evening dress, gave a moving acceptance speech, thanking her father Stan Wright for his support and giving special thanks to NCLR’s  (Prop 8 and more) attorney Shannon Minter, whom she described as a close and good friend.

The Awardees:-

• Founder’s Award: NCLR founder and retired San Francisco Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens.
• Justice Award: Former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe.
• Spirit Award: First-ever openly transgender Division I basketball player Kye Allums.

“I am so honored to be recognized with Chely and Stan and such incredible clients, who are my true role models,” said Judge Hitchens. “Their courage and willingness to stand up for what is right is and always has been the real foundation of this organization. I have been lucky to be a part of it from the beginning, and to see NCLR turn 34 is truly amazing.”

Said Howe: “It’s a privilege to be recognized with this honor from NCLR, which has provided me with a tremendous amount of guidance and support over the last six months. They have literally been at my side, helping me through this process and coaching me through media interviews. One of the most memorable experiences was a conference call I had with them the morning before I gave my first interview. Without saying it directly, the tone of that phone call made me understand how influential I suddenly was, and how many people of all ages in all parts of the country were depending on me to represent the LGBT community. I’m truly grateful for them, as well as my Nashville attorney Abby Rubenfeld. I am honored to get to work with such an amazingly powerful group of people, and to receive this award.”

Added Allums: “I am truly humbled that NCLR honored me with the Spirit Award. The love, and support from my friends and family has made my coming out experience an unforgettable one.”

Additionally, NCLR’s special guests were NCLR clients Desiree “Dez” Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom, out high school lesbians, who successfully challenged their Minnesota school district in January 2011 so they could walk together as part of the royal court of their school’s winter formal. (Pic: Mel with Dez and Sarah)

“Each of our honorees and special guests are our true role models,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “They stood up for their beliefs, not only changing history, but helping positively change the lives of thousands of LGBT people across the country for years to come—making them champions in our movement for equality and justice.”

More than 1,300 people from across the country attended the Anniversary Celebration, NCLR’s signature event that each year celebrates victories in the movement for full LGBT equality, and honors those who have become role models for thousands of people through their unfailing commitment to justice.

Founded in 1977, NCLR is a national legal organization devoted to advancing LGBT justice and equality through litigation, public policy, and public education. Since its start, NCLR—which helps more than 5,000 people each year—has embraced every aspect of the diverse LGBT community through its work, recognizing that the community comes from many different backgrounds and faces a wide range of issues.

About the awards and honorees:

The Voice and Visibility Award: Country Music Star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright

The Voice and Visibility Award honors an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to LGBT people. This year’s award was presented to country music star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright. Chely has shown unwavering courage since coming out in 2010, at the height of her career in Nashville, as the first openly LGBT country music star. She became a role model for others by sharing the painful, inspiring, and moving story of the heartache she suffered by trying to live in the closet, and the despair that finally propelled her to choose between taking her own life or coming out. Chely has used her fame to speak out about the terrible shame, pain, and harm that are inflicted on LGBT people—and especially on LGBT youth—by a culture that still views LGBT people as sinful and immoral. Chely’s father, Stan Wright, has stood by her side through every step of her journey, showing his unconditional love—an example for LGBT children and adults who may fear losing their family’s loving support by living authentically. Chely and Stan continue to stand up and speak out as people of faith, unchanged by the fact that Chely is a lesbian.

Founder’s Award: The Honorable Donna Hitchens

The Founder’s Award acknowledges a person whose life embodies NCLR’s vision and values of equality and justice and who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to activism on behalf of our communities. This year’s award was presented to the Honorable Donna Hitchens, who, known as one of the nation’s most well-respected judges, retired from the San Francisco County Superior Court in November 2010. She has changed the lives of thousands of people through her commitment to justice, not only while serving on the San Francisco County Superior Court bench, but by founding the National Center for Lesbian Rights in 1977, where her vision of fighting for LGBT equality continues to change the nation’s legal landscape.

Justice Award: Former Belmont University Soccer Coach Lisa Howe

The Justice Award honors an individual who has shown the courage and perseverance to fight for justice and sacrificed to make broad social change for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. This year’s award was presented to former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe. Howe stood strong in the face of ignorance and bigotry, becoming a role model for not only her players and students, but this country, by living honestly and loving her family. She has put a face on the continued need to fight employment discrimination in Nashville, Tennessee, where Belmont University is located, and in every corner of this country. Lisa has helped to transform the hearts and minds of her community and colleagues, inspiring them to launch an unprecedented public discussion about the place of openly LGBT people in private Christian colleges and universities, and prompting Belmont to change its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

Kye Allums Photo: Mel Nathan

Spirit Award: George Washington University Basketball Player Kye Allums

The Spirit Award honors an individual whose strength of character embodies and invigorates the spirit of the LGBT community. This year’s award was presented to George Washington University basketball player Kye Allums. Kye is a pioneer in the world of intercollegiate sports. In November 2010, he became the first Division I basketball player to come out as transgender, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and character in living genuinely and unapologetically as a transgender man. Through his simple act of continuing to play the sport he loves as the man he is, he has helped to change the landscape for other athletes.

###

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Donald Trump's Cock Fight

Donald Trump, the thrice and most famous bankruptee – will forever be – just that – now cries success even when he is wrong !  Trump hailed the illusion – with Pride -when President Obama decided today to release the long form version of his birth certificate, dispelling the tiresome birther rumors.  Trump believes that it was HE who caused the President to release the document. Oh and he did say ” I am very Proud because I was the one who enabled this to happen!

Trump is not so smart – he just successfully nailed his own coffin with his proud loud mouth. Trump will be Fired.

Mark my words and this is why he MUST be Fired:-

1. By trying to behind behind his assertion – the red herring – that he brought about the public display of the long term version of a Presidential birth certificate – Trump is hiding the fact that he must have been lying to the Press when he said on numerous interviews that he knew it did not exist via a so called  private investigation he had undertaken.    Were his lies to the Press justified in bringing out the necessary long version when the certified copy had sufficed legally.

2. Trump has placed NBC in an invidious position – “This is Donald being Donald”  – via an  NBC Executive is no longer a satisfactory comment.

3. Lawrence  O’Donnell on ‘The Last Word,  asserts that NBC has created a monster because Trump has been using fame on the NBC TV show, Celebrity Apprentice , to spew hatred.

4. O’Donnell  asserted that there is a conflict within the NBC News Division if they have news that is not being released and that news in this case relates to whether or not Trump is on the schedule for next season show of Apprentice; – because if he is, then it means he has a contractual commitment and thus cannot run for President.  If NBC has news – then it is news and it must be released now.  What are Trump’s Plans NBC?

5. If Trump’s so called interest in the Presidency would sustain itself – thereby his relevance in his crazed hunger to make news -  then he was indeed (ahem) forced to revert from birther to the new realm of racist. Trump is  Presuming that because President Obama is black, the President was unable to get into Harvard, without affirmative action;  bringing the President’s academic achievement into question in relationship to the President’s color; and yes that  brands TRUMP a racist. Yes a racist. NBC are you going to allow racist Trump yet another season?

DONALD TRUMP you are Fired! Now Where the heck  is the real DONALD DUCK ?

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
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twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Allen West, Congressman from Florida’s district Broward County seems to have lost sight of the meaning of the word Town Hall Meeting, and in doing so may well be complicit in what may have been the unlawful arrest and humiliating treatment of a local mother and radio show host. He is certainly up for a lawsuit as I believe that he may well be responsible for ordering harsh treatment against hecklers (so called) from his security detail.

Allen West ‘s Town Hall meeting was attended by young mother, Nicole Sandler who went along as a constituent, wanting to ask questions of the Congressman. Apparently questions were taken on cards and vetted prior to the meeting The meeting was held at a mega church, in fact outside of the Congressman’s district.

Prior to his appearance the Pastor of the Church introduced Mr. West, who had stood for office on a Republican – Tea Party ticket.

Ms. Sandler, a well known radio show host and often stand in for randy Rhodes, sat near the front of the auditorium.  After West made a comment about Health Care- Ms. Sandler told listeners today, on the Randi Rhodes show,  that she asked a follow up question.  What ensued was so reprehensible that I could barely believe I was listening to a story about a political event in the United States of America.

When attending a Town Hall meeting, there are certain expectations on the part of audience members.  I assume that every constituent of the Congressional representative has an equal right to be at a Town Hall Meeting – regardless of venue.  I further assume that asking a question and even speaking one’s mind is an absolute in terms of the first amendment – especially in the context of Town Hall Meeting.

How does one distinguish a heckler and even if deemed a heckler how should an American  be treated at the behest of one’s congressional representative?   These are questions that came up for me when I heard Ms. Sandler’s story a few moments ago.

While asking the question, the Congressman’s wife, sitting next to Ms. Sandler tried to grab her cell phone /  or other equipment from her.   What makes this a very reliable story is the verification of everything that Ms. Sanders told via her recording of the event both on tape and video.

A private security person came up to Ms. Sanders and pointed her out to a uniformed local police officer. The police officer grabbed hold of Sandler.   Sandler is heard on tape saying I am leaving.  Then, “get your hands off me.” (repeatedly.)

I listened on Randy’s show intently – not imagining that it could get any worse and it did, progressively worse…

She then gets cuffed with hands behind her back.  A later witness who called Randy Rhodes show said she witnessed MS. Sanders being “man handled.”

Sandlerwas shoved into the Police vehicle where she was held for hours.  When Alan West came out, she called out to him and he ignored her and did nothing to stop the arrest.  When asked what she was being arrested for she was told something about a trespass.  Since when did freedom of speech turn into trespass. At what point did the change in status occur.

She then gets taken to the jail to be booked. If I recall there were two separate jails she landed in.  The second one sounded horrific.  This all occurred in the late afternoon. At 2.00 am she was told that she was being released on $25.00.  She called her boyfriend to pick her up who fortunately was able to take care of her daughter while she was incarcerated for what became almost 24 hours.  She was released at noon the next day.

This was after being locked in storage  closet with 2 other inmates, without air where she was forgotten about while the  cell was being cleaned. She spent 3 hours also in a solitary confinement cell after being maced by a police officer, for no viable reason.

It was astounding to note the disgusting treatment at the hands of the Broward County, Florida  Police and jail.

Yet what remains the most disgusting to me is that the Congressman did not have the graciousness to intervene and stop the terrible trauma to Ms. Sandler; if anything he exacerbated it – and was unapologetic and defiant when later he tweeted that all “hecklers will be removed and he will win at all costs…

Allen West for Congress Mailing Address
PO Box 1028
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
877-906-2010

Boca Raton Office (Main Headquarters)
2108 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33432
877-906-2010

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Image via Wikipedia

04/24/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Singer/songwriter LeAnn Rimes took offense to an article I posted yesterday (read it here) about how her marriage kind of sticks it to the gays. She responded by tweeting this:

@amejean @lezgetreal After all I’ve done for the Gay community and how I show my support in any way I can…this is just ignorant and I think NOTHING of someone’s own anger directed toward me. SOMEONE should do their research before opening mouth and inserting foot….lol! Love my fans from the gay community and will always fight for your equality….God bless whomever wrote this and I hope the can get married too soon and be happy. [Source]

I’ve tried to defend LeAnn Rimes in the past, partially because of her support for the LGBT community and partly because I thought she got kind of an unfair shake. She got married too young, her parent/manager took advantage of her. There is even documentation of it, you can read it HERE However, I’ve kind of changed my mind on LeAnn. I got a lot of feedback on that post and had a lot of in person discussions about it as well and what those two did was kind of awful. It’s one thing to wreck a romantic relationship, but once kids are involved maybe one should hold oneself to a higher standard. Children are innocent and can’t understand the drama. Or worse, maybe they will understand it when they are older and can read LeAnn’s twitter documentation of it. Ouch.

Which brings us to twitter. She tweets things that are just freakin’ annoying; including an incident where she tweeted about her stepchild’s injury without talking to the kid’s mom first.

She also said in a recent interview with Us :”I know I didn’t do it the right way. I didn’t have the tools to know how to do it the right way, how to let go the right way. I’d never been taught that.” [Via Gawker] Sooo there are tools for screwing with other people’s relationships now? I had no idea.

I’m not angry at LeAnn Rimes, there is no need to be. Does it make me kind of depressed that her love story gets a federally approved happy ending and sooo many people’s dont? Yes. Is that her fault? No, but I’m allowed to write about it; just like she’s allowed to defend herself. Also LeAnn, Tammy Lynn Michaels wrote me a poem when I pissed her off, maybe you should consider stepping up your game? Just sayin!

Publishers Note:

Tennessee State Senator Stacey Campfield has a proposed bill that would prevent teachers and children in elementary and middle schools from even talking about gays in Tennessee schools… and it has cleared the Senate and looks like it will pass.

Now LeAnn seems pretty proud of herself to have sung with the Gay Men Choir as she “cried” over our dead LGBT children. But maybe if LeAnn is so freaking worried about gay kids dying…. and really wants to do something…. besides use them for free publicity…. she should give this Senator Campfield a call….  and tell him what a homophobic asshat he is and how his bill WILL KILL LGBT children….    Its Tennessee… Campfield will probably take her call.

Dr. Paula S. Brooks

Publisher

Lez Get Real.com

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Chameleon like actress, Evan Rachel Woods has officially come out as bisexual during her interview with Esquire Magazine. The 23 year-old, ex-fiancee of Marilyn Manson discussed her life, 8 out of the 9 tattoos that she currently has and discussed the type of person that she is attracted to.

“…I was always into very androgynous things. Guys, girls … I’m into androgyny in general.”

As the interview progressed, Wood opens up about her new role in George Clooney’s “The Ides of March”, her impending move to New York, and her blossoming dating life.

“I’m up for anything. Meet a nice guy, meet a nice girl…

However, when it comes to dating women, Wood definitely prefers the upper hand. “Yeah, I’m more kind of like the guy when it comes to girls. I’m the dominant one. I’m opening the doors, I’m buying dinner. Yeah, I’m romantic.”

Woods is the second actress on the popular HBO sitcom to come out as bisexual, Anna Paquin (Sookie) came out Spring of last year.

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Justin Bieber (sheez can’t believe I am writing about him – and when we do they flock to the site – so here goes…) criticized the paparazzi in Israel on his Twitter account, took a one second break from tweeting so that he could vacation with his family before his performance on Thursday,

And – AFTER Tuesday

when he took to Twitter to call out the paparazzi for trying to snap photos of him while he was in Israel taking in the sights. “Staying in the hotel for the rest of the week u happy?” he wrote. “People wait their whole lives for opportunities like this, why would they want to take that experience away from someone. They should be ashamed of themselves. Take pictures of me eating but not in a place of prayer, ridiculous.”

He tweeted  after his show,

“AMAZING NIGHT … AMAZING PLACE … AMAZING SHOW!!” he tweeted. “NEVER GOING TO FORGET THIS ONE. #BLESSED”

Apparently he was equally impressed with the Israeli Fans as they were with him! Well that works -

The Hollywood Reporter reported that the young Bieber played to an estimated 35,000 fans. While most of the show sounded like standard Bieber fare, at one point Bieber’s music director, Dan Kanter, played the country’s national anthem, “Hatikva.”

Bieber then played his inspirational track “Pray,” and even paid homage to manager Scooter Braun’s grandmother, a Holocaust survivor who was in the audience. “It was perhaps the one awkward moment in the show, if only because the next line he uttered enthusiastically was, ‘Who wants to be my ‘Baby?!’ ” the writer noted in her review.

(LOL) okay he is only a kid…. he tried to be a big boy…

source:  http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662034/justin-bieber-israel-concert.jhtml

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

According to CNN - Zsa Zsa Gabor’s husband wants his 94-year-old wife to become a mother again using an egg donor, artificial insemination and a surrogate mother, Prince Frederic von Anhalt told CNN Thursday.  “I’ve gone through the initial steps of donor matching and blood work and next week the donation process will begin,” von Anhalt said.

Gabor’s only child, Francesca Hilton, described herself as shocked when told of the plan Thursday. “That’s just weird,” Hilton said.

Von Anhalt, 67, said he is working with Dr. Mark Surry of the Southern California Reproductive Center in Beverly Hills. CNN calls to the center have not been returned. Gabor has suffered major health problems in the last year, including hip replacement surgery and a leg amputation. She has been unable to walk since a 2002 car accident.

“I’m a retired guy,” von Anhalt said. “I can take care of it.” -  IT – take care of IT – the THING, THE baby or the Deal?

Gabor talked about adding a new baby to the family when they got married 25 years ago, and she brought the topic up again in recent months, he said.

Gabor is not foreign to denying age and reality. Some years back my cousin was fired from a project -  styling Gabor for the cover of Vogue – way back in the 1980′s.  Gabor gave Cuz her clothing size for the shoot.  When Cuz showed up – to her horror she found that Gabor had significantly  underestimated her own size.   Was there also not a story to do with slapping a cop when stopped for a traffic violations with age dishonesty on driver’s license?

One reason is their desire to have someone carry on the famous Gabor name. None of her two sisters left an heir and her only child does not use the Gabor name, von Anhalt said.  Ahuh good reason to have a BABY – with senile and footless parents. Nice -  Interesting that BABY Gabor will not take in Daddy Gabor’s famous name! The Prince of whatever – does he have an heir or is this a one sided deal.

Francesca Hilton, 64, is Gabor’s only child, the product of her second marriage to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton.  She told CNN that her full name is Constance Francesca Gabor Hilton.

The process, which includes finding an egg donor and a surrogate mother to give birth to the baby, will cost about $100,000, von Anhalt estimated. The prince, who acquired his royal title when he was adopted as an adult by a German woman, is Gabor’s ninth husband. AH he is NOT a real Prince! or not a blood one anyway.

He has complained in recent months about financial burdens caused by his wife’s hospitalizations. While he put their Bel Air, California mansion up for sale earlier this year, he said he is not actively marketing it. “In life you need something to live for,” he said. “If my wife passes away before me, I have nothing to live for.”  Good excuse-  bring on the baby an infant an infant….

The Hungarian-born actress, famous for films a million years ago – No not T-Rex survives the Civil War – Her more prominent films include John Huston’s Toulouse-Lautrec biopic, “Moulin Rouge,” in 1952, “The Story of Three Loves” in 1953, “The Girl in the Kremlin” in 1957, and Orson Welles’ 1958 cult classic, “Touch of Evil.”

source http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/04/14/gabor.baby/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

Melanie Nathan

I decided to post the text of the President’s speech because sometimes the eye goes further than the ear! The Speech shed light on the role of Government. Transfer of money from the poor to give to the rich is un-American. This speech reads according to what side you are on.  The President went for the jugular and called out the bogus bullshit of the Republicans. Best of all is his flagrant refusal to renew tax cuts for the wealthy.

Rachel Maddow noted on her evening show that “Today is a benchmark Day in the Obama Presidency.”

President Obama’s speech today, as prepared for delivery:

“What we’ve been debating here in Washington for the last few weeks will affect your lives in ways that are potentially profound. This debate over budgets and deficits is about more than just numbers on a page, more than just cutting and spending. Its about the kind of future we want. It’s about the kind of country we believe in. And that’s what I want to talk about today.

“From our first days as a nation, we have put our faith in free markets and free enterprise as the engine of America’s wealth and prosperity. More than citizens of any other country, we are rugged individualists, a self-reliant people with a healthy skepticism of too much government.

“But there has always been another thread running throughout our history – a belief that we are all connected; and that there are some things we can only do together, as a nation. We believe, in the words of our first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln, that through government, we should do together what we cannot do as well for ourselves. And so we’ve built a strong military to keep us secure, and public schools and universities to educate our citizens. We’ve laid down railroads and highways to facilitate travel and commerce. We’ve supported the work of scientists and researchers whose discoveries have saved lives, unleashed repeated technological revolutions, and led to countless new jobs and entire industries. Each of us has benefited from these investments, and we are a more prosperous country as a result.

“Part of this American belief that we are all connected also expresses itself in a conviction that each one of us deserves some basic measure of security. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, hard times or bad luck, a crippling illness or a layoff, may strike any one of us. ‘There but for the grace of God go I,’ we say to ourselves, and so we contribute to programs like Medicare and Social Security, which guarantee us health care and a measure of basic income after a lifetime of hard work; unemployment insurance, which protects us against unexpected job loss; and Medicaid, which provides care for millions of seniors in nursing homes, poor children, and those with disabilities. We are a better country because of these commitments. I’ll go further – we would not be a great country without those commitments.

“For much of the last century, our nation found a way to afford these investments and priorities with the taxes paid by its citizens. As a country that values fairness, wealthier individuals have traditionally born a greater share of this burden than the middle class or those less fortunate. This is not because we begrudge those who’ve done well – we rightly celebrate their success. Rather, it is a basic reflection of our belief that those who have benefited most from our way of life can afford to give a bit more back. Moreover, this belief has not hindered the success of those at the top of the income scale, who continue to do better and better with each passing year.

“Now, at certain times – particularly during periods of war or recession – our nation has had to borrow money to pay for some of our priorities. And as most families understand, a little credit card debt isn’t going to hurt if it’s temporary.

“But as far back as the 1980s, America started amassing debt at more alarming levels, and our leaders began to realize that a larger challenge was on the horizon. They knew that eventually, the Baby Boom generation would retire, which meant a much bigger portion of our citizens would be relying on programs like Medicare, Social Security, and possibly Medicaid. Like parents with young children who know they have to start saving for the college years, America had to start borrowing less and saving more to prepare for the retirement of an entire generation.

“To meet this challenge, our leaders came together three times during the 1990s to reduce our nation’s deficit. They forged historic agreements that required tough decisions made by the first President Bush and President Clinton; by Democratic Congresses and a Republican Congress. All three agreements asked for shared responsibility and shared sacrifice, but they largely protected the middle class, our commitments to seniors, and key investments in our future.

“As a result of these bipartisan efforts, America’s finances were in great shape by the year 2000. We went from deficit to surplus. America was actually on track to becoming completely debt-free, and we were prepared for the retirement of the Baby Boomers.

“But after Democrats and Republicans committed to fiscal discipline during the 1990s, we lost our way in the decade that followed. We increased spending dramatically for two wars and an expensive prescription drug program – but we didn’t pay for any of this new spending. Instead, we made the problem worse with trillions of dollars in unpaid-for tax cuts – tax cuts that went to every millionaire and billionaire in the country; tax cuts that will force us to borrow an average of $500 billion every year over the next decade.

“To give you an idea of how much damage this caused to our national checkbook, consider this: in the last decade, if we had simply found a way to pay for the tax cuts and the prescription drug benefit, our deficit would currently be at low historical levels in the coming years.

“Of course, that’s not what happened. And so, by the time I took office, we once again found ourselves deeply in debt and unprepared for a Baby Boom retirement that is now starting to take place. When I took office, our projected deficit was more than $1 trillion. On top of that, we faced a terrible financial crisis and a recession that, like most recessions, led us to temporarily borrow even more. In this case, we took a series of emergency steps that saved millions of jobs, kept credit flowing, and provided working families extra money in their pockets. It was the right thing to do, but these steps were expensive, and added to our deficits in the short term.

“So that’s how our fiscal challenge was created. This is how we got here. And now that our economic recovery is gaining strength, Democrats and Republicans must come together and restore the fiscal responsibility that served us so well in the 1990s. We have to live within our means, reduce our deficit, and get back on a path that will allow us to pay down our debt. And we have to do it in a way that protects the recovery, and protects the investments we need to grow, create jobs, and win the future.

“Now, before I get into how we can achieve this goal, some of you might be wondering, ‘Why is this so important? Why does this matter to me?’

“Here’s why. Even after our economy recovers, our government will still be on track to spend more money than it takes in throughout this decade and beyond. That means we’ll have to keep borrowing more from countries like China. And that means more of your tax dollars will go toward paying off the interest on all the loans we keep taking out. By the end of this decade, the interest we owe on our debt could rise to nearly $1 trillion. Just the interest payments.

“Then, as the Baby Boomers start to retire and health care costs continue to rise, the situation will get even worse. By 2025, the amount of taxes we currently pay will only be enough to finance our health care programs, Social Security, and the interest we owe on our debt. That’s it. Every other national priority – education, transportation, even national security – will have to be paid for with borrowed money.

“Ultimately, all this rising debt will cost us jobs and damage our economy. It will prevent us from making the investments we need to win the future. We won’t be able to afford good schools, new research, or the repair of roads and bridges – all the things that will create new jobs and businesses here in America. Businesses will be less likely to invest and open up shop in a country that seems unwilling or unable to balance its books. And if our creditors start worrying that we may be unable to pay back our debts, it could drive up interest rates for everyone who borrows money – making it harder for businesses to expand and hire, or families to take out a mortgage.

“The good news is, this doesn’t have to be our future. This doesn’t have to be the country we leave to our children. We can solve this problem. We came together as Democrats and Republicans to meet this challenge before, and we can do it again.

“But that starts by being honest about what’s causing our deficit. You see, most Americans tend to dislike government spending in the abstract, but they like the stuff it buys. Most of us, regardless of party affiliation, believe that we should have a strong military and a strong defense. Most Americans believe we should invest in education and medical research. Most Americans think we should protect commitments like Social Security and Medicare. And without even looking at a poll, my finely honed political skills tell me that almost no one believes they should be paying higher taxes.

“Because all this spending is popular with both Republicans and Democrats alike, and because nobody wants to pay higher taxes, politicians are often eager to feed the impression that solving the problem is just a matter of eliminating waste and abuse –that tackling the deficit issue won’t require tough choices. Or they suggest that we can somehow close our entire deficit by eliminating things like foreign aid, even though foreign aid makes up about 1% of our entire budget.

“So here’s the truth. Around two-thirds of our budget is spent on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and national security. Programs like unemployment insurance, student loans, veterans’ benefits, and tax credits for working families take up another 20%. What’s left, after interest on the debt, is just 12 percent for everything else. That’s 12 percent for all of our other national priorities like education and clean energy; medical research and transportation; food safety and keeping our air and water clean.

“Up until now, the cuts proposed by a lot of folks in Washington have focused almost exclusively on that 12%. But cuts to that 12% alone won’t solve the problem. So any serious plan to tackle our deficit will require us to put everything on the table, and take on excess spending wherever it exists in the budget. A serious plan doesn’t require us to balance our budget overnight – in fact, economists think that with the economy just starting to grow again, we will need a phased-in approach – but it does require tough decisions and support from leaders in both parties. And above all, it will require us to choose a vision of the America we want to see five and ten and twenty years down the road.

“One vision has been championed by Republicans in the House of Representatives and embraced by several of their party’s presidential candidates. It’s a plan that aims to reduce our deficit by $4 trillion over the next ten years, and one that addresses the challenge of Medicare and Medicaid in the years after that.

“Those are both worthy goals for us to achieve. But the way this plan achieves those goals would lead to a fundamentally different America than the one we’ve known throughout most of our history.

“A 70% cut to clean energy. A 25% cut in education. A 30% cut in transportation. Cuts in college Pell Grants that will grow to more than $1,000 per year. That’s what they’re proposing. These aren’t the kind of cuts you make when you’re trying to get rid of some waste or find extra savings in the budget. These aren’t the kind of cuts that Republicans and Democrats on the Fiscal Commission proposed. These are the kind of cuts that tell us we can’t afford the America we believe in. And they paint a vision of our future that’s deeply pessimistic.

“It’s a vision that says if our roads crumble and our bridges collapse, we can’t afford to fix them. If there are bright young Americans who have the drive and the will but not the money to go to college, we can’t afford to send them. Go to China and you’ll see businesses opening research labs and solar facilities. South Korean children are outpacing our kids in math and science. Brazil is investing billions in new infrastructure and can run half their cars not on high-priced gasoline, but bio-fuels. And yet, we are presented with a vision that says the United States of America – the greatest nation on Earth – can’t afford any of this.

“It’s a vision that says America can’t afford to keep the promise we’ve made to care for our seniors. It says that ten years from now, if you’re a 65 year old who’s eligible for Medicare, you should have to pay nearly $6,400 more than you would today. It says instead of guaranteed health care, you will get a voucher. And if that voucher isn’t worth enough to buy insurance, tough luck – you’re on your own. Put simply, it ends Medicare as we know it.

“This is a vision that says up to 50 million Americans have to lose their health insurance in order for us to reduce the deficit. And who are those 50 million Americans? Many are someone’s grandparents who wouldn’t be able afford nursing home care without Medicaid. Many are poor children. Some are middle-class families who have children with autism or Down’s syndrome. Some are kids with disabilities so severe that they require 24-hour care. These are the Americans we’d be telling to fend for themselves.

“Worst of all, this is a vision that says even though America can’t afford to invest in education or clean energy; even though we can’t afford to care for seniors and poor children, we can somehow afford more than $1 trillion in new tax breaks for the wealthy. Think about it. In the last decade, the average income of the bottom 90% of all working Americans actually declined. The top 1% saw their income rise by an average of more than a quarter of a million dollars each. And that’s who needs to pay less taxes? They want to give people like me a two hundred thousand dollar tax cut that’s paid for by asking thirty three seniors to each pay six thousand dollars more in health costs? That’s not right, and it’s not going to happen as long as I’m President.

“The fact is, their vision is less about reducing the deficit than it is about changing the basic social compact in America. As Ronald Reagan’s own budget director said, there’s nothing ‘serious’ or ‘courageous’ about this plan. There’s nothing serious about a plan that claims to reduce the deficit by spending a trillion dollars on tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. There’s nothing courageous about asking for sacrifice from those who can least afford it and don’t have any clout on Capitol Hill. And this is not a vision of the America I know.

“The America I know is generous and compassionate; a land of opportunity and optimism. We take responsibility for ourselves and each other; for the country we want and the future we share. We are the nation that built a railroad across a continent and brought light to communities shrouded in darkness. We sent a generation to college on the GI bill and saved millions of seniors from poverty with Social Security and Medicare. We have led the world in scientific research and technological breakthroughs that have transformed millions of lives.

“This is who we are. This is the America I know. We don’t have to choose between a future of spiraling debt and one where we forfeit investments in our people and our country. To meet our fiscal challenge, we will need to make reforms. We will all need to make sacrifices. But we do not have to sacrifice the America we believe in. And as long as I’m President, we won’t.

“Today, I’m proposing a more balanced approach to achieve $4 trillion in deficit reduction over twelve years. It’s an approach that borrows from the recommendations of the bipartisan Fiscal Commission I appointed last year, and builds on the roughly $1 trillion in deficit reduction I already proposed in my 2012 budget. It’s an approach that puts every kind of spending on the table, but one that protects the middle-class, our promise to seniors, and our investments in the future.

“The first step in our approach is to keep annual domestic spending low by building on the savings that both parties agreed to last week – a step that will save us about $750 billion over twelve years. We will make the tough cuts necessary to achieve these savings, including in programs I care about, but I will not sacrifice the core investments we need to grow and create jobs. We’ll invest in medical research and clean energy technology. We’ll invest in new roads and airports and broadband access. We will invest in education and job training. We will do what we need to compete and we will win the future.

“The second step in our approach is to find additional savings in our defense budget. As Commander-in-Chief, I have no greater responsibility than protecting our national security, and I will never accept cuts that compromise our ability to defend our homeland or America’s interests around the world. But as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mullen, has said, the greatest long-term threat to America’s national security is America’s debt.

“Just as we must find more savings in domestic programs, we must do the same in defense. Over the last two years, Secretary Gates has courageously taken on wasteful spending, saving $400 billion in current and future spending. I believe we can do that again. We need to not only eliminate waste and improve efficiency and effectiveness, but conduct a fundamental review of America’s missions, capabilities, and our role in a changing world. I intend to work with Secretary Gates and the Joint Chiefs on this review, and I will make specific decisions about spending after it’s complete.

“The third step in our approach is to further reduce health care spending in our budget. Here, the difference with the House Republican plan could not be clearer: their plan lowers the government’s health care bills by asking seniors and poor families to pay them instead. Our approach lowers the government’s health care bills by reducing the cost of health care itself.

“Already, the reforms we passed in the health care law will reduce our deficit by $1 trillion. My approach would build on these reforms. We will reduce wasteful subsidies and erroneous payments. We will cut spending on prescription drugs by using Medicare’s purchasing power to drive greater efficiency and speed generic brands of medicine onto the market. We will work with governors of both parties to demand more efficiency and accountability from Medicaid. We will change the way we pay for health care – not by procedure or the number of days spent in a hospital, but with new incentives for doctors and hospitals to prevent injuries and improve results. And we will slow the growth of Medicare costs by strengthening an independent commission of doctors, nurses, medical experts and consumers who will look at all the evidence and recommend the best ways to reduce unnecessary spending while protecting access to the services seniors need.

“Now, we believe the reforms we’ve proposed to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid will enable us to keep these commitments to our citizens while saving us $500 billion by 2023, and an additional one trillion dollars in the decade after that. And if we’re wrong, and Medicare costs rise faster than we expect, this approach will give the independent commission the authority to make additional savings by further improving Medicare.

“But let me be absolutely clear: I will preserve these health care programs as a promise we make to each other in this society. I will not allow Medicare to become a voucher program that leaves seniors at the mercy of the insurance industry, with a shrinking benefit to pay for rising costs. I will not tell families with children who have disabilities that they have to fend for themselves. We will reform these programs, but we will not abandon the fundamental commitment this country has kept for generations.

“That includes, by the way, our commitment to Social Security. While Social Security is not the cause of our deficit, it faces real long-term challenges in a country that is growing older. As I said in the State of the Union, both parties should work together now to strengthen Social Security for future generations. But we must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for future generations; and without subjecting Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market.

“The fourth step in our approach is to reduce spending in the tax code. In December, I agreed to extend the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans because it was the only way I could prevent a tax hike on middle-class Americans. But we cannot afford $1 trillion worth of tax cuts for every millionaire and billionaire in our society. And I refuse to renew them again.

“Beyond that, the tax code is also loaded up with spending on things like itemized deductions. And while I agree with the goals of many of these deductions, like home ownership or charitable giving, we cannot ignore the fact that they provide millionaires an average tax break of $75,000 while doing nothing for the typical middle-class family that doesn’t itemize.

“My budget calls for limiting itemized deductions for the wealthiest 2% of Americans – a reform that would reduce the deficit by $320 billion over ten years. But to reduce the deficit, I believe we should go further. That’s why I’m calling on Congress to reform our individual tax code so that it is fair and simple – so that the amount of taxes you pay isn’t determined by what kind of accountant you can afford. I believe reform should protect the middle class, promote economic growth, and build on the Fiscal Commission’s model of reducing tax expenditures so that there is enough savings to both lower rates and lower the deficit. And as I called for in the State of the Union, we should reform our corporate tax code as well, to make our businesses and our economy more competitive.

“This is my approach to reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the next twelve years. It’s an approach that achieves about $2 trillion in spending cuts across the budget. It will lower our interest payments on the debt by $1 trillion. It calls for tax reform to cut about $1 trillion in spending from the tax code. And it achieves these goals while protecting the middle class, our commitment to seniors, and our investments in the future.

“In the coming years, if the recovery speeds up and our economy grows faster than our current projections, we can make even greater progress than I have pledged here. But just to hold Washington – and me – accountable and make sure that the debt burden continues to decline, my plan includes a debt failsafe. If, by 2014, our debt is not projected to fall as a share of the economy – or if Congress has failed to act – my plan will require us to come together and make up the additional savings with more spending cuts and more spending reductions in the tax code. That should be an incentive for us to act boldly now, instead of kicking our problems further down the road.

“So this is our vision for America – a vision where we live within our means while still investing in our future; where everyone makes sacrifices but no one bears all the burden; where we provide a basic measure of security for our citizens and rising opportunity for our children.

“Of course, there will be those who disagree with my approach. Some will argue we shouldn’t even consider raising taxes, even if only on the wealthiest Americans. It’s just an article of faith for them. I say that at a time when the tax burden on the wealthy is at its lowest level in half a century, the most fortunate among us can afford to pay a little more. I don’t need another tax cut. Warren Buffett doesn’t need another tax cut. Not if we have to pay for it by making seniors pay more for Medicare. Or by cutting kids from Head Start. Or by taking away college scholarships that I wouldn’t be here without. That some of you wouldn’t be here without. And I believe that most wealthy Americans would agree with me. They want to give back to the country that’s done so much for them. Washington just hasn’t asked them to.

“Others will say that we shouldn’t even talk about cutting spending until the economy is fully recovered. I’m sympathetic to this view, which is one of the reasons I supported the payroll tax cuts we passed in December. It’s also why we have to use a scalpel and not a machete to reduce the deficit – so that we can keep making the investments that create jobs. But doing nothing on the deficit is just not an option. Our debt has grown so large that we could do real damage to the economy if we don’t begin a process now to get our fiscal house in order.

“Finally, there are those who believe we shouldn’t make any reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security out of a fear that any talk of change to these programs will usher in the sort of radical steps that House Republicans have proposed. I understand these fears. But I guarantee that if we don’t make any changes at all, we won’t be able to keep our commitments to a retiring generation that will live longer and face higher health care costs than those who came before.

“Indeed, to those in my own party, I say that if we truly believe in a progressive vision of our society, we have the obligation to prove that we can afford our commitments. If we believe that government can make a difference in people’s lives, we have the obligation to prove that it works – by making government smarter, leaner and more effective.

“Of course, there are those who will simply say that there’s no way we can come together and agree on a solution to this challenge. They’ll say the politics of this city are just too broken; that the choices are just too hard; that the parties are just too far apart. And after a few years in this job, I certainly have some sympathy for this view.

“But I also know that we’ve come together and met big challenges before. Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill came together to save Social Security for future generations. The first President Bush and a Democratic Congress came together to reduce the deficit. President Clinton and a Republican Congress battled each other ferociously and still found a way to balance the budget. In the last few months, both parties have come together to pass historic tax relief and spending cuts. And I know there are Republicans and Democrats in Congress who want to see a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

“I believe we can and must come together again. This morning, I met with Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress to discuss the approach I laid out today. And in early May, the Vice President will begin regular meetings with leaders in both parties with the aim of reaching a final agreement on a plan to reduce the deficit by the end of June.

“I don’t expect the details in any final agreement to look exactly like the approach I laid out today. I’m eager to hear other ideas from all ends of the political spectrum. And though I’m sure the criticism of what I’ve said here today will be fierce in some quarters, and my critique of the House Republican approach has been strong, Americans deserve and will demand that we all bridge our differences, and find common ground.

“This larger debate we’re having, about the size and role of government, has been with us since our founding days. And during moments of great challenge and change, like the one we’re living through now, the debate gets sharper and more vigorous. That’s a good thing. As a country that prizes both our individual freedom and our obligations to one another, this is one of the most important debates we can have.

“But no matter what we argue or where we stand, we’ve always held certain beliefs as Americans. We believe that in order to preserve our own freedoms and pursue our own happiness, we can’t just think about ourselves. We have to think about the country that made those liberties possible. We have to think about our fellow citizens with whom we share a community. And we have to think about what’s required to preserve the American Dream for future generations.

“This sense of responsibility – to each other and to our country – this isn’t a partisan feeling. It isn’t a Democratic or Republican idea. It’s patriotism.

“The other day I received a letter from a man in Florida. He started off by telling me he didn’t vote for me and he hasn’t always agreed with me. But even though he’s worried about our economy and the state of our politics, he said,

‘I still believe. I believe in that great country that my grandfather told me about. I believe that somewhere lost in this quagmire of petty bickering on every news station, the “American Dream” is still alive. . .

‘We need to use our dollars here rebuilding, refurbishing and restoring all that our ancestors struggled to create and maintain. . . We as a people must do this together, no matter the color of the state one comes from or the side of the aisle one might sit on.’

“I still believe as well. And I know that if we can come together, and uphold our responsibilities to one another and to this larger enterprise that is America, we will keep the dream of our founding alive in our time, and pass on to our children the country we believe in. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.”

San Francisco, CA – With a more than 300% increase in voting turnout this year, the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Committee is pleased to present their 2011 Grand Marshals. Debuting their new online voting system back on March 26th, SF Pride saw an early and dramatic increase in total votes cast. Over the next fifteen days, 2,736 people made their choices known, surpassing a previous high count by more than 500 ballots cast.

The combined votes of the General Membership, Board of Directors, SF Pride Electoral College, and the community at large have elected the following:

Community Grand Marshals: Dr. Aaron Belkin (SFSU professor and key advocate for the repeal of DADT), Victoria Kolakowski (first openly elected transgender Superior Court judge), Christiana Remington (community activist and event producer), Terry Stewart (defense attorney, challenger of Prop. 8), Rev. Roland Stringfellow (builder of relationships between the LGBT and religious communities), and Graylin K. Thornton (Leather Community activist and past-board member for New Leaf Services).

Honorary Grand Marshals: Susie Bright (editor of first women’s magazine: On Our Backs, sexologist, activist), and Ron Wong (API activist, past-board member for SF Pride).

In a vote so close that there was just a 6-point lead, the vote for Local Organizational Grand Marshal goes to the GLBT Historical Society and History Museum.

In addition to the above, Bishop Yvette Flunder has been selected as the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal, and The Trevor Project has been named as the National Organizational Grand Marshal. A contingent of folks from The Trevor Project, the It Gets Better Project, and various other anti-bullying and anti-suicide organizations have been invited to lead off the 2011 Parade, behind the Dykes on Bikes contingent. This honor is given to a different faction or vital issue of the community each year.

When learning the news, Bishop Flunder commented, “As a native San Franciscan and an out leader in the faith community, I am honored and humbled to be recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal by my own community.“

Celebrity Grand Marshals confirmed to date are Chaz Bono, Olympia Dukakis, and Yigit Pura.

Finally, the Pink Brick Award Recipient — the one person who has done the most damage to the LGBT community and/or movement — is Lou Engle.

For full biographies of the grand marshals, and for more information about San Francisco LGBT Pride, please visit sfpride.org

About SF Pride

SF Pride is a nonprofit organization that produces the annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than a dozen community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation. Since 1997, SF Pride has granted over $1.4 million dollars from donations and proceeds received at the annual event, to local non-profit LGBT organizations and those organizations serving the HIV/AIDS and breast cancer communities. The annual budget is approximately $1.7 million. SF Pride is dedicated to education about the LGBT community, the commemoration of LGBT heritage, and the celebration of LGBT culture and liberation.

This Year Michelle Meow of Swirl Radio will host the Pride TV Program again and Yours truly – yes Mel Nathan -has been invited to join her on the live Interviews.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda
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Melanie Nathan April 12- 2011.

Will Swaziland‘s tiny monarchy spark the first revolution on the Southern tip of Africa – licensed perhaps by the current rage of Northern African countries, in denouncing autocracy and its inevitable impact on the people. While respect for the monarchy runs deep among Swazi people, who take their name from the current king’s 19th-century forebear Mswati II, satisfaction with the royal family may be running at an all time low, and a big expensive and wealthy family it is!

Police in Swaziland, one of the most magnificent countries I have ever visited,  fired water cannons and tear gas, beat people with batons and arrested activists to prevent pro-democracy rally, that had been advertised and planned for some months.

Africa’s last absolute monarch, Swaziland’s King Mswati III, who has numerous wives and 23 children, has enraged his impoverished nation by enjoying a lifestyle of unchecked luxury while demanding salary cuts from civil servants.  Mswati has 13 wives and a fortune estimated at $100m, placing him on Forbes magazine’s list of the 15 richest monarchs in the world.  The 42-year-old king, who assumed the throne in 1986 at the age of 18, has a penchant for fast cars, luxury palaces and extravagant parties.  n a country where nearly 70% of people live on less than $1 a day, he has caused controversy by building million-dollar palaces for each of his wives, giving them BMWs and personal staff and sending them on overseas shopping sprees by private jet.

To rein in government spending and qualify for international loans, Swaziland wants to slash salaries for civil servants, which last month sparked rare street protests.

Simantele Mmema, spokeswoman for the Swaziland National Association of Teachers, said Tuesday that police fired water cannons and tear gas and beat people with their batons to disperse more than 1,000 workers who were singing and chanting peacefully in a teacher’s training center in Manzini, the country’s economic hub. Mmema said teachers left the center march to Manzini’s Freedom Square, where the march was scheduled to begin this morning.

Labor leaders and political activists have been arrested, as while the King, has embraced Western-style market-driven economic policies, he

has refused to loosen the monarchy’s grip on power.

Political parties have been banned in the kingdom since 1973. Besides acting as head of state and commander in chief, the king appoints his cabinet and prime minister – currently the staunchly loyalist Barnabas Dlamini – and maintains tight control over parliamentary elections.

Mswati sparked outrage in 2002 when he tried to lease a $48m private jet in the middle of a drought that left a quarter of the population in need of food aid.

The same year, the mother of 18-year-old Zena Mahlangu said royal aides had kidnapped her daughter to become the king’s 10th wife.

But Swaziland is hardly noticed as it is a tiny landlocked country, with no coastline nor maritime claims. In terms of land boundaries, Swaziland borders Mozambique for 105 kilometres, and South Africa for 430, giving a total land boundary length of 535 km.Its high mountain perch provides low access to the world and it is highly dependent on South Africa for trade and resources.

Could this be the ignition to widespread protest in the South of the Continent?  Perhaps the  ‘services disenfranchised’ of South Africa will take heed!

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LGBT SWAZILAND:

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Volunteers should know that Swaziland has a very conservative society. Homosexuality certainly exists in Swaziland but not with the same level of acceptance as in the United States. Local media frequently portrays homosexuality in a very negative light. Most Swazi homosexuals and bisexuals are likely to have migrated to the larger cities.  Because of Swazi cultural norms, you will one cannot  be open about  sexual orientation in the community.  Lesbians,  may have to deal with constant questions about boyfriends, marriage, and sex, while gay men may have to deal with machismo: talk of sexual conquests, girl watching, and dirty jokes.

See also: Articles about Swaziland on the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Peace Corps Alumni Association website at http://www.lgbrpcv.org/articles.htm

From Swazi Media Commentary 17 February 2009 www.swazimedia.blogspot.com) Swaziland’s most prominent gay rights advocate is back in the news.

The Times Sunday reports that Mangosuthu Simanga Dlamini, the president of Gays and Lesbians Association of Swaziland (Galeswa) was present by invitation at the state opening of parliament earlier this month (February 2009). Both Mangosuthu and the newspaper are silent on who it was who invited him to the opening officiated by King Mswati III.

Mangosuthu came to notice in Swaziland in 1997 when on national television he publicly declared that he was a homosexual.

His statement was seen as such a threat to the stability of Swaziland that Barnabas Dlamini, the then Prime Minister, (and also the present
illegally-appointed Prime Minister of Swaziland) called homosexuality ‘abnormality and sickness’ and declared that the government would not accept  homosexuals unless society did so first. A former Prime Minister Prince Bhekimpi, who is also a chief, said, ‘Homosexuality is regarded as Satanic in Swaziland. Therefore, I am forced to evict all gays and lesbians in my area.’  King Mswati III, speaking at a national prayer meeting on the one occasion when he mentioned same-sex relations, said gay people were possessed of Satanic notions.Mangosuthu, who was 21 years old at the time, responded by challenging Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini to a televised debate on homosexuality.

Barnabas being a bully and a coward chickened out and refused to appear. After declaring his homosexuality, Mangosuthu was sacked from his job at a security firm and was believed to have moved to South Africa, where, unlike in Swaziland, equality of gays and lesbians is enshrined in the country’s constitution. The Times Sunday reported (15 February 2009) that Mangosuthu was now back in the country and instrumental in developmental projects in the Lubombo region – his home area.

Gays and lesbians continue to be oppressed in Swaziland and from time to time the Swazi media collude in this oppression. I have written before here and
here about the way the newspapers use hate speech to demonise homosexuals and how journalists peddle their ignorance on the subject.

Swaziland’s so-called leaders continue to harass homosexuals. Only this month Sigwe MP Sivumelwano Nxumalo, told a church meeting that Christians must fight tooth and nail to ensure that country is protected against ungodly practices like gay marriages. Nxumalo is so dripping in hatred that ‘he further urged all Swazi folk to fight against all non-Christian religions’.

Despite this open hostility, gays and lesbians continue to meet and to advocate for their rights. Galeswa relaunched in 2006 with the aim of
encouraging more people to openly declare their sexuality. A spokesperson for the organisation said, ‘As gay people, we want everyone to
understand that gays are not made, but are born.’ Galeswa said even though the Swaziland Constitution did not guarantee gays and lesbians equality, at the same time people cannot be arrested for living gay lives.

In 2005, Swaziland’s first gay club opened in Mbabane. It was described by one attorney as offering ‘limitless’ opportunities for blackmail, financial and political. The nation’s foremost traditional leader, Jim Gama, the ‘traditional’ prime minister, was said to be ‘apoplectic’ when alerted by the Swazi media about the gay bar. One Swazi newspaper said the bar would lead to a ‘Gays invasion!’

We shouldn’t be surprised by this attitude to homosexuality in Swaziland, this is after all a kingdom where Swazis subjugate their women, flog their children and wave their Bibles in the face of anyone who is different from them and where the absence of freedom of expression helps to keep people in ignorance.

But Swaziland’s gays and lesbians, although repressed, are resilient – to find out how, click here.
Link http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/swazilands-gay-leader-is-back.html

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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Retired Honorable Vaughn R. Walker, former chief judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, came out publicly about being a gay man, mentioning his Physician partner of 10 years.

During the Prop 8 trial , Right Wing commentators, anti- same-sex marriage supporters tenaciously rumbled about  the fact that former U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker is gay.  Now the Judge is speaking out for the first time  about how his sexuality relates to his work and  to state it simply – it does not!   Judge Walker’s comments were his first  since the historic and minefield of a case case was filed.

While some wondered whether the Republican nominated Judge’s sexual orientation would affect his decision making on the topic of Gay / same-sex Marriage in California, others believed such was a non issue and served only as a tactic to discredit the judicially astute Judge.

The U.S. judge who struck down California’s gay marriage ban never considered his own homosexuality as a reason to recuse himself from the case, he said on Wednesday.   Walker eventually struck down Prop 8 as unconstitutional, and the case is currently on appeal. Walker retired at the end of February, and he talked with a handful of reporters about issues like the Prop 8 case, cameras in the court, and his once-strained relationship with San Francisco’s gay community. (Reports Reuters)

It would not be appropriate for any judge’s sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or gender to stop them from presiding over a case, he said. “That’s a very slippery slope,” Walker said.

Walker had never previously discussed his sexual orientation in the press, but on Wednesday said he was in a 10-year relationship with a physician.

A Midwesterner, Walker was born in 1944 in Watseka, Illinois, about 90 miles south of Chicago. He worked for years at one of San Francisco’s top law firms before being nominated to the federal bench in 1989 by George H.W. Bush.  Seated at a table in a charcoal suit with a white handkerchief, Walker remembered how the gay community had once vilified his nomination to the federal bench.

Walker has opened a law practice focusing on dispute management and resolution. This includes alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as well as counseling clients with respect to litigation risks, especially in protracted and complex litigation.

“The awareness of the complexities and increasingly multi-national character of legal disputes has prompted me to focus the next phase of my career on helping parties strike a path to practical management of these issues and resolutions” (Business Wire)

In his 21 years on the federal bench, Judge Walker presided over an estimated 8,000 cases, more than 250 jury and bench trials, numerous settlement conferences and sat by designation on the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Federal Circuit. He was a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States Committee on Civil Rules, which promulgates procedural rules for the federal courts. Walker performed judicial training and education in many foreign countries under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the U.S. Department of State.

Walker was known for his handling of complex, high-profile cases, in the fields of antitrust, copyright and patent law and in cases involving disputes over securities fraud, terrorist surveillance and same-sex marriage

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking in to a second of Madonna’s charities over alleged financial mismanagement. According to several sources within the Department of Justice, agents with the FBI’s Los Angeles field office have been investigating “several irregularities and suspicious activity” surrounding the educational charity Success for Kids, which Madonna chairs.

Also part of the FBI investigation is the LA-based Kabbalah Center, which has received millions of dollars from Madonna in the past. Sources were not clear the extent to which Madonna is involved in the investigation, but she has donated $671,000 since the charity was founded in 2001.

She has also persuaded a string of celebrity friends to give generously and the non-profit charity has attracted donors like Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Cruise and Alex Rodriguez.

This development comes a week after it was revealed that the Madonna had to abandon plans to build a girls school in Malawi due to financial mismanagement at Raising Malawi, another of her charities and an IRS investigation and Federal Grand Jury probe into all of her charities. Madonna, 52, is also allegedly facing a suit filed last month in Malawi by eight workers at the failed school project, who say they were never paid.

The school, despite $3.8 million being raised for its opening, was never built and has since been abandoned by the entertainer. An audit conducted on behalf of Raising Malawi reportedly could not show where all the money had gone.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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MARIN COUNTY- Over 300 people celebrated the one year anniversary of “Beyond Differences” as the Group honored their unique Teen Board of Directors, heard an inspiring address from Attorney General Kamala Harris, and premiered a new video (below) about social isolation.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris had to struggle to contain her emotions when she spoke in Marin on Saturday about Lili Rachel Smith, a 15-year-old girl whose death inspired the formation of Beyond Differences, a Marin-based organization dedicated to ending social isolation in middle schools.  “She was one of the best, most special people,” Harris said, momentarily overcome. (According to the Marin IJ.)

“In that young woman, there was so much self-determination. She really understood her power, and reflected that power.” Harris was the featured speaker at the newly formed nonprofit’s Second Annual Family Walk and BBQ Luncheon, a benefit at the Mill Valley Community Center that drew some 300 parents and children sporting “Beyond Differences” T-shirts and bright yellow bandannas.”  (Report Marin IJ)

Laura Talmus and Ace Smith, parents of Lili Rachel Smith founded the organization to address issues and “begin the discussion”  about social isolation, as experienced by their daughter.  They thanked supporters for attending the event.  “It was a fantastic event, and it was wonderful to see so many friends and, most of all, new supporters who joined us at the Mill Valley Community Center because they care so much about the issue of teen social isolation.”

If you couldn’t attend the event because you are located in Southern California, the Organization will be holding a similar event in the Los Angeles area on Saturday, April 30th.  Click here to find out more about the  Los Angeles event on April 30th.

Please watch the Video:-  This Group Effectively sets the tone for a model that could be followed nationwide;  the  direct involvement and participation of Teens in the organization itself and spreading the imperative discussion, resulting in the specific personal commitments by Teens themselves  to effect change, simply by being inclusive.

http://beyonddifferences.org/

Clisk here for MORE COVERAGE by LezGetReal

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

MORE:

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/ca-youth-to-meet-with-elected-officials-for-protections-vs-bullying-and-discrimination/

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On Thursday night, The United States Senate passed a resolution honoring the life and works of Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away on March 23. The resolution was sponsored by California’s Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Both Senators spoke in support of the resolution.

Senator Boxer: “While widely acclained for her career on stage and screen, Elizabeth Taylor’s most important role was as a bold and passionate leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Her dedicated efforts helped educate the public and lawmakers about the need for research, treatmet and compassion for those suffering from the disease. She will forever be remembered as an American icon whose activism and dedication made life better for millions of people all across the world.”

Senator Feinstein: “Elizabeth Taylor was a Hollywood icon, but more importantly, she was a humanitarian and philantropist who spoke passionately about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the toll on her fellow citizens when very few dared to speak out. California has lost one of its greatest stars. I’ll always remember her performance in National Velvet, a film which led to my childhood love of horses. Elizabeth was one of the greats. Her passion for life and devotion to those less fortunate will continue to inspire me and others.”

I believe it was in 1984 when Rolling Stone magazine printed a list of persons from the entertainment industry who had died of AIDS. I know it was after the death of a young actor named Merritt Butrick. He had played Capt. Kirk’s son David Marcus in The Wrath of Khan, but made only a brief appearance in The Search for Spock. We had all heard about the stars who had died, but there were so many others, page after page after page of names. It felt as though I was reading the obituary for an entire generation of performers. I also thought it was a bitch of a way to out men like Denholm Eliot, older actors who had lived by the Hollywood rules – deep in the closet. The AIDS epidemic bell curved after that, deaths became less frequent, survival became the norm. That happened because of the work of many dedicated people. Elizabeth Taylor was a face and a voice for them – the victims and the researchers.

Here is the text of Senate Resolution #8217:

“Title: Honoring the life and legacy of Elizabeth Taylor.

Whereas , Elizabeth Taylor, a world-renowned actress and activist whose legendary career spanned seven decades, passed away on March 23, 2011;

Whereas with the death of Elizabeth Taylor, the State of California and the United States lost one of the most talented entertainers, philanthropists and humanitarians in the United States;

Whereas, Elizabeth Taylor was born on February 27, 1932 in London, England to American parents;

Whereas Elizabeth Taylor and her family moved to the United States, settling in the state of California, just prior to the start of World War II;

Where, Elizabeth Taylor started acting at the age of ten and became a star at a young age;

Whereas the hard work and dedication of Elizabeth Taylor earned her numerous acting roles in film, television and theater;

Whereas Elizabeth Taylor became one of the most successful and sought after actresses in the world;

Whereas, Elizabeth Taylor received two Best Actress Academy Awards for her work in Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and she became the first woman to earn a seven-figure paycheck for appearing in a film;

Whereas, many films that feature Elizabeth Taylor, including A Place in the Sun, Raintree County, Giant and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof have become classic films appreciated by generations of moviewatchers;

Whereas, Elizabeth Taylor used her fame to raise awareness and advocate for people affected by HIV/AIDS;

Whereas, at a time when HIV/AIDS was largely an unknown disease and those who were affected by HIV/AIDS were ostracized and shunned, Elizabeth Taylor called for and demonstrated compassion by publicly holding the hand of her friend and former co-star Rock Hudson, after he announced that he had AIDS;

Whereas, Elizabeth Taylor testified before Congress, saying ‘It is my hope that history will show that the American people and our leaders met the challenge of AIDS rationally and with all the resources at their disposal, for our sake and that of humanity.’

Whereas, in 1985, Elizabeth Taylor became the Founding National Chairman for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (commonly known as “amfAR”:

Whereas, in 1991, Elizabeth Taylor founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to provide direct support to those suffering from the disease;

Whereas, the extensive efforts of Elizabeth Taylor have helped educate the public and lawmakers about the need for research, treatment and compassion for those suffering from HIV/AIDS;

Whereas Elizabeth Taylor is survived by her children Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton, as well as ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, Elizabeth Taylor was truly a legend who touched the lives of generations of people of the United States and million worldwide wit both her inner and outer beauty: Now therefore be it Resolved, That the Senate, recognizes and honors the courageous, compassionate leadership and many professional accomplishments of Elizabeth Taylor; and offers its deepest condolences to her family.”

         Whereas, when Elizabeth Taylor stared this battle, there were Senators who publicly argued that HIV/AIDS was God’s punishment for Hollywood’s abhorrent, deviancy in tolerating homosexuality, and the government should just let them all die according to God’s will, the passage of this Resolution honoring her life is testimony to the impact she had on the debate.

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• U.S. Senate Honors Elizabeth Taylor (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Liz Taylor mourned by AIDS activists (goqnotes.com)
• Senate Resolution for Elizabeth Taylor (bilerico.com)
• West Hollywood to Name Street After Elizabeth Taylor? (towleroad.com)
• Elizabeth Taylor: Early AIDS Hero (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Senate Passes Boxer-Feinstein Resolution Honoring Elizabeth Taylor (pinkbananaworld.com)
• An Elizabeth Taylor Street in West Hollywood? (advocate.com)
• Elizabeth Taylor A Great Friend To Humanity Dies (LetMeGetThiStraight.Com) (topix.net)
• Watch: amfAR Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor (towleroad.com)
• Elizabeth Taylor Leaves Much Of Her Fortune To AIDS Charity (perezhilton.com)

If a Blogger has little to say, you may find a new April 1st  cliche;

with the following words they will begin:

“This is no April Fool’s joke!”

Its the real thing!

And so began the morning for the consummate “unknown” – Ms. Queerty where it was declared today that the ‘non April Fool’ joke would be Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, the early morning national TV show on ABC TV.

Queerty ‘OUTS’ Robin Roberts as a Lesbian in the name of April Fools Day…..

So Queerty is angry with Ms. Roberts because she has apparently accepted a gig with anti gay Chick-fil-A; and he screams: “Why The Hell Is Lesbian GMA Anchor Robin Roberts Teaming Up With Chick-fil-A?”  Is that the way to OUT someone who has never publicly stated they are a lesbian or gay”

Out of Anger or Out for Revenge?  With April Fool as an excuse for a fool?

Say Ms, Queerty: “This is no April Fool’s joke: Robin Roberts, a Good Morning America co-anchor, is headlining a leadership conference put on by Chick-fil-A. What is this lesbian smoking?”

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Egyptian Cobra

After six days of freedom and tens of thousands of Twitter followers, the Bronx Zoo’s missing Egyptian cobra has been found in a non-public section of the zoo’s Reptile House. It was believed from the beginning that the cobra was still inside the building.

Snakes have a remarkable ability to get themselves into small spaces and many hibernate in winter. The escape undoubtedly caused zoo officials to call for a very close examination of the foundations and walls of the Reptile House to find any cracks that the cobra could have wiggled its way through.

J. K. Rowling never did say how far Harry’s boa constrictor got when it escaped.

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• Watch: Jon Stewart Knows Where the Bronx Zoo Cobra Is (towleroad.com)
• Missing Bronx Zoo Cobra Found In New York [Video] (realestateradiousa.com)
• The Bronx Zoo Cobra Has Been Found! (buzzfeed.com)
• Deadly Egyptian Cobra Escapes from Bronx Zoo (VIDEO) (blippitt.com)

Natasia Langfelder

In kind of hot and kind of sad news, Samantha Ronson is officially dating Tiffany Russo, bisexual yoga instructor. I know, hot right?The straight media is freaking out all like “OMG SHE WAS MARRIED TO A MAN! RONSON IS DATING A STRAIGHT WOMAN!” No, no she’s not. Ms. Russo is either bisexual or queer or sexually fluid. It’s ok, lets all calm down. Tiffany is hot and into vadge. I want my beloved SamRo to be happy BUT…

WHAT ABOUT LINDSAY? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHO WILL SHE DATE NOW?! WILL SHE GO BACK TO MEN??? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO LINNNNNDDSSAAAYYY. STAY GAAAYYYYYY!

Sigh. I guess all dreams have to die at some point and it seems like Tiffany Russo is probably the nail in the coffin for SamRomeo and Lindsiette. She’s pretty and probably sane. How will SamRo go back to crazy after she has sane? I guess we can all just wait and seeeeeee.  

Lindsay also told RadarOnline that she is friends with Tiffany and has no problem with her and is still friends with SamRo. Probably because Tiffany is 34 and it’s always less painful when your ex goes for someone older, amirite? [Source] 

Related articles

• Samantha Ronson Makes Out With a Chick Who Isn’t Lindsay Lohan (lezgetreal.com)
• Lindsay Lohan Hits NYC to Hit Samantha Ronson, Make Out With a Dude (lezgetreal.com)
• Samantha Ronson Might be Annoyed Lindsay Lohan is Her New Neighbor (lezgetreal.com)

Image by bostongman via Flickr

03/27/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Is Samantha Ronson finally over Lindsay Lohan? Probably not, but she was caught kissing a chick who isn’t Lindsay. Ronson has either not hooked up with girls who aren’t Lindsay in a long time, or more likely, she just hasn’t let herself get caught by the papparazzi. But here it is, RadarOnline published the pic of SamRo holding a pretty brunette’s face in her hands and kissing her in her car. It must be pretty serious if Ronson let down her paparazzi guard.

Sigh. Is this really the end of SamRomeo and Lindsiette? I hope not. Those two crazy kids need each other okay?! If you want to see the pic, click here. I’m sooo not putting the pic up. If you want to see the grainy image, click here: http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/03/exclusive-details-photos-lindsay-who-lohans-ex-samantha-ronson-caught-kissing-a

Related articles

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Image via Wikipedia

3/24/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Chris Brown, after the release of his new album, F.A.M.E. decided to go to BET’s 106th & Park to discuss his album and the “interview gone postal” that he recently experienced with Good Morning America.

Brown started off: “First of all, I want to apologize to anybody who was startled in the office, anybody who was offended or really disappointed in my actions because I was disappointed in the way I acted.”

Of course, he’s sorry after the fact. That is usual of Brown, the issue with him is how he fails to see how his actions don’t show that he’s sorry because he keeps resorting to violent tendencies when he feels that things aren’t going his way.

“A lot of people don’t know what went down. When I do shows or when I do interviews we send out like a talking point sheet. And if the network or whoever isn’t compliant with what we want to do so that we can equally accomplish a goal, we usually kind of back out and wait until it’s a better situation,” Brown discussed.

In other words, Breezy doesn’t want to talk about anything involving his past because “that is not what he wants”.  So he threw a “little baby posing as an adult” temper tantrum and was allowed to get away with it.  If anything, talking about the event would be the chance to show how much that he has grown but I guess that is too hard a grasp for Brown to comprehend.

He continues:

“So when we actually did this event, everything was cool. … Everything that was sent to me was about the album. That’s what we were talking about. So when the interview proceeded, I was thrown off. I felt like, ok, they told us this to get us on the show and exploit me. I took it very, very hard. I kept my composure throughout the whole interview. … And when I got back I just let off steam in the back. I didn’t physically hurt anyone. I just wanted to release the anger inside me. I felt like I worked so hard for this music. … I got very emotional.”

Emotional doesn’t mean you have to destroy public property, Breezy – own up to your destructive behavior. Just because you didn’t physically hurt someone (this time) doesn’t make it any less traumatic. This just paints the picture that it doesn’t seem Brown is willing to take full accountability for his actions. He clearly does say that he is sorry but, at the same time, he is trying to throw the spotlight off him by playing victim.

He closed his interview by saying that he wished for his fans not to send threats to Robin Roberts because “We need to be more positive and focus on the real issues in life.”

No, Breezy – you need to focus on your issues and the fact that you flew off the handle because your immature, “emotional” ego couldn’t handle the attack. More than likely, the only reason this “apology” was released because you wanted to attempt to rebuild that bridge that you smashed into pieces.

Related articles

• Chris Brown: I’m Sorry (huffingtonpost.com)
• GMA Must Want Seconds ‘Cuz Chris Breezy Might Be Back (lezgetreal.com)
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• Why Chris Brown Won’t Ever Learn (lezgetreal.com)

The Department of Internal Affairs website has been temporarily offline after a threat from a group of hacktivists known as Anonymous.  The DIA’s homepage and the Civil Defence website are among those experiencing problems.

A group calling itself Anonymous posted a video on Youtube last month threatening to target the department over claims it is censoring use of the internet in New Zealand.

“Internet censorship… has become one of the greatest atrocities to free speech and government transparency since the Cold War,” the video claims. It said the “denial of service” attacks would start in five days time, on March 29, at 11am New Zealand Time.

Does this lend credence to the warning by “anonymous South Africa” in the latest Video post which can be found at http://lezgetreal.com/2011/03/anonymous-speaks-south-africa-rise-up-or-is-it/comment-page-1/#comment-149637

How seriously should we take them, he she, it us ?  Well we have yet to verify that the SA You Tube Video is  in fact from the same group – although all about the Video this far points in the right direction that its you me and us and them and they.

If you are confused you are supposed to be and you are supposed to understand!

In the South African Video, the usual Anonymous voice asks for an uprising in SA because of a myriad of reasons outlined.   It points to many aspects of service delivery that has proven to be the biggest problem in SA – however the target Video does not mention corruption in SA as being the underlying source and speaks more to the old wealth history vs. poverty as a basis that has yet to be corrected, instead.   I think ANONYMOUS misses the mark – it is about corruption in SA.   But I like anonymous nonetheless because it gives all us would be “anony-mouses” a voice!!

Back to NZ, The Department of Internal Affairs senior communications manager, Tony Wallace, told the National Business Review that 41 of the department’s websites had been intermittently down since Tuesday. He could not confirm why the sites were unavailable.   “We don’t know that it’s a hacker” he said.

The Department has defended itself against the claims of censorship, saying it offers a filtering system to internet service providers on a purely voluntary basis.

It says the filter, which went live in February 2010, is aimed at reducing the trade in child sexual abuse and only blocks sites linked to the illegal practice.

So far six ISPs have adopted the system: Airnet, Maxnet, Telecom, Telstra Clear, Watchdog and Xtreme Networks.

A temporary Civil Defence website has been set up with important information

WHO IS ANONYMOUS:-

The asnwer is easy – Anonymous is you me and everyone who wants to be anonymous its not something that anyone own we can all be anonymous – its all of us ….you and me whomever may so choose. For that reason anonymous can spread like wildfire and no one can claim its is I me or them!   Its a live internet concept.

Judge for your selves.

Here is the Anonymous Video on Scientology.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Actress Elizabeth Taylor has died, NBC News has confirmed.  Details are still somewhat sensitive, but it

Elizabeth Taylor

is being reported that Ms. Taylor died of congestive heart failure at her home in Los Angeles this morning.

In a career that spanned decades, Ms. Taylor was known as much for her acting chops as she was her personal life. The English-American actress was considered one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood’s Golden age, which marked one of the biggest heydays in motion pictures.

Ms. Taylor, a child star appeared in her first movie at age 9 but started to receive attention after starring in the box office smash, National Velvet when she was 12. Later. She went on to perform in such classic movies as Cleopatra, Butterfield 8, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (She won Oscars for Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf).

In later years, she was known for being a prominent speaker regarding AIDS activism and awareness.

Her 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren survive her.

Check back for frequent updates, as details are made public.

Update: Taylor’s son, Michael Wilding, released the following statement as first reported by ABC News: “My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.”

During this morning’s taping of Good Morning America, Chris Brown was scheduled to perform two songs and discuss the upcoming release of his new album.

Brown Outside GMA

After his first initial performance, he then sat down with news host Robin Roberts to begin his interview. During the live interview, Ms. Roberts – instead of catering to Brown’s ego, began to question him regarding his physical altercation with Rihanna. Brown tried his best to dodge the questions by focusing the attention back onto his upcoming album but Ms. Roberts kept steering the topic back to that particular instance in Brown’s career.

After the interview, Brown visibly upset, left the studio screaming, which caused security to be alerted. An anonymous source that was present at the scene stated that not only did Brown smash a glass that shattered all over 43^rd and Broadway but that in his rage, Brown tore off his shirt and stormed out the building refusing to do his second scheduled performance. Brown is currently on probation stemming from his felony and is required to stay out of trouble.

Although, at that point, all tips were still considered “gossip”, Brown took to his Twitter and went on Tweeting rampage discussing how he was wronged.

“I’m so over people bringing this past shit up!! Yet, we praise Charlie Sheen and other celebs for bullshit,” Brown wrote. (The post has since been deleted.)

Now, he is correct – we do seem to uphold certain celebrities and vilify others but what Brown doesn’t seem to grasp is that he should be held accountable for his actions and what he did to physically assault another person. Not only that, he only seemed to want to show how rehabilitated he was when the actual Rihanna pictures surfaced, which put his career in jeopardy.

Yet, Brown’s attempt at throwing Charlie Sheen’s issues out there (even though, as crazy as he might be, Sheen has been upfront with his mess) shows how he doesn’t want to truly be held accountable for his actions. The fact is, he is neither Charlie Sheen nor Mel Gibson – only Brown can show himself in a better light by addressing the questions pertaining to his situation (no matter how uncomfortable) like a grown man. Instead, he opts to smash a window showing his inability to rationalize as an adult. Allowing people to think that he hasn’t really changed because he quickly slipped right back into a familiar pattern.

Violence is as synonymous with Chris Brown as Twitter rages and penis shots and for somebody who wants to be taken so serious as a musical artist, he continually screws himself over (Who is allowing him to have a Twitter account? Hasn’t he learned yet?).

Unfortunately, I’m sure this outburst won’t tarnish his reputation and he’ll continue to sell records; showing again, how easily the American public will overlook the destructive tendencies of most celebrities.

Related articles

• Chris Brown went nuts, smashed a window on GMA (wwtdd.com)
• “Chris Brown Delusional? Singer Chris Brown Hoping to Sell 1 Million Copies of New Album in First Week” and related posts (showbizspy.com)

Image via Wikipedia

03/20/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

TMZ (but of course) got their hands on a non-disclosure agreement for backup dancers that want to dance in BritBrit’s new music video. The agreement states: “Contractor acknowledges that it is essential that [Britney] not be exposed to any alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances.” It also says that the dancers are subject to random drug testing and can be fired for refusing the test. [Source]

The consensus on the ‘internets’ is that these demands are crazy, I’m going to have to step up to defend my beloved Britney. First of all, if bitch knows that she can’t handle being around drugs or alcohol, then it’s good she is taking steps to make sure she is not around drugs. She’s a mother and she has to do whatever she has to do to stay sober. Second of all, this is her muthafreakin’ show, bitches! She’s the one making the money, she’s the one putting food on all these people’s tables, if she says don’t drink vodka out of the bottle when I’m around, then don’t drink vodka out of the bottle when she’s around. Third of all, these dancers are going to be working around Brit. They will be on a set for a music video, dancing in teeny tiny outfits, crazy shoes and probably on precarious surfaces. They probably should be sober while they do so. The majority of office workers don’t go to work drunk, dancers don’t get a free pass either. And lastly, last time I checked, drugs are illegal…soooo you can’t really have a problem with random drug tests. Basically, nothing about this clause seems out of line to me. So go on with your recovery BritBrit!  

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So um…yeah. In bisexual (?) rapper news, Nicki Minaj was packing during her Providence, RI concert. I don’t really know what kind of message she was trying to get across with this performance. But yeah….just yeah. Maybe it’s a cheap trick for attention or maybe, just maybe, she’s solving the mystery of this crazy journey called ‘life.’ Check out the uncensored pics below, you’ve been warned.

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Image by bostongman via Flickr

3/18/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Last night Lindsay Lohan celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the least Irish place in NYC, SL (aka Simyone Lounge) in the trendy Meatpacking District. I was there last week, was Lindsay? NO! Sigh, I never catch the right celebrities. If anyone ever wants to hang out with Macauly Culkin or Sofia Bush, then I’m totally your girl.

Anywho, so according to Page 6 Lindsay boned on-again/off-again ex Samantha Ronson at the Standard Hotel yesterday afternoon before making out with a guy that night. However, before she made out with said random guy, she asked if Ronson had been to SL the night before…so I was at SL last Friday, then Ronson was there on Wednesday and Lindsay was there on Thursday? I SUCK.

I know, you thought this post was about Lilo, but really it was about me. Sorry! To summarize, why would Lindsay make out with a guy when her Romeo Ronson was around? To make her jealous? Because she actually liked the guy? It couldn’t be because she was drunk because she had her water bottle in tow all night…Man, I wish those crazy kids would just give in and get married to each other. Obviously, this is a romance that was written in the stars.

Want more details about Lindsay’s night? You can check them out HERE

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Image via Wikipedia

3/18/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

It’s such an awful invasion of privacy to have your personal email account hacked into, even worse when said hackers find “compromising” (according to police reports) photographs and videos in said emails. TMZ is reporting that over 50 actresses were targeted including Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Christina Aguilera, Vanessa Hudgens, Scarlett Johansson, Ali Larter, Busy Philipps, Miley Cyrus, Emma Caulfield, Addison Timlin and Renee Olstead.

It’s surprising that all these actresses have compromising photos in their email. I have to wonder…do all women have those types of pictures in their email? I have one or two that might be iffy, but nothing compared to the labia/boob pics favored by Vanessa Hudgens and Renee Olstead. However, I’m not going to victim blame. We are all entitled to have sexy pics and vids on our emails and phones. Whatever! It’s life, people are sexual beings. Stealing those images and distributing them is a form of sexual abuse/molestation. I can’t imagine having my right to privacy violated in such a huge, headline grabbing way. And if it did happen, I would feel humilated that the police even saw the pictures, much less having them be distributed over the internet. These women have been violated in a way that will stick with them for a long time and it sucks. It’s not fair and those who committed this crime, which to them was a way to make fast cash and catch a fast thrill, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  

[Source]

Related articles

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Image via Wikipedia

03/17/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

MediaTakeOut.com is reporting that a reliable inside source confirmed to them that rapper Missy Elliot briefly dated singer/songwriter Keri Hilson, before Hilson got famous and presumably before Elliot got married. The ’insider’ describes the affair to MTO, saying:

“Missy is a larger than life personality. She’s like a dude. I’ve seen her turn out straight girls…Missy [and Keri] started off as friends, but Missy was really seducing her. Keri ended up [infatuated] with Missy, she may have even been in love.”

But Missy, like most rappers, is a hit-it-and-quit-it kinda gal. So after the two’s WHIRLWIND ROMANCE, Missy dumped Keri. The insider added, “Keri was broken up [about the breakup." [sic] [Source]

Like a dude? Yeah, just vaguely offensive. Am I 100% sure this story is true? No. Am I reporting it anyway? Yes, because a suspected lesbian affair is not an insult to Keri Hilson and to be honest…I kind of got the lady lovin’ vibe from her ever since she hit the scene and my gaydar is pretty spot on. “Pretty Girl Rock” however, extremely offensive to my ears. That song is so stupid.  

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Image via Wikipedia

03/17/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Okay, what I’m about to say isn’t going to make me very popular, but you guys, I think Jodie Foster might be insane. Like, batshit crazy insane. I know, I know, she’s hot, she’s a great actress, she’s gay…but still, maybe crazy. Hear me out, so Jodie Foster directed and co-stars in the movie “The Beaver” with Mel Gibson. Now, the plot of this movie should be enough to tip anyone off that the people participating in this project are not all there. IMDB writes it up as “A troubled husband and executive adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communicating.” Yes, exactly, what?

Mel Gibson has been making the headlines for physically and verbally assaulting his baby momma and former mistress Oksana Grivfiej&(&#*(&#, whatever her name is way too long. He also made headlines a few months ago when Winona Ryder revealed that he called her an “oven dodger” at a party back in the 90s. Also, do we want to get into his “raped by a pack of n@&#^$” and sugartits comments? No right? It’s depressing that someone so messed up could be so rich, famous and successful. However, Jodie Foster has no problem with Mel Gibson or any of his statements. The famous lesbionic lady simply attributes it to his “big mouth.” Foster told the Hollywood Reporter:

“God, I love that man…He’s so incredibly loving and sensitive, he really is. He is the most loved actor I have ever worked with on a movie. And he’s not saintly, and he’s got a big mouth, and he’ll do gross things your nephew would do. But I knew the minute I met him that I would love him the rest of my life.” [Source]

Really? Really?! No! I know she did a movie with him and needs it to hit on some cash, since she cheated on and left her longtime partner and prob needs some Benjamins to keep her ex lady and her new lady happy, but bending your principals to defend Mel Gibson is CRAZY. Gibson hates jews, blacks, women and he also HITS women. I thought as lesbians we were officially supposed to not be into that? So yeah, long story short, Jodie Foster is nuts. Sigh, okay Jodie fans, let me have it.

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Image via Wikipedia

03/15/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

A California Judge ordered Karen Grace Sjoden to stay away from “both Mrs. DeGeneres,” as well as Michael Hathaway, Ellen’s business associate. Sjoden was caught tresspassing on Ellen and Portia’s property back on February 10th. The judge also forbade Sjoden from getting within 100 feet of the couple, emailing them or having others reach out to them on her behalf.

RadarOnline reports that Sjoden was incoherent and rambling in court and that her defense was that she thought Ellen had offered her a job and she simply wanted to accept. Sjoden’s ex-husband has stated that she has a mental illness. Sad story all around, but luckily everyone’s favorite lesbian couple is protected. Hopefully Sjoden will get the help she needs.

[Source]

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Mr. Gay World 2011 - Francois Nel, South Africa

CAPE TOWN – The South African LGBTI community is ecstatic -  Francois Nel, Mr. Gay South Africa has won Mr. Gay World today!  He also helped secure South Africa, Johannesburg as the 2012 location for Mr. Gay World. This is the second year in a row that Mr. Gay World has been a South African.

How did I know that Francois would do his Country proud ?  I met Francois, Mr. Gay South Africa, in Cape Town the week before he left for the Pageant in Manila, socialized with him,  mutual friends and activists and had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon alone, interviewing him and sharing our thoughts and ideas about the state of LGBTI in South Africa and the Continent.

We published my lengthy interview with him last week and found that his personality, commitment to social justice and compassionate activism far outweighed his physical magnificence- hard to beat!

A small excerpt from our chat:

If we look at our past it has been very eventful  - we have moved truly toward s being a rainbow nation  – a Mecca of different cultures and societies. Look at soccer world cup – what we embody as a nation is so unique to us and we have a constitution that most other competing countries do not have – that includes gender ID and Sexual orientation so I feel my ambassadorship is critical in this competition.

I am very excited to work with like minded individuals from all over the world. It is as much about our unity as it is about the competition itself.

We all want to educate about being gay, Lesbian, transgender and bisexual. We all want to show how it is to be open…

We want 2012 to be on African continent and I hope we can bring it here…..” read more  Interview with Mr. Gay South Africa on his Way to Manila for Mr. Gay World (lezgetreal.com)

And Indeed he did it!!

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Congratulation from the GALS et al, at LezGetReal

Mr. Gay World, Francois Nel & Melanie Nathan

==============================================================================================

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Former Governor Mike Huckabee

When the late Loretta Young became pregnant out of wedlock more than sixty years ago, she disappeared for several months and came back to Hollywood with an “adopted” daughter. It was decades before she admitted that the child was hers. In the 1950′s, Ingrid Bergman had to leave America because she had become pregnant during an affair with a married man. During the heyday of the Moral Majority, the Christian right slammed Vanessa Redgrave for being pregnant without a wedding ring. Then it was a television character, Murphy Brown, who got the right wing treatment from vice-presidential candidate Dan Quayle. Now it’s Natalie Portman’s turn. Frankly, Nat, you’re in good company.

The first problem with Mike Huckabee’s comments about Natalie Portman’s pregnancy is that it’s based on the right wing myth that no one got pregnant out of wedlock before 1965. It’s like their belief that no one got an abortion before Roe v. Wade. No one in polite society talked about where the orphans came from or how society “maidens” avoided the stigma of unwed motherhood. If no polite people talked about it, it didn’t exist. They just accepted my grandmother’s statement that she was a World War I widow or whatever story she was telling. No one questioned who the father of her four sons was, or who was the father of her daughter a few years later. She just packed up and moved, reinvented herself, and no one was ever the wiser. Guitar great Eric Clapton’s mother went a different route. Her parents sent her away to give birth to him and moved just as he was born. His grandmother arrived at the new flat with “her” baby. This past week, actress Jane Russell died. She had an illegal abortion when she was a teenager that cost her the ability to have children. My great-aunt’s illegal abortion cost her her life. Huckabee is speaking out of ignorance of the truth about unwed pregnancies in the past.

The second problem with Huckabee’s statement was in what he has said about the point he trying to make. He was not attacking Ms. Portman, but but was pointing out a social problem, “My comments were about the statistical reality that most single moms are very poor, under-educated, can’t get a job, and if it weren’t for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death. That’s the story we’re not seeing, and it’s unfortunate that society often glorifies and glamorizes the idea of having children out of wedlock.” He needs to consult a good statistician. Single motherhood by choice is more frequent among educated, self-reliant, employed women than it is among the very poor. Single motherhood by accident or through ignorance is the norm among poor girls. It goes without saying that a large number of single mothers are lesbians who wouldn’t marry a man under any circumstances, not even if their sperm donor were Mark Ruffalo.

I admit to knowing one girl – just one – who timed her second unwed pregnancy to stay on welfare. A woman can collect welfare without having to work at least part-time for only the first 12 months of her child’s life. By getting pregnant before that twelve months was over, this girl collected welfare for 30 months that I know of. I haven’t seen her since the second baby was 4 months old. There are girls like that. We call them “welfare queens” and they are not glamorous or glorified. They are pretty universally reviled for playing the system. They do not by any stretch of the imagination make up the majority of the roughly four million women and children on welfare.

Which bring us to the last problem with Huckabee. Gov. Huckabee seems to think that women and girls get pregnant by themselves. It has always been thus with the right wing. They believe in the immaculate conception. No boy or man is every responsible for these unwed pregnancies. They never seduce lonely, vulnerable young girls. They never run out when the stick turns blue. They never, ever have a gazillion reasons for not wearing a condom. The right wing moralists refuse to acknowledge that their culture puts a value on a boy losing his virginity while in high school while denouncing the girls they deflower. They can’t see that there is a cultural imperative among some boys to their manhood by the number of “baby mamas” they can claim. No one ever lays any of the blame on the sperm donor. Hollywood doesn’t get girls pregnant. Hollywood doesn’t abandon them. Hollywood doesn’t throw barriers in the way of getting an abortion or kill doctors who provide them.

Gov. Huckabee’s comments were not so much an insult to Natalie Portman as they were to all girls and women. He assumes we are so damned stupid we would jump off a bridge if Kourtney Kardashian did.

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Okay, we usually leave celebrity stories to people much younger and hipper than me, but I couldn’t resist this…..

Shannon Doherty thought that she couldn’t be replaced on Charmed. Rose McGowan improved the series in many people’s view. The entire cast of Law & Order was replaced over and over again during its twenty-year run. There are the cases of the disappearing brothers on Happy Days and The Big Valley, and that’s just the ones at the top of my brain.

Two and a Half Men could easily be improved with a new brother. Hell, Neil Patrick Harris’ Barney is a better womanizing character than Sheen. I’m straight and I seriously don’t think there is anything irresistible about Sheen. The blonde guy in the Post Office commercials is cuter and cuddlier. There are thousands of unemployed actors in Hollywood who would be more than willing to work for far less than $2 an episode and the series would not suffer. Sheen isn’t a tiger or an Adonis. At this point, he’s too disgusting for mainstream television audiences. It’s time to Doherty him.

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Melanie Nathan February 23- 3.30 pm.

Imagine our delight – an impromptu lunch in the Castro- sitting at the table – Melanie Nathan (Executive editor LezGetReal), Rachel Wahba (Olivia Cruises and Resorts,) Molly McKay from Marriage Equality USA,  MEUSA Board Director,  Carole Scagnetti,   Matt Baum, Prop  8 activist, John Lewis without Stuart Gaffney,  (Prop 8 Litigants) and Dan Choi – eating Sushi – toasting three events in one – Dan’s 30th Birthday, Mel’s advocacy trip to South Africa and of course the impetus – the Department of Justice decision to refrain from defending DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) Cases – when suddenly we get a call and hear our Senator, Dianne Feinstein has just decided to sponsor the repeal of DOMA.

Mere hours before we wrote that the DOJ’s Press Statement signaled the end of DOMA.  That DOMA would be President Obama’s Berlin Wall  – little did we know that a few hours later Senator Feinstein would make her bold commitment.

No sooner than we received the call -  NBC channel 2 called Molly McKay for an interview and before we knew it they were filming us having lunch in Castro and toasting our ultimate celebration the hope of the repeal of Doma.  A group of committed activists – we toasted the President and our Senator.

After that we all signed a Rainbow Flag given to us as a gift from the HRC store in the Castro – as a gift to take with me to Cape Town Pride on March 3rd, when I attend the celebrations as their keynote speaker, in South Africa.

We sat around the table reflecting on who introduced who to whom and how we all cam to be there. Its was exhilarating – all the while Molly and John organizing a Rally to happen in the City at 5.00pm tonight.   Got to MEUSA site to see details and I will post same to my FaceBook page.

DAN CHOI at Lunch Today - Photo by Mel Nathan

Yes indeed U.S. senator Dianne Feinstein of California announced Wednesday that she will introduce legislation to repeal the 15-year-old law.

“As a member of the Judiciary Committee, it is my intention to introduce legislation that will once and for all repeal the Defense of Marriage Act,” she said in a statement. “My own belief is that when two people love each other and enter the contract of marriage, the federal government should honor that.”

We all noted that Feinstein had opposed DOMA when it was being decided upon in Congress in 1996.

Earlier Wednesday several Congress members, including New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, renewed their commitment to repealing DOMA.

Come Celebrate the Death Knell of DOMA at Castro and Market from 5pm – 6:30pm TONIGHT Come celebrate the good news today on DOMA repeal and more!    5-6:30pm at Harvey Milk Plaza, Castro and Market in SF   – Lt. Dan Choi and many others will be speaking.

“Note: In the Video we are celebrating the DOJ and Feinstein Announcements.  We were all so excited. While we were doing so, we were holding the flag signed by Lt. Dan Choi, and all of us in the picture for me to bring to South Africa as the MEUSA (Marriage Equality USA,  International Ambassador for Africa…mel”

http://www.capetownpride.org/news/news/66-pinkball

• Senator GILLIBRAND The Time for Congress to Repeal DOMA is Now (lezgetreal.com)
• DOJ Halts Defending DOMA (lezgetreal.com)

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Los Angeles, CA –  Look who’s coming to the biggest lesbian event in the world, The Dinah, this April 2011: the newest and first REAL gay Housewife of OC, Fernanda Rocha!

The jaw-dropping, sexy Brazilian fitness instructor, entrepreneur and newest cast member on the original and most viewed OC reality TV Series is already taking Orange County by storm and is readying to cause quite a sandstorm in the desert strutting her hot bikini bod as she joins the 15,000-plus lesbian participants flocking to Palm Springs to attend the yearly legendary Lesbian pilgrimage known as The Dinah.

More than a simple gay event, The Dinah, now in its 21st year,  has become a cultural phenomenon seeing not only as a unique traditional rite of passage for lesbians around the world but as well as an event consistently producing a spectacular entertainment program delivering the hottest hitmaking artists in the music industry blending award-winning performers with emerging artists. From Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Colbie Caillat,  to (this year) Natasha Bedingfield, Luciana (“I Like That”), Chely Wright and Dev & The Cataracs (“Like a G6″, “Bass Down Low”), The Dinah has undeniably grown to become quite a sought-after music festival that almost every major recording artist wants to play!

Fernanda Rocha is a personal trainer who has been featured in the past on The Real Housewives of Orange County. She is an openly out Lesbian fitness trainer who specializes in a workout called Brazilian Booty. In September 2010, it was announced that Rocha would join the cast of this Bravo hit full-time. Friends with Tamra Barney, the trainer has created her own line of DVDs and clothing and resides in Laguna Beach.

As untraditional as it gets, 33-year-old out lesbian Rocha has been making headlines for being the first gay REAL housewife.

Rocha already took shots at Kim Zolciak and Danielle Staub, saying they were experiencing a “faux lesbian experimental stage. I’m the real thing.” Indeed, Fernando is the REAL deal and redefining what it means to be a HOUSEWIFE!

The new season of “The Real Housewives of OC” kicks off on Bravo March 6, 2011. Rocha will be attending The Dinah March 30 through April 3, 2011 at The Riviera Spa & Resort in Palm Springs, California (www.TheDinah.com).

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Congresswoman Jackie Speier is a person of great conviction, commitment and compassion.  She has traveled her life’s trauma in a manner that belies her calm and resolute presence, as her extraordinary service on behalf of her San Mateo Constituents and her country take precedence.

Today she showed her heroism; as she stood up for herself and women.

Rep. Speier survived a bullet when touring the Jonestown Camp all those decades ago; and it was if she was subjected to yet another today.  when the most disgusting, insensitive and savage commentary of Republican Chris Smith of New Jersey, describing a late term abortion procedure caused the Congresswoman to set her planned remarks aside and lambaste Smith and the Republicans who were seeking to cut funding for planned parenthood.

“You just put my stomach in knots” asserted the Congresswoman,  ”That procedure that you just talk about was a procedure that I endured,” she told a stunned chamber.

In an interview shown on ABC News, Speier spoke of her political courage  ”As the night wore on, the vitriol and grotesque commentary got worse and worse…I sat there thinking, none of these men on the other side have even come close to experiencing this, and yet they can pontificate about what it’s like. It just overwhelmed me.”

Speier underwent a dilation and evacuation at 17 weeks into her pregnancy in her early 40s, while she was serving in the California Assembly in the 1990s, because medical difficulties made it impossible to continue the pregnancy. The procedure used was the same type that Smith’s book described.  . “This was a wanted pregnancy, it was the second miscarriage I had had…What they express doesn’t come close to the experience that a woman goes through when she is losing a baby or when a pregnancy is terminated. It’s a painful, gut-wrenching loss.”

The paternalistic patronization and holier than thou attitudes of men, purporting to know what is best for women, coupled with the political courage of Jackie Speier, should serve as an inspiration for more women to run for office.

“I lost a baby; for you to stand on the floor to suggest somehow that this is welcome or done cavalierly or without thought.”  .. at the end of which  The House applauded.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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02/17/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn sat in the front row at the Elie Tahari show last nite. Tahari also dressed Quinn for the event. For those of you not familiar with Tahari, they make really cute suits for women that you can find for reasonable prices at Macy’s. So this will not be Christine Quinn’s “Marie Antionette” moment, she didn’t go to a show that featured the kind of clothing that NYC women go bankrupt for. Page Six is reporting that everyone’s favorite lesbian Speaker sat next to “Hills” star Stephanie Pratt and Joan and Melissa Rivers.

Quinn was also invited backstage to meet the designer who thought she looked great. Doesn’t she always? Christine Quinn, breaking lesbian fashion stereotypes and making the world a better place to be.

[Source]

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Image by Getty Images via @daylife

02/18/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Because this is my favorite new song, because I’m a big ‘mo who loves Britney Spears and will ALWAYS LOVE BRITNEY BITCH! The video actually isn’t bad either, Brit Brit seems to have fully embraced 2011 trends without being an over the top trendsetter like Katy Perry or Lady Gaga style. Watch below:

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Melanie Nathan- Feb 17-2011

“My Mama told me when I was young – we are all born superstars – She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on in the glass of her boudoir There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are  so hold your head up girl and you will go far Listen to me when I say …………………   Born this Way!   Love yourself and you are all set – No other way – Born this way ………..  on  right track. Don’t be a drag – just be a queen!!! Rejoice and love your self today.  I’m beautiful….”

… and so the snippets from Lady Gaga’s new number 1 hit – already covered and felt  by a bevy of little and bigger than little Monsters.

Lady Gaga has  indeed birthed a movement and this song tops its impetus as kids as young as the little Monster in the Video below realize and absorb its truth… the new generation and the new reality….. Born Queer, born gay, born lesbian, born straight, born transgender, born inter-sex – BORN FREE!

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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2/17/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Did you miss Lady Gaga’s appearance on Good Morning America? Well you can watch it here! Lady Gaga talked about her partnership with MAC, where the proceeds of the lipstick she endorses go to help those stricken with AIDS. She also talks about her newest single, “Born This Way,” the devotion of her fans and how devoted she is to them (us!) in return. Gaga is sweet, articulate and sincere in this interview. Watch below:

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02/16/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Justin Bieber went on Chelsea Handler’s talk show, “Chelsea Lately” to promote the movie…based on his life. Yes, based on his 16 year old life. Anyway, Chelsea Handler is a fan of the lesbians and even has two living with her so she and the Biebs discussed the popular dyke website www.lesbianswholooklikejustinbieber.tumblr.com It’s a pretty funny conversation. Also, I think that lesbians who look like Justin Bieber are hot. Just to throw that out there. Watch below:

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Comedian, performer and author Tania Katan is here to relieve your Valentine’s Day blues with a rousing game of “Who Would You Rather: Famous Lesbian Edition.” I bet you all these girls are hotter than the ex that dumped you last week and stole your cat on her way out.

Like what you just watched? Then buy a ticket to see Tania Katan perform her one-woman show “Saving Tania’s Privates” at the Frigid Fringe Festival Feburary 23rd-March 5th. You can buy your tickets here: www.FRIGIDnewyork.info Learn more about Tania at www.TaniaKatan.com or join her Facebook fan page!

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Cover of Need You Now

Melanie Nathan- Feb 13-2011

A  dazzling night of performances by of Barbara Streisand, Justin Bieber with Usher and Jaden Smith, Lady Gaga – with her new release “Born this Way”, Gwyneth Paltrow with Cee-Lo, as well as Rihanna and Drake.

Not to be forgotten, Bob Dylan took the stage to perform with folk rock band the Avett Brothers and the British indie folk group Mumford & Sons.

The Tribute to Aretha Franklin by a bevy of the best from Christina Aguilera to Jennifer Hudson….

The list of 2011 Grammy Award winners is as follows:

Album Of The Year

The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

Record Of The Year

Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

Best Rap Album

Recovery – Eminem

Best New Artist

Esperanza Spalding

Song Of The Year

Need You Now – Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum)

Best Country Album

Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

Best Pop Vocal Album

The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga

Best Rock Album

The Resistance – Muse

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Hey, Soul Sister (Live) – Train

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert