Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Another Cutie On Duty Puts The Fine In "New York's Finest"

Cops have fun too #pride #prideparade #nypd #communitypolicing #bratton #modelbrendanjames

Posted by Billy D'Ottavio on Sunday, June 28, 2015

Brenda Wood Of Atlanta Gets It In On-Air Editorial

For all those "Christians" (that's people who THINK they act Christ-like but really don't), Brenda Wood spells it all out for you.

Please take note - Ms. Wood in on point here.

Brenda Wood 11Alive looks back at the fast-moving and historic events of last week in Monday's Last Word -- "Same-sex marriage: Judgement Day."More Last Words: http://on.11alive.com/1HdzAkU

Posted by 11Alive on Monday, June 29, 2015

Bye Bye Birdie - "Honestly Sincere"



Apologies in advance today for light posting. I'm staging three big numbers (including "Honestly Sincere") today at Sacramento Music Circus for the upcoming production of BYE BYE BIRDIE opening next Tuesday.

Thought I'd share a little of the world I'm working in right now. Happy Tuesday!

Photographer Has Best Response After Losing Anti-Gay Wedding Client

Clinton Brentwood Lee has been shooting weddings for 15 years as a professional photographer.

But when he changed his Facebook profile to a rainbow to celebrate the SCOTUS ruling on same-sex marriage, a client informed him they would cancel their contract with him.

The photographer's response is perfect:

(Click image to enlarge)

(via Buzzfeed)

Tons Of Photos From NYC Pride Parade

Sir Ian McKellen as Grand Marshall
Matt Rettenmund over at Boy Culture took tons of photos during the NYC Pride Parade.

Here's just a few, but click over to BC to see the vast diversity of the NYC LGBT celebration!




Mayor De Blasio

Police Commissioner Bratton and wife


Sen Ted Cruz Says SCOTUS Marriage Ruling Only Affects Four States

Sen. Ted Cruz erroneously says the recently SCOTUS ruling on marriage only applies to four states.

From Politico:

“Those who are not parties to the suit are not bound by it,” the Texas Republican told NPR News’ Steve Inskeep in an interview published on Monday.

Since only suits against the states of Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan and Kentucky were specifically considered in the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which was handed down last Friday, Cruz — a former Supreme Court clerk — believes that other states with gay marriage bans need not comply, absent a judicial order.

“On a great many issues, others have largely acquiesced, even if they were not parties to the case,” the 2016 presidential contender added, “but there’s no legal obligation to acquiesce to anything other than a court judgement.”

While Cruz’s statement may be technically true, federal district and circuit courts are obligated to follow the Supreme Court’s precedent and overrule all other states’ same-sex marriage bans as unconstitutional.
Clearly Ted Cruz has no firm grasp of legal precedent.

While the decision on same-sex marriage addressed four states, that ruling becomes controlling precedent for all other courts to follow on the issue from here on forward.

If Cruz wants to force gay and lesbian couples to go through the time and expense to file lawsuits which WILL end up with a judgement in favor of same-sex marriage, he can I guess. But the result will be the same whether states go through the lawsuits or not. At the end of the day, any judge will have to cite the SCOTUS ruling and marriage equality will prevail.

Period.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Seen At NYC Pride This Weekend


Clearly in response to Donald Trump's racist comments about Mexican immigrants coming to America.

Nice butt.

Veterans Administration Confirms Benefits For Same-Sex Married Couples

Dalan Wells and Sgt. Brandon Morgan

From the Washington Blade:

Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage across the country, the Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday confirmed it’s set to issue spousal benefits to gay, lesbian and bisexual veterans regardless of their state of residence.

Walinda West, a VA spokesperson, told the Washington Blade the ruling striking down all state bans on same-sex marriage allows the department to “recognize the same-sex marriage of all veterans” anywhere in the United States.

“VA will work quickly to ensure that all offices and employees are provided guidance on implementing this important decision with respect to all programs, statutes, and regulations administered by VA,” West said.

26 Million Facebook Folks Turned Rainbow Celebrating Marriage Equality


Out Magazine is reporting that over 26 million Facebookers used the company's filter to change their profile pictures to the LGBT pride rainbow in celebrating Pride Month and the historic SCOTUS ruling on same-sex marriage.

Celebrities, athletes, gay, straight, transgender.... across many spectrums folks made Facebook a veritable rainbow this weekend.

Did you change your pic?

NBCUniversal To Donald Trump: You're Fired!


NBC has cut ties with Donald Trump citing his derogatory statements about immigrants, the company said in a Monday statement:

At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values.

Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump.

To that end, the annual Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants, which are part of a joint venture between NBC and Trump, will no longer air on NBC.

In addition, as Mr. Trump has already indicated, he will not be participating in “The Apprentice” on NBC.

"Celebrity Apprentice" is licensed from Mark Burnett‘s United Artists Media Group and that relationship will continue.

Good.

Caller To Radio Show: SCOTUS Marriage Decision Made Me Feel That I Matter As A Person Now

From the Michelangelo Signorile Show on Sirius XM Radio:

On Friday, the Supreme Court handed down it's historic ruling on marriage equality in the US.

Michelangelo Signorile took calls from listeners and Robert in Wisconsin told him how his parents left him money is their will for him to finally get married.

Robert said during the call that the SCOTUS decision "Made me feel that I was valued, and that I matter as a person now."

NYC Police Officer Gets Down During Pride Parade

(via Out)
A very handsome, hunky police officer put the "fine" in New York City's "finest" when he joined a Pride Parade dancer for a quick dirty dance.

Very cute.

Texas: Attorney General Says State Employees Can Refuse LGBT Citizens


Via the Austin Statesman:

County clerks can refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on religious objections to gay marriage, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Sunday. Paxton noted that clerks who refuse to issue licenses can expect to be sued, but added that “numerous lawyers stand ready to assist clerks defending their religious beliefs,” in many cases without charge. The formal opinion did not specify what constitutes a sincerely held religious belief, noting that “the strength of any such claim depends on the particular facts of each case.”

“Friday, the United States Supreme Court again ignored the text and spirit of the Constitution to manufacture a right that simply does not exist. In so doing, the court weakened itself and weakened the rule of law, but did nothing to weaken our resolve to protect religious liberty and return to democratic self-government in the face of judicial activists attempting to tell us how to live,” Paxton said. Paxton’s opinion also noted that judges and justices of the peace can refuse to perform same-sex marriages.

Bolding is mine.

This has been my question: WHAT will constitute a "sincerely held religious belief?" Will folks be able to suddenly claim such beliefs out of thin air?

I believe some folks may have such deep religious tenets, but what if someone is just a hater and decides to use "deeply held religious beliefs" as a shell of a defense?

And by the way - if you are a civil governmental employee like a county clerk or a judge, you should have to do your job. Suddenly state employees can decide what tasks they want to do?

Here's the full "opinion."

On The Steps Of SCOTUS When The Ruling Came Down


The Rhodes Brothers capture the energy on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in the moments leading up to the historic ruling on marriage equality.

This is joy.

Marriage News Watch - June 29, 2015


From Matt Baume at American Foundation for Equal Rights:

Last Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution protects marriage for everyone -- including same-sex couples. It is a decision we have been waiting decades for.

And now, all our work is, well, actually, not quite done yet. Let's take a look at what the court just decided, and what comes next.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

CBS' Sunday Morning: Supreme Court And The Dignity Same-Sex Marriage

Very sensitive piece by CBS' Sunday Morning chronicling the journey of marriage equality in the US, the historic ruling this past Friday, and the dignity of same-sex marriage.

CNN Asks Donald Trump: What's So Traditional About Your Three Marriages?


CNN's Jake Tapper asks GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump how he can say he only support "traditional marriage" when he himself has been married three times...?

Trump's answer? He really doesn't give one.

Russell Tovey Hints On LOOKING Finale Movie

Soon the be reunited with my #jonathangroff on @lookinghbo #looking #hbo #sanfrancisco

A photo posted by Russelltovey (@russelltovey) on

Virgin America Wants To Know What Bunk You Prefer


Social media folks didn't quite know what to make of this tweet from Virgin America this past week.

You can read some of the retweets and comments here.

For the record, though, check out the number of retweets and Favorites in the image. Versatile folks were apparently not happy there wasn't an option for them, although I'm betting many both retweeted and Favorited.

Broadway: Tyne Daly Shares Her Very Personal Connection To Marriage Equality


Tyne Daly, currently starring on Broadway in IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, took a few moments at Friday's curtain call to celebrate the historic news of marriage equality with the audience.

During her curtain speech Tyne explained her own very personal connection to the issue of marriage equality for all.

Very touching, heartfelt and worth your three minutes.

Watch below:



(h/t Boy Culture)

Matt Baume Debunks SCOTUS Marriage Equality Dissenting Opinions


Yes, it's true that four Supreme Court justices dissented from Justice Kennedy's ruling that granted the freedom to marry nationwide.

But that  doesn't mean that everything those in the minority wrote makes complete sense.

Matt Baume takes a look at the reasons they gave for objecting to marriage equality -- and why their reasoning really does not hold up.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Marriage Equality Is The Law Of The Land, But Mississippi & Louisiana Resist


Reuters reports that although the ruling by SCOTUS makes marriage equality the law of the land in the United States, two states remain holdouts:
Same-sex marriage remained on hold in Louisiana and Mississippi, even as a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Friday legalizing it nationwide led to gay couples joyously tying the knot in other states that banned such weddings before the decision.

In Louisiana, Republican Attorney General Buddy Caldwell's office issued a statement saying that it had "found nothing in today’s decision that makes the Court’s order effective immediately."

The Louisiana Clerks of Court Association advised clerks not to issue licenses for 25 days, the period in which the Supreme Court could be petitioned for a rehearing, said New Orleans lawyer Brandon Robb, who works with the gay community.

Mississippi was waiting until a lower court lifted a stay to start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, said state Attorney General Jim Hood, a Democrat, adding that his office would not stand in the way of the ruling.

Political Cartoon Sums Up The Week

(via CagleCartoons.com)

Brian Sims Nails It After All The Empty Threats From Haters


Michael Sam Returns To Montreal Alouettes


Michael Sam has returned to the Montreal Alouettes two weeks after leaving the team for what he said were "personal reasons." Sam left Montreal June 12, the day before the Alouettes' first Canadian Football League preseason game, and allegedly boarded a plane headed for Dallas. At the time, speculation was rampant about whether Sam was leaving the team for good or if he would return.

From the Montreal Gazette:

As for Sam, he was in Montreal on Wednesday with injured linebacker Kyries Hebert and has a locker at Olympic Stadium. He's expected at team meetings this Sunday and at practice the following day.

Earlier this week Alouettes general manager Jim Popp offered The Guardian his perspective on why Sam left the team:

"I think he needed a break," Popp said. "That's my personal belief. I think it was just overwhelming to some degree, and he needs to clear his mind, clear his head. Do I think he wants to play? Do I think he wants to be on the field? Do I think he wants to be Michael Sam the football player? I, 100%, believe that. Yes."

(from Outsports)

NOM Still Begging For Money

Brian Brown of NOM

The anti-same-sex marriage group, National Organization for Marriage, is now officially dying "the ugly death."

The head of the group - Bryan Brown - sends out this money beg today via email, trying desperately to hang on to his six figure salary for a job that is now woefully obsolete.

You see, Brown and his bigoted cronies have "other elements of our plan to go forward," he just won't tell you what they are.

"If you believe that our next President of the United States must be a champion for true marriage, then we ask you to donate today so that we can make this a reality in the future.

"There are other elements of our plan to go forward, and I will discuss these in future communications.

"For now, rest assured that NOM is in this fight for the long haul, and we trust you will be there with us. This is a dark day, but we are not defeated.

"Indeed, we have been reenergized and are more determined than ever to reverse this injustice and restore God's institution of marriage to its proper place in American law and culture. Our opponents are now counting on you to give up, and so is a majority of the US Supreme Court.

"Remember it was Justice Ginsburg who violated judicial ethics to comment publicly that the American people will easily accept this illegitimate decision. Please act today to prove her wrong!

"Your contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500 or $1,000 or more will be an investment in the next phase of this struggle and allow us to begin to fight back and ultimately reverse this terrible decision."

Folks have reached out asking if the haters can reverse the Supreme Court's historic ruling.

Basically, that would need the haters to pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

THAT would require either a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress OR a two-thirds vote by a national convention of states (that would be 34 today) OR by a total of three-fourths (38) of the individual state legislatures ratifying said amendment.

NOT gonna happen.

Friday, June 26, 2015

The White House Basks In Marriage Equality Glow Tonight

After The Supreme Court Ruling - What You Need To You

From the guy who explains all things same-sex marriage, Matt Baume.

As he says, today is a great day for everyone. Freedom was expanded. No one harmed.

Forward.

The FIRST Same-Sex Marriage In Dallas County

Jack Evans and George Harris of Dallas, Texas
Together 54 years!!!!

(I am blissfully aware that I just wrote the words "same-sex marriage in Dallas County."

This day.

Just - this day. I'll leave it at that.



WATCH: First same-sex marriage in Dallas County #SCOTUSMarriage
Posted by WFAA-TV on Friday, June 26, 2015

President Obama Sings "Amazing Grace" At Funeral Of Rev. Clementa Pinckney

I have clearly never fully comprehended the true meaning of the phrase "awe-struck" until today.

First, marriage equality across the United States.

Then, this unprecedented moment at the funeral of Rev. Clementa Pinckney as President Obama broke into "Amazing Grace."

Great day to be an American.

President Obama at the Funeral of Rev. Clementa Pinckney

President Obama sings Amazing Grace as Confederate flags fall across the country.

Posted by AlterNet on Friday, June 26, 2015

President Obama Calls Jim Obergefell To Offer Congratulations

President Obama Responds To Marriage Equality Ruling


Check out the White House Facebook page's new avatar in honor of same-sex marriage ruling :)

And while we're at it, watch President Obama's heartfelt speech at the White House following the historic ruling today,

Freedom To Marry: "Love Won"

Read Justice Kennedy's Closing Line Making Same-Sex Marriage Legal


From the majority opinion making same-sex marriage the law of the land as written by Supreme Court Justice Kennedy:
No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death.

It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions.

They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.

The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed.

(h/t Towleroad)

White House Tweet: "Love Is Love"

SCOTUS Rules On Marriage Equality


The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that the 14th Amendment DOES require states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples!!!!!!

The ruling effectively overturns gay marriage bans in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.

I can imagine June 26th will be the unofficial Gay Rights Day from here on considering the decision today, the 2013 decision on the same date that struck down DOMA and the 2003 Lawrence v. Texas ruling that struck down sodomy laws.

From the ruling today:
"It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality . . . Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. And the Equal Protection Clause, like the Due Process Clause, prohibits this unjustified infringement of the fundamental right to marry."
(drops mic...)

Franklin Graham Rants On LGBT Progress, Blames Obama


Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, took to Facebook with an anti-gay rant about the progress of attitudes towards LGBTs in America, blaming President Obama for the "moral decline we are seeing manifest daily:"
"President Barack Obama was right about one thing in the speech he gave at a Gay Pride event he hosted in the White House yesterday. He said, 'There has been an incredible shift in attitudes across the country.' That’s true—but it is definitely not a shift for the good of America. The shift in attitudes he refers to is the moral decline we are seeing manifest daily around us. Accepting wrong as right—accepting sin as something to be proud of. Yes, that’s definitely a shift. Should we be surprised that he thanked the LGBT community for all that they had helped him accomplish during his time as president? He said, 'A lot of what we’ve accomplished over these last six and a half years has been because of you.' He also noted there were two states where gay marriage was legal when he took office, but now there are 37. The President is leading this nation on a sinful course, and God will judge him and us as a nation if we don’t repent."

(h/t JMG)

Thursday, June 25, 2015

"Abstinence-Only" Advocate Bristol Palin Pregnant With Second Child



A woman who made as much as thousands of dollars per appearance to preach abstinence to high school students announced today that she is pregnant with her second "out of wedlock" child.

In her blog post Bristol said that she didn't "want any lectures" and added, "I know this has been, and will be, a huge disappointment to my family, to my close friends, and to many of you."

I think it's heartbreaking that this child may one day read that his mother referred to this episode as "a huge disappointment."

I'll just leave that right there.

What Happens When An HIV+ Man Asks Strangers To Touch Him


Standing in a public park in Helsinki, Finland, a man named Janne stood next to a sign which read "I'm HIV-positive, touch me," to see if the negative stigma attached with HIV/AIDS still exists.

Before you watch: what do you think happened? I'd love to know what you thought before and after.


(source)

New Jersey: "Ex-Gay" Therapy Loses In Court


A New Jersey jury found a "life coach" and a non-profit group called JONAH guilty of consumer fraud in the first court case in the country to address the practice of so-called "ex-gay" or "conversion" therapy.

From NJ.com:

The jury concluded that Arthur Goldberg and Elaine Berk, the founders of Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing in Jersey City and life coach Alan Downing to whom JONAH referred patients, "engaged in unconscionable commercial practices" and misrepresented their services.

The verdict requires JONAH and Downing to refund thousands of dollars paid by former clients Michael Ferguson, Benjamin Unger, Sheldon Bruck, Chaim Levin, and parents Jo Bruck and Bella Levin for the individual and group counseling sessions and the "journey into manhood" weekends in the woods.

But the victory has broader implications. The national civil rights legal advocacy group Southern Poverty Law Center filed the case to take a stand against conversion therapy — a frequent target of public criticism since the passage of same-sex marriage laws and other LGBT legal protections.

In 2013, New Jersey joined California by outlawing licensed therapists from providing the therapy to minors. Oregon and Washington D.C. followed.

The "therapy" included such activities as beating a pillow with a tennis racket as if the pillow were the patient's mother; undressing in front of the practitioners; and touching themselves to express their "manhood."

Broadway: First Peek At Taye Diggs in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

First look at Taye Diggs in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

"Hedwig is the role of a lifetime. I'm looking forward to being challenged performance-wise on many levels, as well as being humbled by the musical's social implications. I also like wearing nail polish." - Taye Diggs speaking to People Magazine on starring on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Univision Dumps Trump Over Anti-Mexican Comments


In response to Donald Trump's anti-Mexican comments during his presidential campaign launch, Univision has cancelled the network's airing of the Miss Universe pageant, in which Trump holds part ownership.

From CNN:
Last week, in his speech announcing a run for president, Trump deplored immigrants from Mexico who "have lots of problems" and are "bringing those problems to us."

"They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists," he said, adding, "and some, I assume, are good people."

Trump went on Fox News Thursday to say, "Of course I'm standing by the statement." He adde, "I love Mexico, I love the Mexican people."

Trump also said he intends to sue Univision for refusing to carry the Miss USA pageant.

"I'm going to have to sue Univision now... They have a signed contract," he said. At another point Trump said, "They'll have to pay me a lot of money."

Trump's original comments last week caused an outcry. Jorge Ramos, a prominent Univision host, called Trump's remarks "absurd" and "prejudiced."

On Thursday, Univision said its entertainment division is "ending the company's business relationship with the Miss Universe Organization, which is part-owned by Donald J. Trump, based on his recent, insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants."

"At Univision, we see first-hand the work ethic, love for family, strong religious values and the important role Mexican immigrants and Mexican-Americans have had and will continue to have in building the future of our country," the company said. "We will not be airing the Miss USA pageant on July 12 or working on any other projects tied to the Trump Organization."

Matt Baume: What Is The Definition Of "Traditional Marriage?"


Matt Baume breaks down the actual reality & definition(s) of so-called "traditional marriage."
Traditional marriage isn't the "one man, one woman" story you've always heard. It's changed countless times over the last 4,000 years, almost always for the better.

Let's take a look at all the different things that marriage has been, and the one thing that has remained constant about marriage over all those millennia.
Baume sums it up well like this: "Letting same-sex couples get married is actually completely traditional. It's part of the tradition of constantly improving the institution of marriage."

President Obama Takes A Victory Lap After SCOTUS Ruling For Obamacare


After a 6-3 ruling in favor of Obamacare, President Obama takes a victory lap.

It should be noted that had the law been gutted by an unfavorable ruling, over 6 million Americans - primarily in red states - could have lost their health insurance.

Most red states refused to set up their own state exchanges to make health insurance plans available, telling their citizens to use the federal exchange which was the target of the SCOTUS lawsuit.

The Facts About Gov. Bobby Jindal


Now that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has officially announced his candidacy for the 2016 GOP nomination for president, the Human Rights Campaign wants to remind of some facts regarding Mr. Jindal:

Throughout his political career, Bobby Jindal has routinely opposed efforts to move toward LGBT equality, and he’s bragged that he was not a politician who was going to change his anti-LGBT positions based on “polling.”

He’s even worked against existing Louisiana protections that protected LGBT workers from discrimination.

Obamacare Wins At SCOTUS



The Supreme Court has upheld the Obamacare subsidies for more than 6 million Americans with a 6-3 vote in the King v. Burwell decision, handed down moments ago.

This means that individuals who get their health insurance through an exchange established by the federal government will be eligible for tax subsidies.

Six voting for Obamacare are Chief Roberts, Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan.

Of course, Scalia dissents.

Not only is this good news for the millions who rely on those subsidies to be able to afford health care insurance, but good news for the Republican Party, who, while demonizing the law all the way to court, would have faced the reality of being responsible for those millions losing their coverage, without having any plan in place to fix the law.

SCOTUS Watch - June 25, 2015





Ted Cruz's "Special And Personal" Money Beg


Delivered with a grave and hushed tone something like you'd imagine your creepy boss whispering in your ear as he slowly rubs your shoulder just as he's convincing you to cook the company books while he stares at a young blond receptionist at an office party.

"Turning to you in such a special and personal way."

Just a bit creepy.

Music: Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique "Love Is Free" ft. Maluca


Via press release:

Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique – comprised of Robyn, Markus Jägerstedt, and the late Christian Falk – have premiered the first song from their forthcoming, yet-to-be-titled mini-album, which will be released on Konichiwa Records/Cherrytree/Interscope later this summer.

This love letter to early 90s house music, entitled “Love Is Free,” features New York-based, Mad Decent-affiliated Maluca, and was debuted as the “Hottest Record” with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1.

Find this track on iTunes here.



Wednesday, June 24, 2015

David Barton & Glenn Beck: Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Will Legalize Pedophilia And Outlaw The Bible


Glenn Beck and David Barton - fear mongering at it's very worst.

Pedophiles will NOT be a protected class, nor will churches lose their tax-exempt status because of marriage equality.

#Shameful

President Obama To Heckler: "You're In My House"


Speaking at an LGBT Pride Month event today, President Obama experienced the rare heckler inside the White House.

From CNN:
"Shame on you," he told his heckler, who was protesting deportations under the Obama administration.

Obama responded, "Listen you're in my house ... it's not respectful."

The interruption persisted, however, and Obama asked for the heckler to be removed from the East Room.

"As a general rule I am just fine with a few hecklers. But not when I'm up here in the house," he said, as Vice President Joe Biden clapped him on the back.

Obama said later if guests are "eating the hors d'oeuvres and drinking the booze," they're typically expected to listen respectfully.

Shortly after the incident, an immigration group claimed the protestor was an undocumented immigrant named Jennicet Gutiérrez, who is transgender. According to a press release, Gutiérrez was a founding member of FAMILIA TQLM, established to advocate for LGBTQ immigrants who the group says are often excluded in the immigration debate.

While most presidents experience hecklers during speeches on the road, it's very rare for such behavior at White House functions as most guests are

Tweet Of The Day: "Confederate Flag Is A Symbol"


If you don't follow 'The Tweet of God' on Twitter, you're missing out.

Very funny stuff. By the author of Jim Parson's current Broadway play Act Of God.

Channing Tatum & Jimmy Fallon Read Scenes From Kid-Written "Magic Mike" Movie


Last night on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon invites MAGIC MIKE XXL star Channing Tatum to a "fun challenge" wherein they would read scenes written by kids, whose only knowledge of the film was that it was titled "Magic Mike."

From the first scene, when Channing reads as "Magic Mike" promising to "pump up your bike tire using my 'magic bike pump,'" you see where the jokes are going.

Silly but funny.



Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal Becomes 13th GOP Candidate For 2016 Nomination



Jumping ahead of a planned announcement, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal tweeted his candidacy for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.

Jindal becomes the first Indian-American to be a serious candidate for president, and the 13th Republican candidate seeking the 2016 nomination.

Several polls show Jindal garnering only 1% of support from Republican voters. In a recent Fox News poll, he trailed behind "None of the above" which received 2%.

Pro-Wrestler "Money" Matt Cage Comes Out In Facebook Post


Pro wrestler Matt Hullum, (performs under the stage name "Money" Matt Cage), has come out as gay in a Facebook post titled "Here goes nothing."

At this writing the post has received over 355 Likes and over 140 comments - the vast majority of which are supportive.

One of the biggest fears in my life has been rejection. I'm not sure why. I was never the most popular kid in school or in my neighborhood, but I always had a plethora of friends in many different cliques. I was never really rejected by anyone that I hung out with in one clique for hanging out with people in another, yet I always feared being rejected. But as I've grown older and continued down the road of adulthood, I have discovered that I truly don't care as much about rejection anymore. And I why should I? My friends will like me for me, flaws and all. My family will love me for me. My peers will respect me for my work. And complete strangers can think whatever they want, because they're strangers and they don't know me.

That being said, it makes it much easier to post here publicly that I'm gay.

For the longest time, I claimed that I was bisexual. When I privately came out to people that already know, I told them that this was the case. And it was. However, I have no real intentions of pursuing females at this stage of my life. I still find beautiful women beautiful. I don't think that'll ever change. But I think that to continue to claim something that's not true is just continuing a streak dishonesty and I don't want that. Sorry, ladies. I'm officially pulling myself off of the market. Don't hate me too bad.

To many of my closest friends, they've known since the tail end of 2013 when I began the process of telling the people who I felt should know. Some of them "knew" for much longer due to their own assumptions or beliefs. My parents know and they support me. That should be enough, honestly. But still, the speculation that comes from one's private life always seems to make it's way into the professional atmosphere and that's unfair to me. I truly have nothing to hide anymore. I spent the majority of my life lying, hiding and depressed because I felt like I couldn't truly be who I wanted to be and live freely as I saw fit. I had to act and that's not me. I, nor anyone else, should have to do that.

Read the full post at the link.

As mentioned, the vast majority of the comments (including those from fellow pro-wrestlers) have been positive.

Here's just a few:
  • Major props to you my friend. Takes a lot of courage to even post what you did. Glad we got to hang out a bit when I was out there. Your a hell of a guy and wrestler brother. Glad to have you as a peer and co worker. Keep killing it out there homie. Hopefully see ya soon!
  • I'm ridiculously proud to work with you and respect you beyond any length of the imagination. Keep being you and doing amazing things. Super love you dude.
  • Congratulations on being free to fully express yourself publicly, even if it's just a small part of who you are as a person. If anything, people should respect you more for having the courage to come out. It also might help some kids struggling with their feelings, who look up to you and cheer for you in the ring, to feel like they could be safe to do the same.
  • Big ups to you man I don't know you personally but I'm a fan of your work and would like to work you one day. That being said glad that your happy man and continue to be that way. You being yourself is hard to do these days
  • I've been a fan of yours for awhile now. Your work in the ring is flawless! Outside of the ring you are one of the nicest guys I've ever met and had the privilege to consider my friend. I am so proud of you and you are without a doubt one of the strongest people I've ever met. Love ya Cage!
  • Good for you Matt Cage. If anyone of the boys has an issue then they're not one of the boys. I've never gotten the chance to work with you unfortunately but we're a big family. That's really what professional wrestling is. Proud of you brother.
  • I respected the hell out of you before, and i respect the hell out of you now. Still mad i never got the chance to kick you in the face. Being true to yourself is the purest form of living. Im proud of you. I hope all is well.

(via Outsports)