Way to go MACY's!

Capitalism and Gay Equality
Posted on May 29, 2008 on Independent Gay Forum

In Wednesday's Los Angeles Times, Macy's ran a full-page ad for its wedding registry that says, "First comes love. Then comes marriage. And now it's a milestone every couple in California can celebrate."

A while back, Paul Varnell looked at the positive side of gays being (oh, the horror!) a target market.

The Macy's ad also brought to mind the article Capitalism and the Family, written last year by Steven Horwitz, a professor of economics at St. Lawrence University, who noted that:

One final result of capitalism's effects on economic growth and the rise of the love-based marriage is perhaps the most controversial cultural issue of the early 21st century: the demand for the legalization of same-sex marriage. ...

Although leftist historians...at least recognize the ways in which capitalism has made gay identity and thus the demand for same-sex marriage possible, they still go out of their way to note that this does not mean that capitalism is actually good.

Conservatives, however, seem unaware of the connection. They continue to pay lip service to the great things capitalism provides and often understand correctly the ways in which its economic effects cannot be controlled, yet they complain about the cultural dynamism that is the direct result of the dynamism of the market.

N.Y. Will Recognize Gay Marriage

Only Out-Of-State Ceremonies

New York state will recognize gay marriages legally performed in other states and countries, according to a memo from the counsel to Gov. David Paterson, the governor's spokeswoman said Wednesday. State agencies, including those governing insurance and health care, must immediately recognize same-sex marriages legally performed elsewhere as valid in New York, according to the directive. Same-sex marriage is not legal in New York, and the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, has said it can only be legalized by the Legislature. But the memo, based on a Feb. 1 New York Appellate Division court ruling, would recognize the marriages of New Yorkers who are legally wed elsewhere. The appellate judges determined that there is no legal impediment in New York to the recognition of a same-sex marriage. The state Legislature "may decide to prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages solemnized abroad," the ruling said. "Until it does so, however, such marriages are entitled to recognition in New York." Gay rights advocates have sought recognition for gay marriages so couples could share family health care plans, receive tax breaks by filing jointly, enjoy stronger adoption rights and inherit property. Most of these advocates rejected so-called gay unions, thought to be a compromise, because the unions lacked the legal protections of marriage. Many or all of these rights would now appear to be available to legally married gay couples, according to the memo. Agencies have until June 30 to report back to the governor's counsel on how, specifically, the directive will change existing state benefits and services for gay couples.

Week Ending May 25, 2008: David Vs. David, The Showdown Moves To The Charts

For all you David Cook fans out there.

David Cook and David Archuleta take their friendly competition from the set of American Idol to the national pop charts. Cook places a staggering 17 songs on the top 200 Hot Digital Songs chart. His bevy of hits includes the new #1, "Time Of My Life," which opens with a healthy total of 236,000 downloads. Cook's 17 entries have a combined total of 944,000 paid downloads. I don't think he'll need to go back to bartending anytime soon.



Archuleta places 12 songs on the Hot Digital Songs chart, topped by his cover of John Lennon's "Imagine," which opens at #16 with 71,000 downloads. Archie's songs have a combined total of 301,000 paid downloads. Thus, Cook was downloaded more than three times as often as his rival, whom he beat in last week's voting by a much less lopsided margin of 56% to 44%. (If Archie had won the title, would he be dominating the download battle? Probably. America loves a winner.)

Cook's new entries also include "Dream Big" (#7, 111,000 downloads), his cover of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (#9, 98,000), his cover of Collective Soul's "The World I Know" (#14, 80,000), his cover of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" (#21, 60,000), and his cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" (#24, 56,000).

The enemy is back...Syphilis!

Yes it is true. According to a recent report released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygience, the infection rate for syphilis in men who have sex with men jumped a stunning 62% from 560 cases in 2006 to 927 last year. This is troubling news. But let's becareful when correcting the situation. We must becareful how we go about assigning moral blame, if we must assign such blame at all. The strategy hiding the truth from people hasn't work and will never work effectively. Neither will blaming others for our own behavior; likewise, it won't help us to allow conservative heteros to scapegoat us to distract from the problems in their own community. A comprehensive strats for the future are needed -- ones that serve all MEN, regardless of their sexual preferences.

It's still hard to believe

A few issues only affect a small percentage of our community, but the gay marriage is an issue that impacts us all and has caused controversy across the nation. Only in Massachusette allows same sex marriage. As a compromise, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont have all legalized same-sex civil unions. California, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon and Washington allow domestic partnerships. These non-marriage legal unions aren't a real victory, but they do allow for many practical considerations such as shared benefits for domestic partners, inheritance, and medical advanced directives. Although it's still hotly debated, countries such as Canada, Belgium, Spain, South Africa, and the Netherlands have all passed laws allowing men and men to marry, granting them the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

Back home in the US, those who oppose gay marriage often claim, "allowing two men or two women to get married would fundamentally change the institution of marriage".

We've heard all the arguments and have resisted the urge to choke someone whenever they've said that widening the spectrum of who can get married would be the equivalent of opening a Pandora's box. "What's next?" they ask sarcastically, "a man marrying a horse?"

It's hard to believe that this country that wants so fervently to protect marriage is the same country that is riveted by shows like Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire, The Bachelor, Who Wants to Marry My Dad, and a host of other TV shows that not only cheapen and make a mockery of the institution of marriage but also telling the world that it is ok to disrespect the sanctity of marriage (also by allowing Britney Spear to marry a man in Vegas for a night! What does that tell you?)

Obama, Clinton, McCain what say you?

Really? Dutch Police Allow Public Sex at Night

That's why we love the Netherlands. They are real people. My good friend emailed me today and told me that gays can now have sex in public parks in his country. Sounds weird but true. The National Diversity Expertise Center (LECD) of the Dutch Police recently moved to decriminalize gay cruising and sex in public parks. Instead of pandering to pious moral standards, the proposed legislation focuses on realistic, common sense compromises that serve the entire community. However, sex and cruising are limited to the evening hours, making the parks squeaky clean during the day. Not bad.

Don't forget queers who have died for us...as we celebrate Pride

Remember people like Lawrence King, Mathew Sheppard, and the others who have been killed (for being gay). When you're swamped by crowds at a pride festival and surrounded by retail booths and food stands and hot fresh cocks, (forget Khadijah Farmer, a "man" who uses women's toilette to check out women) it can all start to feel like a rainbow-clad swap meet. But Pride festivals are simply a great day to meet, have fun and show solidarity. As we celebrate our diversity, we have a unique chance to create a world where we're temporarily in the majority. It only lasts for a few days, but many visitors end up forging memories and friendships that can last a lifetime. This is my last week in NYC. I am moving back to the beautiful city of San Francisco, where my heart is. Have a great summer and enjoy your Pride.

We heard it from the grapevine..queers in CA can get married as early as June 17!

It was all about SJP and not the other girls at last night's premiere of Sex And The City in Manhattan, New York. That's ok. We do love the girls. But we love the gays and the men more, don't we? From a block away in Upper West Side, Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Nixon glittered like the stars in the warm, toasty skies. They looked flawless and perfect. As expected. SJP, as always, tried a little too hard. Kim and Kristin looked elegant, gentler and simpler. What a night.
While we are talking about sex and the city, another good news breaks today from SAN FRANCISCO -- Barring a stay of a historic California Supreme Court ruling, same-sex couples will be able to wed in the state beginning June 17, according to a state directive issued Wednesday. The state said it chose June 17 because the state Supreme Court has until the day before to decide whether to grant a stay of its May 15 ruling legalizing gay marriage. Gay-rights advocates and some clerks initially thought couples would be able to wed as early as Saturday, June 14. The court's decisions typically take effect 30 days after they are made.


The guidelines from Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, to the state's 58 county clerks also contained copies of new marriage forms that include lines for "Party A" and "Party B" instead of bride and groom. The gender-neutral nomenclature was developed in consultation with county clerks, according to the letter.



"Effective June 17, 2008, only the enclosed new forms may be issued for the issuance of marriage licenses in California," the directive reads. A group opposed to gay marriage has asked the court to stay its decision until after the November election, when voters are likely to face a ballot initiative that would once again define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Passage of the initiative would overrule the Supreme Court. Under the Supreme Court's regular rules of procedure, justices have until the end of the day June 16 to rule on the stay request, according to the memo sent by e-mail to county clerks. Lawyers involved in the marriage case have said previously the court could grant itself an extra 60 days to consider the stay.

IDAHO for queers

This year's observance of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on Sunday, May 17 was marked by key victories for the global campaign when it was officially endorsed by the governments of France, Cuba, and Costa Rica. Way to go IDAHO.

Sally Kern -- so wrong.

Oklahoma Representative, Sally Kern, recently said homosexuality is a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism or Islam. Well, Sally is wrong. She is the terrorist, by virtue of her not understanding our way of life.

As the final curtain falls, where will you be looking for your pot of gold?

Yes queer investors, listen, the markets are in turmoil. But it's just a taste of what's to come. As the energy war heats up, and commodity prices along with inflation, start to spin out of control, the markets will zig and zag.

Investors will become irrational. While most people will panic -- buying when they should sell, and selling when they should buy -- you can be safely invested in the corporations hardwired to benefit from the gut-wrenching, tumultous times ahead. Someone in the know told me to tell my fellow Queer GAM-investors that now is not a time to be out of the market.

Queer investors should invest in the companies poised to profit from the coming commodity crunches.

Final curtain for the industrial age

As 3 billion Asians become new capitalists, many of the Earth's last remaining resources will rapidly vanish. Get ready for an era of oil shocks, corn crunches and spiraling inflation...

Most stocks will be scorned and shredded. But commodities of every type from sugar to silver...from corn to copper...will be coveted and hoarded like Pharaoh's gold...Americans knew they wouldn't last forever. They couldn't. What they didn't know, is how quickly they might vanish. In the early 70s, America was drenched in what seemed an endless supply of vital commodities. As reported oil was $1.65 a barrel. Silver was $1.39 per ounce. Copper was just $48 per ton. But back then there was only a mere 1.1 billion players on the industrial stage. Their energy needs were a mere friction of what they are today. Industry was generating just a few trillion dollars for its 1.1 billion customers. Today, is a very different picture...one, few foresaw back then.

In little more than a generation, a population explosion, the collapse of communism and the rise of the Internet and the birth of digitalized service providers would change everything. No one imagined that these events would bring unfettered success to the Great American Experiment, that they would help the vast developing world leapfrog into the modern age, that capitalism would spread and dominate so far, so wide and so quickly...but that it would also bring great pains to the global economy...and to Wall Street.

According to a recent report now we have 6 billion players all vying for the same relatively fixed supply of commodities. While we've begun to develop alternatives to these dirty industrial addictions, we should've started decades ago. But we never did. Why bother, when the Earth was awash with resources? And now global industry is abotu to plunge headlong into its last great natural resource binge. According to a research int eh next 15 years, we will gobble up more of the Earth's lastr remaining natural resources, than we did in any period in the past.

This great natural resource binge will turn Wall Street on its head. Rising commodity prices will start to bear down on every aspect of our lives...from the costs of our tomatoies to the price we pay to heat and cool our homes...Plummeting indices. Soaring inflation. And plenty of bear markets. (As reported last century we had three commodity bull markets -- from 1906-23, 1933-53 and 1968-82). Each one was bigger than the other, and wrecked more havoc. This final one promises to outdo them all. By the end of it, many things will be different.

Most paper assets will be shredded. Millions of Americans retirees will find themselves on the breadline. Vital commodities like oil, gas, uranium, cobalt will be depleted. And whether abundant or not, teh osct of commodities will not be cheap. Infact they are so expensive they will force the industry to seriously develop new alternatives --renewable fuels, and new industrial materials made from bio and nano-materials. But until that times comes, commodities will rule the day. And impact your life -- and worse your lifestyle...your cost of living, the kind of car you drive and the kind of house you live in, etc.

Whether you want to invest in them or not. They will affect the fate and fortunes of companies, countries, and individuals everywhere. Commodioties will make you rich. Or they'll make you poor. Forget your bonds, CDs, and your blue chips. They won't cut it in the dangerous era ahead. They will stumble and fall in the Industrial Age's last day.

It is funny -- the tables on Wall Street have turned. But investors are still playing the old game. They're still buying Microsoft, Google, Yahoo...and nobody is looking at the commodities stocks. Hint, hint, hint!

From a gay perspective, Asia seems to be the place to invest and to conquer the commodities market. A great point to be creative, productive, to see and be seen. The angry and frustrated ones will complain, the smart ones know where to look and find their pot of gold.

That's when we love New York the most...

Seven years ago, New York City was reeling from the most devastating terrorist attack ever on American soil. To many, the strike in the heart of the city's financial center seemed like a mortal blow. One of the many fears that immediately followed that day revolved around whether the city would ever recover. Businesses and people moved out. Tourists stopped coming. But, as the millions of people who continue to work and visit here know--and if our readers allow us to indulge in a little bit of shameless but heartfelt boosterism--New York is back and better than ever. And "Sex And The City" the movie, will be released worldwide on Friday, May 30.

With the release of Sex and the City: The Movie and the set-invading coverage of its filming, New Yorkers have been confronted with a four-year-old, sequined skeleton in their closet (and it's clutching a Marc Jacobs tote, natch). Whether you've been snapping photos of the filming locations and sending them to the gossip blogs or you curse the Carrie-fication of this city and pine for the schlumpy days of Seinfeld, we can all agree SATC transformed the image of New York City inside and out.

We are taking the opportunity to celebrate just some of the many things that make New York the great city it is. From Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte and the rest of the characters, its culture to its sidewalks, its swank shops to its hot dog vendors, here are some of the reasons why everyone loves New York.

On May 30, queers in NYC will celebrate the city with Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte and Carrie. They will be drinking, dancing and working it. That's when we love New York the most -- when we get together, celebrating the city and having great sex afterwards.

Sex And The City updates: from towleroad.com

Hope you're all enjoying the holiday weekend. We thought we'd bring you something a bit different today and at the same time do our part to add to the overkill media machine propelling the most important movie ever made toward its premiere at the end of the month.

Towleroad correspondents Josh Helmin and Josh Koll (Josh & Josh are Rich and Famous) sat down with the cast of Sex and the City recently at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York for exclusive chats about the show’s gay fans, plotlines that never made it to the show, Sex-y fashion, and what it was like to return to their characters’ (high-heeled) shoes for Sex and the City: The Movie. Here's what transpired:

ON THE SHOW'S GAY FANS.

CYNTHIA NIXON: In the first couple years of our show we didn’t have any female writers. Our two writers were gay men. There was a lot said about, “These aren’t really women—these are gay men disguised as women,” and that really bugged all of us. It was like, Why aren’t they really women? Because women aren’t having this much sex? That’s annoying.

It’s a very gay friendly show. Not only do we have gay characters, but one of the central themes is a very gay conceit, which is your family is not the family you came from. Your family [develops] when you come to a place you always wanted to be and you meet people who are like you, and you create your own family. You notice in the series that we almost never meet anybody’s family. Once we met Charlotte’s brother. We heard about Miranda’s father after he was dead. But we never meet anybody’s parents or family. And they really wanted to keep it about the family you create.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER: Because I’m from New York, and I was raised in the theater, the gay community was always part of culture to me. They were always some of the first audiences, always the first people at the preview of a Broadway show, so it wasn’t so shocking to me that they were some of the first, most committed audiences [of our show].

There was a particular attachment to this show, among even my gay friends. It’s less about the salty dialogue and the candid, forthright chat-chat. Your relationship with your gay friends is like your relationships with your straight women friends. It is that deep and that intense and they care about friendships in the same way; they talk and they share. That has been my relationship with gay men, and, of course, the majority of my friends are gay men. And it’s extremely comforting: They always make you feel good, they always make you feel at even your worst moments like a lady—like a girl—and they are never afraid to be honest. They loved the ridiculousness and the absurd and the dirty and costumes, but if there wasn’t an emotional connection to those friendships and what they meant—you know, the gay community can grow weary, and they can move on quickly. But I think that’s what it meant for [the gay community], that kind of connection.


KIM CATTRALL: A lot of people ask me if they feel that I’m playing a gay man in New York, and if I am, I am having the most fabulous time as a gay man in New York. I don’t personally think that, but I think it’s a fun thought. I was very happy to be on the cover of The Advocate. I feel like I have arrived in some ways. But there has been a tremendous amount of support from the gay community, and I’m grateful for it.

KRISTEN DAVIS: We have been hugely supported by the gay community, absolutely, and we love that. I feel like we’ve got support from a lot of different groups, which I think was edifying to us. I think people in general identify with well-written characters.

But I think also for gay culture—men and women—we were not locked into anything particularly rigid—there’s Samantha and Charlotte and everything in between. It’s colorful and pretty to look at, and we’ve got crazy clothes, and it was risky in a way, and with sexuality, and I think that people felt free about that, and so of course the gay community would vibe with it. But also, when I go home to South Carolina, old women come up to me, and I say, “Really, you watch it? You don’t have heart palpitations?” So it’s been a really good cross section. But we love our gay fans, obviously.

The cute "Chihuahua" is Cooked in the final showdown!

It is as sweet as it gets for queers and Idol fans around the world.
After a series of unfair attacks from the judges, especially from Simon Cowell, survived a minor heart attack after one of the episodes on Idol, and was literally declared a loser on Tuesday night, the viewers and the fans, as much as they like the cute "chihuahua", decided that Simon and Randy were deadly wrong and out of touch, and took the justice to America. The dramatic idol showdown, televised live from the famed Nokia Theater in LA, produced another great winner last Wednesday night. And he is superhot! The grown up rocker, David Cook, 25, from Blue Springs, Missouri. The tension mounted and the tears flowed as the two Davids raced to the finish line. And, not by photo-finish sensation as was with Flo Jo's win in 1988 in Seoul or Marion Jones in 2000 in Sydney -- but by a huge margin. 12 million and one (from me) extra votes for David Cook. A record margin in Idol's history.

Scrolll further down for full Story...

McCain refuses to walk Ellen down the aisle.

Republican John McCain told funny lesbian today that same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legal agreements for insurance and other purposes. But when Ellen asked McCain if he would walk her down the aisle, he just laughed heartily. McCain, as expected, said "I believe in the unique status of marriage between and man and a woman." Today Ellen grilled Republican presidential hopeful on gay marriage on her show. Watch the clip below. It’s perfect for that mid-morning slump.



Watch it on YouTube below now. Cut and paste the link below to see the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02CPmCSCSO8

Cafe "Florent" says good-Bye to New Yorkers!

Here's another disturbing news for West Village-loving queers. One of our favorite cafes in Manhattan will be gone for good. I've been there three times. I've heard Madonna, Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kdiman, Dan Futterman, Peneloppe Cruz, the crazy Olsen twins, Tom Cruise, Tom Brady, Nick Lachey, Cameron Matheson, Mariah Carey, Anderson Cooper, Kiefer Sutherland, several Miss Universe, Alicia Keys, Richard Gere, Cindy Crawford love to go there and often spotted having their meals there. Even Heath Ledger and John Kennedy Jr used to go there for their favorite salads. Everyone loves Cafe Florent.

Florent, the legendary meatpacking district bistro/diner, gets an eulogy from Frank Bruni in the New York Times. It's an institution. I'll be sad to see it go. If you happen to be in Manhattan before June 29, pay a visit.

Anchor profanities...shameful truth about some American TV anchors

Sue Simmons, a news anchor in NY, learned the hard way last week when she lost her temper wihtout knowing she was not on the mute button. What does it tell you about her as a person or as a colleague? She's only human? Perhaps. But what about the person she shouted at? How does he/she take it?

QueerGam: You know what Sue? Don't do to others what you do not want others to do to you! It doesn't hurt be to kind and nice.

And it's getting more and more absurd...at least $15 for the first bag you checked in next week

You will pay at least $15 for the first bag you checked in on your next flight! This is insane! But true. Here's advance warning. If you're flying somewhere this week and checking luggage, be prepared for extra delays.

Accoding to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published on KyPost.com tonight, beginning this week, most economy-class passengers on domestic flights operated by US Airways, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United will have to pay $25 extra if they want to check a second piece of luggage. Other carriers, including American Airlines, Air Canada and AirTran, will introduce similar fees later this month. JetBlue is to impose a $20-second-bag fee June 1. Until now, these carriers permitted two free checked bags. The change is certain to cause considerable consternation and confusion for passengers, not to mention extra charges. For now, Midwest, Southwest and USA 3000 will continue their policies of two free checked bags per customer. While the specifics vary from airline to airline, the new checked bag policies generally apply only to passengers traveling in economy class, or on tickets that are discounted or free. Also, the $25 fee applies to the second bag; additional bags can cost up to $100 each.

Coming soon! Queers, watch out for: Wargames: The Dead Code

The Movie: Wargames: The Dead Code (2008)
The Star: Matt Lanter (left)

Release Date: 29 July 2008 (USA)

The Plot: Computer hacker Will Farmer (Lanter) engages a goverment super-computer named Ripley in an online terrorist-attack simulation game. Little does Farmer know that Ripley has been designed to appeal to potential terrorists, and certain glitches have turned made him become paranoid.

Production Notes/Status:
Status: Completed

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Matt's new movie (now filming in Shreveport, Louisiana (Title: DISASTER MOVIE)is about a group of young friends embarking on a wacky, life-changing adventure.
Also starring Carmen Electra and Vanessa Minnilo.

So we forgive Naomi now?

It's funny. Naomi Campbell (left) loves to hurt good, decent, hardworking people and yet we celebrated her viciousness on ABC's Ugly Betty tonight. To me it is as if it was ok for her to hurt others and get away with it. Infact we saluted her by allowing her to appear as herself on our favorite show. It is not funny. And Naomi --listen bitch -- I hope the next person you hit will hit you back so hard and scratch your eyeballs in self defense!

The cute "Chihuahua" is Cooked in the final showdown!

It is as sweet as it gets for queers and Idol fans around the world. After a series of unfair attacks from the judges, especially from Simon Cowell, survived a minor heart attack after one of the episodes on Idol, and was literally declared a loser on Tuesday night, the viewers and the fans, as much as they like the cute "chihuahua", decided that Simon and Randy were deadly wrong and out of touch, and took the justice to America. The dramatic idol showdown, televised live from the famed Nokia Theater in LA, produced another great winner tonight. And he is superhot! The grown up rocker, David Cook, 25, from Blue Springs, Missouri. The tension mounted and the tears flowed as the two Davids raced to the finish line. And, not by photo-finish sensation as was with Flo Jo's win in 1988 in Seoul or Marion Jones in 2000 in Sydney -- but by a huge margin. 12 million and one (from me) extra votes for David Cook (below). A record margin in Idol's history.



Cook refused to bow to the conventional during his three-song set Tuesday, with Collective Soul's "The World I Know" as his pick for a closing performance. He also sang U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and the power ballad "Dream Big," his choice from the songwriting competition's finalists.

"If I had to choose between playing a song that not a whole lot of people know that I could get behind, or the opposite, I'll choose the lesser-known every time," Cook said backstage Tuesday. Cook also explained why he refused to sing "Billie Jean" again.

David Archuleta sang "Imagine" instead, to impress America. But 12 million others weren't impressed. They've heard the song. It was great. But they were in love with Cook's "I Still Haven't Found What I'am Looking For". Well, he finally found us tonight.

So yes! 12 million of you and me made up the extra votes for David Cook. That's a big difference! For weeks Archuleta was trying too hard to impress. And he did. But tonight he didn't stand a chance. A "chihuahua trying to be a tiger" according to Simon Cowell. Throughout the season, Archuleta was mostly singing big love songs (songs that we all know and love), forcing it in without understanding the deeper meaning of the lyrics of "When The Sun Go Down On Me" or "Love Me Tender". He didn't know what it feels to be hurt by love or why the songs were written...imagine. But we have to admit that he sang them all very well. But viewers have very high standards, they have all grown up. Just like former runner up, Diana Degarmo, who didn't stand a chance when Fantasia finished it off with "I Believe" in 2004. America got it right. Tonight America got it right -- again.



While David Archuleta (left) was heaped with praise by the judges the night before, the voters decided otherwise -- and it wasn't even close. According to The New York Times tonight, it was in many ways a surprise victory. During Tuesday’s competition, all three of the program’s judges (I'll get to the judges later) seemed to endorse Archuleta as the winner. Simon Cowell, who rarely is at a loss for words, seemed to speak for the other judges at the end of Tuesday’s show when he said that Archuleta won the first and second rounds and "knockout” the competition. He absolutely ignored Cook's great presence and showmanship. He disrespected Cook's family and his 12 million other fans. Everyone was hurt by Cowell's caustic remarks except Archuleta's father. But, as they say, when you are good, nothing can take that away from you. Cook won the show. And Cowell apologized.

Archuleta, 17, of Murray, Utah, was the prodigy who consistently dazzled the show's judges and thrilled screaming young fans. Cowell, who months ago predicted that Archuleta was the contestant to beat, presaged the results minutes before the winner was announced on Wednesday, apologizing to Cook and saying that his remarks on Tuesday were “verging on disrespectful.” But it was a little too late.

The judges we love dearly -- Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson -- were 101% biased and wrong, and in a few ways I'd say, unprofessional.

Be gay or have kids?

There seems to be a new trend going on in the LGBT community.
Gay men are getting more and more interested in having and raising kids -- yes the baby gay boom is here -- and many gay men want to be daddies. They are tired of being gay, single, fabulous, gorgeous, social and up for endless anonyous sex. A recent report in Details suggested that there "appears to be a boom in homo men having babies". Most gay men are opting for an IVF procedure usign an egg from a donor placed in the body of a different woman, who carries the embryo to term. This is is called gestational surrogacy and is favored because in some states it gives the carrier no legal rights to the chid she gives birth to. It works for single gay men or gay couples who just want to be dads. According to the story, gay couples and single men are investigating IVF and many homo men have decided to go it alone. Being a single gay dad is -- there's no other word for it - hot. Evidence of the gayby boom is everywhere. It isn't the baby strollers in gayborhoods. They're even talking about having a family week on Fire Island this summer. That tells us something.

Are you penny pinching also?

Just how are we cutting back, tightening our belts, cutting corners here and there in order to survive in this great city? I don't know. We are hurting financially. I know I am. Staying in to save cash seems to be the only way to go, the one way to save money. It is no surprise that we find ourselves cooking Ramen instant noodles more than ever. We shop wisely for groceries (and do it less) and stop going to Eden, Whole Food, or Food Emporium. Instead we shop at cheaper places. And there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. NYC used to promise its inhabitants a life of glitter and glamour in a world capital. That's true. But things certainly have changed in the city. We don't treat ourselves that much anymore. Sad but true. Nothing would have prepared us for this. This is the ugly side of the economy. Less money, high cost of living -- a bad combination. So our lifestyle is the first to be changed and affected. If you are like me and other queers who are financially hurting, stay in and spend less. We know it is hard to work to pay the bills -- rent and food. Where's the quality of life there? We are big fans of bars, movies, theater, nice things, nice neighborhood, chic soirees, etc.

New York, in my opinion and my experience, is all about struggling to make it. Even if you are successful, it still feels like you have to struggle everyday. It is never going to be enough. First 9/11. And now this - a more serious economic slump (we heard the slump is not going away for a while). How does that feel knowing that is true? How much more can we take and endure?

Good morning gay Americans

Gay people in San Francisco/California are happier these days. They have reasons to.

Imagine what it would be like not to be able to marry the person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. Then imagine how tens of thousands of gays and lesbians in California must have felt last week when the California Supreme Court declared that homosexuals have a right to marriage under the state's constitution.

What moved me were the conservative arguments for gay marriage put forward by the powerful gay writers out there. They see society as having a powerful interest in building respect for long-term commitment and fidelity in sexual relationships and that gay marriage underscores how important commitment is. The good news from California is that the people will ultimately decide the question, and I hope that a reaction against "judicial activism" does not hamper the marriage equality movement. As for most other states, domestic partnerships and civil unions will come long before gay marriage does. Nothing the California court majority said should deter these states from recognizing that gays and lesbians, no less than heterosexuals, have a right to the community's recognition of the seriousness of their commitments.

AIDS WALK 2008 New York

Andrew Lee, Walter Bassano and Daniel Campana (below) of Kenneth Cole among the thousands who walked in Central Park in support of AIDS WALK NEW YORK 2008 this morning.



Among the celebrities who showed up and addressed the crowd was actress Sara Ramerez (below) of Grey's Anatomy. Also present was hunky actor, Dave Annable, who played the adorable Justin Walkers in Brothers & Sisters. Seen at the walk were Wilson Cruz, Kenneth Cole, and Miss Universe 2008 among others.



Chief Executive Officer of GMHC, Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, and Founder and Producer of AIDS Walk New York, Craig R. Miller, sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb, Delta Air Lines, Deutsche Bank, GAP, Inc., Lehman Brothers, Pfizer and PricewaterhouseCoopers
also walked today. Each of the representative of the above companies spoke before the kick-off this morning at Sheep Meadows in Central Parl. We couldn't have asked for better weather! The sun was out and shining. It was toasty and bright. A few thousands showed up for sure. There was a sea of people so it had to be more than 10,000 people.

Queergam: AIDS Walk New York 2008 is a powerful and inspiring day in Central Park and on the streets of New York City. We walked to remember those we have lost, we walked to help our friends, family and fellow New Yorkers who are affected by HIV/AIDS, and we all walked to show our never-ending determination to end AIDS.

Matt Lanter: Hollywood is ready for Matt... let's watch his latest movie: WarGames: The Dead Code

Yes! Matt Lanter, the hunky one with the baby fat on Manhunt Model Search is all grown up and looking super stunning, and a very talented young man who has to be today's Hollywood's hottest working actor. His latest movie made for ABC's Family: Cutting Edge 3: Chasing The Dream, was a big hit. We can't wait for the equally gorgeous Ben Lyons of E! to interview him on the red carpet.

COMING SOON: WarGames: The Dead Code will be released on DVD on 29th July 2008. Don't miss it.

Matt Lanter

Born and raised in a little town, Missilon, Ohio in 1984. Moved to Atlanta at 8. Took part in Manhunt: America's Search for the Most Gorgeous Male Model in 2004. Didn't win the title but moved to LA...





Cutting Edge 3: Chasing The Dream. It was aired on ABC's Family. He also played the son of the President (Geena Davies) in Commander-In-Chief.

Click on the link below to see Matt in Cutting Edge 3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERehJ4GAPRs




Matt, taking a plunge in Commander-In-Chief

The ruling paves the way for California to become the second state where gay men and lesbians can marry.

QueerGam: OK Great news! More reasons to move back to San Francisco now.

California Court Affirms Right to Gay Marriage

Published: May 16, 2008 in The New York Times

Same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The court’s 4-to-3 decision striking down state laws that had limited marriages to unions between a man and a woman makes California only the second state, after Massachusetts, to allow same-sex marriages. The decision, which becomes effective in 30 days, is certain to be an issue in the presidential campaign.

“In view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship,” Chief Justice Ronald M. George wrote of marriage for the majority, “the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.”

California already has a strong domestic partnership law that gives gay and lesbian couples nearly all of the benefits and burdens of heterosexual marriage. The majority said that is not enough.

Given the historic, cultural, symbolic and constitutional significance of the concept of marriage, Chief Justice George wrote, the state cannot limit marriage to opposite-sex couples. The court left open the possibility that another terms could denote state-sanctioned unions so long as that term was used across the board.

The state’s ban on same-sex marriage was based on a law enacted by the Legislature in 1977 and a statewide initiative approved by the voters in 2000, both defining marriage as limited to unions between a man and a woman. The question before the court was whether those laws violate provisions of the state Constitution protecting equality and fundamental rights.

Conservative groups have proposed a new initiative, this one to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. If it is allowed onto the ballot in November and approved by the voters, Thursday’s decision would be overridden. The groups have gathered more than a million signatures on initiative petitions and submitted them to the state.

Justice Marvin R. Baxter, dissenting, said the majority had should have deferred to the state Legislature, which has in recent years increased legal protections for same-sex couples.

“But a bare majority of this court,” Justice Baxter wrote, “not satisfied with the pace of democratic change, now abruptly forestalls that process and substitutes, by judicial fiat, its own social policy views for those expressed by the people themselves.”

The California Legislature has twice passed bills allowing same-sex marriages, but they were vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said they would overturn the 2000 referendum.

Mr. Schwarzenegger opposes the current ballot initiative seeking a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. He said Thursday that he respected the court’s decision and would not support overturning it.

In 2004, Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco directed the county clerk to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. Before the California Supreme Court halted the practice, more than 4,000 same-sex couples received marriage licenses in San Francisco.

CUMMING TOGETHER: Battle of the sex sites

Previously published in HX Magazine
Cover Story | Ambrose Aban
HX Contributor

As sex sites continue to offer plenty of options while demand goes beyond sizes (and lengths), new players live up to great erections. In a battle that is on the edge of cumming, are you still gay.com?

Recently I stumbled upon an ad on a new free sex site “I wish that I was in your arms, like that Spanish guitar. And you would play me through the night. Till the dawn.” stealing from Toni Braxton’s saccharine-sweet lines to attract top Spanish men on this cold, snowy Valentine’s night.

No one will not be swept away by the passion and the longing, sultry sounds of that ad. A month later, there is still something about the ad that keeps me imagining myself being played …till dawn.

On another site, a one liner “A King is a King but a Ruler is 12 inches!” is telling slim, smooth and hot bottoms to look nowhere else for fun, asking them to screw love (because love hurts) and persuading them to double click on his ad and inviting them to “come and get it”.

We see many of such ads - they are persuasive (and they get noticed, too) as more and more new and improved sites continue to pop up on our little screen – all screaming for attention, shouting urban gay chic, and proclaiming to be the coolest, the best, the hottest, and the largest. With the competition getting fiercer among the top sites and the new ones, where do we begin and how do we stand out in the crowd in this virtual world – a dense mix of real horny men looking for their types, pouring out their souls, unlocking their private pictures, hoping to get laid by their Mr. Right Now?

As many first generation sites failing to pick up speed and starting to slowly losing their touch, members are jumping ship to new high-tech sites like Dlist.com, Mate1.com, Recon.com, Passion.com, OkCupid.com, MyPinkDating.com, MeonYou.com and Singlesnet.com that offer extra cool stuff on the side – blog, webcams, videos, music, and other extras to enhance and maximize the experience.

How we do pick a site in which to post our ad that is perfect for us – one that provides us the most bang for the buck?

If Gay.com is getting too conventional for us, and Myspace is way too certifiable or Manhunt and Adam4Adam way too sleazy for our taste, where do we look to find a site that is pleasantly offbeat and unconventional where real horny people are looking for RT (real time) and not exchanging 1000 emails only to say they are still in Colorado Spring!

Finding a new site makes the transition easier and simpler for us who have tried to part ways with our dating (or sex) sites for so long and join new ones.

But can these new sites top longer and pound harder than their seniors?

Many people took out their ads and canceled their premium memberships on AOL, Gay.com, Manhunt and other paid sites and now find guys on Recon.com, saying this site is the only one that asks question ‘What are you into?’ and gives it to you.

OkCupid.com, Mate1.com and BigMuscle.com (and its affiliated site, Normalguys.com) are offering fresh meat of different sizes and shapes - big muscles, twinks or baby bears - you name it plus new features such as expanded buddy list and other sophisticated outfits to make your online experience an orgasmic one.

Others like Mypinkdating.com, MeonYou.com and Passion.com are targeting the romantic types and kinky sex while Singlesnet.com aims to reenergize the scene by offering hot, passionate singles around the world. They are building a space that is supportive of expression and intent on establishing a venue for sex amidst the fears of sex site glut.

But are they anything like their senior such as Manhunt which is serving, educating and now guiding men along the way? What do we know about these new sites we call home most nights? Not much.

But the truth is there are sites that are genuinely giving back to the society. And one such site is Manhunt. Realizing that there are certainly stigmas that arise from running a ‘sex-positive” site, Manhunt advises members to always have safer sex while supporting studies and testing groups to help find new treatments for various diseases that affect us all by working directly with many health organizations worldwide. Members can email to them directly, ask questions, and get answers.

Manhunt will never allow any mention of illegal substances, not even phrases such as ‘pnp’ on its site. That’s classy!

“All profiles are approved by our customer support team and any references of this nature are flagged and removed,” its Promotions Manager, Michael MacDonald, warns.

Manhunt maybe getting older, wiser and classier, and new sites it once shun are looking to it for inspiration as they are creating waves as new high-tech domains that incorporate music and blogs as a way to soften the blow of blatant sex.

Savvy members who know good sex hire professional photographers to take their pictures specifically for online and email use as they (members) continue to walk out the door, leaving sites like Gay.com, Myspace, Craigslist, and AOL to find their new glory hole in the labyrinth of the net.

“Yet many of us have been missing real guidance about how to feel good about going online and be proud of the quirks that make us beautiful,” says Steven Underhill, a renowned gay photographer based in San Francisco, adding “It is tough out there and you have to maximize on this intense visual medium.”

It is true that photographs of a natural, good-looking man can melt you away. Exaggerated poses kill a man’s natural beauty (which you see a lot online these days).

“Men are more attractive if they are uncontrived. They look more natural and even better without makeup, pluck or shave anything,” says a die-hard fan of Dlist adding “especially when they are lightly pumped up – a healthy sporty types like the two drop-dead gorgeous young pilots, Ralph and Danny, in Pearl Harbor.
It is true that romance and love are very personal, and yet many people create their profiles in minutes, using photos with bad lighting or not filling out any information about who they truly are as a person.
Jay Manuel, one of Tyra Banks’ favorite stylists, encourages people to recognize how truly remarkable they are on the inside and shares all his celebrity tips and tricks on Match.com’s Portrait Toolkit so people can look and feel like a star online.

We all must really drop to our knees and give thanks to ourselves -- brave homos of apparently inexhaustible energy who have put together millions of ads on all things queer on the net. Even if you find the net a tad overwhelming, our ads (good or bad, for better or worse) can guide you into the world of sinful pleasures.

Just like us, sex sites are improving themselves too, giving us more sophisticated outfit, more options, cool special features, and statistics on the number of members online and many of them are even offering to assist us with resizing our photographs if they were too big.

And yet there are still many of us using our old pictures and sending out blurry face shots, wasting other people’s time.

What do we do when a guy shows up at our door looking 20 years older or nothing like his photo?

“It used to be very ugly. People slammed doors on them. But we are getting classier nowadays. Today people are realizing that it really doesn’t hurt to be polite and honest,” says a member of Craigslist, adding it is always better to tell the truth and be honest in such a situation.

However, not all men show up looking differently. Infact, many of them are genuinely interested in meeting other people and looking for love.

“I cannot begin to explain how surreal this all is. When I decided to broaden my hunt for someone to share my life with, I never thought it would lead me here,” says a member of Dlist (who recently found a guy that look exactly like his photo), adding “there are many great features to enjoy and so many profiles to view and to date thousands have also viewed my profile.”

I am not sure as to what the average is, but to say that I am not jealous of this guy is an understatement!

With online competition fiercer than ever, there is still a place, we gay people can run to and find our piece of meat in this crazy world. Sex sites continue to make our lives better in 2007, rule our “heads” like it or not, rock our world. Go crazy!

A Hope For Audacity

Queergam: Ok, so who’s better for gay equality, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama?

According to Dale Carpenter, a professor who contributes to The Independent Gay Forum, the answer depends on a consideration of three main factors:

1) the issues
2) actual legislative records
3) likely commitment

On the issues, both Clinton and Obama broadly support equality for gay Americans. Both support a hate crimes law, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), and same-sex domestic-partners benefits for federal employees. Both oppose a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

There’s only one difference between them on gay issues.
Clinton supports repeal of the section of the Defense of Marriage (DOMA) that bars federal benefits for same-sex couples who get married or enter civil unions in their own state. Prohibiting as it does the federal legal protections that would otherwise be available to tens of thousands of gay families in several states, repealing this section of DOMA is a top priority.

Obama goes one step further.
He would repeal DOMA in its entirety, including the section of the law that authorizes states to refuse to recognize gay marriages and civil unions performed elsewhere.

While this sounds important, its practical effect is minimal. Even without DOMA, states may refuse to recognize gay marriages from other states. All but five have done so. Still, the interstate provision in DOMA discriminates against gay couples and should be repealed.

Clinton defends her position by saying that DOMA was a valuable political tool in defeating a federal constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. That’s doubtful. She even goes so far as to say that DOMA was originally passed as a way to head off a federal amendment. That’s dishonest. When her husband championed DOMA in 1996 it was not as a favor to gays, but as a way to maximize his chances for reelection.

On legislative ability, we don’t have much of a record for either candidate. Obama has been an undistinguished first-term senator, neither more nor less impressive than most others in a legislative body where seniority is power.

In an open letter to gays issued shortly before the Texas primary, Obama touted his co-sponsorship of legislation banning anti-gay discrimination when he served as an Illinois state senator. He also mentioned his co-sponsorship of a couple of pro-gay bills in the U.S. Senate.

Yet co-sponsoring bills involves nothing more than formally declaring support for them; it’s not a test of legislative skill. What matters is lobbying colleagues for the bill, securing hearings on the need for it, compromising and horse-trading, and getting an actual vote.

GOP support will be needed in the Senate to overcome filibusters of pro-gay legislation. While Obama talks a good game of bringing Republicans and Democrats together for positive change, his actual legislative record demonstrates little ability to do so. That might change when he becomes president, and a president’s role is different than a legislator’s, but so far we have little to go on other than hope.

Clinton’s legislative record is somewhat more impressive. She has surprised and delighted her Republican colleagues with her bipartisanship and work ethic.

On legislative record: slight advantage to Clinton.

Finally, according to Carpenter, which of the two is likely to be more committed to gay equality as president? Commitment is critical. Recall that Bill Clinton came into the presidency with all the right stands on gay issues for a man of his time. He also had an impressive record of legislative accomplishment as a governor. The problem was that he utterly lacked commitment to gay equality, wilting at the first sign of resistance. As Melissa Etheridge put it at a Democratic debate last year, he threw gays under the bus.

Neither Obama nor Clinton is perfect on this score. Obama campaigned last fall with a homophobic minister. Both hesitated when confronted with the remarks of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Peter Pace that DADT is justified because homosexuality is immoral. As if testing the political winds, they denounced Pace only after Sen. John Warner (R-VA) flatly declared that homosexuality is not immoral. Hillary, actions speak louder than words and she has been making actions.


Queergam: A candidate’s positions on the issues matter little if they aren’t translated into legislative action. Legislative success depends, in turn, on actual legislative ability and commitment to the cause.Hillary and Obama understand the importance of using the “bully pulpit” of the presidency to be a moral leader as well as a legislative one. And gay issues are by no means the only ones that matter in this election. But on gay equality. So who is the better bet?

Do you think FDA is good for American consumers?

Quick Vote from Lou Dobbs.

Do you trust the FDA to assure the safety of consumers buying imported products?

Yes 3% 82
No 97% 2322

Total Votes: 2404
This is not a scientific poll

Quergam: Until know none of them have exposed the name of the suppliers that deal with the blood-thinning drug, Heparin, in China that killed many American consumers. According to Lou Dobbs today, FDA is still withholding names of the Heparin suppliers. Investigators are asking for a list of Chinese Heparin suppliers, but the FDA is withholding the names, citing confidentiality. What about the drug companies that sell Heparin in the US? They should be investigated, too.

Malkin thinks she knows better...suck my feet!

John McCain's speech in Ohio below:

"Next January, the political leadership of the United States will change significantly. It is important that the candidates who seek to lead the country after the Bush Administration define their objectives and what they plan to achieve not with vague language but with clarity.

So, what I want to do today is take a little time to describe what I would hope to have achieved at the end of my first term as President. I cannot guarantee I will have achieved these things. I am presumptuous enough to think I would be a good President, but not so much that I believe I can govern by command. Should I forget that, Congress will, of course, hasten to remind me. The following are conditions I intend to achieve. And toward that end, I will focus all the powers of the office; every skill and strength I possess; and seize every opportunity to work with members of Congress who put the national interest ahead of partisanship, and any country in the world that shares our hopes for a more peaceful and prosperous world.

…I am well aware I cannot make any of these changes alone. The powers of the presidency are rightly checked by the other branches of government, and I will not attempt to acquire powers our founders saw fit to grant Congress. I will exercise my veto if I believe legislation passed by Congress is not in the nation’s best interests, but I will not subvert the purpose of legislation I have signed by making statements that indicate I will enforce only the parts of it I like. I will respect the responsibilities the Constitution and the American people have granted Congress, and will, as I often have in the past, work with anyone of either party to get things done for our country.

For too long, now, Washington has been consumed by a hyper-partisanship that treats every serious challenge facing us as an opportunity to trade insults; disparage each other’s motives; and fight about the next election. For all the problems we face, if you ask Americans what frustrates them most about Washington, they will tell you they don’t think we’re capable of serving the public interest before our personal and partisan ambitions; that we fight for ourselves and not for them. Americans are sick of it, and they have every right to be. They are sick of the politics of selfishness, stalemate and delay. They despair when every election — no matter who wins — always seems to produce four more years of unkept promises and a government that is just a battleground for the next election. Their patience is at an end for politicians who value ambition over principle, and for partisanship that is less a contest of ide as than an uncivil brawl over the spoils of power. They want to change not only the policies and institutions that have failed the American people, but the political culture that produced them. They want to move this country forward and stake our claim on this century as we did in the last. And they want their government to care more about them than preserving the privileges of the powerful.

There are serious issues at stake in this election, and serious differences between the candidates. And we will argue about them, as we should. But it should remain an argument among friends; each of us struggling to hear our conscience, and heed its demands; each of us, despite our differences, united in our great cause, and respectful of the goodness in each other. That is how most Americans treat each other. And it is how they want the people they elect to office to treat each other.

If I am elected President, I will work with anyone who sincerely wants to get this country moving again. I will listen to any idea that is offered in good faith and intended to help solve our problems, not make them worse. I will seek the counsel of members of Congress from both parties in forming government policy before I ask them to support it. I will ask Democrats to serve in my administration. My administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability. I will hold weekly press conferences. I will regularly brief the American people on the progress our policies have made and the setbacks we have encountered. When we make errors, I will confess them readily, and explain what we intend to do to correct them. I will ask Congress to grant me the privilege of coming before both houses to take questions, and address criticism, much the same as the Prime Minister of Great Britain appears regularly before the House of Commons.

We cannot again leave our problems for another unluckier generation of Americans to fix after they have become even harder to solve. I’m not interested in partisanship that serves no other purpose than to gain a temporary advantage over our opponents. This mindless, paralyzing rancor must come to an end. We belong to different parties, not different countries. We are rivals for the same power. But we are also compatriots. We are fellow Americans, and that shared distinction means more to me than any other association. I intend to prove myself worthy of the office; of our country; and of your respect. I won’t judge myself by how many elections I’ve won. I won’t spend one hour of my presidency worrying more about my re-election than keeping my promises to the American people. There is a time to campaign, and a time to govern. If I’m elected President, the era of the permanent campaign will end. The era of problem solving will begin. I promise you, from the day I am sworn into office until the last hour of my presidency, I will work with anyone, of either party, to make this country safe, prosperous and proud. And I won’t care who gets the credit."

Michele Malkin: Thank you.The bulk of the speech is a “look back” as if it were 2013 and McCain’s assessing all his progress as president. You know it’s pure fantasy because of this line:

"Illegal immigrants who broke our laws after they came here have been arrested and deported. Illegal immigration has been finally brought under control, and the American people accepted the practical necessity to institute a temporary worker program and deal humanely with the millions of immigrants who have been in this country illegally."

Queergam: Here is a woman, Michele Malkin, just like Arianna Huffinton (no?) who thinks she knows how to handle the illegal immigrant issues. Very unprofessional.

News from www.HIV-UB2.Net

Dear Queergam,

To prepare New York City - and the nation - for my May 20, 2008 forum at the LGBT Community Center, I have up dated the www.HIV-UB2.NET website. When you get a moment, feel free to check it out. This is the prototype for the future on HIV Prevention, Education, Awareness, Support and Empowerment.

Please tell your HIV- family, friends and loved ones. Heck, just tell EVERYONE who is HIV-negative that HELP has arrived!

Robert Brandon Sandor
FOUNDER
Serosorting as an HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Strategy
www.hiv-ub2.net

PS: BTW: WHY must a longterm HIV survivor create HIV- networking opportunities, when the HIV agencies get THE MONEY for this?! ACCOUNTING FRAUD and NEGLIGENCE

War, the economy, healthcare and employment matter more to LGBT Americans these days

Yes we do care more about having good jobs, good healthcare than to care endlessly about getting married (and getting divorced -- yes at the rates we are going, breaking up, getting dumped, and doing the dumping, cheating our partners every now and then...and not to mention some of us in open-relationships...). Times are very hard for us now and we have lived long enough to know what is really important -- good economy. It is not about us being gay, being discriminated or being ignored. It is about our economy. We'd die for good health, justice and the economy. I will not die for Iraq or another man. So let this election be all about the economy and not about us and our gay marriage issue. Let this election be about the economy. Vote for more jobs.

Gym and Gay...what is that all about?

Recently The New York Blade carried a story about the dramatic relationship between gay men and gym culture. Interesting story. Sad at the same time. According to the writer, the newly released book, "Muscle Boys: Gays Gym Culture" by a personal trainer, Erick Alvarez, is a wide-ranging, insightful look at exercise, gay-male style.

It roams through history, sociology, fashion and porn, stopping to dissect topics like the Internet's effect on body image, and the difference between gay and straight gwm...

Wait! it gets better -- while we are on this subject, there is hot nude gay yoga and straight clothed yoga, and so on...a lot to talk about.

While it is true that each of us reap our own reward at the gym, we have our own reason to the gym. And for many queers I know the main reason is to see and be seen, hoping to find some to screw or hoping to get nailed after gym. Ok! Ok! I am way out of line. I am sorry.

Do you really understand gay men who work out like crazy? Do you think working out liek crazy for their health purely? Bullshit! You see the same people smoke cigarettes, pnp after the gym. Do you know the main reason they'd die to look good? Yes -- muscle boys, cute boys, circuit boys, athletes, jocks, etc. They are all worth dying for, worth going to the gym for. Worth everything. Who wants to be seen with an ugly gay man? Who wants to date out of shape men? Do you think my friend A would go to the gym full of older men? He'd rather die than to waste him time there, working out with a room full of older, ugly, out of shape men and women.

See, even Erick Alvarez himself admitted to NY Blade's writer that like most guys he wanted to look better naked. He also said that he used to grapple with his own sexuality, and his self-esteem was low. Getting fit raised his confidence and eased his concerns about being gay. And that is ok if it helps him to feel better.

Queergam: For the 40/50-plus guys, health is more important than looks. For the under 40 guys, it is all about getting laid as their lives revolves around clubs, sex and drugs and revolves around social status and looking the part. Some revolves around steroid while others revolves around pnp men. For some of us who don't feel like we look the part, we have to avoid getting seen and stop looking for those who are gym-ized. We will not stand a chance! Unless we become one of them. Sorry, not this gay man! If I go to the gym, it would be because I am out of shape and not because I must look like one of them -- muscle Marys.

Hillary won West Virginia...grabbed more than 20 superdels and vowed to continue the fight

"Don't you quit, don't give up" an elderly woman was heard saying tonight when Mrs. Clinton held her wrinkled hands in West Virginia.

Yes Hill, don't you dare giving up this fight. You won big tonight in WV, proving yet again that you are not ready to throw the towel or throw caution to the wind, so to speak. For the love of this country, for the love of God, and for the love of gay people around the world, you should not pull out until everyone has had a chance to vote. Until there is nothing left. Remember, until there is nothing left!

Truth 1: Obama is very beatable, you are not. That is why you will beat McCain.
Truth 2: There is no superdelegates to help Obama to win the WH in November!
Truth 3: Obama will lose all the swing and the big states to McCain.
Truth 4: Hillary have the power, the brain, the experience, skills and the charm to win the the United Nations, and the international leaders and communities, the displayed and the downtrodden. Hillary is an international figure, a super politician, a legend and an icon of American and international politics. She is a god-send, ready to be the first woman Commander-In-Chief...and why fucking not?

Do you think Obama is perfect or better?
How is he better than Hillary? Ok, so he opposed the war. Good for him. But that doesn't mean he is a better than Hillary who supported the war after we were attacked by the same tyrants -- Osama or Saddam, they are two of a kind.

Obama only know how to write good, lengthy, thought-provoking speeches. So can Hillary. And he is no gayer or queerer than Hillary!

David Cook to sing his butt off tonight!

I will definitely vote for David Cook! Archuleta, like Atkin, will gross me out in a year or two. Like Clay he will do well, no doubt, but will be grossed, his sexuality will be questioned, and he will deny it, etc. David Cook is a real man -- the kind we queers love. So 8pm ET, 7 Central tonight, May 13, vote for Cook queers!

Sex and the City...in theaters near you on May 30.

Queers in the city are all ready and excited to see Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha on the big screen. And their men and gay friends! Yes, we are very excited.

What kind of NYC gay guy wouldn't?
And, to see Jennifer Hudson with the girls...top that! It would be priceless.

And then there is New York City's mystical charms - its incredible streets and sights to behold. Her people -- the savviest consumers on planet earth.

But sadly the story is all about Carrie Bradshaw. We queers like Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte, too! And not to mention their guys and gay friends. So, to me, the movie is incomplete in that sense. Cos it was all about Carrie Bradshaw. And Carrie is an unrealistic character. No freelancer writing and breathing air in Manhattan could live like she does. Or making 50 cent per word at Vogue! But yes there are so many freelance writers who get laid and get nailed every night by willing men but I can assure you that none could afford all the Manolo heels and endless round of cosmos. Not in the Big Apple.

From tmz.com

David Archuleta's Father Banished from "Idol"
Posted May 9th 2008 8:55PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned David Archuleta's dad, Jeff, has been officially banned from "American Idol."

Here's how it went down. "Idol" sources tell TMZ Jeff has been a complete pain in the ass, interfering with the entire production. He has badgered producers, the band, vocal coaches and even other contestants. The final straw came this week, when Jeff wanted to change the lyrics to David's first song, "Stand By Me." Jeff insisted on adding a verse from Sean Kingston's hit, "Beautiful Girls." Producers sent him an e-mail telling him the lyrics could not be changed. They were beyond pissed when David sang the song with Kingston's lyrics during the live show.

We're told by changing the lyrics, it created problems with the song's publisher and cost "A.I." a lot of money.

Jeff was ordered to sit with "A.I." lawyers on Wednesday, who told him he was "banned from being in the rooms where David was learning or rehearsing his songs." It's "Idol's" position, since David is 17, he does not need a guardian -- just a teacher. Jeff will be allowed to sit in the audience during the live show but he's 86'd from anything backstage.

Sources say the other contestants were fed up with Jeff and didn't want him near them. Now they have their wish.

All in all, sources say Jeff is the stage dad from hell. BTW, he was banned on the set when David did "Star Search" a few years back.

Queergam: It is dangerous to let this daddy to interfere with his son's part in American Idol. It is more damaging to the son -- a very talented son. Many showbiz moms and dads have ruined their children's chances at winning big.

"Forbidden Love":Two Boys in Love is seen all over the world as the best gay love story to date...now available on YouTube. Queers, check it out!

Below, cut and paste the link to one of the many episodes of "Forbidden Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMd1dKqqWRI&feature=related

Character History: "Forbidden Love" and the story so far...
Christian is the little brother of Gregor Mann (Andreas Jancke). He is just out of prison after he was found guilty of holding up a gas station. But Christian was innocent, because his father Wolfgang was the real perpetrator. After he is free, Christian wants to begin a new life in Düsseldorf with his brother. Before long Nico von Lahnstein (Verena Zimmermann) and Coco Faber (Mariangela Scelsi) fall in love with him. Christian doesn't know about Coco's feelings for him and begins a relationship with Nico. Coco suffers and when Christian needs to go back to prison, innocent again, for attacking Nico's boss Schuhmann, Nico can't deal with Christian's situation and begs Coco to help her. So Coco writes love letters to Christian in prison and Christian thinks they are from Nico. After his release Christian finds out that Coco and not Nico wrote to him. Coco can't hide her feelings for Christian any longer and tells him the truth, though she knows that he loves Nico. But Christian begins to feel the same way about Coco and they kiss. When Nico finds out about it, she breaks up with him and sets him free to be with Coco. Christian and Coco are finally happy and enjoy her new love.

Later, Charlie's (Gabriele Metzger) nephew Oliver Sabel (Jo Weil) comes back to town. Coco and Christian are among his first new friends. However, Christian and Oliver clash when Christian realizes that Oliver is bisexual. Coco and Gregor call him on his behavior and Christian apologizes to Oliver. After a fight with Christian Coco is comforted by Oliver and the two of them share a kiss. While Coco has toubles forgetting about the kiss Oliver develops feelings for Christian. When Christian confronts Oliver about the kiss with Coco, Oliver kisses him to prove that he is really interested in Christian, not Coco.

Then after Oliver kisses him, Christian becomes confused with his relationship with Coco even to the extent where when she leaves for Goa, he doesn't go with her because he doesn't 'love her anymore.' Even though he claims publicly that he isn't gay, Christian strikes up a conversation in a gay chatroom about his confusion about the kiss and inadvertedly voices his issues to Oliver, though he doesn't know that this is him yet. Finding out about his chat partner's true identify leads to a heated confrontation which results in Oliver and Christian having sex.

After having sex with Oliver, Christian is still confused he tells oliver that he isn't interested.However, Oliver doesn't believe him and is sure that he is just hiding his feelings because he's scared.

They are just friends up until the point that Miriam asks Christian out, after some persuading from Gregor he agrees to go. however, when they get there Oliver is already there dancing with another guy called Rick. Christian doesn't react well and ends up starting a fight with Rick, Oliver manages to stop the fight and accuses Christian of being jealous.Christian and Miriam go back to No Limits followed buy Oliver and Olivia. Oliver makes a joke about what Christian did and Christian explains he did it because Rick wasn't a nice guy, Christian then tells Miriam that he has a headache and is going upstairs. After some persuading from Olivia, Oliver follows him, Christian locked himself in his room and won't let Oliver in. Oliver then tells Christian "I've fallen head over heels in love with you.." Christian eventually unlocks the door and Oliver comes in, Christian tells Oliver "I've fallen in love with you" followed by them kissing and having sex.