Mass Effect 3's Gay Love Scene

NSFW, folks. Well, almost certainly not.

If You Can Play, You Can Play

Paul Verlaine Born March 30th

Paul-Marie Verlaine was born March 30th, 1844 in Metz, France. Verlaine was educated in Paris and his firstwork was published at age 23. The poet fell in love with and married Mathilde Maute before casting her aside for fellow bad boy poet Arthur Rimbaud until uncontrolled jealousy and a shot brought their relationship to an end. Sadly, Verlaine's final years were filled with alcoholism and poverty.

Read more about Verlaine at Gay For Today.

John Stamos Kisses A Man

Dirk Bogarde Born March 29th

Dirk Niven van de Bogaerde was born on March 29th, 1921 in London. Bogarde's acting career began at a West End theater in 1939 and became a leading man heart throb in 1950s film. Bogarde broke out of that mold by playing a blackmailed gay attorney in the 1961 film Victim. Bogarde and Tony Forwood met in 1938 and were together for 50 years. Bogarde became Forwood's care giver during a long terminal illness.

Visit the actor's official website and Gay For Today's entry on the actor.

Jane Rule Born March 28th

Jane Rule was born March 28th, 1931 in Plainfield, NJ. Rule stated she felt like an outsider for being tall (she reached 6 feet) as well as being dyslexic. After graduating from Mills College, Rule moved to England and became involved with John Hulcoop. During her time at a teachin position with Concord Academy in Massachusetts, Rule met and fell in love with Helen Sonthoff, though she and Hulcoop moved to Vancouver. Their relationship continued and they lived together. Rule decided to publish her novel, Desert of the Heart, after receiving numerous rejection letters. The novel resulted in Rule receiving numerous letters from dejected women. The novel was later adapted into the film Desert Hearts.

Royal Sabotage The Series

WEB SERIES “ROYAL SABOTAGE” ANNOUNCES MARCH 7, 2012 AS DUAL PREMIERE DATE FOR MUCH-ANTICIPATED EPISODE UNVEILING AND WEBSITE LAUNCH

First Three Episodes Are Set to Premiere on RoyalSabotage.com with Exclusive West Hollywood Launch Party to Follow on March 10^th

Royal Sabotage Productions is pleased to announce the long-awaited dual launch of the website www.royalsabotage.com and the first three episodes of the sure-to-be groundbreaking series “Royal Sabotage,” the first original web series from the Los Angeles-based writing/producing team of Kingsley Benham and JJ Wienkers on March 7, 2012, live at 10am PST.  After months of buzzed-about previews at West Hollywood hotspots teasing the show’s 24-episode first season and the growth of an eagerly-awaiting online fan base, the gender and genre-crossing “Royal Sabotage” will continue to unveil new episodes twice-weekly through the end of May at www.royalsabotage.com as well as the YouTube-hosted site www.youtube.com/royalsabotagechannel.  In addition, a launch party will be held at West Hollywood’s posh nightclub, REVOLVER, on March 10th. 

A hilarious mixture of "Entourage (on a Budget)" meets "It's Always Sunny… (in WeHo)," the comedy series follows fun-employed ne’er do well Royal Stevenson, played by Benham, trying to find his place in the world while not avoiding the temptations that only life as an out and beyond exceptionally proud twenty-something self-proclaimed gay socialite can offer.  Hopping between brunches, bars, and the occasional stranger’s bed, Royal stumbles closer to his family, trips into the arms of an ex, and falls for his best friend’s flame, eventually sobering up long enough to realize that there may be more to life than expensive whiskey and less-awkward sex.  After all, he can’t take money from his loved ones forever, but just as they know, the audience too will discover his biggest secret of all: a well-meaning heart of gold tucked beneath a self-centered, self-indulgent, un-self-aware exterior.

Loosely inspired by their lives and the lives of their friends, executive producers Benham and Wienkers (co-starring as Royal’s best friend Vegas) have teamed with producers Kimberly Eaton, and actor/producers Patrick Gomez and Alexis Bloom, who also appear as Antonio, Royal’s ex-love and current stalker, and Lily, Royal’s older sister.  Rounding out the cast is Lindsey Moore Ford, who appears as Beau Bardot, Royal's assistant (actual), sidekick (by default), and family (you can't deny love... even when you think the person is crazy). "Royal has become our favorite person to root for, to cringe at, and to envy with his ‘carefree’ life, if only for 3 minutes at a time,” says Benham.  “Within hours of posting our first fundraising video a little over four months ago, the response was so overwhelmingly positive that we knew we were onto something big.”  The launch party will take place from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday, March 10^th, at REVOLVER in West Hollywood, located at 8851 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

For further information, press materials, and all media inquiries please make requests via email to PR@RoyalSabotage.com. “Like” the series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RoyalSabotage, follow on Twitter @Royal_Fever, and go to www.royalsabotage.com to watch the series, check out exclusive bonus features, and see up-to-the-minute announcements and news.

Takei Back The Night

New York,  NY—Actor, activist, and icon George Takei has gone where few (okay, none) have gone before: WWII Internment Camp survivor,  swashbuckling starship pilot, movie star, fanboy peace-broker, voice-over artist,  2012 Celebrity Apprentice contestant, and a booming voice for marriage equality and civil rights. He’s more than a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, George Takei is a force for good in the universe! Since there’s no one quite like him in the known universe, it’s only fitting that New York–based community organization GEEKS OUT is paying tribute to his achievements, legacy, and handsome face with a special one-night event.

TAKEI BACK THE NIGHT, on April 20, 2012 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at CFAN (417 W. 57th St., New York, NY) will celebrate Mr. Takei’s unique place in the worlds of entertainment and equality with artwork inspired by his legendary career, featuring such diverse artists as International Manga Award-winner Abby Denson (Dolltopia, Tough Love), CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Costello Tagliapietra, fashion designer and visual artist Matt Kessler, illustrator Rob Clarke, Next Magazine cover artist Justin Winslow, and graphic design sensation Rogan Josh (modHero). Students, families, and GSA’s are encouraged to attend a free one-hour preview starting at 6:00 PM.

A free “blank” portrait of Mr. Takei is also available on the event’s website (www.takeibackthenight.com) for anyone to download, mark up, and submit to the show.

Submissions can be sent via email to submissions@geeksout.org.

For all press inquiries, please contact Press@geeksout.org.

Geeks OUT exists at the intersection of the LGBT and geek worlds, dedicated to engaging, promoting, and protecting this unique shared community. A fan-based community organization based in New York, Geeks OUT hosts monthly events, gatherings, and mixers. Having presented a standing-room-only panel “It Gets Better (with Comics)” at the 2011 New York Comic-Con, Geeks OUT is committed to returning to the Con in 2012. For more information, please visit www.geeksout.org.

“Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage

Save the Date – The Best Workout is “Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage, on Sale April 27th

Same-Sex Married Couple Shares a Collection of Tips and Personal Experiences for All Couples, Regardless of Sexual Orientation, on How to Connect with Your Partner

NEW YORK – March 26, 2012 – The Best Workout is “Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage will be on book shelves April 27th, 2012. The first all-inclusive relationship guide is poised to bring much needed attention to the joys, trials, and tribulations that all couples face on their respective journey to an ideal partnership.

As the fight for marriage equality continues to make headlines, co-authors and newlyweds, Alvin and Antonio Lopez-Woods, have written a book to further bridge the equality gap by focusing on several facets of two people in a relationship. Contrary to the book title, the overarching theme of The Best Workout is “Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage is love and respect – two principles that we crave in humanity. Mr. and Mr. Lopez-Woods urge all couples to work on intimate relationship factors such as emotional and mental “sex” that will ultimately enhance the physical connection.  

“Since there’s no real blueprint for a successful relationship, we sought out to create a collection of tips that will help our marriage flourish,” said Alvin Lopez-Woods. “We are a young, same-sex married couple that has been given the legal right to journey through life with the person that we love and want to be an outstanding example on how to create a healthy relationship that leads to a solid marriage.”

While marriage equality remains a highly-contested topic for the United States, nationwide polls confirm that more than half of Americans say same-sex marriage should be legal for gays and lesbians. Straight Americans and other groups are making their presence known by standing up for the rights of their fellow citizens and speaking out in support of marriage equality. Many believe that marriage equality is the human rights issue of our time and the injustice of the current system weakens us all.

“It is because of pioneering individuals and groups such as One Million Straight Allies for Marriage Equality that we’ve written this all-inclusive relationship guide,” said Antonio Lopez-Woods. “We’re optimistic that sharing tips and personal learning’s that are guiding us to our ideal union will give others the needed confidence to make their romantic partnership successful.”

For additional information on The Best Workout Is “Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage, please visit http://www.thebestworkoutissex.com/.

# # #

About The Best Workout is “Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage:

The Best Workout is “Sex”: A Gay Guide to Your Ideal Marriage focuses on several facets of two people in a relationship and magnifies what ultimately makes the physical love between a couple so intense – emotional and mental connections. The intimate journey of connecting with your romantic partner in ways that exclude physical love-making is critical for a successful marriage or partnership. The book brings aware to today’s inclusive world, shining a spotlight on how imperative it is that both gay and straight couples know certain guidelines to build toward a healthy relationship.

Media Inquiries/Book Reviews/Additional Information:

Alvin Lopez-Woods

Brand Strategist

The Media Model

347-949-8172

alvin@themediamodel.com

BLACK ENTERPRISE Wins GLAAD Media Award For Outstanding Magazine Article

GLAAD presenter & Top Chef star Padma Lakshmi, Outstanding Magazine Article winners Carolyn Brown (Black Enterprise) and Chris Geidner (Metro Weekly) (Tie), with co-presenter and MSNBC Anchor Thomas Roberts. Photo by Wire Image® courtesy of GLAAD

BLACK ENTERPRISE Wins GLAAD Media Award For Outstanding Magazine Article
“Black & Gay in Corporate America” Takes Top Honors at New York City Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GLAAD.jpg(New York, NY) March 26, 2012—BLACK ENTERPRISE, the nation’s premier business and wealth-building resource for African Americans, took top honors for Outstanding Magazine Article at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards held on March 24, 2012 in New York City.  Written by Senior Multimedia Content Producer Carolyn M. Brown, the July 2011 cover feature “Black & Gay in Corporate America” took an unflinching look at the cultural and professional obstacles facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) African American professionals and how a growing number are coming out and breaking through isolation and fear within their companies. The award, shared with Metro Weekly’s Chris Geidner for the "15th Anniversary of the Passage of the Defense of Marriage Act,” honors a magazine article or series for its fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives.

In accepting the GLAAD award from presenters Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef and MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, “Black & Gay” author Carolyn Brown thanked cover subject Sabin D. Blake, a dealer organizational manager for General Motors Corp. (GM), who came forward after keeping his sexual orientation hidden for years while navigating the professional obstacles of being African American and gay.  “Black LGBT professionals in corporate America and in the African American community in general, often feel like they need to adhere to ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ the former U.S. policy governing homosexuality in the military,” said Brown. “It’s especially important for those of us in black media to break this code of silence and continue to cover stories that elevate LGBT people in the community.”

"I am particularly proud that we received recognition from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation [GLAAD] for this courageous editorial,” said Black Enterprise Magazine SVP/Editor-in-Chief Derek T. Dingle. “BLACK ENTERPRISE will continue to break new ground and deliver unique, dynamic, and relevant content such as this across all our media platforms, be it in print, television, digital or events.

BLACK ENTERPRISE accompanied “Black & Gay in Corporate America” with an expanded editorial package at www.blackenterprise.com/blacklgbt highlighting  the struggles and successes of the black LGBT community in the workplace and beyond, including Black and LGBT in the Black Church; Being Black & Transgendered; Gay Rights vs. Civil Rights; Homophobia in Sports: The Other Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ; Gender Identity & Sexuality Discrimination in the Office; 49 Milestones in LGBT History; LGBT Trailblazers – Still Black & Proud; and Black LGBT Entertainers: Out & Proud. 

For a complete list of the 23rd Annual GLAAD Award winners, visit www.glaad.org.

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BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source of Wealth for Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides four million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. As multimedia company, BE produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

Andrew Wadium

Media & Corporate Relations Director

BLACK ENTERPRISE

(212) 886-9598

wadiuma@blackenterprise.com

www.blackenterprise.com/press

www.facebook.com/blackenterprise

www.twitter.com/blackenterprise

Small business is big business at the 2012 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide, May 23-26, at the Hilton Chicago Hotel in Chicago, IL. Be sure to nominate your company or another entrepreneur for this year’s Small Business Awards and enter our Elevator Pitch Competition to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. The early-bird and entry deadlines are quickly approaching so register NOW!

Tennessee Williams Born March 26th

Thomas Lanier Williams was born March 26th, 1911 in Columbus, Mississippi. His father Cornelius came from a prestigious Tennessee family which included the state's first governor and senator. Thomas was given the nickname "Tennessee" while being enrolled at the University of Iowa, and began to go by it when he moved to New Orleans. Williams is best known for writing the plays Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Night of the Iguana.

"All your Western theologies, the whole mythology of them, are based on the concept of God as a senile delinquent."







Read more at GLBTQ.

Elton John Born March 25th

Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born March 25th, 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. Dwight adopted the Elton John name from first band mate Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and Bluesology frontman Long John Baldry. Elton shared that he was bisexual with Rolling Stone when he was at the top of the charts in 1976. John and Renate Blauel were married on Feb 14, 1984 though it was dissolved on November 18, 1988. After the marriage's dissolution, John announced he is gay. He and with David Furnish have had a Civil Partnership since  December 21, 2005. John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992.

Conrad Born On March 24th

Conrad (often referred to as Conradin or Conrad the Younger or Conrad the Boy) was born on March 24th, 1252 in Wolfstein, Bavaria to Conrad IV of Germany and Elisabeth of Wittelsbach. Sometimes known as Conrad V of the Holy Roman Empire. Though not old enough for sole rule, he inherited the titles of Duke of Swabia, King of Jerusalem, and King of Sicily upon his father's death. Charles of Anjou seized the Sicilian kingdom and Conrad was persuaded travel to Italy to recover it. Conrad was accompanied by his lover, Frederick of Baden, titular duke of Austria. Conrad's army was defeated in September, 1268 and the pair were captured and then publicly beheaded in the Piazza del Mercato in Naples on October 29. Conrad was 16 and Frederick was 19.

Read more about Conrad Wikipedia and Executed Today.

J C Leyendecker Born March 23rd

Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born March 23rd, 1874 in Montabour, Germany. In 1882 the Leyendecker family, including an older sister and brother and a younger brother, immigrated to Chicago, where a maternal uncle founded a successful brewery. Leyendecker studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. J C and younger brother Frank studied also at the Parisian Académie Julian. Leyendecker's greatest success as a commercial artist would be his "Arrow Collar Man" work. The model for the Arrow Collar campaign was Charles Beach, Leyendecker's lover.

Read more at Gay For Today and GLTBQ.

Gay Lives

A review of Robert Aldrich's Gay Lives will be coming soon.

AFER Salutes New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2012

 

PRESS CONTACTS:

Elizabeth Riel 310.560.4886 or elizabeth@afer.org 

Brandon Hersh 202.412.9766 or brandon@afer.org

 

AFER Salutes New Hampshire on Its Successful Bipartisan Effort to Respect the Freedom to Marry for All

 

Los Angeles, CA – Today, in a show of bipartisan support for the freedom to marry, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted 211 to 116 to reject a measure that would repeal marriage equality in that state.  Except for those gay and lesbian couples already married in New Hampshire, the bill would have stripped gay and lesbian couples of the equal status and dignity of marriage, and instead reclassified their relationships and families to an inferior status of “civil unions.”

 

Today’s vote continues the unprecedented nationwide momentum toward ensuring that every American equally enjoys the fundamental freedom to marry.  Last month, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a landmark decision upholding the historic August 2010 ruling of the Federal District Court that found California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional.  The Ninth Circuit’s judgment was followed by another federal judge finding the so-called Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, and bipartisan legislative votes for marriage equality in Washington State, New Jersey, and Maryland.

 

The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) is the sole sponsor of Perry v. Brown, the federal constitutional challenge to Proposition 8.

 

“Congratulations to the thousands of New Hampshire residents who came together for fairness,” said AFER Board Member Ken Mehlman.  “Thanks to their powerful voices, dozens of New Hampshire Republicans joined their colleagues across the aisle to stand up for freedom and family values.”

 

A former chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mehlman traveled to New Hampshire to urge his fellow Republicans to support the freedom to marry for all.  In a January 26 column in the New Hampshire Union Leader, Mehlman called on New Hampshire Republicans “to stand up for individual freedom and liberty, to live by the Golden Rule and to oppose any effort to diminish or strip away individual rights, and to return to the real business of building business, keeping taxes down and growing our economy.”

 

“With today’s vote it is crystal clear that the momentum toward marriage equality is truly unstoppable,” said AFER Board President Chad Griffin.  “As the courts affirm the freedom to marry for all, so too do the people and their representatives.  The people of New Hampshire, and of this entire nation, see and understand that marriage equality is the most fundamental of human freedoms.”

 

READ KEN MEHLMAN’S NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER COLUMN HERE: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120126/OPINION02/701269967

 

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About the American Foundation for Equal Rights

The American Foundation for Equal Rights is the sole sponsor of Perry v. Brown, the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8.  After bringing together Theodore B. Olson and David Boies to lead its legal team, AFER successfully advanced the Perry case through Federal District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Foundation is committed to achieving full federal marriage equality for all Americans.

www.afer.org

Gavin Arthur Born On March 21st

Chester A. Arthur III was born on March 21st, 1901 in Colorado. That name may not seem familiar today, but he was the grandson of President Chester Arthur. Chester decided to change his name in order to make a break and live a life of his choosing, not one tied to his grandfather's heritage. Arthur sailed the world as a merchant marine and made acquaintances with early 20th century gay pioneers like Havelock Ellis, Edward Carpenter, and Magnus Hirschfeld.

Read more about Arthur at Gay For Today and Out History.

Home: The Horror Story

HOLLYWOOD (March 20, 2012) -- The newly re-mastered indie black comedy, "HOME: The Horror Story" starring Grace Zabriskie ("Big Love") and Richard Beymer ("Westside Story") released this week on iTunes threatens to offend and inflame Right Wing types, particularly in an election year. The film chronicles the bizarre journey of Bob Parkinson, the ultra-conservative patriarch of a suburban Orange County, CA family whose inner demons come back to haunt him. A wickedly sardonic look at family values and the Catholic Church, "HOME" is the ultimate satire on Liberal vs. Conservative ideals and attitudes.

The film takes on such far-reaching issues as homophobia, prejudice, racism, pedophilia, pederast priests, incest, bigotry, coming out, bullying, kidnapping, rape, masturbation, interracial sex, juvenile demonic possession, the Second Amendment and murder.

Protagonist Bob (Richard Beymer) fancies himself a nice, normal upper-middle class Republican. But after a car accident and resulting brain operation, his latent prejudices turn into vivid experiences in his own home, turning his life into an increasingly horrifying nightmare, which eventually prompts a personal transformation. Laced with biting black humor, "HOME" actually has a light heart at its center, taking viewers on a surreal journey into the collective subconscious while making a disturbing and incisive social commentary that reflects society's conflictive soul.

"Our hope is that the iTunes release of 'HOME' will shine a comedic spotlight on the Right Wing's hypocritical rhetoric and their so called 'family values' platform," said Producer Dick Weaver. "We made 'HOME' to poke fun at the Republican Party of yore....clearly, not much has changed. It's as salient today as ever! With the 2012 Republican candidates dishing out their same ol' God, anti-gay this, don't-cut-the-military that, 'HOME' is the perfect antidote to all that silliness. Now let's see if they have a sense of humor. In any case, get yourself a proper cocktail and laugh."

"HOME: The Horror Story" follows Venezuelan Writer/Director Temi Lopez's cult classic, "Chain of Desire" (October Films). "We call 'HOME' a Dadaist comedy," Lopez said, "because, like Dada, the film attacks preconceived values and uses shock to subvert all conventions. It also forgoes a traditional narrative and uses absurdist humor and surreal imagery to find a coherence of its own. Like an antiwar movie that must show the horrors of war to make its point, 'HOME' portrays the horrors of prejudice from the protagonist's point of view in order to convey its anti-reactionary message. 'HOME' probes our collective subconscious to reflect issues like racism and homophobia that our contemporary culture pretends to have resolved. The key, of course, is grab the audience with thought-provoking irony. And in the end, it becomes an uplifting call for transformation and acceptance."   

"Best Li'l Horror House: "'HOME' is a no-holds-barred send-up of everything taboo that makes John Waters look like Martha Stewart." - LA Weekly

HOME: The Horror Story on iTunes

Sale Price: $9.99

Rental Price: $2.99 

Brian and Alfonso Fight DOMA Deportation in Immigration Court After More Than A Decade Together

Lauritz Melchior Born March 20th

Lauritz Melchior was born March 20th, 1890 in Copenhagen, Denmark. His debut singing performance as a baritone was in 1913, but by 1919 he had become a heldentenor, a voice perfect for Wagner operas. On a trip to England  in 1920, author Hugh Walpole became his patron and lover. Their relationship lasted for six year till Walpole broke it off. Melchior then started a relationship with Emil Opffer, who was also involved with American poet Hart Crane. He married (twice) and emigrated to the US just before the beginning of World War II.

Read more at Gay Influence.

Marrriage Proposal At Hockey Match

Sergei Diaghilev Born March 19th

Painting by Leon Bakst

Sergei Diaghilev was born on March 19th, 1872 in Novrogorod, Russia, born to a family whose money came from vodka distilleries, though the family was bankrupt in 1890. While studying law at Saint Petersburg University, Diaghilev took classes at the Convservatory of Music. His dreams of writing music were ended by a professor's blunt assessment, Diaghilev had formed associations in influential art circles. This association would indirectly set him on the path to founding the Ballets Russes, whose dancers included Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinksy, who Diaghilev took as his lover till Nijinsky married.

Read more about Diaghilev at GLBTQ.com and Gay For Today.

Edward Everett Horton Born March 18th

Edward Everett Horton was born March 18th, 1886 in Brooklyn. Horton began his stage career in vaudeville and Broaday with small singing and dancing parts. Horton moved to Los Angeles in 1919. His first starring role came in 1922 and he became a well known character actor, often with gay sub text and the narrator of Fractured Fairy Tales that was feature of the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon.

Read more about Horton at the actor's Wikipedia entry.

Rudolf Nureyev Born On March 17th

Rudold Nureyev was born March 17th, 1938. His mother Feride gave birth on a train enroute to Irkutsk, Siberia while she was traveling to be with her husband Hamit who was stationed as a Red Army guard in Vladivostok. Nureyev defected from the Soviet Union in 1961 and soon meet Danish dancer Erik Bruhn, with whom he had a relationship until Bruhn's death in 1986.

Read more about Nureyev at the dancer's official site and Gay Armenia Blog.

The Perfect Family With Kathleen Turner

THE PERFECT FAMILY stars Kathleen Turner as suburban mother and devout Catholic Eileen Cleary, who has always kept up appearances. When she runs for the Catholic Woman of the Year title at her local parish, her final test is introducing her family to the board for the seal of approval. Now she must finally face the nonconformist family she has been glossing over for years...

For more information on this film, as well as additional assets, please visit the Official Press Site:

http://www.variancefilms.com/perfectfamilypress.html

As always, please feel free to share these assets and information with your readers!

THE PERFECT FAMILY - In Theaters May 5th, 2012!

Starring: Kathleen Turner, Emily Deschanel, Jason Ritter, Richard Chamberlain, Michael McGrady

Directed by: Anne Renton

Official Website: http://www.theperfectfamilymovie.com/

Official Press Site: http://www.variancefilms.com/perfectfamilypress.html

Become a Fan of the Film on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theperfectfamily

Synopsis:

Suburban mother and devout Catholic Eileen Cleary (Kathleen Turner) has always kept up appearances. When she runs for the Catholic Woman of the Year title at her local parish-an award she has coveted for years-her final test is introducing her family to the board for the seal of approval. Now she must finally face the nonconformist family she has been glossing over for years. Her gay daughter, Shannon (Emily Deschanel), a successful lawyer, is about to marry her life partner Angela (Angelique Cabral). Her unhappily married son Frank Jr. (Jason Ritter) is cheating on his wife with the local manicurist. And Eileen's own marriage to a recovered alcoholic is pulling at the seams....

This heartfelt dysfunctional family comedy boasts a memorable performance from Academy Award® nominee Turner as the conflicted and comical matriarch, alongside a bright ensemble cast including Richard Chamberlain and Michael McGrady. Newcomer director Anne Renton keeps the pacing taut and crafts an honest, modern family tale. Writers Claire V. Riley and Paula Goldberg infuse just the right amount of seriousness and levity into their script, reminding us that family is never truly perfect.

Keith Haring Wall Tiles

VENICE, CA, March 16, 2012: Blik, the innovative maker of self-adhesive surface graphics is excited to announce the launch of Keith Haring ~ Pattern Wall Tiles, a new eco-friendly take on Haring's repeating patterns. Although he is best known for his iconic line-drawings of radiant babies and barking dogs, Haring was fascinated by complex surface pattern and startling color combinations. The launch of the wall tiles is timed with the opening of Keith Haring: 1978-1982 at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibit is the first large-scale exhibition of Haring's early career tracing the development of Haring's visual vocabulary. The exhibition includes 155 works on paper, numerous experimental videos and over 150 archival objects.

The striking pattern, reminiscent of the black and white mural from Keith Haring's original Pop Shop, moves across two 28" x 48" tiles. Like all Blik Pattern Wall Tiles, Keith Haring ~ Pattern Wall Tiles are self-adhesive (no messy glue required), movable, reusable and eco-friendly (free of both PVC's and phthalates.) Completely customizable, the wall tiles can be cut, crafted and arranged in a number of ways. Create an accent over a sofa or frame a small section of a wall, or add more tiles to the design to recreate the mural environment. The environmentalist in you will love them and the art critic in you will happily approve.

"It's been two years since the launch of new Keith Haring graphics and fans have been anxiously awaiting a new release," said Blik co-founder Scott Flora. "I think they will be pleased with the versatility of the Pattern Wall Tiles. It's Haring in a whole new light."

"We love that any room, closet or item can immediately be transformed into a Keith Haring with these patterns adapted from Keith Haring's Pop Shop," said David Stark, President of Artestar LLC, an international brand licensing and consulting firm who represents The Haring Foundation. "Haring believed in the democratization of art and its ability to transform individuals and the world. Working with Blik enables us to provide design forward products and a creative means to perpetuate Harings's beliefs and mission."

Keith Haring ~ Pattern Wall Tiles are now available at Blik for $50 and join Haring's existing line at Blik. The wall tiles will also be sold at the Brooklyn Museum shop. High-res images available. Email Heather@whatisblik.com

ABOUT KEITH HARING: Keith Haring (1958-90) was an artist and activist who frequently used his art to speak about social issues. He was one of the most renowned of the young artists, filmmakers, performers and musicians whose work responded to urban street culture of the 80s. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, Haring established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989 to provide funding and imagery to AIDS organizations, and to ensure that his philanthropic legacy would continue indefinitely. The Keith Haring Foundation's mission is to sustain, expand and protect the legacy of Haring's art and his ideals. The Foundation supports organizations that assist underprivileged children, as well as those engaged in education, research and care with respect to AIDS and HIV. The Haring Foundation is represented by Artestar LLC, an international brand licensing and consulting firm, who specializes in fine art, fashion and design brands. For more information, visit www.keithharing.com.

ABOUT BLIK: For 10 years, Blik has been the leading designer and maker of innovative self-adhesive, removable surface graphics. Co-founded in Venice, CA in 2002 by architect Scott Flora and food editor Jerinne Neils, Blik was an exploration into the concept of the "wall as canvas." Today, through groundbreaking production methods, original design and collaboration with such brands as Threadless, Upper Playground, Keith Haring Estate, Atari, NAMCO, Nintendo and Charles & Ray Eames, Blik is an I.D. Magazine Product Design Distinction Award Winner and participated in the esteemed Cooper-Hewitt National Design Triennial. In 2010, Blik was named as one of Entrepreneur's Top 100 Brilliant Companies. The full Blik product line is available online and at retailers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.whatisblik.com.

I A R Wylie Born On March 16th

Ida Alexa Ross Wylie was born March 1th, 1885 in Melbourne, Australia. The Wylie family moved to London when she was three and her mother died shortly afterwards. After years of being home schooled by her father, she was sent to a Belgian finishing school and moved to the US in 1917. Her novel titled "My Life with George"  was ahead of  its time, in that it honestly depicted a life shared with someone other than a husband; George being another woman: Dr S Josephine Baker, a public health specialist famous for tracking down "Typhoid Mary".

Project Gutenberg has several Wylie novels, not "My Life with George". And then there's Wikipedia.

Channel 6 News » Denmark to legalize same-sex marriage this year

Channel 6 News » Denmark to legalize same-sex marriage this year

Lionel Johnson Born On March 15th

Lionel Johnson was born on March 15th, 1867 in Kent, England. He was an influential literary critic and had the dubious honor of having his young lover, one Lord Alfred Douglas (AKA Bosie) stolen by one Oscar Wilde. Their friendship ended and the incident inspired Johnson's poem "The Destroyer of a Soul" (I hate you with a necessary hate...).

Read more at Gay For Today.

Free “OK4U2BGAY” T-Shirts to Teens

Activists Launch H8SUX.com, Use Slick “Glee-Inspired” Viral Video to Promote Acceptance of Homosexuality and Fight Bullying and Suicide

San Francisco – March 14, 2012 – H8SUX.com, a gay activist and T-shirt website, launched today and released its first viral video campaign targeting school kids with an offer of a free “OK4U2BGAY” T-shirt. The free pro-gay shirt will be shipped to any teen who simply makes a special YouTube video pledge to speak out against homophobia at school and support gay marriage. Inspired by the hit show “Glee,” the organization released a slickly-produced musical commercial showcasing a same-sex teen kiss and kids dancing in front of hot-pink school lockers while singing a catchy pro-gay song.

Organizers say the teen-targeted campaign is in response to who they call, “ballot box bullies” - politicians who directly inspire a climate for schoolyard bullies to torment LGBT kids. They cite initiatives to ban gay marriage in North Carolina and Minnesota, “Don’t Say Gay” Bills in Utah and Tennessee, and Rick Santorum’s promise to “force-divorce” thousands of legally married gay and lesbian couples as motivation for their pro-gay message to kids.

“We are recruiting kids to the cause of promoting the acceptance of homosexuality in schools,” said Luke Montgomery, director of the H8SUX.com video. “In a world full of bullies, suicide and hate, thousands of school kids wearing a pro-gay message in classrooms can be lifesaving and great. Kids are born gay, lesbian, bi and trans - and when I came out at 15, I was brutally beaten and left unconscious and bloody in a ditch. In 2012, kids should not be bullied and attacked just for being who they are. This free T-shirt will be a pro-gay billboard plastered on the chests of thousands of kids in classrooms across the nation. Our agenda is simple: to tell kids that it’s “OK4U2BGAY.” H8SUX.com is all about giving kids, gay and straight, the power to speak out against hate - and get a cool free T-shirt while doing it. Everyone says ‘it gets better’ - this makes it better.”

Featuring T-shirts with slogans such as “Legalize Love” and “Bullies Suck,” the H8SUX.com website is also making an appeal to adults using a model like the successful “One for One” charitable efforts of the TOMS shoe company. For every hoodie, tank to or tee sold on H8SUX.com, the organization will give a teen an “OK4U2BGAY” tee for free.

Video Sound Byte: “It’s OK to be gay. It’s great if you’re straight. But I ain’t down with  this homo-hate!”

The H8SUX.com campaign also plans a national “Pink School Bus Tour” of T-shirt & wristband giveaways at schools in “homophobia hot-spots.” Using funds received through branded product sales, including T-shirts, bumper stickers, and wristbands, the company will continue to produce creative video campaigns targeting kids designed to be spread by teens and adults alike on YouTube, Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter.

To view the full assortment of campaign gear for sale, please visit www.H8SUX.com. The company will be holding frequent T-shirt and wristband giveaways via Facebook and Twitter to grow the online movement of teens and to promote acceptance of homosexuality in classrooms across the nation.

Helpful links
H8SUX.com
Embed Video: http://vimeo.com/37712278
Twitter: @H8SUXFreeTs
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/h8sux
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/H8SUXFreeTs

Count Stenbock Born On March 14th

Eric Stanislaus Stenbock was born on march 14th, 1860 in Estonia. Stenbock's father died when he was one year old and his inherited properties were held in trust by his paternal grandfather Magnus. A few years later his maternal grandfather died, also leaving a considerable trust. Stenbock attended but never graduated from Balliol College at Oxford, coming under the influence of artist Simeon Solomon. Upon Magnus' death he inherited the title of Count and the family estate in Estonia, to which he traveled to for a year and a half, though England remained his home, where he wrote macabre fiction and poetry. In his social circle, Stenbock was the only man who could out do Oscar Wilde.

Read more at Gay For Today and Wikipedia.

Sir Hugh Walpole Born On March 13th

Portrait by Stephen Bone

Hugh Walpole was born on March 13th. 1884 in Aucland, New Zealand; raised in England and educated at two prestigious universities. A dean of English letters who could make or break literary careers. Walpole was himself an author and knighted in 1938.

"The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a glowing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing, it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of Divine accident."

Read more about Walpole at Gay For Today and Wikipedia.

Music Box Films Acquires North American Rights For Ira Sach's "Keep The Lights On"

New York, NY (March 12, 2012) - Music Box Films announced today that the company is acquiring all North American rights to KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, the latest film from Ira Sachs. The film premiered to critical acclaim at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.  Subsequently, at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival, it received the Teddy Award, the prize for the best film with an LGBT theme.

In his autobiographically inspired, fictional relationship drama KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, filmmaker - and recipient of Sundance's Grand Jury Prize in 2005 for his film FORTY SHADES OF BLUE - Ira Sachs chronicles the emotionally and sexually charged journey through the love, addiction, and friendship of two men (portrayed by Thure Lindhardt and Zachary Booth). The film was produced by Sachs, Marie Therese Guirgis, and Lucas Joaquin, and the stellar supporting cast includes Julianne Nicholson (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire"), Souléymane Sy Savané (GOODBYE SOLO) and Paprika Steen (APPLAUSE). The film will screen at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival next month.

Written by Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias, KEEP THE LIGHTS ON is an honest, unflinching portrait of a relationship between two men in New York City. Despite meeting through a casual sexual encounter, documentary filmmaker Erik (Lindhardt) and closeted lawyer Paul (Booth) find a deeper connection and become bonded in an almost decade-long relationship defined by highs, lows and dysfunctional patterns. Through it all, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries and dignity and to be true to himself.

Ed Arentz, Managing Director of Music Box Films, said: "We've been fans of Ira Sachs since THE DELTA so its a special treat to be able to present his latest film. Ira gets the big, little and difficult things right in KEEP THE LIGHTS ON: the thrill and evanescence of desire, the endurance of love, the unknowableness of others and the sense of time going by. His homage to legendary New York photographer and filmmaker James Bidgood is an added bonus."

Noted Sachs: "Music Box has proven itself in a few short years to be a cutting edge distributor with a sophisticated understanding of both the market and cinema.  Ed and Bill have a keen eye for films that have a potential to breakout from the independent landscape, and I'm excited by their ambition and excitement for Keep the Lights On."

The deal for the film was negotiated by Marie Therese Guirgis (Producer of Keep the Lights On) and Kevin Iwashina (Preferred Content), with William Schopf, president of Music Box Films.

About MUSIC BOX FILMS

Founded in 2007, Music Box Films has quickly established itself as one of the leading US arthouse film distributors in theaters and on the various home entertainment platforms. Music Box's release of Guillaume Canet's TELL NO ONE was the most popular foreign-language film of 2008 and in 2010, the film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's trilogy of international mega sellers dominated the foreign-language film market. The first in the series, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, with over $10 million in US box office was one the most popular international releases of the decade. Upcoming releases include Terence Davies' period romance THE DEEP BLUE SEA, starring Rachel Weisz, and foreign-language Academy Award nominee MONSIEUR LAZHAR. Music Box Films is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation, which also owns and operates The Music Box Theatre, Chicago's premiere venue for independent and foreign films.

Vaslav Nijinksy Born On March 12th

Vaslav Nijinksy was born on March 12th, 1980 in Kiev, Russia to Polish parents. One of the most talented male dancers in history, Nijinsky begn studying dance when he was admitted to the Imperial Ballet School at age 10. Upom watching  Nijinsky, Jean Cocteau wrote of: "the contrast between the Nijinksy of Le Spectre De La Rose bowing and smiling to the thunderous cheers as he took his fifty curtain calls, and the poor athlete backstage between bows, gasping and leaning against any support he could find, half fainting, clutching his side, being given his shower and rubdown by his attendant and the rest of us. On one side he was a marvel of grace; on the other, an extraordinary example of strength and weakness..."

Read more about Nijinsky at Russian Ballet History and Gay For Today.

"Born This Way" Dad

Joe Brainard Born March 11th

Joe Brainard was born on March 11th, 1942 in Salem, AR and his family moved to Tulsa, OK soon thereafter. Brainard demonstrated artistic skill at an early age and art became a means for him to deal with the outside world. After spending moving to New York City in late 1960, Brainard spent a year in Boston where he found new expressions for his art and returned in 1963. Brainard began a romantic relationship with writer Kenward Elmslie in 1964. The pair collaborated on work.

Learn more about Joe Brainard at the artist's official site and Wikipedia.

John Rechy Born On March10th

John Francis Rechy was born March 10th in El Paso, TX. Of Scottish and Mexican descent, Rechy is best known for his first novel, City of Night, about a gay hustler turning tricks in Los Angeles, New York, and New Orleans.

Visit Rechy's website.

Vita Sackville-West Born On March 9th

Vita was born on March 9th, 1892 in Knole House, Kent, England. While attending Helen Wolff's School For Girls in Park Lane, Vita fell in love and had her first relationship with Rosmaund Grosvenor. By her eighteenth birthday she had written eight historical novels, five plays and many poems. She became the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's Orlando.

Read more at Spartacus and selected letters at Isle of Lesbos and recording of Vita reading her poem The Land.

Varius Avitus Bassianus Born on March 8th

Varius Avitus Bassianus was born on March 8th, 204 CE in Hims(Homs, Greek - Emesa), Syria. His family was part of the Severan Dynasty that ruled Rome 193 to 235. In the early years of his youth he was the hereditary high priest of the god El-Gabal, or Ilāh hag-Gabal, a sun god. Thanks to the machinations of a maternal aunt, Bassianus became Emperor of Rom at the age of 14, and took the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. He brought the cult of El-Gaba with him, renaming the god Deus Sol Invictus and installed the cult over a debased Jupiter. Married numerous times he also infamous for sexual encounters with men. According to Cassius Dio's Roman History, Antoninus was fond of make up, excessively tweezing his hair, and reputedly offered a large sum of money to any physician that could give him female genitals. Also known as Heliogabalus, a Romanization of Ilāh hag-Gabal.

Read more at GLBTQ, Wikipedia and Amber Waves of Brain.

Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fezensac Born On March 7th

Painting by Giovanni Boldini

The Count was born March 7th in Paris. The acid-tongued, dandy aristocrat is reputed to be the inspiration for Proust's Baron du Charlu in his "À la recherche du temps perdu". Friend and supporter of Degas, Verlaine. Moreau, Whistler, Mallarmé, and the afore mentioned Proust.

Read more GLBTQ and Dandyism.

The Ballad of Genesis & Lady Jaye

Wednesday, February 29^th
6:00pm

FI:AF (French Institute: Alliance Franciase)
Tinker Room
55 East 59^th Street

Opens March 8th at the Clearview Chelsea Cinemas in NYC

Genesis P-Orridge has been one of the most innovative and influential figures in music and fine art for the last 30 years. Celebrated by critics and art historians as a progenitor of "industrial music", his innovations have transformed the character of rock and electronic music while his prodigious efforts to expand the boundaries of live performance have radically altered the way people experience sound in a concert setting.

Defying artistic boundaries, Genesis has re-defined his art as a challenge to the limits of biology. In 2000, Genesis began a series of surgeries in order to more closely resemble his love, Lady Jaye (née Jacqueline Breyer), who remained his other half and artistic partner for nearly 15 years. It was the ultimate act of devotion, and Genesis's most risky, ambitious, and subversive performance to date: he became a she in a triumphant act of artistic self-expression.

This is a love story, and a portrait of two lives that illustrate the transformative powers of both love and art. In warm and intimate images captured handheld, Marie Losier crafts a labyrinthine mise-en-scene of interviews, home movies, and performance footage.

Michelangelo Buonarroti Born March 6th

Painting by Jacopino del Conte

Known simply by his first name, Michelangelo was born on March 6th, 1475 in the village of Caprese near Florence. The boy who would become one of the world's most well known artists became an apprentice to painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. His fortunes improved dramatically when the wealthy and powerful Lorenzo de Medici brought him into his court. His sculpture of David and frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are his most famous works.

Read more at GLBTQ and Queers In History.

Share Nightclub & Ultra Lounge In Las Vegas

Las Vegas officially celebrated the grand opening of SHARE Nightclub and Ultra Lounge as two great charities - NOH8 and Golden Rainbow “shared”the spotlight at the newest, hottest gay nightclub in the city that never sleeps. Hosted by E! Entertainment’s Ross Mathews, the festivities included a musical performance by the UK’s Luciana and a sensual sampling from Golden Rainbow’s “Ribbon of Life” performers. Celebrities attending included:Carson Kressley, Alec Mapa, Jai Rodriguez, Ronnie Kroell, Angel Porrino, Josh Strickland & Laura Croft from E! Entertainment’s TV hit “Holly’sWorld,” Josh Flagg and Madison Hildebrand from Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing,” NOH8’s Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, and Robby LaRiviere from“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.” Las Vegas acts that attended and supported the night were Frank Marino & the Divas, Chippendale legend Jaymes Vaughn, the“Mistress of Sensuality” Edie of Zumanity, plus Melody Sweet, Maximum, and the Gazillionare from Absinthe and KLAS-TV reporter and tv personality Chris Saldana. Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman issued an official Proclamation honoringSHARE’S commitment to the community. The two story, multi roomed complex is located near the Palms Hotel at 4636 Wynn Road and is the city’s only LGBTclub with a strip club license – allowing for some very personal, private room one-on-one dancing from the “Share Shot Boys.”

Pier Paolo Pasolini Born March 5th

Pier Paolo Pasolini was born in Bologna, Italy on March 5th. Pasolini was out of the closet as an adult, thanks to being involved in sex scandal at the beginning of his career. Playwright, poet, journalist, Pasolini is most well known for his films, such as Salo (or 120 Days Of Sodom) and Decameron. Pasolini's death was violent and had political undertones.

Read GLBTQ's bio and Open Democracy's The Life & Death of Pier Paolo Pasolini

Freedom To Marry

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Mercedes De Acosta Born On March 4th

Mercedes De Acosta was born either March 4th or 1st to well off parents of Latin descent in New York City. Fame, glamour, and wealth were hers, as well as any woman she wanted. The last years of her life were spent coping with illnesses and surgeries, wiping out her financial security.

Read Inventors of Gay and Yale University's bio.

Dr Louise Pearce Born On March 3rd

Louise Pearce was born on March 3rd, 1885 in Winchester, MA. Pearce started to break the mold of women's roles of her time by graduating from Stanford with a degree in physiology in  1907. She attended Boston University School of Medicine and two years later transferred to John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Her research in collaboration with pathologist Wade Hampton Brown developed a cure for sleeping sickness in 1919. Pearce spent her last years with author Ida A. R. Wylie in their home, Trevanna Farm, in Skillmann, NJ.

Read the National Institute of Health's biography of Pearce.

Mayors For Freedom To Marry

The Freedom To Marry organization has created "Mayors For the Freedom To Marry" project, which enables people to create an online petition asking the mayor of his or her city to join in the commitment to fairness for all citizens in their municipalities.

Visit the project's page to find and sign a petition for your city or to start one.

"We Are One Maryland"

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) signed into law HB 438, a bill legalizing marriage equality, in a 5 p.m. ceremony held at the State House in Annapolis Thursday evening. Maryland is now the 8th state and 9th jurisdiction to legalize marriage equality.

The law will take effect January 1st, 2013, barring any successful referendum to prevent it. 

8 To Be Livestreamed On March 3rd

Brad Pitt and George Clooney will join an all star cast to enact the Prop 8 trial in Dustin Lance Black's 8 play. The livestream starts at 7:30 PST. Click the link8 Livestream.