Monday, February 28, 2011
The Rundown on DOMA, Civil Unions and Gay Marriage
The Gay marriage amendment died in the House in Wyoming
Joe Solmonese talks about the backlash of the DOJ not defending DOMA
New developments in the Log Cabin v USA case.
Tea Party presidential hopeful Herman Cain said that Obama's stance on DOMA is almost... Wait for it... Treason
Joe Solmonese talks about the backlash of the DOJ not defending DOMA
New developments in the Log Cabin v USA case.
Tea Party presidential hopeful Herman Cain said that Obama's stance on DOMA is almost... Wait for it... Treason
Interesting Quote: Sarah Jessica Parker
"I think there's one more story to tell. I know there is. I'd definitely tell that [third] story, and I know Michael would do it right. But maybe not now. Maybe in five years, you know?"Sarah saying she would love to see a third 'Sex and the City' movie
The Tea Party's Dream Presidential Candidates are... Herman Cain and Ron Paul
Who in the Hell is Herman Cain? Well, he's Black, which actually surprised me. He is also a radio host in Georgia and supposedly, very savvy.
Ron Paul also took top honors in the Tea Party Patriots straw poll beating out Moose Mess and other contenders. Here's more:
In a 'presidential straw poll' of nearly 1,600 conservative members of the Tea Party Patriots released on Sunday, 581 voted for U.S. Representative Ron Paul, a Texas Republican, to run against Obama next year
Herman Cain, a Georgia businessman and talk-radio host, came in second with 256 votes.Ron has won two major conservative straw polls so far. Sarah Palin on the other hand, ain't fairing too well with the crazies. Oh well.
Palin, a favorite of the conservative movement who was Senator John McCain's running mate against Obama in 2008, trailed in a distant third place with 149 votes.
"Mr. Cain and Rep. Paul's positions resonated with Tea Party Patriots this weekend," said Mark Meckler, the Tea Party Patriots' national coordinator, of the poll taken at the group's policy summit in Phoenix over the weekend and online.
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Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Group Anonymous is coming for the Koch Brothers
The geeky and mysterious techogroup known as "Anonymous" are planning take on the Koch Brothers, claiming they are an threat to our society. They have addressed the matter in an email.
It's none other than tea party financiers Charles and David Koch, who were being targeted, an open letter stated, for their attempts "to usurp American Democracy."I have to say this is fascinating to watch. I wonder if they will do it?
"Koch Industries, and oligarchs like them, have most recently started to manipulate the political agenda in Wisconsin," an announcement posted to anonnews.org declared.
"Governor Walker's union-busting budget plan contains a clause that went nearly un-noticed. This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process," they explained. "The Koch's have helped to fuel the unrest in Wisconsin and the drive behind the bill to eliminate the collective bargaining power of unions in a bid to gain a monopoly over the state's power supplies.
The group, which was responsible for taking MasterCard Worldwide offline for an entire day -- along with numerous other organizations that plotted against secrets outlet WikiLeaks -- said it would now be "actively seeking vulnerabilities" in Koch industries.
"In a world where corporate money has become the lifeblood of political influence, the labor unions are one of the few ways citizens have to fight against corporate greed," the release added. "Anonymous cannot ignore the plight of the citizen-workers of Wisconsin, or the opportunity to fight for the people in America's broken political system. For these reasons, we feel that the Koch brothers threaten the United States democratic system and, by extension, all freedom-loving individuals everywhere."
They added that if one would like to withdraw their unknowing support for the brothers Koch, an array of products would need to be boycotted -- and not just by Americans, but people world-wide.
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Meet The Press: Governor Walker will NOT Budge
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
New Film: Punch Me
A new feature will be hitting selected theaters soon and it looks like it can be a hit!
It's called, "Punch Me". Here is the press release
With a romance on the rocks and his father on his sick bed, a young man must accept his true identity before he loses the two people he loves most. This is the premise behind the new award-winning film, “Punch Me”, a project which stars Robert X. Golphin (Denzel Washington’s “The Great Debaters”), Brian Anthony Wilson (HBO’s “The Wire”), and newcomer Elwood Idris Simon.
"Punch Me" emerges amid the tragic suicides of several teenagers in the United States as a result of homophobic bullying. It features important messages regarding self, parental, and societal acceptance.
"Punch Me" will have its Los Angeles premiere at the Edgemar Short Film Festival, which runs Friday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1, 2011. The celebrity jury panel includes Academy Award-Winner Susan Sarandon and Oscar Nominee John Singleton. The film also garnered official selection at the Marlon Riggs Film Festival (Dallas, Texas) and the Black Maria Film + Video Festival (an international juried competition and award tour). It was presented with the Jury's Citation- 2nd Prize
Audiences have called "Punch Me" and the performances in it: "emotional", "powerful", and "moving".
For more info on this film, check out their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Question of the Day: LGBT Rights Edition
With the new developments of last week, (DOMA, Prop 8, States battle with Civil Unions/Gay Marriage and Hawaii) how are you feeling about the LGBT rights movement so far?
The Wonder Woman Pilot has Artemis in it
Fans looking for some Wonder Woman mythology will be happy with some more casting news we have learned.
The WW production is currently casting the role of Artemis. Thus far, she only seems to be present for a flashback scene that details Steve Trevor’s crash on Paradise Island.
But if they’re going so far as to cast someone for this… surely it’s not just going to be an extra. Could Artemis be seen on the show again if the series continues beyond a pilot?
I think she should, but I would
I got Hit... Again
I got rammed from the back at a Stop sign (again) and the son of bitch drove off. I'm okay, just pissed off and hella angry.
In fact, I actually chased the truck that hit me, but they got away. I really wanted to get them, but I think it was best that I stopped myself. I didn't realized how much vengeance I really had in me.
Anywho, we are going the motions of insurance, rental cars and repairs... I wish I could find the bastards.
Kneel Before... Viggo? Is this our new Zod? Hope so.
Hot news! Viggo may be playing General Zod in the new Superman movie. Here's the scoop:
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that producer Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder are zeroing in on an intriguing actor to play the villain: Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen, who is still in negotiations for Universal’s Snow White and the Huntsman, is said to be at the top of the list to play General Zod, the evil and super-powered scientist first introduced not in the comic books but in 1980's Superman II.Interesting choice. If he gets it, I'm sure he will do really well.
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Friday, February 25, 2011
Jeremy Bernard is the 1st Gay Man appointed as the White House Social Secretary
Jeremy Bernard will join the White House staff from the U.S. Embassy in Paris and replaces Julianna Smoot. Bernard, a former Democratic fundraiser in Los Angeles, previously worked as the White House liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities. As part of his role, he’ll coordinate state dinners and other White House events.
“Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People’s House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways,” President Obama said in a statement. “We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America’s arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House.”
Bernard said he was “deeply humbled to join the White House staff as social secretary and support President Obama and the first lady in this role.”
Good luck, Jeremy! Oh, and make sure you are double checking invitations and don't invite John Aravosis.
WTF? Tennessee Lawmakers want to Ban any discussion on Gay Issues in Schools!
This is the most f**ked up thing I've read in awhile.
These two fools want to stop any discussion on anything Gay in schools... Really?
Box Turtle Bulletin reports:
These two fools want to stop any discussion on anything Gay in schools... Really?
Box Turtle Bulletin reports:
Two Tennessee lawmakers, State Sen. Stacey Campfield and Rep. Bill Dunn, have introduced a bill in the state’s legislature that would ban schools from discussing any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality.You can read this bill here
The “Don’t Say Gay” bill presents serious problems for students whose family members may be gay, or who may be gay themselves:
“The Don’t Say Gay bill raises all kinds of issues about anti-gay bias, free speech and government overreach,” said Ben Byers with the Tennessee Equality Project. …”It limits what teachers and students are able to discuss in the classroom,” Byers said. “It means they can’t talk about gay issues or sexuality even with students who may be gay or have gay family.”
Interesting Quote: Alan Keyes
"Government doesn't endow people with the ability to procreate the species. The Creator takes care of that. Like all unalienable rights, those associated with the natural family exist in consequence of this endowment. A couple that cannot, by nature, procreate has no claim to those rights. Nor can government grant them a semblance of it without impairing the claims of one or both of the parents biologically implicated in the physical conception of the child. The DOMA simply makes more explicit the government's obligation to secure the Creator-endowed unalienable rights of the natural family. This obligation precludes government from fabricating other rights that impair them. In this respect, granting homosexuals the right to marry is like granting plantation owners the right to own slaves."
This is from a guy who will never be considered a leader
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Wisconsin Assembly passes Bill that could strip away Union Rights
Those bastards forced this bill through late last night.
MSNBC has the story
The Wisconsin Assembly early Friday passed a bill that would strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights — the first significant action on the new Republican governor's plan.
This mess is far from over. I know today will bring more drama and I will keep you posted.
The vote put an end to three straight days of punishing debate, but the political standoff over the bill is far from over.
The Assembly vote sends the bill on to the state Senate, where minority Democrats have been missing for a week. No one knows when — or if — they'll return from their hideout in Illinois. Republicans who control the Senate sent state troopers out looking for them at their homes on Thursday, but they turned up nothing.
Madonna SEX book Memories
Do y'all remember Madonna's SEX book? I was just thinking about this the other day and how it was such a big deal.
Picture it... 1992. It was my first semester in college. My new geeky, gay friend Kelly just cashed his (late) student loan check at the bank. While we were walking around campus, he turned to me and said, "Before I buy ANYTHING for class or pay a bill, I have to get Madonna's book, TODAY!"
Kelly had tried to get the book in town, but because it was Murray, KY, it would be a miracle if he could get it within 6 months. So, Kelly called around Paducah, KY to see where he could find it. Within 2 hours, he learned that the book was at an adult bookstore called Tammy's.
So we jumped in his car and headed down to Paducah to the porn store. Now, this was our first time at the porn store, so we had no idea what to expect. As we entered the shop, we noticed the weird burnt plastic smell and the creepy guys looking at us. We were a little scared, but walked to the counter and asked for the book. I also bought one because I thought we were buying a piece of history (silly teens).
The next day we had a SEX book party. Our friends came over to Kelly's room and we watched 'Truth or Dare' and gawked over the pages of the book. I was all into Vanilla Ice (don't judge) and this page.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Senate approves Gay Marriage in Maryland
Big step in the right direction!
Maryland is getting there! Gay Marriage moves from the Senate to the House!
Same-sex couples in Maryland would have the same full marriage rights as heterosexuals under a bill that cleared the Senate Thursday. If the House of Delegates approves it and the governor signs it, Maryland would be the sixth U.S. state to approve gay marriage.The vote was 25-21
Opponents, including Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, D-Calvert, promised that if it does become law that a referendum question would be on the 2012 ballot so voters have the final decision.
Before it passed, senators amended the bill to include protections for religious groups and institutions to keep them from being forced to participate in gay weddings. The bill would grant the same title and rights to same-sex couples as married straight couples.
If the measure passes the House, Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley has said he would sign it into law.
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FOX News' Monica Crowley is an Idiot
FOX News' Monica Crowley is an idiot and she think she's slick. In this clip, she called President Obama "Mubarak Obama", which implies a Muslim background. Please watch
Lawrence O'Donnell calls her dumb ass out. But I'm appalled how
quick and easy she implied the "Mubarak" piece. It was very spiteful and vicious. She should be held accountable for this.
Lawrence O'Donnell calls her dumb ass out. But I'm appalled how
quick and easy she implied the "Mubarak" piece. It was very spiteful and vicious. She should be held accountable for this.
Godric Returns to True Blood
Our favorite twink (ish) vampire will return in True Blood.
But here’s what I’m fairly certain you don’t know: It’ll also mark the return of vampire legend Godric!A different side? Sounds interesting.
TVLine has exclusively learned that Allan Hyde will reprise his role as Eric’s late, forever young-looking maker when the HBO drama resumes this summer.
The duration and exact timing of his stint are unknown. It’s also unclear what form the onetime vampire sheriff of Area 9 will take given that he succumbed to the worst sunburn in history during season 2. (He returned briefly from the great beyond in the season 3 finale to deliver a message to Eric.)
Blood EP Alan Ball isn’t offering too many clues, except to say that fans will see “a different side of Godric.”
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Interesting Quote: Aaron Schock
“I would say it’s disappointing he is unilaterally making that decision when a bipartisan Congress passed a law into effect. It was supported by Democrats and Republicans and was signed into law by then-President Clinton.”Pretty Boy Floyd is upset that President Obama will no longer defend DOMA
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VIDEO: NoMoreDownLow TV's Gay Black History Month Episode
The folks over at NoMoreDownLow TV, just sent me a new episode covering some LGBT highlights and events during Black History Month. Please take a look and enjoy
VIDEO: Rachel Maddow talks about the GOP/Unions Backlash
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
READ NOM's Desperate Ass Letter to STOP OBAMA!!
Dear Marriage Supporters,
This may be the most important email I’ve ever sent to you. Please read, take action and forward this message to at least 5 friends immediately.
The Obama administration has just announced that they will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court. In a statement released this morning, Attorney General Eric Holder explained that President Obama has decided that the definition of marriage contained in DOMA is unconstitutional, and has ordered that the Department of Justice should abdicate its constitutional duty and no longer defend DOMA against constitutional challenges.
This is it. The whole ball game. If we back down here, it will be all over.
It’s a constitutional outrage. Why do we even have courts if the President himself gets to decide which laws are constitutional?
But it’s not too late. Attorney General Holder admitted that Congress now has the ability to step in and defend DOMA. And that’s why we need your help.
Congress has the authority to independently defend the laws which it has passed. And we fully expect that Congress will intervene to defend DOMA in federal court – especially now that the Department of Justice has formally announced that it will no longer do so.
Email your congressman today! Tell them that you expect them to fully support Congressional action to intervene in the DOMA litigation to protect marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act.
It’s outrageous that President Obama would make himself the sole arbiter of whether DOMA is constitutional – our laws deserve a full and fair defense. If the Obama administration refuses to do so, it’s time for Congress to act today!
And don’t forget – Please forward this message to at least 5 friends right away. We need to take action immediately. Don’t let Congress off the hook – ask your friends to join you in demanding Congress to take action today!
Faithfully,
Brian Brown
Brian S. Brown,
President
National Organization for Marriage
Too Funny.
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Who Asked For This: 'The Bodyguard' Remake
Oh Hollywood... Oh!
For some reason, they want to remake The Bodyguard. Christina! Bring me the Ax!
For some reason, they want to remake The Bodyguard. Christina! Bring me the Ax!
Warner Bros is rebooting its 1992 hit The Bodyguard, the film that paired Kevin Costner with Whitney Houston and became for its time one of the biggest global hits in studio history with a $411 million worldwide gross.Why? Nobody wants to see this. Why?
The film will be scripted by Jeremiah Friedman and Nick Palmer, whose action comedy script Family Getaway made the 2010 Black List and is a priority project at Warner Bros. Dan Lin will produce through his Lin Pictures banner, and Mark Bauch is co-producer.
Rundown: Gay Marriage, Unions and DOMA
A lot has gone down within the last 24 hours, so let me update and educate.
**********************************************************************
Senator Dianne Feinstein said she will introduce the DOMA repeal
Hawaii now has Civil Unions
NOM vows to fight back!
Gay Marriage passed the 1st hurdle in Maryland
Mike HuckaSTANK believes Gay Marriage will destroy traditional families
Pat Buchanan complained about DOMA
Judge Andrew Napolitano supports President Obama's decision about DOMA
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
WATCH: Press Secretary Jay Carney said President Obama is "Grappling" with Gay Marriage
Basically, this political talk. He will do the right thing in the end.
Governor Walker PUNK'D! Reveals his busted plan to Cripple Dems & the WI Unions
Gov. Walker is an idiot. Nothing new, but now we have proof of his foolishness. A blogger acted as David Koch and got Walker to spill the beans. Please listen to the entire conversation
A Trangender Woman found Dead in a Vacant Home
Tyra Trent was found dead in a vacant home last weekend. She strangled and left in the basement.
On Saturday, someone wandered into a vacant city-owned home in the 3300 block of Virginia Ave. in Northwest Baltimore and found Trent's body in the basement. She had no identification and no cell phone, but an autopsy revealed that she had been asphyxiated. City homicide detectives are investigating the case.
It took two days to confirm Trent's identity and notify family. Trent had been reported missing two weeks earlier, after leaving home late at night on a Sunday and never returning. Trent had been known to leave for a few days at a time, but always kept in touch with her mother, Sundra. Not this time.
"Sundra felt it. After two days she said, 'Something happened to my baby,' " said Pamela Holden, a family friend.
Relatives were gathered at the Trent family home Tuesday night, where they remembered Trent as a vibrant person who liked to dance, loved animals and loved to style hair. She worked with people with disabilities, they said.
"He was a good person, and he made friends," said aunt Evelina "Noni" Trent, 41.
The reason for Tyra's murder is unknown. I hope the LGBT will come together and reach out to the Transgendered community in Baltimore.
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John Boehner doesn't think it's the Right Time to stop Defending DOMA
Oh Boehner... As soon as the news hit, John Boehner had this to say:
"While Americans want Washington to focus on creating jobs and cutting spending, the President will have to explain why he thinks now is the appropriate time to stir up a controversial issue that sharply divides the nation."John, please. Because everyone is worried about jobs, I'm sure this is not going to break their backs. And if it does, well it's their fault. Gay marriage doesn't affect their money, jobs, or social security; so they will need to get over it.
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Department of Justice will No Longer Defend DOMA; Obama Says DOMA Is Unconstitutional
This is some good news. From the site, Prop 8 Tracker, they received a statement from the DOJ about DOMA.
Adam Bink highlighted this key piece:
After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the President has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny. The President has also concluded that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied to legally married same-sex couples, fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the President has instructed the Department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the President’s determination.
Consequently, the Department will not defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of DOMA as applied to same-sex married couples in the two cases filed in the Second Circuit. We will, however, remain parties to the cases and continue to represent the interests of the United States throughout the litigation. I have informed Members of Congress of this decision, so Members who wish to defend the statute may pursue that option. The Department will also work closely with the courts to ensure that Congress has a full and fair opportunity to participate in pending litigation.
Furthermore, pursuant to the President’s instructions, and upon further notification to Congress, I will instruct Department attorneys to advise courts in other pending DOMA litigation of the President’s and my conclusions that a heightened standard should apply, that Section 3 is unconstitutional under that standard and that the Department will cease defense of Section 3.Also included in their post is a letter from Attorney General Holder to Speaker Boehner.
Now to be clear, this doesn't end DOMA. Congress will need to do that, but the DOJ will no longer defend it.
I'm sure there's more to come on this story.
Fools in North Carolina introduced LGBT Union Ban
Sen. James Forrester presented his anti-gay constitutional amendment on civil unions. This is becoming a virus with these backwoods lawmakers.
QNotes reports
The text of the proposed amendment, which has not yet been filed in the House, would ban any recognition of any “domestic legal union” other than a marriage between an opposite-sex couple. If approved by the legislature, the amendment would appear on the November 2012 ballot. Three-fifths of both the House and Senate must approve the amendment before it can appear on the ballot; the governor has no veto authority on amendments.
Forrester, a Republican who has been the primary lead on the amendment for the past seven years, was joined in sponsoring the legislation by Jerry W. Tillman (R-Montgomery, Randolph) and Dan Soucek (R-Alexander, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes). Twenty other senators, all Republican, are co-sponsoring the bill. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Guilford, Rockingham) did not sponsor the amendment.
Palmquist said a companion bill was expected in the House, though he had no definitive timeline.
More to come on this
*UPDATED* Montana: House committee votes to kill Missoula's Equality Ordinance
They are clowning in Montana, for real. The House committee approved a bill that would kill an ordinance that protects folks from gender and sexual orientation discrimination.
Missoulan reports:
The committee voted to endorse House Bill 516, by Rep. Kristin Hansen, R-Havre, which would prohibit local governments from enacting ordinances or other policies like Missoula's that include, as a protected class from discrimination, any groups not included under the Montana Human Rights Act.
The panel also voted to table HB514, by Rep. Edie McClafferty, D-Butte, which would have expanded the Montana Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression and sexual orientation.
The move to table came after a motion to pass her bill failed.
The Montana Human Rights Network has released an alert to address the matter.
UPDATE
The House passed the bill 60-39. The Dems were highly upset:
It is ironic that the first bill of the day and the last bill of the day both intend to override the expressed will of Missoulians to govern ourselves as we see fit," said Rep. Diane Sands, D-Missoula.
"It seems that each day, there's a new attack on Missoula," said Rep. Bryce Bennett, D-Missoula. "Each one of our local ordinances is being paraded in front of the body for judgment."
The city's lawmakers also voiced sadness over the effort to dismantle Missoula's effort to protect lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders from various forms of discrimination.
"Leave us alone," said Rep. Sue Malek, D-Missoula. "For heaven's sake. We're one little town in a corner of Montana that has nothing to do with you. You know, I mean, why can't you let people live like they need to live their lives? Why can't they love who they want to love?"
For their part, the few Republicans who spoke on the bill talked legal issues and generally avoided talking about the specifics of the Missoula anti-discrimination ordinance.
As sponsor, Hansen said HB516 would prohibit local governments from enacting ordinances or policies that seek to protect residents from real or perceived discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender as Missoula did through an ordinance and Bozeman through a policy.
She said the Missoula City Council adopted the ordinance and provided an enforcement mechanism that fell outside of that in the Montana Human Rights Act.
"It would apply retroactively to the city of Missoula's ordinance in order to keep all businesses and all entities on a level playing field," Hansen said. "All discrimination claims will have to go through the human rights procedures as designated by the Montana Human Rights (Commission)."
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Diva Moment... Pythona
I love this character and wished they would have made an action figure of her, but they didn't. I had to use the Madame O figure from Bionic Six to act as Pythona.
Anywho, before I get lost in my G.I. Joe playing-alone-in-my-room days, I want to share with you why I still love this demon diva.
Please watch her debut in the REAL G.I. Joe movie
Kenyon Farrow is a Modern Black History Hero
LGBT Activist and Executive Director of Queers For Economic Justice, Kenyon Farrow, received the title of BET's Modern Black History Hero.
Here's the video profile
This is good to see Kenyon honored for his hard work. Also it is good to see BET recognizing a Gay Black man.
Congrats, Kenyon
via Rod 2.0
Here's the video profile
This is good to see Kenyon honored for his hard work. Also it is good to see BET recognizing a Gay Black man.
Congrats, Kenyon
via Rod 2.0
Perry Moore's "Hero" television adaptation is still in the Works
In Comic Con 2009, I was fortunate to hear Perry Moore talk about his gay superhero novel, Hero becoming a movie. But after his recent death, I wasn't sure if was still in the works.
However, MTV's Splash Page confirms it's still in development.
"It's still in development," a spokesperson for Starz told MTV News of the project's status in the wake of Moore's death.
A rep for Starz could not confirm the current involvement of POW Entertainment in the project, and requests for comment/confirmation from POW did not receive a response at press time. Starz listed the current "Hero" producers as Moore, his creative partner Hunter Hill, and "300" producer Mark Canton.
"I have always been enthralled with comic books and superheroes, and I've always believed there should be a gay superhero. Not as a joke, not as a supporting character, not as a victim, not as a token, but as a real front-and-center hero," Moore wrote of the impetus for "Hero" on his website. "I've always been surprised by how few gay heroes there are in comic books, and I decided I would write the definitive coming-of-age story of the world's first gay teen superhero."I'm glad to see that Perry's work will possibly live on.
"I was very surprised by the low number of gay characters in comic books," he continued. "Every other barrier has been broken in comics: race, gender, class, physical challenges. But gay characters remain few and far between."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Famed Comic Book Creator and Writer Dwayne McDuffie has Died
Dwayne McDuffie was a hero to many of us, especially within the Black community. He created MILESTONE, comics dedicated in showcasing characters or color in comics. Here's more on this comic icon.
A native of Detroit, McDuffie officially joined the comics industry as part of Marvel Comics editorial in the late '80s. While working on special projects for the publisher, he quickly made his name as a writer creating series such as "Damage Control" and helping to redefine the Deathlok character to fan and critical acclaim. He soon left the staff to become a full time freelance writer, becoming a voice in the industry for diversity, particularly fighting against stereotypical portrayals of people of color on the comic book page.
In 1993, McDuffie co-founded Milestone Media along with creators Denys Cowan, Michael Davis and Derek T. Dingle. The company's mission statement involved expanding the role of minorities in comics both on the page and off, and they launched (through DC Comics) a line of superheroes that included "Static," "Icon" and Xombi" – all of which McDuffie had a hand in creating.
Over the years, the writer contributed to scores of notable comicbook launches and series, always with a keen eye on character, regardless of race. In 2000, his character, Static, made the leap totelevision in the Saturday morning cartoon "Static Shock." In 2003, an episode of the show dealing with gun violence earned the writer the Humanitas Prize.
In recent years, McDuffie pursued dual tracks in animation and comics writing. He served as story editor for the popular "Justice League Unlimited" animated series and wrote a number of DC's recent direct-to-DVD animated films. McDuffie had notable runs on comic series "Fantastic Four" and "Justice League of America," often incorporating Black characters into the core of the fabled franchises.
McDuffie's latest work was the script for the "All Star Superman" animated adaptation, which went on sale today in stores across America.
He will be greatly missed.
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You Ain't Slick, State Senator Tom Harman!
This is really low. Realizing that it is a possibility Prop 8 could get thrown out, this bastard, State Senator Tom Harman introduced a bill that would force state officials to defend propositions. Basically, Tom is trying to make them defend Prop 8.
Under Senate Bill 5, or the “Attorney General: defense of initiative statutes” bill, Attorney General Kamala Harris would be obligated by law to defend the same-sex marriage ban in court–something both she and her predecessor, now-Governor Jerry Brown have famously refused to do. The text of the bill reads:He ain't slick and I hope this bill fail to pass.
The Attorney General shall not refuse to defend a constitutional amendment or an initiative statute on the basis of it being unconstitutional, or in conflict with, or in violation of federal law or regulation, unless an appellate court has made a determination that the amendment or statute is unconstitutional or otherwise in conflict with, or in violation of, federal law or regulation.
If the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (which sent the question of standing to the California Supreme Court to figure out) ruled a ballot proposition unconstitutional, the Attorney General would evidently not be bound to defend the law any further. The California Supreme Court is scheduled to take up Proposition 8 in September, leaving a bit of time for Harman to try to get SB-5 passed.
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Question of the Day: Drag Race Edition
The Drama! Shangela's Hair and Naomi Campbell's blood?
A lot went down last night! What did you think about the girls and did y'all see Untucked?
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WTF? Dan Choi palling around with Tony Perkins?
On Twitter last night, Dan Choi tweeted this
So I looked at the link and saw this
So is he Kool-Aiding around with Tony FRAKING Perkins? Okay, maybe this means nothing, but Dan has been hanging out with some questionable people as of late. And this tweet from Tony, just didn't sit well with me.
Hopefully, there's an explanation.
So I looked at the link and saw this
Hopefully, there's an explanation.
A Man was Shot for Eating his Popcorn too Loud
Lord, I was shocked to hear this... And shocked that it wasn't in Arizona. A man was shot in a theater for eating his popcorn too loud.
A man has been shot dead at a cinema in Latvia after a fellow movie-goer objected to the volume at which he was eating his popcorn. The assailant, 27, reportedly had a brief argument with the man, aged 43, who was sitting next to him during a screening of Black Swan in the Forum cinema, one of the largest in the city of Riga.That's some crazy ass stuff. See, that's why I only go to the high end theater, The Arclight. They don't stand for that kind of mess.
When the credits rolled, the younger man pulled out a legally registered firearm and shot the other man dead. Other audience members then phoned for the police and an ambulance. The younger man – a graduate of the police academy who holds a doctorate in law from the University of Latvia – waited to be arrested.
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Remember when Lt. Uhura was Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise?
Maybe not, but in the animated series (which is actually considered a part of the ongoing series) Miss Uhura had to save the captain and crew as the commander of the ship and mission.
So if you have 15 minutes, watch Uhura run the game in, The Lorelei Signal
So if you have 15 minutes, watch Uhura run the game in, The Lorelei Signal
Monday, February 21, 2011
Interesting Quote: Julian Bond
Standing for the freedom to marry is about supporting all families, but I would be remiss without highlighting the impact that this inequality has on black same-sex couples, who statistically are already economically disadvantaged compared to their straight sisters and brothers. In comparison to black opposite-sex couples and white same-sex couples, black same-sex couples are more likely to parent children and earn a lower annual income. The lack of marriage rights negatively affects black same-sex couples because they are also more likely to work in the public sector, relying on health insurance that is often only afforded to married couples.Well said, Julian.
Furthermore, I firmly believe that marriage strengthens communities. Allowing more couples the opportunity to marry will strengthen the communities — and families — that most need it.
I served for 20 years in the Georgia State House and Senate; I recall difficult decisions my colleagues and I had to make, often torn between conscience and public opinion. I hope the General Assembly will stand for what's right and bring the freedom to marry to Maryland.
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WATCH Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker continue his stance Against the Workers
The Governor was on GMA talking about his reasons why he won't negotiate with the people
Question of the Day
If you were on a reality show, what would be the name of the series?
My show would be, The Real Gays of Geekdom or Los Angeles
Rambling Post: Big Changes brings Big Doubts
WARNING- This is a rambling post!
Some of my friends are making some big changes in their lives. My oldest friend, Derrick, may be leaving his safe haven in Murray, KY. He's been there most of his adult life. My other best friend, Tavares, may be leaving NYC to live here in Los Angeles.
With them making such bold steps, I got to thinking about my life and my career. I'm in a very good place in my current career: I get to travel, I make real good money and the benefits are on point... But, I want to try something new. Most of you know I'm looking at screenwriting as another career move. I've been taking some classes and entering a few screenwriting contests, you know, trying to get my feet wet in the biz.
However, my doubts are jabbing me in gut. There are days when I think, "Am I too old?" or "Is it too late to do this?" I know I'm silly for thinking these thoughts, but it happens. Every time I think about classes or the next script, these thoughts just shake me up.
Still, I have to take this chance. I have to see what's really out there. I'm in the right place and hopefully this is the right time. I just have to get over my doubts. It's hard, but I have to work through this. Sorry for this rambling post, but it's been on my mind for awhile now; especially since I've turned 37.
But I have to see this through, I just have to.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Adam Lambert wants to be a Role Model
Watch as Adam explains why he's ready to be a role model for gay youth
The Fantastic Four Family Tree
I posted a X-Men family tree awhile back, now the same makers gives us the FF family history. See if you know the connections.
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Rachel Maddow talks about the Obama/Antichrist Connection
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The Anonymous vs Westboro Baptist Church Battle jumps off
A few days ago, a mysterious group called Anonymous warned Westboro Baptist to stop their mess or else, now Westboro strikes back.
Here's their press release:
Westboro, maybe y'all should think about this. Anonymous is no joke.
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Here's their press release:
Westboro, maybe y'all should think about this. Anonymous is no joke.
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- Wonder Man
- Viktor is a small town southern boy living in Los Angeles. You can find him on Twitter, writing about pop culture, politics, and comics. He’s the creator of the graphic novel StrangeLore and currently getting back into screenwriting.