In this special results episode, two singers from each team will advance based on America's votes and each coach will also be able to save one of his or her at-risk contestants resulting in the Top 12 talents. Out contestant De'Borah is on Team Xtina.
Meredith and Cristina continue to try to cope with life after the plane crash and their changing responsibilities at their respective hospitals. Meredith balances taking care of Zola with a case that hits too close to home and Cristina works with Dr. Thomas one of her most challenging heart surgeries to date.
Auditions for the school production of Grease are underway and Kitty, Marley, Jacob and newcomer Ryder (The Glee Project winner Blake Jenner) are competing for the lead roles as Danny and Sandy. Some New Directions alumna return to help cast the play and Mr. Schuester has to make a tough personal choice. Check out a sneak peek below.
Kevin learns a secret about Oscar and scrambles to keep it while Oscar's future hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Dwight's radio interview is ruined by call-ins from his office colleagues and Andy's father loses the family's savings.
Cyrus and the President are caught off guard when Cyrus' husband James returns to his job as a reporter covering the White House. Meanwhile, Olivia and her team are called in to clean up after a governor takes the law into his own hands. Watch a sneak peek below.
This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.
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About TV Gayed Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!
About GLAAD The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.
Voters in New Hampshire elected the state’s first openly transgender lawmaker, Democrat Stacie Laughton. Laughton will serve Ward 4 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and joins a host of other state victories for LGBT equality in the 2012 election. While in office, Laughton says she hopes to pass transgender-inclusive legislation, including measures that would make it easier for transgender people to change the gender marker on state-issued identification and end anti-transgender discrimination in public accommodation.
“The state needs to be welcoming and affirming and sending that message that we will be welcoming and you won’t be discriminated against in New Hampshire,” Laughton tells the The Nashua Telegraph. “I hope that through this, there is more of a coming out from the LGBTQ community…I want the community to feel inspired.”
This weekend catch all new episodes of Malibu Country, The Amazing Race, Revenge, The Good Wife, Shark Tank with special appearance by Bruce Vilanch and the series finale of Upstairs Downstairs.
Reba decides to go on a blind date after reading a tabloid story about her ex-husband's new romance. She turns to Geoffrey for help with creating a new look.
Tonight's business pitches include one from comedy writer Bruce Vilanch for a virtual classroom designed to teach technology to the baby boomer generation.
This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen,The Talk (CBS) & The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.
The teams continue the race in Moscow. This season's cast includes gay couple Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge (better known asThe Fabulous Beekman Boys) and gay Chippendales dancer Jaymes Vaughan.
Kara is steadily unraveling as her investigation fails to turn up the results she was hoping for and she prepares to take her revenge against the Graysons. Meanwhile, Mason creates more problems for Emily as he continues to delve into her and Amanda's pasts. Check out a sneak peek below.
Cary and Alicia travel to Washington, D.C. to represent a comedienne being sued by a TV network for indecency and Cary runs into his father. Meanwhile, a former client asks Alicia for help and Diane and Will are unsure about Clarke's newest idea to keep the firm from debt.
The second season of this British period drama introduces Alex Kingston as Blanche Mottershead, a doctor who was in a relationship with Lady Portia Alresford and suffers the consequences when Portia releases a thinly veiled memoir about their relationship.
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About TV Gayed Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!
About GLAAD The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.
Blogger, advocate, GLAAD consultant, and all-around (as the article calls him) "good guy" Jeremy Hooper has been named one of Instinct Magazine's "Leading Men of 2012." The article, which appears in the latest print edition of the magazine, is viewable at Jeremy's website, Good As You. In it, Instinct specifically calls out Jeremy's work with us on the Commentator Accountability Project. Jeremy's work is so important to our current media landscape, in which many outlets are now, for the first time ever, refusing to simply give anti-gay activists a pass on their more outrageous or false statements.
The article also mentions Jeremy's recently released book, "If it's a Choice, My Zygote Chose Balls" which is available here.
Congratulations to Jeremy Hooper for an incredibly well-deserved honor, and thank you to Instinct Magazine for highlighting his work!
As one might expect, those monitored by GLAAD's Commentator Accountability Project had much to say about Tuesday's election—and much of if it was viciously anti-LGBT. But perhaps even more startling than just the expectedly anti-LGBT tone is the fact that the vast majority of them are now taking the position that our President and his supporters are godless heathens who must be suffered through and prayed about, rather than cooperated with.
We could be here all day tracking the various and sundry ways Bryan condemned the President, his supporters, and those who voted for marriage equality. This tweet sums up the gist of his response:
"I don't think you can violate natural law and force Americans to recognize it as morally right."; colleague then called for civil disobedience [SOURCE]
"look, you can make it legal, but you can never made it morally right.” [SOURCE]
"If the court steps in at this moment...you could have a—I hate to use the word, but I mean—a revolt, a revolution. I think you could see Americans saying, 'you know what, enough of this,' and I tihnk it could just explode and break this nation apart." [SOURCE]
In addition to NOM's expected spin about their bruising defeats, Brian went on the talk show of the viciously anti-LGBT Janet Mefferd and called on Christians to stand up even more against LGBT people and families:
"The event we have just witnessed was far more than a general election – it was a referendum on the soul of America. We grieve today like we have lost a friend or a close relative. Millions of Americans looked evil in the eye and adopted it. Some Christian observers called the Democratic Party platform for 2012 a “Romans 1 Platform,” and they were right. Abortion, same-sex marriage, and immorality carried the day.
The great values on which America was founded were set aside because of selfishness unbalanced by biblical truth and commitment to Jesus Christ. Race and ethnicity overrode values. The America we love is sick and needs renewal and healing. Under these circumstances, it is okay to grieve. But, after we have grieved, we must press forward.
God is not through with our nation! God calls us to remain faithful, no matter the consequences.
We might be a Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany who never lived to see the fruit of his faithful labor. We might be a Wilberforce in England who saw the fruit of his labor (the abolition of slavery and reformation of morals), but died soon after, never getting the chance to enjoy the results. We might even be a David who stood up against popular opinion and defeated a giant who blasphemed God Almighty. No matter what our lot might be, we are called to be faithful!
We have a higher calling than the world. Our calling and our values do not depend on a survey or an election. Whether we are on the verge of revival or are soon to face the death chamber makes no difference in how we respond or how we act. Our obedience is to Christ and to Christ alone!
The world hated Jesus, and it is no surprise the world hates the followers of Christ. But, be of good cheer! The Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world and is seated on His throne. Without Christ we are nothing. We are lost and have no hope. And although I grieve for a season, yet I have hope because of Christ!"
"...there is no sugar-coating how damaging Obama's reelection will be to this already depraved nation.
Tuesday's "gay" victories were abetted by an unofficial Republican Party strategy that eschews discussion of "social issues." Yet even as GOP elites recoiled from the cultural battles over abortion and "gay rights," homosexual militants pressed more aggressively than ever for their goal of using government power to force acceptance of their aberrant lifestyle. ... Who are we kidding? This titanic fight has always been about homosexuality, not just "defending marriage." We need to stop conceding the moral high ground in a fearful bid to appear "tolerant": one pro-family group, Protect Marriage Maine, asserted that "same-sex couples are entitled to respect" -- a claim at odds with historic Scriptural teaching. While Christians should respect all persons as made in God's image, we must never "respect" behaviors and relationships grounded in sexual sin.
The normalization of homosexuality, which God calls an abomination, is one of the most amazing marketing stories of our age. It is also a big business: the "gay" Human Rights Campaign spent $20 million this election cycle. Nevertheless, every homosexual triumph is a Pyrrhic victory because it elevates a destructive and immoral perversion to the realm of noble-sounding "civil rights."
Those committed to defending God's wonderful design of male-female human sexuality and offering the hope of the Gospel to homosexual strugglers must not grow weary in well-doing. Shame on Christians if our commitment to defending Truth pales in comparison to the zeal of "gay" activists in defending their lies." [SOURCE]
"It's time to rededicate ourselves to the mission of the moment: to rebuild the American family and renew our hope in the God in whose hands we rest, "safe and secure from all alarm."
It's time to continue our effort to make sure that every person, however small, is protected under law. It's time to again remind those who support abortion that life is the better choice! It's time to recommit ourselves to championing adoption and reforming a broken foster care system. It's time to be bold and stand stiffly into the wind of popular culture and point to the extraordinary benefits of children being raised in homes with one mom and one dad.
Simply put, it's time to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
No vote, however contentious or disappointing, can weaken the foundation of my Christian faith as I strive to serve families … That President Obama has won re-election comes as a source of great disappointment to many because of his campaign to support abortion and same sex marriage. These are policies which many know are contrary to scripture and weaken the family." [SOURCE]
An unprecedented investment in negative campaigning paid off for Barack Obama, said former presidential candidate Gary Bauer, "which I predict will tarnish his place in history and lead to further alienation and cynicism." [SOURCE]
"It’s official, the 2012 presidential election is over and we Americans decided not to downshift into Republican. Instead its now full speed ahead toward the progressive’s Godless Utopian fantasy (aka “the cliff”) with Mr. Obama and the Evil Party." … "The better or worse news (depending on your theology) is that the age of apostasy is more clearly upon us, which means that the return of Christ is drawing near." [SOURCE]
"For those of us who fundamentally reject Obama’s policies, things are going to get very rough for the next four years. We have allowed our fellow Americans to pronounce judgment on the nation.
That’s what Obama represents to me – God’s judgment on a people who have turned away from Him and His ways and from everything for which our founders sacrificed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor." … "Only a miracle can save us – and we need to humble ourselves before God and pray hard for one." [SOURCE]
"Now, with the most radical pro-abortion, pro-gay-activist president in our history elected to a second term, we will not deceive ourselves into looking to the White House for help (although we should pray fervently for God to get hold of him and turn his heart).
Instead, we must give ourselves to personal and corporate repentance, to faith-filled, persistent prayer for revival and awakening, to a renewed commitment to preach the gospel without shame and compromise, and to an unshakable resolve to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world."
...
"Our watered-down, barely recognizable “gospel” has produced disastrous fruit and our pitiful attempt to become relevant to the world by becoming like the world (not in terms of cultural sensitivity but in terms of moral and spiritual compromise) has failed miserably. We must have a spiritual awakening coupled with the restoration of the real gospel message. It truly is a matter of revival or we die." [SOURCE]
(More surely to come in the next few days; we'll add them as we get them)
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Look, I'm not going to pretend like LGBT advocates have sat quiety after elections that we have lost. But this is something different. The same commentator class that so regularly appears in the media to condemn our civil rights is now, virtually to a person, framing our President's reelction as a war on God. We should not pretend that it is just politicking as usual. It is far more dangerous.
The Advocate is asking for submissions to include in their upcoming photo essay titled “A Day in Gay America,” which aims to capture the rich diversity in the everyday lives of LGBT Americans. The Advocate is looking for images of real-life moments taken any time on November 9, 2012. Submissions do not need to be professional quality, as the Advocate looking to capture real and candid moments – from the gritty to the glamorous. Photos can be submitted through the Advocate’s online form or via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #DayInGay.
The best photos will be published on Advocate.com as part of the photo essay. Click here to see more photos from last year’s project.
Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.
1) Adam Lambert and Sarah McLachlan have been added to the lineup for pop icon Cyndi Lauper’s second annual “Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays.” Lauper will headline the benefit concert, which aims to raise awareness and funds for homeless LGBT youth. The show will take place at New York’s Beacon Theatre on December 8 with host Carson Kressley, Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and numerous others set to make appearances. Fans of Adam Lambert can also see him host and perform on this year’s VH1 Divas special, set to air on December 16 with performances from Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato.
2) ABC has given script orders to Discounted, a new workplace comedy written, produced, and starring out comedian and Chelsea Lately regular Fortune Feimster. The multi-camera show from Universal Television follows half-sisters Julie and Missy as they attempt to keep their Charlotte, NC furniture store afloat. Standing in their way is a big name Danish furniture store competitor, their employees, and their own relationship. Chelsea Handler is attached to executive produce while Raising Hope’s Mike Pennie will serve as showrunner.
3) The CW announced its spring lineup this week, which includes the LGBT-inclusive midseason entry The Carrie Diaries. The series premiere of the show, based on Candace Bushnell’s novel, will air on Monday, January 14 at 8 pm. The show will take the spot of another LGBT-inclusive show, 90210, which will itself move to the spot vacated by Gossip Girl at 9 pm.
4) Brooklyn-based out singer-songwriter Allison Weiss announced via Facebook this week that she has signed with No Sleep Records. In addition, the performer released “Making it Up,” the first single off her upcoming EP. Weiss spent the year on tour with Lou Reed, and her EP will be released on January 29. Check out her website here and “Making It Up” below.
5) Tegan and Sara announced that their new album will be titled Heartthrob, and will be released on January 29 in the United States and February 18 in Europe. In the meantime, the duo will be performing at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on November 19 and the next day on The Late Show with David Letterman. Check out tickets for their concert here. You can also watch the lyric video for their current hit single “Closer” below and check it out on iTunes here.
6) Rock band Otep, which is fronted by out performer Otep Shamaya, released a new live album this week. Sounds Like Armageddon is the first live album from the band and features Otep classics such as “Battle Ready” and “Blood Pig.” The recording also includes a cover of Nirvana’s “Breed,” which has become an Otep concert staple. Released by Victory Records, you can check out Sounds Like Armageddonon iTunes here.
7) Friends and musicians Ben Wallace and Joe Stevens (from the band Coyote Grace) are looking for help putting the finishing touches on Wallace's new album. After meeting, Wallace and Stevens quickly became friends after sharing their experiences as trans men, and their songs reflect their own rocky, unpredictable, and often lonely experiences while going through transition and recovery. Wallace's new album is titled Real Boy vol. 1, and you can learn more at their Kickstarter page here.
GLAAD and Equality Ohio are calling on Fox 19 (Cincinnati, OH) to condemn comments made last month by news anchor Tricia Macke, who called MSNBC host Rachel Maddow an "Angry Young Man" on her Facebook page. According to incident reports received by Equality Ohio, after a viewer expressed offense to the comment, Mackie stood by her characterization of Maddow as male, responding, "You are right. I'm sorry, I should've said ‘antagonistic.’"
When another person responded that, in the news business, sexual orientation is irrelevant, Macke responded, "I knew what I was saying." The exchange appears to have been deleted from Mackie's Facebook page, but screenshots are below.
Referring to Maddow as a "man" because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism.
Cincinnati viewers rely on Macke and Fox 19 to deliver unbiased and fair reporting about the lives of LGBT people in their community. But this is someone who attempted to insult a gay woman by questioning her gender, then stated very clearly that she did so with complete awareness of her actions.
"Macke owes an apology not only to viewers, but to young people in Ohio who are subjected to unfair bullying and harassment like this on a daily basis," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.
Tricia Macke undoubtedly tried to insult Maddow because of their political differences, rather than simply because Maddow is gay - but her comments went much further than insulting Maddow's political leanings, and took issue with Maddow's gender, revealing an anti-gay (or at least anti-gender-nonconforming?) bias underlying her political beliefs.
Fox 19 and its owner Raycom Media must take swift action to condemn Macke's remarks, and Macke should make a full apology. These steps are necessary for both Macke and the station to prove they can be trusted to report objectively on issues that impact Cincinnati's LGBT community. GLAAD has reached out to KXIX General Manager Bill Lanesey and has not yet heard back.
Act now! Stand up for Rachel Maddow and tell @fox19 to condemn their news anchor's anti-gay comments: glaad.org/fox19#LGBT
La Dolce Vita Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, CA has initiated a fundraiser to fight bullying! For every Hotel reservation or Spa appontment made by guests at La Dolce Vita for a stay or a spa treatment between December 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013, La Dolce Vita will donate $5.00 to The LGBT Community Center of the Desert and other organizations across the nation who will invest these funds for anti-bullying education and awareness programs, including GLAAD.
“We hope to raise thousands of dollars toward anti-bullying efforts,” remarks Ken Stabins, owner of La Dolce Vita. “Both my partner Tim and I are sickened and angry by the continued abuse of kids by kids, especially LGBT kids. We do not have to settle with “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names (words) will never hurt me.” Sticks and stones, fists and name calling do hurt, both physically and emotionally. Sorry, we are very passionate about the subject.”
According to John O’Connor, Executive Director of The Center who is working with La Dolce Vita along with GLAAD on this fund raiser, “The Center’s new anti-bullying program in the Palm Springs Unified School District will reach 2,000 students per year. The program, while educational and beneficial for all, truly aims to save lives and get help to kids who need it.”
La Dolce Vita Resort & Spa has also created a promotional code for guests to donate to GLAAD. Enter the code "GLAAD" when booking your reservation online or when calling the Resort & Spa for a reservation during December 2012 and January 2013 to give $5.00 to GLAAD.
Guests can book their hotel reservations and spa treatments on-line by going to www.LaDolceVitaResort.com or by calling the Resort at 760-325-2686. For more information regarding this program, contact Ken Stabins at contactus@LaDolceVitaResort.com.
While those of us in the United States were digging out from under election news, the Bishop of Durham, Justin Welby, was named the new archbishop of Canterbury on Friday morning in London. The current archbishop—the Most Rev. Rowan Williams—announced in March that he would be stepping down at the end of the 2012. Bishop Welby—who worked as an oil executive for twenty years before entering the priesthood—received his post as bishop a short year ago.
During a press conference after his appointment, Bishop Welby made clear his support of women’s ordination—stating his intention to vote in favor of the full-inclusion of women in the Church of England during a conference of bishops next week. However, he re-affirmed the Anglican Church’s opposition to marriage equality in England.
In the same press conference, Bishop Welby confessed his desire and commitment to dialogue, leaving room for his position to evolve: “I know I need to listen very attentively to the LGBT communities and examine my own thinking carefully and prayerfully.” He starts talking about LGBT people at the 3:00 mark.
Perhaps a word of hope for some LGBT Anglicans, Bishop Welby’s statement on marriage demonstrates what was already known about the 77 million-member worldwide Anglican Communion: it continues to wrestle with its understanding of the role of LGBT people within the church. Some branches of the communion—like the Episcopal Church in the United States—have already moved in the direction of including and affirming LGBT people in the life of the church. The Episcopal Church ordains LGBT priests, with a specific nondiscrimination clause for transgender people, and performing marriages for gay and lesbian couples.
Bishop Gene Robinson—the first openly gay Episcopal bishop—commented on the appointment earlier this week in an interview with the BBC. Bishop Robinson stated that he believed Bishop Welby to be “an immensely likeable and sensible man,” and pointed to the decision as a sign that the Church of England was "thinking outside the box, which is exactly what is needed, and it would be a breath of fresh air for the Anglican Communion." Bishop Robinson, who will also retire at the end of the year, was recently featured in the documentary, Love Free or Die. His latest book, God Believes in Love: Straight Talk about Gay Marriage, was published earlier this year.
Ever since the election of Gene Robinson, many media outlets have called the relationships within the Anglican Communion “strained” or “on the verge of collapse.” As tempting as it may be, it is important to avoid portraying Bishop Welby as a viciously anti-LGBT monster who is leading the church toward an irreparable schism. Bishop Welby acknowledged the difficulty LGBT people have historically faced in the church, and took a decided stance against hatred and violence. “We must have no track with any form of homophobia in any part of the church,” he said.
Much is still uncertain regarding the future of the Church of England and marriage quality. However, with an archbishop willing to listen to and prayerfully consider their stories, LGBT Anglicans around the world may be able to speak into the future of the church in a decidedly new way. Given that Bishop Welby has expressed a desire to listen, what are some of the things that you would want him to know?
We have received several expressions of concerns about a recent Facebook posting by FOX19 Anchor Tricia Macke on her personal Facebook page. Tricia’s response is provided below and is also posted on her personal Facebook page. We also apologize to anyone who may have been offended by her comments.
WXIX Station Management
I recently posted comments on my personal Facebook page regarding cable news anchor Rachel Maddow which were insensitive and inappropriate. I apologize to Ms. Maddow and any others who may have been offended by my comments, as they do not reflect my firm beliefs in individual and equal rights, and they certainly do not represent the opinions or position of my employer WXIX-TV.
Tricia Macke
"When those in the public eye use their platforms to spread anti-gay attitudes, it can give license for their fans and followers to follow suit," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "Macke should use this moment and her role as a journalist to shed light on the impact that such anti-gay remarks and bullying have on LGBT young people in Cincinnati and across Ohio."
Earlier today GLAAD and Equality Ohio called on Fox 19 (Cincinnati, OH) to condemn comments made last month by news anchor Tricia Macke, who called MSNBC host Rachel Maddow an "Angry Young Man" on her Facebook page. According to incident reports received by Equality Ohio, after a viewer expressed offense to the comment, Mackie stood by her characterization of Maddow as male, responding, "You are right. I'm sorry, I should've said ‘antagonistic.’"
When another person responded that, in the news business, sexual orientation is irrelevant, Macke responded, "I knew what I was saying." The exchange appears to have been deleted from Mackie's Facebook page, but screenshots are below.
Referring to Maddow as a "man" because she is a gay woman is completely unacceptable for someone in the business of journalism.
Cincinnati viewers rely on Macke and Fox 19 to deliver unbiased and fair reporting about the lives of LGBT people in their community. But this is someone who attempted to insult a gay woman by questioning her gender, then stated very clearly that she did so with complete awareness of her actions.
Earlier today GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said, "Macke owes an apology not only to viewers, but to young people in Ohio who are subjected to unfair bullying and harassment like this on a daily basis."
On November 18, you can bid on over 100 unique pieces of art and toast newly engaged couples, including Good Morning America's Sam Champion and fiancée Rubem Robierb, at GLAAD's annual art fundraiser, GLAAD Art Auction. All funds raised will support GLAAD's culture changing work in the name of equality. You could win the chance to join us!
We're hosting a contest about host Sam Champion, GMA's weather anchor, and if you answer correctly, you could win two tickets to join us at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC (transportation not included).
The GLAAD National Board of Directors, President Herndon Graddick, Event Co-Chairs Christian Hagedorn and James Kleeman, and the Planning Committee invite you to GLAAD Art Auction, formerly known as OUTAuction. This year’s event will be curated by Daneyal Mahmood. Celebrate major victories for marraige equality in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington while supporting GLAAD. From standing up for Ellen DeGeneres when anti-gay activists called for her to be fired, to working alongside an Ohio mom to get the Boy Scouts to end its policy banning gay scouts and scout leaders, GLAAD is sharing the stories that move us closer to equality.
The event will be hosted by Sam Champion, Good Morning America weather anchor and ABC News weather editor, and his fiancée, fine-arts and fashion photographer Rubem Robierb. Special guests will include Carrie Preston, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Mike Ruiz, and Wilson Cruz. The live auction will feature works by Jordan Eagles, William Reue, Herb Ritts, Reinaldo Sanguino, and more. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
GLAAD Art Auction will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 5:00pm to 9:30pm at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W. 18th St., New York, NY). Enter our contest by following the instructions below, and we hope to see you there!
Contest Rules: You can enter on Twitter by following these guidelines:
Tweet your answer to this question: In what year did Sam Champion become the weather anchor of ABC's Good Morning America? by 12:00pm EST on Wednesday, November 14.
Include @glaad and the hashtag #glaadart in your tweet!
Answer correctly and you might win the tickets!
If you don’t win the tickets, be sure to buy your GLAAD Art Auction tickets before they sell out. Purchase your tickets today and join us!
Please note that the prize does not include travel or transportation to/from the event in New York, and you must be 21 or over to enter.
Community activist and writer Brandon Lacy Campos, was found dead on Friday in New York City, according to Rod 2.0.
Campos, 35, was born in Minnesota and began his life as an activist as a teen becoming the co-chair of the National Queer Student Coalition. Most recently, Campos served as the co-executive director for the group Queers for Economic Justice and dedicated his life to writing candidly in magazines and blogs about his mixed-race heritage, his status as an HIV-positive man.
Campos was also a poet publishing and anthology of his work, It Ain't Truth If It Doesn't Hurt and contributing to the Advocate’s 2011 anthology, From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction.
News of Campos' death spread quickly across cyberspace. Kenyon Farrow, the author, social activist and very good friend of the Campos, was among the first to report the tragic news and dozens of tributes have been posted to Farrow's Facebook. "I'm still in shock to find out less than an hour ago that my friend William Brandon Lacy Campos," the former executive director of Queers for Economic Justice said in a Facebook status mesage. "I'm in a state of disbelief."
Campos referenced a partner, Nicolas Gerard, in an October post on his blog. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Brandon’s family and friends.
Louis hires Wyatt as a temporary assistant when the office manager goes on holiday, but will their relationship survive working together? Check out a preview below.
Kim must decide if Ampush is going to be part of her longterm career plans or not. Meanwhile, things get awkward when Jay realizes Sarah is live casting and tweeting their date. Watch a sneak peek below.
This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.
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About TV Gayed Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!
About GLAAD The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.
Editor's Note: This guest post from transgender veteran Autumn Sandeen, is part of a week-long series to celebrate the accomplishments and heroism of transgender Americans as part of Transgender Awareness Week. The final day of Transgender Awareness Week is the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
By Autumn Sandeen
Up until October 16th, I was one of two transgender veterans who weren't able to change my gender marker in the Veterans Administration (VA) databases, to include my VA medical record. There's a story why other trans veterans were able to change their gender markers eight months earlier than I was able to change mine, and it has to do with a cost of community activism -- a cost of serving my trans community peer veterans in a manner similar to how I served my country in the U.S. Navy for 20-years between 1980 and 2000.
The story began with a white paper put forward by the Palm Center and the Transgender American Veterans Association. The paper spelled out the difficulties disabled trans veterans had accessing adequate and appropriate medical care from the veterans administration -- and that's not just transition related care, but even basic medical care. Eligible, disability rated veterans were even being turned away from some VA medical facilities just because they were trans -- it was horrible.
The National Center for Transgender Equality then approached the VA about the medical needs for disabled trans veterans, using the white paper to outline the difficulties trans veterans faced. Working with the VA, a new policy was adopted in June of 2011which NCTE described it this way:
"The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has issued a Directive to all of its facilities establishing a policy of respectful delivery of healthcare to transgender and intersex veterans who are enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system or are otherwise eligible for VA care. This Directive is an important first step in securing equal access for transgender veterans, and healthcare access for transgender people generally, by setting an example of how healthcare providers in both the public and private sector should be treating transgender patients."
NCTE described what the standard entailed for disabled trans veterans:
Indicates that all VA staff are to provide care to transgender patients “without discrimination in a manner consistent with care and management of all Veteran patients;”
Clearly states that all personal information about transgender status and medical care is kept confidential;
Reiterates that, under existing regulations, sex reassignment surgery cannot be performed or paid for by the VA;
Reiterates that all other medically necessary healthcare for transgender veterans is covered, including sex-specific care like mammograms and pap smears, as well as transition-related care such as hormones and mental health services.
In the FAQs for the new policy, there was a question about changing one's gender marker in the VA system:
Does the new VA policy affect my medical records? Yes. The documented gender in the VA’s medical records will now reflect an individual’s self-identified gender.
So, what was needed then was someone to test the new policy to change one's gender marker, so I stepped up to do it. I applied several times using several different forms of documentation only to be turned down each time I applied. Eventually, after I turned in the same documentation required to change one's gender marker with the State Department for a passport -- where one submits a letter from a medical doctor stating that one is receiving appropriate treatment for change of sex -- and was turned down again. The group that was in charge of changing gender markers at the VA stated that only documentation of sex reassignment surgery was acceptable to change one's gender marker.
I appealed. That was in October of 2011.
Four months later the VA changed their policy to embrace the State Department's standard specifically because I appealed and the system didn't work as the policy level leadership at the VA had planned. So since early in 2012, disabled, transgender veterans can change their gender marker within the VA, to include VA medical records.
But, I couldn't. My appeal wasn't resolved -- there apparently were internal documentation discussions going on between policy personnel and those who maintain the standards for how VA medical records are maintained regarding how one tracking treatment of transgender veterans. My appeal, as well as the appeal by another disabled trans veterans, apparently was what they were using as the impetus to find a solution to this issue.
So, by being the trailblazer, I couldn't take advantage of the new change of gender marker policy when my peer disabled trans veterans could. My emotional response was to weep and sob repeatedly over being not being able to take advantage of a new policy I played a significant role in helping to create.
As of October 15th, my appeal was resolved; as of October 16th, my gender marker was changed in the VA's electronic databases. I feel that I helped win a victory for myself, but a victory for my trans subcommunity of the LGBT community.
Looking ahead, the last federal system that lists me as male is the Department Of The Navy, which in turn means I'm listed as male by the Department of Defense. The next struggle in with gender markers involves working with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) to change the gender marker policy of the Department of Defense regarding trans veterans.
And, of course, I'm looking forward to the day when transgender people can serve openly in the five military services just as now lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers can now serve openly. I expect that day will come in my lifetime.
At a time of year when veterans are honored, we in LGBT community should we have many LGBT veterans we can thank for that service, and many trans veterans are among those who served our nation honorably.
The UPS Foundation today joined a growing number of corporate leaders in providing financial support to those organizations that align with the company’s non-discrimination policy. Under this policy, the Boy Scouts of America is no longer eligible for grants from the UPS Foundation because of the BSA's ban on gay scouts and scout leaders.
The UPS Foundation seeks to support organizations that are in alignment with our focus areas, guidelines, and non-discrimination policy. UPS and The UPS Foundation do not discriminate against any person or organization with regard to categories protected by applicable law, as well as other categories protected by UPS and The UPS Foundation in our own policies. These include, but are not limited to race, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, pregnancy, age and religion.
UPS confirmed to GLAAD that under these guidelines, which UPS said have been in development for several months, organizations that are unable to attest to having a policy or practices that align with the Foundation’s non-discrimination policy will no longer be considered eligible for funding. Prior to The UPS Foundation’s non-discrimination language, UPS gave $167,000 to various Boy Scouts of America entities in 2010 and said there would not be a change to grant-making at that time according to an American Independent report in September 2012. UPS has consistently received high marks on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, an annual survey that rates U.S. corporations on their non-discrimination policies and practices toward LGBT employees and consumers.
In September 2012, the Intel Foundation said that the company could no longer fund organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, so long as the Scouts stand by their ban. BSA troops and councils around the country that have stated they will not adhere to the ban may still receive support from the Intel Foundation.
GLAAD, along with Scouts for Equality, is contacting corporate sponsors of the Boy Scouts of America to inform of them of the BSA’s ban on gay scouts and scout leaders. More than 80,000 people signed a Change.org petition started by Co-Founder of Scouts for Equality, Zach Wahls, and supported by GLAAD, which called on The UPS Foundation to end funding from the national BSA.
GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said:
“More and more corporate leaders are enacting strong non-discrimination policies for practices including grant funding and hiring. Equality is not only good for business, but supported by a vast majority of Americans. The time is now for the BSA to end this outdated and unpopular ban before other corporate funders pull dollars and scouting families drop their support. All of the great work that the BSA does to help young people will continue to be overshadowed by their blatant discrimination until they join other inclusive organizations like the Girl Scouts of the USA and the 4-H Club.”
The CEOs of two major companies -- AT&T and Ernst & Young -- called for an end to the Boy Scouts’ anti-gay policies earlier this year. AT&T’s CEO, Randall Stephenson, and Ernst & Young’s CEO, James Turley, both sit on the national board of the Boy Scouts of America.
GLAAD first started calls for the Boy Scouts of America to end their ban on gay scouts and scout leaders in April 2012 after Jennifer Tyrrell, a mom and den leader from Ohio was removed from her 7-year-old’s Cub Scout Pack for being gay. Tyrrell’s Change.org petition has attracted more than 330,000 signatures in support of ending the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay Scouts and leaders.
Jennifer responded to today's news:
"We are finally heading in the right direction in this country and that is the direction of equality for all. It is time that the BSA respects the needs of the American people and stops rejected devoted parents and scouts because they happen to be LGBT. Until the BSA joins the national trend of equality, sponsors of the organization should continue to withhold support or support the growing number of troops that have rejected the ban."
Zach Wahls and Scouts for Equality also spoke out:
“UPS showed true bravery today in standing with the 80,000 Americans, including thousands of Scouts and Scout leaders, who oppose the Boy Scouts’ hurtful anti-gay policy. That bravery is what Scouting is all about. Corporate America gets it better than most: policies that discriminate aren’t simply wrong, they're bad for business and they're hurting the Scouting community. You would think that after all the Boy Scouts have lost as a result of this policy, they would understand that.”
GLAAD and Scouts for Equality have also called attention to the Americans who are continuing to be harmed by the anti-gay policy, including Kentucky dad Greg Bourke who was ousted from his son’s troop this summer and launched a Change.org campaign to be reinstated as well as 18 year-old Ryan Andresen whose mother started a Change.org petition which is at over 420,000 signatures after he was denied an the rank of Eagle Scout because he is gay.
Arizona State Representative Kyrsten Sinema will become the first bisexual federal lawmaker in the nation's history. Sinema has expanded her lead in her race for the U.S. Congress to the point where it will be insurmountable for her opponent, Vernon Parker, reports Associated Press.
Today is the first day of Transgender Awareness Week! Transgender Awareness Week (TAW) is a time for transgender people and their allies to take action and bring attention to this community through education and advocacy around the issues that transgender people face. TAW culminates with the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which honors those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. Individuals, campuses and organizations around the country, including the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, will be participating in TAW and TDOR with various events centered on transgender lives and issues.
Fenway Health, an organization that works to improve the health and well-being of LGBT people, created a graphic to spread the work about Transgender Awareness Week and the Transgender Day of Remembrance. You can help build support for transgender people by sharing the graphic (above) widely on social media.
Max has been working as an emcee at Bar Mitzvahs around the city. When Brad teams up with him and actually turns out to be good, jealousy and tension bloom between the pair. Meanwhile, Dave and Alex have trouble understanding each other's romantic gestures.
Ryan reluctantly takes Owen under his wing when he realizes Owen needs a big brother-figure. Meanwhile, Yolanda feels she is ready to graduate from the group.
Emily and Micah are baffled when a patient refuses to accept a kidney transplant from her husband. Meanwhile, Emily tries to land the job as Dr. Bandari's research assistant, but runs into competition from Cassandra who is willing to fight dirty.
June is obsessed with People's Sexiest Man Issue and in an attempt to prove how ridiculous it is, Chloe gets James put on the issue's cover. June is now attracted to him and no one is sure how to act now.
Bryan, David, Goldie and Shania reluctantly agree to give up their electronics for one day when they realize technology is interfering too much with their lives. Meanwhile, Nana has learned how to use Twitter and posts a private video of Bryan in an attempt to get more followers.
Sophia tries to get a promotion at Donut Girl. Meanwhile, the group plans to attend trivia night at their favorite bar.
This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.
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About TV Gayed Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!
About GLAAD The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.
Ramirez told Latina.com "I’m always going to support the LGBT community and equal rights for the LGBT community," and added, "That’s going to be with me ‘till the day I die and beyond. I mean, that’s just what it is!"
In addition to the PSAs for GLAAD, she started a foundation in honor of her best friend Al D. Rodriguez, a gay actor and singer from New York who died of cancer, and who she often affectionately called her "gay husband."
8:00pm: The Voice, NBC (1 hr) NEW
9:00pm: Grey's Anatomy, ABC (1 hr) NEW
9:00pm: The Office, NBC (30 mins) NEW
