Echelon Magazine Blog

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S GUEST at STATE of the UNION URGES HIM TO DO MORE TO COMBAT ANTI-LGBT WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION

2012-01-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

Kilker on the left with partner Sara Nelson

Sitting with First Lady Michelle Obama at this evening’s State of the Union Address will be Lorelei Kilker, an openly lesbian woman who came forward to challenge sex-based discriminatory treatment at her workplace and, after several years, was part of a large settlement the Equal Opportunity Commission reached with the employer, Western Sugar of Colorado, in October 2011. President Obama is expected to use Ms. Kilker’s case to highlight how our country must do more to ensure that all citizens have a fair shot at the American Dream. However, LGBT Americans like Ms. Kilker still do not have a federal law to protect against anti-LGBT workplace discrimination, and in a majority of states it is completely legal to fire someone just because they are gay or transgender. In two interviews given before the President’s address, Ms. Kilker endorsed the idea of President Obama signing an executive order to combat anti-LGBT workplace discrimination.

Freedom to Work and other LGBT organizations have long called on President Obama to sign an executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity at companies that profit from federal contracts.

For more information on Freedom to Work, please visit:
http://www.freedomtowork.org/

First-Ever Gay Cards Sold in Major Grocery Chain

2012-01-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, gay-friendly greeting cards will be sold in a major grocery store. The cards, from independent greeting card designer A Little To The Left, will be offered in Albertsons, in participation with their new Alternate Lifestyles program. The first rack will appear in Albertsons 6569 (1751 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262) starting January 25, 2012.

The cards are targeted to LGBT couples, but designed with tasteful, elegant motifs that appeal to mainstream buyers. Greeting themes include cards for same-sex weddings, unions, anniversaries, holidays -- including Valentine's Day -- and everyday occasions, openly addressing same-sex relationships, offering sentiments to “son and son-in-law” and “daughter and daughter-in-law.”

Sandi Timberlake, owner of A Little To The Left and a board member of the San Diego chapter of PFLAG, launched her business based on her own need to find tasteful and appropriate greeting cards to send to her son and son-in-law for their special occasions. Finding nothing that appealed to her, and realizing that other people like her must have the same need, she decided to create them and launched A Little To The Left in September 2008. She refers to her collection as being “gay friendly and mother approved.”

For more information about A Little To The Left and to view the entire array of designs, please visit www.alittletotheleft.com.

The British are hiring gay James Bonds

2012-01-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

Many Etonian spies had alliances at boarding school. But MI5 feared its closeted spies would be blackmailed by the KGB. Now that gays are prideful, MI5 is hiring.

By Ryan Collett

The British counter-intelligence and security agency MI5 was listed as one of the most gay-friendly organizations in Britain. The list was put out this week by Stonewall, an equality charity. The organization based their rankings on 7,500 confidential surveys sent out to gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees.

MI5 — home to fictional British super spy, James Bond — was ranked 62 out of 100 gay-friendly employers in Britain, with Ernst and Young at the top of the list. The ranking came as a welcoming sign for the intelligence agency — having expressed desires to employ more recruits from a variety of backgrounds including sexual orientations since the 2005 London bombings.

Read on dot429

Can a music video spark an LGBT movement?

2012-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Bye June is a band advocating equality and love in their track "Shades of Purple" from their album "My Life is an Independent Film". Gil Kline, Gunner Sledgeski, and Daniel McGreal, the members of the Rockville, Maryland based band knew they had a hit on there hands when they saw the finished video. Yet, they didn't expect the reaction they received to their newly released music video from the LGBT community. The band collaborated with world-renowned shadowgrapher Sati Achath for the music video, which is about marriage equality and the freedom to love whomever you choose.

Gil Kline tells us that "Shades of Purple" is the first pop music video to utilize shadow puppetry. Said Kline: “We asked our fans to choose a track for a music video, and they voted online for this song. I am very pleased, since this song has deep meaning and an important social message. Also, we were fortunate to have Mr. Achath on our team, he truly brought the characters to life." Said Achath: "Shadowgraphy is a very old art-form, and I am very excited to bring this art-form to a whole new generation. I fell in love with this project for the music, message and medium."

The day of the release, the band was flooded with messages of support from the LGBT community. The video features a swan looking for love, that is shunned by society; the swan finally finds its true love after a protest - "Swan Pride." The band decided to start an online community on Facebook called "The Swan Pride Movement." They are calling for all people to come together to celebrate love equality by 'liking' a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/swanpride. It is a beautiful idea reminiscent of the 1960's, their goal is 100,000 likes. The page is open to comments from the 'swans' that joined the movement, and many touching stories were shared since the movement went public January 16th.

Out Filmmaker Elliot London Invites You To Join ‘The Wedding Dance’

2012-01-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

By Neil Woulfe - Radar Senior News Director

Filmmaker Elliot London is one to watch in Hollywood.

The charismatic director/producer calls himself a dreamer, and now he’s offering you the opportunity to share his dream of making a movie that’s very close to his heart.
The 30-year-old London, born in Australia, but raised in America, says growing up gay was not always easy, especially in Rockford, Illinois. With that in mind, his latest short film, The Wedding Dance, tells the story of marriage equality -- but he promises, with a twist.

London plans to start shooting in Los Angeles in a few weeks, but like so many small independent filmmakers, he needs additional funding to complete the project, so he’s taken the unusual and highly creative step of using social media to entice investors who can actually receive a credit on the film.

RadarOnline.com chatted with London about his journey from America’s Heartland to Hollywood -- and what it was like to intern for Jerry Springer along the way!

Radar: Tell me about your new short film, The Wedding Dance. What is it about and why were you inspired to do it?
Elliot: The Wedding Dance is a short film that is going to show you a different prospective of equality. I really want to give you a full synopsis, but I can’t only because of the reason that I like a surprise ending. It’s becoming my trait. (Laughs) ... I can promise you though that it won’t be your average wedding that you dread to go to.
I am just inspired because the timing is right. We are in a in culture where this topic is being talked about by the masses.
It will be powerful, yet light-hearted. I have a gut feeling that this short really will hit the straight audience and show the gay community differently. It’s all about the twist, boy do I like a twist!
PHOTOS: Director/Producer Elliot London – One To Watch In Hollywood

Radar: You plan to start shooting the first week of February. As an independent filmmaker in Los Angeles, what are some of the challenges in mounting a production?

Elliot: OMG. Doing anything in L.A. that involves a camera is a challenge. First and foremost is the funding. Second is getting a great group of actors. A lot of time actors will pass on working on a independent because they don't know the real outcome of the project. Lastly, is finding that perfect location that you can get for cheap or donated. I, of course, have a grand vision that always need to be bought back to earth by my producer.

Radar: Your budget for The Wedding Dance is a modest $10,000 and while you’re financing half of the film out of your own pocket, you’re hoping to raise the other half online. It may surprise people to hear that they can be part of the filmmaking process by donating as $10 or, as you say on your Facebook page, “It’s 2 coffees and a cake pop at Starbucks ...”

Elliot: As a mass, we get such joy out of watching amazing shorts on YouTube. What many people don’t know is how much can go into that two minutes they just watched. Usually a few months of prep and some really long 14-hour days over the weekend. (It’s the cheapest to rent equipment). You must all think that I am crazy to personally finance my projects, but for me it’s well worth it. Yes, the money could be used for a good vacation. But honestly, I did not have the grades to get into a good film school in Los Angeles. So this is my education.

Radar: People who donate more can actually get an associate producer, producer, or executive producer credit, and they can visit the set. Tell me about that.

Elliot: I really want people to feel like they are a part of something by involving them. If you are willing to part with your hard earn dollars than you should have every right to be involved with a project.

I look at it two ways -- first, you are supporting a community. Second, you are supporting the arts. A lot of people have jobs that do not let them leave an office. What is more exciting than coming to a set and seeing live art being put together with passion and hard work? Plus one of the greatest things about visiting the set is the craft service table. I always make sure there is plenty of food and coffee. So after you donated you can at least get some food to fill your stomach.

Radar: This is not your first film gay-themed film. Tell me about your short, 306

Elliot: 306 was a piece that I had to get out of my system. I have been really inspired by foreign films over the past -- Won Ka Wai’s In the Mood For Love and Lou Ye’s Spring Fever that I was so fortunate to see at Cannes Film Festival. These movies really pushed boundaries in cinematic and storytelling. I thought to myself, "How can I take all my experiences in life and tell a story that can invoke emotion on a deeper level?"
Click here to watch 306

I think of when I was in my early 20s -- bartending, being crazy [and] sleeping around. I look at gay culture, and how young dates older, and vice versa. One chases stability and another chases youth. Now I take pen to paper and I create a story, where a confused kid uses the number one currency in the world -- SEX. What most surprised me of this script when I finished my first draft was “What happens if I take all the dialogue out, can it be powerful?” So I did. It took me a whole six months working a second job at Starbucks to pay for this project and it was worth every cent.

Radar: It is difficult attracting a broad audience, meaning both gay and straight, for a film that’s gay-themed -- or is that changing?

Elliot: Difficult. It is easy for me to see content that is for a broad audience because it is available everywhere. How do you get that broad audience to see gay content? It is introduction though complex characters written in broad audience shows. This will relate to my answer in the next question. All I can say is television is our key to bringing interests into our gay-themed projects. But being completely honest, it’s about relating to characters. This is why I feel that gay cinema is so important. It is more important for me to have a kid with his mother see a gay-themed film -- to help overcome the internal homophobia of being gay -- than a theater filled with housewives.

Radar: As an out-and-proud filmmaker, how do you see the power of film in changing people’s attitudes toward the LGBT community?

Elliot: I am incredibly lucky to be alive and see such amazing changes in acceptance with media over the past fifteen years. I remember when I was 16-years-old, trying to secretly checkout gay films from blockbuster to now being able to see Tom Ford's Single Man on the big screen. It’s all about exposure. The more we are out there, the more we will be seen. You really have to give the credit to the TV industry over the past few years. They have changed and bought attention the community. They have paved the way and help closed the gap.

Radar: Is that part of your inspiration for being a filmmaker? To open people’s minds while telling interesting stories?

Elliot: If you look at 306, it can be a double-edged sword for me. It shows a really vivid, realistic side of someone’s life. This was a really risky script I put together that I knew was going to invoke conversation. I have to look at it as positive though, if I offend people and they talk about how could someone have unsafe sex. I know that this person is aware. Hopefully that one person will have that conversation with their partner. There are many hidden closets and people wrestling with demons.

There are many slices of sub-culture life in the LGBT population. So many stories to tell and so many people to inspire. I would rather work at two jobs putting funds together to tell stories than anything else in this world.

Radar: In 2005, while you were attending the Columbia Film School in Chicago, you also interned at the Jerry Springer Show, which tapes at the NBC studios there. What were some of the craziest shows you worked on?

Elliot: My interning at Jerry Springer was short-lived. I have nothing to say bad about Jerry Springer himself as I was fortunate to live in the same building as him in Chicago. Yet, It was really hard for me to see the show’s guests use a TV show as their only hope to bringing joy to their life. My worst experience was when a female producer belittled me in front of people because I had asked her a question without knowing my place on the hierarchy. Ever since that yelling incident, I have always made it a point as a director to learn the intern's name and treat them with respect. The day I moved out of my apartment to go to Los Angeles, I shared the elevator with Mr. Springer. As we descended 48 stories, I told him that I had interned for him. He answered: “You survived, and good luck in Hollywood.”

Radar: Finally, where do you see yourself professionally in the next ten years?
Elliot: I just want to be working. In this economy, anyone my age just wants to be working. I see myself creating a new gay film label that will keep telling our stories and bring new young filmmakers to light. An Oscar wouldn't be bad, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

To make a donation to The Wedding Dance, check out Elliot’s website.
Friend Elliot on Facebook
Follow Elliot on Twitter
Check out Elliot’s YouTube Blog

Republished with permission from Radaronline

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burkta Share an Intimate Moment in OUT’s Annual “Love Issue”

2012-01-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

OUT magazine’s annual “Love Issue” provides first-person accounts of gay relationships and gay families, an underrepresented segment of the American population. With the “Love Issue,” OUT highlights 26 diverse gay relationships and families to inspire. OUT’s subjects relay their stories in their own words. This year’s “Love Issue” begins with the story of cover stars Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, who share their personal love story with OUT readers.

Read the Harris and Burtka’s full story, along with OUT’s other inspiring love stories now at:
http://www.out.com/out-exclusives/2012/01/11/neil-patrick-harris-david-burtka-love-couple-stars-children

New LGBT Business Group Forms In Maryland

2012-01-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Launching on January 19, 2012, The Maryland Corporate Council desires to provide a professional and business-oriented networking group. The organization is gearing up for a great launch with over 150 registered to attend, 11 members on the board and over 100 memberships already committed.

Created by Co-Founders, Ted Hart, who heads a management consulting firm and Scott Marder, a partner in the law firm, Duane Morris, Maryland Corporate Council found a lack of networking groups in their area.

"Although LGBT business groups have existed for over 30 years, there is always a need for like-minded individuals in the business world to connect and exchange opportunities and advice," stated Michael Lamb of Echelon Magazine.

The Maryland Corporate Council has already acquired great corporate members including Ernst & Young, Constellation Energy as well as Sun Trust and U.S. banks.

Interested individuals should connect with this progressive group and join them in their celebration at the Hotel Monaco in Baltimore. Annual membership for individuals is $150 for the year.

Listen to a podcast regarding the group here: http://tiny.cc/rgroup01172012

Simon Doonan shares why "Gay Men Don't Get Fat"

2012-01-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador at Large of Barney's, talks about his new book "Gay Men Don't Get Fat" and answers a few questions exclusively for dot429.

Q: What ratio of gay food to straight food is best?
Simon Doonan: I believe in 50/50. For every big fat gay steak, there must be a fluffy nelly salad.

Q: Can gay food be "reformed" by battering and frying it?
Doonan: Absolutely!! If you deep fry one of those delicate tangerine macaroons, it is the equivalent of giving it a sex-change.

Q: Do you anticipate Republican presidential candidates taking an oath that they will never eat gay food?
Doonan: The all looks so nervous every time the word "gay" comes up that you start to wonder why it's such a hot button. They need to eat more Arugula and less Velveta.

Republished with permission from dot429.com
http://dot429.com/articles/2012/01/15/gay-men-don-t-get-fat-a-book-by-simon-doonan

RAINBOW CHRONICLE LAUNCHES

2012-01-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

FIRST ONLINE LGBT COMMUNITY TO OFFER USER RATINGS OF BUSINESSES, INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Site Aims to Serve as Resource to Identify Supportive Establishments and Public Figures for LGBT and Allied Communities

Rainbow Chronicle (www.rainbowchronicle.com), the first online community to allow users to rate businesses, events, organizations, and individuals based upon their LGBT friendliness, today announces its official launch. Conceived in response to the spike in gay suicides and episodes of bullying throughout the U.S. in 2010, Rainbow Chronicle seeks to serve as a singular resource for LGBT individuals to locate and identify safe and trusted allies, while also calling attention to businesses and public figures who perpetuate bigotry and homophobia.

Building on the model of established online sites for leisure and travel, Rainbow Chronicle features user-generated reviews with numerical ratings based on LGBT friendliness. On a scale of -5 (poor) to +5 (excellent), these ratings take into account variables such as Good for Same-Sex Couples, Attitude of Customers, Good for Large LGBT Groups, etc. Beyond simply reviewing hotels, bars, and restaurants, Rainbow Chronicle features reviews of organizations and corporations, detailing diversity initiatives and partner/spousal benefits, and also rates individuals, ranging from globally-recognized figures like Lady Gaga, to a local priest or sports coach.

“Rainbow Chronicle was inspired by the widespread online campaigns launched by national celebrities working to instill hope for the future in at-risk youth,” states company co-founder Travis Lowry. “Rainbow Chronicle aims to offer a platform to help these same individuals, as well as established and allied communities, navigate the current landscape to identify safe and trusted outlets, be it a gay-friendly coffee shop or “out” local business leader to offer advice or support. Our hope is that this site will connect users to share information, feel safe in their communities and while traveling, and ultimately help counter ignorant behavior and bigoted business practices.”

While there are a number of existing online LGBT communities and networking and news sites, Rainbow Chronicle differentiates itself in the following ways:

·         Only site allowing users to rate people, places or events based on LGBT-friendliness
·         Guaranteed safe-for-work (SFW) online professional site for the LGBT community
·         Only user-generated news site catering to LGBT interests without media affiliation
·         Heat-Mapping System: Used only before in military applications, Rainbow Chronicle allows users to quickly visualize their local community according to its LGBT ratings

While initially inspired to reach at-risk LGBT youth, Rainbow Chronicle co-founders Travis Lowry and Conor Clary have designed the site to also cater to established adult LGBT audiences and allies seeking trusted outlets in their hometown region or while traveling. Rainbow Chronicle seeks to connect communities on all levels to foster support of accepting and liberal establishments and individuals, while working to influence change amongst public figures, corporations or small business who act in a bigoted manner.

Location Based Mobile Dating App “Gays Around Me”

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

The hugely popular global location-based mobile dating app SinglesAroundMe (SAM) today announced the iPhone launch of a customized version of SinglesAroundMe specifically for gay singles worldwide. It is called GaysAroundMe (GAM).

“With a half million downloads worldwide we are extremely excited to be able to offer a dedicated, sophisticated product for single gay men,” said Christopher Klotz, CEO of SinglesAroundMe Inc. “In counterpoint to other gay dating apps such as GuySpy, Grindr and Maleforce, GaysAroundMe offers a classy platform through which to meet other gay singles. It also allows users the opportunity to choose to display their location on a geographical map, which means it’s easier to meet up in real time.”

GaysAroundMe can be downloaded for the iPhone on iTunes here and before Christmas on the Blackberry.

The NGLCC Sports a New Logo

2011-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Secretary Clinton's Historic LGBT Rights Speech

2011-12-07T13:50:00.001-08:00

The Gayest Area of Barcelona Fills You With Sensations

2011-12-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

Barcelona stands out for being a dynamic, multicultural, integrationist city. A city that houses
innumerable restaurants, night-time leisure spots and hotels focused on the gay and lesbian sector, the majority of which are located in the area known as the Gaixample, in the distinctive, characteristic Eixample district, one of the city’s urban wonders. It is precisely in this area where the Soho Hotel is located, a warm, welcoming establishment that surprises one with its spaces full of contrasts and the sensations that guests experience.

Hotel Soho, a project designed for the most youthful and cosmopolitan spirits, is a living space that has the capacity to transform and adapt itself to its guests. The moiré effect has inspired the decoration, turning the different spaces into a curious enigma, like a continuous game of hide-and-seek. The
retro-style furniture designed by Verner Panton, reminiscent of the pop style of the ‘60s, is an essential part of the interior design project that lends the hotel a sophisticated air thanks to its skilful combination of styles. The Soho Hotel is a reference as much for the gay sector as for fashion, music or latest trend professionals, on account of its original and surprising look.

Meet The Plastic Queen of Tupperware

2011-11-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Kay Sedia: #1 Seller of Tupperware

The 18 year old international swimsuit model has been giving her all to the world of Tupperware Kay has been the #1 seller of Tupperware. She even showed offer her plastic selling skills on The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Kay is the splash of spicy salsa in your Tupperware party!! Playing and buying plastic has never been so fun.

Kay does it all she sings, makes funnies, dances and with all that she even shows everyone in the Tupperware parties the ins & outs of America’s favorite Tupperware plastic containers!

She is no ordinary Tupperware seller. Kay has been with the company for 8 years and is one of the companies’ top sellers in the world. She even won a car from Tupperware. Now that’s nothing to shake your chimichanga at.

Kay has opened her own little slice of heaven on the world wide web at www.kaysedia.com. One can find all the most up today info including her appearances, videos, newest Tupperware items and even sign up for their own Tupperware party with Kay Sedia!

When Kay is not showing off the newest in plastics she moonlights as one of the detectives of “Chico’s Angels”. She is the pretty one of the trio, but of course!

Anderson Airs Transgender Children Episode

2011-11-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Anderson Cooper spends the hour talking to children who believe they are trapped in the wrong bodies, and discusses their parents’ journey to acceptance. Anderson speaks with experts to get a better understanding of the medical and psychological aspects of transgender people, and how these families are faced with new scientific options that would allow their kids to change their gender.

video platform video management video solutions video player

OUTBOARD ANNOUNCES OUTBOARD 2012 EVENT

2011-11-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Grab your snowboard (or skis) and get ready for OutBoard 2012, as the event returns to Steamboat Springs, CO, March 27-April 1, 2012.

Recently named the "Most Laid Back" and "Most Affordable Gay & Lesbian Ski Week" by TripOutGayTravel. OutBoard focuses on fun, well organized events, both on and off the hill as well as creating a great environment to meet like-minded, fun-loving snowboarders and skiers. “The difference between OutBoard and other ski weeks is that our events center around making sure everyone is fresh to ride the best terrain the next day. We take snowboarding seriously and it’s always our focus” said Ryan Miller, Director of Events and Operations. “We have a blast socializing and hanging out, but save something for the freshies the next day.”

Gay Football League Bachelor Auction

2011-11-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, November 17, the New York Gay Football League will host its Seventh Annual Bachelor Auction at Splash Bar (50 W. 17th St). Proceeds from this year’s auction will benefit God’s Love We Deliver and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School. Over the years, the NYGFL has raised more than $50,000 for New York based charities.

The New York Gay Football League seeks to promote the positive social and athletic enjoyment of flag football. Through our league, our events and most importantly our players, we also seek to foster and augment the self-respect and to engender respect and understanding from the gay community. While particular emphasis is placed on these specific goals, it is a fundamental principle of the NYGFL that all activities, social and athletic, are conducted to be inclusive in nature and that no individual shall be excluded from participating on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic ability or physical challenge.

Buick Human Highlight Reel | Hudson Taylor

2011-11-09T11:12:00.001-08:00

3-time All-American wrestler Hudson Taylor believes that sports should be for everyone. He created Athlete Ally—a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering athletes to consider their status as role models and be conscious of the words they choose, eliminating the homophobic language that is all too prevalent in sports. Find out more at http://www.ncaa.com/buick.

Chaz Bono has been named to the 2011 OUT100

2011-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Chaz Bono’s portrait by famed photographer Gavin Bond for the OUT100 – OUT’s list of the year’s most influential gay, lesbian and transgender men and women.

Chaz’s portrait will be unveiled today on www.OUT.com/OUT100 as part of an issue sneak-peak – which also includes the portraits of fellow honorees Adam Lambert, Tim Gunn, Brad Goreski, Ken Mehlman, Andrej Pejic, David Mixner, Brad Goreski, Dustin Lance Bass and others…

Additionally, OUT.com released a compilation video of this year’s honorees, called “WE ARE THE OUT100.” Click here for more: http://www.out.com/out-exclusives/out100/2011/11/07/we-are-out100

GLAAD Releases Transgender Resources

2011-10-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today issued resources for media reporting on Chaz’s exit from Dancing with the Stars to improve public awareness of America’s transgender community.

When he was initially cast, GLAAD released resources to media reporting on the story. Enclosed in this release is a list of additional transgender leaders who would be able to speak to the enormous importance of Chaz’s primetime appearances and are available for media interviews.

"Americans expect to see the diversity of our country represented on TV and that includes transgender people," said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs at GLAAD. “When it is still legal in 35 states to fire a transgender person solely because they are transgender, visibility and education are key to growing understanding and acceptance,” Graddick continued.

When Chaz was cast, media such as The Insider used the opportunity to discuss what it is like to be transgender in America today. Even though Chaz has now been voted off Dancing with the Stars, we hope to keep that conversation going.

HRC to NOM: Fess Up About Stolen Photo

2011-10-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Anti-LGBT organization manipulates crowd photo to create illusion of supportToday Joe Solmonese, the president of the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization – sent a letter to the so-called National Organization for Marriage (NOM) calling out the group’s deceitful tactics in New Hampshire. NOM is using a photograph from an Obama campaign event in Ohio to mislead New Hampshire voters into believing they have more supporters than they actually do. The news was broken by Jeremy Hooper on his Good as You blog; Hooper is also a contributor to HRC’s NOM Exposed.

The photo debacle comes on the heels of news from the nonpartisan University of New Hampshire Survey Center who recently released a poll showing 62% of Granite Staters oppose repealing the popular same-sex marriage law.

Read Solmonese’s letter to NOM President Brian Brown below:

Dear Mr. Brown:

Your organization has sunk to a new level of deception by manipulating photographs from an Obama campaign event in Ohio to trick Granite Staters into believing support for the National Organization for Marriage is much greater than it really is. And while I know that NOM has never been above misleading the public to further its cause, this new phoniness is an example of just how far you will go to make people believe your pursuit – the denial of equal treatment under the law -- is supported by New Hampshire voters and Americans in general.

There’s no mistaking the facts: 62 percent of Granite Staters oppose repealing marriage equality. In addition, polls reflect that a majority of Americans support marriage equality nationwide. And it’s no secret that support is growing as Americans from all walks of life come to the understanding that all that gay and lesbian families seek is to have our love and commitment recognized and legally protected. Yet NOM futilely and painstakingly attempts to convince otherwise.

The fact that you had to “steal a crowd” from someone else’s event to create the illusion that people support your cause is evidence that you and your cohorts are truly scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Americans want the truth. And the truth is voters in New Hampshire want the legislature to leave the popular marriage law alone and focus on the economy and budget matters.

Sincerely,

Joe Solmonese

PEREZ HILTON SPARKLES AND SHINES AS NEW SHOEDAZZLE DESIGNER

2011-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

100% of Profits To Benefit GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

Continuing with its successful male designer trend, ShoeDazzle has inducted celebrity media mogul and author Perez Hilton into its popular “Celebrity Shoe Design Program for Charity.” Hilton has designed not one but two shoes for ShoeDazzle, displaying his ambitious nature. The charity Hilton has chosen to benefit from the sales of his shoes is GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. 100% of the profits from both shoes will be donated to this national education organization that addresses LGBT issues in K-12 schools (http://glsen.org).

The first shoe Hilton designed, named “Sparkle,” is a black faux suede pump with silver stud detailing on the heel, platform and dual ankle straps. The second is a casual unisex silver metallic sneaker with stud embellishments and zipper detailing, named “Shine.” The pump and sneaker will be available on November 11th, exclusively in ShoeDazzle showrooms (www.shoedazzle.com).

In addition to designing both the “Sparkle” and “Shine” shoes, Hilton has been continuing to build his media empire with his multiple blog sites including perezhilton.com, cocoperez.com, teddyhilton.com, perezitos.com and fitperez.com.

HRC Launches Americans for Marriage Equality

2011-10-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Video Featuring Mayor Cory Booker Leads National Public Education Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign today launched Americans for Marriage Equality, a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married. The campaign will draw from a cadre of supportive professional athletes, film and music celebrities, political and civil rights leaders– and will have a special emphasis on Republicans, African-Americans, Latinos and elected officials. The campaign can be viewed at www.hrc.org/americansformarriageequality.

Keshet and Nehirim inclusion in 2011‘Slingshot’ Guide signals integration of LGBT community within Jewish world

2011-10-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Slingshot, the prestigious guide to the most innovative Jewish organizations in the country, included two LGBT organizations, Keshet and Nehirim, in its new edition, released today.

Keshet is a leader in education, training, and grassroots organizing for LGBT inclusion in the Jewish community. Nehirim is the leading national provider of community programming for LGBT Jews, partners, and allies.

“Whereas a few years ago, gays and lesbians were shunned from much of Jewish communal life, today we are recognized as being among its leaders,” said Jay Michaelson, founding director of Nehirim.

Idit Klein, executive director of Keshet, agreed and added, “As far as we have come, there is much more work to do until we reach the day where all LGBT Jews are fully seen and celebrated. We envision a future where the ethos of justice, caring, and inclusion that encapsulates the best of Jewish tradition is seen and felt by all Jewish youth and adults – gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, and/or transgender.”

The Slingshot Guide is available at http://www.slingshotfund.org/.

One More Lesbian: Shirin Papillon

2011-10-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

As one of the largest curators of lesbian film/TV content online, OML is proof positive that there’s both quality and quantity to be found when it comes to creative work that represents “lesbians” in all of their real colors.

With OML, Shirin has created not only a trusted brand, but as well a seminal Mecca of online lesbian movie streaming. Moving OML toward becoming the Netflix, Hulu, iTunes and Amazon of the lesbian world, Shirin has recently been able to realize her second objective for the company: a Video on Demand section dubbed OML+, which will offer films anywhere from $.99 to $3.99 for a 48 hours viewing period. OML+ will allow instant streaming of popular lesbian titles as well as independent feature films and shorts that would usually only screen at film festivals or go straight to DVDs and are not available online. It is an affordable and easy medium for audiences to see the films they love and/or have heard of but may not have access to otherwise.

Revolutionizing her industry, overturning tradition, and raising the bar on female achievement, Shirin Papillon is one sassy businesswoman on a mission and a no less wickedly savvy entrepreneur with a vision. An online media platform that strictly serves as an aggregator for video content already existing on other sites, OML is the one-stop emporium for movies, television shows, web series, Vlogs, music videos, live video chats, PSA’s, specials/events and even commercials made for and by lesbians and bi-sexual women.

Understanding that the digital revolution has created a platform for personal expression and supplying unknown artists with the tools to tell their stories, Shirin decided not only to find all these talents but also to unite them under one address: the OML marquee.