Activism

You are currently browsing the archive for the Activism category.

Will Phillips to Obama: ‘lack of equality for some is lack of equality for all’

March 15, 2010 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | No comments

Will Phillips, the 11-year-old from Arkansas who refuses to recite the pledge of allegiance because we do not have “liberty and justice for all” until LGBT people have full equality, accepted the award for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards for “Why Will Won’t Pledge Alliance” (CNN American Morning) with his parents Jay and Laura along with segment producer Beth Marengo. His powerful speech brought the crowd to his feet. Sandra Bernhard and Sarah Paulson presented the award.

FTM Porn Star Buck Angel Speaks @Yale

February 19, 2010 in Activism by hadjalexiou | 2 comments

Buck_Angel

As one of our HN editor’s is a former Yalie (meaning he went to Yale, not the other two definitions), it was brought to my attention that female-to-male (FTM) transsexual porn star Buck Angel was a guest speaker there recently at the annual Sex Week at Yale, also known as… wait for it…  SWAY.

“Boys In The Band” Fundraiser for NewFest

February 6, 2010 in Activism, Performance by Antonio Cerna | 1 comment

the-boys-in-the-band_l

UPDATED: Critics aside, “Boys in the Band” is without a doubt a landmark play. When it debuted in 1968 it was the first play to “openly portray” the private lives of gay men in New York’s Pre-Disco, Pre-HIV/AIDS Era —it was irreverent, honest, hilarious, and a bit dark. So, when the play was adapted to the screen it marked another groundbreaking moment in cinema history. (The DVD of the film was released last year, and we highly recommend you educate yourself and watch it.)

Does James Franco even need to be out?

January 21, 2010 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | 2 comments

James Franco on the cover of VMan's Fall 2009 issue

James Franco on the cover of VMan's Fall 2009 issue

…Nope. James Franco is a very pretty man. Sure, he’s not as pretty as Rob Pattinson or Zac Efron, but he’s got the movie star looks of iconic entertainers like Heath Ledger, Christian Bale and Johnny Depp. He’s charming, playful, and sexually ambiguous. Does he have the talent of more serious men like Daniel Day-Lewis, Javier Bardem, or Sean Penn? That’s the question we hope will be answered with his latest biopic “Howl” where he plays beat poet, activist, and gay icon, Allen Ginsburg— albeit, a cuter version.

If Franco’s choice to play another gay character on the heels of his role in “Milk” surprises you, it shouldn’t. Because although Franco is not officially out, he has made important and telling decisions about the character he portrays on screen.

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

January 18, 2010 in Activism, Film by Antonio Cerna | No comments

bayard_rustin

Gentlemen, I urge you — today, as we remember the incredible legacy and compassion of Martin Luther King, Jr — take time to watch “Brother Outsider” — one of the most important documentaries you will ever see. When we think about the Civil Rights Movement certain names come to mind (Rosa Parks, the Little Rock Nine, Lorraine Hansberry, John Lewis, MLK, Malcolm X), but few know about the life of Bayard Rustin — a gay civil rights activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington. So, next time you think about MLK’s riveting “I Have a Dream Speech,” think about Bayard Rustin, because the history-making March wouldn’t have happened without him. Watch the entire documentary “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” FREE on logoonline.com.

UPDATE: Mr. Gay World 2010 and the fight against international homophobia

January 15, 2010 in Activism, International Affairs by Michael Bergeron | 3 comments

Will Fennell hosts "Mr. Gay World" in Oslo, Norway, on Feb. 13

Will Fennell hosts "Mr. Gay World" in Oslo, Norway, on Feb. 13

UPDATE: Chinese Police shut down the pageant an hour before it was supposed to open, stating that they had not applied “according to the procedures.”  The struggle continues….

January 15, 2010 marks a special day for gay men in China—the first ever “Gay Men’s Pageant.” Mr. Gay China will then go on to compete for the title of Mr. Gay Worldwide 2010 in Norway next month for the title of Gay World Ambassador. Nice title no? While at first this may appear as more of the same spectacle we’ve come to expect from “the gays,” it is also the sign of serious change regarding attitudes towards sexuality and gender on the international front. We’re talking about change that may affect you personally.

Quentin Crisp on ‘American Manners’ (1984)

December 31, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | No comments

Quentin Crisp c. 1992 | Photo: Graham Clark

Quentin Crisp c. 1992 | Photo: Graham Clark

New Year, New Manners. One of the most eccentric men in the history of American dandyism is Quentin Crisp. In this obscure recording from 1984 Crisp discusses his book “Manners from Heaven: a Divine Guide to Good Behaviour.” Is he Gay or English? Same difference right? Of course not.

“If you read a book about manners, you’re ready to kill yourself,” explains Crisp. “because you could do wrong any moment.” Crisp advocated a new American Etiquette — a manners of inclusion. But when you’re dealing with Crisp, few things are black and white. He has a complicated view on the world, one full of contradictions and paradoxes.

‘Gay = Sin’ by Matt Brown

December 17, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | 4 comments

When Matt Brown sent us his recent video project, his title got our attention; and that’s exactly how he intended it. “I called the video GAY=SIN in order to attract anti-gay people,” says Brown. “I thought they’d be turned off by seeing some gay-friendly title, so I let it sound a little like it was their view in order for them to want to watch it.”

Remembering Jorge Steven Mercado, a vigil

November 24, 2009 in Activism by hadjalexiou | 7 comments

_MG_9789

Photos: SMHayhurst

_MG_9842 _MG_0117

On Sunday evening a crowd of approximately 150 people gathered at Pier 45 to mourn the death of Jorge Steven Mercado, a 19-year-old gay Puerto Rican teen who was brutally murdered, dismembered and partially burned on the evening of November 13.

One of 20 such vigils held across the country, many attendants were of Puerto Rican descent, holding up posters and fliers professing solidarity and sporting images of the Boricua flag. Speakers included organizers Scott Anthony Evans, Ronnie Kroell, Karlo C. and Stephanie Jones, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilman-elect Danny Domm, GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, poet Emanuel Xavier, and designer Malan Breton,

The mood was emotional—many people were crying as the speakers professed their disappointment and feelings of loss. The brutal nature of the killing and the insensitive reaction on Puerto Rican television by police investigator Ángel Rodríguez Colón, who said (as translated into English), “These types of people, when they enter this lifestyle and go out into the streets know that this could happen.”

The details of the crime are slim: accused killer Martinez Matos picked up Mercado, who was dressed in drag, in the town of Caguas and drove him to the nearby of Cidra. Upon discovering Mercado was a man, he flew into a rage, killing and decapitating Mercado before burning his dismembered body.

“You have to remember, Jorge is our son, he is our child,” Barrios told the crowd on Sunday. Others nodded or spoke in agreement, “That’s right.”

Although Puerto Rico is no stranger to gay male lifestyle, statements like Colón’s demonstrate that attitudes that remain in Caribbean and Latino cultures towards masculinity and the archaic gender dichotomy many people subscribe to. The statement was offensive because it blames the victim, suggesting that violating the gender boundaries is an invitation to violence.

The vigil, which was followed by a memorial service at St. Luke in the Fields in Greenwich village, was as much a protest against violence and gender hegemony as a memorial for the all-too-young Mercado—taken from his adoring mother because he chose to express the difference he felt within him.

_MG_9889

_MG_0008

Company of We takes a Political Stance

November 23, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | No comments

companyofwe_01

companyofwe_04

companyofwe_07

Support Marriage Equality and shop at the same time. One of our favorite new brands, Company of We is taking a stance and fighting discrimination by taking a fashion stance. In response to NoH8 Company of We is currently running a campaign of 20% of all purchased items from now until the end of November at companyofwe.com. Join the cause (and look good doing it) by helping ensure marriage equality for everyone.

Toys for Tots | Fun-lanthrophy

November 18, 2009 in Activism by smhayhurst | No comments

n164200082_31636701_4857

Among the biggest Holiday events each year is the Toys for Tots party at Chelsea Piers, and I highly recommend it if you can attend. Few other events give you the chance to rub elbows with such a large, well-polished crowd. This year it’ll be held on Sunday, December 6th, 2009 5-9pm. It always sells out; so I recommend you get your tickets ($35 + 1 unwrapped toy) early.

Info:
www.facebook.com

Tickets:
ersvp.com

Judith Light @ GLAAD Advertising Awards

October 29, 2009 in Activism, Advertising by Antonio Cerna | No comments

Judith Light with special honorees Mitchell Gold (r) and Bob Williams (l) at the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising | Photo: PeterLauPhotography.com

Judith Light with special honorees Mitchell Gold (r) and Bob Williams (l) at the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising | Photo: PeterLauPhotography.com

Why is tonight so important to you?
“The first and foremost reason, I’m here to support Mitchell Gold and his partner Bob Williams. That means the world to me, because we grew up together–and [Mitchell] is a very important person in my life. That’s number one,” explained the legendary “Ugly Betty” star, Judith Light – who looked stunning in an all black ensemble.

“Also, I’ve been with GLAAD since the very beginning — when we used to do these events in small Hotel rooms with 10 about tables,” quipped the impeccable Angela Bower…. (Ahem) I mean, Ms. Light.

“So to watch the growth of an organization like this and see the kind of work that it’s been doing through the years is very heart warming for me and extremely important for the community.”

*Please forgive our gushing, but this is Angela Effing Bower we’re talking about here. Forgive our start-struckness, but Judith Light is incredibly charismatic and poised in person.

GLAAD_2009_Awards1 copy DSC_0199
Photos: Jeff Goritz

Bryan Batt @ GLAAD Advertising Awards

October 29, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | 2 comments

Bryan Batt at the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising | Photo: PeterLauPhotography.com.

Bryan Batt at the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising | Photo: PeterLauPhotography.com.

Are you excited on being a part of such a highly regarded show?
“We have such a great story line [on “Mad Men”] that reflects what is going on still today. It shows how far we’ve come — people being fired for being gay — but also how far we need to go,” maintains Bryan Batt, who plays a closeted “art director” on the Emmy-winning AMC series.  “Keep on watching “Mad Men” and support GLAAD. ”

*Full disclosure: We saw Bryan approaching the theatre before the show began, but were too chicken to approach him. Later he commented on how much he liked our classic black leather Gucci bamboo-buckle driving shoes — he owns a pair in white. Blush. Bryan is a gentleman on all accounts: he’s funny, stylish, personable and charming overall. He’s practically our new muse.

Jay Manuel on black suits @ GLAAD Advertising Awards

October 29, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | No comments

GLAAD_2009_Awards2 copy

Why is this GLAAD event so important to you?
“First of all I’m a huge supporter of GLAAD,” declared ANTM’s silver fox, Jay Manuel. “But most importantly these awards really do make a difference in the world of advertising — which is where I spent most of my career — including everyone in the GLBT community. It’s so important — especially for all of us. We can stand up and take notice — and that’s important. “

What is one item every gentleman owns?
“Well, the one thing I would hope that every gentleman owns is probably the staple black suit — well tailored!” stipulates Manuel. “Suits aren’t supposed to have room — you’re not supposed to go swimming or sleeping. They’re supposed to be very tailored. My grandfather was a tailor. So I grew up with this mentality — tailored to fit your body.”

What are you wearing?
“I’m wearing Tom Ford. This is a very business chic environment, so I just wore grey and a little pocket square — it’s a little dandy. It’s not quite the night for me to pull out one of my Liberace outfits.”

Photo: Jeff Goritz

Alan Cumming on Jockstraps @ GLAAD Advertising Awards

October 29, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | No comments

Photo: PeterLauPhotography.com

Photo: PeterLauPhotography.com

Why is this event so important to you?
“Advertising is even more important a form that can send both good and bad messages throughout the world,” said Broadway star, Alan Cumming. “So I think it’s very healthy and timely that GLAAD is moving into the advertising world.”

What is one item every gentleman owns?
“A jockstrap,” he suggests without a pause. “I think every man has got to have a jockstrap…. I know I do.”

What are you wearing?
“I’m wearing Gucci suit and shirt. They didn’t’ send a tie. So I’m wearing my own vintage tie.”

David Hawkins Becomes an Activist

October 16, 2009 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | No comments

HN friend David Hawkins wrote a daily dairy of his experience at the National Equality March last week for Advocate.com. He writes about getting teary eyed at the spectacle of marchers:

HN Friends David Hawkins (R), Nathan Manske (M) and Elisa Mason (L)

HN Friends David Hawkins (R), Nathan Menske (M) and Elisa Mason (L)

There were hundreds, thousands of people around me. I realized quickly that this massive line of bodies was much more than that. Until that time, I’d never seen so many gay people in one place.

He also shares this beautiful anecdote:

One of the last images I saw at the rally was of a beautiful family. Two men hand in hand, holding their gorgeous baby boy. If there was any reason to justify my attending the National Equality March, this was it. Not only am I fighting for everyone’s right to love, but I — we are fighting for the love of that child. We are fighting so that he and everyone around him grows up knowing that two daddies are as worthy of parenting a family as straight couples who have always been allowed to marry. We are fighting so that love remains love, and equal really means equal.

We only wish David would share with us what he wouldn’t share with Advocate.com. Mainly the images from inside DC’s Town nightclub.

But the energy in line was lively, and I randomly found some friends who’d also come down to D.C. from Brooklyn. We all waited together, and after an hour we’d finally made it in. Now, let me tell you that Town was FUN! And there’s a reason I didn’t offer any of those smutty images to Advocate.com. I have to save some sense of integrity! And after all, this is supposed to be a story on my experience at the march. Let’s keep our heads out of the gutter.

We live for the gutter, David. Now tell us everything. You told us about the Dads with babies, now tell us about the Daddies and the hot babes. We want to know!!

Ronnie Kroell is from Chicago, IL

October 16, 2009 in Activism, Online by Antonio Cerna | 3 comments

Ronnie_Kroell_Driftwood

Reality TV star, fashion model, and GLBT rights activist, Ronnie Kroell, sat down with I’m From Driftwood’s Nathan Menske about coming out to his mother (or better yet being caught by his mother) in Chicago, having his 78-year-old grandmother defend him, and coming to terms with being gay. Watch the video after the jump and hear more stories at www.ImFromDriftwood.com.

National Equality March/Rally/Party

October 15, 2009 in Activism by hadjalexiou | 2 comments

MAKING NOISE | Attending the Equality March in Washington D.C. this weekend was an exercising the First Amendment right of gays to get loud. H-N made it to the march, the rally, and even the after-party.

march15

As the media has reported, the marchers at the parade were overwhelmingly young—perhaps averaging 22-23 years old. For many older marchers, this young representation was heartwarming.

However, by contrast, the marchers were also overwhelmingly white. While there were other races represented, in a city as non-white as D.C. there was not balanced ratio of different colors.

There was a lot of good moods, smiles, and barely any angry folks. While many people led cheers (some of the memorable ones include “Hey Obama, Yes We Can!” as people marched passed the White House, and the call and response “Tell me what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like!”), just as many people didn’t yell at all. Walking past the White House, I had to ask (in the loudest voice possible), why “nobody was making any noise! Why would you come if you aren’t going to use your voice!”

People laughed, but I wasn’t joking!

Why the National Equality March matters

October 14, 2009 in Activism by B.B. Nichols | 1 comment

Cleve Jones knew that the internet would revolutionize the way that the Equality March was organized, and he was right. It takes but moments to make hundreds of thousands of people aware of any event and then allows you to keep them actively updated and engaged with its progression. Social networks like Facebook are particularly useful for events such as this because they act as both informers and influencers. All month, and particularly all of last week I could see which of my friends were going to the march, how they were getting there, not to mention all the additional activities and parties they planned on attending while there. I couldn’t help but feel like maybe I was missing out.

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” until someone gets gay bashed

March 13, 2008 in Activism by Antonio Cerna | 4 comments

Nima DiavariA very timely thing happened to Nima last weekend. He’s on vacation in Vegas. It’s late. He’s walking back to his hotel. And right then and there–on the neon-lit drag of the self-proclaimed “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Sin City, Glitter Gulch–he gets gay bashed. He doesn’t fight back, but the funny thing is, this same weekend; the whole country is obsessing over brutal killing of a 15-year-old hate crime victim. Yet on that night—only a few hours away from Oxnard, CA—25-year-old Nima is experiencing the same kind of hate speech that precedes a Larry King type of murder. And I’m not convinced that a celebrity filled Logo PSA is the solution.

So while we bloggers are sharing the new LOGO Stop Hate Crime PSA (see below), Nima is living the real thing. Here’s the email he sent to friends. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Nima
Date: 08-mar-2008 13:32
Subject: Las Vegas

I just walked from Krave, which is by Planet Hollywood to the Wynn, which is where I’m staying. I was alone. I was wearing my neon yellow cardigan with no shirt underneath. The top button was undone as were the bottom two. I was wearing a black skull cap, a gold chain on my pants, three necklaces, a gold belt, and my brown, multi-tone, multi-print shoes. This is an outfit I often wear in New York, and according to my dear friend Lane, one that I wear often in LA. Yes, it’s flashy, but hey, this is Las Vegas.