Category Archives: Gay News US
Gays March in Boston’s St Patricks Parade
Two gay groups participated, ending a two-decade ban
LGBT rights group Boston Pride and OutVets, an organization for gay veterans, joined in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year, as did Mayor Marty Walsh, who opted out last year because it didn’t allow gay groups. No Boston mayor had participated in the parade since 1995, when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Allied War Veterans Council’s ban on participants who identified as gay.
Read more @ TIME
Houston Texas Gayborhood Montrose
After recent shootings and killings in the gay neighborhood MONTROSE, in Houston Texas, locals are fighting back.
The LGBT community has had enough. MyFoxHouston.com reports:
Their signs made the message clear. It’s time to “take back Montrose.” Brad Janacek organized dozens of concerned Montrose residents Friday night to peacefully protest at the intersection of Westheimer and Montrose. They’re asking The Houston Police Department for more police presence in the area. “We’re fed up as a community and I don’t live here anymore because of the crime,” said Janacek. …
Protester Bobby Lowe thinks the LGBTQ community should be worried and not just about these latest violent incidents, but about a perceived uptick in car burglaries and thefts.
“I think it’s about gay people being targeted. They’re coming here for a reason and the reason is because gay people, [criminals] feel like their easier targets,” said Lowe.
Police plan to increase their presence – while most of Houston does not seem to really care and no one has reported on the upswing of shootings, except Fox.
Chef Art Smith 101 Gay Weddings Miami
Food Network’s Ted Allen To Co-host Chef Art Smith’s
#101GayWeddings at The James Royal Palm
Chef Art Smith just announced Food Network’s Chef Ted Allen will co-host his #101 Gay Weddings event on Saturday, February 21, 2015. For the past two years during The South Beach Wine & Food Festival The James Royal Palm has been home to Chef Art Smith’s and friends famous Big Gay Ice Cream Social. Now with the official beginning of gay marriage in the State of Florida, Chef Art is hosting a celebratory party– 101 Gay Weddings.
Couples are encouraged to tweet to @ChefArtSmith will receive a free wedding on February 21st during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival at The James Royal Palm. The big celebrations and all 101 weddings will be performed together in the beautiful James Breezeway. A celebrity minister will be there to officiate at the wedding ceremony.
Famed Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman, star of Food Network’s reality show Ace of Cakes and one of the first to stand up against hate in food, will be creating a one-of-a-kind wedding cake to mark the special occasion. Also, joining the event will be several celebrated Miami chefs and restaurants including:
• Richard Hales, Black Brick
• Giorgio Rapicavoli, Eating House
• Dena Marino, MC Kitchen
• Jamie DaRosa, Tongue & Cheek
• Paula Dasilva, 3030 Ocean
• Rocco Carulli, R House
• Cesar Zapata, The Federal
• Todd Erickson, Haven Lounge
• Half Moon Empanada
The wedding celebration is free to couples who are tying the knot or want to renew their vows, they can bring two families members to the event. An after dance party is being planned with a Celebrity DJ, with all proceeds benefiting local LBGT charities. For more information please visit http://www.jameshotels.com/miami/florida-cookery/sobewff-the-james.
WHEN:
Saturday, February 21, 2015 1 – 4 p.m.
WHERE:
The James Royal Palm
1545 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 604-5700
Alabama Lesbian Couple Seeks Dollars
It is sad that we have to PAY to defend ourselves and what is right. There should be a reimbursement system in place. ALABAMA should be eating these court costs!
“The two women in Mobile are the bravest two women I’ve ever known,” [Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham] said. “They’ve been through a lot, and they will continue to go through a lot, and we can never forget them.”
Todd said Searcy and McKeand have “incurred a great debt over legal fees” in their eight-year fight to have their California marriage recognized. She urged attendees to donate to the couple at their website, IAmAParent.com.
[Living in Limbo Executive Director Lara] Embry said Searcy and McKeand are $40,000 in legal debt “because they fought this fight for a long time in Alabama while we were not considered low-hanging fruit to national organizations who would then pitch in and help with that fight.”
“If you want to send someone a wedding gift, maybe make it honor of Cari and Kim, and make a donation to help them, to help pay for marriage equality in Alabama,” Embry said. “Because they got the bill.”
Visit I AM A PARENT
or the GO FUND ME PAGE
Ru Pauls Drag Race Tour
IT’S ABOUT TO GET REAL BITCHES!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of The Seasons “Condragulations” Tour in a city near YOU, featuring a night of show-stopping performances by the world’s most talented drag performers, including winners and fan favorites from Logo TV’s hit series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Over 40 cities in the US, Canada and Europe. The largest drag tour in history!
Adore Delano, Alaska 5000, Ben Dela Crème, Bianca Del Rio, Courtney Act, Darienne Lake, Detox, Ivy Winters, Jiggly Caliente, Jinkx Monsoon, Manila Luzon, Pandora Boxx, Phi Phi O’Hara, Raja and Sharon Needles. Plus Special Guest Cary NoKey and host Michelle Visage. (Lineup varies by city and is subject to change.)
February 1-April 13, 2015. CHECK CITIES AND TICKETS!
5 Gayest Travel Destinations in the South
Magnolias, creaky porch swings and slow drawls – these are the things we most commonly associate with the South.
But, gay-friendly cities? Not so much.
Many people assume that the entire southern half of the United States is still on the conservative, intolerant end of the cultural spectrum. And while that may be true for some areas, today’s South is much more progressive and open-minded than you probably think.
Here we profile the most gay-friendly cities in the South and show you just how different they are from what you may have thought.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
The Carolinas have some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country, so if you haven’t visited these national treasures, you’d better get moving. And hip cities like Asheville mean that you can get a healthy mix of vibrant city life and natural beauty in one visit. In the same day, you can tour the 250-room, 19th century castle built by George Vanderbilt and hike the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This historic town that sits on a plateau between 2 mountain ranges has everything you’d want: noteworthy architecture, live music, and amazing dining options. The city also boasts their own yearly Pride celebration and a number of gay bars – Asheville is even home to O. Henry’s, the oldest gay bar in the state.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
It should come as no surprise that The Big Easy is also a very easy place for LGBT travelers to feel at home. The city has long been known for its extreme tolerance for people from all walks of life. In fact, legend has it that every year New Orleans becomes home to many tourists who discover, while on vacation, that they’ve never felt more comfortable anywhere else in the world.
This Deep South town is a veritable treasure trove for visitors – the music, the food and the breathtakingly beautiful old European architecture make it feel almost like a foreign country. And the city’s large gay population and thriving gay neighborhood make it an ideal travel destination. The lower end of Bourbon Street has about 10 gay bars and clubs and hosts the annual Southern Decadence Fest every Labor Day weekend. This gay Mardi Gras is not to be missed.
3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Arkansas would certainly not be the first place you think of when you hear “gay friendly,” but this little Southern gem is as open and accepting as they come. It was officially the first city in the state to endorse same-sex marriage and is currently the only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry.
But it’s not just about political claims to fame – Eureka Springs is insanely charming with its windy, hilly roads and stunning Victorian architecture. Basically it takes everything you thought you knew about Arkansas and turns it on its head. And despite the small size of the city, one annual Pride event isn’t nearly enough. They put on 3 different Diversity Weekends every year in the spring, summer and fall, all of which attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.
4. Miami, Florida
If you’ve been putting in overtime at the gym and investing in a fabulous warm-weather wardrobe, it’s probably time that you head to Miami. The Cuban-flavored city seems to be home to a disproportionate amount of beautiful people who know how to dress, eat and party like none other. It’s really an upscale playground for LGBT travelers who are looking to let loose in the sun and in the after-dark scene where that’s all about seeing and being seen.
The city has several cool neighborhoods worth checking out, but if you want to a front row seat for Miami gay culture, make sure to head to South Beach, or SoBe to those in the know. If you tire of the beach, stroll over to nearby Ocean Drive, a super lux open air mall that looks more like a Fashion Week catwalk than the malls you’re familiar with. And keep your eyes peeled for Miami’s own circular pink flamingo symbol that lets visitors know that a business is welcoming of LGBT visitors.
5. Dallas, Texas
As a whole, the state of Texas might not be a haven of open-minded tolerance, but cities like Dallas are essentially oases that go against the normal Texan grain. With the 6th largest LGBT population in the country and The Church of Hope, the biggest gay church in the world, Dallas certainly welcomes travelers of all genders and sexualities. The city also boasts not one, but two gay neighborhoods: Oak Lawn and Bishop Arts District.
Dallas is truly a modern city that has no shortage of great shopping, high-end dining and unique culture. History buffs will want to check out the JFK exhibit at Dealey Plaza; fashion hounds will be in heaven at the Neiman Marcus flagship store; and artsy types will dig the funky Deep Ellum neighborhood full of street art and live music. If this is surprising news to you, it might be time that you checked out Texas for yourself.
It can be easy to dismiss small, Southern cities as stuck-in-time backwaters that shun anyone different, but that’s simply not the reality in many places anymore. But the good news is that as these gay-friendly Southern gems have modernized, they’ve retained the Southern charm and beauty the region is known for.
Politically and culturally progressive cities overflowing with old fashioned charm offer the very best of all possible worlds for gay travelers looking for something new.
Jay Deratany has recently restored a historic Victorian mansion and turned it into The Kirby, a boutique hotel, wine bar and bed and breakfast in Saugatuck Michigan. Not only is he passionate about travel & hospitality, but he’s also is a human rights activist, attorney and movie producer! To learn more, visit The Kirby Hotel and connect with Jay on Google+.
No Reason to NOT Pick up your Dog’s POOP!
Is there anything worse, then walking down the street, minding your
own business, and step in some business! Dog Poop. It stinks and it’s
messy, it’s nasty, there is NO REASON for it and Dog owners need to
take responsibility. (Did you knowrats LOVE it?!)
they don’t bother to pick up their dogs poop! If you own a dog, clean up after it!
The island of Capri (Italy) is going high-tech to deal with an age-old problem: dog
poop.They have solved the problem and more cities are talking about it.
The mayor of the island, located off the coast of Naples, is determined to
rid Capri of the rather distasteful predicament by using DNA testing.
The small island is a large tourist destination and is home to 7,305 people
owning 1,000 dogs. Unfortunately, some of the residents seem unwilling to scoop
up poop. In order to maintain the pristine setting Capri is famous for, the city
is using technology to track down pet owners who befoul the town by leaving
piles of scat behind.
The mayor plans to take advantage of a law that requires dogs to undergo a
blood test for canine diseases. The city will use the blood to perform DNA tests
on puppy excrement and identify the source of the smelly mess.
EVERY dog owner needs these! The BEST Poop bags ever invented!
If your dog poops in Brunete, a small town just west of Madrid, Spain, the city will box it up like a gourmet confection and post it back to you straightaway.
this is the first we’ve heard of a country’s postal service stepping
into the fray by dispatching canine excrement through the mail.
Gay Marriage is Coming to More States!
The Obama administration filed a brief on Thursday in the federal case challenging Proposition 8 urging the Supreme Court to rule that same-sex marriage should be legal in eight more states! This is historic!
Mikeys Late Night Pizza in Columbus Ohio
The Incredible Story of What Happened When Two Gay Men Were Harassed While Waiting for Pizza
my community of Columbus, Ohio. After a fun night out in the Short
North, my friend Ethan and I ventured down the street to a popular pizza
truck called Mikey’s Late Night Slice. Part of the process
for securing an insanely good slice of pizza. It was really cold so
Ethan and I were holding hands and standing close together to keep warm,
we were laughing and joking about all the fun we’d had that night, when
all of the sudden the guy in front of us turns around and tells us to
cut our “gay shit” out.
Almost every single person in that line made it known to him it was not
OK for him to speak to us like that. By happenstance my friend John, who
is also gay, was standing in front of him and as he continued his rant
about being disgusted by us we both let him know that this was our city
too and that we were not about to stand down to his bigoted ideas,
especially not in one of the gayest neighborhoods in town. As he
continued it was actually the straight people in line who spoke up that
were so awesome.
know that his hate speech wouldn’t be tolerated. The best part though
was as he grew more irate and vocal the guys who work the truck stopped
what they were doing and leaned towards the window and told him they
would not serve him because he was spewing hate. They said they support
everyone in our community and that he should get out of line because
they would not be serving him. He begrudgingly got out of line and
walked away escorted by a friend who had been hanging back.”
How Do You Decide Where to Travel To?
How do you decide where you plan to travel to?
Do you like history and culture?
or gay fun?
The University of Tennessee and the University of South Carolina are
conducting research concerning the travel motives and expenditures of
members of the LGBT community.
is estimated that tourism is a $1.3 trillion industry, of which $65
billion is generated by LGBT tourists (CMI, 2011).
continues to be a vast amount of research conducted on the various
motivators that lead people to travel, there are very few studies that
explore LGBT tourists’ motivations.
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND HELP WITH THIS SURVEY!
Hocking Hills State Park Voted BEST Campgroud in USA
The premier website for camping and hiking, Tripleblaze.com, has just released its list of Best Campgrounds in America, and Hocking Hills State Park is now ranked as the #1 campgound in the United States. Located in the heart of Ohio’s stunning Hocking Hills region, the campground beat out hundreds of camping sites across America, including the famed Yosemite National Park, which came in second, and Mt. Rainier National Park, which is ranked #14. Tripleblaze.com uses a specially designed algorithm to rank campsites and determine the popularity of each one. The system accounts for the average ratings, number of reviews and the number of people who have camped or wish they could stay at the campground.
Trailblaze describes Hocking Hills State Park Campground as offering “a variety of recreational opportunities in a splendid natural setting. Towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep hemlock-shaded gorges lure the hiker and naturalist and serve as a backdrop to popular facilities and accommodations.”
Tripleblaze.com is the foremost destination for people to learn about U.S. campgrounds, hiking trails and outdoor recreation gear. The site posts reviews of campgrounds around the country and gives members the ability to post their own reviews of campgrounds they have visited. The top feature of the site is the camp ground and hiking trial ranking system, implemented to give users insight into the parks in the country. It also ranks outdoor gear and hiking trails.
Along with being home to the best campground in the U.S., Hocking Hills is also considered the “canopy tour capital of the Midwest.” Throughout the lush forests of Hocking Hills exists miles of ziplines, giving campers and other visitors a chance to view the area from above. However, Ziplines are just one of the many attractions to the Hocking Hills area. Campers can hike among rugged cliffs, soaring rock faces and roaring waterfalls of Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave or Cedar Falls. Travelers seeking a break from hiking they can go horseback riding, kayaking or rent ATVs to ride through the immense forests. Visitors can also tour the last washboard factory in America, or even learn how to blow glass jewelry from a local artist. No matter what visitors come to do, they will not be disappointed by the thousands of acres of natural scenic beauty of Ohio’s Hocking Hills.
We have told you about the AMAZING B&B we stayed in last year in Hocking Hills. And it is so close to hustle and bustle of the very gay Columbus Ohio you can easily spend time in the whole area.
Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, the Hocking Hills region offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of Admission: FREE activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns. In addition to hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills is the canopy tour capital of the Midwest, with 50 ziplines being offered via three distinct guide services. Unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf, spas and more add to the allure of the Hocking Hills as the perfect place to unplug. Complete traveler information is available www.1800Hocking.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).
Gay Atlanta loses LGBT Bookstore and Coffehouse
The internet is a great thing. I don’t think we could live without it. However, with everything good comes something bad. And because we now have everything at our fingertips, some brick and mortar businesses are closing their doors.
In 1993, Outwrite, Atlanta’s gay and lesbian bookstore and coffeehouse opened.
“In May of 2011 we let our community know about our own financial struggle brought on by long term economic conditions and changes in the book industry. It had finally made the rent at our location unaffordable and our future uncertain.
People rushed in, stepped up, volunteered, and offered incredible levels of support and ideas for new business models that bookstores and other community businesses around the country were adopting. Hundreds would come in weekly and tell us how important Outwrite was – and is. Many spoke of how the location was a symbol of strength and diversity in the city.
But it wasn’t enough. We had run out of time to turn the financial situation around. By the end of January we had to close Outwrite for good, putting 10 employees in our community out of jobs and leaving the most recognizable LGBT community landmark empty.”
READ MORE at GA VOICE
Gay Texas Couple Survive Italian Cruise Ship Disaster
A gay couple from Austin, Texas, were among those who survived the sinking of
the Costa Concordia cruise ship off the coast of Italy over the weekend.
Blake Miller, left, and Steve Garcia. It was both men’s first cruise and Miller’s first time in Europe. They
told the Today show on Sunday they had been to one of the ship’s bars
and were planning on going to another when the ship started to list.
After they went back to their cabin, they heard a horrible scraping
sound. Fortunately the couple had read about the location of the
lifeboats. – See why it is important to pay attention to safety features?!
Read more at Dallas Voice
*The captain of the ship is being
interrogated by prosecutors and a judge will decide on whether to keep
him under arrest for allegedly abandoning the vessel before rescue
efforts ended.
Cptn. Francesco Schettino was ordered by a Coast Guard official to return to the cruise
liner to help with rescue efforts about three hours after the accident,
according to audio of telephone conversations between them posted on
daily Corriere della Sera’s website today.
Schettino didn’t return to the ship and took a taxi on Giglio before
being arrested, media including Sky TG24 said. He is accused of
manslaughter and abandoning the Costa Concordia when passengers were
still on board “since we know he was in the harbor about midnight,”
Francesco Verusio, chief prosecutor in Grosseto, said in a Jan. 15
interview. He is also accused of causing the accident that left at least
six people dead.
OUT IN AC Present Miss’d America Pageant Jan 21-22
What sounds like some saucy entertainment will unfold in
Atlantic City at Harrah’s Resort and at Boardwalk Hall the weekend
of Jan. 21 and 22.
This will be the fourth consecutive year that Caesars
Entertainment Corp., parent company of the Harrah’s, Bally’s,
Caesars and Showboat casinos, has hosted the gay-friendly “Out in
AC” weekend of partying.
Caesars Entertainment has moved up the timing of “Out in AC”
this year to have it coincide with the annual Miss’d America
Pageant, a campy, drag-queen spoof of the straight-laced Miss
America Pageant that made its home in Atlantic City for 84 years
before sashaying off to Las Vegas in 2005.
“Every year, these uniquely tailored events bring in new guests
ready to experience Atlantic City in a whole new open light,” said
Jennifer Weissman, regional vice president of marketing for Caesars
Entertainment. “‘Out in AC’ weekend is all about diversity, pride
and, of course, having a little fun.”
“I absolutely believe that we’re growing our reputation as a
gay-friendly town,” Weissman said.
Other Atlantic City casinos have also staged gay-themed special
events or opened attractions catering to the LGBT market. Trump Taj
Mahal Casino Resort once held gay bingo nights. More recently,
Resorts Casino Hotel hired the Atlantic City gaming industry’s
first LGBT marketing director and also opened the first gay
nightclub inside a casino.
Other Atlantic City casinos have also staged gay-themed special
events or opened attractions catering to the LGBT market. Trump Taj
Mahal Casino Resort once held gay bingo nights. More recently,
Resorts Casino Hotel hired the Atlantic City gaming industry’s
first LGBT marketing director and also opened the first gay
nightclub inside a casino.
MORE information online
BOOK A ROOM NOW with us and SAVE!
La Cage Aux Folles National Tour Dates
New Winner of 3 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is ON THE MOST ‘TOP 10’ LISTS OF ANY MUSICAL THIS SEASON!
With George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber. George Hamilton is everything Hollywood we know and love—dashing, debonair, and full of tenacity as Georges. The talented Tony Nominated Christopher Sieber played Georges on Broadway, opposite Harvey Fierstein. Now he plays the role of Albin/Zaza.
They are joined on stage by Billy Harringtan
Tighe as Jean-Michel, Bernard Burak Sheredy as M. Renaud/M. Dindon,
Cathy Newman as Mme. Dindon/ Mme. Renaud, Jeigh Madjus as Jacob, Gay
Marshall as Jacqueline, Allison Blair McDowell as Anne, Dale Hensley as
Francis, Ashley Kate Adams as Colette, Danny Vaccaro as Tabarro, Matt
Anctil as Angelique, Mark Roland as Hanna, Donald Shorter, Jr. as
Chantal, Trevor Downey as Phaedra, Logan Keslar as Bitelle, Terry Lavell
as Mercedes, Todd Thurston as Male Ensemble (waiter), SuEllen Estey as
Female Ensemble Adult, Todd Lattimore as Male Swing, Christophe
Caballero as Male Swing and Rylyn Juliano as Female Swing.
LA CAGE tells the story of Georges, the
owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner
Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son
brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair,
the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE
is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay
together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to
themselves!
With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a
dynamite cast featuring the “notorious and dangerous Cagelles,” LA CAGE
is an indisputable musical comedy classic… and this extraordinary new
version shows you why!
The national tour launched this past October in Des Moines, IA. We saw the show in Chicago , this past week. It runs through Jan. 1st then off to
St Louis Jan 3-15th.
Washington DC Jan 17-Feb 12th
West Palm Beach, FL Feb 14-19th
Tampa, FL Feb 21st-26th
Naples, FL Feb 28th-March 4th
Wilmington, DE March 6th-11th
Pittsburgh, PA March 13th-18th
Memphis, TN March 20th-25th
Dallas, TX April 10th-22nd
Houston, TX April 24th-May 6th
San Antonio, TX May 8th-13th
Tempe, AZ May 15th-20th
Charlotte, NC May 29th-June 3rd
Orlando, FL June 5th-June 10th
Ft. Lauderdale, FL June 12th – June 24th
Los Angeles, CA July 10th-July 22nd
Costa Mesa, CA July 24th-Aug 5th
MORE DATES AND CITIES To Be Announced! GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
Jack Mackenroth Calendar for Charity!
This AUTOGRAPHED, high-quality, glossy, 15-month calendar is available for sale now! The calendar begins in January 2012 and continues through May 2013. Each month features a different photographer with a very different style. Photographers taking part int the project include Adam Bouska (NOH8), Rick Day, Carsten Fleck, Frank Louis, James Franklin, Karl Giant, Tommy Synnamon, Mattheus Lian, Richard Gerst, Ray John Pila, Sonny Tong, Thomas Evans, Krys Fox and Preston Cros with over 17 amazing images in total. The calendar’s dimensions are 8.5 x 11 inches, and are available online for $14.95 (plus tax and shipping). Please allow 2 weeks for shipping as Jack is signing and shipping them all personally. Please be patient. 100-percent of the proceeds from the calendar will go directly to amfAR, The American Foundation for AIDS Research (www.amfar.org) to help find a cure for AIDS.
OK, so this has nothing to do with Gay Travel or Gay Cities! BUT, it is a very important cause, close to my heart and I wanted to share it with you.
EVERYONE needs a calendar, right? And they make great gifts! And who doesn’t want hottie, model and activist, Jack Mackenroth hanging on their wall?
Mackenroth has been living with the disease for 22 years. As the first television personality since Pedro Zamora to be vocal about his HIV status, Jack Mackenroth has quickly become the most visible, out HIV+ advocate and educator in the country… if not the world. With the release of his 2012 calendar, he hopes to raise both money and awareness for AIDS research, and to show through his photographs that a person living with HIV can be in top physical form, healthy and sexy.
Dallas Gay FundRaising Super Hero Patti Le Plae Safe
Gray described himself as an independent person who can take care of himself, and who also wants to try to help take care of others, too. It’s a philosophy that grew, he said, from his Orange Power, the name he has for his personal spirituality that grew out of a blend of what he saw as the best teachings from more traditional teachings. “I just think of it as this warm, orange glow that surrounds me and protects me, and that makes me want to keep doing the right thing,” Gray said. “That’s what it’s about, really: doing the right thing. Paying it forward. “I watched that movie, Pay It Forward, back when it came out, and it really changed my life,” Gray continued. “That’s what I had always tried to do anyway, but that movie really made me think about it, really made me recommit myself to that.” Gray said he “stopped counting” years ago, but that he estimates that Patti Le Plae Safe, in all her incarnations and at events around the country, has raised “well over $1 million” for charity through the years. But he is also quick to add that it’s not the amount that’s important; what’s important is that he tried.
DALLAS VOICE did a great article this week on Rodd Gray aka Patti Le Plae Safe.
For 25 years now, has lived sort of a double life: By day, he is mild-mannered hair stylist Hott Rodd the Hair God, but by night he transforms into , fundraising super hero! Raising thousands of dollars for AIDS charities, as well as other causes.
PLEASE read the full article at the Dallas Voice. It is very heartwarming, inspirational, and motivational!
Demise of the Gay Neighborhoods? LGBT folks Assimilating More
From the Castro to Chelsea, Greetings From the Gayborhood, celebrates twelve traditionally gay neighborhoods in America, past and present. Featuring archival images along with nostalgic and sometimes kitschy ephemera (bar ads, event programs, matchbooks, flyers, and more) this scrapbook-style collection is the perfect souvenir for where the boys are and were.
Donald F. Reuter has chronicled the evolution of gay neighborhoods in twelve cities—Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC—and studied how gentrification has affected them and their role in the greater community. Greetings From the Gayborhood is a spirited and sexy time capsule that celebrates the history, creativity, and longevity of gay America.
According to the gay-oriented travel guide Damron’s, the number of self-described gay bars and clubs in the U.S. has dropped 13 percent since 2005.
The reason is that as gay people report feeling more accepted by society, many feel less need to self-segregate…but also, there are more of us now!
There was also a recent article on REDISTRICTING and how we will affect that.
I think we will always have gay neighborhoods, but as more and more gays people come out, more and more of us blend and assimilate. WE ARE EVERYWHERE!
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah
On any given day, there are about 1,700 dogs, cats and other animals living at the Best Friends sanctuary, in Kanab UTAH. This is the nation’s largest animal sanctuary. Everything from bunnies and parrots to horses and pigs! They come for special care from shelters and rescue groups all across the country. Many of them just need a few weeks of special care before they’re ready to go to good new homes with loving families.
(The city of Kanab, county seat of Kane County, is often called “Little Hollywood” because of its film-making history over the years.
This town of 4,300 sits at the hub of the southwest’s national parks and offers exciting vacation opportunities year round. Kanab is located seven miles north of the Arizona border on U.S. Alternate 89, and is centrally located between Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM, Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT.)
The animals come to the sanctuary from far and wide. “But once they’re here, we make sure that nothing bad will ever happen to them again.
But there are also those who are the outcasts of society – unwanted, lame, too traumatized by past abuse, or too old, handicapped, or ill. For these lovable, innocent creatures, Best Friends is a unique home and haven. There’s just nothing else like it anywhere. “
PLAN A VISIT, TAKE A TOUR and/or VOLUNTEER!
It’s easy to become a volunteer and takes only a few minutes to sign up. You can volunteer at our beautiful sanctuary in Kanab, Utah; in your community, or right from your own home.
BestFriends.org
Utah Pride Center