'LGBTQ people notch legal win against Trump's health care rule' & other Thur midday news briefs

LGBTQ advocates notch legal win in fight against Trump health care rule - Good for us! 

 Who’s your Newsmaker of the Year? - I'm an old softie. I would vote for them all.

Supernanny's Jo Frost Discusses Same-Sex Parenting During COVID - Definitely a needed resource. 

'The Boys in the Band' trailer reunites Broadway cast For Netflix film - I don't care how dated it is. I want a happier ending. I refuse to watch until it's rewritten.

Franklin Graham's deluded support of Donald Trump finally leads to a backlash

Franklin Graham

No matter how low Trump stoops, how badly he flails, or what off-the-wall thing he says, he can always count on the support of one person - Franklin Graham.

Graham, who apparently functions with his eyes closed and his fingers stuffed in his ears, not only support Trump, but seems to believe that his reelection will cause God to 'spare America.'

From CBN:

"I think God brought him here for this season, for these four years. I'm just asking that God would spare this country for another four years to give us a little bit more time to do the work before the storm hits. I believe the storm is coming. You're going to see Christians attacked; you're going to see churches close; you're going to see a real hatred expressed toward people of faith. . .God uses men. He works through men and I believe Donald Trump is the president for a reason. I think God has put him in this position. Western civilization as we have known it, he is defending that."

'Congressional candidate raises $100,000 after GOP anti-LGBTQ smear effort' & other Wed midday news briefs

Gina Ortiz Jones

Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones Raises $100,000 After GOP’s Anti-Gay Smear Effort - Way to go, Ms. Jones!

Jacob Blake's Transgender Cousin Responds to Anti-LGBTQ+ Threats - Ignorance and hate is everywhere and is, unfortunately, so easy to partake in.

Meals on heels: San Francisco drag queens deliver amid pandemic - Creative and heartwarming.

These 56 Celebrities Came Out in 2020 - Sweet! I remember when we were lucky to have just one every few years. If at all. And YES! It is still an important thing to do.

M.Signorile: GOP convention speech proved that Trump does not care about LGBTQ people

Don't let him fool you. Donald Trump doesn't care about LGBTQ even when exploiting us for reelection.

When openly gay Trump pick Richard Grenell spoke at last week's Republican National Convention, some folks took it as a sign that Trump was attempting to get LGBTQ support for his faltering campaign. Maybe or maybe not. However, radio show host and long-time gay activist Michelangelo Signorile wrote a piece which disputes any idea that Trump actually care about LGBTQ people.

And Grenell's speech proves it. Not by the speech itself, but by what wasn't said in the speech Grenell didn't say a word about LGBTQ rights.

 An excerpt from Signorile:

. . . if Grenell was set to speak on Trump’s supposed LGBTQ rights achievements, he or someone else decided against it at the last minute. Unlike Black and female speakers who were used to try to soften Trump’s image regarding women and people of color by speaking about Trump supposedly championing their issues, Grenell mostly promoted conspiracy theories about unwarranted surveillance against Trump by President Obama. He also peddled the boilerplate nativist and racist ideas of Trumpism, lauding Trump’s “America First” policies and expressing that he was proud of “being called a nationalist.” 

 But oddly, nowhere in the speech by the man who preposterously championed Trump in the Log Cabin video as the “most pro-gay president in history,” did he state he was gay, let alone say anything about Trump and LGBTQ rights on the stage. This was a far cry from Trump’s 2016 convention, when Peter Thiel, the gay billionaire and Paypal founder, who was used by the RNC to convey an inclusive message, was very clear

The entire piece deserves a reading. And while you're at it, subscribe to the Signorile Report

'Gay man joins anti-LGBTQ group founded by Pat Robertson' & other Tue midday news briefs

Richard Grenell now works for Pat Robertson's group.

Trump’s favorite gay Republican joins anti-LGBTQ group founded by Pat Robertson - Richard Grenell continues to be a backstabber only concerned with his own status.

Cher raises $2 million for Biden at LGBTQ virtual fundraiser - Sweet!

Trump's Press Secretary Repeats Lie That He's Pro-LGBTQ+ - Girlfriend must think we're drunk AND stupid.

Niecy Nash's wedding begins a needed conversation. Black LGBTQ people need to get a word in.

A huge topic on Monday was the news that television star, comedian, and multiple Emmy nominee Niecy Nash came out and announced her marriage to singer Jessica Betts.  To some folks, this is not major news because so many celebrities have publicly come out. However, to many folks it is a big deal because the vast majority of those celebrities are white.

It has caused much conversation and controversy in the black community with folks either congratulating the couple, whining about how could Nash "choose" a woman over a man,  and even making ridiculous comments about Betts' appearance.

But let's ignore the fake Afrocentrics and the idiotic fools determined to psychologically dissect the LGBTQ and black identities. Nash's decision to go public is yet another chance for the conversation to begin in both the LGBTQ and black communities, so I want to spotlight a few videos featuring African-American LGBTQs talking about us. These videos are just a small segment of  the diversity of LGBTQs of color. And it's just my attempt of beginning an accurate conversation which is long overdue.

Unfortunately when conversations about being black or being LGBTQ come up, there are assumptions made by both communities when it comes those of us who encompass both identities. There's not enough listening. Even on this blog. When I post blog entries featuring LGBTQ people of color, they aren't generally popular. And that's a real shame. Too many folks in both communities claim that they want to accept us but they forget that this acceptance includes listening to us.

'NYC must pay $5.9 million to settle after transgender woman's death' & other Mon midday news briefs

New York City will pay $5.9 million to settle suit after transgender woman’s death- Good. get up off the money.

Federal judge: State Department must recognize U.S. citizenship of gay couple’s daughter - Damn skippy! 

The World Is Finally Ready for Trans Musical Genius Glenn Copeland - Sounds promising.

Antigay lawmaker cooks up revenge plot against primary opponent who beat her - A shame and a disgrace.

The Top 10 Most Famous Celebrity Coming Out Moments

As we move into this week which, because of the election in November, promises to be tumultuous, let's enjoy a little history. Two years ago, the site Ms. Mojo came up with a list of the Top 10 Most Famous Celeb Coming Out Moments.

How do you feel about the list and the folks on it two years later? Particularly the top moment? Have there been other celebrity coming out stories more interesting than these?

Four years in 'Trump's America' is enough!

Donald Trump's attempt to blame Joe Biden for his failures as a president creates a first for him. It's the first time he has given someone else credit for HIS work instead of the other way around.

'TX teacher reinstated in spite of complaints about LGBTQ and BLM posters' & other Fri midday news briefs.

A teacher in TX nearly got into trouble because of posters in her virtual classroom.

Teacher reinstated after parents complained about Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ posters - Good. Stand firm.

New Orleans shelter to be ‘forever home’ for homeless trans people - This is wonderful news. And I hope others will follow the lead. 

HHS sued for ending data collection on tribal, LGBTQ youth in foster care - Sock it to them! 

Gay Trump Appointee Grenell Spreads Falsehoods at GOP Convention - 'Gaslighting Grenell' lied his bony white ass off. 

National Republicans Are Ordering Up Attacks On A Democrat’s Sexual Orientation - Nasty is as nasty does.

Video - Donald Trump would not protect America from COVID-19. He doesn't deserve a second term.

On Thursday night, Donald Trump will officially accept the Republican nomination for a second term in the White House. Expectantly, he will lie, distort, and basically conjure up bullsh!t reasons as to why he deserves a second term.  There are so many reasons why he is undeserving, but the one which really should stand out is his failure to protect America from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 A true leader would have made decisive and intelligent moves instead of spotty and incompetent actions. A true leader would have listened to medical experts instead of worry about his re-election. A true leader would have made protecting Americans his first priority instead of rushing to get things supposedly back to normal.  But we don't have a true leader. We have Trump. And he screwed it all up. Forget his speech because the one minute and 16 seconds it takes to watch this video is all you need to know.

'Log Cabin Republicans trying to duplicate Grenell's attempt to gaslight LGBTQ people for Trump' & other Thur midday news briefs

Richard Grenell

Log Cabin’s new project seeks to duplicate success of Grenell video - The gaslighting attempt continues.

Ric Grenell’s Claim Trump Helped Legalize Homosexuality Worldwide Is a Lie, Activists Say - This relates to the above post. 

 GOP resolution condemns org that tracks anti-LGBTQ hate groups with ties to Republican politicians - Another silly and useless attack on SPLC. 

U.S. appeals court sides with transgender student over bathroom access - Just in case you didn't hear, another victory for our community. 

What a second Trump term could mean for LGBTQ people - It wouldn't exactly be nice. It was already hell throughout these years but we gave as good as we were given and actually came out with some surprising victories. Still, it would be better to beat this beast by eliminating the head.

Donald Trump gave LGBTQ Americans lots of broken promises. Anyone telling you different is a liar.

Richard Grenell thinks he can fool LGBTQ Americans into supporting Donald Trump.

On Wednesday night during the Republican National Convention, openly gay former diplomat and Trump pick Richard Grenell is going to make a argument that Trump is pro-gay. It's a continuance of a video in which Grenell anointed Trump as the most pro-gay president in American history.

As proof of this claim, Grenell is no doubt going to pull out some human rights initiative by the Trump Administration which sought to decriminalize homosexuality around the world.   As luck would have it, an article came out in Wednesday's edition of the Daily Beast which said this initiative was nothing more than "smoke and mirrors" and that it accomplished absolutely nothing.

I wish I were surprised.

No matter what Grenell might say, please don't be taken in. Donald Trump is not pro-gay NOR is he pro-LGBTQ. In fact, the method in which Trump has dogged LGBTQ Americans should be considered the epitome of how Trump has dogged America in general.

If there is any group who has been the prime victim of 'Trumpism,' it's LGBTQ Americans. You know what Trumpism is, don't you? It's the art of stabbing people in the back while trying to make them grateful that you're touching them in the first place. Perhaps Trump believes that we are into psychological sadomaschism. Either that or he thinks we're stupid. Or maybe highly forgetful.

LGBTQ Americans are none of those things, especially that last one. We seldom forget when we've been done wrong. It goes along with the measured cynicism we have. It's a quality which we, to paraphrase a line from All About Eve, acquired the day we realized how different we were from other little boys and girls.

And when it comes to four years under the Trump Administration, we not only don't forget. We've been taking notes. Many, many notes.

Allow me to be blunt. Anyone claiming that Donald Trump is even a little bit pro-gay is either delusional or a liar more concerned with his status than with the rights and safety of LGBTQ people. Allow me to be even more blunt. By unashamedly helping to create a false narrative that Trump is pro-gay,  it is obvious that the only community Grenell seems to care about is comprised of only himself and maybe whatever  barely legal twink he has managed to corral for a time. (yeah, I know it's a stereotype, but this is war).

LGBTQ Americans do not forget that while running for office in 2016, Trump sent us this tweet:

Nor do we forget that after he was elected, Donald Trump instead silently declared an unofficial war on us, including the following seen below:

'COVID lockdown has led to depression in LGBTQ people' & other Wed midday news briefs

Coronavirus lockdown has led to depression in LGBTQ people - Yes it has. We really need to be there for each other, y'all.

Nigerian lesbian love film to go online to avoid censorship board - The struggle is real and it's universal, y'all. 

LGBTQ+ Californians Know Kamala Harris, We Know She Will Fight for Us - Amen. 

Jerry Falwell Jr.’s Years of LGBTQ Hypocrisy End With the Splash of a Pool Boy - And another one bites the dust. Junior gives us the karma we were denied with regards to senior.

Trump Jr's girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, becomes the national laughing stock after insane speech at RNC convention

I feel the need to be "gay bitchy" today. That's being bitchy with a severe dash of evil. And Monday night's edition of the Republican National Convention provides so much material.

No matter how the GOP tries to spin it, last night's most memorable moment was the bonkers speech of Kimberly Guilfoyle, former Fox pundit and present girlfriend of Donald Trump, Jr. No doubt she was hoping to give this speech to a packed house. However, COVID put a dent in her plans. Still, girlfriend thought she was a "true diva" and decided to carry on.

She really shouldn't have as this shows:

No doubt when she screamed that the best is yet to come, she was thinking about the increase of pay she will be asking for should Trump get elected. Being Trump Jr's "girlfriend" and a "fundraiser" is obviously hard work.Expensive outfits, good teeth, hair, etc don't pay for themselves. And $15,000 a month simply isn't enough.

But folks decided look at her speech in other ways:

'Republican National Convention features racists, homophobes, and con men' & other Tue midday news briefs

Republican National Convention will feature racists, anti-LGBTQ activists & con men - No shit. But still, let's remember and take in account.

Looking Back at Kellyanne Conway's Anti-LGBTQ+ Rhetoric - Guess who's leaving the Trump Administration because of "family" issues.

 A straight guy confronted anti-gay preachers on the street. They landed him in the hospital. - Be careful, folks. 

Donald Trump is trying to blame Joe Biden for the divided America which 'Trumpism' created - My post from last night deserves another look.

Bonkers preacher (who once said gays stick cellphones up our butts) claims Kamala Harris is trying to recreate Sodom and Gomorrah

Editor's note - When you're done reading this post, check out the post below it - Donald Trump is trying to blame Joe Biden for the divided America which 'Trumpism' created. Both of them prove that we have some screwed up people we need to fight (instead of each other and those wanting to represent our interests.)

 Patrick Wooden Declares That Kamala Harris Is ‘Trying to Turn America Into Sodom and Gomorrah’ - Well that nails it down. I'm REALLY supporting Senator Harris now. A little information about Patrick Wooden:

 Wooden is a preposterously vehement anti-gay activist who has claimed that gay men regularly shove objects such as cellphones, baseball bats, and animals up their anuses and has insisted that by the time gay men reach middle age, they “have to wear a diaper or a butt plug just to be able to contain their bowels” because of “what happens to the male anus.”

 Oh yeah. He naaasty! And a liar.

Donald Trump is trying to blame Joe Biden for the divided America which 'Trumpism' created

 Because he has absolutely no way to justify a second term, Trump is attempting to scare voters. He claims that Democratic nominee Joe Biden will create a violent and divided America. However, the images in this Don Winslow Films video show that Trump has already done just that during the four years we have been cursed to have him in the White House. It's not an easy video to watch but it is necessary for us to remember what we are fighting against. Especially during the Republican National Convention.

'State Dept fighting to deny US citizenship to gay couple's child' & other Mon midday news briefs

State Dept. fighting to deny US citizenship to gay couple's child - The Trump Administration lost but its appealing just to be ugly.

Los Angeles police slam 'callous' witnesses who filmed attack on 3 transgender women - Everything about this situation pisses me off. Let's NOT forget the bastards who stood by and did nothing or laughed when this was going on. 

Chasten Buttigieg gets blunt with Fox News during live interview - Oop! 

Mom asks LGBTQ people to send cards to trans teen left paralyzed after being brutally beaten - Address enclosed. Please do this if you can.

Court rejects anti-gay 'Save Chick-Fil-A' lawsuit

While we await the beginning of the upcoming disastrous nonsense (or as its called by its common name, the 2020 Republican National Convention) here is some recent news which I hope will be considered as sort of a good look charm for the week.

From the San Antonio Current:

A Texas appellate court has rejected a lawsuit against the City of San Antonio by conservative activists angered by council's decision not to allow Chick-fil-A to participate in an airport concessions contract. 

On Wednesday, the Fourth Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's ruling that allowed the suit move forward. The appeals court agreed with the city's argument that law protects it from being retroactively forced to rebid the contract. 

“We’re pleased that the Fourth Court of Appeals has dismissed this suit," City Attorney Andy Segovia said in a statement. "The plaintiffs tried to use the court to advance a political agenda, and we’re glad to see this matter put to rest.” 

The five plaintiffs sued last September after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law prohibiting local governments from discriminating against businesses for their owners' religious beliefs. The plaintiffs argued the decision not to include Chick-fil-A in the contract stemmed from its donations to Christian groups.

Let's hope the rest of the week goes well in general for us all, especially LGBTQ people.