The Gayest Show on New Year's Eve

As a heads up, the gayest countdown show on television tonight will be Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffith on CNN.

Anderson has had a few queenie moments this year (his review of Living Lohan was hysterical), and if anyone can pull it out of him, I suspect it will be Griffith.

Here's the teaser.

Do You Have Character? (Or class?)

Highlights of 2008

The three things I'll remember about this year:

1) Getting slapped in the face with the passing of Prop 8

2) Getting bitched slapped on the other side of my face by a change-touting president elect who invited a hate-monger bigot to give the religious invocation at the inaugural ( so much for change).

3) Saying "I told you so" to all my friends and associates that voted for George Bush in 2000.

Happy New Year, my little pumpkins. Have a fantastic holiday and a safe New Year.

For the New Year: Business As Usual...with Cocktails!

Join LAGLCC as we ring in the New Year, with our First Thursday Mixer of 2009!

When: Thursday, January 8th

Where: OBAR

Address: 8279 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Cost: $5.00 for members. (This is a member only event - Guests are welcome, but must be accompanied by a LAGLCC member)

RSVP to amandagazlay@gmail.com

Payments accepted at the door.

It's Monday, Do You Know Where Your Job Is?

Record lay-offs continue, and I don't know about you, but it's hit a huge majority of my friends out here in Los Angeles.

If you've lost your job in the last few months, hang in there.  This too shall pass and you are NOT alone.

Peace, JD

It's Saturday, Do you Know Where Your Rights Are?

It's Saturday. Do you know where your rights are?

In yesterday's episode of "Idiots That Want to Fucking Take Your Rights Away", the Yes on Prop 8 people in California filed paperwork to overturn the 18,000 gay marriages that occurred this past year, and - to put the cherry on top -hired attorney Ken Starr to lead the charge as their lead attorney.

You might remember Ken Starr as the overzealous prosecutor the Republicans backed to try at- all-costs to remove Bill Clinton from the Presidency. W hat's the difference between a pit bull and Kenneth Starr? One is a homophobe and probably a big ole closet case.



Today is Saturday, and tonight there will be candlelight vigils across the country starting at 5 pm. I encourage you to take time out from whatever you are doing (fighting with relatives, drinking yourself silly, fighting over a sale item at Barney's or Macy's, you know...whatever) to come out for a bit and let our numbers been seen.

You can find out what's going on in your town at www.jointheimpact.com

In Los Angeles, the vigils will happen at Hollywood/Highland and in the Valley at Laurel Canyon and Ventura.

This past week, Obama selected hate-monger Rick Warren from the Saddleback Church in Orange County to speak at the inauguration. This really pissed off LBGT people and pretty much anyone with a brain in their head.

The good news is it's been the furor over this request has been covered on every major news outlet all week including CNN, NBC news, ABC, CBS and MSNBC. Which means you could turn on the news and see the lovely comments this Warren piece-of-shit has been spouting to his "flock". Things like likening homosexuality to pedaphelia, incest and polygamy. Classy, huh?

But on the bright side, at least everyone is getting to see what a bigot this guy really is.

Also, as pointed out in the Rachel Maddow (sigh) Show on Friday, if you go to the Saddleback web site, it's clearly noted that homosexuals are NOT welcome.

Pundits figure Obama is NOT recalling this horrifying mistake because he's more scared of THEM then he is of US. And by "us" I mean, once again, anyone with a brain in their head.

Just as a general note, Obama is doing this probably to court the Evangelicals.  Important to note:  There are other Pastors he could have invited, and not all Evangelicals share these highly bigoted, divisive opinions on LGBT citizens.

Another thing to note is most of Warren's rhetoric can be read nearly word-for-word in the official credos written by the Nazi party against homosexuality in 1930's Germany.  I mean, seriously, word-for-word.

So these protests and vigils are profoundly important. It shows our numbers, keeps our feelings in the news across the U.S. and continues the dialogue about our rights.

The Viacom-run LGBT cable channel LOGO will be covering the vigils all over the country tonight.  Show up and express your opinions if interviewed!

Once again, please take time away from your evening to stop by with friends at any of the vigils. It matters.

California Attorney General Flips for Us

Jerry Brown, the California Attorney General, changed his previous support of Prop 8 to a firm NO on Prop 8 today when he asked the California Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8 on the grounds it removes a constitutional right.

More on this story on the Los Angeles Times blog.

On The Bright Side

Although the announcement by Obama that pastor Rick Warren will speak at the inauguration ceremonies sent shockwaves through the LGBT and liberal communities of this country, on the bright side... this shock and dismay was widely covered in the media over the last two days. Pastor Rick Warren's harmful, hateful and divisive rhetoric was played on all the national and cable news outlets, as well as on local SoCal evening news shows.

This is surely a sign that our voices and concerns are being heard. Rick Warren likes to lecture that we are just 2% of the population, therefore our rights and civil liberties don't matter, but with all this coverage - and the tone of the coverage - it's clear we do matter to a large part of the population who understand separate is not equal.

Please help me in continuing our visibility by taking part in a candlelight vigil in your neighborhood this Saturday evening.

There is information on how to get involved at www.jointheimpact.com


I'll be attending the vigil locally here in the Valley at Laurel Canyon and Venture between 5 - 9 pm. There will also be a vigil at the hugely popular Hollywood and Highlands at the same time. The LOGO network will be covering these vigils all across the country. Show up and be heard. The news will cover this as well, and it's important we have the numbers.

I urge you to take even a 30 minute pitstop on the way to holiday parties and participate. It's also a great thing to bring your straight friends to.

Watch Video: The FUror over Rick Warren pick by Obama

Obama selected conservative Pastor Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration. Warren was a HUGE supporter of Prop 8 and lectured his "flock" adamantly to vote "Yes". With the announcement yesterday, LGBT people in this country got furious fast.

The fury continued on tonight's episode of Anderson Cooper 360 (watch clip below).

It's obvious Rick Warren uses divisive language. "He uses faith to preach fear".

Hilary Rosen really nails this in this clip. Nice to see her really get riled up about this. "

A Lesbian in Paris...the final episode....

An American Lesbian in Paris: Au Revoir!
by Shannon Connolly








Two nights ago, sipping on my third (fourth? fifth?) glass of champagne at a little bar called Flute just down the street from the Arc de Triomphe, I felt for the first time pangs of regret that my four months in Paris were coming to a close. I was sharing the evening with two new friends – the first lesbian couple I had met during my time in Paris, in fact. And also for the first time since I had arrived in Paris, I felt myself wishing the night would just go on and on.


They were the first women I could talk to in person about Proposition 8 since it passed, they were the first people who wanted to exchange coming out stories (be honest, how often do you actually go four full months without telling yours to someone?), they were the first people I could talk to about But I’m a Cheerleader and Loving Annabelle and Bound – in truth, it was the first time I had really felt like myself since my arrival in Paris. When I climbed into a cab at 3:30am, several hours after the metro had closed for the night, I leaned back in the seat and looked out the window, watching Paris at night pass by, and seeing it in a new light.

I was a “tourist” for four months this year. Sure, I technically “lived” in Paris – but my time there was essentially an extended vacation and was broken up by countless other voyages throughout Europe and the UK. But, when I rode home in the cab after my night at Flute, I felt this familiar warm feeling inside – a sort of swelling up with happiness at having spent time with people who understand me, people who live like me, people who are like me. And I realized how unique and special that connection is that we gays and lesbians and transgender people get to feel when we meet one of our own.

Have you ever been a tourist somewhere? Somewhere really far from home? Ok, imagine you are in a foreign country, a place where you walk around knowing you are inherently unlike almost every person around you. And imagine you’ve been there for quite a while now. You are surrounded by people and yet feeling an acute loneliness. And then, walking down the street, you pass someone wearing a sweatshirt with your high school logo on it. Because of that simple thing you have in common, you make an instant connection with this person, this stranger who is like you in a place where you feel so alone.




That is sort of what it is like for us, isn’t it? Finding others like us, in a world where many of us often feel like outsiders in our own families, in our own hometowns, is like finding an old friend in a foreign place.

My night of champagne and stories and laughs with a couple of women like me was just what I needed before I left Paris. I’ve spent a good part of my life feeling like a tourist in a world where I’d really just like to find a few people like me – so, rather than make me sad to leave Paris, that evening only made me appreciate more the life in LA that I am about to return to.



Paris has its charms and its beauty and its attractions, but when my plane touched down in Philadelphia (where I will spend the holidays with my family) last night, I almost cried just knowing that I am one step closer to feeling those warm-and-fuzzy gay connection feelings every day again when I get back to California.

Au revoir Paris!

Get Involved: Post Prop 8

A message from the Young Stonewall Dems and the Jordan/Rustin Coalition:

Stonewall Young Democrats

A message from California Young Democrats:

Young Democrats Wanted!

 
An exciting and rewarding campaign year has ended.  We, as young democrats, have been instrumental in the election of President-elect Barak Obama, numerous congressional races, and noticeable gains the state legislature.  Most of all, by bringing new ideas and a true hope for positive change to the forefront, we have reenergized our Party.  Now is your opportunity to become a part of the party leadership and direct the future of Democrats in California.
On January 10th and 11th Delegates to the State Democratic Central Committee will be elected from each of the 80 Assembly Districts throughout the state. Delegates attend the State Convention and participate in forming the direction of our State Party, electing the officers of the party, and endorsing candidates for office. Not to mention, there are a lot of great hospitality suites at the convention to network with democrats from around the state.  For more information about the delegate elections click here.

CYD is conducting an organized effort to elect young democrats to the state party.  Our goal is that Young Democrats represent 15% of our party. 
 
On December 14th at 11am, CYD will be hosting a web training for members of the California Young Democrats giving an overview of the Democratic Party, an introduction to the delegate selection process, and an overview of Executive Board and Delegate responsibilities.  Crystal Strait, Political Director of the California Democratic Party will join us online to help answer your questions.  We will also be hosting web trainings on Tuesday, December 16th at 6pm and Wednesday, December 17th at 8pm with Crystal Strait but these will be open to all Democrats in California.   

If you are interested in running, please sign-up with us online and we will provide you with all of the necessary information and assistance to help you win!!!  The California Democratic Party deadline to submit an application to run is noon on December 31, 2008.   Here is the application.

All young democrats who submit their information will be enrolled in our web training and receive weekly campaign tips on how to run a successful delegate campaign. Assistance in filling out forms and navigating the red tape will also be available.

As always, feel free to contact me at Ncaston@YoungDems.org or call me at 707-291-3470 with any questions.

Sincerely,
Nick Caston

Parliamentarian
California Young Democrats 

Ellen and Britney Go Caroling

Gay Men's Chorus

Deck the Halls with Parties...parties, parties

Instinct Men of the Year party at the Factory on Friday

SHE LIKES GIRLS 3 dvd release party at East/West on Thursday

Bettie Page dies at 85

Famous pin-up model Bettie Page passed away yesterday at the age of 85. She died from complications from pneumonia compounded by a heart attack.

Page was one of the first Playboy centerfolds and an iconic pin up girl of the 1950's until she became "born again" in 1958.

Lesbian filmmaker Guinevere Turned wrote the screenplay for the 2005 biopic THE NOTORIOUS BETTIE PAGE starring Gretchen Mol.

Here's some video of Page in her hey day.

A Few Ho's From JD

Ho Ho Ho.

That being said, you're invited to my SmokingCocktail.com Holiday Mixer.

As always, empowerment through networking, community involvement and idle gossip.

Watch Video: Jon Stewart and Mike Huckabee on Gay Marriage

She LIkes Girls: Dvd Release Party Thursday in Los Angeles

Your Guide to a Day without A Gay or Gays on Strike!

Tomorrow, December 10th is our official Gay Strike day.

What does that mean?

All LGBT folks and our allies who believe in equal rights should:

1) Call in sick to work or take a vacation day
Unless you work for a lgbt company

2) No spending!
Don't buy ANYTHING unless it's a gay owned business.
I'm sure there are restaurants in your area that are gay owned, so have dinner out!

3) Volunteer
Either volunteer at a local LGBT organization, or even better, get your gay friends together and volunteer for a STRAIGHT organization. Get out there and help your community, schools, seniors and let everyone know a gay for a day!

4) Come Out
I know it's hard for some of you, but maybe today is the day you make that big push and come out to SOMEONE...anyone. Your parents, your corner grocer, your mail man, your boss, your college friends.... just one person if you can.

5) Did I mention don't spend any Money?
Don't spend any money!!!! Unless it's a gay owned business!

What if you're straight? Then have dinner at a gay owned business. Clean out your closet and make a donation to an organization - like Out of the Closet or your local LGBT Center. Volunteer with your gay friends! Or make a donation to Lambda Legal who is going to be going in front of the Supreme Court of California at the beginning of the new year.

What's the point of all this?

Do you need a point? We are a viable community of American citizens, and organizations are trying to take our rights away. This is a show of solidarity. If just a few of you volunteer and talk to straight people, or if your coming-out opens just one person's eyes, it'll matter. Plus it's a great way for you to have respect for yourself by showing that you stand for equal rights and that you are part of this movement. It also continues the show of a unified lgbt people and their allies across the United States who are going to CONTINUE to fight for equal rights for all.

So don't pussy out. Take the day off!

From the press release from the Out And Equal Organization:

December 8, 2008, SAN FRANCISCO - Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, the only nonprofit organization whose sole mission is workplace equality for all people, has thrown its support behind the National Day Without Gay, which will take place on International Human Rights Day, Wednesday, December 10, 2008.

National Day Without Gay is a nation-wide protest in support of human rights and full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. On that day, the LGBT community and its allies will take a historic stance against hatred. Intended as a continuation of the grassroots surge against Proposition 8 across the U.S., National Day Without Gay calls on all people to join in this public action to protest the writing of discrimination into California's highest legal document, the State Constitution.

“We recommend that people use this day as an opportunity to promote awareness in the workplace,” said Selisse Berry, founding executive director of Out & Equal. “There are still no federal laws protecting people from being fired simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. And this is a good opportunity to help change people’s perceptions about the LGBT community.”

Jack Black on Keith Olbermann talking about Prop 8: Watch Video

Ira Glass, Ira Glass, Oh My God Ira Glass

That title was a nod to A CHORUS LINE, if you didn't catch it.

Anyway, last Friday night I attended the Independent Documentary Association (IDA) Awards Night at the Directors Guild. Fabulous event.

The top ten reasons why the IDA Awards rocked:

5. I ran into a bunch of really cool documentary film makers

4. At this event, the fans and paparazzi treat Werner Herzog like it was Britany Spears. No Lie. So great to see.

3. I found out at the former executive director of FRAMELINE: The San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - Michael Lumpkin - has moved to LA and is the IDA's new Executive Director

2. I met Ira Glass

1. Did I mention I met Ira Glass?

Here are the photos, compliments of Brian Putnam of Putnam Photography.

The Post Prop 8 Plan that Works

Last Thursday night, the non profit organization Liberty Hill responded to the loss of the Prop 8 initiative by announcing their plans for Advancing Equality.

Liberty Hill is an organization that raises money then gives it to various non profit organizations in California. Their plan is to provide money and training to grassroots organizations that will work to expand the tolerance of LGBT people in other minority populations.

For more information and further detail on Liberty Hills plans to advance equality, please visit Liberty Hill's Blog on Prop 8




You can also help out Liberty Hill by bidding on this terrific set of tickets to the Dave Koz concert on Ebay!!!

CLICK HERE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY

The auction includes two tickets to Koz's Christmas show in Cerritos, plus a backstage introduction!

The proceeds benefit Liberty Hill.

El Coyote Manager Steps Down

In lgbt boycott news, the manager of trendy, Hollywood staple EL COYOTE restaurant has just stepped down from her position with the family owned business after massive pressure from local LGBT rights advocates.

The 77 year old family owned restaurant is the frequent stomping grounds for local residents who were shocked to hear that manager Marjorie Christoffersen had donated $100 to YES ON PROP 8.  A large majority of their clientele is either LGBT or liberal minded.  A boycott ensued immediately following this disclosure which motivated a press conference where Christoffersen explained her donation was due to her faith and membership in the Mormon Church.  The refusal to apologize or make an equivalent donation to a LGBT rights org at this press conference, motivated all their regular customers to dine and drink elsewhere.

El Coyote has been operating on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles for 77 years and sits in a residential area near the largely gay West Hollywood.  Many of the houses in the surrounding blocks are owned by LGBT folks, who have made the restaurant their neighborhood staple hang out.  It's a family owned business run by matriarch Grace Salisbury.  Marjorie, her daughter, is the only Mormon in the family.

Local residents were shocked that part of the money they spend every week at the restaurant was going to an organization hell-bent (excuse the expression, but only slightly) on taking away the civil liberties of an oppressed minority.  The boycott wasn't so much meant to punish the establishment as it was simply just a very large group of regular customers who felt betrayed and simply chose to eat and drink elsewhere.

A New Lesbian Web Site is Born!

Hello darlings, there's a new girl online, and it's SheWired.com

It's owned by here!, which also owns GayWired.com, Out, The Advocate, Alyson Books and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting right now.

Either way, check it out and if you live in SoCal there will be a fabulous kick-off party this evening at Linda and Michelle's TRUCK STOP at the Here Lounge at 8 pm.

Here's the blurb:

Please join us to celebrate the launch of SheWired.com, the destination for women on the web. SheWired.com features a fresh design and exclusive, informative content spanning such topics as pop culture, politics, travel, health and lifestyle. In addition, SheWired.com introduces a dynamic mix of uncensored blogging and video blogging personalities, including Jill Bennett and Cathy DeBuono.

Join Regent Media along with Jill Bennett and Cathy DeBuono to welcome SheWired.com:

Friday, December 5, 2008
Fuse Event’s “Truck Stop”
Here Lounge
696 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.fuse-events.com

Gift Bags Drink Specials Contests

Tonight - Liberty Hill

Two Great Ways to Support and Enjoy Out LGBT Media Artists

There are two fantastic events happening tonight that both promise to not only be fun, but a great way to support and mingle with out lgbt artists in media.

Print out the flyer for a discounted admission to the Improv, or rsvp to Out @ Warner Brothers since they'll have to reserve you a drive on pass to the lot.

Prop 8 - The Musical, starring Jack Black

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Art for Rights

ANTEBELLUM GALLERY proudly presents- an all-inclusive art exhibition of civil rights & marriage equality for ALL.

On this day all people will present their art, images, performances, and ideas depicting CIVIL RIGHTS & MARRIAGE FOR ALL. ANTEBELLUM invites all to be part of this historic exhibition.

When: opening night- December 6th- 7pm till 10pm

Art, music, live bands, performances, spoken word, videos

Exhibition runs thru December 13th

Antebellum
1643 n Las Palmas ave
Hollywood, CA 90028
323 856-0667
www.antebellum.us.ms

CyberMonday: Don't Kill Anyone, Shop Online

Today is cyberMonday - which means all the online sales and the biggest internet sales day of the year. Ah, consumerism.

Meanwhile, maybe it's Obama's victory, but sales this season are actually up. Personally, I'm shocked, but it does keep our economy going, so keep shopping.

As a reminder, this holiday season remember to support those that support us. Three large companies that support us include Apple, Levi's and Starbucks. So a pair of jeans, a cool shirt, an ipod or new macbook plus a pound of coffee sounds pretty good under a tree.

Meanwhile, click this link to find out where the rest of the sales are today: