'Dreamgirls' Delivers on the Dream

Random observations about 'Dreamgirls' ...



I bought tickets to 'Dreamgirls' three days in advance and put them in my husband's Christmas stocking. On Christmas Day, there we were at the historic Gateway Theater with every other gay man in Fort Lauderdale.



'Dreamgirls' lives up to the hype. The movie feels like a party to which you always wanted to be invited. The sets, costumes, acting and, above all, the music wrap you up like an old-fashioned fur coat (before people came to their senses about fur coats). You don't want to take it off.

'Dreamgirls' is the kind of movie that induces an audience to applaud spontaneously and often.  We clapped at the beginning; we made noise in the middle; and we gave the movie an ovation as the credits rolled.  It was like Broadway without the curtain calls.



It's been said that Beyonce thinks her turn as a lead in the film has been overshadowed by all the Jennifer Hudson fanfare. Beyonce actually does an excellent job in the film. She looks and sounds amazing.



Turns out Jennifer Hudson does overshadow Beyonce -- and everyone else in the film. This is Jennifer's movie. Even among a star-studded cast, she carries the film and you just keep wanting more Jennifer.



I kept thinking how not fat Jennifer Hudson is. I mean, as a size 22-24 (aka 3X) in the early-'80s Broadway role of Effie, Jennifer Holliday was definitely a plus-size gal. Jennifer Hudson is what -- a 14? It struck me that no movie in 2006 would cast a 3x for this role. I guess 14 is the new 3x.

See 'Dreamgirls.' It isn't quite up to the level of greatness of 'Chicago' -- mostly because 'Dreamgirls' takes quite a bit of license in assuming you know what is going on in the storyline and why people are doing what they're doing. It still manages to stay fabulous enough that you easily forgive those transgressions, however.

I have several videos to share for your 'Dreamgirls' edification and enjoyment, including a couple of my favorite lip-synching YouTube fellas already tackling the new classics of the soundtrack.

Enjoy and let me know what you think of the movie.

 

'One Night Only' by Jennifer Hudson




'And I Am Tellin' You' by lip-syncher LittleBigChris. His ending kills. KILLS.




'And I Am Tellin' You' by Jennifer Holliday at the 1982 Tony Awards. The original, baby.




'One Night Only' by lip-syncher WonderRobbie, voiced by Jennifer Hudson




'Listen' by YouTube lip-syncher love4buddha, voiced by Beyonce.



Click here to watch and hear 'Listen' by Beyonce, herself. This song was not part of the original score, but was added to the movie as a vehicle for Beyonce.


Still want more? See trailers, cast interviews and more 'Dreamgirls' videos here.

Tags: Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Gay, Lipsynching, Video

Nude Crepe Maker Photo Report

Planning a New Year's Eve party? Doing anything special?

A couple of weeks ago I told you about a posting on CraigsList asking for a nude crepe maker. It turned out that a friend of mine placed the ad in hopes of adding flair to her gay boyfriend's birthday party.

Well, leave it to her to actually find someone who a) can make crepes, b) is willing to do it naked, and c) actually looks good cooking crepes and wearing nothing but an apron and a smile.

She sent me this photo of the naked chef, along with the following report:

"The exotic crepe maker knew his way around the kitchen and was cooking up the batter on two burners and with both buns exposed. Since he was handling food, he kept on his apron and let the all nude crepe maker helper serve the guests with a playful, "Do you want a long, hot banana?" 
 
The guests were very happy with the good-natured crepe maker and the crepe server -- although a couple of them were utterly distracted and unable to come up with a single answer to the game played in honor of the birthday boy.  The birthday boy didn't care, he had his memories of the beefcake serving him cheesecake and candles."

There's always a way to take your party planning up just a notch to create a beautiful memory for your guests. Got a great story about a party you attended or planned? Let's hear it.

 

Tags: Gay

Is James Bond a Bottom?

Catching up on movies over the holidays, I finally got to see the Bond film this week. That was two days ago, and I'm still hot and bothered.

Daniel Craig is one hottie, no doubt about it. He exudes sex appeal in every scene, looks great in his tailored tuxedos and even better out of them.

If you haven't seen it, make sure you do and try to see it in the theater if you can. It's really the best way to fully appreciate the speedos, tight slacks and rippling everything that Daniel Craig has to offer, though I'm sure there will be plenty of freeze-framing going on in the homes of gay men everywhere when it comes out on DVD.

If you haven't seen writer/blogger Mark Simpson's write-ups on all things Daniel Craig and James Bond, you need to. Simpson, the man who coined the terms "metrosexual" and "sporno" is one of my favorite gay thinkers. His wit, sarcasm, incisive observations and general smartassery about the world never fail to make me think -- and that includes three excellent pieces he wrote about the new Bond. I love seeing Daniel Craig and James Bond through Mark Simpson's eyes. You will too.

"For the first time it’s entirely possible to imagine Bond sleeping with a man – especially if it meant he would get something he wanted. Not least because Craig’s Bond is clearly MI6’s rent boy.

Speaking of which: The main sex scene in the film, and certainly the most explicit, features Craig being tortured in the buff in a rusty dungeon (or is it a back room in a gay leather bar?) by the evil Mr Big who pauses to compliment him on his physique.  Craig sits strapped bollock naked in a rim chair while his (unseen but vividly imagined) blond bollocks are bashed with a big ugly heavy knotted rope.  Although in agony, he appears to actually enjoy the experience and eggs his torturer on: ‘To the righta bit!’  When the rope thwacks his gonads even harder and repeatedly he yells: ‘YESSSSSSSSSSS!’.  All in all, he comes across as a classic Pushy Controlling Bottom." (See 'Bashing Bond’s Blond Bollocks')

Even before he saw the film, Mark Simpson "reviewed" it for OUT magazine, focusing mainly on Craig as the new Bond:

"[The British popular press and Bond fanboys] complain about all sorts of supposed failings, including that he required coaching to handle a gun and play poker, and that he snogged another male on film (as Francis Bacon’s lover in Love Is the Devil and also in Infamous). Apparently, you see, he’s 'not manly enough' to play cinema’s most famous action hero. Essentially, they’ve got their off-white tighty whities in a twist because Bond has gone metrosexual."  (See 'James Bond Comes Out')

In another article, Simpson rates each of the Bond men according to their "gayness, Bondness and shaggability." Sean Connery scores a perfect 10 in all three, while Pierce Brosnan ranks the lowest. Simpson scores Daniel Craig off the chart on his gayness factor: 'Shagging Mr. Bond.'

All that to say "thanks" to Mark Simpson for translating Craig/Bond for a gay audience in a way that entertains and informs. I only disagree with Simpson on two points: 1) Simpson thinks Craig has an ugly face. I don't. I could easily vacation with that face. And 2) I don't think Craig's Bond is a bottom; he's versatile (if there's a God).

For my money, Daniel Craig is the greatest James Bond ever. Like a lot of straight guys today, he knows other men slobber over him and he's cool with it -- likes it, even. He knows beefcake sells and he sells it. Daniel Craig can kiss Toby Jones/Truman Capote in 'Infamous' and go on to be a sex-god James Bond and everyone buys it. He's thoroughly modern, a James Bond for our times.  

 

Tags: James Bond, Casino Royale, Daniel Craig, Gay, Mark Simpson

Remembering President Ford as Gay Rights Supporter

Page One Q reprints an interesting piece today wherein former president Gerald Ford, who died yesterday, voiced his support for gay rights in a 2001 interview with lesbian journalist Deb Price.

"I think they ought to be treated equally. Period," Ford declared. Asked specifically whether gay couples should get the same Social Security, tax and other federal benefits as married couples, he replied, "I don't see why they shouldn't. I think that's a proper goal."

'Flashback 2001 ... Gerald Ford: Treat Gay Couples Equally'

 

Tags: Gerald Ford, Gay Rights

'One Punk Under God' TiVo Alert

In tonight's episode of 'One Punk Under God,' Jay Bakker's strong gay-affirming stance begins to impact the financial health of his Revolution church, and he finds himself debating the nuances of compromise and principle with his childhood friend, also a pastor, following a speaking engagement. 

His wife Amanda decides to pursue her dream of a psychology career, setting her sights on New York University's pre-med program.  While Amanda struggles to complete her application, Jay travels alone to Branson, Missouri to see his famous father, televangelist Jim Bakker, for the first time in two years -- an emotionally charged visit that includes an appearance on Jim's new TV show.

Watch a Clip: 'One Punk Under God', Episode 3

 

'One Punk Under God'
Wednesdays through Jan. 17 at 9:00 PM Eastern
Get Listings, Photos, More at the Sundance Channel

Tags: Gay, One Punk Under God, TV, Sundance

Anderson Cooper Wants to Be Your Miss USA

In talking about the recently disgraced Miss USA Tara Conner, Anderson Cooper ends his CNN report by quoting back, "I'm going to be the best gosh darn Miss USA you've ever seen."

Hey, he said it, not me.  

Tags: Anderson Cooper, Tara Conner, Miss USA

The Best Present Ever

On Boxing Day today, I'm thinking about how Christmas has become simpler at my house. My husband and I don't do it up like we used to. Christmases past had us surrounded by an 11-foot tree that took days to decorate, a stack of presents under the tree that was anything but restrained, and an extravagant Christmas dinner we hosted at our house for our friends and loved ones.

That version of Christmas changed three years ago when we started to flee the cold of the Northeast for sunny weather in Florida over Christmas break, stopped doing a tree and scaled way back on the gifts. I think this is called middle age.

We're actually reconsidering this practice. We kind of miss getting out our 18 years worth of ornaments and having our family of choice at the house on Christmas day, which always included an after-dinner talent show. Those memories are rich ones, and I think we need to continue making them -- and then fly off to Florida the day after Christmas.

Another part of growing older is getting cozy with nostalgia and reflection, which this season has led me to think about gifts from years past and what gift brought me the most joy, meant the most.

I loved the big gift moments from my youth, my first trike (yes, that adorable kid in in the photo above is me), my first banana-seat bike, my first stereo which could hold six stacked LPs. And I loved the more lavish gifts in later years, the little blue box from Tiffany, the cashmere this, the latest electronic that. But my favorite gift of all time was the one that cost nothing.

One year, my husband and I were strapped for cash, and the only way we were going to have the customary pile of presents under the tree was by racking up lots of credit card bills. Not that we hadn't used plastic at Christmas before, but for a variety of different reasons, we decided to do something completely the opposite: We made a pact that we would forgo all store-bought gifts and give each other something that cost nothing.

We toyed with a few options, and landed on the idea that we would each give the other 10 words -- words whose meaning we wished for the other. We left it open how that would be physically implemented, only agreeing that whatever format we chose, each word would be wrapped up in a gift boxso we'd have presents to open.

Both Scott and I approached our word-giving gift idea in much the same manner, which was to embellish each "word gift" in a rather rustic arts-and-crafts assembly of sorts that included some sort of artwork representation and a quotation that related to the word itself. Interestingly, neither one of us duplicated any of the other's words.

When Christmas morning came, it was sort of like Seuss' Who-ville. We both knew there was nothing of any monetary value under the tree, but the spirit of Christmas was there anyway. In other words, "Christmas came just the same."  As we opened our 10 gifts, taking turns, taking time to let the meaning of each word sink in, the whole scene got downright emotional. There may even have been some tears shed, as I recall, and if that soundtrack in my head that is the score to the movie of my life had been audible, you would have heard Judy Garland singing 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love.'

Later that afternoon, we made a little scrapbook of our 20 words and the artwork we'd built for them. That book of sentiment and love, brought about by a down-and-out Christmas with no money, ended up being my A-#1 favorite gift of all time.

Here are a couple of pages from it.

One of Scott's gifts to me: Fun



One of my gifts to Scott: Serenity




Bonus Video
At the risk of anyone thinking I don't ever want extravagant gifts, um, wrong. Take it away Eartha Kitt (1953):

 

Tags: Christmas, Gay

Christmas as a Huge Gay Lounge Act

I know I've been full of superlatives this week with the gayest this and the gayest that. A few days ago I gave you the gayest Christmas video ever. It still is.

But this, THIS, might be the second gayest Christmas video ever. Catherine O'Hara ('Best in Show' etc.) plays a crusty "sweet, sweet nut-cracking" lounge singer, with John Candy imitating Divine on an SCTV special. 

Toss in some fleshy boy backups and weird-ass ice fairy Marcie O'Dette and well, I hate to use the "F" word, but you've got yourself a pretty fabulous and twisted Christmas show.

If you can hold out for eight minutes, the gayest interpretion ever of ''Twas the Night Before Christmas' at the end will tickle your mistletoe f'shizzle.

'The Dusty Towne Sexy Holiday Special' (1981)

Check Out My Other Favorite Christmas Videos:

-- Gayest Christmas Video EVER
-- 'Jingle Bells' Goes Way Gay
-- Way Gay Harry Potter Christmas
-- If Herbie Were Gay
-- 'Charlie Brown Christmas' Gets Scrubbed
-- Christmas Water Sports
-- YouTube Community Choir's '12 Days of Christmas'

 

Tags: Gay, Christmas, Video

My Five-Year-Old Brother Outed Me for Christmas

Brian and Kenny Hill, late 1960s

It's always enlightening to reflect on one's childhood and look for moments that should have tipped a few people off that I, little Kenny, was going to be hugely homosexual. Light-bulb moments and flashbacks of telltale signs constantly drop in on my consciousness. I have one memory to share today in the spirit of Christmas.

There are few better vehicles for outing yourself as a gay-in-the-making than the Christmas list you write up for Santa. What's on it says a lot. I asked for things like watercolor sets, musical instruments and books. If Martha Stewart Living had been around then, I would probably have hoped for the courage to add it to the list, like young Justin did this season on 'Ugly Betty.'

Perhaps more important than what was on the list, however, is what wasn't on it. I didn't ask for trucks, baseball mitts, or footballs. Nothing much typically boyish or butch. Oh, I did want -- and got -- G.I. Joe and Major Matt Mason (sigh) ... probably because I had huge crushes on them.

I was too chicken or too embarrassed to ask for the stuff I really wanted, which included an EZ-Bake Oven and a doll whose hair you could brush (I solved for that by just playing with the girl across the street). It's sad to think that even little gay 7-year-olds know what they're not supposed to want.

But Brian, my baby brother who is two years younger than me, had my number. And in all the wisdom and innocence of a 5- or 6-year-old wanted to help and so he put in a good word to Santa on my behalf. In effect, my brother outed me to Santa.

The photo below is of his actual Christmas list, a document that is now almost 40 years old. Our grandmother stashed away things like this, and it surfaced several years ago, framed, a gift to Brian from Grandma.

What Brian asked for shows him to be the typical young fella he was. His list includes: football, electronic shooting gallery, and trucks among other boyish toys. (I see he also wanted watercolors and pastels -- maybe I was having an influence on him?) But scribbled in the lower right corner were these four  powerful words:

Kenny wants a doll.

Right then, everyone should have known that I was on my way to becoming a big ol' homosexual. They should also have known that my brother Brian -- who asked Santa to bring something for me I couldn't ask for for myself -- would always have my back.



PS: I also love this photo of me with Santa:


He's sort of creepy-looking if you ask me -- and obviously doesn't know how to wear a belt -- but I had a huge crush on Santa my whole life and even had dreams as a teenager (OK, it's still a fantasy) in which Santa and the grown-up me would make sexy-time on Christmas Eve. But that's a whole other flashback.


UPDATE: Readers -- if any of you have a photo that relates to this topic and want to share it, e-mail it to me with a sentence or two and I will post it here.

READER SUBMISSIONS:

From grelef: [This] is a picture of me with my brother playing with our presents on Christmas Eve (we were too greedy to wait for Christmas morning).  My brother has on a complete football uniform complete with shoulder pads and helmet and has adopted a stance that says "don't mess with me m@th*r f#ck*r." I'm standing next to him with my hula hoop and my hips jutting out in four directions all at once as if to say 'eat your heartout Carmen Miranda.'"



From BriGuyF69: Loved your blog post - here's a couple of shots I posted for my blog page. The pic of me and my sister with the Santa was at the South Shore Mall on Long Island.  I seem to remember my father having a fit when my mother brought the picture home. I didn't understand it at the time, but I realized now that the guy in the Santa suit looked more like Hannukah Harry. Apparently this didn't sit well with my dad. The b/w shot is a Diane Arbus, but seemed to suit my blog post. And the other pic is my dog Sunshine, who got sick from eating tinsel. Read all about it: http://blog.myspace.com/brianferrari


Editors Note: Please do read Brian Ferrari's blog post. His poem about the tinsel-eating dog is genius.


From James: [Blank.]  Editor's Note: James sent me this photo without any story or commentary. I guess this is him acting out my aforementioned Santa fantasy.

Tags: Gay, Christmas

'Jingle Bells' Goes Way Gay

In the continued spirit of sharing my 12 favorite holiday videos of the season:

YouTube lipsync king and Worth Repeating favorite WonderRobbie channels Streisand's 'Jingle Bells' from her 1967 album.

I only have one question about the video: Why is this gay man's bedroom such a mess? Robbie -- your gay card could get demerits for this, in case you didn't know.

Now, on to Barbra ...

 

 

Tags: Gay, WonderRobbie, Jingle Bells, Christmas, lipsync, Streisand

Gays Banned from Adopting in China

A report out today says that Chinese officials are planning to exclude gays from other countries from adopting Chinese children.

They are also banning adoption by people who are unmarried, over 50 or obese.

And if you're an overweight 50-something+ gay, you're definitely off the list.

Story: China Moves to Thwart Adoptions (365 Gay)

Gayest Christmas Video Ever -- Uncensored

(No, it's not 'D*ck in a Box')


Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg's 'D*ck in a Box' video from 'SNL' is all the rage on YouTube. Personally, I didn't think it was that clever -- or maybe it was just a little long (the skit, not the gift). It was clever of NBC to release the uncensored version online though, which is what turned it into news.

Here's my gift to you today: The gayest Christmas video ever -- and I do mean EVER -- featuring ultra-camp and naughty innuendo:

Gay Santa Brings Sexy Back (France) (For mature audiences.)




Check Out My Other Favorite Christmas Videos:

-- Way Gay Harry Potter Christmas
-- If Herbie Were Gay
-- 'Charlie Brown Christmas' Gets Scrubbed
-- Christmas Water Sports
-- YouTube Community Choir's '12 Days of Christmas'

-- Main Page: Worth Repeating

Tags: Gay, Santa, Christmas, Andy Samberg, Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live

Reichen Bitch-Slaps Perez Hilton

Former 'Amazing Race' fella Reichen Lehmkuhl (above, right) has had just about enough of gossip blogger Perez Hilton -- and proceeds to give what-for to the queen of mean on his official Reichen MySpace page this week:

Mario Lavendeira (PerezHilton.com) is a Big (blank) Ugly Liar, an Accused Thief and Criminal

All,

From the Horse's Mouth:  Just a friendly reminder that when you read websites like PerezHilton.com, you are reading lies and are being taken advantage of as you make more money for a person who does nothing but fabricate storeis to make his site look interesting...

That anyone would trust someone like Mario Lavendeira (PerezHilton.com) who STEALS from photographers, bloggers, and the general population, is beyond me, really.  This person is a common criminal.  

Contrary to what this ugly wind-bag has reported, I have not broken up with my boyfriend.  I did not go home with anyone from "Survivor" from any party.  I have not "made out with" anyone at a party while I have been with my boyfriend.  The opposite has been written on his site.  It is all a complete and blantant lie.  This person is a liar.  Period.  

My book was done before I ever met Lance.  I do not date people so that I can "use" them.  I'm self-sufficient and happy to be that way.  I have served my country, I have made my own money, my own career, written my own books, bought my own homes and other possesions, and I'm proud to be this way, on my own.  I am not broke.  I am individually financially sound.  I date people because I happen to love them.  Period.

I will only post this once.  This disgusting person and his site makes up blatant lies to create interesting stories.  I am one of this criminal's targets. Understand that.  So know, from here on out, that if you read anything about ME on PerezHilton.com, you are 99.9% sure to be reading a lie or an exagerrated, incorrect version of something that is 0.01% true.  

Merry Christmas Everybody!!

Love, Reichen

This is the sort of bitch-fest director George Cukor could have had a field day with. It's all so Norma Shearer v. Joan Crawford, if you ask me, with Perez being the no-good ho, of course.

Meanwhile, Perez tells an adoring non-suing member of the paparazzi that he doesn't blog-stalk people for the money, he just does it for fun.

Mmmmkaay.

 

Tags: Gay, Reichen Lehmkuhl, Perez Hilton, Gossip

Vote: Queer of the Year

Blogger darling Joe.My.God assembled a cabal of thinking gays last weekend to review and select citizen-nominated names for your consideration as the Queer of the Year.

I really like this list. The nominees are obvious, but not too obvious. I had to look up a couple of them but when I was reminded of their deeds, I thought: "Oh, yeah! Good one."

Who will it be? Add your vote to the mix by clicking here to go over to Joe's site.

Who Is The Queer Of The Year 2006?
	Laurel Hester
	Lane Hudson
	Kim Coco Iwamoto
	Mike Jones
	Rosie O'Donnell
	Soulforce
pollcode.com

Tags: Gay, Joe.My.God, Queer of the Year

A Way Gay 'Harry Potter' Christmas

Harry, Ron and Draco engage in dreamy gay stare-downs -- and a little snogging -- accompanied by The Chipmunks singing their famed Christmas carol.

You can't make this stuff up. Wait ... It *is* made up! Enjoy.

'Harry Potter: Chipmunks Christmas'

Tags: Gay, Harry Potter, Christmas

Christmas Water Sports

And by "water sports" I mean synching up the fabulous water fountains at the Bellagio in Vegas with the incomparable Johnny Mathis singing 'We Need a Little Christmas' -- one of the great Christmas showtunes of all time -- from 'Mame,' one of the gayest holiday shows ever.

 

Tags: Gay

Lance and Reichen Reported Back Together

Because I know their break-up has been tearin' up your heart, you'll be glad to know that it seems Lance and Reichen are reunited:

The former 'NSYNC star and model/author attempted to rekindle their romance during a weekend trip to Hawaii and returned all smiles.

When asked if he was dating Lehmkuhl again, Bass said, "We're happy and we are feeling good." (Story)

I guess God must have spent a little more time on them.

 

'If Herbie Were Gay'

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' meets 'Avenue Q,' by YouTube's lydiechan.

 

Santa Speedo Run

Andy Towle has a set of Christmas-red-hot photos from the Santa Speedo Run in Boston this weekend. If you like that sort of thing.

See: 'Packages Delivered: Boston's Santa Speedo Run'


photo: Patrick Lentz via Towleroad.com

 

N.J. Civil Union Bill Hands Gays Second-Class Status

The public looks on while the New Jersey legislature votes to approve civil unions.


Following a directive from the state's highest court to create marriage rights or the equivalent thereof for gays, the New Jersey legislature passed a bill yesterday legalizing civil unions. The governor is expected to sign it.

"According to the New Jersey bill, two people who enter into a civil union 'shall have all of the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under law, whether they derive from statute, administrative or court rule, public policy, common law or any other source of civil law, as are granted to spouses in a marriage.'" (See Story on CNN)

There's no question that this is a huge win, and that gay people will benefit from the bill in all kinds of real-life ways (hospital visitation, adoption, matters of property, etc.).

It's also a loss. A slap-down. A not-so-subtle message sent to gays that we deserve some rights and protections, but we shouldn't start thinking that, you know, our relationships matter as much as those of REAL married people.

Hetero love = 1st class.
Homo love = 2nd class.

Please step to the back of the bus.

 

'Charlie Brown Christmas' Gets Scrubbed

The cast of 'Scrubs' remakes one of the most beloved television cartoons of all time -- and knocks it out of the park. A must-watch.

A YouTube Community Choir? YouBetcha

The YouTube Community Choir sings a sweet, funny and slightly frightening rendition of  'The Twelve Days of Christmas' led by a super gay elf. And by the way, there are only 12 days until Christmas.

Punk Rocker, Preacher: The Son of Tammy Faye

You know those times when you see the child of famous parents and the incongruity is as high as an elephant's eye?  This is one of those times.

Meet Jay Bakker, son of the infamous televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner. Yes, that's him pictured above -- tattooed, pierced and bearded. Not only that, he's a preacher -- and he is totally affirming of gay people.

Intrigued? You can get to know him even better in a new six-part reality-series, 'One Punk Under God,' which tells the story of how one punk rock-loving preacher man is bucking the evangelical system, building a new kind of church, and making peace with his famous dad and with his mother's failing health. Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey produced, the same team that gave us 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye.'

Jay Bakker's Revolution church flier bills itself with this tag line: "As Christians, we're sorry for being self-righteous, judgmental bastards." 

I think I might like this guy.


Wednesdays, Dec. 13 - Jan. 17 at 9:00 PM Eastern
Get Listings, Photos, More at the Sundance Channel

Click Photo to Watch a Preview:

 

Wanted: Nude Crepe Maker

If you need to make a few extra bucks, and you know how to make crepes, and you don't mind doing it wearing only an apron and a pair of socks for a room full of people, have I got the gig for you.

What really tickles me about this CraigsList ad is ... I know who posted it. She's a swell gal who happens to know what her gay best friend would love for his birthday party. And no, the friend is not me. But I do hope to see the party photos.

 

'Wedding Wars': It's Worth a Watch

Today I'm officially announcing that I'm a sap for sentimental movies. I watched "Wedding Wars' last night, where a gay wedding planner (John Stamos) goes on strike -- and gets thousands of gays nationwide to join him -- to protest the anti-gay marriage stance of his brother/the groom (Eric Dane) and the father of the bride-to-be, who happens to be the governor of Maine (James Brolin).

I actually really enjoyed the film and was teary during most of it. Here's why:

1) Weddings make me cry. Even weddings I've been to where I don't know the bride and groom -- I'm a total mess. If you love to cry at weddings, you'll love it too.

2) Movies where love between brothers is featured make me weep. They make me appreciate how much I love my own brother, who happens to be one of my most favorite people ever. And if the movie has a gay/straight brother thing going on, fuggedaboutit -- I'm an even bigger total mess.

3) Real estate gives me goose bumps. I love movies with great real estate, and while no movie has yet to beat the real-estate-porn of Diane Keaton's house in 'Something's Gotta Give,' this one has it going on, with a special nod to great kitchens.

4) Dykes on Bikes help save the day. Love that.

5) It turned out to be a good movie -- and got a political cynic like me choked up about gay marriage. Although 'Wedding Wars' is a bit TV-movie-of-the-week, it drew me in. I bought it. John Stamos, Eric Dane and even James Brolin were fun to watch. Stereotypes were kept to a minimum, and the family tension rang true. Most of all, I appreciated what the movie had to say, and thought it did a pretty darn good job of saying it.

Stamos' character delivered a thoughtful message in his final speech after ending his strike on behalf of gay marriage:

"In spite of the polls, I want you to know that everyone here, and everyone that supported us around the country, have made a difference. An even bigger difference than anyone could have imagined a few weeks. I sure didn't.

We may have lost the battle, but in my heart, I know one day we will win the war.  We'll win because we're going to keep trying. Because the people and friends and family and co-workers we return to havebeen put on notice that we will not be treated as second-class citizens because of who we love. And if you're not out to all the people in your life who you love, then maybe it's time. Because those who think that gay people are out to destroy the institution of marriage don't know us very well. We do not destroy -- we renovate!

We're going to make marriage stronger, and even more beautiful than ever."

There is a lot of impact to the idea of gays walking off the job all over the country to protest the discrimination we face in not being able to marry the people we love. Can you imagine if that really happened?

Jokes aside about the huge number of hairdressers, decorators and flight attendants who'd go missing, if people really saw the absence of gays they encounter in everyday life -- the bus drivers, carpenters, nurses, store clerks, coaches, UPS men/women and on and on -- it would make people stop and think.

And that's what this movie tries to do. 

It will be re-broadcast this Saturday on A&E. See listings, cast bios, clips and other stuff.

 

An Even Greater Lip-Synch Than the Greatest One Ever?

As I'm soaking up all 'Dream'-y things in anticipation of 'Dreamgirls' opening in 13 days, I was thrilled to find this gem by luv4buddha over at Joe.My.God. (Thanks, Joe.)

I didn't think there was a gay-man-not-in-drag who could out-lip-synch my friend WonderRobbie, whose killer version of 'And I Am Telling You' I featured here recently along with a straight dude's WORST lip-sync ever.

However, luv4buddha definitely gives Robbie a run for his Dreamettes.

It's a close call, but check these two out, then you tell me: Who wins this one?

'And I Am Tellin You' -- by luv4buddha




And Now, the Same Song by WonderRobbie




So?


PS: All my friends are in a titter for the movie opening too, except for Michael who actually blogged this sentence: "I am so not into musicals that I can not even properly identify a song from the show if it jumped up and bit me on the booty..!!" Michael's gay card is under review.

 

Soy Makes You Gay

I often amuse myself by reading WorldNet Daily, an amazing collection of news stories by people who think very, very differently from me. (Read: They're nutcases.) But today, my pals over at People for the American Way beat me to this one and were thoughtful enough to send it to me -- and it's a doozy! 

From People For the American Way:

"Sometimes you just have to marvel at the things published by WorldNetDaily – things such as this column by James Rutz of Megashift Ministries:"

There's a slow poison out there that's severely damaging our children and threatening to tear apart our culture ….

The dangerous food I'm speaking of is soy. Soybean products are feminizing, and they're all over the place. You can hardly escape them anymore...

... Soy is feminizing, and commonly leads to a decrease in the size of the penis, sexual confusion and homosexuality. That's why most of the medical (not socio-spiritual) blame for today's rise in homosexuality must fall upon the rise in soy formula and other soy products. (Most babies are bottle-fed during some part of their infancy, and one-fourth of them are getting soy milk!) Homosexuals often argue that their homosexuality is inborn because "I can't remember a time when I wasn't homosexual." No, homosexuality is always deviant. But now many of them can truthfully say that they can't remember a time when excess estrogen wasn't influencing them.

People For wraps it up: "It is difficult to imagine just what WorldNet Daily’s standard is for rejecting a column or article – but whatever it is, it is apparently set so low that “soy makes you gay” manages to exceed the criteria."

It amuses me that People For even ponders the notion that WorldNet Daily has standards and criteria -- other than, you know, "if it's anti-gay, it's OK!"

I don't really like soy milk, but if it's going to be the new official gay dairy product (penis shrinkage notwithstanding), please excuse me while I go hunt some down.

 

Another Gay Man Hides Behind God's Skirt

Ted Haggard has a friend in Rev. Paul Barnes who tearfully resigned his post this week as head of Grace Chapel, an evangelical church, citing the fact that he too is a huge homo.

Barnes said that he became a Christian at age 17 and thought doing so would help him stop being gay. It didn't. He says he was wracked with confused feelings as an adolescent, but family pressure forced him to suppress who he was, which eventually manifested itself as self-loathing and guilt.

So he became a minister.

Why do these guys do that? And do you think these tragic coming out stories will help stop today's youth from following in their footsteps?

See story: Pastor Resigns Over Homosexuality
Related: Gay and Evangelical, Seeking Paths of Acceptance (New York Times)

John Stamos Plays Gay on 'Wedding Wars'

This is your official TiVo alert for tonight's premiere of 'Wedding Wars.' 

I've read several reviews and they are mostly positive, including this one:

From Proceed at Your Own Risk:

"A&E's upcoming made-for-TV movie Wedding Wars is a silly, whitewashed, absurd fairy tale treatment of one of the most challenging and important issues of our day: same-sex marriage and equal rights for gay Americans.  I mostly watched it because of the two stars: Grey's Anatomy's Eric Dane who takes my breath away (oy, is he built) and John Stamos who I had to see play a gay man. At first I found it trivializing, somewhat insulting and demeaning. And then.

And then I fell in love with 'Wedding Wars.'" (Read the rest.)

Michael over at Best.Gay.Day.Ever. isn't quite as kind:

"I wish I could recommend Wedding Wars without reservation, and criticizing it feels a little bit like saying your best friend’s baby has a big nose, eyes that are too far apart, and is definitely not “Just the c-u-u-test itty bitty thing I have ever seen”.

But even he says he thinks everyone should watch it.

John Stamos -- kissing and dancing with another fella? Like I'm not going to be glued.

Wedding Wars, Monday, Dec 11, 9PM, A&E
See photos, video clips, cast bios and more.

 

Queer of the Year Readers Poll

Query: "Which queer person most advanced the state of the gay rights movement in 2006?"

My blogger buddy Joe.My.God. has taken up the task of asking for nominations for the Queer of the Year.

I haven't nominated anyone yet. I've held back on sending in any of the names I've jotted down thus far because they make me feel either too shallow or too bitchy.

I have confidence, however, that the perfect queer will come to me before the deadline this Friday, December 15, and I will be submitting my nominee before then.

Once the names are in, Joe has assembled a group of gay smarties who are going to pore over the names and come up with a short list of finalists, then we all vote starting December 18. The Queer of the Year will be announced Wednesday, January 3.

Want to nominate someone? Just click over to Joe's blog.

Gay Marriage News (of the Weird)

A week after South Africa saw its first same-sex couple married -- in their game-ranger outfits (pictured above) -- an anti-gay Zimbabwe official has caused a hailstorm of controversy when he taunted members of the South African government, calling them gay in front of 60 delegates.

Jumping on the gay marriage bandwagon, a soap opera in South Africa wasted no time working a same-sex wedding episode into its storyline, though they kept it out of a church and made the ceremony strictly secular, which the pious men over at the Queerty blog took as a bit of a slap:

"Heart-warming. Things would be different if we were producing, to be sure. First of all, we'd not only have a priest, but a leather daddy priest who spoke only in tongues. Then, instead of kissing, the men would fist each other as their respective families looked on in horror. The reception, of course, would be held in a dungeon of inequity and at least one character would be kidnapped by a meth-mad drag queen.

Good thing we don't work in television, huh?"

Um, that would be a "Yes."

Meanwhile, the Canadian Parliament voted to keep gay marriage intact. There's nothing inherently weird about that, it's just that every time I think about gay marriage in Canada my mind always goes to the country's royal anthem of 'God Save the Queen' and I think: there are no coincidences.

And finally, the BritishWeb site Pink News rags on 'American Idol' and 'Dreamgirls' debutante Jennifer Hudson for an anti-gay remark she made, but then forgives her. Pink News then goes on to get giddy about "straight celebs [splitting] while gay marriages thrive." I guess they forgot that it's splits-ville for Lance and Reichen and, oh yeah, Britain's about to usher in its first legal gay divorce.

Can gay versions of crazy-ass wedding toppers be far behind?


photo: apictureperfectwedding.com

Friday Fun: Drag Queens Nail Abba

According to Wikipedia, "Friday" comes from the Old English frigedæg, meaning the day of Frige, the Anglo-Saxon form of Frigga, the Germanic goddess of beauty.

In honor of beauty and in the spirit of TGIF, I give you this bit of fun and fabulosity:

The Abbalicious Girls Do 'Mamma Mia'

A Serial Killer's Gay Factor

You've likely heard about Ronald Dominique by now, the homeless man who was arrested a few days ago on two murder charges and was under suspicion of being a gay serial killer. He has since confessed to killing 23 men. All the murders involved some combination of bondage, strangulation and rape.

I didn't think much about the gay angle other than, hey, probably 10% of serial killers are gay, right? But Rick Reed, one of my favorite pals from my MySpace page is a man who writes scary horror novels about very scary people -- and Rick does think about these things.

In a guest post for CrimeRant.com today, Rick posits some interesting questions about "gay" serial killers:

How does being “gay” fit in with crimes like the ones Dominique allegedly committed? How does being “gay” fit in with the likes of Dahmer, Nielsen, Eyler, and Gacy? Were these men even gay at all, or were deeper, more sadistic tendencies at play…and men just seemed easier to lure into their traps of pain and horror? Or are the killings somehow representative of something else, perhaps a deep-seated self-loathing for being gay? Are the killings, each time, a way of exorcising attractions they deemed unhealthy or immoral?

And the biggest question of all: what about the victims? How could so many be so easily led to their fates?  (Read all of 'Tainted Love: Alleged Serial Killer Ronald J. Dominique')

What do you think? Do any of Rick's questions resonate for you, or are gay serial killers just plain ol' mentally ill in the same way straight serial killers are, and the gay thing is irrelevant?

Also, does the fact that this less-than-average looking man could get 23 guys to let him tie them up make anyone the teensiest bit more nervous about hooking up with strangers for casual sex?

 

 

Mary Cheney Pregnant

The Washington Post reports today that vice-presidential daughter Mary Cheney is expecting a child with her partner Heather Poe.

Grandma and Grandpa are thrilled.

And the religious right? Not so much.

It will be interesting to see if Mary and Heather choose to leave Virginia which has some of the most restrictive laws in the country regarding gay familes. Heather cannot legally co-parent-adopt the child, nor will she have any legal rights or legal relationship whatsoever with their son or daughter since voters passed the virulently anti-gay Marshall/Newman Amendment last month. (Actually, Virginia law already precluded Heather from co-adopting; the Marshall/Newman Amendment was just an extra law added to the Virginia books to make it super-duper clear that queers are not welcome in Virginia.)

UPDATE 12-07-06:

In case you are wondering exactly how much the right wing has their diapers in a wad over the Cheney-Poe baby, People for the American Way has a round-up of the loving ways of our so-called Christian nation:

Media Research Center’s Robert Knight called it “tragic.” Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth called it “immoral.” Concerned Women for America ’s Janice Crouse called it “unconscionable.” What are they talking about? A couple deciding to have a kid. If Vice-President Cheney thought that some of his biggest supporters would congratulate him on a new grandchild – or at least restrain themselves from sending out press releases – he had to be disappointed at the right-wing reaction to his daughter’s pregnancy and her plans to raise the child with her lesbian partner. (Read: Right on Veep's New Grandchild: 'Tragic')

Gay People Say the Darndest Things

Plus: Hear the Entire 'Dreamgirls' Soundtrack FREE on AOL

I'm at lunch with friends on Saturday when one of my pals drops this on the table:

"I don't even care about Christmas this year, I just can't wait for 'Dreamgirls' to open."

Will 'Dreamgirls,' hitting theaters December 25, be this year's most-anticipated movie opening for the gays?

If you can't wait to hear the soundtrack, click on over to AOL Music where we have the entire CD available for your free streaming pleasure*:

Click to Listen:

And if you need a visual fix and some inside scoop this second, here's a video clip of the 'Dream' team talking to 'Extra.'




* Free streaming of 'Dreamgirls' soundtrack on AOL until December 10

No One Lanced, but Lance and Reichen Get Britneyed*

In the year of celeb breakups, it was inevitable that the gays would soon have to get in on the celebrity breakup action, joining Britney and K-Fed, Pamela and Kid, Jude and Sienna, and Reese and Ryan.

Lance Bass and Reichen Lehmkuhl confirmed to PEOPLE magazine yesterday afternoon that they've split up.

Here's What They'll Say: Choice Comments on the Issue from the AOL Gossip Boards:

Reichen Can Do So Much Better....  
Lance is a wimp, Reichen is a total hottie .... Send him my way ... Hehe. - hotabernfitchboy. 

I'll Take Bass  
I'll take bass any day. He seems like a real sweet person and i hope he moves on and finds his real true love. -- mnbagman

Oh What A Shame 
Guess Bass got too jealous....lol.   What things we have to read these days.   Gay's splitting, Rosie showing her butt about Kelly, big boobs and their divorces.   This world has sunk to a new low.    -- janbj462

Lance Bass Breaks Up With Reicaan  
Am i the only one thats kinda sad? I mean some relationships i myself cheer for failure like britney and fed ex but i saw the tyra show today and reican looked really happy. I dont think the whole i;m gay thing was a publisity stunt but why break up the day the tyra show airs? No ones confermed anything yet but if this is true i hope the best for both of them. -- nsyncck87

Who Cares ... 
Everyone knew, years ago, lance was gay, and living in "fairy land".  Why does AOL think this is important!  At least they did not spend "millions of dollars" on their wedding! Next week they will be in bed and in love with another person! -- hotsexyuncle

Re: Lance Bass Boytoy Was On Tyra  
People move on in any type of relationship..you should know that, shame on you! -- sandylp55

Lance
Lanceand Doogie Howser should hook up now -- herostatus

Fudge Packers And The Press  
Why is there facination with boys who take it up the a**? The left wing media and politions have now acheived their goal of making this a normal part of daily society. The fact is that anyone who is gay suffers from some sickness that prevents them from being attracted to the opposite gender. We read this garbage and the press pounds it up our a**es so far that we now want to give them medical, marriage, children, and acceptance......This country is doomed. -- newshirleytemple

Homo Haters Coming Out Of The Wood Work  
Why is it that when ever there is a story that involves a gay person the homo hater bigots come out of the wood work spilling there hatred. Spend your energy on something positive rather then spreading your evil hatred. -- jamey522

"What the hell is a lance bass?" -- conchhorn

Thoughts?

*Britneyed -- Yeah, I just made that up

 

A Gay Take on the 'Dove Evolution' Commercial

When shallow things happen to good people.

Revolution - A Response To 'Dove Evolution'

 

California, Maryland Waiting to Hear Wedding Bells

Gay marriage is back in the headlines. California Assemblyman Mark Leno plans to re-introduce a bill today that would legalize gay marriage in the Golden State. Likening California's present domestic-partner system to "separate but equal accommodations," Leno said, "the idea that we would want to say one group of citizens doesn't love equally, and for that reason we won't grant them a marriage license, is in my opinion not only unfair, unjust and un-American, it's also unconstitutional."

Leno believes that Governor Schwarzenegger is open to reconsidering the bill, which he vetoed only last year. He also believes there is more support than ever for gay marriage. (Read the Story)

Meanwhile, Maryland's highest court will hear arguments today by attorneys representing 17 plaintiffs who filed suit over two years ago charging that a 1973 state law defining marriage as a union only between a man and a woman violates their constitutional rights. Activists on both sides of the issue predict a long battle in Maryland over the issue. (Read the Story)




My friend, writer Julie Enszer had an Op-Ed in the Baltimore Sun yesterday in which she paints a picture of the personal aspects of the Maryland case:

"But one year, we had to think about [how not married we are]. For some unknown reason, I passed out at a restaurant in Michigan when we were dining with friends. I was rushed to the hospital; my partner wasn't allowed to stay with me. We have durable medical power of attorney documents signed, but they were at our home in University Park. (Lesson learned: Travel with them.) Luckily, there were no long-term negative consequences -- I just had to spend five hours alone in an emergency room on Christmas Eve. It could have been worse. Of that, we're always aware.

The consequences of exclusion from marriage for the eight same-sex couples and one widower in Deane and Polyak are much more stark. Immigration, taxation, decision-making in medical crises, rights after death, child custody. Each circumstance is painful, each story heartbreaking. In Maryland, more than 1,000 rights and responsibilities are given to couples as a result of being married. Same-sex couples are excluded from these rights and responsibilities. It has a huge impact on the lives of the 17 people involved in the lawsuit. It has had a huge impact on my life."

Contrasting everyday life with big court decisions, Julie sets her opinion piece amidst holiday preparations and traditions she and her partner of 10 years are wrapped up in at the moment:

"We will cook together, making delicious foods, first for Hanukkah - latkes, blintzes, and soofganiot - and then a big Christmas dinner. I'm lobbying for brisket, but those negotiations are ongoing ...

... On Monday, 17 of us with a few lawyers will ask the Court of Appeals to give us the same rights and responsibilities as our heterosexual married neighbors. My partner and I will look hopefully toward Annapolis and then wait for the judges' decision. Whatever the outcome, we'll continue with our lives: baking holiday cookies, lighting Shabbat candles. One holiday after another. One day after another, until our lives and our relationship are so utterly ordinary that they cannot be denied." (Read the Whole Op-Ed: 'Gay Couples Hope Holidays Bring Gift of Marriage Rights')

Hear Me on XM Radio's 'The Agenda' Tonight

If you have nothing better to do tonight, tune into 'XM Live' at 6:00 Eastern. I'll be a guest on 'The Agenda.'

'The Agenda' is a weekly live talk show hosted by HRC president Joe Solmonese and veteran journalist Mary Breslauer. I'm going on to discuss the latest gay craze that's driving me crazy: Blogging celebrities over the head to get them to come out, and other juicy topics.


Details:
Monday, Dec. 4, 2006
XM Radio, Channel 200
6:00-8:00 PM Eastern

Tonight's Guests:
-- Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post
-- Mark Leno, California State Assemblyman who today introduced a bill to legalize gay marriage in his state
-- Paula Poundstone, lesbian mother of three, is back on tour and she has a new book.
-- Kenneth Hill, the maven of gay content on AOL will be onboard to dish.
-- Marc Gunther, this senior writer for Fortune magazine has a comprehensive piece in the current issue on how the workplace is more welcoming for GLBT employees.

Stars Ask Gay Men to 'Look / Listen / Love / Respect'

Photo: www.loveandrespect.us

The HIV Forum and the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York have launched six new PSA's starring four great women: Susan Sarandon, Whoopie Goldberg, Rosie Perez and Amanda Peet:

Each PSA is its own story. Susan Sarandon talks about “the moment” when a person decides to wear a condom or not. Whoopi Goldberg tells us that love and respect is “cool.” Rosie Perez encourages us to “use a little imagination” in what’s hot. Amanda Peet let’s us know that being a friend means “talking about even the hard stuff.” In all, the PSA speak frankly yet in an affirming way about sex, crystal meth, friendship, risk-taking and love.

The message is to Look, Listen, Love and Respect. It is easy to pretend that our actions won’t have serious consequences in our lives, to ignore the signs that our friends may be sinking into depression or addiction, or to stop respect and loving ourselves when we are confronted by a stressful and negative environment. We want to encourage all gay men to: 

LOOK - Look around you. Get involved with your friends. Care about each other and your partners. Care about the health of your community.

LISTEN - Listen to yourself. Know your sexual limits and honor them. Listen to your partner. Listen to your friends. Get involved with your friends. If you need help, then get help.

LOVE -Love yourself. Wearing a condom means you love yourself. Love your friends, your partners and your community. It is up to us. We can stop HIV.

RESPECT- Respect yourself by protecting yourself and take care of yourself – your physical, emotional and spiritual health.  Respect your partners by talking about HIV. Respect HIV; It is serious disease and it still kills.

Watch the Whole Series from the 'Look/Listen/Love/Respect' Campaign