Vice President Kamala Harris jetted into Florida Friday to denounce Gov. Ron DeSantis over the state's rewrite of its history curriculum to claim that slaves benefited by gaining valuable life skills from being enslaved. The first Black vice president in American history lambasted the conservative Republican — who is running against former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination — for whitewashing the horrors of slavery as part of his effort to push back against so-called “woke” influence in public education. “They decided middle school students will be taught th…

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Anyone looking to historical precedent for successful prosecutions of a Reconstruction era statute under which Donald Trump is reportedly the being targeted shouldn't have to look far. That's according to new reporting from Lawfare, which notes that federal prosecutors earlier this year secured a conviction under Section 241, a criminal statute that's part of the Ku Klux Klan Act. The report notes that Section 241 prohibits a conspiracy to “injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any…

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Photo courtesy of Byblos Miami

Miami dazzles. It's not a huge exaggeration to say “turquoise waters meet golden sands” and the fantasia of Miami Beach has been the canvas for multiple generations, diasporas and other populations. The locals know how to do luxury, all kinds of it, under-stated, gold-plated, ostentacious, family-style, vida de jet set, or of course your run of the mill “vivir a lo grande” (living large). Whether you're dipping a toe in the Luxury lifestyle or regularly swim in this pool, our guide to an extravagant LGBTQ visit should start you off in the style you'll all too soon grow accustomed to. Miami doesn't aspire. It is there. And now you are too!

Be sure to check out our other areas specific guides linked thorugh this one as there are plenty of other high-end hotels, exceptional dining experiences, glamorous night spots and events among them. We've put out 5 of these posts so far and will wrap them up in the coming days. But first settle into the crème de la crème, the finest things in a Miami life for those who want — or need — the very best. You too can be part of the splendor and grandeur of Miami, for a meal, a day, a week, the r5est of your life. 

Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach

Luxe Sanctuaries: Miami's Premier Hotels for LGBTQ Luxury Travelers

1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH: More than a hotel, this sanctuary is built on luxurious sustainability, wellness, eco and organic practices, with over 600 feet of private beach, and offers 7 locally-sourced dining options. Here, being spoiled means being surrounded by beauty at all times, holistic health and clear blue waters at every turn.

THE SETAI: Beach service with jet skis for rent, a signature spa, three climate-controlled infinity pools, and solar-powered outdoor culinary stations, are all part of an unparalleled, luxury-packed 5-star oceanfront experience with an undivided attention to detail.

Photo courtesy of The Setai Miami Beach

Elevated Experiences: Unforgettable LGBTQ Nights in Miami

JAYA BAR @ THE SETAI: Located in the Setai Hotel, Jaya Bar's mother or pearl bar, Asian twist, and vast selection of Japanese whiskies and crafted spirits, makes it a stunning destination full of old-world glamour. For a decadent treat, try the Gold Martini – made with real gold (and priced accordingly).

SCORE: With top international DJs, and much-anticipated special events throughout the year, SCORE turns 25 this year – firmly positioning it as the #1 gay bar and nightclub, and possibly largest disco ball, in Miami, and the perfect place to dance the night away.

Photo courtesy The Setai Miami Beach

Photo courtesy of South Beach Jazz Festival

Mark Your Calendar: Miami's Premier LGBTQ Event Lineup

SOUTH BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL: Presented by Power Access, with its message and mission of disability awareness throughout the festival, the South Beach Jazz Festival offers 4 days, world-class performances, multiple venues, and free and ticketed events. (January 4-7, 2024)

OUTSHINE FILM FESTIVAL: Cinephiles flock to Outshine Film Festival, with more than 20 years of the best of LGBTQ+ film, and the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festival in Florida. (April)

MIAMI FASHION WEEK: Live shows, social events, all night after-parties, and mingling with other fashionistas at l'Atelier. If that doesn't entice you, did we mention swimwear shows? (November, dates TBA)

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW: An annual must-attend for yachting enthusiasts who's go-to ocean adventure is not a mainstream cruise line, the Miami International Boat Show offers landlocked exhibitions at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and in-water demonstrations at marinas throughout Greater Miami. (February 14-18, 2024)

Photo courtesy Byblos Miami

Culinary Delights: Exquisite Dining Experiences for LGBTQ Foodies in Miami

BYBLOS MIAMI: Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, married to traditional and local ingredients, meet in a stunning Minoan-inspired interior.

KOMODO: With its celebrity following, Southeast Asian flavors and a contemporary vibe, this Brickell neighborhood restaurant offers three levels of indoor/outdoor spaces.

PLNTHOUSE: If you're staying at the 1 Hotel South Beach (open to hotel guests only), this organic plant-based and local organic yummy-ness is not to be missed. Open daily, but closes at 6.

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Shop in Style: The Best Boutiques and Stores for LGBTQ Shoppers in Miami

BRICKELL CITY CENTER: With French candles from Diptyque, Renaissance-era fragrances from Santa Maria Novella in Florence, swimsuits from Vilebrequin, or ultra-luxury watches from Richard Mille, and a lot more… bring the Platinum card. You'll also find fine dining and entertainment in this three story, cosmopolitan, dangerously tempting destination.

WEBSTER: This trendy 3-story boutique sells high-end designer wear in a sunlit art deco venue with a rooftop deck, and curated collections for the best-heeled locals and guests in Miami.

BAL HARBOUR SHOPS: Dubbed “high-fashion heaven,” this shopping destination in swanky Bal Harbour might be just the cure for that itch to indulge, with world-famous designer boutiques.

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Re-find Refined Miami's Art Deco District and Tranquil Botanical Gardens

ART DECO HISTORIC DISTRICT: With over 800 Art Deco buildings in one square mile in South Beach, to best enjoy its significance and highlights, join the Art Deco Walking Tour by the Miami Design Preservation League, led by its knowledgable and always fun docents.

MIAMI BOTANICAL GARDEN: Who doesn't like a good koi pond, and quiet place to get away from more boisterous crowds? Look no further than Miami's Botanical Garden for a peaceful walking meditation, while enjoying heavenly weather year-round.

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Photo courtesy of the GMCVB

Privacy, Serenity, Exclusivity on the Sea and Sand

CHARTERED YACHTS: If you want to venture off the private beach at your hotel, what better way to see Miami and pamper yourself than by roaming the crystal blue waters on a private yacht, even if its rented.

BAL HARBOUR BEACH: A pristine stretch of sand with crystal-clear water and a tranquil atmosphere, Bal Harbour Beach is located one of the most upscale areas in Greater Miami, and an envious change of scenery.

This series of guides is sponsored by the GMCVB, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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Research published in the Journal of Sex Research aimed to determine whether listeners could detect if a man is bisexual from his voice alone. The findings indicate that people are not able to determine if a man identifies as bisexual based on his voice alone. Additionally, when people listened to the voices of gay, straight, and bisexual men, they perceived the bisexual men as the most masculine among all the speakers they heard. Bisexuality is often overlooked in the discourse about sexual orientation, leading to “bisexual erasure,” where bisexuality is often perceived as a phase or an illeg…

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Dog the Bounty Hunter claimed he wasn't serious after making a string of transphobic and threatening remarks about transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. During an appearance on the “Two Guys From Hollywood” podcast, Dog — birth name Duane Chapman — argued that he habitually uses threatening language due to his career as a bounty hunter. Clarifying his personal morals, Dog said that he believed in treating others with “mercy” and “grace,” and if he ever came upon Mulvaney being “attacked by thugs,” he would be willing to die to protect her. Although he made it obvious that he didn't agree with…

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By FabrikaCr / Getty Images There are both good and bad sides to social media. And the LGBTQ+ community is sadly often the target of online hate. Yet, a recent report suggests that some social networks can have a positive impact on the mental health of members of this community. There are both good and bad sides to social media. And the LGBTQ+ community is sadly often the target of online hate. Yet, a recent report suggests that some social networks can have a positive impact on the mental health of members of this community. The findings of this research* by The Trevor Project may sound surpr…

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Barack Obama turned to the Kankakee, Illinois, librarians when he kicked off an effort to push back against book bans earlier this week to support their belief that among their library's 80,000 books, there's something for each reader. “We provide books for everybody on every topic,” said Mary Bass, the Kankakee Public Library's youth services supervisor. “That's what libraries stand for. It's not just one particular worldview. We are here for everyone, and we want them to see that there's space for you.” The library's staff joined the former president in a TikTok video Monday highlighting sev…

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Urban Dictionary, “Gay Water” is “A vodka soda water with lemon or lime. A gay man's perfect gateway to a good buzz and a small waistline.” In a sentence: “Bar goer: “Can I get two gay waters please?”

Sounded like a nice story to get behind today. 

Splash with Gay Water

“Gay Water”, a canned vodka soda brand launches today.  The company release announces:

“For many years, the term ‘gay water' has been known within the queer community as a colloquialism for a vodka soda. As of today, the brand Gay Water officially launches to bring that phrase to the mainstream as one of the first alcoholic beverages founded and grounded in the LGBTQ+ community.”

Gay Water press release

The pitch is cute, making the case for the brand as an already established generic term for vodka sodas in the gay market it seeks to find adoption. To someone without legal training, that sounds a kind of like a good argument for the Trademark office to use when denying one. But, i'm sure it's been covered.

@hoddsuspenders I love drinking so I started @gay water | coming july 14! #gay #smallbusiness ♬ Makeba – Jain

Gay Water: A Lighter Choice

Pitched first as a branding mission that  “creates positive change in the industry” and “sparks joy every time you see and taste it,” Gay Water “also aims to appeal to folks trying to make healthier lifestyle choices, but still want to enjoy alcohol.”

Made of three ingredients, the release says the drink is gluten-free, sugar-free, and has 80 calories with 4% ABV. It is launching with four flavors: watermelon, lime, peach, and grapefruit.

A Look at the Past: LGBTQ+ Beverages

Gay Water is not the first attempted launch of a gay beverage. Not by a long shot. No one i've heard of has ever been literally or figuratively been burned at the stake for starting a business.  That said, It's not a welcoming or easy industry for anyone with 40% of all beverage brands unable to establish a real business
LGBTQ distilleries date back to the 1970s. Pride Beer made a splash 30 years ago, and that wasn't even the first….  Provincetown Brewery has been serving up brews in Massachusetts for the last few years, with a focus on how their beer tastes and the meaningful commitments they've made and lived up to in the community. And there have been many more doing the same. 

Recent Queer-Owned Beverage Launches: A Growing Market

Today there are LGBTQ breweries and distilleries all over the country and the world. Lesbian vitners, Italians making gin from Juniper berries they grow themselves, (In fact here's a list of 6 queer gins and here's another long list of LGBTQ distilleries and another long list. ).

This is good. It means there might be a market.

The rise in queer-owned companies, among them Republic Restorative, Mother Road Brewing Company, Gay Beer, Supergay, Tribini, Kings County Distillery, Dominio de Punctum, Tolago Hard Seltzer, and Flying Panda Specialty Beverage Co are all LGBTQ+ owned beverage companies that have made their mark.

In addition to this growth there has been increased representation at all levels of the beverage industry for decades, it's a topic that is discussed formally and informally, and I'm sure will be relieved to hear this brand is coming to make that all happen. The founder says Gay Water will fill the “distinct lack of LGBTQ+ representation in the alcohol industry”.

“Head Gay In Charge” and How Did This Happen?

@hoddsuspenders lmk #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #couldipullyou ♬ Originalton [Fergie – L.A.LOVE (la la)] – vanessa

Launched by a gay influencer @hoddsuspenders, calls himself “Head Gay in Charge” with 120K followers on TikTok, work experience posting socials for Yahoo corporate and a long list of impressive marketing positions.

He's a Swiftie who does paid posts for skin care, makeup, and condom brands among others. His tiktoks tell the story of how a millenial with no discernable affinity for or experience in the beverage business othr than as a than as a comitted privileged consumer came to launch an innovative vodka soda suite. And that — as i understand it — is the way most independent alcohol brands get launched, though typically with some bartending experience. 

@hoddsuspenders life hack for millennials #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #millennials #getrich #finance #moneyhack ♬ busy doin hot girl ish – Chelsea

@hoddsuspenders silly ppl doing silly things for @gay water | coming july 20! #gay #smallbusiness #gaywater ♬ Rush – Troye Sivan

“More Than Just a Beverage”: A Community Symbol?

More from the press release:  Gay Water is not just a beverage company; it's a brand that “represents the LGBTQ+ community all year round”. The company's mission is to “reclaim the word by making it visible every day and for everyone – at local bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, and in peoples' homes”. 

In 2023, visibility is a bit of a hard sell as your community-impact.  Claims that the mere existence of your product–assuming you get it past the competition for shelf and fridge space and the juggernaut out to scuttle Bud Light ignores you–will somehow destigmatize the word ‘gay' might have been true decades ago. Now? Folks need better. than nonspecific future collaborations with non-profits, better than claims to somehow impact a minor problem with no accounting for how.

Gay Water is diverse. 

Unless i missed something and “diversity” became a joke outside the Supreme Court this strikes me as in poor taste and not gaining much business. 

@hoddsuspenders i wanted to say thank you to all of because YOU made this happen. i was fortunate enough to build an amazing community online and that is the only reason gay water could exist today. check out @gay water | now available!!! ♬ original sound – hoddsuspenders

Marketing Campaign in press kit

I'm assuming this to be an early draft included in the media kit is surely a first version, but it's hard to imagine it making any mainstream impact, let alone “visible every day… at your local bar, restaurant, liquor store, grocery store, and of course, in your own home.” it's a strong indication that this is not for lesbians and not sure how this takes the straight market or the market of adults. It makes me a little nervous that the packaging will attract kids. But i'm sure they've tested that and gotten the right approvals. 

Availability and Pricing: Quenching Thirst Nationwide

Gay Water single flavor packs will contain six 12oz cans for $18.25, and variety packs will contain twelve 12oz cans for $36.50. This works out to approximately $3.04 per can for the single flavor packs and $3.04 per can for the variety packs. Gay Water is available online and at retailers across the US.

There is no bad press. We've been there launching a new product to an audience that wasn't born yesterday and we wish Gay Water all the success it deserves. The pre-canned Vodka Soda market is crowded but also growing, and after the Bud Light pull out we should be wary of supporting companies who are not clear about how deep their real commitment is? Otherwise White Claw.

This isn't the quick short piece i set out to do. A fun, welcome-to-the-market type of thing. I've been an entrepreneur over and over and there are always idiots to tell you that you will fail. I found some  satisfaction in proving them wrong. But they aren't wrong by definition. Many have real information. Read the room.  Do some research. Cull your social. 

I'm humbled by a few memories, including the time we were offered one of the now biggest and most beloved authors to write for us before he broke out. I loved the work but underestimated our audience and didn't think they would “get” it.   Gay Water, we wish you great success. Seriously.

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We know nothing of this case but the one side in the lawsuit as reported by Radar, but those details at least superficially seem to fit two all too familiar stories: The aggressive, arrogance of professional athletes and consensual sex and the impact of the closet and complex traumas forced to stay in the closet. 

In any case, a well-known — to sports fans — basketball player Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers finds himself at the center of a heated assault lawsuit. Leaked explicit text messages shed light on the  details of the alleged assault. The lawsuit, filed by a man Howard met on Instagram, accuses the player of assault and battery, kidnapping, and non-consensual sex.

Former Laker Dwight Howard Sued for Alleged Assault and Battery

In recent developments reported by RadarOnline.com, a man named Stephen Harper has brought suit against a well known — to sports fans — NBA athlete Dwight Howard. Harper alleges multiple charges, including assault and battery, with a specific focus on claims of nonconsensual sexual acts and the participation of a third party.

RadarOnline's perusal of the court documents found the chronology claimed by Harper, begins with him reaching out to Howard on Instagram, using what he describes as a “secondary Instagram account.”  

Howard's Response to Harper in his DMs? Devil Emoji.

Harper says Howard responded by texting him the devil emoji. The two then continued texting, veering towards explicit topics, with Howard ostensibly saying he wanted to see Harper's…uh… explcit images.

When asked who he was, Harper says he revealed his other Instagram account. In the photograph of the alleged messages Howard allegedly messaged:  “Now I want you to know I'm not like gay or anything. I'm jus a lil nasty sometimes. Ion wanna offend you.”

The lawsuit specifies a timeline of interactions between May and July 2021, during which sexually explicit materials were supposedly exchanged. Howard is said to have invited Harper to his residence in Georgia for a sexual encounter on July 19, 2021.

Harper asserts that Howard assured him his son was sleeping and said he would have to leave  before anyone awoke. Before he even arrived at Howard's house, however, in the Uber Howard alledgedly texted to ask how he felt about a three-way with a “dude” or “girl”

40 Minutes of Kissing Alleged Before Turning to ….

Radar reports that the two made out a while in Howard's bedroom. That was consensual, and went for 40 minutes according to Harper. Then Howard brought up the expansive sexy talk again and Harper noticed him texting someone before “Kitty” arrived dressed as a woman.

Howard allegedly encouraged Harper to participate in a threesome with Kitty, even as Harper said he wanted to leave and did persuade him to stay for an extended encounter, which at some point Harper alleges evolved into nonconsensual sexual acts, with Howard performing oral sex on him without his consent.

Howard Allegedly Ignored Multiple “No”s and Got Angry

Initially Harper says Howard rubbed his thigh and stroked his “penis through his underwear”. The basketball star allegedly then ignored Harper saying no both verbally and shaking his head and got angry, allegedly saying he was “going to do whatever” and Harper was “going to like it.”

Radar reports the suit goes on: “Defendant stood up (towering over Mr. Harper), grabbed Mr. Harper by the thighs, forcibly removed Mr. Harper's underwear, held Mr. Harper down, and performed nonconsensual oral sex on Mr. Harper,” the suit read. “Mr. Harper was in fear of imminent bodily harm when he was pinned down and forced to remain in place while Defendant continued to sexually assault him.”

Harper's suit claims feeling violated and humiliated and in shock after the supposed incident.; Harper also mentions trying to depart Howard's residence but being persuaded to accept a ride from Kitty at Howard's behest.

As noted, these are assertions and Howard had remained silent by the time of their report.

In past instances, Howard has denied rumors about his sexual orientation. He is the father of 5 children, each with a different woman. 

More on Towleroad about Dwight Howard and gay athletes

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Washington (AFP) – With superhero movies, video-game adaptations and sequels bombing and getting panned by critics, Hollywood was braced for another disappointing year — until an unheralded thriller about child trafficking upended industry expectations. The surprise hit of the summer, “Sound of Freedom,” has so far earned $85.5 million at North American theaters in just two weeks since its release — roughly six times its $14.5 million budget. Last weekend, it comfortably outpaced pricey blockbusters like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”  With its riveting take on the true story of a …

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Queen Latifah is “surprised” to have been the first female rapper to ever be inducted into the National Recording Registry. The 53-year-old star – whose real name is Dana Elaine Owens – released her debut album ‘All Hail the Queen' in 1989 and in April 2023 it was announced that it would be joining the organisation that recognises records that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States” but admitted that she hasn't really had the chance to think about the achievement just yet. She told ‘Entertainment Tonight': “It's crazy. I …

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Madonna has made a welcome return to social media to update her fans with how she's doing following her ICU dash last month. The 64-year-old singer's hospitalisation happened at the end of June, resulting in the postponement of her 40th anniversary tour. Her manager, Guy Oseary, admitted Madonna had endured “a several day stay in the ICU” after falling victim to “a serious bacterial infection”. She was discharged a few days later and told to rest up at home. Madonna clearly seems to be on the mend and in high spirits after sharing two new selfies less than a month after her initial hospitalisa…

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Demi Lovato “took a while” to come out to her parents because of her family's Christian faith. The ‘Confident' singer – who decided to readopt she/her pronouns because explaining they/them to people was “exhausting” – waited until she was “comfortable” to tell her mother she was bisexual, which was when she was 25, before realising she is pansexual, someone who is attracted to all people, no matter their gender or gender identity. The 30-year-old star told SiriusXM: “I came from a Christian background and grew up queer and didn't tell people until I felt comfortable with it. “It took me until …

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday apologised on behalf of the government for the “horrendous” treatment of LGBT people in the military until they were allowed to serve in the year 2000. “The banning of LGBT people from serving in our armed forces until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state,” the Conservative leader told parliament. “During this time, many have suffered the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic harassment, while courageously serving this country,” he continued. “Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise,” Rishi Sunak sa…

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Kim Petras cries when she meets her trans fans. The ‘Heart to Break' singer, 25, underwent gender confirmation surgery at the age of 16, making her one of the youngest people to undergo the process, and says she is moved to tears when others look up to her. She told Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1: “I've cried so many times when I meet young trans kids and they look up to me, and I just know that that means the world to them and so that makes it worth it, for sure.” Kim added about being accepted by music royalty including Madonna, 64, who mouthed to her “go get it b****” when she this year became …

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By Ishaan Bhattacharya There has been a recent rise in hate towards people that identify with other sexualities, as LGBTQ+ individuals have been dealing with outward aggression against them. Charles Barkley is not afraid to take a political stance and he emphatically declared his support for LGBTQ+ people, attacking the homophobic boycott of Bud Light. He used some strong words to illustrate his point, calling homophobes ‘a**holes'. “All you rednecks or a**holes who don't want to drink Bud Light… f**k y'all.” The video features a similar message from Barkley's recent viral moment, unabashed su…

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By Daniel Kline Anheuser-Busch Chief Executive Michel Doukeris has been in damage-control mode since the company decided to partner with the transgender social-media influencer Dylan Mulvaney. That deal — which was not a major promotion — blew up in the company's face, leading to boycotts of its products. Bud Light, a brand led at the time by Vice President Alissa Heinerscheid, sent Mulvaney cans of the beer with her face on them to celebrate her first year living as a woman. That was a calculated business arrangement for the transgender influencer to promote the beer — which was then the t…

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By Daniel Kline Donald Trump didn't create the idea of us versus them in politics, but he embraced it with whole heart. The former president positioned himself as a political avenger protecting his fans (not the citizens as a group) against what he saw as the enemy. Those enemies might be people trying to cross the border or companies espousing values that Trump considered contrary to his world view. His style been embraced by right-wing media and a new generation of political candidates including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. DON'T MISS: Anheuser-Busch CEO Pushes Back …

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Illustration created by generative AI with editorial input. 

Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, took center stage in the ongoing sexual assault trial of actor Kevin Spacey. The renowned singer-songwriter and his partner provided crucial testimony via video link from Monaco, shedding light on Spacey's alleged misconduct. As the trial unfolds, their involvement has become a focal point, further highlighting the high-profile nature of the case and the gravity of the charges against Spacey.

During his testimony, Elton John was questioned about Spacey's attendance at a charity gala ball, “White Ties and Tiaras” held at his Windsor home. One of the complainants claimed that Spacey assaulted him while driving the actor to the event in either 2004 or 2005.

John confirmed that Spacey had indeed attended the gala and stayed at his home afterward but could not recall any subsequent visits. In an intriguing remark, John mentioned his post-performance routine, stating, “When I come out of the theatre, it's always a mad rush to get into the car. Anyone who is on my periphery, I wouldn't notice them. It could be the Queen, and I wouldn't notice her,” according to CBS News

David Furnish, John's husband, also gave testimony, recalling his interactions with one of the alleged victims. Furnish described the individual as having a “cheeky smile” and noted their playful banter. Both John and Furnish's testimonies provide insight into the events surrounding the alleged assaults, allowing the court to consider crucial details that may impact the outcome of the trial.

Imagine: young men with “cheeky smiles” engaged in “playful banter” at a White Ties and Tiara party. 
Created by generative AI from few details

A Spotlight on Elton John and David Furnish's Impactful Testimony

Elton John and David Furnish's testimonies have cast an even bigger spotlight on the ongoing trial of Kevin Spacey. As major figures in the entertainment industry, their accounts might carry weight and influence public perception of the case. Alternately, the association could tarnish the fine reputations they have in place. 

Elton John's confirmation of Spacey's presence at the charity gala and stay at his home establishes a timeline that could be crucial to the case. Meanwhile, David Furnish's recollections of his interactions with one of the alleged victims shed light on their character and dynamics, providing additional context for the court.

Unveiling Serious Allegations: How Elton John and David Furnish's Testimony Shaped the Trial

These testimonies have unveiled serious allegations against Kevin Spacey, painting a disturbing picture of aggressive sexual behavior and assault, with specific incidents described by the alleged victims. One said Spacey grabbing his crotch “like a cobra” at a London event. Another accused the actor of assaulting him in a car, nearly causing an accident.

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Originally published by The 19th

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Miss Major Griffin-Gracy wants to light a fire that calls transgender people to action. Now over 80 years old, the legendary trans activist has left Little Rock, Arkansas, her adopted hometown, to spread the word with trans people in New York City, Washington, D.C., and beyond: They need to wake up, stand up and realize just how perilous the current political moment is. 

As a rule, Miss Major hates traveling. She relies on motorized scooters or wheelchairs to get around, and the journey has already taken a toll. She took an Uber from Baltimore to New York City because of a diverted flight, and had to sit waiting in a bathroom stall for 20 minutes while her assistant found a wheelchair, when no other accommodations or help could be found at an Amtrak station on the way to Washington. But still, she pressed on.

“It's just the beginning,” she told The 19th during an interview in her Washington hotel room. For her, the message that she needs to share is more important than the journey it will take to tell it. 

Seventy-seven anti-LGBTQ+ bills have passed into law this year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. She doesn't remember which one fueled her decision in late June to leave home, but she knows that she couldn't take it anymore. 

“I said, ‘Oh God, another law, they're out to get us.' And I went to bed, I couldn't sleep. I got up. I walked around the house, I sat down. And I said, ‘Well, this has fucked up my Fourth of July,'” she said. “And that's when I decided, well, someone's got to do something. And then it dawned on me, well, no one's going to do it but me.” 

On Thursday, she met with transgender community figures and activists in Washington on the second leg of her tour. The group conversation, and rare intimate gathering with Miss Major, took place at As You Are, a local queer bar. She sat underneath the bar's tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, whose constant refrain is captured in glowing green neon on the wall: “Pay It No Mind.” 

As she spoke, Black transgender women from her own generation looked on, as did young trans activists dressed down for a scorching summer day. The bar's owners — local fixtures in queer D.C. who have hosted most drag performers in the city as well as Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg — had brought everyone in soon after opening for the day. 

“We have the nerve to drive the conversation … when we're somewhere, we change that space forever,” she told them. “Just walk in and you change it, just by being there. And you will.” 

Miss Major fought back at the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City, at another gay bar in a different time. She wants people to know: That history is not far away. She sees efforts to restrict trans rights in the states, as well as rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights nationwide as seen in the Supreme Court ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, as part of a greater effort to force transgender people back into the 1950s. 

“I'm not going back,” she told The 19th. “These kids don't know what it was like then, what we had to go through, how we had to fight. Somebody's gotta light a fire under their ass and get them up and going.” She urged those gathered on Thursday to unite and take care of each other, to have each other's backs in the face of growing violence — because, she said, in the end, nobody else will. 

“Don't be complacent now,” she told the group. “Don't step back and be in the shadows … you've got to do it. You've got to, because I can't do it alone. And I decided to come around and let you know, you've got to stand up and you've got to move on this. We can't afford to not move.” 

The largest share of anti-LGBTQ+ laws passed this year aim to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth and restrict how LGBTQ+ subjects are taught in schools. Republicans in Congress have pushed the same legislation, although it currently can't pass a Democrat-controlled Senate. In Florida, transgender adults face mounting health care restrictions. 

Violence against transgender people and shootings targeting LGBTQ+ spaces have been on the rise, and ahead of the 2024 presidential election, most major Republican candidates have explicitly endorsed anti-LGBTQ+ views. 

Many transgender people across the country are living in a culture of fear — worried about access to health care and whether they will be safe in a time of rising anti-trans political rhetoric. But they cannot stay behind the scenes and hide, Miss Major urged. They have to join together. 

After Miss Major spoke to the crowd at the bar, a line formed to talk with her. Most knelt to speak on eye-level with her from where she sat, and she clasped their hands. For a few, it was a reunion — they had met her once before, or she had given them advice, mentorship. For others, this was their chance to meet one of the giants of transgender history, a woman that so many feel like they stand on the shoulders of. 

This was that opportunity for SaVanna Wanzer, who has been working to support trans people around D.C. for decades. Wanzer, a 61-year-old Black trans woman, is a prominent trans elder in her own right. She founded Capital Trans Pride in D.C. — a response to the capital city's gay Pride celebrations that aims to educate and empower trans people. 

“This was a special moment for me to meet royalty. Trans royalty. That's what it is,” she said. 

Bahsha Glass, another Black trans woman in her 60s in the crowd, said she felt overjoyed to be part of the moment — and to take away some of Miss Major's experience, and her hope. 

“I think that her visit here, at least to me, it just means so much because of what the transgender community is going through,” she said. “I look around and I see, as a Black transgender woman, I just see so many doors being closed. Doors that had been opened, being closed. It doesn't make sense. It's not fair,” Glass said. 

What especially infuriates her is watching school shootings continue to rise — and that politicians would rather spend time legislating the rights of LGBTQ+ people than to address gun violence. That is an emergency that actually needs to be addressed, she said, not kids being read to by drag queens or what transgender people are doing. 

Gabrielle Thomas understood what Miss Major meant by her call against complacency, especially for the younger generation — who, thanks to sacrifices made by their elders, have had more opportunities to be themselves, to live their lives and may not know how bad things can truly get. 

“I don't think they're complacent in the fight. I think that they don't see the fight,” she said. The younger generation is in some ways naive to the rights that people want to take away from them, because they've always had them — but the more that they learn about what's happening, she believes that more trans people will come together to act. 

“I think when more people like Miss Major come out and talk about things that happened to them in the past and show them what it was like in the past, then I think that more of the young people will be able to know the possibilities of the things that could happen, if we allow them to do this,” she said. 

Thomas, a 66-year-old Black trans woman, is the director of Shugg's Place in Washington, which connects trans and gender-nonconforming people to job coaching and social services. She said she felt totally seen by Miss Major as they met, as if she were connected with someone who shared her same vision about life and experiences. 

Miss Major wants everyone who joined her at As You Are to take the message with them to their other trans friends, to motivate each other. 

“I want them to take it from there and tell somebody that they're with, tell another trans person, that it's time to stop moping about this stuff, and don't hide this time. We've got to stand up and fight,” she said. 

Miss Major took her vision to the White House on Thursday, in a sit-down meeting with Hannah Bristol, senior advisor for the office of public management, and Jamie Keene, deputy director of racial and economic justice. She sat with them for about an hour and a half. At the meeting, organized by the National Center for Transgender Equality, she told them about how transgender people are hurting, trans women are being killed, and action needs to be taken. 

“I told them that they have to do something. And so they listed what they're doing and stuff like that, and they can't concentrate on us per se, trans people. They have to generalize stuff, which I don't believe,” she said. 

The White House perspective was that it is difficult to target resources for a specific group as they're building programs for LGBTQ+ people, especially since doing so can incur backlash from the administration's political opposition, said Devon Ojeda, senior national organizer for the National Center for Transgender Equality, who also attended the White House meeting. 

Ojeda said they understand that view, since they are familiar with the kind of hateful rhetoric that is reserved for organizations fighting for transgender rights — and knows that it creates a target. But the White House needs to listen to more trans-led organizations, not just those serving the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, they said. 

“Quite frankly, President Biden and the Biden administration has been the most progressive in terms of trans rights, historically. I just think there's a lot that is going on, a lot of chaos that is happening,” they said. “We're trying to get them to listen more.” 

The White House officials sought insights from Miss Major on how they can reach more trans people to share resources and information from the administration, said Ojeda, who organized Miss Major's appearance at the As You Are bar. They wanted to know how they could work together. 

This was Miss Major's third visit to the White House. 

“It's just another building” full of people that don't care about trans people, she said — and that have to be convinced to care. 

Once she leaves Washington, her next stop is going back to Little Rock to get some rest. Then, she's off to the next city — although she doesn't know where, yet. In her hotel room, with her shoes off, the last of her to-go dinner on the table and a bouquet of flowers from New York draped on a side table, she reflected that she had started her whirlwind tour on a whim, and that she needs to come up with a more detailed plan. 

She knows that young trans people have the power to lead themselves. But they have to want to do it. And when it was her on the streets, and her fighting back at Stonewall, there was nobody there telling her what to do. She had to realize her own power. And the trans youth of today have to realize their own power, too — because it can be easily taken away.

As she discusses in her book, for Black transgender women, it's as if Stonewall never happened. It didn't set the scales right for them, or undo the inequities that still hold them back today. 

“It didn't do nothing for me. Didn't help me at all. And then my friends started dying,” she said. Keeping their memories alive gets tiring, she said, because there are so many to remember. First you forget their face, then you forget how they sound, then you lose what they smelled like. 

“That's what they do. They take and take and take. So we gotta stop them. Got to.” 

More on Miss Major and Stonewall

Quinn Dombrowski, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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