RadioRob

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lil Nas X’s new romance is “effortless”. The 22-year-old rap star met his boyfriend “around the time” of his ‘Saturday Night Live’ performance in May, and he admits that their romance “just feels natural”. He told VMan magazine: “I feel like this is one of the best [relationships] yet. I’m really happy about it, and it all just feels natural. It’s effortless.” Lil Nas actually had his first boyfriend when he was “maybe 18 or 19”, but he made a concerted effort to keep their romance under wraps. He said: “It was very late, like, in college. I don’t even know if you can say ‘boyfriend’ if it’s very much a ‘nobody knows about it, down low,’ situation.” And while his past romances have helped to inspire his songs “to a certain extent”, Lil Nas insisted he’s resisted the temptation to focus on any particular relationship. He explained: “That sounds like a great song to write, but I haven’t written it yet. “I’ve definitely written about him, but not the basics of starting a relationship with a guy for the first time or anything like that.” Lil Nas also shared that he was “about to go on [a date] right after this interview”. The chart-topping star admitted he usually goes on night-time dates. He added: “This is actually probably the first day-time date I’ve done in a minute.” The rapper – who came out as gay while ‘Old Town Road’ topped the charts – previously suggested that his new boyfriend could be “the one”. He said: “I’ve had some good boyfriends and some bad ones. A lot of them were emotionally unavailable or had a lot of insecurity and whatnot. “I’ve found someone special now. I think this is the one. I can’t explain it – it’s just a feeling.” Lil Nas X New Relationship on Towleroad Lil Nas X New Relationship is Under Wraps; Had ‘Good Boyfriends and Some Bad Ones’; This is ‘Someone Special ‘. It’s ‘effortless’ August 25, 2021 Read More ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ is The Gay Coming-Of-Age Tale For Everyone With an Inner (and Outer) Drag Queen August 25, 2021 Read More Veteran Atlanta Activist Becomes First Black Trans Woman Ever Named to Presidential HIV/AIDS Council August 24, 2021 Read More LGBT+ Afghans desperate to escape amid Taliban takeover August 24, 2021 Read More Stevie Nicks 2021: I Survived My Cocaine; Klonopin ‘Ruined My Life for 8 Years’; Given By ‘Stupid Doctor Making a Groupie Mistake’ August 24, 2021 Read More Cardi B and Lizzo Together Tweak More White Supremacists and Fat Shamers Than Usual. Get Right With ‘Rumors’; Let Them ‘be great’, Offset Urges August 24, 2021 Read More Matching Tattoos for Elliot Page and ‘Feel Good’s’ Mae Martin Who Met 15 Years Ago; Mutually Admiring Friends Came Later August 24, 2021 Read More Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban’s new U.S.-made war chest August 23, 2021 Read More Cuomo’s Downfall Spawns Tertiary, Fraught HRC Investigation of Its Leader Who Joined the Gay Rights Group From Governor’s Staff August 23, 2021 Read More View the full article

Max Harwood in “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”The film adaptation of the celebrated coming-of-age, drag extravaganza of a musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is finally set for release after a planned theatrical run was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The film, led by newcomer Max Harwood in the titular role, is set for a September 17 release on Amazon, but audiences got their first look at LGBTQ film festival OutFest Los Angeles earlier this month. The film and original play are based on the 2011 documentary “Jamie: Drag Queen at 16,” which chronicles the journey of the real-life Jamie Campbell embracing his love of drag and attending his high school prom in full drag regalia. The film pays tribute to its subjects with footage of Jamie and his loving mother Margaret playing over the end credits. Reviews have been pouring in as the public waits for their chance to see the film, with Deadline’s Pete Hammond labeling it a “junior ‘Kinky Boots'” and The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney praising “Jamie for telling an LGBTQ story where “coming out isn’t a factor.” “Jamie has been out and proud for some time, and he responds to the taunts of obnoxious class smartass Dean (Samuel Bottomley) at school by basically saying, ‘Yeah, I’m gay, what of it,'” Rooney wrote. [This post contains video, click to play] Life Imitating Art Harwood has drawn an exceptional amount of praise for his film debut. The LGBTQ actor’s real-life story full of performing dreams mirrors Jamie to an intriguing extent, which, according to Hammond, comes through in his portrayal of the character. “Harwood never had acted before landing this plum gig, and he is thoroughly engaging, confident in his singing and fledgling showmanship and clearly understanding the core of this kid,” Hammond noted. “When I was growing up, I didn’t like playing football. I didn’t like getting muddy. I liked to dress up, and act and dance and sing,” Harwood told Attitude. “I was doing things that were more typically effeminate and I feel like, at the time, growing up, as an effeminate boy, there are opinions and thought that people put on you. I definitely felt othered, in that sense.” Harwood’s feelings of ostracization line up squarely with the experiences Jamie goes through in his journey of self-identity through the glamour of drag. Whether it be Jamie’s homophobic father or teacher who tries to force cultural gender norms upon him, key obstacles to Jamie’s self-actualization feel all too close to Harwood’s own experiences, and, frankly, those of so many others within LGBTQ circles. But having that in his past helped Harwood embrace Jamie’s empowering message. “Jamie is someone who knows who he is, and he’s waiting for everyone else to catch up and get on board,” Harwood said. “I think the whole play isn’t Jamie going, ‘Oh, do I want to be a drag queen? Do I want to do this?’ Jamie knows. he wants to be a drag queen. He is gay.” “I also feel like I’m at a stage in my life that I know who I am and that I know what I want,” he added. “I was navigating, not to prove to myself, but to convince my parents and my friends that I actually could do this.” Stage To Screen A huge part of maintaining the heart of the original stage production through the adaptation process was keeping the production’s creative nucleus intact and involved. Director Jonathan Butterell and writer Tom MacRae reprise their roles despite never working in movies before. Singer-songwriter and the original musical’s composer Dan Gillespie Sells also returns, teaming up with Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley on the film’s score. Producers Peter Carlton and Mark Herbert, co-founders of Warp Films, actually turned down funding from certain companies in order to keep the musical’s core at the forefront of Jamie’s jump to the silver screen. “What we’ve done a lot in Warp is back really talented people who’ve achieved in one area into another,” Carlton told Variety. To that end, the team also made sure to get Campbell involved in the film as well. His emotion toward the project exuded both on set and during a special preview of the film at the Edinburgh Film Festival earlier this month. “I just love that there’s a big show out there that has got someone who’s camp, feminine and flamboyant fronting it,” Campbell said in Edinburgh. “They’re the star of the show.” Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Previously on Towleroad ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ is The Gay Coming-Of-Age Tale For Everyone With an Inner (and Outer) Drag Queen Brian Bell August 25, 2021 Read More Elliot Page Awarded for Prejudice-busting Work and Life On And Off Screen; Sheds Light on Dark Prejudices; Shares Unseen Prides and Joys Brian Bell August 11, 2021 Read More Billy Eichner ‘s ‘Big, Gay Divorce Comedy’ ‘Ex-Husbands’ Headed To Amazon; ‘It’s the Gay ‘War Of The Roses’ You’ve Been Waiting For!’ Brian Bell August 4, 2021 Read More Tommy Dorfman: ‘Some Moved Houses During the Pandemic; Some People Changed Genders;’ ’13 Reasons Why’ Star Comes Out a Trans Woman Brian Bell July 23, 2021 Read More Notorious Founders Of ‘Conversion Therapy’ Group Exodus Never Did ‘Pray Away’ the Gay; Come Out Again, Slam Similar Programs in Netflix Doc Brian Bell July 13, 2021 Read More Bowen Yang, Joel Kim Booster to Star in Gay Rom-Com ‘Fire Island;’ A Gay ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Brian Bell July 2, 2021 Read More Image courtesy of 2oth Century Pictures View the full article

Tori Cooper, first black, trans member of the Presidential HIV/AIDS Advisory Council EverNoted Atlanta LGBTQ advocate Tori Cooper made history earlier this month when she was named to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Cooper becomes the first Black out trans woman ever named to the council. Voice At The Presidential HIV/AIDS Advsisory Council Table Cooper appears ready to jump right into the thick of the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying that she wants to make sure that “all of our voices are heard and included in every phase of ending the epidemic.” She wants to make sure that the voices of trans populations are heard, but that power and resources are also available to “folks deemed marginalized in society.” “I’m very humbled, very proud,” Cooper told Project Q Atlanta. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, so there’s this desire to just dig in and be a part of something that really means a lot to a lot of people in this country.” Cooper was one of eight new members sworn in by another trans trailblazer, HHS assistant secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. Cooper also noted what being the first Black out trans woman to join the council personally meant. “Visibility is important, and representation is important … It’s important that folks see folks whom they feel that they share a community with, Cooper said. “It’s also important for additional communities and additional intersectional identities to be at the table.” Cooper’s Past Activism Her appointment on Aug. 4 is the latest in her long history in advocacy and political advisory roles focused on LGBTQ populations. The current director of community engagement for the Human Rights Campaign’s Transgender Justice Initiative has worked with multiple organizations and political figures in Georgia, including departing Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Sen. Rafael Warnock. Cooper’s activist roots first sprouted through HIV/AIDS awareness work nearly three decades ago. In that time, she has led HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and programs tailored specifically to trans populations, including the CDC’s Sister to Sister program. “That was the beginning of it, and it’s just been going ever since, full speed ahead,” said Cooper. Cooper has also been entrenched in the community as well. She became the first out trans ambassador to AIDS Walk Atlanta, one of the city’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraising organizations, in 2016. Cooper also co-signed a 2019 letter to Bottoms highlighting the city’s mismanagement of HOPWA funds, a federal housing program specifically focused on aiding low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The city of Atlanta was found to be dragging its feet in distributing $40 million dollars in federal funds to local housing organizations. Addressing Trans-Specific Needs Cooper joins a number of leading advocates and medical professionals combatting the continuing HIV/AIDS epidemic, but much of Cooper’s focus lies directly on how policy can aid trans and gender-diverse communities, especially trans people of color, that still receive diminished attention. Speaking to NBC News, Cooper highlights that easier access to gender-validating IDs nationwide is an example of non-medical changes that could ease the barrier to access proper medical treatment. “As a Black trans woman who has an ‘F’ on her ID, what it does is it makes it easier for my provider to write prescriptions for gender affirming health care,” Cooper said. “We have to make sure that providers understand that as trans folks we have the same needs as every other community but also very unique needs as well,” she continued. “Cisgender women don’t need prostate exams; trans women do. Cisgender men don’t need gynecological care; trans men do. And so, true HIV health care, through comprehensive and inclusive health care, includes all of those, and there are a number of different ways to to get to that.” Atlanta LGBTQ: Previously on Towleroad Veteran Atlanta Activist Becomes First Black Trans Woman Ever Named to Presidential HIV/AIDS Council Brian Bell August 24, 2021 Read More Possible HIV Treatment OK’d To expand Phase 1 Human Trials After Stopping HIV in Lab; Brian Bell August 18, 2021 Read More Moderna HIV Vaccine Phase 1 Human Trials to Start as Early as Next Week. Hope to Build on mRNA Learnings Brian Bell August 13, 2021 Read More Covid Booster Shots Likely Offered Soon To People With Compromised Immune Systems — Fauci ; Priority Include People With HIV Towleroad August 5, 2021 Read More AIDS Groups Release Open Letter to DaBaby; Denver Cancels Festival He Was to Headline; IHeartRadio, Austin City Limits Also Drop; WednesDababy Update Brian Bell August 4, 2021 Read More Grounded by Festivals, DaBaby Apologizes; Blames Victims For Not Just Taking His Abuse While He Explained How Much Harder It is Being DaBaby Brian Bell August 2, 2021 Read More Photo courtesy of Human Rights Campaign View the full article

Published by Al-Araby It was never easy being gay or transgender in Afghanistan. Now it could be deadly, according to LGBT+ Afghans, whose fear of violence under the Taliban is driving a frantic bid to escape. But how any evacuation might work is another matter, with scant practical support coming from overseas and even less hope that Islamist militants will let them into the airport. “If I find a visa and a country gives me permission to leave, of course, I will risk everything to get out,” said one gay Afghan student, whose name was withheld for his protection. “Any country, but not here. Living here means nothin… Read More LGBTQ Afghans previously on Towleroad: LGBTQ Orgs Alarmed Their Afghanistan Gay Contacts Have Gone Dark; Call On Nations, World to Prioritize LGBTQ Safety As Likely Taliban Target LGBT+ Afghans desperate to escape amid Taliban takeover Stevie Nicks 2021: I Survived My Cocaine; Klonopin ‘Ruined My Life for 8 Years’; Given By ‘Stupid Doctor Making a Groupie Mistake’ Cardi B and Lizzo Together Tweak More White Supremacists and Fat Shamers Than Usual. Get Right With ‘Rumors’; Let Them ‘be great’, Offset Urges Matching Tattoos for Elliot Page and ‘Feel Good’s’ Mae Martin Who Met 15 Years Ago; Mutually Admiring Friends Came Later View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Stevie Nicks insists the only person who “saved” her from a cocaine addiction was herself. The Fleetwood Mac legend went through “some pretty scary moments” during her battle with addiction and only managed to come through the other side by helping herself and checking into rehab. Speaking to Tim McGraw on his Apple Music Country show ‘Beyond the Influence Radio’, she said: “I managed to save myself. I got through some pretty scary moments, but I saved me, nobody else saved me. “I survived me. I survived my cocaine. I survived by myself. “I checked myself into rehab. Nobody did that for me. I did it and that’s like with my whole life. “So I would dance over those parts just to give the wisdom out to people.” Meanwhile, Stevie previously revealed prescription drugs “ruined” her life and are partly responsible for her not ever having a baby. The ‘Dreams’ singer was prescribed Klonopin – which is usually used for seizures and panic disorders – in 1986 after she overcame cocaine addiction and she claimed the substance “ruined” her life for eight years. Stevie, who started taking Klonopin when she was aged 38, said in 2011: “The only thing I would change about my life is walking into that psychiatrist’s office who prescribed me Klonopin. That ruined my life for eight years. “God knows, maybe I would have met someone, maybe I would have had a baby. “That was my prime eight years. That was a big mistake. Everything else was exactly how it should have been.” The 73-year-old music icon blames the doctor who prescribed her the drug for the toll it took on her health. She added: “That was just a stupid doctor making a groupie mistake and just wanting me to come in there, tell him about all my music friends and young Hollywood, and that nearly ruined my life and nearly killed me.” “I think that what I would do first, and only lately have I thought this, I might sit down at some point across the kitchen table with some of my girlfriends who have been there for a lot of it and put on a tape recorder and just start talking from the very beginning.” Stevie Nicks on Towleroad Stevie Nicks 2021: I Survived My Cocaine; Klonopin ‘Ruined My Life for 8 Years’; Given By ‘Stupid Doctor Making a Groupie Mistake’ August 24, 2021 Read More Let Cardi B and Lizzo ‘be great’, Offset Urges Critics; Were You There for ‘Truth Hurts’? Better Show When Racist/Fat Shaming ‘Rumors’ Are True August 24, 2021 Read More Matching Tattoos for Elliot Page and ‘Feel Good’s’ Mae Martin Who Met 15 Years Ago; Mutually Admiring Friends Came Later August 24, 2021 Read More Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban’s new U.S.-made war chest August 23, 2021 Read More Cuomo’s Downfall Spawns Tertiary, Fraught HRC Investigation of Its Leader Who Joined the Gay Rights Group From Governor’s Staff August 23, 2021 Read More ‘FREE OnlyFans’ Adult Makers Demand; Company Tries To Reassure, Begs ‘Patience’; Holds Key to Lives, Incomes For Many August 23, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Offset thinks critics of Cardi B and Lizzo should just let them “be great”. The 28-year-old rapper and Lizzo, 33, have faced an online backlash after releasing the new video for their collaboration ‘Rumors’, but Offset thinks critics should stop judging them so fiercely. The Migos star – who has been married to Cardi since 2017 and has a three-year-old daughter with the rap star – told TMZ: “Let these beautiful black women be great, stop judging. We work hard to be entertainers for the world. Let us be.” Lizzo recently revealed she’s received lots of hateful comments on social media from body-shamers and trolls since the ‘Rumors’ video was released. The chart-topping pop star fought back tears as she admitted to being “hurt” by the abusive posts. She shared: “I just feel like I’m seeing negativity directed towards me in the most weirdest way. People saying s*** about me that just doesn’t even make sense.” Lizzo also revealed she’d received racists messages via social media. She said: “It’s fat-phobic, and it’s racist and it’s hurtful. If you don’t like my music, cool. If you don’t like ‘Rumors’ the song, cool.” The singer confessed to being shocked by the online hate, and insisted she tries to be as inclusive as possible. She explained: “I make music that I like, that’s important to me, and I make music that I hope helps people. “I’m not making music for white people – I’m not making music for anybody. I’m a black woman making music. I make black music, period. I’m not serving anyone but myself. Everyone is invited to a Lizzo show, to a Lizzo song.” Cardi B has also voiced her support for Lizzo on social media. She recently wrote on Twitter: “When you stand up for yourself they claim your problematic & sensitive.When you don’t they tear you apart until you crying like this. (sic)” Cardi B and Lizzo Cardi B and Lizzo on Towleroad Let Cardi B and Lizzo ‘be great’, Offset Urges Critics; Were You There for ‘Truth Hurts’? Better Show When Racist/Fat Shaming ‘Rumors’ Are True August 24, 2021 Read More Matching Tattoos for Elliot Page and ‘Feel Good’s’ Mae Martin Who Met 15 Years Ago; Mutually Admiring Friends Came Later August 24, 2021 Read More Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban’s new U.S.-made war chest August 23, 2021 Read More Cuomo’s Downfall Spawns Tertiary, Fraught HRC Investigation of Its Leader Who Joined the Gay Rights Group From Governor’s Staff August 23, 2021 Read More ‘FREE OnlyFans’ Adult Makers Demand; Company Tries To Reassure, Begs ‘Patience’; Holds Key to Lives, Incomes For Many August 23, 2021 Read More Boy Scouts Lawsuit Settlement Approved By Judge; But Insurers Oppose, Saying Some of 82K Sex Abuse Victims’ Cases May Be Lies August 23, 2021 Read More Tom Daley Diving into Career as Children’s Author After Gold Medal Win in Tokyo 2020 August 23, 2021 Read More Donald Trump Booed At His Own Rally After Endorsing COVID-19 Vaccine: ‘You Do Have Your Freedom’ But ‘It Is Working’ August 23, 2021 Read More Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ if US extends evacuation August 23, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Elliot Page and Mae Martin have got matching tattoos of a coffee cup. The pair – who first met around 15 years ago before becoming friends later on – have shown off the new designs after getting inked by Andrew White at Toronto’s Midway Tattoo and Piercing. Mae – who identifies as non-binary – shared the snap on their Instagram, and wrote: “Someone stop us from getting more tattoos. “Thanks @andrewcrutchywhite and @midwaytattooshop for these and @bbeatricebbrown for the [design] (sic)” ‘Feel Good’ creator Mae has the tattoo on their hip, while Elliot’s is on his right arm. He shared a photo with his pal last month as he plugged his friend’s Netflix comedy series and urged fans to tune in. Elliot wrote: “Chilling with this heartthrob @hooraymae. “PS I just finished season 2 of FEEL GOOD on @netflix and if you haven’t watched yet it what are you doing? (sic)” Meanwhile, the 34-year-old actor – who stars in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ – previously reflected on coming out as transgender and admitted he’s now in a better place for his life and career. He said: “In terms of acting, I don’t think I quite know yet. I am just a lot more f****** comfortable and present, so it’s hard to imagine that that’s not affecting the work, because, really, being present’s ultimately what you’re going for—you’re just ultimately trying to crack open and be present and connect to the truth of a moment. “So I’m imagining the more I get to embody who I am and exist in the body I want to exist in, there’ll be a difference.” Elliot also explained he had adopted a male identity from a very young age. Elliot said: “All trans people are so different, and my story’s absolutely just my story. But yes, when I was a little kid, absolutely, 100 percent, I was a boy. “I knew I was a boy when I was a toddler. I was writing fake love letters and signing them ‘Jason.’ Every little aspect of my life, that is who I was, who I am, and who I knew myself to be.” Matching Tattoos on Towleroad Matching Tattoos for Elliot Page and ‘Feel Good’s’ Mae Martin Who Met 15 Years Ago; Mutually Admiring Friends Came Later August 24, 2021 Read More Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban’s new U.S.-made war chest August 23, 2021 Read More Cuomo’s Downfall Spawns Tertiary, Fraught HRC Investigation of Its Leader Who Joined the Gay Rights Group From Governor’s Staff August 23, 2021 Read More ‘FREE OnlyFans’ Adult Makers Demand; Company Tries To Reassure, Begs ‘Patience’; Holds Key to Lives, Incomes For Many August 23, 2021 Read More Boy Scouts Lawsuit Settlement Approved By Judge; But Insurers Oppose, Saying Some of 82K Sex Abuse Victims’ Cases May Be Lies August 23, 2021 Read More Tom Daley Diving into Career as Children’s Author After Gold Medal Win in Tokyo 2020 August 23, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Idrees Ali, Patricia Zengerle and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) – About a month ago, Afghanistan’s ministry of defense posted on social media photographs of seven brand new helicopters arriving in Kabul delivered by the United States. “They’ll continue to see a steady drumbeat of that kind of support, going forward,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters a few days later at the Pentagon. In a matter of weeks, however, the Taliban had seized most of the country, as well as any weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces. Video showed the advancing insurgents inspecting long lines of vehicles and opening crates of new firearms, communications gear and even military drones. “Everything that hasn’t been destroyed is the Taliban’s now,” one U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Reuters. Current and former U.S. officials say there is concern those weapons could be used to kill civilians, be seized by other militant groups such as Islamic State to attack U.S.-interests in the region, or even potentially be handed over to adversaries including China and Russia. President Joe Biden’s administration is so concerned about the weapons that it is considering a number of options to pursue. The officials said launching airstrikes against the larger equipment, such as helicopters, has not been ruled out, but there is concern that would antagonize the Taliban at a time the United States’ main goal is evacuating people https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kabul-airport-operations-restarted-evacuation-flights-pentagon-2021-08-16. Another official said that while there are no definitive numbers yet, the current intelligence assessment was that the Taliban are believed to control more than 2,000 armored vehicles, including U.S. Humvees, and up to 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks, scout attack helicopters, and ScanEagle military drones. “We have already seen Taliban fighters armed with U.S.-made weapons they seized from the Afghan forces. This poses a significant threat to the United States and our allies,” Representative Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters in an email. ‘MORE LIKE TROPHIES’ The speed with which the Taliban swept across Afghanistan is reminiscent of Islamic State militants taking weapons from U.S.-supplied Iraqi forces who offered little resistance in 2014. Between 2002 and 2017, the United States gave the Afghan military an estimated $28 billion in weaponry, including guns, rockets, night-vision goggles and even small drones for intelligence gathering. But aircraft like the Blackhawk helicopters have been the most visible sign of U.S. military assistance, and were supposed to be the Afghan military’ biggest advantage over the Taliban. Between 2003 and 2016 the United States provided Afghan forces with 208 aircraft, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In the last week, many of those aircraft were most useful for Afghan pilots to escape the Taliban. One of the U.S. officials said that between 40 and 50 aircraft had been flown to Uzbekistan by Afghan pilots seeking refuge. Even before taking power in Kabul over the weekend, the Taliban had started a campaign of assassinating pilots https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghan-pilots-assassinated-by-taliban-us-withdraws-2021-07-09. Some planes were in the United States for maintenance and will stay. Those en route to Afghan forces will instead be used by the U.S. military to help in the evacuation from Kabul. Current and former officials say that while they are concerned about the Taliban having access to the helicopters, the aircraft require frequent maintenance and many are complicated to fly without extensive training. “Ironically, the fact that our equipment breaks down so often is a life-saver here,” a third official said. Retired U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, who oversaw U.S. military operations in Afghanistan as head of U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, said most of the high-end hardware captured by the Taliban, including the aircraft, was not equipped with sensitive U.S. technology. “In some cases, some of these will be more like trophies,” Votel said. FIGHTING AT NIGHT There is a more immediate concern about some of the easier- to-use weapons and equipment, such as night-vision goggles. Since 2003 the United States has provided Afghan forces with at least 600,000 infantry weapons including M16 assault rifles, 162,000 pieces of communication equipment, and 16,000 night-vision goggle devices. “The ability to operate at night is a real game-changer,” one congressional aide told Reuters. Votel and others said smalls arms seized by the insurgents such as machine guns, mortars, as well as artillery pieces including howitzers, could give the Taliban an advantage against any resistance that could surface in historic anti-Taliban strongholds such as the Panjshir Valley northeast of Kabul. U.S. officials said the expectation was that most of the weapons would be used by the Taliban themselves, but it was far too early to tell what they planned to do – including possibly sharing the equipment with rival states such as China. Andrew Small, a Chinese foreign policy expert at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said the Taliban was likely to grant Beijing access to any U.S. weapons they may now have control over. One of the U.S. officials said it was not likely China would gain much, because Beijing likely already has access to the weapons and equipment. The situation, experts say, shows the United States needs a better way to monitor equipment it gives to allies. It could have done much more to ensure those supplies to Afghan forces were closely monitored and inventoried, said Justine Fleischner of UK-based Conflict Armament Research. “But the time has passed for these efforts to have any impact in Afghanistan,” Fleischner said. (Reporting by Idrees Ali, Patricia Zengerle and Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Michael Martina; Editing by Mary Milliken and Daniel Wallis) View the full article

HRC President Alphonso DavidThe HRC investigation into president Alphonso David’s role in the sexual misconduct scandal that forced Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign earlier this month was criticized when asked by a reporter about the ethics of a firm leading the investigation that also has a preexisting relationship with HRC . HRC and Sidley Austin LLP’s Previous Relationship The HRC, one of the largest LGBTQ advocacy organizations in the U.S., launched the investigation into David after employees called for his resignation based on multiple mentions in the extensive New York AG report detailing their investigations into allegations against then Governor Cuomo of sexual harassment and assault from at least 11 women. The report was neither an investigation nor accusation of David. HRC board chair Morgan Cox and HRC Foundation board chair Jodie Patterson announced that law firm Sidley Austin LLP would head up the review as an outside third-party charged with addressing the “very concerning” accusations facing David. Since then, some have raised questions about Sidley Austin LLP’s ability to conduct a true independent review of David due to the firm’s relationship with the HRC during David’s tenure. In particular, Washington Blade has reported extensively and tracked down multiple legal scholars for comment in addition to basic reporting. Sidley Austin LLP became a prominent legal partner of the HRC in October 2019, shortly after David joined the organization, maintaining what it describes as a “long standing pro-bono relationship” with the HRC. “When any outside entity is retained to conduct an independent review, it has to be truly independent,” Georgetown Law School adjunct professor and ethics counsel Michael Frisch told the Washington Blade. “To me, if you’re going to conduct an independent inquiry. Your bonafides to give independent advice in a report is always subject of concern, and one should be above reproach in those situations.” Hofstra Univeristy law professor Brenner Fissell described Sidley Austin LLP’s investigation as appearing “less than credible” despite it not triggering an ethical conflict of interest since the firm never represented David himself as a client. “If you had previously engaged such counsel, that makes it less independent … this is not good if you want to do a truly independent investigation,” Fissell added. ‘The Inner Circle’ Of course, raising questions about the suitability of Sidley Austin LLP is likely to continue to shine a spotlight on HRC leadership that were sparked by the calls for David’s firing the day The AG Report was released, even before many of the facts were clarified by David, reporting by some of the most well-respected news organizations, and others around Cuomo. The report contains multiple mentions of David’s contact and support of the team organizing efforts in Cuomo’s office after allegations against Cuomo began to surface online in Dec. 2019. The report found that David provided parts of the personnel file of former Cuomo aide Lindsay Boylan to top Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa after Boylan went public with allegations of sexual harassment against the now-former governor. Information in that file was subsequently leaked to major news outlets in an effort to discredit Boylan though the parts of the file sent by David he says include nothing about her relationship with the Governor. DeRosa, one of Cuomo’s strongest supporter and a key player in strategizing the office’s response, herself resigned in the days prior to the governor stepping down. The AG report also notes David’s participation when asked to review an unpublished letter defending Cuomo and discrediting Boylan. He initially declined to sign the letter. But when pushed said he would sign “if needed.” He was not the only potential signatory with qualms and the letter was never sent. David’s name once again appeared in connection to discussions of secretly recording a conversation between another Cuomo accuser referred to as Kaitlin and a former Cuomo employee. If they’re truly committed to demonstrating that they want to have an independent investigation, they would find someone else. Brenner Fissell, Hofstra University Law ProfessorThe AG report described David as a member of “the inner circle of confidantes … with no official role in the Executive Chamber” involved in forming the response from Cuomo’s office. “The common thread among all of these individuals was a proven, personal loyalty to the Governor,” read the report. “Their inclusion in the deliberations and the significant role they had in decision-making reflect how loyalty and personal ties were valued as much, if not more, than any official function or role in State government.” The naming of David in the AG report sparked calls for his resignation from multiple HRC employees. Other employees and the HRC and HRC Foundation Board of Directors took a number of other positions that fall short of calling for his dismissal. Some acknowledge David’s actions as significant and inappropriate, others do not. The two entities announced a new five-year contract for David shortly after the AG report’s release. David continues to deny any wrongdoing in relation to his interactions with Cuomo’s office, asserting that his participation was misrepresented. He claimed that he only reviewed a more positive version of the unpublished letter and said his role in talks about recording a conversation with Kaitlin was as a counselor. Timetable criticized; Open letter implies racism inspiring focus on David Concerns about the probe’s stunted timetable have been highlighted as well. Cox and Patterson stated that investigation into David would be limited to no more than 30 days. Speaking with the Washington Blade, Fissell described the HRC’s declared deadline as “artificial” and that it could limit the investigator’s findings. “If they’re truly committed to demonstrating that they want to have an independent investigation, they would find someone else,” said Fissell. David has continued to defend himself publicly during the ongoing investigation, most recently in an open letter collecting supportive statements from his “colleagues and friends” that heralded his work for LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. An open letter signed “Real HRC Staffers” obtained by the Washington Blade defends David and responds to those employees calling for his resignation, among those are barely disguised accusations of racism, . Among the statements in the open letter are claims that David is being scapegoated and “being made to answer for the behaviors of powerful white men.” “It is disheartening to see how the leadership of a Black queer man is being criticized by and vilified in the media and within our own organization at a time of racial reckoning in America and globally,” read the letter. “Nothing about Alphonso’s past or his current leadership leads us to believe that he would knowingly harm survivors of workplace harassment.” HRC Investigation: Previously on Towleroad Cuomo’s Downfall Spawns Tertiary, Fraught HRC Investigation of Its Leader Who Joined the Gay Rights Group From Governor’s Staff Brian Bell August 23, 2021 Read More The “Inner Circle” That Kept Andrew Cuomo Governor Faces Scrutiny: HRC Investigates Leader’s Involvement; Roberta Kaplan Resigns From ‘Time’s Up’ Brian Bell August 9, 2021 Read More NY AG Details HRC Leader Alphonso David’s Roles in Cuomo Scandal; Sparks Scrutiny By Staff, Partners, Press And Calls To Resign Brian Bell August 6, 2021 Read More Tennessee Trans Bathroom Bill Alleged to Violate Title IX. Human Rights Campaign Sues on behalf of the the affected children. Brian Bell August 4, 2021 Read More Biden Signs ‘Most Substantive, Wide-Ranging’ LGBTQ Rights Executive Order in U.S. History Andy Towle January 21, 2021 Read More HRC Calls on Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Apologize for Ridiculing Gender Pronouns in Series of Tweets Andy Towle December 18, 2020 Read More Screenshot via YouTube View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English OnlyFans is attempting to reassure adult content creators after the company’s pornography ban. The company revealed last week that it would be banning explicit content from the video-sharing platform but the move has been met with a backlash by those who have made cash starring in raunchy videos on the site. OnlyFans insists that the porn ban was “necessary” to secure banking and payment services on the site and added it is “working around the clock to come up with solutions”. The company tweeted: “Dear Sex Workers, “The OnlyFans community would not be what it is today without you. “The policy change was necessary to secure banking and payment services to support you. “We are working around the clock to come up with solutions. “#SexWorkIsWork (sic)” OnlyFans confirmed last week that the ban on pornography would come into force on October 1, but nudity in keeping with the subscription-based site’s acceptable use policy, will still be allowed. In a statement, they said: “In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform, and to continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines.” The firm added that it would be giving more details for those who rely on the site for income. They said: “We will be sharing more details in the coming days and we will actively support and guide our creators through this change in content guidelines.” The change to the company’s terms comes after a recent report suggested that OnlyFans – which has a net revenue of $375 million – had struggled to find investors that are willing to back a platform that makes most of its money from sex work. Free Onlyfans: OnlyFans Pornography Ban Could Endanger LGBTQ Sex Workers; New Policy Comes After Investigation of Moderation, Pressure From Financial Institutions Free OnlyFans on Towleroad ‘FREE OnlyFans’ Adult Makers Demand; Company Tries To Reassure, Begs ‘Patience’; Holds Key to Lives, Incomes For Many August 23, 2021 Read More Boy Scouts Lawsuit Settlement Approved By Judge; But Insurers Oppose, Saying Some of 82K Sex Abuse Victims’ Cases May Be Lies August 23, 2021 Read More Tom Daley Diving into Career as Children’s Author After Gold Medal Win in Tokyo 2020 August 23, 2021 Read More Donald Trump Booed At His Own Rally After Endorsing COVID-19 Vaccine: ‘You Do Have Your Freedom’ But ‘It Is Working’ August 23, 2021 Read More Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ if US extends evacuation August 23, 2021 Read More New Finding: Israel Covid Vaccine Booster Significantly Lowers Infection Risk in Older People. August 23, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Maria Chutchian (Reuters) -The judge overseeing the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy on Thursday approved the youth organization’s request to sign off on an $850 million settlement to resolve tens of thousands of sex abuse claims. The ruling by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein of Delaware will enable the Boy Scouts to move ahead with a proposed reorganization plan that would allow the group to exit bankruptcy by the end of the year. “I find that debtors have met the relevant standard,” she said in a court hearing. The organization must still obtain approval from creditors to move ahead with the deal in a formal plan to exit bankruptcy. The creditors include victims of the abuse, who generally supported the settlement. Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2020 after being hit with a flood of sexual abuse lawsuits. Claims multiplied after several U.S. states passed laws allowing accusers, including adults, to sue over allegations dating back several decades. The Boy Scouts have apologized and said they are committed to fulfilling their “social and moral responsibility to equitably compensate survivors.” The organization has said “nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered” and that it believed the bankruptcy process was the best way to compensate them. The Boy Scouts said in a statement that Silverstein’s ruling is “an important development in Boy Scouts of America’s financial restructuring.” The settlement is backed by 250 local councils but opposed by insurers, who say representatives of the abuse claimants had too much say in the negotiations. The Boy Scouts’ insurers, which include Century Indemnity Company and Hartford Financial Services Group, had argued throughout the bankruptcy process that some claims may be fraudulent. Unless the Boy Scouts reach a resolution with the insurers, they are likely to fight over the final bankruptcy plan. Century declined to comment on the judge’s ruling. Hartford did not immediately return a request for comment. About 82,000 sex abuse claims have been filed against the Boy Scouts. In addition to the $850 million, the settlement includes the creation of a “child protection committee” designed to ensure safety for Scouts in future. The judge rejected a provision of the deal that would have allowed the Boy Scouts to pay up to $10.5 million in fees and expenses accrued by lawyers representing several thousand victims. She also rejected the organization’s request to toss a prior deal through which insurer Hartford Financial Services Group agreed to contribute $650 million to a settlement, leaving its dispute with Hartford lingering. The Boy Scouts effectively abandoned the Hartford agreement after representatives of victims said they would not support it. Lawyers for the Boy Scouts, the insurers and victims of abuse are expected to appear before Silverstein on Aug. 25. (Reporting by Maria Chutchian; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Grant McCool) Boy Scouts Lawsuit previously on Towleroad Boy Scouts Lawsuit Settlement Approved By Judge; But Insurers Oppose, Saying Some of 82K Sex Abuse Victims’ Cases May Be Lies August 23, 2021 Read More Tom Daley Diving into Career as Children’s Author After Gold Medal Win in Tokyo 2020 August 23, 2021 Read More Donald Trump Booed At His Own Rally After Endorsing COVID-19 Vaccine: ‘You Do Have Your Freedom’ But ‘It Is Working’ August 23, 2021 Read More Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ if US extends evacuation August 23, 2021 Read More New Finding: Israel Covid Vaccine Booster Significantly Lowers Infection Risk in Older People. August 23, 2021 Read More U.S. FDA gives full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine August 23, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Tom Daley is diving into a career as a children’s author after winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The 27-year-old diver bagged the top medal in the men’s synchronized 10-metre platform event, as well as a bronze in the individual event at the same games, bringing his total number of Olympic medals to four. Following his success, Tom is set to release a memoir titled ‘Coming Up For Air’ in October this year, but is now also reportedly planning a further career in book writing – specifically children’s books. A source said: “Tom has proved he is a compassionate, driven and talented man who thousands of young people look up to. “So when the idea of a possible kids’ book came up there was a lot of interest. “Tom has his debut memoir, ‘Coming Up For Air’, out in October and those around him think it’s going to be a bestseller. “Off the back of that a lot of big-name publishing companies have shown an interest in producing a children’s book. “There are meetings being lined up next month with Tom’s literary agent to discuss the possibilities.” Tom is dad to three-year-old Robbie – whom he has with his husband Dustin Lance Black – and is hoping he will be able to tap into his life as a father to work out what kids want in a book. And the sports star wants to “inspire more children” with his potential career change. Speaking to The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column, the source added: “Tom has a huge appeal and because of his incredible sporting career he is a household name. “His success at the Tokyo Games only made him stand out more and those around him think a children’s book would be a brilliant step. “As a father himself, he knows what works for children and what they like. “And being able to continue to inspire more children through a book is a real pull. Tom is incredibly busy but this is something his team wants him to consider. “They think it would be a roaring success.” Tom Daley previously on Towleroad Tom Daley Diving into Career as Children’s Author After Gold Medal Win in Tokyo 2020 August 23, 2021 Read More Donald Trump Booed At His Own Rally After Endorsing COVID-19 Vaccine: ‘You Do Have Your Freedom’ But ‘It Is Working’ August 23, 2021 Read More Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ if US extends evacuation August 23, 2021 Read More Israel finds COVID-19 vaccine booster significantly lowers infection risk August 23, 2021 Read More U.S. FDA gives full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine August 23, 2021 Read More Grohl Troll: Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Buddies Play Gay; Try To Offend Westboro Baptists With Disco Music for ‘a bit of fun’ – VOTE WYT August 21, 2021 Read More View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Donald Trump is no stranger to getting his share of boos from politically charged crowds, but on Saturday he was jeered and heckled by his own supporters. Thousands gathered in Cullman, Alabama — which had declared a COVID related state of emergency only days before — to attend the former president’s highly anticipated “Save America” rally. EX-PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP TO SUE FACEBOOK’S MARK ZUCKERBERG, TWITTER’S JACK DORSEY FOLLOWING SOCIAL BAN: REPORT Though he touched on many of his usual topics including immigration concerns, rumors of Russian involvement in the election, and alleged dangers … Read More View the full article

Published by AFP An Afghan family at the Pakistan border Kabul (AFP) – The Taliban warned on Monday there would be “consequences” if the United States and its allies extend their presence in Afghanistan beyond next week, as chaos continued to overwhelm Kabul airport with tens of thousands of people still desperate to flee. To oversee a chaotic airlift of foreigners and Afghans desperate to escape the return of the hardline Islamic regime, thousands of troops have poured back into Afghanistan and pressure is growing on Washington to extend an August 31 withdrawal deadline. But the Taliban Monday showed no willingness to compromise, with spokesman Suhail Shaheen telling Sky News that staying beyond the agreed deadline would be “extending occupation”. “If the US or UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations — the answer is no… there would be consequences,” he said. Two Taliban sources, meanwhile, told AFP the group would not announce the makeup of its government or cabinet until the last US soldier has left the country. Harrowing scenes The rush to leave Kabul has sparked harrowing scenes and killed at least eight people, some crushed to death and at least one person after falling off a plane. The German defence ministry said Monday an Afghan man was killed and three others injured in a dawn firefight between local guards and unknown assailants. German and American troops “participated in a further exchange of fire”, it said in a statement. The Taliban, infamous for an ultra-strict interpretation of sharia law during their initial 1996-2001 rule, have repeatedly claimed to be different this time and declared an amnesty for government forces and officials. But an intelligence document for the United Nations said militants were going door-to-door hunting former government officials and those who worked with US and NATO forces. ‘Pain and loss’ President Joe Biden has insisted he wants to end the US military presence and airlifts by the end of the month. But with the European Union and Britain saying it would be impossible to get everyone out by then, Biden is under pressure to extend the deadline. Germany said on Monday it was in talks with NATO allies and the Taliban to keep Kabul airport open for evacuations beyond August 31, while France voiced “concern” over the deadline, saying “additional time is needed to complete ongoing operations”. Speaking at the White House on Sunday, Biden said negotiations were under way to explore the possibility of extending the deadline. He also acknowledged the tragic scenes at the airport, which have included babies and children being passed to soldiers over razor-wire fences and men clinging to the outside of departing planes. He said, however, they were part of the cost of departure. “There is no way to evacuate this many people without pain and loss and heartbreaking images you see,” he said. The Pentagon on Monday said about 16,000 people were evacuated over the past 24 hours from Kabul airport, taking to 37,000 the number relocated since the intense airlift operations started on August 14. ‘Peace and calm’ In the capital, the Taliban have enforced some sense of calm in a city long marred by violent crime, with their armed forces patrolling the streets and manning checkpoints. Visually, they have also been looking to stamp their authority, ensuring the tri-coloured national flag is replaced with their white banner. At a roadside in Kabul on the weekend, young men sold Taliban flags, which bear in black text the Muslim proclamation of faith and the regime’s formal name: “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”. “Our goal is to spread the flag of the Islamic Emirate throughout Afghanistan,” said seller Ahmad Shakib, who studies economics at university. Resistance – Outside of Kabul, there have been flickers of resistance against the Taliban. Some ex-government troops have gathered in the Panjshir Valley, north of the capital — long known as an anti-Taliban bastion. The Taliban said Monday their fighters had surrounded resistance forces holed up in the valley, but were looking to negotiate rather than take the fight to them. Taliban fighters “are stationed near Panjshir”, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted, adding the group was trying to resolve this issue peacefully”. The announcement follows scattered reports of clashes overnight, with pro-Taliban social media accounts claiming gunmen were massing, and Afghanistan’s former vice president Amrullah Saleh saying resistance forces were holding strong. One of the leaders of the movement in Panjshir, named the National Resistance Front, is the son of famed anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud. The NRF is prepared for a “long-term conflict” but is also still seeking to negotiate with the Taliban about an inclusive government, its spokesman Ali Maisam Nazary told AFP in an interview on the weekend. With government offices still mostly closed, many Afghans are worried about being paid — but the Taliban announced the appointment of a central bank governor Monday to keep the wheels of finance moving. Civil servants were told at the weekend, however, that they wouldn’t get their salaries until a new government was formed. View the full article

Published by Reuters JERUSALEM (Reuters) – A third dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has significantly improved protection from infection and serious illness among people aged 60 and older in Israel compared with those who received two shots, findings published by the Health Ministry showed on Sunday. The data were presented at a meeting of a ministry panel of vaccination experts on Thursday and uploaded to its website on Sunday, though the full details of the study were not released. The findings were on par with separate statistics reported last week by Israel’s Maccabi healthcare provider, one of several organisations administering booster shots to try to curb the Delta coronavirus variant. Breaking down statistics from Israel’s Gertner Institute and KI Institute, ministry officials said that among people aged 60 and over, the protection against infection provided from 10 days after a third dose was four times higher than after two doses. A third jab for over 60-year-olds offered five to six times greater protection after 10 days with regard to serious illness and hospitalisation. That age group is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and in Israel was the first to be inoculated when the vaccine drive began in late December. In recent weeks, the health ministry has said immunity has diminished over time for seniors and younger people as well. Most vaccinated people who fell severely ill in Israel were over 60 and with underlying health conditions. Israel started administering third jabs to over 60-year-olds on July 30. On Thursday it dropped the age of eligibility for a booster to 40, and included pregnant women, teachers and health care workers below that age. Third doses are given only to those who received their second shot at least five months ago. The United States has announced plans to offer booster shots to all Americans, citing data showing diminishing protection. Canada, France and Germany have announced booster campaigns. Fighting an outbreak of the Delta variant since June, Israel presently has one of the world’s highest infection rates per capita. Close to 1.5 million people out of the country’s 9.3 million population have taken a third jab. (Reporting by Jeffrey Heller and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Hugh Lawson) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Carl O’Donnell and Manas Mishra (Reuters) -The U.S. drug regulator on Monday granted full approval to the Pfizer Inc/BioNTech SE COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first to secure such Food and Drug Administration validation as health authorities struggle to win over vaccine skeptics during a relentless pandemic. The FDA, which gave the two-dose vaccine emergency-use authorization in December, went a step further based on updated data from the company’s clinical trial and fully approved it for use in people age 16 and older. Public health officials hope the action will convince unvaccinated Americans that Pfizer’s shot is safe and effective. There is entrenched vaccine skepticism among some Americans, particularly conservatives. COVID-19 cases, driven by the highly infectious Delta variant, have surged in parts of the United States with lower vaccination levels. “This FDA approval should give added confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective,” President Joe Biden, who has sought to increase vaccination levels, wrote on Twitter. Shortly after the FDA’s announcement, the Pentagon said it is preparing to make the vaccine mandatory for U.S. military personnel. U.S. health officials expect that the FDA’s full approval also will prompt more state and local governments, as well as private employers, to impose vaccine mandates. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated,” said Janet Woodcock, the FDA’s acting commissioner. The approval also makes it easier for physicians to prescribe a third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine off-label for people who may benefit from additional protection against COVID-19. Pfizer shares were up nearly 4% and BioNTech shares were up nearly 10%. The FDA gave emergency-use authorization to the vaccine for people age 16 and older in December – making it the first shot to gain such backing in the United States – and then gave further emergency-use authorization for people age 12 and up in May. The FDA is awaiting additional data before deciding on fully approving Pfizer’s vaccine in children ages 12 to 15. Woodcock said the FDA was not recommending children below 12 years of age get the vaccine at this time, with more data needed to ensure it is safe for them. The two other COVID-19 vaccines given emergency-use authorization – made by Moderna Inc and Johnson & Johnson – have not yet received full FDA approval. More than 204 million people in the United States already have received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. U.S. HIT HARD The United States leads the world in reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. More than 625,000 Americans have died from the disease, including an average of more than 600 daily in recent weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 71% of Americans age 12 and older – the population eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines – have gotten at least one dose and 60.2% are fully vaccinated. For the entire population, including children up to age 11 for whom no vaccines are yet approved, 60.7% of Americans have received at least one dose and 51.5% of them are fully vaccinated. The FDA’s approval should signal that the vaccine is “safe, effective, and has been manufactured consistently,” said Dr. Paul Offit of the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel. “We’re going to move forward making that vaccine mandatory,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters, adding that the timetable was still being worked out. “We’re preparing the guidance to the force right now.” The FDA’s approval extends the shelf life of Pfizer shots from six months to nine months. It also confirms that the shot increases risk of heart inflammation, particularly among young men in the week following their second shot. In Pfizer’s clinical trial, approximately 12,000 recipients of the vaccine have been followed for at least six months. “Based on the longer-term follow-up data that we submitted, today’s approval for those aged 16 and over affirms the efficacy and safety profile of our vaccine at a time when it is urgently needed,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. The vaccine will now be marketed under the name Comirnaty. The FDA on Aug. 13 authorized a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for people with compromised immune systems who are likely to have weaker protection from the two-dose regimens. Pfizer’s shot has not yet been authorized for more widespread use as a booster. A third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine has significantly improved protection from infection and serious illness among people age 60 and older in Israel compared with those who received two shots, a study published https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-finds-covid-19-vaccine-booster-significantly-lowers-infection-risk-2021-08-22 on Sunday showed. (Reporting by Carl O’Donnell in New York and Manas Mishra in Bangalore; Additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago and Michael Erman in New Jersey; Editing by Will Dunham and Sriraj Kalluvila) View the full article

Have a look at the Dave Grohl video and description and pick the word to best describe this stand by an ally. If you’re detecting some sarcasm and some seriousness it’s because we’re torn among the options. On the one hand we’d never want to discourage an ally, on the other hand an ally who has dabbled in HIV denialism in the past might turn out good or bad in the end. In any case let us know what you think in that poll. Published by BANG Showbiz English Dave Grohl has vowed to stay out of politics in the future. The 52-year-old star – who recently announced plans to return to the UK with the Foo Fighters in 2022 – has joked that he’s “the last person” who should be giving advice on political issues. He explained: “I never wanted to be seen as somebody political or someone who is always handing out opinions – but I get asked what I think about all sorts of stuff. “We’re not really a political band – we try to do what we think is right but we’re not preaching to people. Sometimes, though, it can seem as though I’m always talking about the big issues because when people ask me for an opinion I tend to give one. “But I am the very last person who should be telling anyone else what to do – I get things wrong all the time. There are way better people to turn to than me.” Earlier this month, the band appeared in a video teasing members of the Westboro Baptist Church who were seen picketing at a roadside with homophobic signs. However, Dave insisted the stunt was just a bit of “fun” on his part. He told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “I don’t think they were very happy about it – a group of guys telling them we love them is the last thing they want to hear. “For us, it’s just about having some fun and doing what we believe is right.” The band recently announced four UK stadium shows for summer 2022, and Dave insisted he already can’t wait to return. Speaking after the tour dates were confirmed, he said: “We can’t f****** wait to get back to the UK!” Dave Grohl on Towleroad Grohl Troll: Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Buddies Play Gay; Try To Offend Westboro Baptists With Disco Music for ‘a bit of fun’ – VOTE WYT August 21, 2021 Read More OnlyFans Pornography Ban Could Endanger LGBTQ Sex Workers; New Policy Comes After Investigation of Moderation, Pressure From Financial Institutions August 21, 2021 Read More Exclusive-FBI finds scant evidence U.S. Capitol attack was coordinated-sources August 20, 2021 Read More ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Season 6 “Game within a Game” Puts the Spotlight on Silky [RECAP] August 20, 2021 Read More LGBTQ Orgs Alarmed Their Afghanistan Gay Contacts Have Gone Dark; Call On Nations, World to Prioritize LGBTQ Safety As Likely Taliban Target August 19, 2021 Read More Patti LaBelle’s proudest achievement is her son August 19, 2021 Read More View the full article

OnlyFansContent-creation platform OnlyFans’ decision to ban “sexually explicit” content from the site sparked backlash from creators and audiences this week with many pointing to the move as further endangering sex workers, including many in the LGBTQ community. OnlyFans Bans Pornography OnlyFans announced the move Thursday, saying it would phase out pornographic and “sexually explicit” material that doesn’t adhere to its Acceptable Use policy starting on October 1. The policy prohibits users from posting content it deems defamatory, discriminatory, threatening or promotes violence. It also forbids the exploitation of minors through use of the platform. Its revised policy released Friday effectively bans depictions of sex and masturbation, both actual and simulated, depictions of “bodily fluids commonly secreted during sexual conduct” and any imagery of genitalia it deems “extreme or offensive.”The new policy also sets a Dec. 1 deadline for creators to remove any content containing or advertising “sexually explicit conduct” per the new definitions. The move could potentially deplatform a large amount of sex workers and others that utilized the platform to earn a living in relative safety. The site’s popularity grew substantially over the last 18 months due to its benefits to sex workers as the Covid-19 pandemic forced citizens into lockdowns. Financial Gain The site rode that wave of popularity, heavily fueled by sexual content, to billion-dollar revenues in 2020. The company is expected to exceed $4 billion in revenue in 2021 according to Bloomberg. Despite the financial boom, OnlyFans chose to pivot away from what built it after banks and financial transaction services pushed it to eliminate sexual content from the platform. “The adult industry is sadly used to companies cutting their teeth on the adult market and then abandoning them once they reach critical mass,” said Dominic Ford, founder of OnlyFans rival JustFor.fans. Senator Scott Wiener decried the decision as “terrible and puritanical,” saying, “Forcing sex work off of the internet doesn’t make it go away. But it does make it less safe, as sex workers have no choice but to work on the streets, where they face increased risk of violence.” Others have pointed criticisms specifically toward how the news affects queer and trans creators currently utilizing OnlyFans for income. “OnlyFans banning sex is the tired pattern of social media platforms using sex and queer content to build their user base and make billions, then bailing when it takes too much thought, effort and courage to support us, ” said queer artist Leo Herrera. “Reading the tea leaves on the OnlyFans thing, I think it’s a good time to remind the LGBTQ community that as sex work goes, so go us. They are the canaries, but our *existence* is seen as sexual and therefore obscene,” tweeted queer writer Mari Brighe. Free Speech Coalition spokesperson Mike Stabile highlighted similar concerns while calling out the financial institutions that seemingly spurred OnlyFans’ decision. “While many will blame OnlyFans for sacrificing sex workers in pursuit of investment capital and mainstream recognition, we need to be frank about where the true fault lies: with the banks and credit card companies like Mastercard, who have refused to stand up to a misguided and ill-intentioned evangelical War on Porn,” Stabile said in a statement. “Banks and credit card companies are risk-averse institutions, easily scared by potential bad publicity. Religious groups know this, and have made no secret of targeting them in their quest to eliminate sex workers altogether. In doing so, companies like Mastercard have become enablers of these anti-porn, anti-LGBTQ, misogynist groups,” Stabile added. ‘Money Is The Priority’ But the impetus for the pornography ban could also be a BBC investigation into OnlyFans that alleged the company knowingly allowed creators that published illegal content on the site to continue operating without strong response. According to the BBC report, OnlyFans moderators referred to a “compliance manual” that dictated moderators to issue three warnings to creators found in violation of the Accepted Use Policy rather than banning accounts outright. The manual also advised moderators to issue additional warnings to “accounts with higher numbers of subscribers” rather than taking stronger action. The report also claims that creators with higher subscriber counts are handled by an entirely different moderation team than others with smaller customer bases. The company said the “compliance manual” wasn’t “official guidance,” but OnlyFans COO Tom Stokely is listed as an editor of the manual in question. “It shows money is the priority,” an OnlyFans moderator told the BBC. A previous BBC report highlighted multiple instances of minors being able to post sexually explicit content on the platform, subverting OnlyFans’ monitoring structures in various ways to do so. Whether the catalyst is OnlyFans’ alleged practices in moderating its platform or pressure from financial institutions as its statement claims, the end product of the ban threatens the safety of many sex workers, LGBTQ or otherwise. “For people who made a living off studio porn previously, the move to OnlyFans has meant significantly more control over safety, partner choice and representation – particularly important for performers of color and trans people,” Heather Berg, assistant professor of women, gender and sexuality studies at Washington University in St Louis, told The Guardian. “Whenever de-banking or deplatforming occurs, the workers who are most vulnerable are the ones to bear the brunt of the harm,” added online sex worker and Adult Industry Laborers and Artists Association co-chair Mary Moody. “Make no mistake, this change will kill sex workers.” OnlyFans: Previously on Towleroad OnlyFans Pornography Ban Could Endanger LGBTQ Sex Workers; New Policy Comes After Investigation of Moderation, Pressure From Financial Institutions Brian Bell August 21, 2021 Read More Twitter Tips: New ‘Tip Jar’ Opens Platform to Info-Commerce, Including Key Parts of OnlyFans Towleroad May 10, 2021 Read More Gay Internet Can’t Stop With Tyler Posey, ‘Teen Wolf’ with Only Fans. Our Roundup of Recent Coverage and the Moments that Got Us Here. Towleroad March 11, 2021 Read More With His Fox News Show Bleeding Advertisers, Tucker Carlson Attacks Porn Sites Like OnlyFans: WATCH John Wright June 12, 2020 Read More How NYC Go-Go Stud Matthew Camp Cashed in on OnlyFans Towleroad February 12, 2019 Read More Meet Dave Marshall, a Gay Wrestling Beast Putting His OnlyFans Account to Good Use Towleroad December 4, 2018 Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Mark Hosenball and Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The FBI has found scant evidence that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was the result of an organized plot to overturn the presidential election result, according to four current and former law enforcement officials. Though federal officials have arrested more than 570 alleged participants, the FBI at this point believes the violence was not centrally coordinated by far-right groups or prominent supporters of then-President Donald Trump, according to the sources, who have been either directly involved in or briefed regularly on the wide-ranging investigations. “Ninety to ninety-five percent of these are one-off cases,” said a former senior law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation. “Then you have five percent, maybe, of these militia groups that were more closely organized. But there was no grand scheme with Roger Stone and Alex Jones and all of these people to storm the Capitol and take hostages.” Stone, a veteran Republican operative and self-described “dirty trickster”, and Jones, founder of a conspiracy-driven radio show and webcast, are both allies of Trump and had been involved in pro-Trump events in Washington on Jan. 5, the day before the riot. FBI investigators did find that cells of protesters, including followers of the far-right Oath Keepers and Proud Boys groups, had aimed to break into the Capitol. But they found no evidence that the groups had serious plans about what to do if they made it inside, the sources said. Prosecutors have filed conspiracy charges against 40 of those defendants, alleging that they engaged in some degree of planning before the attack. They alleged that one Proud Boy leader recruited members and urged them to stockpile bulletproof vests and other military-style equipment in the weeks before the attack and on Jan. 6 sent members forward with a plan to split into groups and make multiple entries to the Capitol. But so far prosecutors have steered clear of more serious, politically-loaded charges that the sources said had been initially discussed by prosecutors, such as seditious conspiracy or racketeering. The FBI’s assessment could prove relevant for a congressional investigation that also aims to determine how that day’s events were organized and by whom. Senior lawmakers have been briefed in detail on the results of the FBI’s investigation so far and find them credible, a Democratic congressional source said. The chaos on Jan. 6 erupted as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives met to certify Joe Biden’s victory in November’s presidential election. It was the most violent attack on the Capitol since the War of 1812, forcing lawmakers and Trump’s own vice president, Mike Pence, to scramble for safety. Four people died and another died the following day, and more than 100 police officers were injured. TRUMP’S SPEECH Trump made an incendiary speech at a nearby rally shortly before the riot, repeating false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and urging supporters to march on the Capitol to pressure lawmakers to reject Biden’s victory. In public comments last month to the Democratic-led congressional committee formed to investigate the violence, police officers injured in the mayhem urged lawmakers to determine whether Trump helped instigate it. Some Democrats have said they want him to testify. But the FBI has so far found no evidence that he or people directly around him were involved in organizing the violence, according to the four current and former law enforcement officials. More than 170 people have been charged so far with assaulting or impeding a police officer, according to the Justice Department. That carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. But one source said there has been little, if any, recent discussion by senior Justice Department officials of filing charges such as “seditious conspiracy” to accuse defendants of trying to overthrow the government. They have also opted not to bring racketeering charges, often used against organized criminal gangs. Senior officials had discussed filing such charges in the weeks after the attack, the sources said. Prosecutors have also not brought any charges alleging that any individual or group played a central role in organizing or leading the riot. Law-enforcement sources told Reuters no such charges appeared to be pending. Conspiracy charges that have been filed allege that defendants discussed their plans in the weeks before the attack and worked together on the day itself. But prosecutors have not alleged that this activity was part of a broader plot. Some federal judges and legal experts have questioned whether the Justice Department is letting defendants off too lightly. Judge Beryl Howell in July asked prosecutors to explain why one defendant was allowed to plead to a misdemeanor charge carrying a maximum sentence of six months, rather than a more serious felony charge. Spokespeople for the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington, which is leading the Jan. 6 prosecutions, declined to comment. The congressional committee investigating the attack will talk with the FBI and other agencies as part of its probe. (Reporting By Mark Hosenball; Editing by Andy Sullivan, Kieran Murray and Daniel Wallis) View the full article

The current RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars final four can only watch the action unfold. Well, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season six really done did it. After weeks of teasing a “game within a game” — and a lifetime of reality-TV conditioning — it felt nearly certain the eventual reveal would disappoint. Instead, we got one of the most truly exciting, emotional episodes in the show’s run. Everyone loves a lip sync, and there’s something inherently exciting about watching this, essentially, non-contact sport. It’s combative, offensive and defensive, and beautiful art. Most folks assumed the game within the game would yield a lip-sync heavy episode, that was never in doubt. It’s the stakes that left some fans feeling flazéda. As they say, “previously eliminated queens rarely make herstory,” or something. So, even though the prospect of some kind of lip-sync round robin sounds entertaining, the top four feels fairly locked. But, sure, we’ll go along for the ride. In fact, one could argue, the fans prefer it this way. Why should some queen come sashaying back down that runway without having to spill her guts on Pink Table Talk or designing Drag Tots? It just doesn’t seem fair. That’s where this Drag Race All Stars season’s twist comes into play. Instead of merely winning a round or two of syncs, the eliminated queens have been battling week after week. The earlier they were eliminated, the more gals they have to beat. The structure acknowledges it’s not just about returning to the game, but earning a spot in the Top Five. It’s a subtle distinction, but an important one. (I could see future iterations that also have them walking off in previous runway categories or mini versions of maxi challenges.) There’s also the great visual of seeing Ru in her past lewks and the previous guest judges. It lends a really nice reminder that this game has been playing out under our noses. In terms of this here recap, I have to say: Lip syncs are a visual medium, mama, so I’ll spare you the full blow-by-blow, but you should make time to watch them all. Anyway, all I want to talk about is Silky. Here’s a queen pilloried by the fandom. Someone whose big, confident personality might not have exactly matched her skillset, but generated such nuclear heat on social media, it even played out in the comments here. But after tonight? How could you not be a fan? The elusive Ru-demption of Drag Race All Stars is the reason we’re watching. I didn’t expect to see any queen plow through six lip syncs, let alone so many iconic moments. Silky made her return in the second sync of the evening (after a rather “fine” face-off between Serena ChaCha and Jiggly). Silky smartly takes her first win from Jiggly, using the bouncy, easy tune of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to prepare a full cocktails — glass, ice, all — made only using supplies hidden in her chest. It’s a classic Silky move, but more complex than the milk and cookies we’ve seen. That slight play with expectations elevates the bit even more, and it secures Silky her first win. With Yara up next, it feels like this will just be a progression of one-offs as the queens move forward basically in order of elimination with maybe a twist or two along the way. The song is “Point of No Return” by Nu Shooz, an underrated bop if there ever was one. It’s cheesy and campy, but sexy with a good beat. My money is on Yara, but I soon regret it. Silky reveals a pair of pants that alone are worthy of the win. They’ve got these massive stripes of fringe running down the outside of the legs. They’re stupendous. But, Silky also cranks up the energy, shimmying those sparkles like her actual life is on the line. It’s another notch for Silky. I mean, Silky probably doesn’t need to bring it as hard as she does against Scarlet in the next round to Cher’s “Song for the Lonely.” Scarlet’s performance is the least hungry of all the comeback queens, but Silky continues to give enough for two. This time, she’s got a big, ol’ color guard flag to wave dramatically at just the right moment. Another one bites the dust, and Silky presses on. At this point, it’s tough not to root for Silky. She’s clearly working her ass off out there. Now, she’s built some real momentum. Now, there’s tension. How much longer can she keep it up? Who will be the one to stop her? Not, A’Keria, sadly. It’s the first twist in a one-two punch, showing A’Keria refusing Ru’s invitation to the game. It really did feel like A’Keria was drained by the time she went home, so I get not wanting to do yet another incredibly difficult thing when you’re already low. (I mean, after the last year, who can’t relate?) If that wasn’t a gag enough, when Ru breaks the news to Silky that she gets by to the next round, Silky instead asks to perform her lip sync anyway, solo. Y’all. I’m losing it. Fully screaming, hands waving in the air like Kermit, three snaps in a Z-formation, all of it. I’m sweating Astroglide. It is a great, gay moment only made all the sweeter by the absolutely bonkers performance it is! First off, the track is Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.” Already good. Silky serves season seven split-gender realness, painting half herself as a slinky showgirl and the other as a tracksuit-wearing f***boi. She performs the dialogue like a TikTok filter come to life. I’m howling, the judges are howling, the entire queer community is howling in some shared consciousness 101 Dalmatians Twilight Bark. A legendary performance. An absolute KWEEN move to demand to perform anyway. Someone put this in the Library of Congress. OK, you may be thinking, how long can this run last? Jan is up next, and you know she is coming with lethal peppiness. We get Goth Jan, which is my favorite Jan, because it’s so obviously incongruous with her personality. She risks it all (including spinal slippage) putting everything into a passionate performance of Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker,” another excellent lip sync choice. It’s still no match for Silky once the good doctor somehow procures a mostly full-scale guitar prop that she uses for a solo that would make Pete Townsend himself tuck a sweaty $20 bill in her bra if this were in a bar. She ends it perfectly with a Phoebe Bridgers-esque guitar smash that seals the deal. If you thought the stakes were high before, I’m starting to get lightheaded thinking there’s just two more girls for Silky to beat. She already beat four. Is she really going to pull this off? Next up is Pandora, and it’s to an Ariana Grande song, so not exactly something she could sink her teeth into (like, I don’t know, Dolly Parton’s “Me and Little Andy”). Still, she does better than I would have guessed, successfully selling sexy while still leaving some room for funny faces. Silks gives us a more direct Ariana interpretation and hits one of her signature back bumps that always look like they MUST hurt, right? It’s a solid outing for both, and Silky, again, moves forward. JUST ONE DOLL LEFT. It’s Eureka. And the track is “Since U Been Gone,” maybe one of the most universally beloved, definitive pop songs of the 21st Century? Do you know anyone who would, like, CHANGE THE STATION if it came on? Moms, ironic hipsters, cheugy PR account managers, former frat bros … it’s irresistible. And it’s tailor-made for iconic performances. Eureka is coming in hot, giving it her all. She’s even wearing her late mother’s LifeAlert for inspiration. Ticking all the boxes here for a well-earned win. Silky is prepared, too. Maybe too prepared. She’s telling a story about her mother’s weightloss. (I mean, is this the time?) It involves a sort of Missy Elliot trash bag suit, some light calisthenics and then a reveal to a sexy little number underneath. Unfortunately, the reveal snags, she’s stuck in the bodysuit, and the whole triumphant run sort of crumbles. At least that’s how it seems. You know Mama Ru isn’t letting us all off the hook that easily. We won’t learn the winner until nexy week. Yes, that’s cheap (and very expected), but I don’t mind it here. It feels as if Eureka is going to take this win, and a week removed from watching Silky’s thrilling lip sync dominance will take the sting out of it, a bit. I also think it’s within the realm of possibility they bring back both Eureka and Silky for the next challenge, but two girls will be sent home. According to (my) All Stars Rules, rankings are suspended for the week, but since I am a completionist: Silky.What did you think of the episode? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Catch up on our RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars coverage. View the full article