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Published by Euronews (English) In 2019, a wave of Polish towns and cities passed resolutions declaring themselves “LGBT-Free Zones” that at one point encompassed one-third of the country. Since then, activists and legal experts have fought to revoke or nullify these declarations, chipping away at the bloc of LGBT-Free Zones largely found in the southeastern part of the country. Significant progress has been difficult, since Poland has been facing a rule-of-law crisis going back to at least 2017, when the right-wing Law and Justice, or PiS party began spreading its influence on key bodies such as the Constitutional Court. Th… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Aubrey O'Day says it “hurts” when people compare her exes Pauly D and Donald Trump Jr. The 39-year-old former ‘Danity Kane' frontwoman has always had high praise for Don Jr, 45, with whom she allegedly had an affair in 2011, and dated Pauly, 43, on and off from 2016 to 2018, and has now said they are not even in the “same league”. She told the ‘Sofia with an F' podcast Thursday: “The fact that I do interviews and they say, ‘Oh we should've known you were with Don because you were with Pauly' and they say these names in the same sentence and I'm like, ‘whoa!'” “That to me hurts the most because… Read More View the full article

Published by 90min (EN) By Toby Cudworth The organisation behind the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign, Stonewall, have issued a statement ahead of Jordan Henderson's proposed move to the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq after a deal was agreed with Liverpool for their long-serving captain, and he could earn close to £100,000-a-day in wages in the Middle East inclusive of bonuses. Henderson's proposed switch has generated huge interest because of his vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community in the past. He has repeatedly called for greater inclusivity in footba… Read More View the full article

Published by Euronews (English) The Italian Parliament is currently discussing a bill of law aiming at turning surrogacy abroad into a universal crime. If the bill is voted on, Italian citizens who go to countries where it is legal would risk reclusion and a fine. The government is also hardening its stance towards homoparental families. Municipalities which so far granted birth certificates recognising same-sex parents, have been summoned to stop doing so. Euronews' reporters Valérie Gauriat and Davide Raffaele Lobina travelled around Italy to find out what the implications are for the families concerned. Surrogacy abroad a… Read More View the full article

Published by Benzinga Bud Light's controversial campaign with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney is changing the beer industry. While Mulvaney boasts 10.7 million followers on TikTok, the collaboration triggered a backlash on social media and led some beer drinkers to boycott Bud Light. According to consulting company Bump Williams using data from NielsenIQ, Bud Light sales in the U.S. dropped 27% in the four-week period ended July 8 compared to the previous year. Bud Light's declining sales provide a window of opportunity for competitors to swoop in and grab market share. A new brewer has also ente… Read More View the full article

Published by AlterNet A San Bernardino County, California school board president, Sonja Shaw, acknowledging a political grudge, grew angered and agitated in front of parents and students attending a school board meeting Thursday, kicking the State Superintendent of Public Instruction out after publicly berating him, accusing him of “proposing things that pervert children,” “blackmail,” and yelling at him that he had supported her opponent for election. Superintendent Tony Thurmond was at a podium for public speakers at a meeting of the Chino Valley Unified School District school board to weigh in on a controversial… Read More View the full article

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer PHILADELPHIA — Thomas Jefferson University President Mark Tykocinski, who came under fire less than three months ago for liking controversial tweets about COVID-19 vaccines and gender reassignment surgery for children on his official presidential Twitter account, resigned from his leadership position this week after only a year in the job, the school announced. In an email to the university community Thursday, Joseph G. Cacchione, Jefferson’s CEO, said that Tykocinski is exiting the leadership role “to focus on his research and clinical translation efforts” but would remain a full professor. H… Read More View the full article

Published by New York Daily News 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… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story 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… Read More View the full article

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. View the full article

Published by PsyPost 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… Read More View the full article

Published by OK Magazine 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… Read More View the full article

Published by Relaxnews 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… Read More View the full article

Published by Chicago Tribune 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… Read More View the full article

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: 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. 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. View the full article

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 View the full article

Published by AFP 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 … Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English 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 … Read More View the full article

Published by GB News 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… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English 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 … Read More View the full article

Published by Euronews (English) 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… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English 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 … Read More View the full article

Published by Fadeaway World 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… Read More View the full article

Published by The Street 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… Read More View the full article

Published by The Street 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 … Read More View the full article