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Published by BANG Showbiz English Beth Ditto became “incredibly resourceful” after growing up in modest surroundings. The 43-year-old star – who is best known as the lead singer of Gossip – believes that her personality has been shaped by her upbringing in Judsonia, Arkansas. Beth – who is the middle of seven children – told the BBC: “If we wanted something, it wasn't like. ‘You've got to work for it and earn it', it was, ‘Why don't you learn how to make it?'” The music star still has vivid memories of her own self-reliance at an early age. She shared: “If you don't have money, and you don't have clout, it makes you incredibly… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story (UK) According to conservative pollster Sarah Longwell, voters are less concerned with Donald Trump's age than they are worried about his mental fitness as they look at the presidential choices in 2024. Appearing on MSNBC's “The Weekend,” Longwell — founder of Republican Voters Against Trump — was asked about voter worries about both Trump and President Joe Biden and she replied the public seem to hold them to two different standards. “I wonder, in your focus groups, how the two issues are bearing out, the question of the candidates and the comparison points between the two of them,” co-host Alicia… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Demi Lovato regrets being so “critical” of herself during her younger years. The 31-year-old star – who first found fame as a child – has revealed that she wishes she embraced “self-love” at a much earlier age. Asked what advice she would give her teenage self, Demi told PEOPLE: “What I would tell my teenage self is I would say don't hold yourself to anybody else's standards but your own. And if your own becomes too critical, then look within yourself and try to find that self-love. “I think it's really important to find self-love no matter what age you are.” Demi has learned a lot about beaut… Read More View the full article

Athens, Greece, marks a historic milestone as the city hall witnesses its first same-sex marriage, just three weeks following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country. Esteemed Greek novelist Petros Hadjopoulos, known by his pen name Auguste Corteau, and his partner, lawyer Anastasios Samouilidis, celebrated their union in a ceremony officiated by the mayor of Athens. The event, included presence of their dog and almost overwhleming love and joy, along with the applause from over two dozen guests, embodies a significant step forward in the country's journey towards celebrating legalized LGBTQ unions. [This post contains video, click to play] View the full article

Published by Raw Story Many people are now asking about Evan G. Greenberg, the CEO of the Chubb Group, which has a subsidiary that fronted the cash given to Donald Trump for his bond in New York for the E. Jean Carroll settlement. Even if Trump intends to appeal the settlement ruled on by the jury, he must put the cash up as a bond to the court. Greenberg is the one who made it happen. As legal analystAllison Gill pointed out, he is not only a New York businessman, but was also brought on by Trump in 2018 to serve on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. His term ended in 2022. Want more breaking… Read More View the full article

Published by ANI News Paris [France], March 9 (ANI): With the official inclusion of the right to abortion in its constitution, France has become the first nation in the world to do so. President Emmanuel Macron has pledged that he “will not rest” until women in Europe are afforded the same protections, according to Al Jazeera. The constitutional amendment that the French Parliament had approved earlier in the week was sealed on Friday by Macron. While attending the event, which took place on International Women's Day, Macron declared that he would work to have the right to an abortion included in the EU Charter of … Read More View the full article

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Published by Radar Online President Joe Biden mocked Clarence Thomas this week over the Supreme Court justice's controversial habit of taking luxury trips that are paid for by wealthy GOP donors and friends, RadarOnline.com can report. President Biden's surprising remarks about Justice Thomas came on Monday in a fiery interview with The New Yorker. The 81-year-old president and reporter Evan Osnos discussed the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade back in June 2022. The pair also discussed a concerning concurring opinion that Justice Thomas wrote at the time in which he suggested using the “legal rationale”… Read More View the full article

Published by DPA International When planning a holiday, members of the LGBT+ community are often forced to consider whether they will feel safe at their chosen destination. The Spartacus International Gay Guide has been working to make that decision a little easier, putting out a ranking every year to update travellers on the LGBT+ situation in more than 200 nations worldwide. This year, according to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, the most LGBT+-friendly countries are Malta, Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. 2024 marks the first time that the top spot is occupied by five nations simultaneously, Spartacus Internation… Read More View the full article

Published by Q Magazine Shortly after her first solo single, “I Only Want To Be With You”, became a top five hit in the UK, Dusty Springfield was asked how she was enjoying her success. “It's marvelous to be popular,” she said. “But foolish to think it will last.” It was typically self-effacing remark from a woman who would go on to become one of the most important British singers of all time. Whether it was calling her classic album Dusty in Memphis “rather overrated”, cranking up the volume in her headphones in the studio to drown out the sound of her own voice, or anxiety over her appearance, Dusty could never see… Read More View the full article

Published by The Moscow Times At least a dozen clinics in Russia “secretly” conduct so-called conversion therapy, an abusive practice used to forcibly “cure” LGBTQ+ people, the U.S.-funded broadcaster Current Time reported on Monday. According to Current Time journalists, “patients” are often sent to these conversion therapy clinics against their will. Their treatment involves being isolated from the outside world for several months, during which they are sometimes forced to take psychotropic drugs, pray and undergo hypnosis. The clinics, which operate in Moscow as well as the Moscow and Rostov regions and parts of Russia'… Read More View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Is JoJo Siwa replacing her bows with babies? The 20-year-old recently shocked fans after covering her arms with tattoos and revealing she's already picked out a sperm donor for her children — who she wants to have sooner than later. During an interview last week, the professional dancer confessed she has “two tattoos dedicated to” her future kids. “This one's dedicated to my baby girl one day. Her name is Freddy. Then this one is dedicated to my twin boys, Eddie and Teddy,” Siwa strangely declared of her unborn offspring. “I want three babies, I got my sperm donor lined up,” the Dance Moms alu… Read More View the full article

Published by Radar Online Actress Rita Moreno had the women of The View rolling when she launched into a rant mocking ex-president Donald Trump's “very small pickle,” RadarOnline.com has learned. Moreno, 92, assured the cohosts on Monday's episode of the daytime talk show that she will not be voting for the GOP frontrunner in November. The 92-year-old acting legend left the View ladies in stitches when she ripped into Trump, 77. Moreno branded the ex-president “stupid” and “appalling” during her rant. The discussion began with Ana Navarro asking the panel's guest her thoughts on the criticism of Joe Biden's age, causin… Read More View the full article

Published by PsyPost A study published in The Journal of Sex Research uncovered a significant rise in the number of Americans identifying as bisexual or reporting bisexual behaviors, especially in recent years. The findings shed light on the evolving landscape of sexual orientation in the United States. While acceptance of same-sex sexuality and marriage has notably increased, bisexuality has remained somewhat in the shadows, with less clarity around its trends and behaviors. This gap prompted researchers to delve into nationally representative samples to map out the landscape of bisexuality. For their study, the … Read More View the full article

Published by IntelliNews By Kent Mensah in Accra Ghana's Ministry of Finance has cautioned President Nana Akufo-Addo against endorsing a fiercely contested anti-LGBTQ+ bill, emphasising the risk of substantial financial repercussions, reports Joy News. The ministry's advisory underscores the potential loss of billions of dollars in World Bank funds, which could further burden the financially-strained West African nation. After enacting similar legislation, Uganda was struck off from a major trade pact that offers duty-free access to the US market in October 2023 after the Biden administration contended that its Anti-H… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP New York (AFP) – Much speculation has swirled around megastar Taylor Swift's potential power in the US presidential election, and on Tuesday she toe-dipped in, urging her fans to vote. Swift, one of the world's most famous and most-discussed artists, did not urge her loyal Swifties towards any particular political position or candidate, instead focusing on the importance of casting one's ballot. “Today, March 5, is the Presidential Primary in Tennessee and 16 other states and territories,” the 34-year-old wrote on Instagram, referencing the state she spent much of her youth living in. “I wante… Read More View the full article

Published by AlterNet The impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is likely to begin in the US Senate this week. It is expected to be quickly tabled or dismissed by Democrats, who hold the majority and have criticized House Republicans for bringing the case to trial despite a lack of “high crimes and misdemeanors” the Constitution requires to necessitate impeachment. Both Senate Democrats and Republicans have criticized the Mayorkas impeachment as a political stunt. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) said his Republican counterparts in the House of Representatives were engaging in the “w… Read More View the full article

Published by Mirror By Emma Wilson Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness has been dubbed a “monster” in a jaw-dropping expose about the hit Netflix show. Ten production members on the show spoke with Rolling Stone about what went on behind-the-scenes on the hugely popular show, which debuted back in 2018. Queer Eye helped launch the Hollywood careers of Jonathan, chef Antoni Porowski, stylist Tan France, lifestyle guru Karamo Brown, and interior designer Bobby Berk, and has spawned eight seasons with the Fab Five travelling across the US giving makeovers to deserving people. However, the production staff and sources w… Read More View the full article

Published by Mirror By Sean McPolin The son of an infamous 1980s televangelist couple is set to reveal their family's darkest secrets in an upcoming documentary which is set to lay all bare. Dubbed Better Angels: The Gospel According to Tammy Faye, the series will follow the life of Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner. The pair's lives recently came back into the public spotlight thanks to the Oscar-winning film starring Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield. Now, the duo's son Jay Bakker has revealed some of the shocking details which are about to be exposed. The 48-year-old admitted he hopes the documentary can sh… Read More View the full article

Photo by Mike Freas/Florida Keys News Bureau Ask some locals for the best place to eat in Key West, and you'd better open Notes on your phone and prepare your thumbs for a long list. With its compact size and diverse culinary landscape, Key West is a paradise for food enthusiasts, where it's hard to get a bad meal, and easy to satisfy your cravings. Let's start with the basics. Key West claims both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic, and is smack dab where the two meet. So, yes there is seafood. The warm waters of the Gulf offer a milder and sweeter taste to always-fresh fish than colder climes. For those with a sweet tooth, there's a key lime pie around every corner, each a unique twist on this beloved classic. And if you don't like any of that, you're still in safe waters. More on Key West Thanks to Key West for sponsoring this series of posts. More on Key West for that trip you're considering… ‘Florida Curious' to Key West Convert: Take Your Clothes Off and Say ‘Gay' in the Conch Republic Strip or Just Tease? Key West's Famous, and Infamous, Clothing-Optional Gay Guesthouses Key West Spells Diversion With a Big “D”: Drinking, Dancing, Drag Mile High Meringue at Blue Heaven Let's start with dessert. Key West's eponymous pie is a culinary institution, sparking lively debates among locals and visitors alike. Start to unlock the experience, a slice at Blue Heaven, or one of the many venues that feature it. Chef Theresa Paterno's handcrafted creations, her “happy pies,” she says are infused with love and guaranteed to leave you more than satisfied. Located just a tart-citrus-fruit's throw away from popular nightlife hotspots 801, Tutu (22) bar and Saloon 1, Blue Heaven‘s eclectic sprawling outdoor space make it a welcome part of any itinerary. The restaurant leans into the venue's past incarnation as a brothel, its quirky charm captures the essence of Key West's vibrant spirit. The historic, loud, and beloved Key West chickens love the place, and all are welcome, along with a hodge-podge of every sort of visitor that makes it this far. Photo: Shutterstock Benedicts For Brunch Next stop is brunch, any day of the week. A perennial favorite is Azur – gay-owned and operated, featuring a Mediterranean-inspired menu and conveniently close to the clothing optional resorts on Fleming. And the chef prepares Benedicts three ways daily, each one delicious. Another perennial, Banana Café, a French bistro in the heart of Key West. This quaint spot also features the Benedicts, a decadent lobster and other more traditional ones. They have a wine list featuring European vintners that's perfect for pairing and a range of traditional favorites, so everyone will leave fully completely satisfied. Cubano Classics No culinary survey of Key West can be called complete without enjoying the tastes of Cuba. Key West is closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida, and you can't go wrong at local favorite El Siboney or grab a decadent Cuban mix sandwich from Sandy's while you do your laundry. More Key Restaurants Other places we repeat visit are Date & Thyme, for healthy shakes, snacks and organic meals, across from Equator Resort. The restaurant at Island House features addictive conch fritters and and the scenery sometimes beats a pretty sunset, as you'll hear Bobby rave in this episode of Gay Key West Uncovered. Photo courtesy of Island House Gay Key West Uncovered is a six-part miniseries podcast that is undeniably biased, and not-so-straight from a skeptical team of gay New Yorkers who didn't know what to expect in the southernmost wilds of Florida, and emerged as fans. Turning to the locals of Key West for their help and guidance, including drag queens, creative digital nomads, a super fierce lesbian boat captain, naked pool boys, business owners and even the mayor, we're attempting to tell at least a chapter or two of its story. This time we were hungry, and fortunately that's not a problem on the island. Not at all. Listen to our fourth episode here, and join New York comedian and host Bobby Hankinson as Towleroad eats its way into a coma: More On Key West on Towleroad ‘Florida Curious' to Key West Convert: Take Your Clothes Off and Say ‘Gay' in the Conch Republic Strip or Just Tease? Key West's Famous, and Infamous, Clothing-Optional Gay Guesthouses Key West Spells Diversion With a Big “D”: Drinking, Dancing, Drag View the full article

By Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano via Pacific Whale Foundation A recent study in Marine Mammal Science discusses the first observed sexual behavior between two male humpback whales off the coast of Maui, Hawaii in 2022. These images are hugely significant as the report describes: “Despite decades of research on humpback whales around the world, reports of penis extrusion by males are relatively rare … and copulation in humpback whales has not yet been documented …This is the first report of penetration by a humpback whale, and the first report of sexual activity between two male humpback whales.” According to a press release by the Pacific Whale Foundation “The two whales circled the boat numerous times, allowing Krannichfeld and Romano the opportunity to carefully document the event by holding their cameras over the side of the stationary vessel (note: it is illegal to swim with or approach humpback whales within 100 yards in Hawaii and the vessel remained in neutral as the whales approached). [FULL STUDY BELOW] Researchers Document First Known Sexual Behavior Between Male Humpback Whales This observation challenges researchers to perhaps broaden their inquiry as previous understanding and research on humpback whale behavior, has largely focused on reproductive activities. According to the study, so-called “nonreproductive sexual behaviors,” including those between the same sex, are documented across various animal species. Such behaviors may serve functions beyond reproduction, including social alliance formation, dominance establishment, and tension reduction. This single observation is difficult to generalize from, not only in isolation, but because of one whale was emaciated and injured. By Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano via Pacific Whale Foundation The Significance of This Observation The health condition of Whale A, described as emaciated and injured, may have influenced the interaction. Previous studies have suggested that weakened or injured animals might become targets for dominant behavior or mistargeted mating attempts. The Foundation release noted the health disparity adds “complexity to this unique observation. One whale's poor condition, possibly caused by a ship strike, may have contributed to the observed behavior.” The observed whales, identified via tail fluke photographs and genetic analysis, exhibited a unique interaction. “Whale B repeatedly approached from the rear of Whale A and penetrated the second whale, appearing to hold Whale A in place with its pectoral fins,” the researchers detailed. This behavior, they write, suggests a complex social interaction potentially related to dominance, social bonding, or a mistargeted mating attempt. Male-Male Interactions Among Marine Mammals The observed behavior in humpback whales adds to documented instances of same-sex interactions among marine mammals, including pinnipeds and cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. These interactions often involve complex social behaviors, including dominance, alliance formation, and social learning. The authors emphasized the importance of further research to understand the motivations and implications of such behaviors fully, they noted a “similar observation by Pack et al. (1998), where a humpback whale exhibited sexual activity near a deceased conspecific, adds to the complexity of understanding these occurrences,” they concluded. The study highlights the significant role of community scientists and the value of opportunistic observations in advancing marine mammal science. View the full article

By Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano via Pacific Whale Foundation A recent study in Marine Mammal Science discusses the first observed sexual behavior between two male humpback whales off the coast of Maui, Hawaii in 2022. These images are hugely significant as the report describes: “Despite decades of research on humpback whales around the world, reports of penis extrusion by males are relatively rare … and copulation in humpback whales has not yet been documented …This is the first report of penetration by a humpback whale, and the first report of sexual activity between two male humpback whales.” According to a press release by the Pacific Whale Foundation “The two whales circled the boat numerous times, allowing Krannichfeld and Romano the opportunity to carefully document the event by holding their cameras over the side of the stationary vessel (note: it is illegal to swim with or approach humpback whales within 100 yards in Hawaii and the vessel remained in neutral as the whales approached). [FULL STUDY BELOW] Researchers Document First Known Sexual Behavior Between Male Humpback Whales This observation challenges researchers to perhaps broaden their inquiry as previous understanding and research on humpback whale behavior, has largely focused on reproductive activities. According to the study, so-called “nonreproductive sexual behaviors,” including those between the same sex, are documented across various animal species. Such behaviors may serve functions beyond reproduction, including social alliance formation, dominance establishment, and tension reduction. This single observation is difficult to generalize from, not only in isolation, but because of one whale was emaciated and injured. By Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano via Pacific Whale Foundation The Significance of This Observation The health condition of Whale A, described as emaciated and injured, may have influenced the interaction. Previous studies have suggested that weakened or injured animals might become targets for dominant behavior or mistargeted mating attempts. The Foundation release noted the health disparity adds “complexity to this unique observation. One whale's poor condition, possibly caused by a ship strike, may have contributed to the observed behavior.” The observed whales, identified via tail fluke photographs and genetic analysis, exhibited a unique interaction. “Whale B repeatedly approached from the rear of Whale A and penetrated the second whale, appearing to hold Whale A in place with its pectoral fins,” the researchers detailed. This behavior, they write, suggests a complex social interaction potentially related to dominance, social bonding, or a mistargeted mating attempt. Male-Male Interactions Among Marine Mammals The observed behavior in humpback whales adds to documented instances of same-sex interactions among marine mammals, including pinnipeds and cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. These interactions often involve complex social behaviors, including dominance, alliance formation, and social learning. The authors emphasized the importance of further research to understand the motivations and implications of such behaviors fully, they noted a “similar observation by Pack et al. (1998), where a humpback whale exhibited sexual activity near a deceased conspecific, adds to the complexity of understanding these occurrences,” they concluded. The study highlights the significant role of community scientists and the value of opportunistic observations in advancing marine mammal science. View the full article

Published by AlterNet Legal and political experts were stunned by the Supreme Court announcing Wednesday it will take up Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity, despite there being no contradiction in the lower courts. Compounding experts' surprise and concern over granting certiorari was the length of time it took to announce the decision, and that they will not hear arguments until April 22. “The Supreme Court heard and decided Bush v. Gore in THREE DAYS. THAT was expediting a case of national importance,” noted Tristan Snell, the former New York State prosecutor who led the successful investigation and $2… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Jussie Smollett has completed a five-month substance abuse programme. The former ‘Empire' actor – who is awaiting to find out if the supreme court will hear another appeal after his conviction for about being a victim of a racist and homophobic attack back in 2019 was upheld in December – had been participating in an outpatient scheme at an undisclosed facility following an “extremely difficult” few years, and sources told TMZ his rehab stint came to an end last month. The insider told the outlet Jussie put in the work, focusing on his health and being consistent with his workouts during his t… Read More View the full article