Same Sex Living

Hollywood rolled out the red carpet this week for a celebrity get-together at the fifth annual Respect Awards sponsored by GLSEN – The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. The star-studded shindig offered support and fund raising events along with a celebration of the work and lives of David Bohnett (his site here) and Shonda Rhimes (see ET's video & article), this year’s recipients of the Respect Awards. The Beverly Hills Hotel (plan a visit) was the destination and the turnout was nothing short of glamorous.

Sam Trammell and Michelle Forbes of “True Blood” were in attendance along with Debi Mazar of “Dancing with the Stars.” Chandra Wilson and Sara Ramirez represented “Grey’s Anatomy.” Commenting on the GLSEN organization, Ramirez said, “It helps kids understand themselves and understand each other. Then you take away the fear” (TV Guide). The Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, also attended the event. Mayor Villaraigosa made the following comment on the evening’s events and the promise of the GLSEN program, “We all should be able to learn and be in an environment free of discrimination” (TV Guide).

GLSEN began in 1990 with a group of volunteer educators who wanted a positive school environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and teachers. There are now over 4000 Gay-Straight Alliances across the nation and GLSEN has a full time staff of 40 dedicated individuals. The GLSEN philosophy is “to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression” (GLSEN website)

For more information or to become involved, please visit GLSEN's website.

Throughout the history of famous lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people there have emerged those who gain iconic status in their bold expressions of individuality. Marlene Dietrich was definitely one of those women! She was an internationally famous film, theatre and music star, for those who do not know, that rocked the world of convention by cross-dressing and being openly and proudly bisexual. Originally from Germany, she was glamorous, exotic and the very definition of sultry.

Beginning in 1928, Dietrich recorded a lesbian song titled “Wenn die Beste Freundin” that topped the charts in Berlin. Her recording career lasted for the next 50 years. Ernest Hemingway once stated, “If she had nothing more than her voice, she could break your heart with it.” The 1930s saw her meteoric rise to Hollywood film stardom. Caught in the throws of WWII, Dietrich denounced Hitler’s Germany and became an American citizen. She spent years raising war bonds, touring with the USO entertaining the troops, and loudly expressing her fierce anti-Nazi convictions for which she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

All the while Dietrich was sporting her signature cross-dressing attire, husband in tow, men and women lovers surrounding her. The thousands of photographs are timeless in their elegance and power. Her films are still rich with that unmistakable quality that she exuded. Her recordings still cause the listener to catch their breath. Dietrich possessed the courage to express herself and live her life authentically, and she always did it with sultry style.

The rumors are flying that there is a new gay television series in the works called “Kept.” The scuttle on the streets of New York City is that Classic Entertainment Group, the same company that brought “Real Housewives” to the small screen, has posted a casting call for the new series. It will revolve around the “in gay crowd” of NYC and be packed with drama filmed in multiple locations. It is reportedly scheduled to begin filming in November and will air on the LOGO Network.

The only hint of potential cast members so far is the famous Marc Jacobs. This hot designer is one of the most influential talents in the industry today. He landed at number 15 on the list of Out’s “50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America” for 2009. Among his credits in the fashion world, Jacobs is presently the Creative Director for Louis Vuitton, the internationally famous French design house.

The show, according to the requests on the casting call information, is looking for “A list” gay men in the ages of 20s to mid 30s who are in a relationship or looking for one. The ideal demographic would be a situation where one partner is the “breadwinner” and the other is the “home body” (so to speak). The call asks for active lives with a lot going on in Manhattan or a close proximity, and “drama, drama, drama.” The details state, “We are looking to infiltrate a circle of friends who fits this criteria”

(keep in touch with LGTB television here!)

The Peter, Paul and Mary trio released their first album (the black vinyl type) back in 1962. This release was an instance hit with the songs “If I Had a Hammer” and “Lemon Tree.” Their next LP following shortly after contained the mega-hit “Puff the Magic Dragon.” The scuttle that this was a sentiment to marijuana did not diminish its popularity, and may have even broadened its listener base – it was the 1960s after all! The third album with “Blowin’ in the Wind” cemented the trio in the upper ranks of folk stardom. “If I Had a Hammer” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” are still considered two of the best musical expressions of civil rights advocacy ever written.

When approached for her reaction to recent federal laws outlawing same-sex marriage, Mary had the following to say:

Having sung, demonstrated, and participated as activists for the human rights, civil rights, and dignity of all people, we are totally opposed to the Bush administration's proposed constitutional amendment. Let us rather find ways to embrace one another, all different, all special, and all deserving of being accepted as such--without bias, without prejudice, and, most critically, without the deprivation our rights to full and equal participation in our society.

Thank you, Mary, for being one of “our people.” You shall be missed.

For more information, please visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-stockwell/thank-you-mary-travers_b_289623.html

Her “day job,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has won an astounding 29 Daytime Emmy Awards and Ellen has been voted one of the top five “Most Influential Women in the Media” according to Forbes. She also occupies the Number One spot in Oxygen’s “50 Funniest Women Alive,” keeping company with the likes of Carol Burnett, Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin. Ellen now refers to her new gig on Idol as her “night job.”

Along with Ellen, there are a slate of other guest judges lined up that are sure to please the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Included are Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Shania Twain. This promises to be the best year yet for American Idol, so mark that calendar and tune in!

For more information, please visit www.americanidol.com

It might seem a large stretch to name General Chuck Yeager, George Lucas and Harvey Milk in the same sentence, but there it is! The question is: What do these dissimilar folks have in common. The answer: They have all been inducted into The California Museum’s – California Hall of Fame. Created in 2006 by First Lady Maria Shriver, the Hall of Fame “celebrates our most influential women and men, and honors them for their drive, willingness to take risks, dedication and success in touching the lives of millions of people - not just in this state, but around the world” (Gov. Schwarzenegger).

Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) had the following comment regarding this latest event: “Today’s announcement by First Lady Maria Shriver recognizes the important leadership role Harvey Milk played in our state and nation and further illustrates the historic and international nature of his legacy. I appreciate the First Lady’s support and admiration for Harvey’s work to further equal civil rights for all people. He gave his life for what he believed in, and in doing so gave hope to generations of LGBT Californians who continue to struggle for full equality.”

Prior to this event, President Obama posthumously awarded Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. These two recognitions of the life and work of Harvey Milk, honor everyone in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Senator Leno is currently sponsoring a bill to create a Harvey Milk Day, and lobbying Gov. Schwarzenegger to not repeat his former veto.

 For the five-year run of the very famous Showtime series, “Queer as Folk,” Brian Kinney lit up the hearts and loins of the viewing audience. He was the type of character that you loved or hated, loved to hate, or hated to love. One thing you could depend on though – Brian was Brian throughout the series run. His ego drew you and repelled, his sexual antics delighted and frustrated you. All the while his seemingly impervious exterior would crack a bit as he quietly demonstrated grand acts of kindness and compassion. Brain Kinney was a success because of the talent of Gale Harold.

Harold is turning 40 and there are rumors and requests floating about for a “wrap-up” movie of QAF. Just as “Sex and the City” got its closing chapter, QAF viewers would like nothing more than to see “how it all came out” (no pun intended). Would Brian and Sunshine be a couple? How are Michael and Ben? What happened to the lesbian couple, Melanie and Lindsey, after they moved away? And, the adorable Emmett must be up to some interesting antics, right?

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community will be glad to hear that Harold is starring in small TV roles, including a recurring part on “Desperate Housewives” and has a blossoming career in Broadway theatre. He is presently still trying to fully recover after a serious motorcycle wreck, and plans on continuing his acting career. We look forward to more from this Decatur, Georgia native as he gracefully ages.

A very vocal and outspoken advocate for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues over the past twenty years, Cyndi Lauper is at it again! This uniquely talented singer/songwriter is spending the summer on her latest project, The True Colors Tour. The genesis for the tour is “a celebration of the basic values and freedoms that should be shared by all Americans.” Lauper is teaming up with fellow entertainers along the journey to support the issues and rights of the LGBT community.

“Hosted by Carson Kressley the tour will feature exciting special guest appearances on select dates including Wanda Sykes, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Joan Armatrading, Indigo Girls, Nona Hendryx, Deborah Cox, The Cliks, Andy Bell, The Puppini Sisters and Kat DeLuna” (www.cyndilauper.com). Visit the site for tour dates and locations.

In 2007, Lauper founded the True Colors Fund as a “bold” statement regarding the support of LGBT people. Whether on stage or off, the foundation is rallying support and action for the civil rights and recognitions that are deserved by all. The organization is a resource and gathering point for all those wishing to stand with Lauper and others in the struggles that are yet unresolved in the LGBT community.

In her quintessentially sassy way, Lauper states, “Simply put, we are going to challenge people to give a damn about what is still going on and to be part of the solution.”

For more information, please visit www.truecolorsfund.org

Neil Patrick Harris and his partner of five years, David Burtka, have been approved to be Dads! The pair chose to pursue their parenting plans with the same organization that will delivery twin girls to Sarah Jessica Parker and hubby Matthew Broderick.

Growing Generations will arrange the surrogate birth for the happy couple. Since 1996 this company has devoted their efforts to helping people “build families of choice.” They were the first company of their kind to offer services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. They currently have a surrogacy and egg donation service for HIV positive men who wish to have a biological family. Growing Generations continues its commitment to building families “regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.”

Neil Patrick Harris came to fame playing the youthful genius Doogie Howser and currently stars in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Neil’s partner David is also an actor who began his career on the Broadway stage, and has had appearances on The West Wing and Crossing Jordan. Neil is 36 and David is 34, and both are thrilled to be on this journey together.

When asked if they wanted a boy or a girl, Neil and David both said it did not matter them. The important thing for the couple is that the child is healthy and happy! All the best to the new Dads from the LGBT community – it promises to be the adventure of a lifetime for them and their lucky child!

For more information, please visit www.growinggenerations.com.

Our brothers and sisters of stardom…

• Ellen DeGeneres – comedienne; groundbreaking lesbian de jour; married to Portia Portia d Rossi.
• Cynthia Nixon – star of “Sex and the City”; engaged to her partner of four years, Christine Marinoni.
• Adam Lambert – uber talented songster of “American Idol” fame.
• Neil Patrick Harris – star of “How I Met Your Mother” and “Doogie Howser” fame.
• Rosie O’Donnell – activist, comedienne and talk show host; married to Kelli Carpenter.
• Wanda Sykes – hilariously irreverent comedienne.
• David Hyde Pierce – star of “Frasier”; married to long-time partner, Brian Hargrove.
• Melissa Etheridge – rocker extraordinaire; out and loud and proud since 1993.
• George Takei – the famed Mr. Sulu from “Star Trek”; married to his long-time partner.
• Ian McKellen – activist, Magneto star in the “X-Men” movies and Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings.”
• T. R. Knight – star on popular TV series “Grey’s Anatomy.”
• Sir Elton John – singer/songwriter for over four decades; first married a man in 1984.
• Suze Orman – TV fame as a financial analyst and correspondent.
• Richard Chamberlain – movie star of “Thorn Birds” and “Shogun” along with over 30 other movies.
• Robert Reed – famous Dad on “The Brady Bunch.”
• Dick Sargent – second Darrin Stevens opposite Elizabeth Montgomery on original TV series “Bewitched.”
• Tab Hunter – 1950s movie star; lives with partner of 25 years
• Rock Hudson – heartthrob and star of over 70 movies; first high profile AIDS related Hollywood death.
• Richard Simmons – fitness guru for over 30 years of “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” and “Deal a Meal” fame.
• Tracy Chapman – soulful singer/songwriter for over two decades.

Showtime, a network well known for its gay content has put out a casting call for any man or woman who is willing to have their coming out experience televised. How it has affected their life, particularly having to

The show called ‘Way Out’ raises many questions and is hoping to help people understand the coming out process and possibly convince other

people to follow suit. The people behind the idea include the executive producer of A&E’s Intervention, as well as the casting producer for the same sh

ow, Adam Drucker. They have vowed to make certain that everyone featured on the program is treated with respect and dignity. Counseling will be provided throughout the show.

They are also looking to include past experiences of people who have come out already, whether positive or negative, in the show.

Some communities initially feared that this would simply be a way to exploit an incredibly sensitive part of people’s lives for entertainment purposes, but Adam Drucker has responded to this by saying that their aim is to help people both in the show and the people it reaches. He has also stated: “It all depends on the execution and the people we find – finding people who absolutely want to take part in this, we don't want anyone who's even remotely unwilling.”

Information on the show and on how to apply for the casting call can be found on the show’s website: http://wayoutdocumentary.com

Gale Harold, the actor playing the role of Jackson, a love interest for Susan Myer (Teri Hatcher) may be set to return to ‘Desperate Housewives.’ Gale, who is best known for playing the infamous Brian in the gay cult hit ‘Queer as Folk’ (US Version) was hastily written out of the show following a motorcycle crash last year.

According to Gay.com, Marc Cheery, the creator and producer of ‘Desperate Housewives,’ has stated that Gale will appear in the upcoming episode due to be aired on May 3^rd. Rumors say that he will have a “very important question for Susan.“  Speaking more about the return, Marc said: “Quite frankly, I think he looks even better than he did before the crash.”

The decision as to whether he will take up a more regular role in ‘Desperate Housewives’ won’t be made until next month. Because of this Marc has made no comment on whether Jackson will be in the next season of the show.

It is unknown whether Gale himself is even considering a return, given his crash, which left him seriously injured with a fractured shoulder and brain swelling. It is also well known that Gale Harold wasn't looking for any long term acting commitments prior to the crash.

Although Marc Cheery is optimistic about Gale returning, he does concede that: “I think Gale may have changed his priorities following the accident.” However, fans are hopeful that he will return as the on/off love interest for Susan. 

The singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to two charges of assaulting and threatening his girlfriend, Rihanna.

Earlier this year, on the night of the Grammy Awards ceremony, the couple were the center of controversy when it was alleged that Brown assaulted Rihanna.

If he is found guilty of the charges, Chris faces up to five years in prison. After the incident he publicly announced that he was “sorry and saddened” and was going to seek counseling.

The lawyer representing Rihanna, Donald Etra, has stated that she would be willing to testify against him if called as a witness.

Rihanna has so far not commented directly on either the assault or on a picture leaked to the press showing her injuries; it is believed that she is following police advice.

Chris Brown was initially arrested on February 8^th; both stars then canceled their appearances at the Grammy Awards shortly afterwards.

The argument was supposedly started, according to court documents, when Rihanna found text messages on Chris’ phone from another woman. It is stated that he tried to force her to get out of his car, repeatedly pushing her head against the passenger door and punching her in the face several times.

A picture was leaked to the press allegedly of Rihanna showing her lip burst in two places, with a black eye and severe swelling on her cheek, among other marks on her face.