Fenuxe Issue 123 by Fenuxe Magazine Management

Contents

FENUXE

01.16.2015

CALENDAR: 8 FUN THINGS TO DO

OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS / NYE 2015

THE WEALTHIEST LGBT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

BUYING A CAR AS A COUPLE

A LOOK AT NEW CARS THIS SEASON

MARY EDITH PITTS’ HEY GIRL HEY

GAY NEWS AT A GLANCE

POP CULTURE

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The Candybox Revue is a dance ensemble combining musical theatre, old school glamour and a little bit of the sinful Las Vegas style that is sure to bring Atlanta to life. It starts at 7:30 at Smith’s Olde Bar

2ND ANNUAL FASHION AGAINST HIV/AIDS SHOW Join host Angela Simmons in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with some of Atlanta’s best designers being showcased at 6:00pm at Le Fais Do-Do

THEATRE

CHERUB Combining some of today’s best pop, R & B and dance music, Jordan Kelley’s CHERUB is guaranteed to have you tearing up the dance floor at the Buckhead Theatre.

01.09.15

01.17.15

CHARITY

COMEDY WITH WANDA SMITH AND FRIENDS Atlanta comedian and radio personality Wanda smith is front and center with this set at the Legends Comedy Theater at 7pm.

01.16.15

SHOW

COUTURE FOR CHANGE: PASSPORT TO PARIS GALA Inspired by Paris, this year’s designs are sure to astound all who view and participate in this epic showcase at 6:30 at the beautiful Solarium.

FUN

WHERE FOOD MEETS FASHION: Enjoy a seven-course meal while helping to benefit The Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, which aims to help Liberian youths a promising future. It starts at 4:30 pm at Museum Bar.

MARTINA MCBRIDE Country music icon Martina McBride’s sold-out tour comes to Atlanta, bringing to life the iconic sounds of the ’50s and ’60s from her ‘Everlasting’ album. Catch her show at the Cobb Energy Centre at 7:30pm.

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SUGAR ‘N SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE

CHARITY

01.09.15

CHARITY 01.11.15

01.11.15

NIGHTLIFE

01.11.15

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CALENDAR

TALK

CAMERON CARPENTER AT THE ASO You’ve never heard anything like this on the Atlanta Symphony Hall stage! Organist Cameron Carpenter, a dashing, young organist, brings a new vibrancy to the organ with a portable digital instrument that replicates the sounds of a grand pipe organ. Jun Märkl conducts the Orchestra and Mr. Carpenter in a night of great French works. FENUXE.COM : 09

FENUXE

TYLER CALKINS PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TYLER@FENUXE.COM

Dino Thompson-Sarmiento - SENIOR WRITER Dustin Shrader - WRITER D. David Kinney - DIGITAL EDITOR MIKE STONE - PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Mark Cook - FASHION PRODUCTION

ATLANTA MARKETING

Jeff Anderson | 404.835.2016 - Sales Manager

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To advertise, please call 404.835.2016 email info@fenuxe.com or visit www.fenuxe.com Published by TW Media Group ÂŠ 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1599-A Memorial Drive, STE 167, Atlanta GA, 30317 Phone: 404.835.2016 | Fax: 404.835.2356 Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers only. Fenuxe accepts no liability for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed in this issue are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of TW Media Group.

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OUT & ABOUT

12: January 16, 2015

PHOTOS

LAMBDA LEGAL’S HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

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OUT & ABOUT

14: January 16, 2015

PHOTOS

NEW YEARS @ BJ’S PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

OUT & ABOUT

PHOTOS

NEW YEARS @ JUNGLE ATLANTA PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

FENUXE.COM : 15

OUT & ABOUT

16: January 16, 2015

PHOTOS

NEW YEARS @ HERETIC PHOTOS BY: SHER PRUITT

FENUXE.COM : 17

OUT & ABOUT

18: January 16, 2015

PHOTOS

NEW YEARS @ FELIX’S | PHOTOS BY: MIKE STONE

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OUT & ABOUT

20: January 16, 2015

PHOTOS

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The

-wealthiest-

LGBT People in the World

22: January 16, 2015

David Geffen

David Geffen is an American business magnate, producer, film studio executive, philanthropist and… the richest gay man in the world! His cunning and daring nerve allowed him to successfully climb his way up the corporate ladder. The hunky, bald-headed CEO started out as a lowly mailroom intern only then to use his “fake” UCLA degree to back his business aspirations. Geffen is a part cofounder of Asylum and Geffen Records, in addition to having co-founded DreamWorks Studio. David has been an out and proud gay man since 2007 when Out Magazine named him one of fifty “Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America.” David’s net worth tops off at an astronomical $7 billion! Does anyone know if he needs a pool boy?

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Jennifer Pritzker

Jennifer Pritzker is not your typical female CEO. Formerly James Pritzker, Jennifer is a decorated Colonel in the U.S. Army and a member of one of the wealthiest families in the nation. Her family owns the Hyatt hotel chain. Common sense comes in handy when understanding why she is so wealthy. The Hyatt hotel chain brings in billions of dollars in annual revenue each year. Talk about your deep-pocket pension! Jenniferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total wealth is worth an enviable $1.5 billion. Jennifer is also more than the money she banks; however, she is a devoted and steadfast philanthropist who has helped to earn and donate millions for LGBT charities all across the US. In 2013, she also announced she would be undergoing gender reassignment procedures to complete her female transition. This process has given her the accolade of being the first openly transgender billionaire on record! You better #werk girl!

Barry diller

This bisexual billionaire business mogul may have affected your life without you even realizing it. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the chairman of IAC, the company that holds brands like OkCupid, DailyBurn, and About.com, Diller has changed the way we date, work out, and generally go about our daily lives. He has also mentored men and women who went on to become studio execs at Paramount, Disney, Columbia Pictures, and DreamWorks. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s married to Diane von Furstenberg, and this power couple seems to have it all (yet lead extremely private lives).

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Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are former lovers and business partners who run the global fashion empire Dolce & Gabbana. The two ex-beaus met in 1980 at an Italian nightclub and became enthralled with each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideas, innovation and talent. Soon after moving into a oneroom loft together, the two Italian studs began to do freelance design work often for the same client. Their clever accountant suggested the designers put both of their names atop of the invoice to save on excess paper use. Thus, the Dolce & Gabbana moniker was born. Over the next three decades the duo have cultivated and honed their label into one of the most sought after runway looks today. Despite not going the distance as a couple, these two sure make one hell of a team when it comes to running a business. Dolce is worth $1.5 billion and Gabbana is worth $1.4 billion.

Michael Kors

Michael Kors is a fabulous American fashion designer who’s best known for being a judge on Project Runway & designing Michelle Obama’s dress for her first official portrait. In 2014 Kors’ net worth reportedly grew to $1 billion! He grew the 10-figure fortune from his clothing company which went public in 2011.

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Jon Stryker knows how to do a grandfather proud. Jon took over his gramps’s medical company, Stryker Corp and has consistently led the brand to its most financial high yet, a whopping $9 billion and climbing! Stryker Corp specializes in Medical equipment and software. Not only does Stryker help to run the family business alongside his two sisters, but he also has a Masters in Architecture from University of California at Berkeley. Stryker uses his graduate degree as acting President of Depot Landmark LLC, an improvement company specializing in the rehabilitation of historic buildings. He enjoys giving back, as well. Not surprising considering his net worth is a tiny $1.8 billion! He is widely praised for his revitalization efforts made to the city of Kalamazoo where he obtained his degree. Throughout the years, he additionally has donated over $247 million to charity in support of primate conservation and LGBT rights. Aw, buy me a chimp Jon!

Chris Hughes

Jon Stryker

Chris Hughes is one of the lesser-known founders of Facebook. Usually when one thinks of face Mark Zuckerberg comes to mind. Yet, the blond-haired, blue-eyed cutie was there at the very beginning of Facebook’s conception. Chris was Mark’s roommate in college and helped to code the original version of the social media site. Throughout his time at Harvard, he acted as the spokesperson for Facebook. However, instead of leaving college with Zuckerberg to launch Facebook on a global level, Chris chose to finish his degree. Upon graduation, he then joined the growing Facebook Empire. After the company went public, Hughes cashed out for an overwhelming $800 million! He married his boyfriend Sean Eldridge in 2012 and now owns and operates the political mag, The New Republic.

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INTERVIEW

Buying A Car As A Couple

BY: DUSTIN SHRADER

FENUXE spoke to a lovely Atlanta coupe who just survived this agonizing debate after purchasing two vehicles for the New Year.

Scott Harriman and his husband Arley Sanchez were legally married last year in Maine.

30: January 16, 2015

uying a car is never an easy decision to make. So many factors are involved the decision becomes intensely overwhelming. Questions arise, such as what kind of car do I want? How much can I spend? Do I want to opt for new or used? Where is the best place to get a loan? Etc, etc. Well, you’re in luck. Fenuxe spoke to a lovely Atlanta coupe who just survived this agonizing debate after purchasing two vehicles for the New Year. Scott Harriman and his husband Arley Sanchez were legally married last year in Maine. Scott is a Senior Interactive Designer for Autotrader.com and Arley is a personal banker at Bank of America. Scott chose to replace his 2006 Mazda 3 with a 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. While Arley traded up his 2013 Toyota Corolla for the new 2015 Honda Civic Coupe. Here is what the guys had to say about their exciting new undertaking. FENUXE: What were you and your partner’s ultimate decision for buying two new cars? SCOTT: It was a combination of factors. We got married this past August in Maine and we have been consolidating our bills, such as car insurance, from two separate companies and policies into one joint policy at one company. This led us to review our overall car situation and household budget. We aren’t serious car enthusiasts and we are budget conscious, so we were looking at slick but modest options. Arley’s thencurrent car, a Toyota, was two years old and he was interested in trading it in for something newer. My Mazda3 was at 90 thousand miles and it was time to either invest in some pricey upkeep maintenance or trade in for a newer vehicle. We didn’t start out deciding, “Let’s both buy new cars this holiday season.” We started by deciding to trade-in Arley’s car and went through that entire purchase process before then deciding to trade in my car. When we had made up our minds to buy, we moved quickly to take advantage of the typical manufacturer yearend sales. We also wanted

to get both deals executed by December 31, so that we could position both sales tax write offs in 2014, rather than 2015. Therefore, there were several contributing factors. Importantly, we were not ‘distressed’ buyers. We didn’t have one of our cars die on us, we didn’t have a specific life event that drove an urgent need to get a new car. We were positioned to explore, take our time, and find buying conditions that were favorable to us. FENUXE: Did you trade in your previous vehicles? SCOTT: Yes. Arley’s car was still within an existing loan term, but we had built positive equity so it was a trade-in with positive value contributing to

down payment on the new car. My car was paid off, so it definitely was traded in to function as the down payment. We used AutoTrader’s “TradeIn Marketplace” online vehicle valuation tool to generate trade-in quote vouchers, which we used to help in our discussions with the dealers we visited who participate in that AutoTrader program. FENUXE: What steps did you guys take, if any? What kind of preparation factors into such a big decision? SCOTT: When we decided to buy the first car, we spent many hours searching the internet for end-of-year manufacturer special offers. We started out with some

solid ideas about what makes and models we each wanted, but we were also influenced by the ongoing manufacturer sales in the marketplace. We knew we would be borrowing for the cars, and we were looking for extremely low APR rate offers (0%-2.9%max) and any additional “bonus cash” or similar incentive discounts offered. We spent a lot of time looking at vehicle product information on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) websites, and from there we looked at some third party auto sites, such as Kelly Blue Book, AutoTrader, and others. We also looked at reviews at a number of auto sites and other places, such as Consumer Reports. FENUXE: So you didn’t

“We definitely shopped around. We [wanted] new cars only, but we were open to Certified Pre-Owned cars as a way to take advantage of manufacturer warranties without the full sticker price of a new car. ”

The 2015 Honda Civic SI Coupe

2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

jump on the first good deal you found? SCOTT: We definitely shopped around. We knew Arley were looking for new cars only. I was open to new cars, or possibly Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars as a way to take advantage of manufacturer warranties without the full sticker price of a new car. We went to a number of dealerships, looked extensively at vehicle inventory listings online from all over metro Atlanta and beyond. In the end, we both got new cars. FENUXE: How did Arley’s profession help in the buying process? SCOTT: We used a number of online tools, such as AutoTrader and Kelley Blue Book, to help us understand what was a fair pricing range for the vehicle “Make/Model/Trim” levels we had decided on. Once we understood what a fair price target was, I led price discussions in the dealerships, and then Arley took over discussing financing terms with the dealership financing guys. He had a better 32: January 16, 2015

understanding of financial terminology and nuances, and could run numbers and scenarios in his head on the fly more quickly. For example, after the final price on the vehicles were negotiated, the dealerships offered service add-ons

Arley led all of that financial decision-making. We made a good team, leveraging each of our individual areas of knowledge to get good deals.

“It is 2015. Even if you don’t know anything about cars and the idea of buying a car intimidates you, don’t go into the car shopping process blind. ” that I would have agreed to but Arley asserted should be declined because of the financial implications they had had over the lifetime of the loans. We also knew that under some circumstances, dealer financing is the best option, but often securing loans from other sources, such as banks or credit unions, is the better path.

What advice would you give someone when looking to purchase a new vehicle? Perhaps most importantly, understand your credit score. Spend some time understanding how well or poorly qualified of a car buyer your credit score makes you. If you have

excellent credit, you can get highly favorable loan or lease terms. If you have terrible credit, you may still qualify for a car loan – but at extremely high interest rates which may result in you over extending yourself. Most people are somewhere in between. It is 2015. Even if you don’t know anything about cars and the idea of buying a car intimidates you, don’t go into the car shopping process blind. There is a wealth of information online about the vehicles themselves, and about setting up financing. Figure out what is important to you. Do you want the lowest possible monthly payment? Or are you dying to have Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera and a navigation system and the price impact is less important? Figure out what you want versus what you need, and what you can afford.

The Winter

Car car Review review

The car has become the carapace, the protective and aggressive shell of the modern man. ~Marshall McLuhan 34: January 16, 2015

Mercedes E-Class

With the newly updated E-Class, drivers and shotgun riders will get a panoramic view as far as the eye can see. The E is the only car in its class that will show you an uninterrupted view through four power side windows. Say bye, bye to that annoying blind spot. Mercedes describes the new line as “Passion you can see, beauty you can feel.” And that is no lie. This sleek baby is truly a work of automotive art. Thanks in part to two advanced Direct Injection engines, featuring a 329-hp biturbo 3.0L V-6. A 402-hp 4.7L biturbo V-8, the E combines clean, quick power and a burst of torque. Due to the engine’s functionality, fuel is saved via automatic engine shutoff provided by ECO Start/Stop. 20/29 MPG Starting at $53.350

Range Rover Evoque

This little crossover is the epitome of a head turner. The Evoque glides with such chic styling, one wonders if it is meant for the runways of Paris or Milan instead of the rough terrain it was built. However, do not let this little beauty fool you. Evoque is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic, and a strong suspension gives it the skills to more than match its sporty characteristics. Its lavish interiors are trimmed in leather, aluminum and wood veneers giving the accoutrements a sophisticated finish. Confidence in tact, Evoque tackles the rockiest of mountains, sandiest of dunes and slickest of stormy roads, truly, a Land Rover through and through. 20/28 MPG Starting at $42,025

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The i3 is changing perspectives one eco-friendly mile at a time. BMW is tossing out all the literature written defining an electric car and writing its own innovative chapter. Artistically tailormade, the i3 is installed with BMW’s eDrive power train through the scope of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology, making this butterfly emission-free on each and every silent drive. LifeDrive architecture offers a roomy interior designed with only highquality, sustainable materials, whilst securing the aerodynamic design. The i3 is agile, light, yet stealthily fierce. 127/107 MPGe Starting at $42,300

BMW i3 The i3 is changing perspectives one eco-friendly mile at a time. BMW is tossing out all the literature written defining an electric car and writing its own innovative chapter. Artistically tailormade, the i3 is installed with BMW’s eDrive power train through the scope of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology, making this butterfly emission-free on each and every silent drive. LifeDrive architecture offers a roomy interior designed with only highquality, sustainable materials, whilst securing the aerodynamic design. The i3 is agile, light, yet stealthily fierce. 127/107 MPGe Starting at $42,300

Porsche Cayman Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevy Colorado is back better than ever! As Chevy’s first new mid-size pickup in a hot minute, this off-roader has a different look, advanced technology and features. Oh my! A 200-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 lbft of torque or an optional 3.6-liter V-6 with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft powers the ferocious Colorado. Ideal for every gay man looking to get his rough and tumble on. While fulfilling your backwoods exploring or mudding desires, you can also hook up to the truck’s 4G LTE highspeed WiFi connection powered by OnStar. This signal is more powerful than your smart phone. So powerful in fact, you can connect up to seven devices, stream music and video and even check in on Twitter all through the interior’s MyLink 8-inch touchscreen monitor and panels. Who said tailgating couldn’t be luxurious? 26 MPGhwy $20,995

Mazda 6

The 6’s styling, handling and luscious interior make this family-friendly sedan one of the best models on the road. Efficient finesse describes this Mazda to a T. Available in a crisp six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, either is powered by a 184-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY engineers this vehicle from the ground up, ensuring higher performance and lower emissions, maxing out a stellar 40 MPG on the highway! Hey, if it is good enough for the racetrack then it’s certainly good enough anywhere else! 40 MPG hwy Starting at $29,895

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HEY GIRL HEY

HOLLER POODLES! It’s the money issue and as it just so happens, I am an expert on how to spend it!! Drag is expensive y’all. Check it out… It costs $.03 for every second of hairspray that comes out the can and wraps around my big head. $9 for the spackle foundation that washes the wrinkles imperfections away. $15 for the powder to set the foundation that sets my canvas--and no, I did not say my skin looks like canvas bitches. I use 3 different colors so that’s $15 X 3= $45. Then there’s $9 each for the multitude of eyeshadows that one must have to match each coordinating rainbow brite outfit. $Priceless! Let’s see then, eyelashes costs between $3-$6 depending on what you’re looking for and mascara is another $6 bucks a pop. Not to mention eyeliner pencils @ $9 each, blush (2 or 3 colors) @ $9 each and then lip pencils ($6) and lipstick ($9), fingernails, brushes and so on and so on and so on. The point is drag is not cheap! And that’s only the makeup part of it. If you don’t know how to sew (Thank you Alicia Kelly and Niesha Dupree) you have to pay for a frock from Cross Dress For Less which doesn’t really fit you right anyway. Or you have to pay someone to make you a fabulous outfit which can set you back $50 to $100 bucks easily and that doesn’t usually include the cost of the fabric. Then there are accessories, accessories, etc…… Jewelry is not cheap although you can find cute stuff in the beauty supply places, you get what you pay for ladies. And shoes are important to complete the look but damn, those beautiful heels you’re looking at are a minimum of $25 a pair but usually closer to $50 for a quality pair that fit a man lady like me. And finally, the crowning glory! Wigs!! I know y’all thought those long tresses cascading down my rubineque, mature slender, young face were natural but mama needs a little hair help too. Though you can find wigs that are cheap $25$40, they often lack the fullness of a more expensive wig ($60). Invest in your craft and it will eventually (may take years) pay off. Most importantly, remember to spend your money wisely. Purchase products that can be used multiple ways. “Classic not old bitches styles and colors are for a lifetime. Trendy comes and goes. For all your makeup needs, I recommend Norcostco Atlanta Costume on Monroe Drive. They have everything you could ever want for drag… and more!

Mary Edith Pitts Mary Edith Pitts

P.S. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please contact me at maryedith99@gmail.com FENUXE.COM : 38

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Gay News At A Glance by dustin shrader

#STDCRUSADE Dating apps Grindr and Tinder are catching a bit of a heated rash, as of late. New studies show that both social networking sites are to blame for the rise of STDs. Sexual health expert, Peter Greenhouse of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, stated that people now “acquire chlamydia in five minutes” due to their “friendly engagements” made while using the apps. It has been noted that from 2012 to 2013 Gonorrhea and Syphilis cases rose immensely, a jump of 15% and 9%, respectively. In his press release, Greenhouse was quick to comment, “You don’t have to be a genius to work out that these sorts of apps make having casual sex a damn sight easier. You can find down to a meter or two, the nearest available person who is interested. This is something that just hasn’t been available before.” Although there may be truth to Greenhouse’s claims, it is still the sole responsibility of the individuals involved to practice safe sex. Founders of neither Grindr nor Tinder have responded.

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS FOUND A NEW HOME Big news for Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz is relocating its American headquarters to the metro area! And with such a relocation, over 1,000 jobs will be available once construction on the new location is underway. No news yet on where exactly Mercedes will be setting up shop, however. Currently located in New Jersey, the company spent many months debating whether to move to North Carolina or Georgia. They made the right choice - Welcome to Atlanta!

FIRE CHIEF CAREER GOES UP IN SMOKE The drama surrounding the controversy of Atlanta’s Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran continues. Upon Mayor Reed’s decision to terminate Chief Kelvin’s employment, both sides of the firestorm continued smoldering. Naturally, there has been negative backlash from the chief’s supporters who feel he was treated unfairly, claiming he was simply exercising his right to free speech and expression of his religious beliefs. In a released statement, Georgia Equality personally thanked Mayor Reed for his tough decision. “Mayor Reed was diligent in determining the facts and impact of Cochran’s mixing of his personal religious beliefs with his role as leader of the Atlanta Fire Department, and we are grateful for the Mayor’s commitment to upholding Atlanta’s nondiscrimination policy. We all have the absolute right to believe whatever we want about God, faith, and religion, and we have the right to act on our beliefs, unless those actions harm others. The Chief’s harmful and extreme comments about women, about Jewish people, and about gay and transgender people -- which he distributed at work – hurt all employees by creating a hostile work environment for those who do not share his views. No hardworking employee should have to fear losing their job or being treated unfairly because they do not share their boss’ religious beliefs.” As of now, Cochran is considering his legal options following his termination. As of yet, he has no plans to seek reinstatement at his old job.

40: January 16, 2015

DESPERATE FOR ATTENTION Former Desperate Housewives star, Tuc Watkins finally responded to his controversial comments surrounding Hollywood’s portrayal of gay characters. Watkins recently shared his thoughts on everyone’s favorite gay duo from ABC’s hit show Modern Family. In a Facebook post, Tuc writes, Hmm. I think “Modern Family” is clever, hilarious, even terrifically subtle at times. But, for the most part, I have a hard time laughing at the gay guys. In fact, I kinda cringe. It feels a little bit like the gay equivalent of “blackface.” It doesn’t feel “modern” at all. Sure, people come in all shapes, sizes, etc. So why are we fed such 80s stereotypes every week?” Naturally, Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson had a few choice words for Tuc. “Sorry you feel that way Tuc. I know lots of guys who are just like Cam and lots of guys who are just like Mitch. We can’t be expected to represent every gay person. We can only represent these two people. Also, Mitch is basically a version of me... so I never know how to take it when people say that he is stereotypical. And in defense of Cam, I still can’t figure out how a clown & football coach who also happens to be gay is a stereotype. When all is said and done, it’s a family sitcom.” After receiving a heaping pile of criticism, Watkins decided it was time to confront his comments head on. Not entirely apologizing for what he said, Tuc did help to clarify his original post. “Stereotypes create judgments. When those judgments lead to bullying...or worse...we’ve got a problem. I don’t hear a lot of bullying around the “cranky old man,” “neurotic wife,” or “bumbling husband” demographic. What’s happening over at “Modern Family” is not blackface. Blackface is hateful. However, I do believe a stereotype is being perpetuated that can be harmful.” Watkins’s full statement can be viewed via his Facebook page.

DOUBLE THE FUN In case you haven’t heard there is a man out there in the world walking around with two penises. Yes, two penises. Known as the “Diphallic Dude,” the openly bisexual man penned a memoir detailing what life is like having two of mans’ favorite appendage. About a year ago the guy (who wishes to remain anonymous,) decided to come out of his pants, more or less, via a Reddit AMA. Naturally, he and his genitalia blew up. His odd, but somewhat cool condition is known as “diphallia.” After answering every question that was fast-balled his way, the guy moved on to create a NSFW Twitter and Tumblr account, which led us to where we are today, the release of his tell-all titled, Double Header: My Life With Two Penises. According to the book’s intro Diphallic Dude writes, “When I ‘came out’ to the world on Reddit, I had no idea anyone would really care that much about me. Fascination for my double d—ks is one thing. However, it’s the wave of acceptance for being myself that inspired me to write this book.” Yet, life wasn’t always carefree. His parents warned him about revealing his condition, afraid the backlash could be psychologically damaging. In his book, DD explains that he experienced all kinds of negativity and prejudice after the first person he had sex with told his entire high school. Apparently, reactions like that are the real reasons behind his memoir. He wants to help inspire acceptance of everyone’s uniqueness. “I’ve gotten so many messages from people who need encouragement for one thing or another. With so much negativity in the world, the ability to bring something positive to the table is a great feeling.”

GET READY FOR SOME FIERCE BEACH WEDDINGS, FLORDIA Florida is starting off 2015 in an “equally right” way. As of Jan. 1, all Florida counties started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples! Federal district court Judge Robert L. Hinkle solidified his ruling on marriage, stating that the new order requires not just a certain few, but ALL of Florida counties to issue same-sex marriage licenses. The new ruling took immediate effect after the judge’s stay expires on Jan. 5. Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida expressed her gratitude following the judge’s decision. “We believe Judge Hinkle’s order was clear from the beginning,” Smith said. “We are pleased that he has put an end to the unnecessary confusion caused by a misguided legal memo by a private law firm. We look forward to January 6th when couples who have waited for this day can finally be married, and those of us married elsewhere are finally able to fully protect our families.” Congratulations to all same-sex couples in Florida! What a great way to start the year!

POP CULTURE

Keep Doin’ You, Gurl

Jersey Jail-Bate

Rebel Heart for a Cause Madge recently came under fire for her Rebel Heart album campaign when she posted photoshopped images of Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, John Lennon & Princess Diana. Each historical figure’s image was bound with black rope across their face, referencing her album’s cover. Naturally, commentators have proclaimed the posts are “cheap and distasteful.” Madonna responded by saying,” I’m sorry. I’m not comparing myself to anyone. I’m admiring and acknowledging their Rebel Hearts. This is neither a crime or an insult or racist! I also did it with Michael Jackson, Frida Kahlo and Marilyn Monroe. Am I saying I am them? NO. I’m saying they are Rebel Hearts too. And I didn’t do it. My fans did. And I just re-posted those photos. My fans aren’t racist either. If they put me in the same category as these other people, Thank you. I’m very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1/100th of what those people accomplished. – Madonna” 42: January 16, 2015

Romantic comedy’s golden girl, Jennifer Aniston set the record straight on whether she has moved on from her Hollywood marriage to Brad Pitt. Although it has been almost 10 years since the once seemingly happy couple called it quits, the divorce still rears its ugly head every now and then in the media. In a recent interview for her Golden Globe nominated film, Cake, the actress was asked if she found talking about it painful. “I don’t find it painful. I think it’s a narrative that follows you because it’s an interesting headline. It’s more of a media-driven topic… We’ve exchanged good wishes and all that sort of stuff to each other, but it’s not a constant thing.” Well kudos to these two for resolving to remain mature, move and put the past behind them. As we all know, Brad has a growing brood with bad-girl Angelina Jolie and Jen is happily engaged to fellow actor Justin Theroux. Her new movie Cake hits theatres on Jan. 25.

Locked up and won’t let her out, well at least not for 15 months. You guessed it, flashy and loud Teresa Giudice, resident of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, turned herself in to Danbury Federal Correctional Institution (the facility where Orange is the New Black’s Piper Kerman served her real-life sentence) on Jan. 5. The reality star and her husband Joe Giudice, were both found guilty of bank fraud, tax evasion, lying on loan applications and numerous other financial charges. The judge presiding sentenced both to serve time respectively, in order for one parent to be at home with the couple’s four children. After Teresa’s time has been served, Joe will begin his 42 month sentencing.

The Original Idol is Back! Consider me a Mr. Know It All because I have a scoop for the masses: Kelly Clarkson, the original American Idol winner, will be dropping a new album this year! Excluding her 2013 Christmas album, it has been more than three years since we have had some fresh jams to bang out to while in the shower. She said, “People keep asking me. My next album is pop. But I am always influenced by music I love, which is pop-rock/country/r&b/dance #whoknowswhatsnext.” She also dropped hints about the first single, “2 clues for the first single… Proof of life & Dr. Dre #TheNextEpisode.” When a fan asked when will get to hear the exciting stuff she has been working on, Kelly revealed the new song would be out this month, while the full album is expected to arrive this summer. Ahhhhhh, cue the fangirling!