October 28, 2015
Activists not happy with Hillary's rewrite of DOMA history
OBSERVER STAFF Hillary Clinton's story that her husband only signed the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act to stave off the imminent possibility of a constitutional amendment has LGBT activists getting active again -- and not on Clinton's side of the tale.
What’s happening with Wingspan: Reflections on the past year page 4 One Indonesian province institutes caning for gay tourists Page 5
Bieber gets million-dollar offer to endorse kit for homemade dildos
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No. 2 Mormon official takes Kim Davis to task for her intransigence Page 8 Rumor of pope’s brain tumor just another tale from lying bitches
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Swedish ‘vampire’ accused of slashing lover’s throat, drinking his blood Page 12
Perry Ellis sued over executive's alleged advertising philosophy: no blacks, no gays
angelo Signorile wrote in a column this week for The Huffington Post. "There was no talk, among activists, anti-gay forces or politicians, of a constitutional amendment in 1996 when Clinton signed DOMA." Clinton herself set off the kerfuffle last week during an interview with Rachel Maddow.
"It's just not true," Michel-
Inside
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Bernie Sanders, Clinton's opponent for the Democratic presidential nomination, began the push-back with his first direct criticism of Clinton in the campaign, though still not mentioning her by name. "Now today, some are trying to rewrite history by saying that they voted for one anti-gay law to stop something worse," Sanders said at the JeffersonJackson dinner in Iowa, one of the state's major campaign events in any presidential election year. "That's not the case." Signorile isn't the only longtime high-profile activist saying Hillary made it up: Hillary Rosen, via Twitter: "Bernie Sanders is right. Note Continued on page 3
(Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Perry Ellis International is being sued over claims of homophobia and racism. Story on page 9.
Daniel Radcliffe dishes about masturbation on Harry Potter set OBSERVER STAFF For those who haven't noticed, Daniel Radcliffe is not one of those megastars who always plays it coy when it comes to personal honesty. The same applies to choking the chicken on the Harry Potter set: He says he only did that in his own trailer. But Radcliffe -- winner of this years Rear of the Year award -- did say he was "an early starter" when it came to masturbation.
Daniel Radcliffe opened up about growing up on the Harry Potter set. "I was like every other teenager in that sense," he
said. "My favorite line about Continued on page 3
It’s not just a chance to win a 2015 Ford Mustang — It’s also a chance to support people living with HIV soon and enter the drawing. But remember that, even if you don’t win, someone else wins, and that is vitally important too. Because your $25 raffle ticket proceeds will 100 percent benefit people living with HIV — people like “Jaime.”
By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN The Ford Motor Company is building exactly 1,964 special 50th anniversary 2015 Mustangs, and one of them is being raffled off in November right here in Tucson! TIHAN is among the Tucson charities selling raffle tickets to win this car, which was donated by Jim Click Automotive Team. Raffle tickets for the car are only $25 or five tickets for $100. A maximum of 100,000 raffle tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 6
and the drawing will be held on Nov. 13 — you do not have to be present in order to win. TIHAN gets to retain all the money from raffle tickets that we sell, so you get a great chance at this car, while you benefit people living with HIV who receive support through
TIHAN’s programs. For raffle tickets, visit www.tihan.org then click on the Mustang icon, or get your tickets by stopping by the TIHAN office (2660 N. First Ave.), or call us at 520299-6647. So if you want a chance at this great car, get your tickets
Jaime (not his real name) has been a registered CarePartner (client living with HIV) with TIHAN for ten years. He initially found out about TIHAN and the Poz Café monthly luncheon after a visit to his doctor’s office. He saw a poster advertising the program Continued on page 3
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Automaker denies Trump brought jobs back to America Does Donald Trump shoot off his mouth? Let us count the ways. But Ford Motor Co. called bullshit last week on Trump's claim that the automaker shifted work from Mexico to Ohio because of Trump's "constant badgering."
OBSERVER not announced a candidacy but was doing well in the polls, finally said for sure he will not run. Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb, who each had struggled to gain more than 1 percent support in the polls, both withdrew. Webb said he may run as an independent. That leaves Hillary Clinton, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley.
Ford released a statement saying, "We decided to move the F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks to Ohio Assembly in 2011, long before any candidates announced their intention to run for U.S. president."
The announcements came after Clinton surprised the media "experts" with her performance in the first Democratic candidate debate but before she scored a major triumph against congressional Republicans in the Benghazi committee witch hunt.
The company also asserted that while it has foreign operations, 80 percent of its North American annual investment still occurs in the U.S. (not Mexico or Canada) and 97 percent of its engineering is done here.
Justice Kennedy implies Kim Davis should pack it in
So Trump lied. Again. It's not like his claim about Ford should be any different from the rest of his campaign.
The U.S. Supreme Court justice who wrote the court's June decision on marriage equality said last week at Harvard Law School that public officials who feel unable to do their job should simply get rid of the job.
Russian bill would make coming out a criminal action MOSCOW -- Two years after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law making it a crime to advocate for LGBT citizens, right-wing lawmakers are considering an amendment to make it a crime even to come out in a public place. If the new proposal becomes law, anyone who declares a "non-traditional sexual orientation" could be fined about $80 US, Newsweek Europe reported based on a state-owned newspaper's coverage. Making such a declaration in a school, "cultural establishment," or government building could bring a 15-day jail sentence. "I believe that the problem we have raised is one of the most pressing and topical issues as it addresses the social ills of our society and deals with the moral education of the next generation," communist lawmaker and homophobic windbag Ivan Nikitchuk told Izvestia, the state-owned publication. "In the biological sense, not reproducing is the same as death, and in that sense homosexuality is a lethal threat for the whole of humankind," he added.
Three drop hopes for Democratic presidential spot
He didn't name rogue County Clerk Kim Davis by name, but given the news of the past few months, she'd be the first example to come to mind. "This requires considerable introspection," Kennedy said in response to a student question. " ... But certainly, in an offhand comment, it would be difficult for me to say that people are free to ignore a decision by the Supreme Court." Kennedy pointed out that only three judges resigned rather than follow Adolf Hitler's direction during Germany's Nazi years. "Great respect, it seems to me, has to be given to people who resign rather than do something they view as morally wrong, in order to make a point. However, the rule of law is that, as a public official, in performing your legal duties, you are bound to enforce the law," he said. The June decision was the fourth pro-LGBT decision written by Kennedy, who was appointed to the court by Ronald Reagan.
Not from The Onion: Gay vlogger backs Trump for president Gay vlogger Kyle Kittleson released a video over the weekend declaring himself behind Donald Trump for president.
Three of the six possibilities for the Democratic presidential nomination eliminated themselves last week.
In explaining why he supports Trump, Kittleson seems a little light on political perception.
Vice President Joe Biden, who had
He cites investing in new roads and
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hospitals (Trump cannot increase taxes to pay for those, and it's unknown what it would take to get a Republican Congress to do it); immigration (because there is hunger in the U.S. and Kittleson thinks illegal immigrants would increase that, although he gives no reason why); and equality (because Trump once spoke out for same-sex civil unions and job protections 15 years ago). Kittleson is cute as a button. But probably his fortune does not lie in political consulting.
Greer event may be canceled over her transphobic rant CARDIFF, Wales -- A petition is being circulated asking Cardiff University to cancel a scheduled lecture by 1970s feminist icon Germaine Greer because of transphobic remarks Greer made earlier this year at Cambridge University. Far from backing off from remarks that transgender women will never be women without having a "big, hairy, smelly vagina," Greer has plenty to say about the petition. "Apparently people have decided that because I don't think that postoperative transgender men are women, I'm not to be allowed to talk," she told BBC News last week. Greer is scheduled to speak Nov. 18 on "Women & Power: The Lessons of the 20th Century." The petition to stop it was started by Rachael Melhuish, women's officer for the Cardiff University Student Union. It has garnered nearly 900 signatures. Among Greer's anti-trans gems from years ago is this one: "No socalled sex-change has ever begged for a uterus-and-ovaries transplant; if uterus-and-ovaries transplants were made mandatory for wannabe women, they would disappear overnight."
26,000 urge Utah governor to shun anti-LGBT group SALT LAKE CITY -- A petition calling on Gov. Gary Herbert to cancel a scheduled appearance at this week's World Congress of Families accumulated 26,000 signatures. The organization has worked against LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in other countries. The congress is a project of the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society, based in Rockford, Ill. Together, they are listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Other speakers this year include such anti-gay figures as the Rev. Rafael Cruz, father of Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz; National Organization for Marriage president Brian Brown; and Mark Regnerus, author of
October 28, 2015 a discredited study that disparaged the parenting skills of gays and lesbians.
Queer roles on TV still painfully lack much ethnic diversity GLAAD's annual "Where Are We on TV" report is out, and while LGBT representation on television has improved overall, there's still an overwhelmingly lack of racial diversity on mainstream TV. The report, which has compiled racial data for 11 years, found that more than 70 percent of LGBT characters on cable networks and streaming services were white, despite an increase in overall racial diversity in the past year.
1830 E Broadway Blvd #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 www.observerweekly.com info@observerweekly.com Voice Mail 520-812-0909 Editor-In-Chief Bob Ellis Executive Editor Nicholas K. M. Pafford Senior Editor Greg Miller Assistant Editor Christine Beall Assistant Editor Christopher L. Pankratz Phoenix Area Distribution T-Media Promotion Send Classifieds, Inquiry Letters, etc to: info@observerweekly.com Publication of names or photos of any person or organization in the Observer Weekly is not to be construed as indication of the sexual orientation of such person, organization or advertisers or any employees thereof. Opinions expressed by contributors, advertisers or in PSA’s are not necessarily those of the Observer, its staff or advertisers. The Observer assumes responsibility for its own editorial policy only. Š 2014 by Observer Publications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted or archived in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Observer Publications Inc.
October 28, 2015
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Daniel Radcliffe dishes about masturbation on Harry Potter set Continued from page 1 masturbation is Louis C.K.'s, something like 'I found out about it when I was 11, and I didn't skip a day.' I think I started very early — before my teens. But not when I was on set." Also as usual, he managed to make his masturbation dilemma humorous. "I wasn't going, 'When is Alan Rickman going to nail this scene so I can run back to my trailer?'" "There's another feeling, again perfectly described by Louis C.K.: 'that fear just after you've jerked off that everyone knows what you did.' "It would have been embarrassing to walk back on set and look the dignitaries of British acting royalty in the eye, knowing what I'd been doing," Radcliffe said. Probably only embarrassing to him, but whatever ... He also shared that at one point he got a little frustrated with all the rumors that he's gay. An outspoken supporter of LGBT rights, he said that at one point he found out the top three Google
searches about him were "Daniel Radcliffe alcoholic," "Daniel Radcliffe gay," and "Daniel Radcliffe girlfriend." Now that some of the hubbub has died down, he says he's happy that there's more interest in his girlfriend than in him being gay or alcoholic. "When I first did that, I got really annoyed for about half a minute, until I tried a few other people's names and I found out it [gay] comes up after almost everyone if they're a man, and even some women – Florence Welch had it, and I was like, really? "If people are speculating about your sexuality, then you're doing OK," he added confidently. And what does he really think about that rear of the year award? Well, he said, with the number of times he's appeared nude on stage and screen, it might appear that he'd been actively "campaigning for years." His acceptance speech was a classic: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me for Rear of the Year. It's a very prestigious honor. I promise to get it out a lot more in the future."
Activists not happy with Hillary's rewrite of DOMA history Continued from page 1 to my friends Bill and Hillary: Please stop saying DOMA was to prevent something worse. It wasn't, I was there."
"In 1996, I was president of the Human Rights Campaign, and there was no real threat of a federal marriage amendment," Birch wrote in 2013.
David Mixner: "The LGBT community should NEVER allow any politician to revise our noble and courageous history for political purposes."
"President Clinton signed DOMA into law for purely political reasons. I get it. As horrible as it was, I got it then. My point is that now I want the older and wiser President Clinton to reflect more deeply — to challenge himself. I want my friend to say: I was wrong, and you were all served badly by that moment in history."
The fracas also has revived a 2013 op-ed from Elizabeth Birch, former head of the Human Rights Campaign, chiding Bill Clinton for trying to circulate the same story back then -- possibly muddying the waters in anticipation of his wife's next presidential campaign.
The Washington Blade summed up the reaction in a story widely picked up by other me-
dia, using the headline "Gay activists unhappy with Clinton remarks on DOMA."
You don't need people to say "Super idea!" every time you open your mouth.
Media aren't pointing it out, but the fact that Hillary is even involved in something like this in the first place appears to be yet another epic fail on the part of her "highly paid campaign staff."
Perhaps the biggest irony so far in this presidential campaign is that Hillary and Jeb Bush -- the two spending the most cash for "expert advice" -- are continually making statements that either don't resonate with the public or in some cases are known by the public to be completely untrue.
If you're paying someone to keep you from placing your foot in your mouth, and you're going over what you'll say in a nationally broadcast interview, you need someone who'll say "Well, wait -- there might be people out there who remember what actually happened."
'Scuze us, but heads need to roll.
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It’s not just a chance to win a 2015 Ford Mustang — It’s also a chance to support people living with HIV Continued from page 1 and decided to give it a try. He really enjoys going to Poz Café because it is a great place to gather and do something with his friends. He also has fun at the special Poz Café holiday event in December. Recently, TIHAN was able to help Jaime as he was unemployed for a few months. He was unable to pay his utility bill, and TIHAN connected him with resources to get his bill paid. Today we are happy to share that Jaime has been hired at a new job and is enjoying his first few weeks! He is grateful that he was able to get help when he most needed it. There are so many people in our community who are down on their luck, facing some difficult challenges. People who aren’t looking for a handout but an opportunity to get back on their feet and build or rebuild a support system and become independent. People like Jaime, who are engaging in support services and doing their best to live well with HIV. Jaime and so many others like him will benefit from the proceeds from the Ford Mustang raffle ticket sales through TIHAN. So get your chance at this great car, and provide a second chance to people in our community like Jaime, who will benefit from the proceeds of your raffle ticket purchases. And remember, TIHAN is a volunteer-based organization, and our next Volunteer Orientation will take place on Nov. 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (2331 E. Adams St.). We’re recruiting volunteers for both administrative and care and support roles, including CareTeam members, marketing and communications advisors, and Link Specialists. If you’d like to help improve the lives of people living with HIV, this is a great opportunity to get started. Please contact Bennett D. Burke, volunteer coordinator, at volunteercoordinator@tihan.org, or call 520-299-6647 ext 206.
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Fireside Chat
What’s happening with Wingspan: Reflections on the past year By Wendell Hicks Executive Director SAAF November 2015 marks the one year anniversary of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation’s acquisition of some key Wingspan programs. Wingspan had served as southern Arizona’s LGBTQ community center for more than a quarter of a century when they were forced to close their doors due to declining resources. Over the next few weeks, I want to tell you about the progress SAAF has made in moving many of the initiatives and programs of Wingspan forward over the past 12 months. When Wingspan’s board of directors approached SAAF in the summer of 2014 to discuss the acquisition, it was clear that the two programs at Wingspan which were still funded, the Anti-Violence Programs and the Eon Youth Program, would go away without outside help. SAAF knew that this simply couldn’t happen as each were filling vital needs in the community and serving real people in crisis. SAAF took quick and decisive action to not only keep these programs going, but to actually revitalize and grow them. Since coming to SAAF, both Eon and AVP have seen participation rates increase and new funding sources have been secured. In April, the Alliance Fund gave grants to support both Eon and AVP and Arizona Community Foundation made its first grant to SAAF to support youth programs including Eon. While a growing client base and increased funding are wonderful things to be able to report, I think stories from real people who have benefited from these programs say so much more. Take Albert* for instance. What happens
October 28, 2015
'I'm Bond -- gay Bond': Roger Moore says never! OBSERVER STAFF Actor Pierce Brosnan, a former James Bond, told DETAILS in April that he thinks a gay Bond would be fine, but an earlier 007 -- Roger Moore -- said this week it's simply not possible. The difference could be a matter of decades. Brosnan's age is 62 and he played Bond from 1994 to 2002; Moore played Bond 30 and 40 years ago and he's now 88 -- though Moore's portrayals certainly remain iconic in Bond-age. (Oopsie -- is our fantasy showing?) Crispy Old Bond, a.k.a. Moore, says a black actor shouldn't be allowed, either. "It is not about being homophobic or, for that matter, racist, it is simply about being true to the character," Moore told the Daily Mail on Sunday.
if you are under age 18 and your parents kick you out of the house? What do you do when you turn 18 and age out of youth programs? What might you do to survive? These are scenarios faced by many LGBTQ youth such as Albert. Albert was age 17 when he first came to the Eon Youth Lounge, living on a friend’s couch after coming out to his family who had kicked him out several months before. Albert felt anxious as his friend’s parents expected him to move out on his 18th birthday which was coming up in a few weeks. In the meantime, Albert was constantly being made fun of and harassed by his friend’s siblings for identifying as queer. He felt very depressed and admitted having thoughts about suicide. Albert felt like he had no options left until he discovered the Eon Youth Program at SAAF. The Eon Youth Program serves LGBTQ youth, ages 13 – 23, many of
who are experiencing or at increased risk for homelessness. They lack connectedness to supportive adults and their parents may be absent or may reject or abandon them due to remarriage, a new relationship, or, as in Albert’s case, when they come out as gay. Eon fills a critical need, providing accessible, culturally-sensitive services. Since SAAF formally acquired Wingspan in November 2014, participation in the Eon Youth Program has doubled and more kids like Albert are getting the help they need. I hate to think what might have happened to Albert and the many other youth like him if Eon had gone away and it makes me so happy to know that we have a community that continues to show its support for these important services. In the next few weeks, I look forward to sharing more with you and next week I’ll write a little about AVP and how additional funding for this program has meant additional services for those in immediate need. *Name changed for reasons of confidentiality.
"I have heard people talk about how there should be a lady Bond or a gay Bond," he said. "But they wouldn't be Bond for the simple reason that wasn't what Ian Fleming wrote." Yes, we know that fictional characters must remain static -- look at the way no one has tampered with Sherlock Holmes. (snort) The first of Fleming's James Bond novels ("Casino Royale") was published in 1952. The authenticity of Bond's adventures comes from Fleming's military service in World War II and his career as a journalist. (He died in 1964 at age 56, and several Bond books have been produced since by other writers.) All this speculation is hitting the headlines now because the most recent Bond, Daniel Craig, says he hopes to abandon Bond after "Spectre," due out next week. Craig basically agrees with Brosnan -- "Anything's possible," he said this month when Sky News asked about a more diverse Bond. "You can do anything as long as it's credible and it works. It doesn't matter." Brosnan says he doesn't think Bond will be gay any time soon, but not because it wouldn't be "interesting." "Actually, I don't know how it would work," Brosnan said. "I don't think Barbara [Broccoli, the James Bond producer] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime. But it would certainly make for interesting viewing." He suggested breaking the straightwhite-male-Bond mold by beginning with a black man, and even suggested one he thinks is the perfect candidate. "Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence," said the man who knows Bond. Elba's name has been linked with Bond for nearly a year, since studio emails were leaked to the public.
October 28, 2015
Page 5 OBSERVER WEEKLY One Indonesian province inPharma chupacabra who raised pill price to $750 now stitutes caning for gay tourists faces competitor charging $1 Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli raised the price of Daraprim by 5,000 percent. The medication is not trademarked, and a competitor has announced plans to sell a similar product at $1 per pill. Marty's pissed . . .
You can be caned for a number of offenses in Aceh, Indonesia's most extremist province.
OBSERVER STAFF OBSERVER STAFF When outrage greeted Martin Shkreli after he increased the price of an AIDS medication from $13.50 a pill to $750, he said people -- specifically presidential candidate Bernie Sanders -- didn't understand how the market works. Obviously Shkreli was the one who didn't get it: A competitor has announced the offering of a similar pill for $1. Free market at work, asshat! Shkreli's Turing Pharmaceuticals had recently purchased rights to the drug Daraprim, commonly used against toxoplasmosis -- which disproportionately affects HIV-positive people. Mark L. Baum, CEO of Turing competitor Imprimis, said last week in a statement: "While we respect Turing's right to charge patients and insurance companies whatever it believes is appropriate, there may be more cost-effective compounded options for medications, such as Daraprim, for patients, physicians, insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers to consider."
Baum pointed out that this is far from the first time the price of a drug has been increased dramatically when it's available from only one supplier. He announced that Imprimis Cares, a division of his company, will be looking at other drugs that are expensive to buy but cheap to produce, and expects "positive action to address an opportunity to help a needy patient population." "Today, some drug prices are simply out of control and we believe we may be able to help control costs by offering compounded alternatives to several sole-source legacy generic drugs," Baum's statement continued. "We are here to serve our patients and their physicians. We believe that when we do a great job serving our customers, our shareholders will also benefit," it concluded. Apparently the only thing people didn't understand is Shkreli's "right" to line his pockets at the expense of the public. Good luck to him on making people understand that.
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BANDA ACEH, Indonesia -- The radical Muslim Indonesian province of Aceh is scheduled to begin caning gay and lesbian tourists this week under a law passed last year. Homosexuality is legal in the rest of Indonesia. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, but the rest of the country practices a more moderate form. Aceh is the only province that enforces religious Sharia law; it has autonomous local control over crime and punishment. Fifty-two regions ban homosexual acts, and the city of Palembang outlaws all sex outside of marriage. The law states anyone engaging in homosexual activity should be punished with 100 months in jail, 100 lashes, or a fine equivalent to 1,000 grams of gold. Just days ago, Saudi Arabia backed down on plans for caning a British retiree who was caught with homemade wine. "This law will only add to the climate of homophobia, fear and harass-
ment many in Aceh are already facing," said a statement from Richard Bennett, Asia Pacific director of Amnesty International. "Laws that criminalize sex outside marriage ... are used disproportionately by police to punish women's choices," the statement continued. "They also act as a deterrent to women reporting rape and sexual violence who may fear being accused of sex outside marriage." Bennett's organization reports that 156 people have been caned in Aceh since 2010 for all sorts of offenses -gambling, selling food during Ramadan, and drinking alcohol. A bill that would have criminalized homosexuality nationally was introduced in 2003 but failed. Transgender expression is not against the law in Indonesia and, in fact, some tolerance is allowed for beauticians and people in the entertainment industry -- notably the celebrity talk-show host Dorce Gamalama. There is, however, no protection under the law for trans people. Discrimination, harassment and even violence is common enough.
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No. 2 Mormon official Soccer star denies he's takes Kim Davis to task one of two who are for her intransigence ready to come out The 20-yearold Manchester United player – currently out with a serious leg injury – responded via Twitter to deny claims that he's about to come out.
OBSERVER STAFF The No. 2 official in the Mormon Church told a gathering of believers recently that renegade Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis is abusing the principle of religious freedom to justify her antiLGBT stance. Dallin H. Oaks, second in line for the church presidency and also a former Utah State Supreme Court justice, also urged right-wing activists to stop trying to overturn LGBT-rights laws. Davis, the county clerk for Rowan County, Ky., rallied many wingnut politicians and religious activists to her cause after she defied a federal judge and the U.S. Supreme Court by refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses. She served a few days in jail before agreeing to let her staff issue the licenses without interference from her -- which she reportedly has not done. A federal judge has ordered Kentucky to decide once and for all whether or not license applications altered by Davis have any validity.
Batty
Public officials are not free to ignore the law because of personal religious convictions, Oaks said in his speech. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the official name for the main Mormon body) had been silent on the Davis controversy until now. "Believers should acknowledge the validity of constitutional laws," Oaks said. "Even where they have challenged laws or practices on constitutional grounds, once those laws or practices have been sustained by the highest available authority, believers should acknowledge their validity and submit to them." Oaks urged that some thought precede any action. "Parties with different views on the relationship between church and state should advocate and act with civility," he said. "We all lose when an atmosphere of anger or hostility or contention prevails. We all lose when we cannot debate public policies without resorting to boycotts, firings and intimidation of our adversaries."
Batty is a very sweet and affectionate 2-year-old gal. She loves ear scratchies and catnip; a little shy, but once she warms up, she’ll “mer” for you in the cutest way! She has one eye, but it doesn’t slow her down at all! Needs: Needs a quieter home, as she herself is quiet; no dogs or small children (older children would be best), so she feels comfortable coming out.
OBSERVER STAFF MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United soccer defender Luke Shaw took to Twitter last week to deny rumors that he's one of two soccer stars the Mirror reported are ready to come out publicly.
"It's not me. So everyone can shut up now!" -- Luke Shaw, Manchester United star
According to the Mirror, the players are already out to their friends and family, their teammates and the association. Last year, retired former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger made world headlines when he revealed to a German newspaper that he's gay.
If the players do come out, they will be the only out active players in British soccer history.
Hitzlsperger said, however, that coming out would never have been possible if he were still playing.
A source had told the Mirror: "The stigma has completely gone, and the public are far more accepting. At this level of football, [as the Brits call soccer,] being gay is almost the final frontier . . . [P]erhaps more than in any other sport, there can be an aggressive mob mentality in the stands."
"For me it would have been almost impossible had I still been playing – not because of the fans or the other players, but because of the media. "In an ideal world, it shouldn’t (matter) but we're in 2014 and we’re still talking about it."
Where God's love for all is the good news!
October 28, 2015
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Bieber gets million-dollar offer to endorse kit for homemade dildos
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Perry Ellis sued over executive's alleged advertising philosophy: no blacks, no gays Cook claims he was "forced to endure highly offensive homophobic, racial and ethnic slurs" from Feldenkrais.
OBSERVER STAFF Justin Bieber's penis recently got huge on social media -- finally matching the size it's been everywhere else for years, apparently. Now Clone-A-Willy has offered Bieber $1 million to endorse its product, apparently a kit for making a dildo at home -- a homemade replica of any penis. No word yet on whether Bieber's up for it . . . Seriously, there is no way we can make this up. A letter to Bieber's commercial agent (a copy of which was sent to The Huffington Post) was either beyond cheesy or extremely campy, depending on your taste -- or lack of it, maybe. "You can only imagine . . . a huge billboard of Justin Bieber and 'CloneA-Willy' in West Hollywood. It would surely do wonders to help promote his new album and certainly wouldn't hurt his 'dating' life," the letter stated.
He also says Feldenkrais' daughter, who also works for the company, repeatedly told him "my dad doesn't like having black guys in his ads, or anyone who looks too gay."
Bieber and his penis were recently photographed while on vacation in Bora Bora. Apparently the photos were taken with a magnifying lens from a considerable distance away, and Biebs did complain about the invasion of his privacy from such a distance. His lawyer even sent a ceaseand-desist letter to the New York Daily News, which originally ran the . . . um . . . big story. Bloggers were quick to say that yes, even Justin Bieber has a right to privacy. Then most of them added with a smirk that the 21-year-old braggart might not have such solid grounds for a lawsuit. After all, the photos certainly prove that the big gun is mounted, whether the ammunition is loaded or not. Meantime, Clone-A-Willy waits breathlessly for the next news about Justin's jawbreaker. As we all must . . .
The lawsuit claims Cook was pushed out when he complained about the racism and homophobia. Michael Maccari and models back stage at Perry Ellis Spring 2016 show.
OBSERVER STAFF DORAL, Fla. -- Perry Ellis International, headquartered in this Miami suburb, is being sued over claims that the company's president demanded "no blacks in my ads" nor "anyone who looked too gay." Ironically, the company is named after its founder, an openly gay man. Company President Oscar Feldenkrais also is accused of telling the plaintiff to avoid jury duty by "telling them you hate niggers and fags." A company statement says the corporation "categorically denies" all the allegations made by former employee Joseph Cook, described by media as "an openly gay senior executive."
The company's statement about the case covers the usual bases: "Perry Ellis is a company that promotes equal opportunity and a positive working environment. "The company is proud of the fact that it is probably one of the most diverse companies in the apparel business following its multicultural roots, stemming from Puerto Rico and Cuba. "Perry Ellis categorically denies any allegations to the contrary. The claims that have been asserted will be vigorously defended against." Cook's lawyer cries poppycock: "It is incredible that a company founded by a gay man can now be so insensitive to others based on their sexual orientation and race."
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To volunteer, call Mark Rosenbaum For support services, call a Link Specialist For more information, events, or to donate, visit www.tihan.org
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As Clark Saw It
Zoe’s World
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By Gary Clark
By Zoe
WEEKLY
October 28, 2015
October 28, 2015
Monday BRODIES TAVERN - Service Industry Night 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. $2.50 House Well, Long Islands, Margaritas on Tap, $3 16 oz. BudBud Light-Mic Ultra Cans, Fireball Shots. IBT’s 11a.m.-2a.m. Taking Back Mondays hosted by Diva featuring *3-4-1 Well Vodkas (Regular, Grape & Cherry) 9 - Close. Karaoke Inside or Lounge on the Patio 9 p.m. VENTURE-N Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Friday BRODIES TAVERN - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$DJ on the Patio 9pm. GoGo Boys @11p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
OBSERVER WEEKLY Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
BRODIES TAVERN - Two Buck Tuesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $ 2 House Well, Fire Eater Shots, $2 Margaritas on Tap, $2 Long Islands IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m.; Taco Tuesdays. $1 Tacos. Drink Specials 9-Close: Mix-n-Match Mexican Beer Special, Tequila Specials (Patron $6, Milagro $4.50, Hornitos $4, Cuervo $3.50), Million$DJ Inside 9 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
BRODIES TAVERN - Whiskey Wednesday 7-2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim Beam-JamesonFireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., “Viva La Diva” Drag Show Hosted by Diva at 9. “Whiskey Breath” Drink Special Every Wednesday 9-Close. $2 Well, $3 Call, $4 Select Top Shelf Whiskey and Scotch Blend Whiskies. Million$DJ Inside after the drag show. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.Dave’s $3.50 Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas
BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m. Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm. 4.00 Titos/Absolut, Cosmos/Martis from Dan G
Saturday
Sunday
BRODIES TAVERN - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$DJ on the Patio 9 p.m., DJ Import Inside after the drag show. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi
Monday 12-3 p.m. 4-5:30 p.m.
OW
4:30-6:30 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
7-10 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m. 7-9 p.m. 6 p.m.
sources
Mah Jongg Mondays Himmel Park Library. Ages 50+, 1035 N. Treat. In Our Own Voices, Women’s therapy group for survivors of sexual trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club, 520.327.1171 Cancer Support Group for LGBT People, Arizona Cancer Center at UMC-North, Rm 1127, 3838 N. Campbell Ave. 520.694.0347 Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. SAGA General for trans forlks and allies 1st Monday SAGA Desert Girlz for trans Femanine folks 2nd Monday Reveille Men’s Chorus Open Rehearsal, Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Tucson Women’s Chorus rehearsal.Call for details: 520.743.0991 Desert Girlz meeting at Wingspan PFLAG en Español Meets the 1st Monday of each month at Fortin de las Flores: 243 W. 33rd St.
4 p.m.
LGBTQA Support Group. LGBTQ Affairs Office, UA Student Union level four. SAGA Desert Boyz for trans masculine folks 3rd Tuesdays
7-9 p.m.
Wednesday 3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
12-1 p.m.
Pink Triangle AA Meeting, 439 N. Sixth Ave. Everyday. Gender Spectrum support Group. UA Campus Health Service Building Room C312. $5 TMC Hospice LGBTQ Grief Support Group. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Peppi’s House Chapel, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive. RSVP at: 520-324-2438. Wednesday Night Christian Bible Study, Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall, 2902 N. Geronimo Ave. Weekly Bears Coffee at Crave, 4530 E. Broadway Blvd.
3-4:30 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
Two Spirit support group. African American Student Affairs MLK Center, 1322 E. 1st Street. 6 p.m. Write Now! a writer’s group open to all at Revolutionary Grounds 606 N. 4th 6:30-7:30 p.m. Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. 7 p.m. Weekly Meditation Classes in Central Tucson, cost: $10, Kadam Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. 7-9 p.m. SAGA Desert Partnerz for cis-gendered 4th Thursday 7-10 p.m. Triangle Tribe, Men’s Support Group. Call 520-398-6826
3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
4-5:30 p.m.
Support Group for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club Queer People of Color &
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400
10-11.30 a.m.
10-12 p.m.
2-5 p.m. 2:45 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m.
5:30-6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Wingspan’s Eon Youth Program New Youth Orientation Fridays at 4p.m. Youth Center Open M-F Oasis LGBT Social Group. Email oasis.wingspan@gmail.com Bingo at MCC Every Friday call John 975-3166.
2nd Saturdays
Bears of the Old Pueblo Potluch 2nd Saturdays 520.444.2275 Transparents For parents of trans kids. RSVP SAGA to attend.
Sunday 9-11 a.m.
Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s
Advice For Life & Prayers for World Peace. Bud dha’s teachings, Kadampa Meditation Cen ter Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. LGBT Buddhist Medita tion Group meets every Sunday at The Three Jewels, 314 E. 6th St. in Tucson. Meditation sessions with readings, recordings, and discussion. Welcoming to all.For info call Jim at 520-884-4218. Mamasitas! Men’s Sports club at Menlo Park The New Men’s Massage Group. Sept 21 at 4 pm. Call Marc at 881-4582 to sign up. Or email bleu55@gmail. com in advance. It’s a great place to meet men. Safe, non-sexual but very sensual and a little erotic. Donation.
3-5p.m.
Men’s Social Network “H” Club open to entire LGBTQ community. This is a fun discussion, learning and participation group meeting for discussions on major words beginning with the letter “H.” Doesn’t meet the 1st Sunday of the month.
5:30 p.m.
Puertas Abiertas Latin/ Hispanic LBGTQ/Ally support group meeting at Wingspan 430 E 7th St – every 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30pm.
Saturday
Thursday
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health re-
BRODIES TAVERN - Funday 7 p.m. - 2 p.m. $2.50 House Well, $3 House Long Islands, Tap Magaritas, $1 House Kasiz Shots, $1.75 Domestic Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke 4-8:30 p.m. “Cheap Ass Sunday’s” 9-Close feat. 2-4-1 Drinks and Bottle Beer (exclude top shelf, wine & draft), Karaoke Inside 9pm; DJ Sid the Kid on the patio 9 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi
2:30-4:30p.m.
Tuesday 3-8 p.m.
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OBSERVER
WEEKLY
October 28, 2015
Swedish 'vampire' accused Houston guy: Give me back my of slashing lover's throat, $10,000 anti-LGBT donation! drinking his blood OBSERVER STAFF OK, this may give you second thoughts about that irresistible number you recently picked up at the bar. A 23-year-old Swedish man is on trial for allegedly slashing his 32-yearold lover's throat, drinking the blood, and then using some of it to draw a pentagram on his living-room wall. Shortly after doing all this, he called police to turn himself in. What a charmer. "When I saw the blood, I had a vision that I had to drink it," the accused said in court last week. He said voices in his head convinced him to commit the crime in the first place. He is reportedly suffering from a "serious psychiatric disorder." We're not questioning that, although the pros-
ecutor says it's an act and the killing was premeditated. Authorities did report finding Google searches for "cut throat" and "sentry killing" on the guy's computer. "In the light of his psychological ill health, this is a deed that can only be classified as manslaughter," defense attorney Jonas Granfelt told the media last week.
OBSERVER STAFF Prosecutor Pär Andersson said the situation didn't grow out of hearing voices, but a different kind of mental illness -- the defendant's self-hatred. "A more likely motive may have been to hide this sexual relationship ... which he, in several police interrogations, denied they had had before he confirmed it and said he was ashamed of it," Andersson said. The trial continues.
Rumor of pope's brain tumor just another tale from lying bitches OBSERVER STAFF ROME -- Heads must really be exploding among the poor innocents who didn't realize until now that the Roman Catholic hierarchy is full of lying bitches.
Originally it was to deal with ways for the church to be more welcoming to LGBT worshipers, but that idea was aborted due to opposition long before delivery.
No sooner did we get over the holywatering match over Kim Davis' bogus visit with the pope (allegedly arranged by the Machiavellian wingnut Vatican ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò) than we get this:
The Vatican promptly quashed the tumor rumor, but reports are now swirling that the story was planted by the pope's opponents within the Holy See, hoping to call the pope's candle-power into question just in time to derail any movement on homosexuality at the synod.
Rumors of a papal brain tumor were spread by right-wing anti-gay types from within the Vatican itself, hoping to cast doubt on the pope's judgment after he softened the church's stance against the LGBT community.
German Cardinal Walter Kasper told the London Telegraph: "It's evident to me that some people don't like this pope. ... Certain people, both inside and outside the church, are nervous about the outcome of the synod."
That's what happens: Force guys to run around in dresses that went out of style 500 years ago, and you're gonna spawn some nasty habits! (sorry)
The tumor tumult came amid a hurricane of controversies in the Vatican. Earlier this month, the three-week-long annual synod was disrupted when an official in the Vatican's doctrine office came out as gay - and was quickly shitcanned.
The rumor probably pertains to a top-level church synod now under way.
Former NFL player and outspoken equality advocate Chris Kluwe called the donation "douche-tastic buffoonery."
HOUSTON -- You can't make this shit up . . . Earlier this month, the owner of the Houston Texans professional football team donated $10,000 to a drive to repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. Now Bob McNair wants his money back because of unanticipated publicity. "To my great dismay, Campaign for Houston made numerous unauthorized statements about my opposition to HERO in print, broadcast and social media — including attributing certain statements of belief to me. Their actions and statements were never discussed with nor approved by me. Therefore I instructed the campaign to return my contribution," McNair said last week. ThinkProgress got a statement from McNair saying he didn't mean to approve discrimination of any kind
-- he donated because he believed "a thoughtful rewrite would provide a better ordinance" and "would be less divisive of our city." The Houston City Council passed the ordinance last year, opponents held a petition drive to get it on the ballot for voters to decide, and the city ruled there were not enough valid signatures collected. The Texas Supreme [GOP] Court then ordered the city to either repeal the ordinance or submit it to voters. Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team, is working on the campaign to keep the ordinance. Jared Woodfill, directing the campaign against the ordinance, told the Houston Chronicle he thought McNair is simply the victim of backlash and "we believe, from his statement, that his opinion on the ordinance has not changed."