I Didn't Say It ...

Pete Buttigieg, the outgoing Secretary of Transportation and the first out Cabinet secretary in U.S. history, had some advice, self-criticism, and a couple of mild rebukes for his political opponents in an interview with Rolling Stone:

“There’s a lot to be learned from Sarah McBride’s masterful handling of this on her way into Congress because what she said was: What the speaker’s doing is wrong. But I didn’t come here to fight over that. I came here to make life easier for people in Delaware who elected me. It immediately demonstrated [that Republicans] should be dealing with issues of utmost world-historical importance [rather than where] colleagues get to go to the bathroom.”

It’s not about bathrooms just like it wasn’t about drinking fountains or where you sat on a bus. It’s hate and fear used to keep people down and send fear out into the political landscape.

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Sarah McBride, the first out transgender member of the US Congress, in her farewell speech to her Delaware Senate colleagues:

"This body is the engine of public policy for Delaware. It's looked out for the unseen and the unheard, it has fought for working families, it's protected children, and it's supported our retirees; with compassion and courage, we have proven time and time again that small states can do big things [and] as I head out and head to Washington, D.C., I take with me all the lessons that I have learned here. I take with me the hope that I have found here that despite the rancor and the toxicity that we too often see in our politics, that we do genuinely have more in common than what divides us; that we can and that we must have conversations across disagreement; that we can have a politics of grace and not grandstanding, a politics of progress not pettiness."

She isn’t stooping to fighting about bathrooms, she’s standing tall and taking ion the old GOP bigoted guard on the issues facing her state and its people , and in doing so is giving a bright new face of what transgender looks like to America.

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João Lucas Reis da Silva, acknowledging he was gay when he wished his boyfriend happy birthday last week on Instagram, and thus becoming the first out active pro player on the ATP Tour, the highest level of men’s tennis:

“I didn’t think about it… I just wanted to post a picture with him … When I tried to love myself, that was something different. It changed my life, changed everything, the relationship with my parents, with my coaches. It was so normal for me that I didn’t think about it. Maybe if I had had someone playing saying, ‘I’m gay, I’m here, I’m competing for the big tournaments,’ it would have been easier for me to accept myself and to love myself. People have told me that. People told me that they admire me. That I inspire people. So it’s a big deal for me and them.”

Welcome out and using love to do it.

And welcome out you hot nugget!

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Tim Bagley, on being an out gay actor for many years in Hollywood who, remarkably, never hid his sexual orientation:

“I'll be honest with you, I've been just rolling up my sleeves and going about my business. I've been out since the beginning, and I always wanted someone to write about me, like anyone else would, but I just figured it wasn’t going to happen, and you know, I’ll just continue to do my job, and be happy that I’m still a working actor after all these years. That’s enough for me. I was advised not to do gay roles; at the time, my agent warned me that I might be limiting myself, that I wouldn't be eligible for the bigger, straight roles. It was common knowledge that they weren’t going to hire an out gay man [and] there were so many opportunities I never got a shot at. But I just kept building a career, making the most of the roles that did come my way, whether they were gay or straight. I’ve been lucky to play everything from a murderous postal worker on Grimm to comedic roles in Southland and Monk, still, many people associate me with my gay characters, and I’ve never backed away from them, unless I felt they were too stereotypical. I was never one to let fear guide my decisions. I felt it was more important to live authentically. I remember being so proud [of playing one half of the gay couple Larry and Joe on Will & Grace, whose characters got married as the fight for equality revved u] It showed people that there was nothing to fear about two men getting married. I’m living proof that you can be who you are and still have a career. I’m proud of what I’ve done, and I hope that in some small way, I’ve helped open doors for others."

I imagine many doors opened for actors who came after Bagley. He stood up and out and proud and open and made people see him for who he is, not “what” he is.

Bravo!

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Kristin Chenoweth, the original Galinda from Wicked, on those One Million Moms who call Wicked 'woke' and loathe the gay undertones of the film:

"Everyone knows the 'one million Moms' are a mere few hundred. Maybe. [Wicked] is entertainment. Artistry. I am a Christian woman [who] originated the role of Glinda and all the silliness that these women spew out of hate. No no no. I can’t help it : I try to love 'em anyways. For they don’t get it. For anyone who wants to see girl power, then go so WICKED. Onstage or in a movie theater."

One hundred Moms doesn’t have the power, so they lie about their numbers. Good on Galinda, er, Kristin, for taking them on.

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Adam Kinzinger, true patriot, on The Felon’s idea of punishing the people who investigated his many crimes:

“I was in the legislative branch. We were investigating, as per the request from Congress to do that. We obviously came up with answers that embarrassed [him]. He was embarrassed by it. It showed that he was completely complicit for 187 minutes while violence happened. He frankly wanted his vice president to be—to have violence against him. And that was embarrassing for the president. Sorry to embarrass you, Donald, but that’s what we were tasked with, was the truth. And history books will record this as the truth. You wanna threaten to throw us in jail for that? It just shows how small of a person you really are. I’m not intimidated. The person that intimidates me the least of anybody in this country is [The Felon].”

He's a tiny, well, not so tiny, gelatinous gasbag of lies and hate; he is not to be feared or revered., but to be mocked and laughed at and called a rapist, and a traitor, and a racist, and a sexual predator because that’s who and what he is.

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The Latest Trend in Hollywood: The Pixie Cut

Everybody is gettin' one ....

My girl, JHud, was one of the first ....

Then Jennifer Lawrence followed up with one ....

And Pamela Anderson lost her blond locks for a pixie ....

While Kristin Chenoweth did it too.

So so popular.

Everyone's following the trend.

Even ... Keith Urban! He's adorkable!

I Didn't Say It ....

Kristin Chenoweth, on people who use their religion as an anti-gay weapon:

"I think it is very anti-Christian [to hate gay people]. It is the antithesis of what I believe. It is the antithesis of what you should believe if you believe in Jesus. It’s not what he taught, it’s the opposite of what he taught. If Jesus was to walk the Earth today, or Buddha or anybody, they would be horrified. Those people saying they’re doing it in the name of God? No no no no no. I speak as a Christian person, and as a woman and as an artist. I would love nothing more for my friends who love each other to get married. I don’t think it’s a sin, I think we’re born how we’re born. Look at me, I’m 4’11’’, and so if it was a sin to be short, what would I do? Well I’d just be, you know, it’s how God made me."

I love KC. And so it’s nice to see her talk about how she can combine faith and acceptance and understanding that we are all—if you so choose to believe—God’s children.

We’re born how we’re born. Get used to it.

Chris Culliver, of the San Francisco 49ers, who made headlines when he said gays were not welcome in the locker room, on his meeting with The Trevor Project:

"As an African American male, I should know better. Hate and discrimination have a lasting effect, and words matter. I also have a responsibility to myself, and especially to my young fans to be a better role model. The kids who look up to me and other athletes are the future of our country, and our future deserves better than fear, hate and discrimination... I was wrong, and I want to learn how to make it right. That's why I reached out to an organization called The Trevor Project... No child should ever feel like they are less than anyone else, and God has put me through this storm so I can learn from my mistakes and help make sure no child has to feel that way, again."

I'd like to withhold praise, for now. The cynic in me sometimes wonders if, after some people get nailed for their homophobic rants or Tweets, and they suddenly become so, um, tolerant, if it isn’t just an act to repair their tarnished image.

I’m hoping Culliver means what he says today more than what he said a couple of months ago.

Mitt Romney, auditioning for a job at FauxNews, reminding us once again why he is unelectable:

"I believe that marriage is a relationship between a man and a women, and that's because I believe the ideal setting for raising a child is where there's a mother and a father in the home. Other people have differing views and I respect that, whether that's in my party or in the Democratic Party. But these are very personal matters. My hope is that when we discuss things of this nature, we show respect for people who have differing views."

Yes, he’ll be respectful of my view that marriage should be equal but he doesn’t share that view.

And, sorry Mittsy The Unelectable, but it’s not a personal issue, it’s a matter of equality, legality and discrimination.

Believe what you want, legislate equality.

Bill Clinton, on the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]:

“As the president who signed the act into law, I have come to believe that DOMA is contrary to those principles and, in fact, incompatible with our Constitution. ... When I signed the bill, I included a statement with the admonition that 'enactment of this legislation should not, despite the fierce and at times divisive rhetoric surrounding it, be understood to provide an excuse for discrimination.' Reading those words today, I know now that, even worse than providing an excuse for discrimination, the law is itself discriminatory. It should be overturned."

Nicely said.

And while I was angry at the time of the signing of DOMA, I am pleased to see that Clinton has come around and realized that separate is never, has never been, and will never be, equal.

"Suga" Rashad Evans, UFC fighter, signing the amicus brief sent to SCOTUS by Brendon Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe:

“I've never been a homophobe, never understood what that is all about. I knew some people who were gay and never cared about their sexuality. But at the same time, I didn't fully understand the issues around gay people until my friend BA [Brendan Ayanbadejo] started telling me about his full public support for gay marriage. We talked about the issue and I decided it’s not enough to not be against a minority, if you want things to go better for them you have to speak up with them. ... I'm a UFC fighter, a macho-type sport. I am a heterosexual guy in a tough macho sport, which is exactly the reason I feel a duty to say I support gay marriage and gay rights. ... I have nothing to gain personally from supporting this issue, and that's the point. Society as a whole is better when there is equality, and I want to live in a country where everyone has the same rights because we all benefit from that. ... What people overlook is that it isn't a sex issue, it’s a love issue. There's no justifiable reason for trying to get in the way of two people who love each other. ... I have kids. I don't want them growing up in a society where they, or their friends, could be second class citizens based on which person they fall in love with or who they want to be happy with.”

Welcome to the club, “Suga,” and thanks for stating it all so beautifully.

Cyndi Lauper, on Donald Trump:

"I’m not going to kiss ass with somebody like that...I felt that what he said about the gay community was disappointing because a lot of gay people work for him. It’s just sad. I thought he could have done better for his country than just go to the lowest common denominator and stir up the crap. It’s our country, it’s not wrestling. If you try and make our president fail, it doesn’t matter who he is, you make our country fail. And if you really are a patriot, if you really give a sh*t about our country, you don’t do stuff like that. First of all, you’re an entertainer, and you make ugly buildings, and you’re famous for it. And you have a reality show with very high ratings. Don’t step into the forum like that. Become educated with facts. Don’t just be a sh*t-stirrer. Our country is in trouble and he keeps wanting to make [Obama] fail. Let’s call a spade a spade. The guy’s a black man and that’s your issue? What kind of idiot are you? Come on.”

Team Cyndi. All the way.

Peter Tatchell, British activist, on the Queen's signing of the new Commonwealth Charter--which some say is a sign of her support for LGBT right:

"Media reports are wrong. The Queen has NOT expressed support for LGBT equality. The Commonwealth Charter that she’s signing includes no pledge on LGBT rights. LGBT rights were deliberately excluded. In 61 years as Queen, she has never publicly uttered the words lesbian or gay. She is a patron of hundreds of charities but none of them are gay ones. Not once has she visited or supported a gay charity. For the last four years, I’ve been pressing Buckingham Palace over the Queen’s failure to acknowledge the existence of LGBT people - and got nowhere. ... The Commonwealth Charter does not include any specific rejection of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This was vetoed by the homophobic majority of member states. They blocked its inclusion in the charter. This makes the Queen’s signing of the charter even less of a big deal. It is certainly not the breakthrough for LGBT rights that some people are claiming." 

Let’s be clear, the Queen is not about the queens.

Jeanne Ives, Illinois Republican Representative, on voting against marriage equality:

"They're trying to redefine marriage. It's a completely disordered relationship and when you have a disordered relationship, you don’t ever get order out of that. So I’m more than happy to take a 'no' vote on the issue of homosexual marriage. … I'm more than happy to stand up and take a courageous vote here on this issue because it's the right thing to do. Essentially what they’re trying to do is not just redefine marriage, they’re trying to redefine society. They’re trying to weasel their way into acceptability so that they can then start to push their agenda down into the schools, because this gives them some sort of legitimacy. And we can’t allow that to happen. The rights to marriage, it's really a natural right.  It’s the natural right of the child to be with both parents, either in an adoptive nature or in a biological nature. To not have a mother and a father is really a disordered state for a child to grow up in and it really makes that child an object of desire rather than the result of a matrimony."

Where, oh where, to begin.

First off, Jeanne, you’re an idiot. Tell me how I am redefining marriage? Tell me how I am weaseling my way into being accepted, and then tell me why I need to be accepted by the likes of you. Tell me why you’ve just said children in single-parent homes are less well-off than children in two-parents, oops, mommy and daddy only, homes.

You can’t keep spouting the same nonsense and not be asked to explain why …. And just repeating it is not an explanation. So, maybe, Jeanne, once your brain clicks in, you’re realize you aren’t being courageous, you’re just goose-stepping along with the bigots and homophobes, and is that really where you want to go?

My Ten Favorite Christmas Tunes: Kristin Chenoweth "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

A Very Kristin Chenoweth Christmas

I Didn't Say It........

Dan Savage, on the video of a young boy telling Michele Bachmann, "My mommy is gay and she doesn't need to be fixed:
"As a gay parent I'm really not comfortable with this. Even if that eight-year-old kid wanted to do it, even if confronting Michele Bachmann was the kid's idea, even if the kid was excited about being in a YouTube video, this just isn't cool. The enemies of LGBT equality use small children as props in their misleading commercials and at their hate rallies all the time. It's a credit to our side that this sort of thing—a gay parent pushing a child into the face of a hater like Bachmann—is so rare that this video shocks the conscience."


I tend to agree with Dan on this one, even though i posted the video.
But, more shocking than whether or not Elijah's parents coerced him into saying what he said, was Bachmann's reaction upon hearing it.
If you ever needed to see a so-called 'christian' acting less than Christ-like, that's it.

Gary Johnson, former New Mexico governor and barely mentioned GOP candidate for president, coming out for marriage equality:

"As a believer in individual freedom and keeping government out of personal lives, I simply cannot find a legitimate justification for federal laws, such as the Defense of Marriage Act, which ‘define’ marriage. That definition should be left to religions and individuals – not government. Government’s role when it comes to marriage is one of granting benefits and rights to couples who choose to enter into a marriage ‘contract’. As I have examined this issue, consulted with folks on all sides, and viewed it through the lens of individual freedom and equal rights, it has become clear to me that denying those rights and benefits to gay couples is discrimination, plain and simple....Today, I believe we have arrived at a point in history where more and more Americans are viewing it as a question of liberty and freedom. That evolution is important, and the time has come for us to align our marriage laws with the notion that every individual should be treated equally.”


It's a shame that he gets virtually no press, because he proves that not all Republicans are narrow-mined gasbags.
Most. Not all.

Damiano Tommasi, Italian Players Union president tells footballers to stay in the closet:
“It’s to be discouraged. The fact of being identified or singled out as ‘the one who is’, regardless of your profession, whether journalist, footballer or politician, I don’t think it would be an advisable path to take. Homosexuality is still a taboo in football in the sense that there is a different kind of cohabitation to other professions. Expressing your personal sexuality is difficult in every professional environment and even more so for a footballer who shares a changing room with his team-mates, and hence also his intimacy with others. In our world it could cause embarrassment."


Wrong.
Lying and hiding is never good in any profession.
Lying and hiding means you're ashamed of something, and being gay is nothing to be ashamed of.

Jim Davis, Republican senator from North Carolina, joining other state Republicans in dialing back their support of a proposed same-sex marriage ban amendment:

"I have a lot of libertarian in me. I believe firmly, passionately that a marriage should be defined as being between one man and one woman. But I also believe with all my heart that in a free America people who choose to live a different lifestyle should have a legal right to do so. Just don’t call it marriage. [This amendment will] restrict their freedoms a little beyond my comfort zone."


Nice to hear, though I completely, utterly, 100% disagree with his call for describing same-sex marriages as something other than marriage.
That's less than, it's different, it's separate but equal.
And it doesn't work.

Rick Perry, pandering to former Herman Cain supporters:
"I believe America’s best days are ahead of us if we return to our constitutional roots. I believe this nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values. But you don’t have to go to church every Sunday to know something is wrong in America where gays can openly serve in the military but our children can’t pray in school. If we are truly going to change Washington, it will take a real outsider. I will be a president who is not afraid to step on some toes to give the American people the true change they desire after three years of damage done by the Obama Administration. I ask for your support, and I ask for your help in making Washington less consequential in our lives."


You can believe what ever you want, you delusional moron, but this country was not founded on religion.
Um, if it was meant to be a completely totally Judeo-Christian country, we would have shut our borders a long time ago to anyone who does not share our faith.
Try running for dogcatcher, it's still out of your realm of talents, but you have a better shot at it.
Ass.Hat.

Maureen Dowd, on Newt Gingrich:
"Newt Gingrich's mind is in love with itself. It has persuaded itself that it is brilliant when it is merely promiscuous. This is not a serious mind. Gingrich is not, to put it mildly, a systematic thinker. His mind is a jumble, an amateurish mess lacking impulse control. He plays air guitar with ideas, producing air ideas. He ejaculates concepts, notions and theories that are as inconsistent as his behavior. He didn’t get whiplash being a serial adulterer while impeaching another serial adulterer, a lobbyist for Freddie Mac while attacking Freddie Mac, a self-professed fiscal conservative with a whopping Tiffany’s credit line, and an anti-Communist Army brat who supported the Vietnam War but dodged it."


Word.

Richard Branson, Virgin CEO, on the bill pending in Nigeria that would imprison gay people and those who support them: 

"Too sad to comprehend that Nigeria are passing a law in this day and age to put gay people in prison just for being gay. The Prohibition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill passed through Nigeria’s Senate unopposed last week. It means gay couples entering into either marriage or cohabitation will be jailed for up to 14 years. Even people "witnessing" or "abetting" gay relationships could be punished under this sad, repressive and cruel law. Like everyone else in society, gay people have an enormous amount to offer and Nigeria should embrace them not prosecute them. All of us with influence in Nigeria must do what we can to stop this cruel law. I would urge educated Nigerians all over the world to do what they can to help fight this discrimination."


You have to stand up for equality, because, if you don't,. one day, they might come for you.

Kristin Chenoweth, on gay adoption:
“I have so many gay friends who’ve adopted kids. I think the worry is that their kids will be gay too. And if they’re gay, so what? That fear just shows the ignorance of the overall view of homosexuality and adoption. I swear, if I had two dads or two moms when I was growing up, I’d still be the same person. Probably still not being able to commit!”


As the gay son of two straight parents, I always giggle when people say gay parents will make they're children gay.
It don't work like that, y'all.

The Girl 14G

I had a tad too much Plum wine last night and I need a little pick-me-up.
The fab Kristin Chenoweth.....

A Tony Ramble

Liked it. Didn't love it.

I thought Sean Hayes was very funny. The Little Orphan Annie drag was good, and his bits with Kristin Chenoweth were very funny. His joke about Bernadette Peters being the BP that wasn't destroying the world was spot on.

Catherine Zeta-Jones cannot sing. And what was with that head jerking thing? And then when she won she took the Oh-My-God-I-Can't-Believe-I-Won-But-I'm-Such-A-Freakin'-Phony-I'm-Gonna-Play-It-Off route. Hate her. And,was it just me, or does her husband look older than her dad? Just sayin'.

Ryan Reynolds. Yum.

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith walked out onstage like they were royalty. News flash: You're not.

Jay Z? No.

Matthew Morrison. Dance my little man, dance! So. Not. Gay.

Denzel wins. Yes. Denzel can do anything.

Lea Michele could have been better; I wanted Idina Menzel to sing "Don't Rain On My Parade."

I love the fact that The Tony's is the only awards show where you hear openly gay people thanking their partners and no one drops dead, no one faints, and the ceiling of Radio City doesn't come crashing down. Take note other awards show winners. Gay is okay.

Best joke--for me--of the night, was Sean Hayes and Kristen Chenoweth doing that long sexy liplock and, well, here it is:

Yeah, he so cannot play straight. I didn't buy that for a second. Not.

And speaking of gay playing straight. Ricky Martin! Who will be on Broadway in 2012 ina revival of Evita! Ay papi!

And that's where I leave it.

I Didn't Say It.....

ABC, on the recent flap that gay couple Cameron and Mitchell do not kiss on Modern Family: "Cameron and Mitchell are a loving, grounded, committed, and demonstrably affectionate couple and have been from the beginning of the series. It happens that we have an episode in the works that addresses Mitchell's slight discomfort with public displays of affection. It will air in the fall and until then, as Phil Dunphy would say, everyone please chillax." Jake Gyllenhaal, on bulking up for The Prince Of Persia: “The Jake Gyllenhaal workout plan…starts with growing long, long hair. Very long…gorgeous greasy locks and then washing every day….Wash, shampoo, then condition. Washing works the biceps and then the triceps by conditioning. And vigorously rubbing all of your body with soap really defines the abs and the pectoral muscles. And if you do squats while you’re bathing — that’s it!”

Andrew Sullivan, on Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's alleged homosexuality: "Is Obama actually going to use a Supreme Court nominee to advance the cause of the closet (as well as kill any court imposition of marriage equality)? And can we have a clear, factual statement as to the truth? In a free society in the 21st Century, it is not illegitimate to ask. And it is cowardly not to tell." Out lesbian Cynthia Nixon, on her partner, Christine: "She’s basically a short man with boobs. A lot of what I love about her is her butchness. I’m not saying I fell in love with her in a sexually neutral way. I love her sexuality—it’s a big part of what I love about her—but I feel like it was her. It wasn’t something in me that was waiting to come out. It was like, This person is undeniable. How can I let this person walk by? Christine would probably kill me for saying this, but my daughter said one time that if you really had to break this down, [it looks like] she would be butch and I would be femme…but really once you get to know us it’s really the opposite." Cougar Town co-creator Bill Lawrence, on his just announced decision to change the name of the show when it comes back next fall: “You would be hard-pressed to watch the last three episodes of the show and asked anyone for titles I doubt anyone would say ‘Cougar Town.' Partly as a result of common sense and partly from [the studio's] research, they find too many instances of testing of people saying they would never watch a show called Cougar Town — ‘I don’t want to see some show about a 40-year-old woman nailing younger guys.' And then they screen an episode, and people go, ‘Oh, I would watch this show.’" How does The Girl From Friends Who Isn't Jennifer Aniston's New Show sound? Kristin Chenoweth, in response to Ramin Setoodah's Newsweek article in which he claims that gay actors cannot convincingly play straight roles: "As someone who’s been proudly advocating for equal rights and supporting GLBT causes for as long as I can remember, I know how much it means to young people struggling with their sexuality to see out & proud actors like Sean Hayes, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris and Cynthia Nixon succeeding in their work without having to keep their sexuality a secret.No one needs to see a bigoted, factually inaccurate article that tells people who deviate from heterosexual norms that they can’t be open about who they are and still achieve their dreams. I am told on good authority that Mr. Setoodeh is a gay man himself and I would hope, as the author of this article, he would at least understand that. I encourage Newsweek to embrace stories which promote acceptance, love, unity and singing and dancing for all!"

Do You Hear What I Hear?

The beautiful Kristen Chenoweth.