Jim Ambrose was born in 1976, with, he wrote last year, “genitals that frightened my parents and caregivers.” He had one X and one Y chromosome, but his sex organs were ambiguous, resembling a large clitoris or a small penis. Doctors have an easier time eliminating tissue than adding it, and so they decided to surgically remove the organ and the nearby testes. The baby was raised as a girl, named Kristi Bruce.
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A New Era For Intersex Rights
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'Duck Dynasty' Is A 'Gay Porn Series Just Waiting To Happen,' Suggests Henry Rollins
Punk rock icon Henry Rollins has a few ideas in mind for the future of "Duck Dynasty" following the controversy that ensued after Phil Robertson offered up a series of anti-gay and racially-charged remarks in a GQ interview last month.
Calling the reality series "contrived" and "ridiculous," the former Black Flag frontman-turned-television host and actor suggests that A&E capitalize on the popularity of "Duck Dynasty" with "a vast array of merchandise" that would secure the show's "crossover potential" in a new blog for L.A. Weekly.
"One of you supremely talented graphic artists should start a comic book series starring the 'Duck' dudes as homosexual bears," he writes. "At the next major gay pride event, there should be hard-bodied men in camo hot pants, ridiculous beards pasted to their chins, blowing through duck calls. 'Dick Dynasty' is a gay porn series just waiting to happen."
He then adds, "When you see the DD men all decked out in their camo gear, they look pretty bitchin' and rugged."
Whether or not Robertson would approve of Rollins' suggestions remains to be seen, of course. You can read Rollins' full editorial here.
Rollins been expressing support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community for quite some time. In a 2012 L.A. Weekly blog, he not only praised Washington state's same-sex marriage victory, but added that the nation's overall stance on the LGBT rights community is "getting better all the time."
"When we all got into punk rock, we learned that we had all kinds of people in our scene; gay was part of it," he wrote at the time. "I thought it was really cool. We were a crew of social misfits of all stripes and it was the music that brought us together. The fact that there were so many gay people in punk bands, I think, really gave the music an incredible dynamic."
Calling the reality series "contrived" and "ridiculous," the former Black Flag frontman-turned-television host and actor suggests that A&E capitalize on the popularity of "Duck Dynasty" with "a vast array of merchandise" that would secure the show's "crossover potential" in a new blog for L.A. Weekly.
"One of you supremely talented graphic artists should start a comic book series starring the 'Duck' dudes as homosexual bears," he writes. "At the next major gay pride event, there should be hard-bodied men in camo hot pants, ridiculous beards pasted to their chins, blowing through duck calls. 'Dick Dynasty' is a gay porn series just waiting to happen."
He then adds, "When you see the DD men all decked out in their camo gear, they look pretty bitchin' and rugged."
Whether or not Robertson would approve of Rollins' suggestions remains to be seen, of course. You can read Rollins' full editorial here.
Rollins been expressing support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community for quite some time. In a 2012 L.A. Weekly blog, he not only praised Washington state's same-sex marriage victory, but added that the nation's overall stance on the LGBT rights community is "getting better all the time."
"When we all got into punk rock, we learned that we had all kinds of people in our scene; gay was part of it," he wrote at the time. "I thought it was really cool. We were a crew of social misfits of all stripes and it was the music that brought us together. The fact that there were so many gay people in punk bands, I think, really gave the music an incredible dynamic."
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Vikings Retain Former Chief Justice Of Minnesota Supreme Court To Investigate Chris Kluwe's Claims
The Minnesota Vikings have retained counsel to investigate allegations made by former punter Chris Kluwe. The Vikings' punter from 2005 through 2012, Kluwe claimed he was released in May 2013 due to his support of same-sex marriage. The allegation was contained in a first-person article published by Deadspin on Thursday that also accused special teams coordinator Mike Priefer of making anti-gay comments during team meetings.
“It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of these allegations,” Vikings Owner Mark Wilf said in a statement issued Friday.
CLICK HERE for complete statement from Vikings
According to statement released by the Vikings on Friday, the investigation will be led by former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Chris Madel.
“This is a highly sensitive matter that we as an organization will address with integrity,” Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren said in the team's statement. “Eric and Chris have stellar reputations in both the local and national legal community. They have handled numerous cases involving a wide range of issues, and we are confident they will move swiftly and fairly in completing this investigation.”
The team previously issued a statement on Thursday, just hours after Kluwe's article was published, denying his claim that his release from the team was based on his advocacy rather than his performance. In that same statement, the team indicated it would "thoroughly review" his allegations. By retaining Magnuson and Madel to investigate the matter, the team appeared to be following through on that promise.
"That's good. I'm glad they're taking the matter seriously," Kluwe told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press after the Vikings' announcement. "Everything I said was the truth.''
“It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of these allegations,” Vikings Owner Mark Wilf said in a statement issued Friday.
CLICK HERE for complete statement from Vikings
According to statement released by the Vikings on Friday, the investigation will be led by former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Chris Madel.
“This is a highly sensitive matter that we as an organization will address with integrity,” Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren said in the team's statement. “Eric and Chris have stellar reputations in both the local and national legal community. They have handled numerous cases involving a wide range of issues, and we are confident they will move swiftly and fairly in completing this investigation.”
The team previously issued a statement on Thursday, just hours after Kluwe's article was published, denying his claim that his release from the team was based on his advocacy rather than his performance. In that same statement, the team indicated it would "thoroughly review" his allegations. By retaining Magnuson and Madel to investigate the matter, the team appeared to be following through on that promise.
"That's good. I'm glad they're taking the matter seriously," Kluwe told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press after the Vikings' announcement. "Everything I said was the truth.''
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RuPaul Voted 'Best Reality Host' in TV.Com Poll
After an intense week of voting, the world has finally declared what we all already knew: RuPaul really is the best host of a reality television show there is.
The Supermodel of The World beat out the likes of Adam Levine, Demi Lovato, Blake Shelton and Howard Stern to take the crown for "Best Reality Show Judge Or Host 2013" in this year's annual TV.com poll.
In fact, RuPaul didn't just win -- he slayed the competition with over 30,000 more votes than Shelton, who nabbed second place, topping the charts with 104,871.
As if that wasn't enough, "RuPaul's Drag Race" also snatched thewig title of "Best Reality Competition Series 2013" from big names such as "Face Off," "Survivor," "The Voice" and "American Idol."
ConDRAGulations, Mama Ru!
The Supermodel of The World beat out the likes of Adam Levine, Demi Lovato, Blake Shelton and Howard Stern to take the crown for "Best Reality Show Judge Or Host 2013" in this year's annual TV.com poll.
In fact, RuPaul didn't just win -- he slayed the competition with over 30,000 more votes than Shelton, who nabbed second place, topping the charts with 104,871.
As if that wasn't enough, "RuPaul's Drag Race" also snatched the
ConDRAGulations, Mama Ru!
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Becky Kent, Scottish Transgender Woman, Receives Offensive Note With Divorce Papers
A transgender woman in Scotland is demanding an apology after workers at the courthouse who handled her divorce proceedings left a shocking and offensive Post-it note attached to her court documents.
As The Daily Record originally reported, 51-year-old Becky Kent found the handwritten note on the top of her divorce decree. The note allegedly read: "Colin it's right! Man -- changed his name to woman's name -- statutory declaration attached! Takes all sorts!"
Take a look at a photograph of the alleged note below, then scroll down to keep reading:
![becky kent]()
The courthouse workers had also addressed their letter "Dear Sir," despite Kent's female identity.
"I came to Scotland because of how forward thinking the people are when it comes to gender equality and for the most part everyone has been so supportive," Kent said in a statement to reporters, as cited by Deadline News. "But when I opened that letter on Monday I was just like, ‘Wow.’ I couldn’t believe how ignorant it was."
She continued, "Firstly, how can you be so stupid that you don’t remove a Post-it note like that before sending it? Seriously, where is the common sense? But most importantly it’s alarming how they could go against their own equality policy which says they will treat people in protected groups with dignity and respect.”
Kent reportedly demanded a formal apology and asked that the court redraft her divorce documents with the correct titles.
A Scottish Court Service spokesperson apologized and stated that staff would be reminded of the court's policy, according to The Herald.
“We would like to offer our sincere apologies to Ms. Kent for her recent experience," the spokesperson stated, as per The Daily Record. "We strive to treat all court users with dignity and respect. We will investigate this incident and take appropriate action.”
This isn't the first time that mistakenly documented transphobia has landed an individual in hot water. Earlier this year, Oregon bar owner Chris Penner left a voicemail asking a group of transgender women to no longer patron the establishment, as he worried individuals were going to consider it a "tranny bar" or a gay bar. Penner ended up paying a $400,000 fine for discrimination.
As The Daily Record originally reported, 51-year-old Becky Kent found the handwritten note on the top of her divorce decree. The note allegedly read: "Colin it's right! Man -- changed his name to woman's name -- statutory declaration attached! Takes all sorts!"
Take a look at a photograph of the alleged note below, then scroll down to keep reading:
The courthouse workers had also addressed their letter "Dear Sir," despite Kent's female identity.
"I came to Scotland because of how forward thinking the people are when it comes to gender equality and for the most part everyone has been so supportive," Kent said in a statement to reporters, as cited by Deadline News. "But when I opened that letter on Monday I was just like, ‘Wow.’ I couldn’t believe how ignorant it was."
She continued, "Firstly, how can you be so stupid that you don’t remove a Post-it note like that before sending it? Seriously, where is the common sense? But most importantly it’s alarming how they could go against their own equality policy which says they will treat people in protected groups with dignity and respect.”
Kent reportedly demanded a formal apology and asked that the court redraft her divorce documents with the correct titles.
A Scottish Court Service spokesperson apologized and stated that staff would be reminded of the court's policy, according to The Herald.
“We would like to offer our sincere apologies to Ms. Kent for her recent experience," the spokesperson stated, as per The Daily Record. "We strive to treat all court users with dignity and respect. We will investigate this incident and take appropriate action.”
This isn't the first time that mistakenly documented transphobia has landed an individual in hot water. Earlier this year, Oregon bar owner Chris Penner left a voicemail asking a group of transgender women to no longer patron the establishment, as he worried individuals were going to consider it a "tranny bar" or a gay bar. Penner ended up paying a $400,000 fine for discrimination.
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8 Films That Forever Changed Sex As We Know It (NSFW)
Back in the 1950s, it was unusual to see two married adults sleep in the same bed, let alone witness an orgy filled with bodies, lust and sexual exploration. Then the 1960s came, and the tumultuous peace and love decade ushered in a filmic revolution in which sexuality was brought to the silver screen like never before.
A film festival entitled "Free to Love: The Cinema of the Sexual Revolution" is revisiting the movies that shook up sex on screen in the 20th century. Developed and curated by International House Philadelphia curator Jesse Pires, the series spans mainstream erotic hits like "Deep Throat" to the experimental films of feminist filmmaker Barbara Hammer.
The eight essential films of the sexual revolution, according to Pires, are listed below. Be warned, there are, of course, some NSFW ones in there.
1. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice
"About wife-swapping and swinger culture. This is one of the series' tamer films."
![bob]()
2. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
"The Woody Allen parody of pseudo-science. Along with Barbarella and Deep Throat, probably the most mainstream of the bunch."
![wild]()
3. Flaming Creatures
"This film was widely banned. Screenings at the time of its release were raided by police."
![flaming]()
4. I Am Curious (Yellow)
"A popular Swedish erotica film about counterculture and socialism. It was seized by customs upon entry to the U.S."
![curiosu]()
5. Pink Narcissus
"This is the first feature-length queer erotic film, shot from the filmmaker's New York apartment over the course of seven years."
![pink]()
6. Score
"A porn-chic film about bisexuality by legendary sexploitation filmmaker Radley Metzger (who will be in attendance [at the screening]). The film is so rare, Metzger is delivering it to Philadelphia himself."
![score]()
7. The Bed
"A short film by poet/filmmaker James Broughton which broke taboos about full-frontal nudity in film."
![the bed]()
8. WR: Mysteries of the Organism
"This Serbian fiction/documentary hybrid was banned in its home country, and its director was exiled from Serbia for 17 years because of it."
![mysteries]()
Pires hopes his festival will showcase how commercial and experimental films reacted with and against each other to push the genre forward. "A lot of these films I was watching from a distance, chronologically anyway," he explained in an interview with the Huffington Post. "I wanted to look at commercial and mainstream cinema and also underground and experimental cinema and see how underground films were pushing the boundaries, and how commercial cinema responded to that. In this moment in the late '60s early '70s, Hollywood recognized counterculture, not just sexual liberation but drug culture and all that came with it, and cashing in on it."
Over 60 commercial and underground films will show in "Free to Love: The Cinema of the Sexual Revolution", running January 10 until February 15, 2014, at International House Philadelphia’s Ibrahim Theater.
A film festival entitled "Free to Love: The Cinema of the Sexual Revolution" is revisiting the movies that shook up sex on screen in the 20th century. Developed and curated by International House Philadelphia curator Jesse Pires, the series spans mainstream erotic hits like "Deep Throat" to the experimental films of feminist filmmaker Barbara Hammer.
The eight essential films of the sexual revolution, according to Pires, are listed below. Be warned, there are, of course, some NSFW ones in there.
1. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice
"About wife-swapping and swinger culture. This is one of the series' tamer films."
2. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
"The Woody Allen parody of pseudo-science. Along with Barbarella and Deep Throat, probably the most mainstream of the bunch."
3. Flaming Creatures
"This film was widely banned. Screenings at the time of its release were raided by police."
4. I Am Curious (Yellow)
"A popular Swedish erotica film about counterculture and socialism. It was seized by customs upon entry to the U.S."
5. Pink Narcissus
"This is the first feature-length queer erotic film, shot from the filmmaker's New York apartment over the course of seven years."
6. Score
"A porn-chic film about bisexuality by legendary sexploitation filmmaker Radley Metzger (who will be in attendance [at the screening]). The film is so rare, Metzger is delivering it to Philadelphia himself."
7. The Bed
"A short film by poet/filmmaker James Broughton which broke taboos about full-frontal nudity in film."
8. WR: Mysteries of the Organism
"This Serbian fiction/documentary hybrid was banned in its home country, and its director was exiled from Serbia for 17 years because of it."
Pires hopes his festival will showcase how commercial and experimental films reacted with and against each other to push the genre forward. "A lot of these films I was watching from a distance, chronologically anyway," he explained in an interview with the Huffington Post. "I wanted to look at commercial and mainstream cinema and also underground and experimental cinema and see how underground films were pushing the boundaries, and how commercial cinema responded to that. In this moment in the late '60s early '70s, Hollywood recognized counterculture, not just sexual liberation but drug culture and all that came with it, and cashing in on it."
Over 60 commercial and underground films will show in "Free to Love: The Cinema of the Sexual Revolution", running January 10 until February 15, 2014, at International House Philadelphia’s Ibrahim Theater.
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Playwright Daniel McClung Killed In Manhattan High-Rise Fire
By Trevor Kapp, Jess Wisloski and Aidan Gardiner
THEATER DISTRICT — A Manhattan playwright was killed and his husband was in critical condition after they tried to escape a fire in a high-rise Sunday morning that poured smoke into the apartments above, according to officials, witnesses and reports.
Daniel McClung, 27, was trying to flee to safety after a blaze started about 11:02 a.m. in a 20th-floor apartment of The Strand, a 41-story tower at 500 West 43rd St., filling higher floors with smoke, FDNY and NYPD officials said.
McClung, who lived on the 38th floor, was found in the stairwell seven stories down after suffering severe smoke inhalation, officials said.
He was taken to Roosevelt Hospital and pronounced dead, police said.
A 31-year-old man, whom The New York Times said was McClung's husband, was also found in a stairwell and taken to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital in critical condition after inhaling smoke as well, the FDNY said.
McClung was a playwright and fiction writer who worked for the Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, PS 122, and AliveWire Theatrics, according to his online profile.
More than 130 firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control about 12:58 p.m., according to FDNY spokesman Danny Glover.
Some residents were regularly posting updates on their situation to social media.
"Still stuck. Too much smoke on hallways. Elevators not working. Standing in balcony with wife and 2yr old," Mickey Atwal tweeted at 11:26 a.m. Sunday.
Atwal and his family escaped unharmed, but approximately six other people were injured at the scene, and some firefighters suffered minor injuries, Glover said. None of them need hospital treatment.
Four units sustained serious damage and residents living on the floors above and below the fire were not allowed to return on Monday night, according to a spokesman for the American Red Cross.
The building's management company, FirstService Residential, had few details on the fire on Monday morning.
"We don't have any information right now. We're waiting on the report from the Fire Department," said Dana Collins, a spokeswoman for the company.
She added that the building had made residents aware of its fire safety plan, but could not give details about the plan itself.
Investigators had yet to determine what sparked the blaze, officials said Monday morning.
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Lady Gaga's 'Do What U Want' Video Delayed Because Of 'Grave Mismanagement'
Lady Gaga took to her Little Monsters fan site this past weekend to give an update on her latest projects and to interact with fans.
The music video to her single "Do What U Want" with R. Kelly is seeing major delays, an issue Lady Gaga addressed in a post to fans. "It is late because, just like with the 'Applause' video unfortunately, I was given a week to plan and execute it," the 27-year-old singer explained. "It is very devastating for someone like me, I devote every moment of my life to creating fantasies for you. All my most successful videos were planned over a period of time when I was rested and my creativity was honored."
Lady Gaga wrote on, placing the blame for the situation on the team around her. "Those who have betrayed me gravely mismanaged my time and health and left me on my own to damage control any problems that ensued as a result. Millions of dollars are not enough for some people. They want billions. Then they need trillions. I was not enough for some people. They wanted more."
The "millions of dollars" that "ARTPOP" brought in counts as Lady Gaga's lowest sales figures to date. The singer's third studio album sold 258,000 copies in its first week, a massive drop from the 1.1 million copy debut her sophomore album, "Born This Way," posted. "ARTPOP" has largely been seen as a flop, with rumors circulating that the project lost her label Interscope millions of dollars.
Though her album hit stores in November, Gaga claims in the post that "the next few months of 'ARTPOP' will truly be its beginning." She attributes the rebirth to the fact that "those who did not care about 'ARTPOP's success are now gone, and the dreams I have been planning can now come to fruition." Only one music video from the album, the single "Applause," has seen the light of day.
Gaga also responded to a member of the community who voiced concern about the singer, and emphasized that the fans "don't care about charts and awards."
"There are always ups and downs," Lady Gaga wrote in response. "My heart breaks from the people I have trusted and loved who I've worked so closely with, who have used me, lied to me, worked me into the ground for the personal gain."
She continued, addressing rumors that her relationship with her label, Interscope, has turned sour: "When I woke up in the hospital after my surgery there were many people that were not there. My health did not matter. I did not matter unless I could perform. This is a very hard lesson. I have lost love ones to the greed of money. It is not Interscope. They in fact love me very much and will see 'ARTPOP' to the end."
To read Gaga's full posts, head over to Little Monsters.
The music video to her single "Do What U Want" with R. Kelly is seeing major delays, an issue Lady Gaga addressed in a post to fans. "It is late because, just like with the 'Applause' video unfortunately, I was given a week to plan and execute it," the 27-year-old singer explained. "It is very devastating for someone like me, I devote every moment of my life to creating fantasies for you. All my most successful videos were planned over a period of time when I was rested and my creativity was honored."
Lady Gaga wrote on, placing the blame for the situation on the team around her. "Those who have betrayed me gravely mismanaged my time and health and left me on my own to damage control any problems that ensued as a result. Millions of dollars are not enough for some people. They want billions. Then they need trillions. I was not enough for some people. They wanted more."
The "millions of dollars" that "ARTPOP" brought in counts as Lady Gaga's lowest sales figures to date. The singer's third studio album sold 258,000 copies in its first week, a massive drop from the 1.1 million copy debut her sophomore album, "Born This Way," posted. "ARTPOP" has largely been seen as a flop, with rumors circulating that the project lost her label Interscope millions of dollars.
Though her album hit stores in November, Gaga claims in the post that "the next few months of 'ARTPOP' will truly be its beginning." She attributes the rebirth to the fact that "those who did not care about 'ARTPOP's success are now gone, and the dreams I have been planning can now come to fruition." Only one music video from the album, the single "Applause," has seen the light of day.
Gaga also responded to a member of the community who voiced concern about the singer, and emphasized that the fans "don't care about charts and awards."
"There are always ups and downs," Lady Gaga wrote in response. "My heart breaks from the people I have trusted and loved who I've worked so closely with, who have used me, lied to me, worked me into the ground for the personal gain."
She continued, addressing rumors that her relationship with her label, Interscope, has turned sour: "When I woke up in the hospital after my surgery there were many people that were not there. My health did not matter. I did not matter unless I could perform. This is a very hard lesson. I have lost love ones to the greed of money. It is not Interscope. They in fact love me very much and will see 'ARTPOP' to the end."
To read Gaga's full posts, head over to Little Monsters.
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Robin Roberts Talks About Girlfriend, Shows Photo On-Air
Robin Roberts discussed her girlfriend Amber on-air for the first time on Monday's "Good Morning America."
The "GMA" co-host came out publicly in December 2013, thanking her "long time girlfriend" in a Facebook post in which she reflected on her year.
Roberts opened up about the decision upon returning from holiday break on Monday, Brian Stelter reported. "I have never been happier or healthier than I am right now and my year-end post was just full of gratitude and just telling everyone all that I'm grateful for, including my girlfriend Amber who really loved me through a difficult year," she said.
The couple has been together for 10 years, according to People magazine. Amber Laign is a licensed massage therapist from the San Francisco Bay area.
Roberts said Monday that the highlight of her vacation was attending her niece Judith's wedding in Baton Rouge. She shared a photo of herself and Laign (to the right) at the wedding with Roberts' family.
PHOTO:
![robin roberts]()
(h/t Brian Stelter)
CORRECTION: Laign is to the right of Robin Roberts in the photo, not to Roberts' right as the article originally stated.
The "GMA" co-host came out publicly in December 2013, thanking her "long time girlfriend" in a Facebook post in which she reflected on her year.
Roberts opened up about the decision upon returning from holiday break on Monday, Brian Stelter reported. "I have never been happier or healthier than I am right now and my year-end post was just full of gratitude and just telling everyone all that I'm grateful for, including my girlfriend Amber who really loved me through a difficult year," she said.
The couple has been together for 10 years, according to People magazine. Amber Laign is a licensed massage therapist from the San Francisco Bay area.
Roberts said Monday that the highlight of her vacation was attending her niece Judith's wedding in Baton Rouge. She shared a photo of herself and Laign (to the right) at the wedding with Roberts' family.
PHOTO:
(h/t Brian Stelter)
CORRECTION: Laign is to the right of Robin Roberts in the photo, not to Roberts' right as the article originally stated.
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Supreme Court Puts Gay Marriage On Hold In Utah
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday put same-sex marriages on hold in Utah, at least while a federal appeals court more fully considers the issue.
The court issued a brief order blocking any new same-sex unions in the state. The order grants an emergency appeal by the state following the Dec. 20 ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby that the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates gay and lesbian couples' constitutional rights.
More than 900 gay and lesbian couples have married since then.
The high court order will remain in effect until the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides whether to uphold Shelby's ruling.
The state's request to the Supreme Court was filed with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles emergency appeals from Utah and the five other states in the 10th Circuit. Sotomayor turned the matter over to the entire court.
The action now shifts to Denver, where the appeals court will consider arguments from the state against same-sex marriage as well as from the three gay and lesbian couples who challenged the ban in support of Shelby's ruling. Shelby and the appeals court had previously rebuffed the state's plea to stop gay weddings pending appeal.
The 10th Circuit has set short deadlines for both sides to file their written arguments, with the state's first brief due on January 27. No date for argument has been set yet.
James Magleby, a lawyer for couples who sued to overturn the ban, said that while the halt to same-sex marriages is temporary — assuming the appeals court does not reverse Shelby's ruling — it is disappointing because it leaves Utah families waiting to marry until the appeal is over.
"Every day that goes by, same-sex couples and their children are being harmed by not being able to marry and be treated equally," Magleby said in a statement that also proclaimed confidence in his side's case before the appellate judges.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert initially declined comment, but was expected to issue a statement later Monday. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes scheduled a midday news conference.
Utah changed its constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage in 2004.
Nearly two-thirds of Utah's 2.8 million residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Mormons dominate the state's legal and political circles. The Mormon church was one of the leading forces behind California's short-lived ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8.
Though the church has softened its stance toward gays and lesbians in recent years, it still teaches that homosexual activity is a sin and stands by its support for "traditional marriage." Church officials say they hope a higher court validates its belief that marriage is between a man and woman.
The Supreme Court's unsigned order did not indicate that anyone dissented from the decision not to allow any more same-sex marriages in Utah, at least for now. Nor did the order reveal anything about the justices' views on same-sex marriage.
Shelby was the first federal judge to overturn a state marriage ban since the high court issued two decisions on same-sex marriage in June.
The justices at that time struck down a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that prevented legally married gay and lesbian couples from receiving a range of tax, health, pension and other federal benefits.
Shelby cited the decision in his ruling that the state failed to show that allowing same-sex marriages would affect opposite-sex marriages in any way.
"In the absence of such evidence, the State's unsupported fears and speculations are insufficient to justify the State's refusal to dignify the family relationships of its gay and lesbian citizens," Shelby wrote.
On the same day, the court left in place a trial court's decision that struck down California's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. That decision paved the way for same-sex unions to resume in California.
The nation's most populous state is among 17 states and the District of Columbia that allow, or soon will allow, gay and lesbian couples to wed.
The others are: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state.
Utah had been the 18th, for 17 days.
___
Associated Press writer Brady McCombs contributed to this report from Salt Lake City.
The court issued a brief order blocking any new same-sex unions in the state. The order grants an emergency appeal by the state following the Dec. 20 ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby that the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates gay and lesbian couples' constitutional rights.
More than 900 gay and lesbian couples have married since then.
The high court order will remain in effect until the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides whether to uphold Shelby's ruling.
The state's request to the Supreme Court was filed with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles emergency appeals from Utah and the five other states in the 10th Circuit. Sotomayor turned the matter over to the entire court.
The action now shifts to Denver, where the appeals court will consider arguments from the state against same-sex marriage as well as from the three gay and lesbian couples who challenged the ban in support of Shelby's ruling. Shelby and the appeals court had previously rebuffed the state's plea to stop gay weddings pending appeal.
The 10th Circuit has set short deadlines for both sides to file their written arguments, with the state's first brief due on January 27. No date for argument has been set yet.
James Magleby, a lawyer for couples who sued to overturn the ban, said that while the halt to same-sex marriages is temporary — assuming the appeals court does not reverse Shelby's ruling — it is disappointing because it leaves Utah families waiting to marry until the appeal is over.
"Every day that goes by, same-sex couples and their children are being harmed by not being able to marry and be treated equally," Magleby said in a statement that also proclaimed confidence in his side's case before the appellate judges.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert initially declined comment, but was expected to issue a statement later Monday. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes scheduled a midday news conference.
Utah changed its constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage in 2004.
Nearly two-thirds of Utah's 2.8 million residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Mormons dominate the state's legal and political circles. The Mormon church was one of the leading forces behind California's short-lived ban on same-sex marriage, Proposition 8.
Though the church has softened its stance toward gays and lesbians in recent years, it still teaches that homosexual activity is a sin and stands by its support for "traditional marriage." Church officials say they hope a higher court validates its belief that marriage is between a man and woman.
The Supreme Court's unsigned order did not indicate that anyone dissented from the decision not to allow any more same-sex marriages in Utah, at least for now. Nor did the order reveal anything about the justices' views on same-sex marriage.
Shelby was the first federal judge to overturn a state marriage ban since the high court issued two decisions on same-sex marriage in June.
The justices at that time struck down a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that prevented legally married gay and lesbian couples from receiving a range of tax, health, pension and other federal benefits.
Shelby cited the decision in his ruling that the state failed to show that allowing same-sex marriages would affect opposite-sex marriages in any way.
"In the absence of such evidence, the State's unsupported fears and speculations are insufficient to justify the State's refusal to dignify the family relationships of its gay and lesbian citizens," Shelby wrote.
On the same day, the court left in place a trial court's decision that struck down California's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. That decision paved the way for same-sex unions to resume in California.
The nation's most populous state is among 17 states and the District of Columbia that allow, or soon will allow, gay and lesbian couples to wed.
The others are: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state.
Utah had been the 18th, for 17 days.
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Associated Press writer Brady McCombs contributed to this report from Salt Lake City.
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CeCe McDonald, Transgender Woman, To Receive Early Release From Men's Prison
An incarcerated transgender woman whose case received national media attention over the past several years is now set be to released next week -- over a year before her initially scheduled release date.
CeCe McDonald was sentenced in May 2012 to spend 41 months in a men's prison facility, despite identifying as female, for the death of Dean Schmitz in June of 2011. McDonald was walking past a local bar on the night of Schmitz's death when she allegedly became the subject of racist, transphobic and violent language that evolved into an altercation with Schmitz and other bar patrons. After the group allegedly hurled a glass at McDonald's face, she claims she attempted to defended herself with a pair of scissors, resulting in Schmitz's death.
McDonald is the subject of an upcoming documentary by "Orange Is The New Black" breakout star and transgender activist Laverne Cox, titled "Free CeCe." The film will primarily consist of Cox's interview with McDonald in prison and explore the events surrounding what happened to her on that night in 2011, as well as her experiences being incarcerated in a men's prison.
McDonald is slated to be released at some point next week.
At this time there is no further information about her early release. A statement published on the blog "Demand Fair Justice for CeCe McDonald" notes:
CeCe McDonald was sentenced in May 2012 to spend 41 months in a men's prison facility, despite identifying as female, for the death of Dean Schmitz in June of 2011. McDonald was walking past a local bar on the night of Schmitz's death when she allegedly became the subject of racist, transphobic and violent language that evolved into an altercation with Schmitz and other bar patrons. After the group allegedly hurled a glass at McDonald's face, she claims she attempted to defended herself with a pair of scissors, resulting in Schmitz's death.
McDonald is the subject of an upcoming documentary by "Orange Is The New Black" breakout star and transgender activist Laverne Cox, titled "Free CeCe." The film will primarily consist of Cox's interview with McDonald in prison and explore the events surrounding what happened to her on that night in 2011, as well as her experiences being incarcerated in a men's prison.
McDonald is slated to be released at some point next week.
At this time there is no further information about her early release. A statement published on the blog "Demand Fair Justice for CeCe McDonald" notes:
The rumors are true: CeCe is scheduled to be released from prison in January. She will wait and write a public statement about her release after she gets out of prison, because she wants to tell you all in her own words and own time. She would like to spend her first days out in privacy, with people she feels close to. Again, information about her release will be shared when CeCe feels it is the right time to do so. In the meantime, she and her support committee ask everyone to be patient.
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Evander Holyfield Says Being Gay Is Not Normal, Compares It To A Handicap
Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield said he does not think being gay is normal and compared it to a handicap that can be fixed.
Holyfield made the anti-gay comments in the "UK Celebrity Big Brother" house while speaking to reality star Luisa Zissman about gay boxers. When Zissman -- who was seemingly unaware of the fact Orlando Cruz came out in 2012 -- said it would be good for a gay boxer to be public about his sexuality, Holyfield was taken aback.
"What would be good about it?" he asked. "That ain't normal."
After saying that the Bible spells out what's wrong and what's right, Holyfield compared being gay to having a handicap that could be fixed.
"Only thing I'm trying to tell you... You know how handicapped people are born? You can't say 'cause they were born that way you can't move that," he said. Adding, "It is a choice. Come on, that ain't the way nobody is made... You ain't gay unless you sleeping with the opposite sex."
Many, including gay pop star Boy George, took to Twitter to voice complaints:
The 51-year-old former boxer was later reprimanded for his anti-gay remarks.
“Evander was told that his views weren’t shared by a large section of society and that expressing those views and the language he used could be seen as extremely offensive to many people," read a statement released by the show to RadarOnline.com. "He was warned to think carefully about repeating them. Evander understood and accepted this. The producers of Big Brother will continue to monitor this and will take further appropriate action should a similar matter arise again.”
Despite the many complaints received, a representative for media watchdog Ofcom told the Independent there are no plans to launch a formal investigation into the issue at the moment.
Holyfield has been married three times and has fathered 11 children, Yahoo! Sports Canada noted. He is a devout Christian.
Holyfield made the anti-gay comments in the "UK Celebrity Big Brother" house while speaking to reality star Luisa Zissman about gay boxers. When Zissman -- who was seemingly unaware of the fact Orlando Cruz came out in 2012 -- said it would be good for a gay boxer to be public about his sexuality, Holyfield was taken aback.
"What would be good about it?" he asked. "That ain't normal."
After saying that the Bible spells out what's wrong and what's right, Holyfield compared being gay to having a handicap that could be fixed.
"Only thing I'm trying to tell you... You know how handicapped people are born? You can't say 'cause they were born that way you can't move that," he said. Adding, "It is a choice. Come on, that ain't the way nobody is made... You ain't gay unless you sleeping with the opposite sex."
Many, including gay pop star Boy George, took to Twitter to voice complaints:
Shame, I had such admiration for Mr Evander Holyfield, he seemed dignified and I was sure he was a cool, smart, giant!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 5, 2014At customs there should be a huge sign! Welcome to Britain, racism, sexism, homophobia and bad hair are not tolerated!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 6, 2014The 51-year-old former boxer was later reprimanded for his anti-gay remarks.
“Evander was told that his views weren’t shared by a large section of society and that expressing those views and the language he used could be seen as extremely offensive to many people," read a statement released by the show to RadarOnline.com. "He was warned to think carefully about repeating them. Evander understood and accepted this. The producers of Big Brother will continue to monitor this and will take further appropriate action should a similar matter arise again.”
Despite the many complaints received, a representative for media watchdog Ofcom told the Independent there are no plans to launch a formal investigation into the issue at the moment.
Holyfield has been married three times and has fathered 11 children, Yahoo! Sports Canada noted. He is a devout Christian.
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'Dean Blundell Show' Cancelled: Corus Radio Pulls Plug On 102.1 The Edge Program
After a series of questionable and controversial incidents, The Dean Blundell Show is officially no more.
Corus Entertainment made the announcement on Toronto's 102.1 FM The Edge's site this morning.
"With the start of the new year, Corus Radio will be taking 102.1 The Edge in a new direction in 2014," Dave Farough, general manager of Corus Radio Toronto, said in a statement. "The station will return to a more music-based format showcasing the best in modern rock. As a result, The Dean Blundell Show has been cancelled, effective January 6, 2014." The statement added that details of a new morning radio program would be announced in the "coming weeks."
The show's website was also deleted with the URL now saying "404 Not Found." Blundell's bio is also no longer appearing on the site. There's no word as to what program will replace Blundell's show or who might be hosting.
The program hosted by the shock jock was suspended last month by parent company Corus Entertainment after The Toronto Star reported on Derek Welsman, the show's producer, for publicly making comments regarding an on-going trial where Welsman was the foreman of a jury.
The Sept. 30 episode of "The Dean Blundell Show" had biased and homophobic comments which could have jeopardized Joshua Dowholis's chances for a fair trial. Dowholis was accused and found guilty of sexually assaulting four men at a Toronto bathhouse in 2011.
"If anyone wants to get into the backdoor business, I can give you some tips," Welsman said during the show, three days after Dowholis was found guilty. On three different broadcasts Welsman spoke about the trial including once before the jury's decision was reached.
"Just because he's gay, just because he lived that lifestyle, does not disentitle him to a fair trial," Dowholis' lawyer Kathryn Wells told The Toronto Star last month. She also added Welsman "willfully engaged in misconduct" by speaking out.
CFNY-FM, the call letters for 102.1 The Edge, posted a 30-second apology from Blundell before the show was suspended in December. At the time Blundell said they "crossed the line" with "rude, homophobic and inappropriate remarks..."
People familiar with the show were also thankful but for a different reason, with many of them saying it's about time the show was cancelled. You can see some of the reaction below.
Corus Entertainment made the announcement on Toronto's 102.1 FM The Edge's site this morning.
"With the start of the new year, Corus Radio will be taking 102.1 The Edge in a new direction in 2014," Dave Farough, general manager of Corus Radio Toronto, said in a statement. "The station will return to a more music-based format showcasing the best in modern rock. As a result, The Dean Blundell Show has been cancelled, effective January 6, 2014." The statement added that details of a new morning radio program would be announced in the "coming weeks."
The show's website was also deleted with the URL now saying "404 Not Found." Blundell's bio is also no longer appearing on the site. There's no word as to what program will replace Blundell's show or who might be hosting.
The program hosted by the shock jock was suspended last month by parent company Corus Entertainment after The Toronto Star reported on Derek Welsman, the show's producer, for publicly making comments regarding an on-going trial where Welsman was the foreman of a jury.
The Sept. 30 episode of "The Dean Blundell Show" had biased and homophobic comments which could have jeopardized Joshua Dowholis's chances for a fair trial. Dowholis was accused and found guilty of sexually assaulting four men at a Toronto bathhouse in 2011.
"If anyone wants to get into the backdoor business, I can give you some tips," Welsman said during the show, three days after Dowholis was found guilty. On three different broadcasts Welsman spoke about the trial including once before the jury's decision was reached.
"Just because he's gay, just because he lived that lifestyle, does not disentitle him to a fair trial," Dowholis' lawyer Kathryn Wells told The Toronto Star last month. She also added Welsman "willfully engaged in misconduct" by speaking out.
CFNY-FM, the call letters for 102.1 The Edge, posted a 30-second apology from Blundell before the show was suspended in December. At the time Blundell said they "crossed the line" with "rude, homophobic and inappropriate remarks..."
UPDATE: Blundell issued a tweet Monday afternoon acknowledging the end of his show
Truly love you all. The last 13 years been the greatest time of my life. #thankful for all of you. #wherestheremote
— Dean Blundell (@ItsDeanBlundell) January 6, 2014People familiar with the show were also thankful but for a different reason, with many of them saying it's about time the show was cancelled. You can see some of the reaction below.
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Utah Man On Anti-Gay Hunger Strike Requests Pizza While Supreme Court Halts Same-Sex Marriages
The Utah man who made headlines by pledging to fast until his state nullified its same-sex marriage law is getting a (hopefully brief) reprieve.
Following news that the U.S. Supreme Court had halted gay marriages in Utah, Trestin Meacham took to Twitter, soliciting pizza from his followers:
Last week, Meacham claimed to have gone 12 days without food -- surviving only on water and an occasional vitamin -- and said he had already lost 25 pounds in the process.
“I cannot stand by and do nothing while this evil takes root in my home," the 35-year-old wrote on his blog. "Some things in life are worth sacrificing one’s health and even life if necessary. I am but a man, and do not have the money and power to make any noticeable influence in our corrupt system. Nevertheless, I can do something that people in power cannot ignore."
H/T Towleroad and Talking Points Memo
Following news that the U.S. Supreme Court had halted gay marriages in Utah, Trestin Meacham took to Twitter, soliciting pizza from his followers:
I've been disappointed with the lack of pizza people have sent (only 1) Please feel free to send more today.
— Trestin Meacham (@TrestinMeacham1) January 6, 2014Last week, Meacham claimed to have gone 12 days without food -- surviving only on water and an occasional vitamin -- and said he had already lost 25 pounds in the process.
“I cannot stand by and do nothing while this evil takes root in my home," the 35-year-old wrote on his blog. "Some things in life are worth sacrificing one’s health and even life if necessary. I am but a man, and do not have the money and power to make any noticeable influence in our corrupt system. Nevertheless, I can do something that people in power cannot ignore."
H/T Towleroad and Talking Points Memo
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Watch Joseph Gordon-Levitt's New TV Show 'HitRecord On TV' Right Now
Pivot's looking out for all the Joseph Gordon-Levitt fans out there.
The new cable channel for Millennials already has some great original programming like "Please Like Me" and "Raising McCain." Set to debut Jan. 18 is Gordon-Levitt's new show "HITRECORD ON TV," but Pivot has been kind enough to put the entire first episode online to watch right now!
"HITRECORD ON TV" is an extension of Gordon-Levitt's open-collaborative production company called hitRECord, and is a new take on the variety show formula, which consists of short films, musical acts and an overall interactive experience for the viewer.
Check out the first episode above and tune in to Pivot when "HITRECORD ON TV" airs this Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 p.m.
The new cable channel for Millennials already has some great original programming like "Please Like Me" and "Raising McCain." Set to debut Jan. 18 is Gordon-Levitt's new show "HITRECORD ON TV," but Pivot has been kind enough to put the entire first episode online to watch right now!
"HITRECORD ON TV" is an extension of Gordon-Levitt's open-collaborative production company called hitRECord, and is a new take on the variety show formula, which consists of short films, musical acts and an overall interactive experience for the viewer.
Check out the first episode above and tune in to Pivot when "HITRECORD ON TV" airs this Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 p.m.
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Mark Zmuda, Gay Catholic Vice Principal, Says Gay Marriage Prompted Firing
SEATTLE (AP) — A former Catholic school vice principal says he was fired from the job for marrying his male partner.
Mark Zmuda said in a YouTube video that officials at Eastside Catholic School said he was being terminated because of his recent marriage. Zmuda also says the head of the school even suggested that he could get a divorce and keep his job. Zmuda says he rejected the idea of getting a divorce.
School attorney Mike Patterson says the vice principal agreed in two December conversations that he was resigning from the job, not being fired. Patterson says the divorce suggestion was a hypothetical idea that was never seriously explored.
Many students at Eastside Catholic have rallied in support of Zmuda and protested his departure.
Mark Zmuda said in a YouTube video that officials at Eastside Catholic School said he was being terminated because of his recent marriage. Zmuda also says the head of the school even suggested that he could get a divorce and keep his job. Zmuda says he rejected the idea of getting a divorce.
School attorney Mike Patterson says the vice principal agreed in two December conversations that he was resigning from the job, not being fired. Patterson says the divorce suggestion was a hypothetical idea that was never seriously explored.
Many students at Eastside Catholic have rallied in support of Zmuda and protested his departure.
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Fallon Fox: MMA's First Transgender Fighter
As she hears her name, the world's first and only transgender professional MMA fighter steps up to the stage and the crowd goes…silent.
It's a humid October night in Miami, and Fallon Fox is standing on a makeshift riser at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, looking out over a gathering of about a hundred MMA fans who have shown up at the poolside bar to hoist mojitos and watch the pre-fight weigh-in, which started two hours late. So by the time Fallon whips her T-shirt over her head and pulls off her jeans in a single swift movement, revealing a black string bikini with a big affliction logo on the ass, everybody's pretty lit.
It's a humid October night in Miami, and Fallon Fox is standing on a makeshift riser at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, looking out over a gathering of about a hundred MMA fans who have shown up at the poolside bar to hoist mojitos and watch the pre-fight weigh-in, which started two hours late. So by the time Fallon whips her T-shirt over her head and pulls off her jeans in a single swift movement, revealing a black string bikini with a big affliction logo on the ass, everybody's pretty lit.
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Gay Catholic School Vice Principal: I Was Told To Divorce Husband If I Wanted To Keep Job
The vice principal of a Catholic high school in Washington state who was reportedly dismissed after administrators learned he had married his same-sex partner is speaking out about the experience, saying his superiors gave him the option of divorcing his husband if he wanted to keep his job.
Mark Zmuda, who previously served as vice principal at Eastside Catholic High School in Sammammish, Wash. told King 5 News that School President Sister Mary Tracy told him he wouldn't have to resign if he divorced his husband Dana Jergens. Zmuda and Jergens tied the knot in July 2013, roughly seven months after same-sex marriage became legal in Washington state.
"Apparently, the fact that I have a same-sex partner, they're against that," Zmuda is quoted as saying. "But I also thought a teaching they were against was divorce."
An Associated Press report cites school attorney Mike Patterson who said that the vice principal agreed "in two December conversations" that he was resigning from the job, not being fired. The divorce suggestion, he noed, was purely hypothetical.
After news of Zmuda's resignation made national headlines last month, Eastside Catholic students began rallying in support of their former vice principal. Many participated in an on-campus sit-in on Dec. 19, while others took to social media in Zmuda's defense.
King 5 cites a letter sent home to parents of Eastside Catholic High students which said that anyone involved in campus protests over Zmuda's departure when classes resumed Jan. 6 would be sent home.
Still, founders of a Facebook page in support of Zmuda (which currently has over 1,500 followers) announced Jan. 6 that Sister Mary Tracy has agreed to meet with students to discuss to issue.
Mark Zmuda, who previously served as vice principal at Eastside Catholic High School in Sammammish, Wash. told King 5 News that School President Sister Mary Tracy told him he wouldn't have to resign if he divorced his husband Dana Jergens. Zmuda and Jergens tied the knot in July 2013, roughly seven months after same-sex marriage became legal in Washington state.
"Apparently, the fact that I have a same-sex partner, they're against that," Zmuda is quoted as saying. "But I also thought a teaching they were against was divorce."
An Associated Press report cites school attorney Mike Patterson who said that the vice principal agreed "in two December conversations" that he was resigning from the job, not being fired. The divorce suggestion, he noed, was purely hypothetical.
After news of Zmuda's resignation made national headlines last month, Eastside Catholic students began rallying in support of their former vice principal. Many participated in an on-campus sit-in on Dec. 19, while others took to social media in Zmuda's defense.
King 5 cites a letter sent home to parents of Eastside Catholic High students which said that anyone involved in campus protests over Zmuda's departure when classes resumed Jan. 6 would be sent home.
Still, founders of a Facebook page in support of Zmuda (which currently has over 1,500 followers) announced Jan. 6 that Sister Mary Tracy has agreed to meet with students to discuss to issue.
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Kristi Yamaguchi: I Support Brian Boitano For Coming Out As Gay Ahead Of Sochi Olympics
Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi applauded her friend and fellow figure skater Brian Boitano, who came out as gay last month, in an interview with HuffPost Live this week.
Calling Boitano "a good friend," Yamaguchi noted, "I completely support him and [I'm] proud of him. It's something that doesn't define him, but it's part of who he is."
Yamaguchi, a "Dancing With The Stars" veteran who was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2005, also offered some suggestions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) athletes who plan to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi at a time when Russia has come under fire for its controversial "gay propaganda" legislation.
This is [the athletes'] lifelong dream, and I think they will really be focused on the task at hand," she said. "Hopefully the Olympic spirit and the Olympic movement will overshadow any negative that is there. ... Just go there, be who you are and go after your dreams. That's really the main point."
Calling Boitano "a good friend," Yamaguchi noted, "I completely support him and [I'm] proud of him. It's something that doesn't define him, but it's part of who he is."
Yamaguchi, a "Dancing With The Stars" veteran who was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2005, also offered some suggestions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) athletes who plan to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi at a time when Russia has come under fire for its controversial "gay propaganda" legislation.
This is [the athletes'] lifelong dream, and I think they will really be focused on the task at hand," she said. "Hopefully the Olympic spirit and the Olympic movement will overshadow any negative that is there. ... Just go there, be who you are and go after your dreams. That's really the main point."
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Crystal Bowersox, 'American Idol' Star, Reflects On Coming Out As Bisexual
Just months after "American Idol" season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox announced a divorce from her husband Brian Walker in May 2013, the singer sat down with "Good Day L.A." and opened up about her bisexual identity.
“I’ve been bisexual for as long as I can remember,” Bowersox told reporters in November. “I remember being made fun of in junior high for that. It was something that was shameful, and it really shouldn’t be.”
Bowersox also released a track titled "Coming Out For Christmas" to accompany her step outside the closet, which can be heard above.
Recently, GregInHollywood released an interview with the "American Idol" alum in which the runner-up reflected on her decision to come out as bisexual, stating that the response has been "overwhelmingly positive. People are like no matter what, dreads or no dreads, whatever your orientation is, my fans are die hard and I love them for it. They take me as I am."
"American Idol" has historically elevated a number of members of the LGBT community to fame, including season two runner-up Clay Aiken and season eight runner-up Adam Lambert. However, like Bowersox, none of these contestants came out of the closet until after their time on the show.
While popular reality show "The Voice" featured four openly LGBT contestants during its opening season, out members of the LGBT community have often seen sparse representation on "American Idol." In a 2011 interview with "Out" magazine, singer Adam Levine reportedly slammed the show for this very reason, stating, "What's always pissed me off about 'Idol' is wanting to mask [being gay], for that to go unspoken. C'mon. You can't be publicly gay? At this point? On a singing competition? Give me a break. You can't hide basic components of these people's lives."
“I’ve been bisexual for as long as I can remember,” Bowersox told reporters in November. “I remember being made fun of in junior high for that. It was something that was shameful, and it really shouldn’t be.”
Bowersox also released a track titled "Coming Out For Christmas" to accompany her step outside the closet, which can be heard above.
Recently, GregInHollywood released an interview with the "American Idol" alum in which the runner-up reflected on her decision to come out as bisexual, stating that the response has been "overwhelmingly positive. People are like no matter what, dreads or no dreads, whatever your orientation is, my fans are die hard and I love them for it. They take me as I am."
"American Idol" has historically elevated a number of members of the LGBT community to fame, including season two runner-up Clay Aiken and season eight runner-up Adam Lambert. However, like Bowersox, none of these contestants came out of the closet until after their time on the show.
While popular reality show "The Voice" featured four openly LGBT contestants during its opening season, out members of the LGBT community have often seen sparse representation on "American Idol." In a 2011 interview with "Out" magazine, singer Adam Levine reportedly slammed the show for this very reason, stating, "What's always pissed me off about 'Idol' is wanting to mask [being gay], for that to go unspoken. C'mon. You can't be publicly gay? At this point? On a singing competition? Give me a break. You can't hide basic components of these people's lives."
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