|
|
« October 2006 |
Main
| December 2006 »
From hip-hop to Hollywood, Queen Latifah reigns.
Today's diva is the inimitable Queen Latifah. This woman can do it all - she's a rapper, singer, Grammy-winner, TV and film actress, Academy-Award nominee, talk show host, Cover Girl…the list goes on and on. While one could argue that she is just now reaching the pinnacle of her career, in my humble opinion, her first album, 1989's All Hail The Queen was one of the Top 10 albums of the 80's and represents some of her best artistic work. (Not that I didn't love Living Single though - her stint as Khadijah James on the 90's sitcom was totally awesome too…and of course Chicago and she ruled on Top Model a few weeks ago...)
A still from her bust-out hit "Ladies First"...
...and another. She's on it!
All Hail The Queen introduced an 18-year-old Dana Owens to the world as Queen Latifah, after a nickname given to her as a child by a Muslim cousin ("Latifah" is Arabic for delicate and sensitive). Latifah's attitude on the first album was not exactly delicate or sensitive - in fact it's full of hard rhymes about strength and perseverance, like the feminist anthem, Ladies First which featured Latifah's British contemporary Monie Love. The album also contained club hits like Dance for Me and the legendary Come Into My House, which opens with the ultra-diva line, "Welcome into my queendom..." Check out the fantastic video featuring New York gay legend and star of Paris is Burning Willie Ninja. The sound quality on the YouTube clip is horrible but it's very much worth it anyway. All Hail The Queen also features a number of other amazing tracks like, Wrath of My Madness, Queen of Royal Badness and Princess of the Posse. If you don't own it already I suggest you go out and buy it. It's an essential.
With Flava Flav at the 1990 VMA's. Amazing.
Riding tough in the "U.N.I.T.Y." video clip.
Latifah followed up her stellar first album with a solid if not-as-amazing sophomore effort called Nature of a Sista'. It contained the great track Latifah's Had It Up To Here -- you may remember the hook: "Queen L-A-T-I-F-A-H in command." You can watch a spot-on live performance of the track on Yo! MTV Raps here. (Incidentally - how amazing was Yo! MTV Raps?!?! It's, like, my favorite show ever.)
Latifah's third album, 1993's Black Reign is widely heralded as her best album, and it solidified her place as one of the preeminent female rappers of all time. It was also the first gold rap album by a female MC - and it gave us the single U.N.I.T.Y. which you should all go vote for on the LOGO Ultimate Divas page.
 
Queen lends a hand at a Revlon benefit, and appears with her gay pals, Elton John and David Furnish at the 2001 Golden Globes.
Serving Adrian Brody some of his own mouth medicine at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards. Smack!
In the late 90's and the '00s, as we all know, Queen Latifah came into her own as an actress and a superstar, and she even released a standards album which features her singing like a more traditional diva - but for me, it's the rap albums that really make me adore Latifah. She's also been widely rumored to be a lesbian, and despite denying this, her Wikipedia entry claims that she is a supporter of same-sex marriage and gay rights in general.
Latifah in her uptown, jazzy "Dana Owens" mode.
A few months ago I was walking my dogs on the West Side of Manhattan and I saw Queen Latifah coming out of Chelsea Piers and getting into a limousine. She looked at me and smiled - she seemed totally nice and I considered saying something like, "Hello" or "I love your work". (Actually, I considered breaking into my version of "Come Into My House" - I know every word…but somehow I wasn't sure how I would come across saying, "The asiatic black woman, hardcore beat drumming / It's hard to keep a good woman down, so I keep coming.") I ended up smiling and leaving it at that and I totally regretted it afterwards…so Queen, if you're reading this, "Hello. I totally love your work. Call me!"
From "Fly Girl" to...
...to Oscar nominee.
Long live the Queen!
While this nice man is making you a drink, go vote for your "Absolutes."
Some say there are no “absolutes” in this world. To those people, I say, “Ummm... Just fetch me a vodka-tonic and shut up already...” (Of course, I say that to most people.)
Not surprisingly, the folks at Absolut Vodka (the kind sponsor of this here blog) feel differently. In fact, they’re hosting a big mega-promotion on their site right now, asking you (and others like you) to sound off and vote for The 100 Absolutes. There are 100 categories, each full of sassy nominees, asking you to vote for stuff like...
THE ABSOLUTE BAND NAME
Strangely, folks like rather fatal titles for rock outfits. Three of the top six nominees include Grateful Dead, Death Cab for Cutie and the ever-popular ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead. Spooky!
You can vote for these dudes.
Or ride the Death Cab...
Or just follow the "Trail" to these guys...
Vote or die!
And don’t think gay folks aren’t included in the mix. For example, in the running for...
THE ABSOLUTE DESIGNER
You’ll find nice gays like Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana nominated (alongside Vivienne Westwood, Miuccia Prada, Stella McCartney and others).
 
Alexander McQueen (making the scene with SJP) vs. Dolce & Gabbana. Gay Celebrity Death Match?
And those of you who just don’t “know how to quit,” will appreciate the nominees for...
THE ABSOLUTE MOVIE KISS
Sure, you’ve got Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman from Casablanca and Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher (weirdly) from The Empire Strikes Back. But which nominee is leading the pack? Jake and Heath from Brokeback Mountain. (It’s currently got 38% of the votes.) Can I get a “yee-haw”???
 
Bogie & Bergman. Sure, they kissed nice. But it's all about Jake & Heath, y'all.
So, if you wanna gay up this Absolut promotion, go to their site and start voting, and vote for the queerest answers you can find.
Power to the people!
Cheers!
Go Yoko! The iconic survivor gets by with a new album (and a little help from her friends).
What do you do if you’re the world’s most famous rock widow, you’re well into your 70’s and you still wanna rock out, have your music heard and work with supremely cool people? Well, if you’re Yoko Ono, you unearth your entire catalog of avant-garde music and invite some of the coolest artists around to re-produce the songs, tear apart the vocals and instrumentals, and basically just reconstruct them however they want.
The results are collected on new release called, Yes, I Am a Witch (due next February from Astralwerks Records). And I am loving it. I’m just starting to spend time with this disc and it’s amazing. The tunes aren't just remixes (though some are), they’re full on re-imaginings of the songs. Many of the artists kept Ono’s vocals, but then created entirely new musical soundscapes to go with them.
The roster of artists involved is darned impressive: Peaches, Le Tigre, Cat Power, Polyphonic Spree, Spiritualized, Antony and the Johnsons, The Flaming Lips, and more. My faves: The kicky Peaches version of “Kiss Kiss Kiss”; Cat Power’s duet with Yoko on “Revelations, which is stunning in its spare piano arrangement, and its sublimely benedictory lyrics; Spiritualized’s abrasive and throbbing take on “Walking on Thin Ice”; and “No One Can See Me Like You Do” as envisioned by The Apples in Stereo, which begins with the vocal quip “I need a ginger tea,” and then evolves into a sprawling, chiming, lofty hymn.
Frankly, I’ve not been terribly familiar with Yoko’s music, so I am coming to this without opinions on these songs. But the mad assortment of melodies and scratchy effects and strident vocals produces an end result which is kind of crazily enchanting. And I love the album title (Yes, I’m a Witch); hey, Yoko’s not unaware of how some folks feel about her. She might as well have fun with it, right?
Yoko has always been a steadfast peace activist, and in recent years she's become a bigger friend to the LGBT community, releasing a tune on behalf of gay marriage. So when she sings (in her own indelible way) on the title track “I’m not gonna die for you, you might as well face the trutch / I’m gonna stick around for quite a while...” I’m rather glad to hear it.
This one’s gonna be brief(ish), because Kylie doesn’t need much explanation. Kylie Minogue shot to stardom in the 1980s as a soap opera star (on Neighbors) in her native land of Australia. She became a pop star via the bubble-gum flavored hits “Loco-Motion” and “I Should Be So Lucky” in 1987, and she’s remained a pop icon ever since.
Kylie, circa 1988. Hello Neighbor!
...And as a Grammy-winner in 2004.
Why? She’s almost too nice to be a gay diva, right? She’s not known for catfights, diva tantrums, or slutty behavior. (Okay, she’s been a bit of an exhibitionist; but she’s always kept things tastefully in check. Mostly.) She’s not known for feuds, drug abuse or posing naked. She’s not known for god-awful flops (she was in Street Fighter, but still...). And OK, her superstar status has never fully caught on here in the U.S. as it has abroad (where she’s worshipped). But anyway...
My theory is that Kylie is the girl next door with an amazing sense of style, a nose for irresistible avant-garde pop (in the last few years anyway), and just some crazy likable gene. She’s ridiculous (she appeared just onstage a week or so ago, dressed in a loopy Josie and the Pussycats catsuit singing a duet with Bono!). She’s versatile (she played Tinkerbell in Baz Luhrmann’s amazing Moulin Rouge, as was even cast in the role as the angel hovering over the Christmas Manger—alongside David Beckham and Posh Spice as Joseph and Mary—at Madame Tussaud’s in London). She’s a survivor (just this past year, she survived a arduous battle against breast cancer; in the past she was girlfriend to volatile rocker Michael Hutchence of INXS). And she likes to wear feathers, teensy dresses and spikey heels. She’s launched her own line of underwear and a fragrance... And over the last few years she’s produced some of the most globally appealing, streamlined and sparkling pop music of anyone out there. Madonna just rediscovered disco in 2005? Kylie first tried that angle with her Light Years album back in 2000.
With boyfriend Michael Hutchence in 1990.
Launching her "Love, Kylie" underwear line!
Kylie with her pal (and collaborator) Robbie Williams. Sweet!
And Kylie’s always (always) been a big friend to the gays. As her Wikipedia bio states: Kylie has said that she believes gay fans responded to her apparent distress when the news media began heavily criticising her in 1989, and that those fans have remained loyal, explaining, "My gay audience has been with me from the beginning... they kind of adopted me". See—gives us props!
Flanked by Pierre & Gilles!
 
Appearing with her post-cancer short 'do at the Chanel runway show this summer, and at her "Darling" perfume launch this past fall!
 
Playing the angel to Becks & Posh at the manger, and covered in feathers for the return of her Showgirl tour this month.
She’s been shot by Pierre & Gilles, inspired Dolce and Gabbana, penned tunes with the Scissor Sisters, and performed at Gay Prides and homo affairs from Sydney to London to Timbuktu. And her present tour (post-cancer), which just touched down in her Aussie homeland is the “Showgirl” tour. With feathers and sequins galore!
Sure, she’s no Madonna. Isn’t one enough?
Meow! Kylie's latest incarnation; onstage with Bono.
To watch Kylie’s mega-hit video “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” go here. (Warning, it will be in your head all day.) To vote for her as Logo’s Ultimate Diva, go here.
La, la, la... La, la, la, la, la... La, la, la...
I love a rock show as much as anybody, but when my friend suggested we check out this all-female Led Zeppelin cover band Lez Zeppelin, I was definitely skeptical (and yep, more than a little intrigued by the idea). Sure, “tribute” bands can be dicey at best, but with such a clever name like that how could I not give the band a chance? (And I’m a big fan of women who rock. Sleater-Kenny, Le Tigre, The Donnas, Joan Jett—what’s not to like?) Happily, Lez Zeppelin didn’t disappoint.
The moment I heard Sarah McLellan’s wailing vocals, I became a true believer. And fyi, the band members won’t confirm or deny if they are in fact “lez,” but to my mind the intended sexual ambiguity just makes the group even hotter. Combine that with the oh-so revealing 70’s inspired outfits and sexually charged solos and there’s truly a show that will leave you dazed and confused—in a good way.
Sarah McLellan: The song remains the same--meaning, these women rock!
Guitarist Steph Paynes’ 15-minute solo only got better as she pulled out her violin bow and played herself (and the crowd) into a stupor. Unfortunately, the girls are taking a short break from the road, but only because they’re getting ready to hop into the studio and record their first album, set to release in Spring ’07. Even more impressive is that Lez will be recording with legendary rock producer Eddie Kramer, best known for his work with Jimi Hendrix, Kiss and of course, Led Zeppelin. Make sure to check out the band’s site for tour and record updates.
And definitely check out the merch page where you can buy an adorable pair of Lez Zeppelin undies!! (I'll leave the unsavory "physical graffiti" joke here to your imagination.)
Rock on!
Here's a quick thought first thing this morning: What if James Bond (as played by the current rough-trade starlet, Daniel Craig) was into the gay scene? Or what if he just even had a gay scene in a flick? Craig himself is telling reporters he'd be up for it.
The big new British heartthrob reportedly told studio heads he's all for including a full-frontal nude scene in his next Bond film, which would be sure to please just about all of his viewers. (See -- he loves the gays!) Craig says, "Why not? I think in this day and age, fans would have accepted it. I mean, look at [British TV series] Doctor Who - that has had gay scenes in it and no one blinks an eye."
Yes, I think many eyes would happily forego blinking if James Bond bared all.
Rock icon Debbie Harry, circa 1977.
Before Pink, before Gwen Stefani, before Courtney Love, before Madonna there was Debbie Harry (she may officially go as “Deborah,” but as an enduring icon, she’s all Debbie). She’s pretty much the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll blonde, and she still is just about the most fierce living rock and roll diva still performing and still holding court as a female rock icon. If Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac capture the spirit of wistful, crunchy 1970s California, then Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and boys of Blondie embodied this killer spirit of downtown New York, way before it was safe for college kids to kick around the Bowery on a Saturday night.
Debbie performing in 1980.
...And in 2004.
Blondie’s classic tunes speak for themselves. “Heart of Glass.” “Call Me.” “Atomic.” “Rapture” (Which may be just about the only time a white girl has successfully straddled the genres of pop, New Wave, rock, rap, hip-hop and punk successfully. You try making crazy rhymes about eating cars and bars and guitars work! I don’t think so... In fact, the song was the first #1 pop hit in the U.S. which actually contained elements of rap vocals.) “The Tide is High.” “One Way or Another,” “Rip Her to Shreds” and on and on...
Harry cut her formidable teeth in the 1970s rock scene at NYC’s CBGB, Max’s Kansas City, and she even put in a stint as a Playboy bunny. By the time the 1980s arrived, Blondie had achieved rock royalty status; the video for “Rapture” hit the music TV airwaves within 24 hours of MTV’s launch (yes, 25 years ago). And through it all she became a fashion icon of the New Wave/Punk era, as no other female could embody streetwise glamour, rock attitude, and savvy sexuality. Just this year, Blondie was inducted into the rock ’n’ roll hall of fame.
At the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame induction shindig, earlier this year.
On screen, Harry’s appeared in scads of films, as the fairy godmother of the East Village (alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat) in the cult fave Downtown ’81, and even more memorably Harry gamely sparred onscreen with Divine, playing the evil mom Velma Von Tussle in John Waters’ Hairspray. Meow! She’s also appeared on The Muppet Show, Ab Fab, Will & Grace, and, of course, on Saturday Night Live (which she’s even hosted).
Harry (second from left) faces off with Divine and Ricki Lake in Hairspray.
Harry’s always been a huge pal to the gay community, endlessly appearing at queer benefits, rallying for AIDS causes (this year, she’s one of the faces for MAC’s Viva Glam VI campaign), and while she identifies as straight, she’s copped to having intimate relationships with men and women through the years. This past year, she’s also lent her voice to Moby’s latest single “New York, New York” (which boasts a super-fun, and super-gay video), which, of course, isn’t surprising...
Debbie Harry is New York.
 
With rap diva Eve in 2004 at the VH1 Divas special, and with NYC's Justin Bond in 2006.
To vote for her as your Ultimate Diva on LogoOnline, go here. To watch Blondie’s classic “Call Me” video (I love the part when she frolics in the surf! Why not?), go here.
Twice as nice? Jacob & Joshua swank it up for the White Party masses in Miami this past weekend.
Because your day probably isn’t gay enough yet... Above is a pic of the Nemesis boys, Jacob & Joshua performing at the White Party this past weekend. Evidently, the twins turned it out (in a good way) as they performed for the white-clad revelers at the annual fundraising circuit bash in Miami. And yo—this coming Sunday, December 3rd, there’s an MTV special (for real!) airing that will dish up all kinds of behind-the-scenes dirt on the pair’s Logo reality series, Jacob & Joshua: Nemesis Rising. Plus, the special will air a special music video of super-DJ Tracy Young’s remix of their single, “#1 in Heaven.” And on Monday, December 4th, brace yourself for the big season finale of Nemesis Rising. The boys perform in D.C. and hit TRL in NYC, but what's going to happen next?
More pics of the guys in Miami are below...
AND MEANWHILE...
This aired earlier this month, but in case you want to see Tyra Banks as a man... (there are other clips available too). Drag-tastic!
Breaking news: A male hustler gets elected to the Canadian Parliament. Saucy, eh?
Sir Elton’s making gay marriage news again, with a jaunty “Up yours!” to the Aussie Prime Minister.
Ready to play doctor the gay way? Get the official “how-to” from a nice new offering from the good folks at the Human Rights Campaign with their LGBT guide to the healthcare industry.
Your honeymoon options just keep expanding: We may soon be able to add Ireland and South Africa to the list of countries with legal gay marriage.
Better late than never! Hilary Swank is getting an Emery Award (from that nice Hetrick-Martin Institute) honoring her role in Boy's Don't Cry. Congrats, Hill!
And remember all that good will that folks extended to Britney on the news of her divorce. She’s pretty much squandering that... Hanging with Paris is the ultimate PR buzzkill.
And more Nemesis in Miami...
Guess who's shirtless?
Yikes! That's a lot of gays...
Cheers!
Riding in the back seat of a limo in Paris? Tres diva.
I’m not sure I have to do much explaining to clue you in to why Mariah Carey’s in the running in Logo’s current Ultimate Diva contest. Check "Vision of Love." Check Glitter (only divas are capable of massive public meltdowns and embarrassments, only to recover with scorching success). Check “We Belong Together.” Check those classic episodes of MTV’s TRL (with the ice cream cart!) and Cribs, right before her big 2001 breakdown, when she sort of unraveled right there on air.
Serious vintage Mariah, circa 1990.
 
Mariah, post-breakdown, at a Glitter screening in 2001. And dressed up for Halloween, circa 2004.
Or check her recent interview on Logo in the Advocate News Magazine special, in which she talked about her past, her lifelong relationship with her gay fans, and the ups and downs of stardom.
Or, since it is the holiday season, check out all the video versions on YouTube of Mariah’s stellar yuletide tune, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” You can watch a retro one (love the back-up dancers), you can watch a Christmas home movie montage, you can watch live peformances in Tokyo or from DisneyWorld, or watch the cartoon featuring Jermaine Dupri and Lil’ Bow Wow.
Mimi and pals Puffy, Jay-Z and Usher. Just chillin'...
As an emancipated Mimi on tour, 2006.
Or got to MTV.com and watch her roller-skating/roller-coastering through the video for “Fantasy” if you have any doubts left. And I happen to love the deranged video for “HeartBreaker” where she gets into a skank-brawl with herself in a movie-house ladies room, it’s pretty fierce. And the Bond-girl madness of “Honey...” A diva on a jet-ski chase? Yes, I think so.
On the set of "Say Somethin'" in Paris. Hold the diva's umbrella, s'il vous plait!
To watch Mimi in her “Say Something” video (Paris, Pharrell, Vuitton) go here. To vote for her as Logo’s Ultimate Diva, go here.
Go on, emancipate her!
Sandy "Lights" up!
Adam Sandler's not the only celeb who can crank out a Chanukah tune. Sandra Bernhard, who owns her Jewish heritage as proudly as she owns her gay cred, has just unleashed a holiday tune, "Miracle of Lights" that's a piano-fueled plea for peace, as much as it is a celebration of the holiday season. As Sandy herself sez: “The lights from the candles of Chanukah reminds us that anything can happen if we put aside our limitations fears or negativity – peace, humanity and love can all come from this place and that is what the miracle is truly about.” Work it, Sandy!
The tune is featured on the Breaking Records release, Breaking for the Holidays (No, it's not about break-dancing. Sorry.), which is out now, and which also features her highness Chaka Khan serving up her own "Do You Hear What I Hear" (I heard Whitney Houston's classic version in a store this weekend and simultaneously threw my hands up, rolled my eyes, and dropped my egg nog all over the dairy aisle. Trust!), and the disc also features singwriting cutie Ben Jelen delivering the now obligatory senstive cover of Joni Mitchell's "River" and American Idol Vonzell Solomon doing something called, "It's Gonna Be a Cold, Cold Christmas."
You can listen or buy it here. Mazel!
 
Raul Esparza, with a beard (no wife jokes, please) and in a nice tux.
Speaking of Broadway stars (see the All My Children/Jeffrey Carlson post below), yesterday Raul Esparza, the uber-talented actor who’s starred in Taboo, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Normal Heart and The Rocky Horror Show, sort of came out in The New York Times. Currently starring in the revival of the Sondheim musical Company, Esparza discussed his current marriage (to his wife, Michele), as well as his past and current relationships with men, and basically admitted that he’s trying to figure out his life and his loves. (And his Cuban mom is none too pleased, evidently.)
Esparza’s sexuality has been discussed by folks backstage in Broadway for awhile, so it’s cool to see him begin to openly address this (evidently, it’s been something he’s been struggling with and eager to talk openly about, the article says). Sexuality is certainly tricky and complex, whether you’re bisexual, straight, gay or any or all of the above. As the article states: “Mr. Esparza is now involved with an actor — nothing he can talk about, it’s still too tenuous, he says — but his wife is still in his life and, he says, he still adores her. ‘We’re still trying to figure a new way to figure it out,’ he says. ‘Boy, are we.’”
Sounds a lot like his character, Bobby in Company, who’s a man trying to sort out what love and relationships mean and can be.
All I can say is good luck to Esparza, and his current boyfriend, and his wife. Here’s hoping they all end up happy, somehow. And I’m guessing that his version of the Sondheim classic, “Being Alive,” (Company’s big showstopper) may end up being the most heartfelt one to date.
Broadway star Jeffrey Carlson's going to bring some trans flavor to All My Children, starting this week!
If it’s good enough for The L Word’s L.A. it’s good enough for Pine Valley. A transgender storyline, I mean. Coming on the heels of last season’s Moira/Max storyline on The L Word (which saw Daniela Sea’s character transitioning from female to male), starting this week (!), the daytime suds-fest All My Children is going to feature a new character, who’ll be transitioning from male to female.
Yup, All My Children's (and daytime’s) first transgender character will be Zarf (yes, Zarf), a “flamboyant rock star” (is there any other kind?) who will smooch with Bianca (Erica Kane’s lesbian daughter, played by Eden Riegel), and then stir up a furor as she reveals that she’s a man in the process of becoming a woman. Zarf (Zarf? I mean, really...) will be played by Broadway star Jeffrey Carlson, which is a really good thing. Carlson’s a fantastic actor, who’s probably best known for his scene-stealing role as Marilyn, the 1980’s rocker/club-kid who was Boy George’s trans-tastic best pal. Carlson’s a smart, funny and very gifted actor who’s bound to deliver sensitivity, wit and believability to this soap-opera plotline. Plus, it’s reported that All My Children brought in GLAAD to make sure they’d be respectful and just in their portrayal of this trans character.
I love the line in the reports in which AMC’s executive producer, Julie Hanan Carruthers states, “All My Children was looking for something new, and knows its audience is always interested in anything to do with sexuality.” Bingo! Soaps = Sex. Works for me... And kudos for AMC for going there.
Carlson (right), with his Taboo costar Euan Morton.
And Carlson himself is aware that he’s gonna snag a lot of attention with this role, and he's aware of his duty to do the transgender community proud. “I worry about missing something, but I guess that would be the same with any character,” Carlson has said. “I want the All My Children audience to go along. It’s not for shock value. It’s just another person whose story is being told in Pine Valley.”
Yay, Zarf!
I chose Whitney Houston as today’s diva (whom you can vote for in Logo’s current Ultimate Diva poll), because it’s Thanksgiving, and I’m thankful that she’s splitting up with her husband Bobby Brown. Not that I even know truly what the dynamic might be between those two, but I welcome anything that might help put Whitney back on course to reclaiming (if that’s even possible) her place as one of the world’s best voices and most sparkling pop divas.
I mean, it was a long time ago, but I remember Whitney back during her “Saving All My Love For You” and “The Greatest Love of All” days. She was so elegant and squeaky clean, she made Celine Dion look street. I don’t know where along the way she got derailed, with all the rumors about her drug abuse, and her bizarre behavior, and jittery interviews where she crows “Crack is whack!” It’s rather hard to reconcile that early, seemingly innocent Whitney with the older, broken figure that we’ve seen in recent years.
Whitney serves up "The Greatest Love of All." Shiny!
Whitney wants to dance with somebody. Hopefully, somebody who likes BIG hair.
But like I said, I’m thankful that she seems to be taking her life in a new direction. Because she does have (if it’s still there) one of the best singing instruments around. And when she’s on it, she’s on it.
Whitney nails "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl in 1991.
The video showing as part of the Ultimate Diva voting is her killer clip for “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay.” And it’s nuts! That crazy jewelry, that intense choker necklace thing, the jagged hair, and that crowd of sisters who are over dealing with their no-count men—it’s brilliant. (As is the infamous Thunderpuss remix of that song, which will forever be a gay dance floor anthem.)
So forget about the awful, base spectacle of Being Bobby Brown. Think clean and shiny from The Preacher’s Wife. Think “How Will I Know?” Think of the Whitney who scored 7 consecutive #1 hits (matching records by The Beatles and the Bee Gees). If you must, think of the Whitney how had a record-breaking stint in the #1 spot with her cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” That song is a pop cliche now, but she nailed it.
 
Whitney, with Bobby visiting Israel. (Okaayyyyy...) And last month with Clive Davis, looking good again. Things can only get better.
Vote for Whitney, and “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” if you’re feeling it.
And Happy Thanksgiving! See you Monday!
What's cool? Beth Ditto knitting away in the video for the single, "Listen Up." That's cool.
This may not be surprising news for fans of The Gossip, but the kick-ass Portland, Oregon based band's lead singer (and out lesbian) Beth Ditto, has been ranked #1 on NME Magazine's "Cool List," which highlights all that rocks in the U.K.'s mad music culture in 2006.
I'm not going to argue. Beth Ditto is just about the most killer lead-singer in all of rock right now. Thank goodness folks are taking notice! Beth ranked higher on the list than such heavy-hitters as Thom Yorke, Cee-Lo, Jack & Meg White, Karen O, Lily Allen, Jay-Z, Brandon Flowers and Keith Richards.
Beth, and her Gossipy pals.
Score a big win for rock 'n' roll queers everywhere!
Because it wasn't loopy enough, turns out the the folks at the Sci Fi channel are gonna make a new version of "The Wizard of Oz," turning the classic yellow-brick-road tripping tale into a six-hour miniseries, with an edgier sci-fi bent. The new project will be called "Tin Man."
Variety reports: "Using adjectives such as psychedelic, twisted and bizarre to describe 'Tin Man,' Sci Fi said the mini turns Dorothy into a young woman named DG, who finds herself plunged into a netherworld called the Outer Zone." (Get it? OZ? Outer Zone?) Meanwhile, the cowardly lion is gonna morph into a wolverine-like character without a backbone, and the Wicked Witch is gonna be a sorceress called Azkadellia, and the Wizard will be called Mystic Man. Okaayyyyy....
It's aiming to air on the TV network in 2007.
"Click your heels, Space Beyotches! We're OZ bound!"
Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna: Cute, talented, and supportive of gay marriage. What's not to love?
I knew there was a good reason that I love Mexican actors Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna (aside from the fact that they got it on in the awesome Y Tu Mama Tambien, and they’re both cute and stuff). They’ve both come out strongly in support of same-sex unions down in Mexico City. They even took an ad out in the newspapers down there. Ole, y’all!
AND...
So, even though Wal-Mart loves the gays (sort of), the American Family Association, will still shop there, after all. The boycott is off. And hey... I’m glad that Wal-Mart’s trying to enlighten themselves and broaden their appeal, and in spite of their most recent talks that they’re still willing to donate to gay groups to ensure equality rights for their employees. But does this mean I really have to shop there now? (Who am I kidding? The moment I head home to Virginia for the holidays next month, I’ll be hopping in the Bronco and heading there with my Mom in no time. Oh, the shame...)
But if you are going to go shopping on Black Friday (Are you insane? The crowds! Plus, having to be anywhere, much less a K-Mart at 6am is pure absurdity!), shop at places that like us gays. 365Gay has some info to help, thanks to the nice LGBT-ers at the HRC.
If you care, the newly reunited British boy band Take That (which spawned the career of Robbie Williams) are getting scolded for using a gay slur on TV in England. Um... Who do they thinks their fans actually are?
First Daughter Barbara Bush got robbed in Buenos Aires. Robbers made off with her purse and cell phone while she was having dinner, and while she was being watched by Secret Service folks. Hmmm... I spent 10 day sin Buenos Aires, totally unguarded, and had the best vacation ever, and had nothing stolen. Not to be harsh, but these people just seem like idiots. But maybe that’s just me.
Argh... I’m totally behind on movies as it is, and the Oscar Buzz has begun? Argh!
And attention Buffy-heads! Joss Whedon’s talking about an 8th Season!!!??? Sort of.
Prince Rogers Nelson. You may also call him "diva."
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life...”
As a kid I remember seeing Prince’s early records in stores, and just knowing that there was something naughty and kind of exhilarating about him. Or course, it might have been the album title, Dirty Mind, and the fact that he’s posing in skimpy briefs (and a fierce jacket) on the cover. Then, of course, once you saw Prince perform, you know you were watching someone unafraid to go there when it came to presenting sex in a musical context.
By the time Purple Rain came around and Prince fully exploded onto the pop culture landscape, we all were already familiar with this musical genius (a cliche term—but one that fits) and the rambunctious innuendo and horny substext to much of his work. He exuded sensuality—in a rather androgynous, almost ambisexual form—and it was thrilling. (Check this out.)
My mother commented on seeing Prince on TV during the 1999 era, “He reminds me of Little Richard,” and she laughed. And that was pretty apt, as both had a penchant for onstage drama, big hair, make-up, and rollicking, floozily fun music. Of course, Prince’s music also boasts infinite layers of soul, R&B, funk, rock, gospel, blues and just about every other element that makes you either hump, dance or pray.
All of this from a diva-riffic, pint-sized hellion who battled with his record company for years (yes, he wrote “SLAVE” across his cheek when he appeared in public; then he changed his name to a symbol, and then to “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince”), and who released one album supposedly so raw (“The Black Album”) that it never got a proper release. He made some movies after Purple Rain, but they didn’t follow-up that film’s mad success. Even so, he kept on making stunning music. The single “Kiss” was a single from Parade: Music from Under The Cherry Moon, and while the album may have been lackluster, the single is one of the most perfect pop songs ever recorded (and a staple of dancing wedding reception guests everywhere).
A still from the "Kiss" video. Classic!
Prince also worked magic as a music mogul, producing music and discovering artists (from Wendy and Lisa to Vanity Six to Apollonia to The Time to Sheila E., for starters—and let’s not forget his “Sugar Walls” and “U Got the Look” collaborations with Sheena Easton), as well as writing songs that would become mega-hits for other artists from Chaka Khan to Kenny Rogers (my faves: The Bangles’ “Manic Monday” and Sinead O’Connor’s shattering “Nothing Compares 2 U”). And of course, thank god he wrote “Little Red Corvette” as it’s given Sandra Bernhard music cred for the last 10+ years.
Prince has woven in social commentary into his work (“Sign O’ The Times”), run his own recording studio (Paisley Park) and he’s continued to be relevant—and fierce. This year’s album, 3121, debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200. He just recently opened a 3121 club/restaurant in Las Vegas, and he’s going to play there on a weekly basis. And he’s been tapped to perform the half-time show at the Super Bowl next year.
A poster at the opening of his 3121 club in Vegas this fall.
And hello! The man gave us tunes like “Little Red Corvette,” “1999,” “When Doves Cry,” “I Would Die 4 U,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Purple Rain,” the awesomely scurrilous “Darling Nikki” (which single-handedly—no pun intended—helped kick-start Tipper Gore’s campaign for warning labels on music back in the 1980’s). Plus, I also love “Paisley Park,” “Alphabet Street,” “Gett Off,” “Cream” and of course, “Erotic City.” These songs are forever in our culture.
All from a guy who stated in a 1980 single, “Am I black or white / Am I straight or gay? / Controversy!” And that was way before such things were common (or passe).
If that’s not the work of a diva, I don’t know what is... Wanna vote for Prince to become Logo’s Ultimate Diva? Then, go here. And "go crazy!”
  
"She's like... And then she's like... 'Cuz he was like..."
This just keeps growing... Now you can watch Rosie O'Donnell and the women of The View sound off on the Kelly Ripa/Clay Aiken tiff. And Rosie accuses Kelly of making a homophobic remark. Then Kelly calls in to The View! Crazy! Watch it here!
The thing is, when Rosie talks about the incident and says of Clay, "If that had been a straight man..." Um, I didn't realize Clay had announced that he wasn't straight. Hmmmm...
Call Reichen!!!!! Someone may have just gotten "Lanced!"
And I don't think Kelly's being homophobic. She's being careless (and funny) because she accidently made a joke that plays into the rampant public speculation about Aiken's personal life. The joke, in and of itself, is harmless. It's the context that Clay (and his alleged closeted status) brings to it, that makes it slightly scandalous. Officially, none of us know where that hand has been.
Kelly wouldn't have made that joke if Neil Patrick Harris had been sitting next to her. But she might have made it if it had been Tommy Lee. It's more about the person being teased, as opposed to the person's sexuality. Or so I think...
And while I think Rosie's being a bit overly defensive about the homophobic angle of all of this, I think it's great that she's out there, being a vocal gay woman, watching out for our side. Atta girl!!!
 
"Oh, no he didn't!" Kelly Ripa does not want to talk to Clay Aiken's hand. Ewwww...
“I don’t know where that hand’s been!!!!” That was Kelly Ripa’s sharp response to Clay Aiken, after he tried to put his hand over her mouth when the two were hosting Live With Regis & Kelly last Friday. (Aiken was subbing for an absent Regis.) Seems that Aiken felt that Ripa was monopolizing their interview with guest Emmitt Smith, so Aiken reached over and sort of rudely (if playfully) put his hand over Ripa’s mouth so he could get a word in. But Ripa was not having it. Scolding him Ripa snapped, “Oh, that’s a no-no. I don’t know where that hand’s been, honey.”
Ha! Of course, folks have all kinds of speculation about where that hand likes to go...
AND—IN OTHER NEWS...
Coop: Finds the linking of Ryan Secrest and Brokeback Mountain hilarious.
Another gent about whom folks like to spew gay innuendo is Ryan Secrest. But who would have thought that Anderson Cooper would join in on the fun? Watch this video (via Towleroad) as a sweaty Coop cracks up.
Israel: Set to play the gay newlywed game?
Ready to honeymoon in Israel? Turns out that they’re going to recognize same-sex marriages from other countries. Mazel tov! (But watch out for those rather anti-gay factions, while you’re there.)
Cipel: I never liked him in "that" way...
Of course, Israeli Golan Cipel (the guy who was allegedly Jim McGreevery’s man-pony) is saying he’s totally not gay. And that McGreevey made the whole thing up. Whatever... It’s so messy when exes can’t be friends. (Read the whole CBS News interview transcript here.)
Catherine Deneuve: Making her American TV debut!
Nip/Tuck gets even hotter when Catherine Deneuve makes her American TV series debut tonight. She stars as a chain-smoking French woman who wants her husband’s ashes implanted in her breasts. Awwwww...
Meanwhile... Logo announced yesterday that they’ve got a new reality series coming your way. Curl Girls explores the lives of six lesbians, who also surf. A lot! Yep, this winter’s gonna be all about tan lines, catching waves, and snatching each other’s girlfriends. Gnarly!
"Here's to the ladies who surf... Aren't they the best?"
Let the rough-housing begin! Surf's up!
AND THEN....
Lifetime continues its tradition of seemingly mocking the fragile egos of its needy viewership. A new dating show taunts women by setting them up with 3 men, wherein one’s married and one is gay, and she’s supposed to sniff out the available straight guy. It’s called, “Gay, Straight or Taken?” Charming. But, if any of you homos wanna try passin’, you might score a trip out of it.
And speaking of lesbians (well, I was earlier...), AfterEllen’s blog serves up some Peppermint Patty props for Thanksgiving. Not that I'm implying anything there... “Over the river and through the woods” indeed!
Courtney Love, all cleaned up and arriving at the Oscars in 1997.
Today’s highlighted diva in the running for Logo’s Ultimate Divas is...
Courtney Love. Just mentioning her name can send people into gushy odes of rock goddess worship, or vitriolic diatribes about what a malevolent, destructive force she’s been. She’s been called “the second-most famous rock widow of all-time (after Yoko Ono)”—that nugget appears in an awesome cover story in V Magazine just out now—and along the way, the former Mrs. Kurt Cobain has been a movie star, a red-carpet tornado, an alleged drug-addled mess, and a constant media fascination. Not to mention a mom. And even today we have buzz in the press that “the girl with the most cake” has just posed nude for the latest issue of the British magazine, Pop. Hey... Once a diva, always a diva.
The "Queen of Rock 'N' Roll?"
Frankly, I think Love’s a rock survivor. And I’d say that Hole’s album Live Through This stands up as one of the best rock records of the 1990s (and that’s given some formidable company). Say what you will about Ms. Love, she’s nothing if not direct, candid, fearless (even if sometimes a bit of hesitancy might serve her well) and outspoken. The current story in V reveals that she’s also funny, smart and back in the game with some big new projects coming your way.
Courtney on the cover of the current issue of V Magazine.
And inside the current issue of V.
She’s just released a scrapbook/diary tome, Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love, which the U.K.Guardian newspaper called “a hugely pictorial collection of personal artefacts - school reports, scribbled notes, bits of actual diary, letters, photographs (many of them featuring Courtney in various stages of casual disrobement), song lyrics and tons of other ephemera - that she has, apparently, stuffed into what must be a particularly roomy handbag.”
Love, with Woody Harrelson, as Althea and Larry Flynt in 1996's The People Vs. Larry Flynt.
 
Love and daughter Frances Bean Cobain, earlier this year. And with Josh Groban and Celine Dion (say what?) backstage at the World Music Awards in 2004. They're watching Whitney Houston perform. Whoa!
Love’s next record is due on the spring, and it comes with songwriting and producing work courtesy of Billy Corgan and Linda Perry. Perry herself recently hailed the virtues and talents of Love when she pronounced publicly: "Courtney is the queen of rock'n'roll to me," Perry told Billboard. "Damn it all to hell. She is the last one."
Love, as her Hole iconic self in the "Doll Parts" video.
Feeling Courtney? Go watch her classic Hole track, “Doll Parts” and see if she’s worth your vote for Ultimate Diva. If you don’t, I may just send Courtney over herself, and you’ll have to deal with her.
To check out other Ultimate Divas to watch and vote upon, go here!
This may get my vote for "Absolute Bar." It travels with you! Cheers!
The sassy saga of the Absolut Vodka-fueled “Absolute Greatest” voting extravaganza continues today full-throttle. Those nice, gay-friendly (and gay-advertising—just look around this page) folks at Absolut want to hear from you. If you go to their site, you can vote on 100 different categories of cool stuff, sounding off on what rocks your world.
For example, you get to come up with your own nominees for cool categories like “Best Restaurant,” “Best Pickup Line” (eeek!) “Best Hotel” or “Best Podcast.”
Or you can weigh on some of these nominees already posted. Like these...
For Absolute Gay Icon...
(click to see them larger)
  
Who works for you? Liza or Judy? Activist Elizabeth Birch? RuPaul?
For Absolute Cocktail Occasion...
(click to see them larger)
 
Full Moon in Thailand? Or Christmas in the city?
Or just any Friday afternoon?
Who’s the Absolute Metal Band?
(click to see them larger)
 
Led Zeppelin? Marilyn Manson?
Or your kid brother out in the garage?
And what’s the Absolute Bag?
The Muse by YSL?
Chloe’s Paddington bag?
Or this time-tested classic?
Go nominate your faves now!
The toy version of Crazy Frog. He's bringing you a gift this holiday season.
Some folks love the holiday season. Some loathe it. If you fall in the latter camp, this might fuel your yule-scorching fire... That bizarre Euro pop-music/ringtone phenomenon known as “Crazy Frog”—the little annoying character who somehow resurrected the pop tune “Axel F” a couple of years back—has a Christmas single that’s already begun to storm the U.K.
Seems that the frog has covered Wham’s 1984 holiday hit “Last Christmas,” as a means of celebrating super-gay superstar George Michael’s 25th year in showbiz. Surely, George must be flattered. And Brit music biz folks expect the tune to race to the #1 spot on the U.K. pop charts. Really. (FYI: George Michael’s just-released greatest hits collection 25, just hit #1 on the U.K. albums chart. So, Christmas came for George already.) Chances are we may be spared this wrath here in the U.S. But consider yourself warned.
You can listen to the Crazy Frog track (and see the video) here. My apologies.
Happy Holidays, George!
Today's transgender folks (like the kids from "Transgeneration," above) need your support. Give them props, and remember those who've gone before during today's National Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Time to pay some respect: Today is the National Transgender Day of Remembrance across the U.S. So it’s time to remember courageous trans members of our communities who’ve come and gone and lived proud lives in their quest for equality.
And face it, life can be rough for trans people living in our times. In fact, the Human Rights Campaign has noted that transgender people living in the United States have a 1-in-12 chance of being murdered. Which may not come as a surprise if you’re familiar with the tragic stories of Brandon Teena or Gwen Araujo. But also remember people like Sylvia Rivera, a pioneer LGBT activist who died in 2002, and who was among those fighting the fight for queer folks as far back as Stonewall.
Luckily, there are beacons of light, like the kids featured on this year’s Sundance/Logo TV series Transgeneration, pictured above. And it’s cool to know that while politicians still seemingly use LGBT people and our issues as a divisive campaigning tool, progress is being made, thanks to smart lawmakers out there. Check this out.
So pay your trans forebearers some props today. Get involved. And remember those who we lost along the way.
Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz: Dapper--and giving you good "Arms."
I know lots of guys like Pete Wentz and the lads of Fall Out Boy. (He is kinda cute, eh?) And you can hear the first single from their forthcoming disc “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” here. Thanks, Stereogum! It makes me wanna jump around and dance. And you?
AND...
The White Stripes music used in a ballet? Yep. And it’s written by Divine Comedy’s Joby Talbot. Classy!
Former Soft Cell honcho and music legend Marc Almond is prepping a new album of cover songs that will tell his life story. And guest starring? Antony, of Antony & The Johnsons. Lovely, eh?
In other Brit-combo news, Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker is gonna be singing on Air’s next album. (Yes, I know that Air is French...)
Who said “metrosexuality” was dead? The NY Times suggest a man’s shopping spree that would get Carson gushing.
As if that weren’t enough, “dickies” are making a fashion comeback? For women?
Baltimore’s pro footballers love the show The Wire. And they even love its resident gay bad-ass Omar. (Via Queerty)
Gay marriage may still be tricky, but gay divorce? No problem. Sort of.
I think newly divorced lesbians (or any lesbians, for that matter) will be happy to hear that Logo will be airing all 8 (!) seasons of the killer British women-in-prison series, Bad Girls.
Finally, wondering what to wear when you jet off to Bal Harbour or Palm Springs or Oscar de la Renta’s posh DR digs this winter? Let YSL hook you up, Dapper Dan.
Speaking of fashion: “The Oscars have become the Nuremberg trials of fashion,” says Paul Rudnick in the NY Times. Turns out Rudnick’s new play, “Regrets Only” is as fashionably fierce, as it is wickedly witty (and gay). See it—but look sharp!
Pink, looking cute on TRL.
Today's "Diva du Jour" is Pink, whose video "Stupid Girls" is on LOGO's list of Ultimate Diva videos. You can vote for your fave here.
Pink goes shopping in "Stupid Girls."
Pink has always had a great voice and a kicky attitude, but now she has grown into quite a performer and comedian, and I'm totally into it. Not that she started out poorly; in her first video, for "There You Go", she rocked some awesome pink hair and drove a motorcycle off a building's roof so that it flew across the street and into the window of her cheating boyfriend's apartment. That's très diva in my opinion -- and on top of that her look then was kinda butch which only made it better. I remember that a super-cool lesbian friend of mine was very into her then. (Of course, when hasn’t Pink’s look been kind of butch?)
Surrender the Pink! Pink's old look, circa 2000.
Pink then went on to tear up her portion of the diva-filled “Lady Marmalade” from Moulin Rouge, turn tricks on a skateboard in the video for “Get the Party Started,” and her two best tunes from M!ssundaztood, “Don’t Let Me Get Me” and “Just Like a Pill” she continued to crank out killer songs about fighting back and not fitting in. And, most recently, Pink participated in the Human Right Campaign efforts on National Coming Out Day, encouraging gay folks to be true to themselves.
"Come out!" sez Pink.
Along the way, Pink’s 4 albums have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and won two Grammys. Not bad. She continues to resist a the typical pop image that some might want to impose on her -- in fact it's that resistance that is the subject of "Stupid Girls".
 
In "Stupid Girl," Pink plays the politico, and the sex tape starlet. Har!
When Pink says, "I don't want to be a stupid girl," she means that she wants to be appreciated for her talent and for being uniquely different. LGBT people can certainly identify with this -- although, ironically, Pink does a pretty good job of playing a variety of "stupid girls" in the video. From video vixen to weight-obsessed bulimic (with a scene that puts a whole new spin on the classic line from Heathers, "a true friend's work is never done")—Pink covers a lot of girl stereotypes. My personal favorite is a reenactment of the Paris Hilton sex tape, in all it's weird grainy black-and-white glory.
Pink nabs a VMA skewering "Stupid Girls." Nick and Nicole have no comment.
Pink won a 2006 MTV Video Music Award for "Stupid Girls", and you can watch her hysterically irreverent acceptance speech here. With a new but still kinda butch hairdo (I mean, for the most part, it's a short military style buzz cut) Pink accepted the award by continuing to mock the vapid stupid girls she had won for playing—and the irony in the fact that she accepted the award from Nick Lachey (the former Mr. Jessica Simpson) and Nicole Richie was certainly not lost on this fan.
Pink rules.
  
Pink (from left): At Radio City for the VMA's, macking with a lady-pal onstage, and making her dramatic entrance onstage in her current tour.
See! Even cute puppies love Pink! Yay!
Look at the colors! It's artwork I swiped from the Absolut site. Nice, eh?
You might have noticed a bunch of Absolut Vodka-related ads on the NNN blog these days. That’s because they’re in the midst of a promotion right now, during which they’re asking you (Yes, YOU! Fantastic YOU!) to get personal and have some fun sounding off on what are some of the most sublimely superior (at least in your opinion) things—as in “absolute” favorites—in the world. What’s the Absolute Rock Band? The Absolute Museum? The Absolute Sneaker? The Absolute Love Song? You get the idea.
As part of this, they’ve got a very cool site up and running, upon which you can get sassy and nominate someone or something to be in the running for the 100 ABSOLUTES.
Personally, I’m a sucker for their website, mainly ’cuz it’s full of awesome color, and fun categories to click on. And yes, I’m no stranger to the virtues of Absolut Vodka, either. (Hic! I wish I could say they were providing me with cases of hooch to fuel my creativity whilst writing this. But I’ll keep hoping...) Also, it doesn’t hurt that Absolut was among the very first major advertisers to fully invest in the gay community from day one. And that’s absolutely important.
Check their site. Dig the pretty colors. And click around and vote for stuff you like. Like, who’s got the Absolut Nose? Owen Wilson? Babs Streisand? Ashlee Simpson—old nose or new nose, you choose? (Is it weird that I’m mildly obsessed with Pharrell Williams’ schnoz?)
Cheers!
Mary J. in the video for "Family Affair."
So, yesterday began Logo’s nearly month-long event wherein they’re asking viewers/online users to vote for their Ultimate Diva. I’m way into it (yes, I’m just that sort of gay) and so every day for the next month (up through December 15th) I’m gonna showcase a diva (at least one) who’s in the voting and break it down, and expound on why she (or he) is worthy. I’ll be eager to hear what you think, too.
First up, let’s start with a good one. Mary J. Blige. “The Queen of Hip Hip Soul” was born in the Bronx, and raised in the Yonkers projects, Mary’s a survivor. And she’ll be the first to let you know about it. Usually, onstage, as she slams through one of her drama-filled confessionals songs tears running down her face.
MJB singin' it.
She broke out with her first CD, the Puff-Daddy-guided What’s the 411? back in 1992, and she hasn’t really stopped since. Along the way, she kicked drugs and alcohol, weathered tempestuous relationships, got married, found God, and for the past couple of years, the former turbulent R&B diva has gotten fiercely peaceful.
But she still serves up a streetwise, survivor-toned glamour in all that she does. This year’s smash album, The Breakthrough, has generated three hits “Be Without You,” “Enough Cryin’” and “Take Me As I Am” (and fierce videos to go along with ’em). Many gays first plugged into Mary when she released 2001’s No More Drama. The singles “Family Affair” and The-Young-and-the-Restless-theme sampling “No More Drama” were irresistible, and dance floor remixes cemented their appeal.
Featuring feathered hair at a Kerry-Edwards campaign event in 2004.
Mary’s been friendly to her homo audience, too. She embraces them, usually with a comment along the lines of (which she made to Curve Magazine earlier this year): “At the end of the day God loves us all, whether we be gay, straight, black, white, whatever.” As Mary herself sez in “Family Affair”: “We don’t need no haters / We’re just trying to love one another / We just want y’all to have a good time / No more drama in your life!” What’s not to like. Plus, she’s collaborated with Elton John, George Michael—and she even gave Ellen DeGeneres a totally expensive watch when she stopped by her talk show. And MJB even raps (under the pseudonym, Brook Lynn). Ha!
It’s hard not to love Mary. Check the video for “Family Affair.” She rocks about 5 different hairstyles, including some crazy asymmetrical weave madness, and the video is more rainbow-hued than a bag of Skittles. And recently, she’s even been rumored to be at work on a film biography of Nina Simone, which would be the next logical step in her diva-ness.
Mary, in the "Take Me As I Am" video.
She’s got Grammy awards, BET awards, MTV Video Music Awards, American Music Awards, Soul Train awards, and on and on.
And when it comes to full-on diva-hood, Mary’s down. Back in 2001, she told NYC’s Next Magazine: “Diva has a lot of different meanings. Diva, to me, means a hard working woman who demands respect. Or it could also mean a woman who has gained her respect and she's not going to let anybody take it.”
Trust!
To vote for Mary J. as your Ultimate Diva, or to check out who else is in the running, go here.
Let’s get it percolatin’, okay?
Dawn Weiner meets Sex and the City meets The L Word? Not exactly. Get set for Heather Matarazzo to send up lesbian dating madness on the forthcoming Logo series, EXES AND OHS.
Lesbian life is going to get the comedy treatment come 2007. Logo has announced plans for an new original series, Exes and Ohs, which will be a send-up of the dating lives of a group of lesbian friends in Seattle. The series is based on the short film, The Ten Rules: A Lesbian Survival Guide, and starts shooting in Vancouver, like, this week!
The exec producer and star of the show is Michelle Paradise, who’ll play Jen, a documentary filmmaker looking for “Ms. Right.” And yes, there will be dissection of the sort of “rules” that make relationships (and the pursuit thereof) so maddening.
You’ll be stoked to know that the always funny (and dryly sharp and witty and blissfully befuddled) Heather Matarazzo, who deservedly became a gay icon as a kid in Welcome to the Dollhouse (and who later starred is stuff like The Princess Diaries and Saved!) is on board for Exes and Ohs, too. Matarazzo will play Crutch, a character who “wants to be a famous indie-ish, punk-ish, rock-ish rock star.” Sound like some solid comic relief. Other cast members (as ex-girlfriends, pet-loving lesbians, and such) include Marnie Alton, Megan Cavanaugh and Angela Featherstone.
I think there should be a nonstop cavalcade of kickass lesbian guest stars: Sleater-Kinney (sure, they retired, but whatever), Le Tigre, Bitch, Sandra Bernhard (who loves to be a guest star)—all as themselves! And I’m sure Margaret Cho would be down.
Bring on the funny women!
P.S. If you’re jonesing for more news about cool lesbian TV-action coming much sooner than 2007, head to AfterEllen's killer blog, Best. Lesbian-ish. Day. Ever. They’ve got a great post which run downs all the best female-centric action on TV in the coming week or two (It’s sweeps time! Cue the lesbians!)
So... a few folks turned out to see the Scissor Sisters in Birmingham. (gulp!) Photo by Kevin Tachman.
You’ve no doubt heard that those festively flamboyant glam rockers, Scissor Sisters, while being popular and drawing crowds here in the U.S, are like really, really big in the U.K.
Need a confirmation of that? Check these pics below, from this past Monday’s show in Birmingham, England, where the band evidently set the attendance record for a concert at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena.
Whoa!
Enjoy these pics from uber-photographer Kevin Tachman.
Fans showed up with signs... They're into it! Photo by Kevin Tachman.
Yep. Lots of Brits like Scissor Sisters. Photo by Kevin Tachman.
To celebrate, Jake Shears tears his shirt off. Photo by Kevin Tachman.
Ana Matronic's all like: "I'm queen of the world!" Photo by Kevin Tachman.
Cheers, Sisters! Photo by Kevin Tachman.
Chaka Khan is in the running for "Ultimate Diva," and it's no wonder. But "divas" take many guises... And you can vote for your fave.
"Diva" is a tricky term. Especially when it comes to us gays. The cliche notion is that gays just love a strong, rebellious, supertalented female--especially if she can belt out a number and look sassy while doing so. But, stereotypes aside, there are some aspects of divadom, that I think kind of rule.
I’ve always found that LGBT people respond strongly to public figures who are strong-willed, talented, powerful and persuasive. We’re a community oh-so-familiar with struggles and adversity, so we look up to people who are able to speak their mind, get their point across and make a lasting impression. And following that tip, a new event at LogoOnline is looking to have some fun with our fascination with pop stars, awesome performers, role models and such. It's time to pick your ultimate all-time diva.
And yes, some of us do indeed just get ga-ga over a fierce performer, whether that diva fits the traditional mold for the term (Madonna, J-Lo, Cher, Aretha, RuPaul) or perhaps is simply someone who stands out. Others of us just love impressive performers. Along those lines... Kanye West—total diva. Morrissey—absolutely. Elton John practically defines diva-ness. And so do iconoclasts like Debbie Harry or Tori Amos or Bjork or Courtney Love.
Moz = Diva. I think he'd be the first to own up to it...
But who’s your favorite? Now’s your chance to voice your opinion. From now through mid-December, Logo is sponsoring a fun online event where you can watch music videos from your favorite pop divas, and then sound off on who you think is most fierce. The results will be made known the weekend of December 16th-17th, when the channel brings you an “Ultimate Divas Weekend.” Yes, there’ll be a special Click List music video show in which the Top Ten video vote-getters will be aired (on Sunday, Dec. 17th at 10pm, EST). But all weekend Logo will air diva-licious programming.
But most importantly, just go online and vote for this, like, now.
And here’s just a peek at a few of the nominees for Ultimate Diva supremacy. Who are you feeling?
Beyonce... Watch her strut in the "Crazy in Love" clip. She’s on it.
If she could turn back time... Cher would sit on a large battleship gun again in a second.
Debbie Harry and Blondie pretty much invented the modern rock diva. This is a still from the "Call Me" video, which is killer.
And don’t think Courtney Love doesn’t know it.
How about some classic Miss Jackson, if you’re nasty...
Freddie Mercury. The original male diva, perhaps?
Kanye West—total male diva. Dig it.
Stand back, y’all. Stevie is on it!
Orally fixated diva Shakira.
Bjork is an arty, eclectic Icelandic diva.
Can ya hear it? Prince just about defines diva.
All hail the Queen. Latifah rides again!
And finally... Mimi in a bikini with some Vuitton. 'Nuff said.
Now that your juices are flowin’... There are lots and lots of other divas to choose from online. Go vote!
Joshua & Jacob at Boston's Club Cafe last night.
Last night, Jacob and Joshua of Nemesis (and of the Logo reality show, Jacob & Joshua: Nemesis Rising) hit Boston and hung with fans when they stopped by the gay hotspot Club Cafe. The twins signed copies of their CD single, “#1 in Heaven” (complete with remixes by Soul Seekerz and Tracy Young), mingled, and Joshua even signed some fan’s butt! Ah, just another night out...
Meanwhile, there’s lots of new video up on the Nemesis page on LogoOnline. And you can go to the guys’ own site and hear more tunes from their forthcoming CD, Rise Up. And, the brothers are going to be present at the big annual White Party bacchanalia at Vizcaya in Miami over Thanksgiving weekend (they’re gonna be “hosts” at the big Saturday-night bash at Vizcaya, and then on Sunday they’ll perform at the Muscle Beach party). So, if you’re going to be stuffing your turkey down south, check ’em out.
Now, about those pics from last night...
Jacob signs CD's for the merry masses.
And Joshua's eyeing some guy's drink!
The place with packed with folks.
Posing (And groping? Where's your hand, Jacob?) with fans...
And, of course, it's not a party until someone gets their ass signed.
MTV's Real World turns voting age with season 18. Can you pick out the gay in this photo?
Hey Kids! It’s almost time for that season when people gather round, connect with friends and loved ones, drink too much, start taking showers together, and as always, end up in a hot tub for some messy making out and all around trashiness. No, I’m not talking about your visit home to the folks for the holidays... It’s time for a new season of MTV’s Real World. Yep, this time around (it’s season #18—yikes!) the nubile and argument-prone youngsters are ensconced in a ridiculously luxe living space in Denver.
In Denver the seven housemates are going to engage in outdoorsy mountain climbing pursuits, as well as pitching in to help some local Hurricane Katrina evacuees. But from the looks of the show’s preview, they spend most of the time neck-deep in drama, recriminations, tears and face-sucking.
Davis: He's 23, from Georgia, and he likes dudes.
And, naturally, there’s a nice gay on board! Advocate.com has an interview with Davis, a homo youngster from Marietta, Georgia, who’s this season's resident poofter. Of course, per Davis’ own insistence, he (and his boyfriend) are, like, totally “straight-acting.” But he also says he plans to pursue activism and hopes to talk to religious groups (he’s from a seriously Baptist family) to enlighten them about how cool gays are. And that’s a good thing.
From the show's preview, it looks like Davis is pretty central to the drama in the house, as one of his housemates seems none too fond of gay folks.
 
Scenes from the show's preview; Davis is having a rough moment.
Check out Davis’ interview here. Watch a preview of the show here. And then tune in next Wednesday (Nov. 22nd) to watch it drop.
"See ya in Denver!"
The number of places where gays can get married just grew. Feeling like getting hitched in South Africa?
I’m feeling like traveling these days. Of course, that happens when I hear news like “South Africa Passes Gay Marriage Law.” Suddenly, I’m all set to hop a plane and jet to Cape Town. Or last week when I read “Mexico City Approves Same-Sex Civil Unions,” I’m ready to pack my bags and head to the Zona Rosa and sip margaritas in a slick sidewalk cafe in Condesa. Likewise, I’ve got to admit that the lure of traveling to places like London, Barcelona, Copenhagen or Amsterdam is boosted by the fact that I know that gay marriage is legit and recognized in all of those places...
And here’s a tip, if you want to go to any of those places, Logo’s travel site, Trip.Out has handy LGBT-specific travel info to get you there.
Of course, gay marriage is never gonna be a walk in the park. Meaning, living with and loving a long-term partner or spouse or boyfriend is tricky. Just ask the Spanish Consul General in Australia, Enrique Sarda Valls, or his husband, Michael Kopietz. The two have just been involved in a brawl which resulted in Kopietz pleading guilty to assault charges, which involved Sarda Valls getting a black eye, bruises and such. Ain't love grand?
P.S. American Airlines has launched its own LGBT-specific booking page, to help you get to where you want to go. It’s part of their Rainbow TeAAm initiative. I just don’t recommend that you and your same-sex lover make out during the flight. But that’s another matter entirely...
And I'll be expecting an invite to your South African gay wedding, thanks.
Ms. Barrino is gearing up to knock it up with her next CD. Works for me.
Fantasia has announced plans for her sophomore disc. No doubt she’s hoping to pull a Kelly Clarkson and have her second effort really take off. And she’s working with Big Boi and Missy Elliott to make that happen. Go ’Tasia!
AND...
Seems the Madonna/ABBA combo on “Hung Up” worked nicely for Madge. She’s gonna collaborate with ABBA’s Frida and Agnetha on her next release!
After picking out a lead singer to replace Boy George, Culture Club postpones their planned tour. Turns out the new guy has to be replaced. Durrrr...
Speaking of derailed tours... Bloc Party cancels their tour with Panic! At The Disco. Their drummer’s lung collapsed. (On Friday they cancelled a few shows, but now their participation in the entire tour is scrapped.) And the indie faves Grizzly Bear have to cancel their remaining Euro tour; all their equipment was stolen in Brussels. D’oh!
The U.K.’s Observer newspaper totally gayed it up with its music supplement this week. Get there via Queerty and enjoy the juiciness!
The blog buzz is building on emerging gay pop-star-to-be, Mika. The lad has a new tune streaming on Arjan’s website. Check it out, yo!
And over at PopJustice.com, they’re way happy about Kylie’s tour, which kicked off this past weekend—and they’ve got the video to prove it. Plus, Snow Patrol teams up with Martha Wainwright! And there’s a video for this, too. Smiles all around!
 
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody hooks up with festive Martha Wainwright on a new single. They're setting a "Bar" on "Fire." Check it!
Because can you really play that Charlie Brown Christmas CD again?
’Tis the season (as in mid-November) when all of this year’s batch of holiday-themed recordings hit stores. Out now (or this week) you can get new releases from the likes of Bette Midler, Aimee Mann, James Taylor, Wynonna Judd and Sarah McLachlan, which are all pretty comfy-cozy and warm and fuzzy... Or you can get excited about the big release of the entire Sufjan Stevens holiday oeuvre (he’s been secretly releasing seasonal discs for the last few years—this year they all get packaged together for a legit 5-CD set). And I’m not ashamed to admit that Mariah Carey’s 1994 Merry Christmas album is one of my all-time faves when it comes to shameless holiday musical merriment. And this year, The Levees serve up Hannukkah Rocks, which delivers tunes like “Applesauce vs. Sourcream,” “Goyim Friends,” and “At the Timeshare” with a garage rock, They Might Be Giants-esque appeal. Oy vey, indeed...
But if you really wanna throw down, scrap all of those cutesy ideas and rock out to the just-released, A Twisted Christmas, from Twisted Sister. As Brooklyn Vegan puts it: “The mashup of Brooklyn Jewish hair metal and schlocky Christmas songs is a work of genius.” ’Nuff said.
Ho! Ho! Ho!
 
Karl and his new favorite fashion flower: Lily Allen.
Garment-biz mogul and mega-icon Karl Lagerfeld has recently reached out to British Recording artist and NewNowNext fav Lily Allen to be the new face of Chanel, according to a report in today's The Sun Online. Apparently, even though Lily is only 5'1" (significantly shorter than your average fashion model), Monsieur Lagerfeld thinks that her trademark style is at the forefront of what's next in fashion. And who doesn't love Lily?!?
On a related note, music blog Idolator asks the question, "Has Karl Lagerfeld Been Reading Pitchfork Again?" We think that Karl has been watching NewNowNext -- his interest in Lily Allen follows a similar interest in Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power, another NewNowNext artist. We love her too! Long live La Lagerfeld!
Hello Kitty: Lagerfeld favorite, Cat Power
You can watch Lily's video here and Cat Power's here.
Julie White, stellar and hilarious in The Little Dog Laughed on Broadway. Hell hath no fury like an agent with a closeted movie-star client.
Last night I caught a performance of the recently opened (and very gay) play, The Little Dog Laughed, on Broadway here in glitzy old New York. And it’s pretty darn great. Written by super-cool gay playwright Douglas Carter Beane, the play is a slashingly funny look at Hollywood, closeted actors, how deals are made, and all kinds of fabulously shady showbiz schmoozing. It’s sharp and witty, sexy and fun, and you’ll be laughing throughout. Really.
Here are the basics: Julie White (who you loved on Six Feet Under as the uber-bitchy funeral home magnate Mitzi Dalton Huntley) plays Diane, a Hollywood agent, whose client, Mitch (Tom Everett Scott), is a big, wrangly, handsome, and closeted gay up-and-coming movie star. Mitch gets involved with a hustler, Alex (Johnny Galecki—of Roseanne fame) which threatens to undermine his Hollywood image; meanwhile, Alex’s hipster gal-pal Ellen (Ari Graynor) has issues of her own. That’s just the beginning of the intrigue in this catty, clever and crisply drawn portrait of sex, ambition, love, falsehoods and the importance of a good Cobb Salad in tinseltown.
White and Scott do lunch.
But the best reason to see The Little Dog Laughed? Julie White’s brilliantly hilarious, breathless, brazen and ballsy performance, which has her throttling at warp speed, nails bared, through the entire show. She’s fast, unflinchingly funny and amazing to watch. And she had better be remembered come Tony Award time.
Scott & Galecki hook up--and then things get interesting.
Tom Everett Scott and Johnny Galecki shine in their roles (and yes, they get full-on naked—which isn’t a bad thing—in a hilarious scene of bedroom bungling). And Ari Graynor nails the Williamsburg party girl who’s got way too much insight for her own good.
Galecki & Graynor: Friends don't let friend sleep with movie stars.
So... If you can, check out The Little Dog Laughed. Take gossip-obsessed gay friends, cynical lesbians, your fag-haggy straight girl and boy pals, and anybody else who’s entertained when a puppy-doggish TV star comes out, when a Hollywood marriage is arranged, when a screenwriter has to de-gay his script, when an awards show acceptance speech veers into the ridiculous, and when it all ends up on Page Six.
Ahhhh, showbiz...
After many protests and changes of locations, Jerusalem's LGBT community finally celebrated Pride today.
The show must go on! That was the general vibe of things today in Jerusalem as a Gay Pride Rally, which drew 2,000-4,000 attendees, took place after a firestorm of controversy this past week throughout the Israeli city. Originally, there were plans for a full-on Gay Pride Parade to take place, but religious leaders protested, and Jerusalem police officials could not promise enough officers to help maintain the peace at what was expected to become a heated affair.
So, organizers instead mounted a rally today at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Givat Ram campus in the school's stadium. And from the looks of things, all went well.
Flags, rainbows, fancy hats... Pride hits Jerusalem.
These Jerusalem lesbians were really happy to be there.
A rally attendee's T-shirt gets her point across.
Police did arrest a right-wing protestor who tried to attack revelers at the Pride Rally.
And what's Pride without some drag queens on stage? Go ladies!
Happy Pride Jerusalem! (And careful with those stickers, dude.)
 
Nicole gets into the bear scene in her newest flick?
Finally, a big Hollywood movie for the bear community? Um... Maybe. Or not. Nicole Kidman plays a fictionalized, fuzz-fetishing Diane Arbus in Fur. The NY Times thinks it’s pervy, that Kidman’s sorely miscast, and that Robert Downey, Jr. comes off like “an immaculately groomed Shih Tzu.” Sounds fun, eh?
Pepsi sneaks into Whole Foods with its fruity energy drink line, Fuelosophy. They wanna capture the grass-rootsy appeal of a perceived mom-n-pop sort of brand. Just so ya know...
Meanwhile, Starbucks kicks off their holiday season (yes, already) by giving stuff away in some kind of “pay it forward” promotion. You might get lift tickets in Denver, a Metrocard in NYC, or movie tickets in Chicago. But you have to be nice to people first.
Us Weekly editor Janice Min sounds off on gay gossip maven Perez Hilton. But does she sound kind of jealous?
David Walliams and Maggie Smith hook up. Actually, the Little Britain star (Walliams is the tall, dark-haired one) will menace Dame Maggie as she plays an aging writer in the film Capturing Mary, produced by the BBC. I like both of them; thought you might like them, too.
The biz world is panting for the next big online acquisition deal. Yahoo—meet Facebook.
AfterEllen’s awesome “Best. Lesbian. Week. Ever.” column shines today (as per usual) with news about Alicia Keys’ big gay role, outing celebs, and Law & Order lesbians.
And I’ve not reported much on the Ted Haggard scandal; there’s been so much everywhere else it seemed a bit redundant. But there’s a totally juicy interview with Haggard’s rent-boy paramour, Mike Jones, on RadarOnline that’s worth a look. It gets down and dirty, and even claims that Focus on the Family’s James Dobson is a big gay. Crrraaaazzzyyy!!!
Finally, TomKat hit NYC last night at the big Conde Nast's "The Black Ball" benefit. Don't they look happy?
Smile, folks! Look natural! Or... not.
Remember them?
Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda might actually make it to the multiplex. Word has it that “substantial negotiations” have begun between HBO and the four stars of Sex and The City to finally get their sh*t together and make a movie! Of course, I’m still waiting for the big-screen smash, “The Golden Girls Movie: Shady Pines or Bust!”
A poster at the opening of Prince's new 3121 club in Vegas last night. Wear your diamonds and pearls, yo!
Prince isn’t just a nebulously named, hard-to-pin-down musical genius. He’s also a clubowner and restaurateur. Turns out the purple powerhouse has just unveiled his 3121 live entertainment venue at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Vegas. And, Prince himself will headline at the club on Friday and Saturday nights. And... There’s a restaurant, too. Take that Celine!
 
Shakira and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters: Strange hotel bedfellows?
Perhaps not to be outdone, Shakira and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters (how those two got together, I’ll never know) have formed a joint business venture, purchased an island in the Bahamas for $16 million, and are planning on launching a luxury resort and selling off prime seaside property. Okaaayyy...
Sing out, Kate!
Simon Cowell wants to make Kate Moss a pop star! Pete Doherty—he’ll take a pass on.
The late Johnny Cash: Still crankin' out videos!
Speaking of Kate Moss, she and just about everyone else (mostly music biz stars, like Kanye, Justin Timberlake, Iggy Pop, Sharon Stone, Bono, Dixie Chicks, Johnny Depp and on and on) pop up in a new post-humous Johnny Cash video, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.”
Young Love: You're gonna hear from him!
And thanks to an early nod from Arjan (from a week or so back, actually), here’s a head’s up about Young Love, whose tune “Discotech” is ripping up the NYC club kingdom. YL is basically the musical moniker for Dan Keyes, who serves up zingy, rocking dancey music that (to quote Arjan, who put it pretty aptly) suggests Franz Ferdinand meets Justin Timberlake. You’ll also hear echoes of The Killers, which is no big surprise as the same record honchos at Island are guiding YL’s release, due in January 2007. (In fact, check the pic of Dan and Brandon below. They’re like, BFF’s!) Listen to YL’s tune and dig up more dish here and here. And watch Logos’ NewNowNext music video show this Sunday night and catch the “Discotech” video.
Flowers & Love: They go so nicely together...
Tobey Maguire peels off more layers of Peter Parker's psyche (and that classic red Spidey suit) in next May's Spider-Man 3.
The summer 2007 movie season kicks off tonight, sort of. That’s because Logo (and a slew of other MTV networks, and CBS) are going to debut the big, splashy new trailer for next May’s Spider-Man 3 movie tonight at approximately 10pm. You can expect much more insight into this latest installment of the web-slinger’s saga, and hopefully more on this film’s villains Venom and Sandman. And this time around Spidey has a fresh batch of slimy, black, oozy-looking inner demons to battle. (Why is it that inner demons are never pink and fuzzy, like a Care Bear?) So yes, the trademark red Spidey costume is gonna take on a darker hue. “Peter Parker, meet Sartre!” Or as Tobey Maguire explained to the Spidey-obsessed masses at ComicCon this past summer: “You’re going to see the Peter Parker you’re familiar with, but he’s going to go into some different areas that may be a little bit shocking.” Cool.
Hopefully the trailer will boast some foxy shots of the nice-looking young cast, featuring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Bryce Dallas Howard and Topher Grace. And FYI: Thomas Haden Church was instructed to get super-fit and put on about 100 pounds of muscle for his role as Sandman, just so you know.
Think while you slink: Spidey gets pensive in Spider-Man 3.
As a major bonus, tonight from 10pm on, you can go view the new trailer as many times as ya want online at iFilm. In fact, the site is already counting down the hours, minutes and seconds until the trailer is viewable. Yep, they’re really into it.
Go Spidey, go!
A luxe tux by Viktor & Rolf (via H&M). Looks good, eh?
Attention budget-minded snappy dressers and penny-pinching couture kids: Today’s the day when H&M offers up the new, nattily nifty collection that Dutch design dudes Viktor & Rolf (the favored designers of such hip clotheshounds as Rufus Wainwright and Tilda Swinton) have designed for the bargain-price Swedish superstore. If you wanna get a grasp on these goods (which feature the design duo’s penchant for classic, Euro-conservative meets downtown-edgy duds), dash out to your nearest H&M now. And get ready to be aggressive about it. When the line launched earlier today in the U.K., a veritable madcap frenzy ensued.
Scruffy chic in V&R's peacoat.
Hot!
Just wanna check the goods online? You can do that, too.
And, those of you planning your New Jersey or Massachusetts gay nuptials: There’s a $340 wedding dress on the rack, too. Here’s hoping they have your size!
Here comes the bride, flanked by Viktor & Rolf.
Happy shopping!
Not sure if you've come across this, but the cool folks at AfterEllen have recently launched what may be the coolest daily lesbian pop-culture blog, like, ever! Read it!!!!
K-Fed got these divorce papers. But first, he got a text message. Ouch!
So, Britney dropped the bomb to K-Fed via text message? Handy! And it’s all on video? Sort of...
Rosie & Barbara feel Britney's pain. And they're quite happy about it.
Who’s happy to hear the news of Britney dumping her scruffy spouse? Rosie O’Donnell and the gals at The View. Like, they’re really into it.
Borat's a proud papa.
You may be getting a bit Borat-ed out, by now. But you might like to know that Borat’s son’s a gay porn star! Or the guy who plays him is... Which somehow seems perfectly right, eh?
Sawyer and Jack. LOST in love? Depends on how big a fan you are...
AfterElton’s got a choice article about gay fan slash videos that pop up on YouTube, including links to lots of juicy ones. My fave may be the mushy Jack/Sawyer mash-up culled from Lost clips (called “Jawyer,” naturally).
It's Palm Springs. It's a swanky hotel. You do the math...
Does Bravo have another new gay-themed reality show coming your way? The latest project in the works is a docu-series called Welcome to the Parker, which will chronicle the goings-on behind-the-scenes of the swanky Parker Palm Springs hotel. Yep, Palm Springs. The place was decorated/designed by gay maven Jonathan Adler. And did I mention it’s in Palm Springs? Gay, gay, gay... (P.S. The place is supposed to be killer; in fact it drew raves on Logo’s travel site Trip.Out, even.)
Required reading at Shady Pines.
Are you a friend of Dorothy? More specifically, are you a friend of Dorothy Zbornak? The get thee to a bookstore and snatch up Jim Colucci’s new guide to all things “Golden.” His new tome, The Q Guide to The Golden Girls is a compendium of “Stuff You Didn’t Even Know You Wanted to Know... about Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and the beloved sitcom.” And if you’re in NYC tonight, meet Colucci in person at the Barnes & Noble in the Village. He’s there at 7:30pm.
He's African-American. He's Muslim. He's pro-gay. And he's in Congress. Cool, eh?
And back to an election-related tidbit, The Washington Post has a profile (thanks for the tip, Rod) of newly elected Minneapolis congressman Keith Ellison. Ellison is black, Muslim and the first non-white person ever to represent Minnesota in Congress. And he’s decidedly pro-gay. (I heard this from folks in Minneapolis back last month when I visited there. Twin Cities gays were very excited about his campaign.) Check it out!
Blow out the candles and make a wish, Parker!
Finally... Happy Birthday to Parker Posey today!
 
Legendary loopy character actor, sometimes dancing music-video star and always hilarious SNL guest-host Christopher Walken is gonna play Ozzy Osbourne in an upcoming movie. Looks like Walken will plays the aging, spazzy (yet still pretty great) rock monster in a cameo in The Dirt, which will be a biopic charting the rise and fall and rise (?) of Motley Crue.
Also on board? Val Kilmer, who's gonna show up as David Lee Roth. Word has it that unknowns will play the Motley foursome.
So there!
PRETTY IN PINK: Kylie with her new scent, "Darling."
Wanna smell like Kylie? Now you can! The Aussie pop queen has launched a new fragrance to be called "Darling"--and isn't she just? I'm thinking it smells like a cross between bubble gum, fluffy baby kangaroos, happy pink flowers and all-around niceness. (Sure, gag you cynics out there! But hating on Kylie's like kicking a puppy.)
Not bad for a gal who was facing breast cancer last May. And Kylie's aware of her good fortune: "To be here ... to be able to enjoy the launch of this perfume ... to get my show back on the road – that's what keeps me going." All while rocking black nail polish.
Smell her!
At Democratic Party headquarters in D.C., a happy supporter celebrates the blue party's big wins last night.
ELECTION RESULTS MANIA!!!
Hurrah! A record number of gay candidates were elected to office yesterday, so be happy! States like Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma saw their first ever openly gay politicos score victories, which is very cool.
Just about everywhere, prominent Democrats posted wins... Which bodes well for gays, too.
And a gay marriage ban loses in Arizona, which is a historic first. Yay! But gay marriage bans pass in seven other states. Boo!
Still, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force honcho Matt Foreman says it’s not so bad: “In 2004, there were 11 anti-marriage amendments on the November ballot, and in only two of them did opposition top 40 percent... Early this morning, five out of the eight states topped 40 percent, including Arizona, Colorado, South Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin.”
So, they don’t love us, exactly. But they don’t hate us quite as stridently...
MEANWHILE...
Anti-gay Senator Rick Santorum was defeated by his challenger Bob Casey in Pennsylvania.
Democrat Bob Casey smooches his wife Therese, as they celebrate trouncing gay-hater Rick Santorum. Congrats, folks!
Word’s still out on the super-tight Virginia and Montana Senate races, which will determine which party controls the Senate. Although, The Huffington Post is pretty sure that the Dems will clinch both races and take full control.
But one Democratic heavy-hitter easily won re-election, and that was New York’s Hillary Rodham Clinton. And she’s already sounding the alarm to the White House to take heed: “Not so fast,” Clinton said to counter the Bush administration’s insistence upon following its agenda with “full-speed.”
But how rosey will things get when Hillary starts her Presidential campaign? Oy...
Ahhh, politics.
Here's hoping a good, gay or gay-friendly candidate won near you.
Lance & Reichen: Hot Gay Couple, erstwhile etymologists?
Introducing a new term in gayspeak: To be “Lanced.” Which, according to famous out gay Reichen Lehmkuhl (who’s also boyfriend to famous gay newbie Lance Bass, who came out this past summer), is a term which describes the scenario when a celeb is forced to voluntarily come out of the closet to clarify public speculation and rampant media innuendo. Reichen even feels that Neil Patrick Harris (and possibly Grey’s Anatomy star T.R. Knight?) was “Lanced.”
Does this mean we can also call the super-hot boyfriend of a newly un-closeted star a “Reichen?” In that case, might we call Neil Patrick Harris’ alleged main squeeze David Burtka a “Reichen”? And would T.R. Knight’s friend Luke MacFarlane (seen here) be a “Reichen,” too?
 
Neil Patrick Harris (left) and his pal--and possible "Reichen"?--actor David Burtka.
Hey... Making up words is fun!
"You know that you're toxic..." says Brit to Kev?
Looks like Britney is following Whitney to divorce court.
Coming on the heels of her fine-looking pit-stop on David Letterman’s show last night, Britney Spears has filed for divorce from her hubby and baby-daddy Kevin Federline. She’s also asking for custody of their two sons, allowing Kevin to have visitation rights. Good news? Who knows...
Hey, at least Kevin's got his burgeoning music career to keep him busy.
Ahem...
In community centers, school gymnasiums, and town halls all over the U.S., it's voting time!
In case you were wondering, today is Election Day... I voted at the "Swinging 60’s Senior Center" in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this morning. While the median age of the polls workers was about 75, the voters on hand were a mix of grandparently retirees and skinny-jeans-wearing hipsters in their 20s and 30s, the variety of which had a promising feel to it.
There aren’t likely to be many big surprises on the ballots here in New York. Hillary is expected to trounce her opponent John Spencer. As the Village Voice notes, as far as New Yorkers feel, Eliot Spitzer is already their new governor. Although, there may be a nice boost and a surprise if a gay guy wins a seat in the State Senate, representing the most old-school of NYC boroughs, Staten Island. Cool, eh?
Bill & Hill sign in to vote this morning in Chappaqua, New York.
Meanwhile, measures dealing with the issue of same-sex unions and gay marriage are on the ballots across the U.S., in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, South Caroline, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Virginia, the latter of which has its own wild-card Senate race underway, as George Allen (R) and James Webb (D) face off in a race full of bizarre accusations of racial slanders, and Allen’s recently revealed hidden Jewish heritage.
Gay news outlets like 365 Gay and CBS News on Logo will be covering the election results and related stories all day long. Tune in to them for updates, why don’t ya?
You can also visit gay grass-roots/watchdog groups’ site (like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force) to get up-to-the minute election coverage.
And above all else, get out there and vote if you haven’t already. If you need a little boost to get you motivated, this might help. It’s Keith Olbermann’s impassioned editorial on MSNBC last night, urging Ameicans to vote, and lamenting the current state of “checks and balances” in our political landscape.
Rock the vote, already!
Quito, Ecuador circa 1955. I was just there! Though in, like, present-day time.
So, I go away on a vacation to Ecuador for about 9 days and Doogie Howser comes out, an evangelical minister admits to dabbling in crystal meth and gay hustlers, and Brad Pitt shows up in wet undies on the cover of Vanity Fair. Nice! (Go here for a photo of Harris during his B’way stint in Cabaret a few years ago. The pic is kinda, er... Ya know...)
"I'm a very content gay man..." Go Doogster!
Props to Neil Patrick Harris (who’ve I’ve seen around NYC where he frequently does Broadway theater stuff). He’s a nice guy, cool actor, and good gay. And since when did People Magazine become the go-to place for puppy-dog actor boys and boy band members to come out, eh?
USA Today seems to even think there’s a trend among those who aren’t doctors, but play them on TV and gayness. Not sure about that, but if it prompts Lost doc Matthew Fox or ER’s Bosnian resident Goran Visnjic to suddenly decide that they’re gay, that works for me.
Meanwhile, all of Pakistan is agog over the nation’s hottest new, beloved celeb: A transvestite TV starlet. Who’s sari now, eh? (Couldn’t resist that one...)
More bloggy bits to come, but here’s another nice pic of Neil Patrick Harris, posing with two of Broadway’s coolest openly gay stars, Denis O’Hare (Sweet Charity, and a Tony-winner for Take Me Out) and killer funnyman Mario Cantone. All three starred together in Assassins back in 2004. (Just fyi, O’Hare is currently shooting A Mighty Heart, which tells the story of the death of reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, and stars Angelina Jolie. And he recently wrapped Michael Clayton, costarring with George Clooney and Tilda Swinton. Who says out actors can't get work? Go Denis!)
Out on Broadway: openly gay (and super-talented) actors Denis O'Hare, Mario Cantone and Neil Patrick Harris, when they all costarred in Assassins a couple of years back.
|
Put NewNowNext headlines on your site/blog:
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed on the blog
are the personal opinions of our bloggers, and in no way reflect the opinions
of Logo, MTV Networks or Viacom.
Warning:
Some blogs or websites linked from this site may contain objectionable or uncensored content. Logo is not affiliated with these websites and makes no representations or warranties as to their content.
|
Recent Comments