Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac - April 2, 2009

Save the date: The Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac event will take place during Nightlifegay.com's Smile Happy Hour on April 2, 2009 from 6-8pm.

Portland Mayor's boy-toy speaks-up

Beau Breedlove finally speaks up about his relationship with Sam Adams, the current mayor of Portland. Breedlove broke his silence to CBS news where he revealed how and where the relationship began when he was only 17. Check it out.

Gays keep on truckin

According to survey research released by Harris Interactive in late 2008, a majority (55%) of all U.S. adults believe that they will be adversely affected by the current economic downturn. However, as many Americans react to the economic forecast by reprioritizing costs and altering spending habits, the study also suggests that U.S. gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) consumers appear to cut back less in their personal travel budgets than heterosexuals – a trend that underscores the importance for tourism industry professionals to build strong connections with this characteristically brand loyal market.

Today, it is estimated that – with approximately 16 million American adults self identifying as part of this still-emerging segment – the U.S. GLBT market wields over $712 billion in aggregate buying power (2008 projection). However, because three out of four GLBT Americans live in households without children under the age of 18, consumers in this segment typically have more discretionary income to spend than the average U.S. household.

In a national online survey conducted in May 2008, Harris Interactive found that – despite sluggish economic conditions – 38% of U.S. gay and lesbian adults planned to vacation as planned, compared with 34% of heterosexuals. Additionally, one quarter (25%) of GLBT respondents indicated that they were either “absolutely certain” or “very likely” to vacation by air, while only 19% of heterosexuals indicated that they would do the same.

“These findings help confirm what market research has been telling us for several years now: America’s GLBT market represents a resilient and distinct growth opportunity for tourism professionals,” said Bob Witeck, founder and CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, a Washington, D.C.-based marketing consulting firm that partners with Harris Interactive to profile America’s GLBT households. “Different market segments respond to fluctuations in the economy in different ways. Though U.S. GLBT consumers are in no way exempt from the downturn, several factors – such as higher than average per capita buying power – are keeping them on the road and in the air for vacation.”

Please don't be Gaycist!

The Courage Campaign released this new video, "Fidelity", after asking their community to send in photos with the simple message: "Don't Divorce Us"
I love the girl holding the sign that reads "Don't be a Gaycist".
You can sign your support here.

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Phelps meet Shawnee Mission High School

Fred Phelps, from Westboro "evil" Baptist Church, protested homosexuality outside the Shawnee Mission High School in Kansas. Little did he know, the high school students support gay rights and that they were waiting for him with a protest of their own. Check out this clip of the students protesting Phelps.

Boston cop gets desk duty for porn star escort

Boston cop has been placed on desk duty for escorting two porn stars to the Roxy Nightclub. Check out this report from 7 News in Boston.

New Kid's ex talks to Enquirer

Jonathan Knight from New Kids on the Block has been out by his ex Kyle Wilker. Walker felt the need to talk about Knight to The National Enquirer...gotta love an ex like that. Apparently, Jonathan Knight is pretty open about his sexuality, but never held an official coming out party. HAPPY COMING OUT JONATHAN!!

National Equality Rally website is live

Philadelphia's Equality Forum will produce the National Equality Rally scheduled to take place in front of Independence Hall on May 3, 2009. Information on the rally can now be found on the new website NationalEqualityRally.org which launched today.

Couple who fought for marriage headed for divorce

Julie and Hillary Goodridge were among seven gay couples whose lawsuit pushed Massachusetts into the center of the gay marriage debate. The couple became the public face of the movement in the state that was the first in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. Now they are getting a divorce....

Bill O'Reilly vs. Christian Bale

OMG!!! This is the best!

Philadelphia Mr. Gay 2009 preliminary events announced

This year's Mr. Gay Philadelphia event will take place on April 18, 2009. Of course, there are always several preliminary events that take place throughout the city. Scheduled events to date are:

Thursday, March 5....Bump
Friday, March 14.....Pure Nightclub
Sunday, March 15.....Woody's
Friday, March 20.....Shampoo
Saturday, March 28...Stir
Sunday, March 29.....101 at ONE
Thursday, April 2....Tavern on Camac

For more information on Mr. Gay Philadelphia, send an email to info@nightlifegay.com.

Massachusetts opens new microsite

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism announces the launch of its new microsite dedicated to attracting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) leisure travelers. The site was launched to attract and welcome incoming visitation from the LGBT market segment and is a continued affirmation that Massachusetts is a welcoming travel destination to everyone.

“Massachusetts is open and welcoming to all visitors and the acceptance of same-sex marriage is ample proof,” said Betsy Wall, executive director of The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “In 2004, Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage and is currently one of only two states to extend marriage privileges to same-sex couples. Marriage information is available on the site, as well as extensive information on events and activities, destinations and travel information that may interest the LGBT traveler.”

For more information about the new microsite visit .

Hot Topic - Christian Bale

Cali Supreme Court to hear gay marriage case in March

March 5th is the date the California Supreme Court will hear the legal showdown over gay marriage. The court promises to have a decision on the issue by summer.

In a statement released Tuesday, the high court set three hours of arguments for its calendar in San Francisco, setting the stage for the justices to consider a series of legal challenges to voter-approved Proposition 8. Civil rights groups and a number of cities and counties, led by San Francisco and Santa Clara County, sued after the November election, arguing that the ballot initiative is invalid and should be struck down. Attorney General Jerry Brown, in an unusual move, is not defending the law, arguing that Proposition 8 should be struck down because it erased an existing constitutional right. (source)

Political round-up - Things still the same

Change is coming...I hope. So far, the world of politics has not been changed by Obama and will likely remain the same.

Barack Obama excepts two appointments to with drawl their nominations over tax issues:


Rod Blagojevich on The Late Show with David Letterman. I love the opening remarks:
Dave: "Why exactly are you here...honest to God."
Rod: "Well, you know, I been wanting to be on your show in the worst way for the longest time."
Dave: "Well, you're on in the worst way."

Philadelphia 17th out of 30

Philadelphia ranked 17th out of 30 of where Americans want to live. According to Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends project finds that nearly half (46%) of the public would rather live in a different type of community from the one they're living in now.

The grass really does seem greener on the other side....

Christian Bale remixed!

Christian Bale flips out on set of Terminator

Wow!!! Christian Bale flipped out on the set of the next Terminator movie! Listen to it here.

Six more weeks of Winter

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter weather to come.

Ron Huberman comes out

Ron Huberman, CEO of the Chicago Public School system, came out of the closet yesterday to the Chicago Sun-Times. Huberman was appointed as after Arne Duncan was made Secretary of Education by President Obama.

Michael Phelps likes a smoke

Michael got caught smoking pot by the News of the World tabloid - who ran this photo claiming it could ruin his career. Get real - it is only going to help him...he maybe normal after all....however, his sponsors are probably freakin' out, so he issued an appology.

Jennifer Hudson sings at Super Bowl

Jennifer Hudson made here first public appearance since the murder of her mom, brother and newphew at the Super Bowl where she turned in a great performance singing the national anthem! Check it out.

Steelers win Super Bowl

Wow, what a game! Just when you thought the Steelers lost the game, Ben Roethlisberger connected with Santonio Holmes on their final drive. The Steelers won 27-23.
Check out the winning catch in slow motion.

Traveling - be back on Monday - Go Steelers!