Vermont's Legislature over rules Governor on gay marriage

Vermont has become the fourth state to legalize gay marriage — and the first to do so with a legislature's vote.

The Legislature voted today to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a bill allowing gays and lesbians to marry. The vote was 23-5 to override in the state Senate and 100-49 to override in the House. Under Vermont law, two-thirds of each chamber had to vote for override.

The vote came nine years after Vermont adopted its first-in-the-nation civil unions law.

It's now the fourth state to permit same-sex marriage. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa are the others. Their approval of gay marriage came from the courts. (source)

OMG! Is Rick Warren for real?

Rick Warren was on Larry King where he stated he is not a anti-gay marriage proponent. What??? Is he kidding? Ok, he is just a liar - plain and simple. You can't rewrite history Rick. Check it out.


Rick Warren during the election on gay marriage.


I rest my case!

Did gay marriage reach the tipping point?

Has gay marriage reached the tipping point? The decision by the Iowa Supreme Court to overturn that state's gay marriage ban is prompting questions about whether or not the battle over gay marriage, long a central focus in the culture war, has all but reached a conclusion.

Iowa, as gay marriage backers like to point out, is not a liberal, coastal state like Massachusetts and Connecticut – the two states that already offer legal gay marriage – or California, where the narrow passage of a ballot initiative banning gay marriage last year galvanized the gay rights movement.

It is, instead, a Midwestern state in what is commonly called "the heartland" – an area of America thought to be more reticent to warm to liberal ideas, particularly when it comes to social issues. That's why Richard Socarides, a former adviser on gay rights to President Clinton, argued that the decision "represents the mainstreaming of gay marriage" – it's not just for the "tax-hiking, government-expanding, latte-drinking, sushi-eating, Volvo-driving, New York Times-reading, body-piercing, Hollywood-loving left" anymore. (source)

Conservatives trying everything in Iowa

Christian conservatives are giving it their all in Iowa in an attempt to push a Constitutional Convention. The purpose of the convention: To stop gay marriage in Iowa.

Iowa's Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley is taking the lead in this attempt and asked Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal to co-sponsor the bill. Gronstal may just be a hero to the gay community as refused to be part of MrKinley's plan. Here is what he had to say:

Vermont's Governor vetos gay marriage bill

Governor Jim Douglas of Vermont, has vetoed a bill that would allow same sex couples to marry in that state. Douglas, a Republican, announced in March that he would veto the bill. Next step would be for the legislature to override the veto. The Senate passed overwhelmingly but the House of Representatives approved 96 to 52. The House needs five more votes for a successful override.

Philadelphia and The Dinah

Mariah Hanson hosted "The Dinah" this past weekend in Palm Springs and Philadelphia was everywhere! The Dinah is one, if not the, largest lesbian event in the world and the celebrities were out in force. Performances included Katie Perry on Friday night and Lady GaGa on Saturday - other celebs. included Margaret Cho, Indigo Girls, and the stars of LOGO. Here are a few pictures of Saturday's pool party.

Artsy Fartsy 101 tonight!

Join the Traverse Arts Project (TAP) tonight to celebrate their new arts festival "Festivus!" at 101. The event begins at 7pm, enjoy $3 drinks until 9pm. Free admission for the first hour. Apportion of the door proceeds will benefit TAP. 01 is located at ONE -19th & Sansom Streets, Philadelphia.

Gay men shot in Iraq

Six gay men were shot dead by members of their tribe in two separate incidents in the past 10 days, an official with Iraq's Interior ministry said. In the most recent attack, two men were killed Thursday in Sadr City area of Baghdad after they were disowned by relatives, the official said. The shootings came after a tribal meeting was held and the members decided to go after the victims.

On March 26, four additional men were fatally shot in the same city, the official said, adding that the victims had also been disowned by their relatives. The official declined to be identified because he is not authorized to speak to the media. (cnn)

Spring Fling with Tony Moran tonight at Pure

Can you say 8am? Pure Nightclub's "Spring Fling" with Dj/Producer Tony Moran will have you dancing until the early morning hours tonight. In addition to Tony, there are X-rated drink specials from 10pm - Midnight, cards by Katrina, and face painting by Jason M. It all adds up to one great party, so, stop by....and I may even show up at 6am, since I am on a red-eye flight from Palm Springs....I love my lesbians (Dinah Shore Weekend), but I may just need a little detoxic!
Pure - 1221 St. James Street - Philadelphia

Groundbreaking sexual discrimination documentary "Training Rules" tonight!

On the eve of the FINAL FOUR, The Philadelphia FilmFestival / CineFest 09 is announces the world premier of the film, "Training Rules," on Saturday, April 4th at 7:00 at the Ritz East Theater.

Training Rules chronicles a lawsuit filed in 2006 by student athlete Jennifer Harris against Penn State University and women's basketball head coach Rene Portland. During her 27 years of coaching, Portland enforced three strict rules: no drinking, no drugs and no lesbians. The documentary examines how a wealthy athletic department, enabled by the silence of a complacent university, allowed talented athletes, thought to be gay, to be dismissed from their college team.

Academy Award nominated filmmaker Dee Mosbacher was already involved in directing a project about homophobia in sports when she heard about the case.

"Sensing that this lawsuit would be groundbreaking and might precipitate a much-needed change in women's sports, I decided to switch gears and make a character driven, social issue documentary viewed through the lens of the lawsuit," Mosbacher said.

Mosbacher enlisted colleague Fawn Yacker, cinematographer on two Academy Award winning documentaries to co-produce and co-direct. Together the duo detail the stories of athletes whose young lives were tragically derailed when Penn State turned a blind eye to discrimination based on sexual orientation. Harris's case has inspired athletes and women across the country and has changed the course of women's sports. Plaintiff Jennifer Harris and filmmakers Dee Mosbacher and Fawn Yacker will be attending the screening of Training Rules, as will several of the film's key
characters.

Gay marriage allowed in Iowa beginning April 24th!

The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld a lower-court ruling that rejected a state law restricting marriage to a union between a man and woman. Now gays and lesbians may exchange vows as soon as April 24 following the landmark decision.

The county attorney who defended the law said he would not seek a rehearing. The only recourse for opponents appeared to be a constitutional amendment, which couldn't get on the ballot until 2012 at the earliest.

(source)

Smile & Mr. Gay Tavern photos

Photos from last night's Smile Happy Hour and the Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac - won by Jonathan. (on left in 1st photo).

Colin Powell would support the real of "Don't ask, Don't tell"

Rachhel Maddow interviewed Colin Powell where she asked him about repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Here is what Powell had to say:

Vermont House passes gay marriage bill

The Vermont House of Representatives voted 95-52 in favor of gay marriage. The bill has already cleared the Senate in a vote of 26-4. Now it goes before an unfriendly governor who may veto it. Supporters of the bill would need additional votes in the house to override the veto, which requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers of the legislature. If they succeed, Vermont would become the third state in the country, after Connecticut and Massachusetts, to allow same-sex couples to marry.

#1 "Cher" - Ginger Snaps to perform at Mr. Gay Philadelphia

Nationally renowned female impersonator, Steven Andrade (Ginger Snaps), has entertained millions of people around the world on television talk shows, casinos, corporate events, and nightclubs. Stevens as Ginger Snaps, the #1 Cher impersonator in the country, has graciously agreed to perform at the Mr. Gay Philadelphia event on April 18th.

As a Philadelphia native, he went off to star in La Cage, direct from Las Vegas, and Carnival Cabaret in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He has worked with some of the world's most famous producers, choreographers, and DJs, including Madonna's choreographer. With his dead ringer Cher impersonation, celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz recently snapped a series of photos of Steven for his portfolio. Steven has a strong artistic background and is responsible for making all of his Bob Mackie replica costumes. In addition, to being known as one of the best Cher impersonators in the world, Steven performs a variety of characters male and female.

Mr. Gay Philadelphia will take place at Pure Nightclub (1221 St. James St.) on April 18th. Purchase tickets here.

World Outgames count down

The final countdown has begun. With less than 30 days until the official close of registration for World Outgames 2009, it’s time to register and make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to play with old friends, make new ones and celebrate this milestone year in lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender history.

World Outgames is an international event for the body, the mind, and the spirit. We celebrate the talents and contributions of homosexual, bi-sexual and transgender men and women from every corner of the globe.

World Outgames will be held from 25 July - 2 August 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Sweden becomes 5th European Country to allow gay marriage

In a vote of 261-22, with 66 lawmakers abstaining, Sweden's Parliament adopted a new law that gives same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals. The new law will take effect on May 1st. Sweden joins he Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Spain who also allow gay marriages.

Lady GaGa performs on American Idol

Lady Gaga performed on American Idol to a slowed down "Pokerface" before she picks it up. It was an ok performance. Check it out.

Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac tonight at Smile

The Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac competition will take place tonight at Nightlifegay.com's Smile Happy Hour. Contestants should check-in at 7pm with Kyle and the competition will begin around 8pm. Doors open for Smile at 6pm and features $4 drinks till 8pm.

Here TV's Josh Rosenzweig to judge Mr. Gay Philadelphia

Josh Rosenzweig from Here TV's "Josh & Sarah" will be judging the Mr. Gay Philadelphia event on April 18th. Josh is not only the co-host of the show, but also the Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing for Here! Networks and Regent Media. He began his career in the entertainment industry on the creative side as a film and theater director and video editor. His first film SCREAM TEEN SCREAM, written by and starring Jackie Beat won the OUTfest Audience Award and subsequently was distributed theatrically by Strand Releasing. His second featurette, CHARLIE also has a successful festival life and was chosen by the Andy Warhol Museum to be part of its permanent collection.
Video from 2007

Nightlifegay.com to work with Privileged Communications

Nightlifegay.com recently retained the services of local consulting firm, Privileged Communication, to provide assistance with public relations and communication, as well as oversight of Nightlifegay.com's website redesign and relaunch. Over the next several months, Privileged Communication will assist with the promotion of Nightlifegay.com's upcoming events, including the 3rd Annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia Competition on Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at PURE Nightclub. Privileged Communication will also oversee the redesign and rebranding of Nightlifegay.com, building an innovative new site with a range of features including an online store and an interactive event calendar.


For more information about Privileged Communication's services, visit their website at privilegedcomm.com.

David Beckham's @ss caught on tape

I had to laugh when on this on gaysocialites.com.

Vermont House Committee passes gay marriage

The Vermont legislature took another step Tuesday toward legalizing "gay marriage" when a House committee easily passed a bill that would recognize such relationships, sending it to the full chamber.

The bill passed 8-2, with seven Democrats joining one Republican in supporting it, and two Republicans opposing it, The Burlington Free Press reported. It is expected to pass the House, although both sides are unclear whether it will be by a two-thirds, veto-proof majority, as it was in the Senate. Republican Gov. Jim Douglas has promised to veto it. The House could vote on it as early as Friday. The bill is S. 115.

Bill supporters are hoping Vermont becomes the first state voluntarily to legalize "gay marriage." (source)