101's Mother's Day Treat

Bring your mother to 101 Sunday night for your chance to win 1 FREE airline ticket - good for travel in the continental U.S. The first 10 people to arrive, with their mom in tow, will be entered into the drawling. Proof of ID is required.
Doors open at 7pm with FREE admission until 8pm and $3 drinks till 9pm.
101 is located at ONE - 19th & Sansom Streets - Philadelphia

Did Democrates lie to Spector?

Arlene Spector has to be fuming when members of the Senate Democratic Caucus voted Tuesday night to strip Republican-turned-Democrat of his 29-years of seniority!

"Sen. Reid assured me that I would keep my committee assignments and that I would have the same seniority as if I had been elected as a Democrat in 1980," Specter said in a statement Wednesday.

"It was understood that the issue of subcommittee chairmanships would not be decided until after the 2010 election. Some members of the caucus have raised concerns about my seniority, so the caucus will vote on my seniority at the same time subcommittee chairmanships are confirmed after the 2010 election. I am confident my seniority will be maintained under the arrangement I worked out with Sen. Reid," Specter said. But that would require a different outcome from what happened Tuesday.

I can not imagine Spector would have made the switch without receiving his senority as well. Afterall, he probably could run in PA as an Independent and still win the general election.

Photos now plague Miss California

In case you missed it: Nude or semi-nudi photos now haunt Miss California Carrie Prejean. Last night Perez Hilton and Maggie Gallagher debated on Larry King on whether Miss California should be dethrowned because of the photos. Check out the debate.

Lt. Dan Choi victim of DADT

Back in March, Lieutenant Dan Choi visited the Rachel Maddow show where he came out to a national audience. Dan explained why he was coming out - before his audio was cut off that night. He revisited the show the following night to restate everything. Two days ago, Choi received a letter from the Army stating he was being relieved of duty - due to the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy. Check out Rachel's show last night on the subject.

M*A*S*H's Major Charles Winchester comes out

David Ogden Stiers, the actor who is best known for playing Major Charles Winchester on TV’s “M*A*S*H,” has come out.

“I am (gay),” the 66-year-old actor said in an interview with the blog Gossip-Boy.com. “Very proud to be so.”

Ogden Stiers revealed that his recent successful career as a voice actor caused him to remain closeted for so many years. (source)

Maine becomes 5th state to legalize gay marriage!

Maine's governor signed a freshly passed bill Wednesday approving gay marriage, making it the fifth state to approve the practice and moving New England closer to allowing it throughout the region.

New Hampshire legislators were also poised to send a gay marriage bill to their governor, who hasn't indicated whether he'll sign it. If he does, Rhode Island would be the region's sole holdout.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat who hadn't indicated how he would handle his state's bill, quickly signed it.

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," Baldacci said in a statement read in his office. "I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage."

The vote by the Maine Senate was 21-13, with one lawmaker absent. The bill authorizes marriage between any two people rather than between one man and one woman, as state law currently allows. The House had passed the bill Tuesday. (source)

Mad River to host Triumphant Pride

I am happy to announce Nightlifegay.com's Triumphant Pride location for 2009 will be Mad River! Philadelphia's Gay Pride parade and festival takes place on June 14th and ends at Penn's Landing. After the festival, stop by Mad River, which is only a few steps away at 126 Chestnut Street, for Philly's best gay pride party from 4-8pm! The party is free with your first drink (pay $4 - get $4 off your first drink) and always features great food and music. More details on the event will be released soon.

Greece's two gay marriages annulled

A Greek court annulled the nation's only two same-sex marriages, officials said yesterday, following a backlash from the government and the Orthodox Church. One bishop called them weddings of "humanoid couples".

The couples – one male, one female – exploited a law that does not specify gender in civil unions. They were married last June by the mayor of Tilos. (source)

Congress could undo DC gay marriage vote

Washington D.C.'s council voted to recognize other state's gay marriage laws in D.C. - the mayor of D.C. still needs to sign the bill. However, after the mayor signs the bill, Congress has up to 30 days to block the law. Openly gay U.S. Representative Barney Frank thinks it is unlikely Congress would vote on the matter.

Maine's House approves gay marriage

The Maine House today approved a same-sex marriage bill. The bill faces one more vote each in the House and Senate. It's also unclear whether Democratic Governor John Baldacci will sign the bill.

D.C. recognizes gay marriage from other states

Washington D.C. City Council voted to recognize same-sex marriages from states that allow those unions. Mayor Adrian Fenty talks to News 8 about the decision....check it out.

Joe the Plumber on Queers

Samuel Wurzelbacher, better know as "Joe the Plumber", was recently interviewed by Christianity Today when he was asked the following question.
In the last month, same-sex marriage has become legal in Iowa and Vermont. What do you think about same-sex marriage at a state level?

At a state level, it's up to them. I don't want it to be a federal thing. I personally still think it's wrong. People don't understand the dictionary—it's called queer. Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that. You know, God is pretty explicit in what we're supposed to do—what man and woman are for. Now, at the same time, we're supposed to love everybody and accept people, and preach against the sins. I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they're people, and they're going to do their thing.

It is sad to see religious folks defend a sinking ship....

Obama changes on "Don't ask, Don't Tell"...again

Rachel Maddow gives us the run-down on Obama's changing view on "Don't ask, Don't tell"...check it out.

2009 Tony Award Nominations Announced This Morning

“Billy Elliot,” dominated the 2009 Tony Award nominations Tuesday, picking up 15, more than any other show.

Based on the popular British movie, the show about a coal miner’s son who dreams of becoming a dancer, will compete for best musical against “Next to Normal,” “Rock of Ages” and “Shrek The Musical.”

Best-play nominations went to “God of Carnage,” “Dividing the Estate,” “reasons to be pretty” and “33 Variations.”

“Next to Normal,” a heartfelt musical about a woman battling mental illness, received 11 nominations, while “Shrek” and the revival of “Hair” tied with eight each.

Winners will be announced June 7 at Radio City Music Hall. Visit www.tonyawards.com for a complete list of nominees!

Pink is Bi

Pink has finally confessed that she is a bisexual. After years of dodging the question, the singer told News of the World the following:

"I'm not embarrassed about being bisexual. This is who I am. Love is pure and I try to keep it that way," Pink told the newspaper.

The star, real name Alecia Moore, married motocross champ Carey Hart in 2006, but split in 2008, only to recently reconcile with the sports star earlier this year but she claims she would be equally happy to be with a woman.

"I would also be just as happy with a new woman. I'm not complicated, I sing about love in all its shapes, forms and colours," she added.

LOVE HER!!

"Outrage" centers on closeted politicians

CNN's Don Lemon talked to film director Kirby Dick about his new film "Outrage". The film "outs" politicians who craft anti-gay legislation and exposes their hypocrisy. Check it out.


The movie trailer for Outrage:

Rain dampens Sunday Out & National Equality Rally

A rainy day hindered the turnout for Equality Forum's Sunday Out street festival and the National Equality Rally in front of Independence hall. Although turnout was low, Equality Forum's Excecutive Director Malcolm Lazin gave a great speech on the state of the military. Check it out.

Tonight make it a 101 night!

After Sunday Out in Old City Philadelphia, be sure to stop out at 101. The party begins at 7pm with FREE admission until 8pm and $3 drinks till 9pm. Dj Robbie Tronco spins in the dance hall with bartenders John and Scott.
ONE - 19th & Sansom Streets - Philadelphia

Equality Forum honors Gavin Newsom

Equality Forum held its annual International Equality Dinner last night at the National Constitution Center. Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco was honored with the 14th annual International Role Model Award and The New York Times Company with the 7th annual International Business Leadership Award. Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, the Honorary Dinner Chair, told the crowd they must "keep moving" toward equality. Check out these photos of the event.

E.F.'s Malcolm Lazin, Gavin Newsom, Temple's Dr. Deborah Blair and friend

PA Governor Ed Rendell

Equality Forum's Exec. Dir. Malcolm Lazin & Temple's Gregg DeShields


Canadians: Nelson Tome (Out TV), John Kenyon (Proud FM) & Bruce Yelk

Jeff Guaracion & Matt Skallerud

Judge Dan Anders & Bruce Yelk

Is America Ready for the First Gay 'Idol'?

Since Adam Lambert burst into living rooms across America as arguably the most talented and innovative 'American Idol' contestant ever, increasing attention has been paid to his sexual orientation.  His theatrics on stage and recent photos of him in drag off stage have fueled the debate.  When asked about his sexuality, he's been open and honest, clearly saying, "I have nothing to hide.  I am who I am."  

I think it's about time for an openly gay pop star in the US - a role Adam would certainly fill if he wins the competition.  Openly gay, gender-bending and sexually ambiguous musicians have been embraced by all sectors of society for decades (Elton John, George Michael, Boy George, Freddie Mercury, and Prince to name a few of the most notable).  Music, much more so than other types of entertainment, is often ahead of the curve with regards to the sexuality of its performers.

Provided that Adam remains in the competition through the finals, the media will likely pose more questions about his sexuality.  Since 'American Idol' is voted on by the viewers and Adam is clearly the best contestant, how he fares in the coming weeks will be an interesting litmus test of whether the U.S. is ready to embrace a young, openly gay pop star.  It's especially interesting against the backdrop of marriage equality legislation and debates in cities and states throughout the country.

I, for one, am rooting and voting for Adam.  I think you should too.

Out TV shoots Philly's Italian Market

Out TV personality Nelson Tome and crew visited the Philly's Italian Market yesterday, where they filmed at Center City Pretzels, Giordano Produce, and DeBruno Brothers. The crew is in town for Equality Forum and a general Philadelphia travel piece. Check out these photos.

Lady GaGa Concert

Lady Gaga mania rolled into Philadelphia last night at the Electric Factory. Brian Goldthorpe was on the scene for Nightlifegay.com and took these photos of the show and some of you! Check it out.

Wanda Sykes performs two shows for True Colors

Cyndi Lauper's True Colors organization is excited to announce that it will be presenting Wanda Sykes as she performs two incredible evenings of comedy in support of GLBT equality this summer. The shows will take place Saturday, July 11th at the Austin Music Hall in Austin, TX and Sunday, July 12th at the Nokia Theatre in Dallas, TX. More information to come on the 2009 True Colors Tour and these shows soon on TrueColorsTour.com.

Lady GaGa in Philly tonight!

Queens throughout Philadelphia are beside themselves today as Lady Gaga hits the stage tonight at the Electric Factory! In honor of the Gaga, here is her current hit Poker Face.

Click here for more information on Lady Gaga and her current tour.

Proud FM covering Equality Forum

John Kenyon from Proud FM (Toronto) is in Philadelphia to cover Equality Forum as well. John arrived yesterday and has already been on the air with updates on his visit.

Proud FM is Canada's largest GLBT radio station and boasts over 80,000 listeners daily.

Canada's Out TV in Philly

The Canadian gay television network OutTV is in town shooting footage for an upcoming Philadelphia show to air in Canada. While in Philadelphia, Out TV will cover Equality Forum along with some general Philadelphia travel pieces. Tonight, filming will take place in Old City for First Friday. After Old City, the crew will travel up to the Gayborhood to shoot some of your favorite Philly bars - including Woody's, Tavern on Camac and Bump.

Prejean goes to Washington

The Washington Blade shot this footage of Carrie Prejean's visit to Washington, D.C. yesterday. Prejean has become the modern day Anita Bryant, who crusaded against homosexuality in the 70's. Check it out.

NOM's new commercial featuring Miss California

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) released this commercial featuring opposite sex marriage savor Carrie Prejean....or at least they hope. Check it out.