Gay Men Publicly Flogged in Pakistan

Live Leak posted this video of the Pakistani police publicly flogging several gay men in the streets of Punjab. This is beyond insulting!

Thankfully, we do not get flogged in the United States. However, intolerance like this are why the gay community in the United States should not be so complacent on civil rights issues. We deserve the same rights as every other citizen of this country regardless of some one's personal or religious views. Politicians need to be held accountable - lets in force separation of church and state - which would eliminate many of our problems here in the states.

Issues like paid health care for all, while important, should not be at the forefront in this country until everyone is treated equally....gays included. Stand-up, be counted, be heard!

PGMC holiday concerts sell out

The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus produced two holiday shows on Friday and Saturday - both to sell-out crowds. Here are a few photos from the Friday night event.

ABC changes mind - books Lambert on The View

It looks like ABC has decided that they do want Adam Lambert on their network. After canceling him on Good Morning America because of his American Music Awards performance, the network has done a 180 and booked him on The View.

"ABC has taken a step towards fairness by inviting Adam Lambert to perform on The View," Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), told Usmagazine.com in a statement. "GLAAD has been advocating against the double standards that have been applied to Lambert as an openly gay performer. We thank community members and allies for voicing their concerns with ABC so that entertainers like Adam have the opportunity to be broadcast into living rooms across America."

Looks like GLAAD had to back-pedal as well after supporting ABC's decision...Adam's appearance on The View is set for December 10th.

Acceptance BBQ to counter Westboro Baptist Church at Penn

The Westboro Baptist Church is planing a protest out at the University of Pennsylvania today around noon. If you are not familiar with this church, it is the same hateful group that always protests gay events and funerals for solders who had just died in service abroad - holding signs that state "God hates fags" and Thank god for IEDs."

The students at Penn want to have so many people with such a positive energy that it completely drowns out the hate and negativity going on 30 feet to the North. The group will have no interaction with the members of the church, simply a get together, enjoy some free burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs and have fun.

The idea is to stay composed and share the love! The BBQ will be held at 225 S. 39th Street - Philadelphia.

Glee star on Chelsea Lately

Chelsea Handler interviewed Glee's Chris Colfer last night on Chelsea Lately. Handler praise Chris for his openness of being out and in the process poked fun of Tom Cruise. Check it out.

Tappy Holidays on December 11th

Join the folks at the Traverse Theater and organist Desiree Hines on December 11th for a special holiday show.....and you can sing along! More information at TraverseTheater.org

GLAAD backs ABC - Lambert on his own

After speaking with ABC “several times”, over the network's decision to cancel Adam Lambert appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Dick Clark’s ‘New Year's Rockin' Eve", the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is backing ABC.

GLAAD said it was concerned that Lambert was being held to a “double standard,” after he his sexual American Music Awards appearance, which included simulated oral sex.

“It would appear that the kiss between Adam Lambert and his keyboardist did not factor into ABC’s decision,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios.

ABC said in a statement that that it was the fact that Lambert changed his on-air AMA performance from what he did in rehearsal, and not his “sexual orientation” that prompted concerns.

So he changed his performance - what is the big deal? The performance on the AMA's was not that racy.

New Jersey to vote on gay marriage

A bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey will be posted for a vote next week.

Sen. Ray Lesniak, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says the bill is scheduled to go before that committee on Monday and will be voted on by the full Senate next Thursday.

Garden State lawmakers who support the idea have been reluctant to post the bill for a vote unless they were fairly certain it would pass. Both houses of the Legislature must pass it before it goes to the governor.

Outgoing Gov. Jon Corzine has said he would sign a gay-marriage bill into law. His replacement, Gov.-elect Chris Christie, takes office next month and says he would veto it.

New Jersey currently has a civil unions law. (ap)

253 toys collected at Wayne's 2009 Toy Drive

Thank you to everyone who came out to last night's toy drive. Through the good will of everyone involved, 253 toys were collected for the children served by the AIDS Coalition of South Jersey!

Cleopatra Exhibit to Make World Premiere in Philadelphia

The world of Cleopatra, which has been lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years, will surface in a new exhibition, “Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt,” making its world premiere on June 5, 2010 and run through January 2, 2011 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), the exhibition will feature more than 250 artifacts, and take visitors inside the present-day search for Cleopatra, which extends from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria.

Cleopatra, the last great pharaoh of Egypt before it succumbed to Roman opposition, lived from 69 – 30 B.C., and her rule was marked with political intrigue and challenges to her throne. She captivated two of the most powerful men of her day, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, as she attempted to restore Egypt to its former superpower status. Later, her Roman conquerors tried to rewrite her history and destroy all traces of her existence. Although her body has never been found, her story survives.

Photos: Christoph Gerigk

Stanford Coach Caught Using Multiple F Words

Staford coach Jim Harbaugh looks like he has some apologizing to do. Harbaugh was caught, by a You Tuber, yelling at a referee over a play in Saturday's game against Notre Dame. The coach used almost every bad word imaginable, including faggot....check back on this one.

Gayest Toy of the Season

So far, this is the gayest toy I have seen this season! I haven't seen High School Musical 3 - were the guys in kilts? This particular doll will be one among hundreds donated at Wayne's 11th Annual Toy Drive taking place at Smile Happy Hour tonight from 6-8pm at Tavern on Camac (243 S. Camac St. - Phila.).

For those still looking for Lady Gaga tickets for tonight's Philadelphia show, stop by Smile before 7pm, with a toy, for your chance to win the tickets.

Daryl La Fountain announces run in PA's 175th district

Out candidate, Daryl La Fountain, announced he will run in the springs primary for Pennsylvania's 175th Legislative District. That district takes in Philadelphia's waterfront, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Bella Vista, Queen Village and surrounding areas. Daryl will face incumbent, Democrat Michael O'Brien, who is in his second term.

There was a great story in yesterday's Philadelphia Daily News about his run for office - click here to read it.

Gay marriage defeated in NY

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers, a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

"It's just a huge win," said Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage. "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey, and I think it's going to get a whole bunch of politicians in New Hampshire who voted for gay marriage this year pretty nervous when they come up for election."

Richard Socarides, who was former President Bill Clinton's senior adviser on gay rights issues, called New York "clearly the biggest prize in this effort."

"Not only will it affect a lot of people because New York is a big state," he said, "but symbolically New York is the country's leader in finance, the arts and culture. It's a bellwether for the country."

Across the Hudson River, New Jersey was watching.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First, which opposes gay marriage.

He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

But Steven Goldstein, CEO of Garden State Equality, countered that the demographics of New York and New Jersey are very different.

"If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen," he said. (ap)

Win Lady Gaga Tickets For Camden Show

Need tickets to the Lady Gaga concert tomorrow night at Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, New Jersey? If so, stop by Tavern on Camac (243 S. Camac St - Phila.) for Nightlifegay.com's monthly Smile Happy Hour + Wayne's 2009 Toy Drive between 6-7pm. When you arrive, you must bring a toy and enter your name into the Lady Gaga drawling for a pair of tickets to the show. At 7pm, Nightlifegay.com will draw one lucky name for the tickets.

It only takes 15 minutes to get from center city Philadelphia to the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden. Kid Cudi will open the show at 7:30pm, so, you have plenty of time to catch the GaGa.

Wayne's Toy Drive benefits the children served by the AIDS Coalition of South Jersey.

Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Concert this Weekend

The Philadelphia Gay Mens Chorus is gearing up for “A Vintage Holiday” with some of the best-loved holiday songs on Friday and Saturday nights. The group will take a look back at that time when color TVs were brand new and there were only three channels! Remember when there was nothing but Christmas specials....

Among the works on the program are traditional carols, including “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”; modern classics such as “Do You Hear What I Hear?”; three traditional Chanukah songs; a standard of the season, “Gloria,” in a sophisticated new composition by Randol Alan Bass; and a chance for you to sing along with the Chorus to some holiday favorites.

In the main event, ther concert is on TV. It’s the premiere of “A Very Special Christmas Special,” written for the Chorus by playwright Eric Lane Barnes and arranged by David Maddux. In this takeoff on “The Drowsy Chaperone,” our guide takes you through some of the best – and one of the worst – Christmas TV specials of all time. You’ll meet the Muppets and John Denver performing the “Twelve Days of Christmas”; the Snow Miser and Heat Miser from “The Year Without a Santa Claus” will strut across the stage; the “Dynasty” duo of Alexis and Krystal turn Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus into a catfight; the crew from “Star Wars” is Force-fitted into the holiday mold, and much more.

Between our Christmas TV celebration and our celebration of classic holiday music, there’s something sure to please everyone at “A Vintage Holiday.” Tickets are available at Giovanni’s Room (12th and Pine Streets), PHAG (1225 Walnut Street), or online at PGMC.org.

Evan Low youngest gay mayor in the nation

Evan Low is 26-years-old, gay and Asian American, making him the nation’s youngest openly gay mayor. The city of Campbell, California swore in a new mayor Tuesday night. He has been service on the Campbell City Council for the past three years.

“Being young, some people might say there's not enough experience," Low told KTVU before his swearing in. "Being Asian, certainly, I think that's a positive being culturally diverse. And being a member of the LGBT community, adversity builds character.”

NY House approves gay marriage - up to Senate now

For the third time in two years, the New York State Assembly has passed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. The final vote of 86-51, announced at 12:39 a.m. Wednesday, met with a round of applause inside the ornate Assembly chamber. Though Governor David Paterson has vowed to sign a marriage equality bill into law, the legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

Ski Bums off to Killington in February

Every winter the gay & Lesbian ski group, SKI BUMS plans a trip to some resort in Vermont. These weekends have become famous for a few things: One, it's the chance to spend three uninterrupted days of skiing and boarding -- an escape to the mountains that easily makes you forget the city. And two, the opportunity to get to know people in a way that you just can't when you're simply hanging out at a bar.

For 2010, the Bums are off to Killington (the East Coast's largest ski resort) from February 4th through 7th. If you are into skiing and getting away, this is a great group to go spend a weekend with. Below is the itineary for the weekend.

Thursday, February 4

•Travel day: see Transportation" for more information. Participants should be plan to be in Killington by 5:00 PM, which means that if you're in NYC, you should be ready to leave the city by noon.
•Evening: meet & greet welcome party, info distribution and lift ticket distribution. We'll get started around 8:00 PM.

Friday, February 5

•Early morning group photo, followed by our skill level grouping. We'll then break into smaller groups to explore the mountain!
•Lunch and Après-ski meet ups
•Group dinner (provided) and private party at the Wobbly Barn, which is undeniably the SKI BUMS most favorite bar of any ski resort... anywhere. Yeah.

Saturday, February 6

•Morning meet up to ski and ride Killington
•Lunch and Après-ski meet ups
•Evening 'cook out' in the condos, where the BUMS invite one another over for home-cooked meals. It's a tradition. :)
•Late night party at a local bar in Killington

Sunday, February 7

•Morning re-connect with your carpool to pack up, clean out the condos, etc.
•Ski and ride at Killington
•Late lunch / early après-ski to connect with your carpool and head home
*this itinerary is just an outline and is subject to change; our participants will receive a detailed itinerary at check-in.

Family Ties' Meredith Baxter comes out on Today Show

Surprise, Surprise, Michael Keaton's mom is a lesbian! Meredith Baxter, who played Elyse Keaton on Family Ties, came out in a exclusive appearance on the Today Show this morning.

In 2009 the The National Enquirer published a piece, later picked up by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton that Baxter was seen on a lesbian cruise with a female friend... leading many to speculate if she would announce her sexuality as lesbian in the near future or simply enjoying the cruise as a platonic straight friend.

That day came today...

ActionAIDS to launch new advertising campaign

Pennsylvania's largest AIDS service organization, ActionAIDS, is rolling out a new advertising campaign. It will be the largest campaign the organization has released since the early-90s.

"The World Health Organization recently announced that AIDS is now the No. 1
killer of women between the ages of 18 and 44. That's alarming enough, but
then you look at how the disease is destroying the lives of our neighbors
right here in Philadelphia. The HIV infection rate in Philadelphia is five
times the national infection rate," said Kevin Burns, LCSW, ActionAIDS'
executive director.

Burns and his team realized it was time to take action. And in a big way.

So over the last few months, they worked with a team of volunteers, patients
(or clients) and their families to create the organization's largest
advertising campaign since "Friends for Life" was introduced in the
early-90s.

The result is an effort slated to run at least six months, built around the
tagline "Take Action." ActionAIDS will unveil the new campaign to the public
on Tuesday afternoon using social media tool Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ActionAIDS). A link to a new poster will be sent
every 15 minutes beginning at Noon EST. The final tweet, at 5:15 pm, will
coincide with the organization's press conference and reception at
SumoLounge in Center City Philadelphia.

"Someone dies from AIDS-related complications every 15 minutes in the United
States," said Burns. "It will take us just over five hours to release the
entire campaign online - and during that time, more than 20 men, women and
children will lose their battle with the disease. This is one way for us to
remember them."

Clinton, Sebelius, and Jarrett discuss HIV/AIDS

Yesterday, on the eve of World AIDS Day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett, and other officials discuss the progress the Obama Administration has made in combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad. Check it out.

Banning Divorce

Orthodox Jews looking to be taxed over gay marriage

The leaders in the local large Orthodox Jewish community go to great lengths to keep out the outside world, discouraging nonbusiness use of the Internet and encouraging strict filters to keep the ungodly out when members must use the Web.

But last month, several rabbis and other elders did something astounding for them: They took a public stand on a political issue, declaring their opposition to same-sex marriage in the state.

"This really hurts us," said Rabbi Osher Lieberman, a key figure in the community in the suburbs about 30 miles east of Trenton. "To say (it's) immoral is not enough."

He said community members are being encouraged to do whatever they can to make sure lawmakers don't vote to recognize gay marriage.

In a state that leans a bit left, the conservative rabbis are one of a handful of groups taking a passionate — and maybe surprising — role in a debate that's likely to be decided by January. The newly political rabbis have joined a coalition including Roman Catholic bishops, evangelicals and some black and Latino leaders.

The other side of the debate, anchored by a well-organized, well-connected gay rights group, is getting a boost from heterosexual liberals.

When Republican Chris Christie unseated Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine in the gubernatorial election last month, it gave gay-rights activists more urgency to try to achieve their long-held goal of getting a same-sex marriage bill through the Legislature before Christie takes office Jan. 19.

The reason is simple: Corzine supports the bill. Christie says he would veto it. (ap)

Note to IRS: Looks like it is time to tax the this community.

World AIDS Day with Alicia Keys

In recognition of World AIDS Day, Alicia Keys and American Express are bringing fans together for a special charity concert, “ALICIA KEYS Live! One night. One voice. One life at a time.” at 8 pm EST on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at New York City’s Nokia Theater. The performance will be recorded and streamed live via YouTube on the official Alicia Keys’ You Tube Channel, www.youtube.com/aliciakeysSME, so fans across the globe can also participate in this unique experience and donate to Keep A Child Alive.