Tim Gunn Shares his Story in Support of Gay Youth

Since he first appeared in homes across America on Project Runway, Tim Gunn has evolved into one of the most influential and philanthropic OUT celebrities in the world. Clearly a dedicated, hard-working, and respected leader in the fashion world, Gunn speaks eloquently about his sexuality. He maintains a balance that's critical to being heard by mainstream America - meaning he's open and understanding of different viewpoints, while also being steadfast and unwavering in his support of the gay community. He has the ability to put issues and events affecting gays and lesbians into terms that are accessible and easy to understand. That ability has made him a powerful advocate in our ongoing quest for equal rights.

It comes as no surprise that in the wake of recent gay teen suicides that Gunn has spoken out, offering words of wisdom and comfort. In a PSA recorded by The Trevor Project for their "It Gets Better" campaign, Gunn reveals that he had similar struggles as a gay teen. At age 17, he attempted suicide, but insists that teens in similar situations need to know they are not alone. Gunn encourages anyone who is struggling with sexual or gender identity to "reach out and get help." His video is touching, and I have no doubt that it will comfort many teens (and adults, for that matter) who are brave enough to come out. For more information on The Trevor Project, visit www.thetrevorproject.org.

Philadelphia vigil for recent teen suicide victims

Equality Forum announced it will hold a vigil for Tyler Clementi and the rash of recent teen suicide victims on Sunday. Below are the details.

When: Sunday, October 10th from 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Where: William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia

Tyler Clementi, 18, Rutgers University freshman and accomplished violinist
Justin Aaberg, 15, Anoka, Minnesota freshman and talented cello player
Asher Brown, 13, Houston, Texas eighth-grader and straight A student
Raymond Chase, 19, Johnson & Wales University sophomore and culinary student
Billy Lucas, 15, Greensburg, Indiana sophomore and animal lover
Seth Walsh, 13, Fresno, California middle school student, artist and fashion aficionado

The program will include Susan Wheeler, a Lebanon, Pennsylvania mother who lost her teenage son Jim to suicide after he was harassed and urinated on at his high school. Jim Wheeler's story is the subject of the award-winning documentary film, "JIM IN BOLD."

Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus members will perform.

New PINK Video to Celebrate Same Sex Weddings

The new video for the first single off of Pink's upcoming "Greatest Hits...So Far" album, "Raise Your Glass," will include scenes that celebrate a gay wedding. Her inspiration for the video came from personal experience. Pink's best friend is a lesbian and Pink hosted her wedding in her back yard, calling it "absolutely beautiful." Pink says the song is about empowerment, being the underdog, and about celebrating who we are as individuals. As with everything she does, I'm sure it will be brilliant!!!

Surprise Party!

How cute is this video!

John Blair & Out NYC reveal plans to revive NY's failing nightlife

It has been some time since the golden age of mega clubs in New York like Studio 54, Club USA, Limelight, Palladium, Tunnel, and Roxy. Well, promoter John Blair and Ian Reisner plan to revive New York City's gay scene with the creation of the Out NYC. The complex includes a hetero-friendly hotel, spa, gym and Blair's new XL Dance Bar. Check out their newly released video explaining their vision.

Rainbow Flag Flies Over Philly's City Hall

And it waves! Yesterday's rainbow flag raising ceremony at Philadelphia's City Hall drew about 300 people to share in the historic occasion. Mayor Michael Nutter lead the charge along with LGBT Affairs Director Gloria Casarez. Others attending the event included Malcom Lazin (Equality Forum), Mark Segal (PGN), Jeff Guaracino (GPTMC), Tami Sortman (PGTC), Steve McCann (Phillygaycalendar) and Thom Cardwell (QFest) to name a few. The below photos were taken by Karen Cornell.

Phillies Win First Playoff Game: Halladay is AMAZING

Due in very large part to a no-hitter tossed by star pitcher Roy Halladay, the Philadelphia Phillies took a 1-0 lead in their divisional playoff series with the Cincinnati Reds.  The Phils won by a final score of 4-0 with Halladay showing the control and consistency that makes him arguably the league's best starting pitcher.  To put his achievement in proper perspective - only one other no-hitter has been recorded in the entire history of the playoffs.  Congrats to the Phillies on maintaining their momentum from the regular season!  Can't wait until Game 2 on Friday!!!  

New study finds: People are moving into Philadelphia

A new analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative finds that the number of people moving into the city of Philadelphia has increased steadily in recent years, rising at a faster rate than the number of people moving out.

To be sure, more people still are leaving the city than are arriving; that has been the case in each of the 16 years for which data was analyzed (1993 to 2008, the last year available). But the net outflow to the suburbs and elsewhere has been decreasing in recent years, from a peak of 20,284 in 1995 to 9,846 in 2008. This has reduced the magnitude of a six-decade-old trend that was at the heart of the city’s long-term population decline.

The report, Destination Philadelphia: Tracking the City’s Migration Trends, is based on data compiled by the Internal Revenue Service, which tracks year-to-year address changes by individuals who file tax returns.

Among the other findings of the analysis are these:

· The net outflow from Philadelphia to the four Pennsylvania suburban counties—Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery—was lower in 2008 than in any of the years studied, dropping to 7,352 from a peak of 12,595 in 1999, a decline of 42 percent.

· The drop in the net outflow from Philadelphia to the three suburban New Jersey counties—Burlington, Camden and Gloucester—was even more pronounced than for the Pennsylvania suburban counties. From its recent peak of 4,029 in 2002, the net outflow to South Jersey fell to 1,031 in 2008, down 74 percent. The movement of people from Philadelphia to those counties in 2008 was the lowest in the period studied, and the movement into the city was the highest.

· Migration from New York City to Philadelphia more than doubled during the period, from 1,332 in 1993 to 3,100 in 2008, thereby supporting the notion that Philadelphia has become a haven for some New Yorkers priced out of that city. But the flow in the opposite direction increased sharply during the past few years, reducing the net in-flow from New York to only 212 in 2008.

Read the complete report here.

"Nightlifegay.com Presents" debuts in Philadelphia Weekly

It's a big day for Nightlifegay.com. Today is the debut our new monthly column "Nightlifegay.com Presents" by Brian Goldthorpe in the Philadelphia Weekly.

The social gap between gay and straight people has narrowed rapidly over the past several years. In Philly, increasingly mixed groups of people frequent The Gayborhood to participate in what used to be “exclusively” gay events, promotions, and parties. To support this trend of social integration, “Nightlifegay.com Presents” provides Weekly readers with a monthly preview of Philly’s upcoming gay events – focusing on those with a great deal of significance and appeal.

Here is a link to the online version, but make sure to pickup a print edition at one of the honor boxes around Center City.

City Hall Flag Raising Details

As reported earlier, today is the first time ther rainbow flag will fly next to a Philadelphia municipal flag in the city's history. Mayor Michael Nutter will raise the rainbow flag over Philadelphia's City Hall at 1:45 p.m. The schedule of events is below.

Program – begins promptly at 1:45PM

• Welcome – Gloria Casarez, City of Philadelphia – Office of LGBT Affairs

• Remarks and moment of silence – Rev. Jeffrey Jordan, Metropolitan Community Church

• Vocal presentation – Philadelphia Voices of Pride

• Remarks – Rue Landau, City of Philadelphia – Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

• Brief announcements from:
- Elements Organization – 2nd Annual Womyn of Color Conference
- Equality Forum – GLBT History Month Icons Project
- LGBT Elder Initiative – LGBT Elder Summit
- Philly Pride Presents – National Coming Out Day / Outfest
- Philadelphia Gay News – LGBT History Month series

• Remarks – Mayor Michael Nutter, City of Philadelphia

• Vocal presentation and flag raising - Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus (national anthem)

• Closing musical presentation – Philadelphia Freedom Band

New Nominee for the Douchebag Hall of Fame

It's getting awfully crowded at the top of the anti-gay leadership pyramid. The latest jackhole to join the likes of 50 cent, Pat Robertson, and Eddie Long is Mormon leader Boyd Packer. Though I'm just learning about him, he's got a long history of virulent anti-gay rhetoric. While he stops short of encouraging violence against the gay community, Packer truly believes that gays and lesbians are inferior to heterosexuals. Despite being a religious leader, he doesn't seem to care at all that his words contribute to the increase in anti-gay hate that we've faced over the last several weeks. Clear some room in the center of your dart board for Boyd Packer!!!

Man bashed in NYC's famed Stonewall Inn

Two Staten Island men are accused of bashing Benjamin Carver at NYC's famed Stonewall Inn on Sunday. Carver, from Washington D.C., fought back and was able to identified Matthew Francis, 21, and Christopher Orlando, 17, as two involved.

Carver wrote on his Facebook page: "I'm at the hospital in new york. Got gay bashed while peeing in the bathroom at stonewall bar, where the gay rights movement began. Ironic, right? Guys wanted money...." and later: "Just met with detectives to identify the other guy who gay bashed me. New York, I still love you."

Sad story but I think Ben is going to get a lot of attention....he is cute!

Margaret Cho talks gay suicide on "Dancing with the Stars"

Margaret Cho danced in a rainbow dress last night on Dancing with the Stars. When asked about her performance she made the following statement to the judges: "The story is about having pride while people's criticizing you" - which was strangely booed.

Backstage she said: "Our story is serious," she concluded. "We wanted to celebrate pride. It's a tough time for the gay community. A lot of gay teenagers have committed suicide, so we want this to end now!"

Check it out around the 4 minute mark.

Cyndi Lauper speaks-up too

Cyndi Lauper is also speaking-up on the recent suicides of four young men as a result of bullying and harassment for being gay or being perceived to be gay. Check out what Cyndi has to say on the subject.

It is time that we all get involved and bring an end to this epidemic. To learn more please visit www.wegiveadamn.org.

If you are a young person and you are feeling alone please call The Trevor Project Helpline at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR. They have people who you can talk to and that can help you.

Gay sky-diving instructor fired for touching woman IN THE AIR

WOW! The strange, bizarre, and troubling gay-related stories keep coming. It looks like this week will continue the mainstream media trend from last week, but we hope to find more support for the gay community, and fewer tragic stories of abuse, bullying, and suicide.

For the moment however, I'm totally in shock at this latest report.

In Long Island on June 18th, a novice female sky-diver executed a tandem jump with an openly gay male instructor, 40-year old Donald Zarda. Following the jump, the woman claimed that during the free fall, the instructor touched her breast. She filed an official complaint, explaining that she felt violated. Zarda explained that he is openly gay, that he did nothing inappropriate, and that during the process of falling, bodies touch because they are strapped together so closely - in the interest of safety. Despite Zarda's spotless professional record, he was fired as a direct result of this complaint.

Is it just me, or is this crazy? The fact that Zarda's employer chose to fire him, instead of back him up to minimize their liability, is just disturbing. I smell a "wrongful termination" lawsuit! Best of luck to Zarda in figuring out how to move forward.

Andy Cohen lends support to "It Gets Better" campaign

Andy Cohen joins in on the "It Gets Better" campaign. On Sept. 23, columnist Dan Savage launched the “It Gets Better” campaign, which features videos of men and women talking about their experiences as gay people and promising that it truely does get better with age. Check out Andy's message.

Bloomberg says "I Do" to NY marriage equality

New York's Mayor Mike Bloomberg has joined such celebrites as Julian Moore in the "New Yorkers For Marriage Equality" campagin. Check it out.

Do you want to strip your way into a movie?

So do you want to play a stripper in a movie? Fred M. Caruso the director who brought THE BIG GAY MUSICAL and YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL, is making GO-GO CRAZY, his first “mockumentary” in Philadelphia.

The mockumentary centers upon the five hot male dance contestants and just how far they are willing to go to win the top prize of a cool $1,000 in cash—that’s where the tricks, the sex, the antics, the nastiness, the fun comes in.

Prior to the actual shooting of GO-GO CRAZY, Caruso and Thom Cardwell (Q Fest) will host an “amateur go go boy contest” before a live audience at 9 p. m., at Woody’s (13th & Walnut Sts.), Saturday, October 9. Contestants are invited to participate for free and should bring a portfolio and resume with them if possible.

“The winner of the contest will be given a role in the mockumentary,” boasted Caruso.

Half Dollar Defends Anti-Gay Tweet

Though rapper 50 cent (aka, Half Dollar), hasn't produced a hit record in quite some time, he's edging closer to a very different mark of distinction: Biggest Enemy of the Gay Community. With the likes of Fred Phelps, Pat Robertson, and Jeremiah Wright, Half Dollar has a lot of competition, but his recent comments promoting suicide for gay men - and his subsequent defense of those comments - are catapulting him to the top of the LGBT Hall of Shame. After being criticized for his homophobic tweets, Half Dollar said the gay community is too sensitive and twisted his comment around. Here's his absurd explanation:

"The other night I made a joke about a blow job. My male followers enjoyed it. So I then went on to joke about women receiving the same. Somehow they turned a simple joke oral sex into an anti-gay statement. I have nothing against people who choose an alternative lifestyle; in fact I've publicly stated my mum loved women. It's funny how people think negative statements are newsworthy but positive statements are not worthy of coverage," he added.

Let's be clear that his comments were clearly and unequivocally anti-gay. I am so tired of homophobes claiming that because they may know someone who is gay, they couldn't possibly be anti-gay themselves. The very fact that he believes being gay is a "choice" illustrates his blatant misunderstanding of LGBT men and women. Half Dollar's unwillingness to take any responsibility for what was obviously a hateful comment made on the heels of multiple gay teen suicides last week is most disturbing of all!

What do you think of Half Dollar's most recent antics? Leave your comments below!!!

Rutgers holds vigil for Tyler Clementi

From the Daily Princetonian: Members of the LGBT Center organized a trip to New Brunswick on Sunday evening to take part in a vigil held for Tyler Clementi at Rutgers University.
Video by Omar Carillo '12.

Weekend Preview: Broadway Bound

Tomorrow night, local LGBT vocal group, the Philadelphia Voices of Pride, will take to the stage at Voyeur for their latest live performance – Broadway Bound. Hosted by drag personality, Cherry Cola, the group will perform a wide range of musical classics from shows, including The Little Mermaid, Westside Story, and Nine. Cover for the event is only $20, and guests are invited to stick around after the show to meet the performers and celebrate with dancing and cocktails (8 – 10 PM, Saturday, October 2nd at Voyeur Nightclub (1221 St. James St).

Weekend Preview: Mitchell Gold Book Signing

This evening, openly gay celebrity, design icon, and author Mitchell Gold is appearing at HOST Philadelphia Furniture and Home Décor in Old City for an exclusive party in celebration of his new book, The Comfortable Home. Gold co-authored the book with his business partner Bob Williams. Taking place in coordination with “First Friday” in Old City, this party is certain to bring out the “who’s who” of Philly’s LGBT political and style set. Gold will also sign his earlier book, 4o Stories Revealing the Personal, Social & Religious Pain & Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America (7 – 9 PM, Friday, October 1st at HOST Interiors - 205 Arch St).

Weekend Preview: Indigo Ball

The William Way Center is one of Philadelphia’s most outstanding LGBT service organizations. Each fall, staff and volunteers host the Indigo Ball – their annual fundraiser. This year’s gala is on Saturday, October 2nd at the Doubletree Hotel (237 South Broad Street). Though their educational, outreach, and support programs are designed for LGBT individuals, William Way is by no means exclusionary. With programs ranging from small business tutorials to substance abuse / dependence counseling, the William Way’s experts provide crucial information on issues that affect everyone, regardless of sexual identity. William Way’s diverse profile, and commitment to their mission, is worthy of everyone’s respect. If you’re looking for a new organization to support, look no further than the William Way Center. Indigo Ball is the perfect opportunity to give a little back and get to know this outstanding non-profit. Visit www.waygay.org for more information!

Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants

Is it real or was it staged?

Phanatic Auctions Raise over $250,000

Wow, the Phillies fans really do love the Phanatic! The auction, where fans could buy the life-size fiberglass Phanatics, was a huge success raising $251,152! The statues were displayed around Philadelphia all summer and went up for auction on September 24th and end yesterday. The money will go to Phillies Charities, Inc.

Permanet homes:
Mad Hatter at the Please Touch Museum, Liberty Bellie at the Independence Visitor Center, and the Phanatic Phans will be at Citizens Bank Park.

It's About Time!!!

From several instances of anti-gay bullying to 50 cent's homophobic Twitter rant, this past week may set a record for reprehensible and hate-filled acts directed towards members of the gay community.  But I've just learned that at least one of these "jackholes" is paying the consequences.

An aide for Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) was fired yesterday after posting "all gays must die" on a publicly-accessible blog.  Senate Sargeant at Arms Terry Gainer complete the investigation, and determined that the IP address where the comment originated was in Senator Chambliss's office. 

What kind of a moron posts something so blatantly homophobic and violent?  You were a public servant, and you received a salary funded by taxpayer dollars - many of whom happen to be gay.  This incident, along with every single anti-gay act that took place over the last week, is just unconscionable.  I hope more perpetrators of harassment, homophobia, and violence are held accountable for their behavior!

A-hole of the year goest to 50 Cent

This tweet from 50 Cent is beyond irresponsible and doesn't need any explanation. Record labels and venues should boycott any music or shows 50 Cent would like to produce or have. Do the right thing people!

Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Suspended over Anit-Gay Behavior

Justice is starting to be served in the case on Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shivrell. Shivrell has been suspended by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox after at first defending Shivell's right to free speech.

The case revolves around Shivrell’s cyber-harassment of openly gay University of Michigan student body president Chris Armstrong. To watch Anderson Cooper's truly disturbing report, which broke the case, click here.

"I'm at fault here," Cox said in the article. "I've been saying for weeks that (Shivrell's) been acting like a bully, that his behavior is immature, but it's after-hours and protected by the First Amendment."

Hopefully, after further review Shivrell will be fired.

Dancing Merengue Dog

With over 6 million hits since August, it is likely many of you have seen this but it is still entertaining and amazing just the same. The dog in this video is from Chile, her name is Carrie, and the owner's name is Jose Fuentes. There is a push to get Carrie on Dancing with the Stars. What do you think?