Tag Archives: February 2014

Dalai Lama says gay marriage is ‘OK’

In a rare interview, the Dalai Lama has said that he thinks same-sex marriage is “OK”, and voiced his disapproval at the bullying of LGBT people. Speaking to Larry King, in an interview which will air on 10 March, the Tibetan spiritual leader said he thought that it was “OK” for same-sex couples to marry, but went on to say that it was “an individual’s business”.

On whether same-sex marriage should be universally accepted, he said: ”That’s up to the country’s law,” he told King.

“I think [it’s] OK! I think that’s an individual’s business. If two people… really feel that way, it’s more practical, satisfaction, and both sides fully agree, then OK!”

Dalai Lama

 

Too cool for School, We Wish We’d Thought of This First – Vinyl Sleeves

Sleeveface is the bomb – well we think so. It an internet phenomenon which takes old vinyls and augment them with real life situations. This optical illusion,  results in funny pictures that now have been shared with the world online.

You might not have an old record player to listen to your vinyls on, but if you happen to acquire an old vinyl record, a camera of any kind and have a vivid imagination, you can become a part of Sleeveface as well.

 

Haunting Pictures Taken of Gay Men Imprisoned at Auschwitz

History never forgets and neither should we. Prison IDs of homosexual men charged with violating the German Criminal Code Paragraph 175 (§ 175)  taken at Auschwitz concentration camp.

All of the above inmates perished at either Auschwitz, or in other camps they were transferred to.

It is estimated that upwards of 15,000 gay men were charged and held prisoners in concentration camps; the majority of them did not survive.

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Watch Whoopi Goldberg Calls for Global Solidarity with LGBT Ugandans and Nigerians

Today, artist and humanitarian Whoopi Goldberg released a video with the Human Rights Campaign with a message for the presidents of Uganda and Nigeria, “you’re on the wrong side of history.”

“It isn’t right to imprison someone for who they are, for who they love.”

Whoopi Goldberg

In her message, Goldberg highlights the disturbing reality that members of LGBT NGOs “like the Human Rights Campaign” could now be subject to prison sentences in both Uganda and Nigeria. She also criticizes Ugandan and Nigerian officials for listening to the rhetoric of anti-LGBT hate mongers from the U.S. who have promoted these policies abroad.

“I’m asking people to show their solidarity. Share this – let people know what’s going on in the world because you can’t stand by.”

Whoopi Goldberg

 

Imagine if these Hot Ladies really did display these tattoos?

Have you ever wondered what an inked-up Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe might look like? HOT

Some of us love tattoos and some of us hate them, but Seattle-based artist Cheyenne Randall has come up with an interesting way of making them more popular – by Photoshopping them onto the skins of famous people throughout history.

Source: shoppedtattoos.tumblr.com (via)

Out of the archive – STUDS by Nick Knight

While surfing the internet this weekend I came across these beautiful STUDS and just had to share.

This series of shots featured in V Magazine and were taken by Nick Knight. Nodding to fashion’s ongoing preoccupation with pushing gender boundaries, ‘Studs’ was a series of nine unique photo studies.

Each explored the idea of a third gender, Simon Foxton and Bea Sweet recruit a range of subjects who refuse to comply with traditional notions of the sexes.

The portraits – each a study of unconventional beauty – are captured by Nick Knight in stills and fashion film.

This project is a celebration of femininity, even though it’s not what we understand to be female.

 

V Magazine

Photography – Nick Knight
Styling – Simon Foxton
Makeup – Bea Sweet
Hair – Lok Lau @ CLM
Nails – Mike Pocock @ Streeters
Makeup Assistance – Stephanie McLean
Models – Beau, Keedz, Rae, Chulo, Sirena, Teanna, Naechane, Jah, Chified

The UK has confirmed no aid will go to Ugandan Government

The Department for International Development has confirmed that the only aid money spent by Britain in Uganda will go to multilateral aid agencies and non-governmental organisations, rather than the Ugandan Government. This means the aid money is spent on helping the people of Uganda without funding the country’s legal and political system.

“We ended all budget support payments to the Ugandan government last year. The UK strongly opposes all discrimination on any grounds and Justine Greening has been clear that governments receiving UK aid need to meet a specific set of principles, including human rights.”

– DfID spokesman:

DfID confirmed that aid was cut to Uganda’s Government last year due to a corruption scandal, but reiterated that the human rights concerns raised by the Anti-Homosexuality Act would most likely deem it ineligible to receive aid.

Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands have also confirmed they will cut their aid to Uganda following the decision to sign the bill by Museveni.

The United States and Sweden have said they are now reviewing their relations with Uganda, following the President’s decision to sign anti-gay legislation. Also, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for an end to a political agreement with Uganda over the law.

 

Couples declare that “Love is Love” in gorgeous LGBT photo project

More than two years ago, a young woman was having head shots taken at Treft.Punkt, in Alaska. During her shoot, she asked the photographer, Shalem Matthew, about wedding engagement shoots.

“Do you photograph all kinds of people?” She asked.

Shalem was a bit confused. “I think we do,” he started. “What do you mean ‘all kinds of people’?”

“Like, do you photograph all kinds of couples?,” she clarified. “Like, an engagement with two women.” She explained that she had approached two other local photographers, and they turned her and her girlfriend down.

Shalem smiled, nodded: “Of course.”

The young woman had come to the perfect studio: Shalem owned Propaganda AK with his partner, Mitch Kitter.

This experience lit a spark for Shalem and Mitch, who found it disheartening that same-sex couples like the young woman were denied by photographers and told that their love is not worth documenting.

“Love is love – all love is equal,” Mitch thought, and quickly, he and Shalem began planning a new project – the “Love is Love” project, a photography exhibit and book featuring 28 same-sex couples from across Alaska.

The project officially launched in October 2012 with an exhibit in Anchorage, and soon, Mitch and Shalem will be embarking on a more expansive tour through the United States, arranging new photo shoots with other loving same-sex couples in the country, many of whom are still denied the freedom to marry.

“Love is Love” is not just a gorgeous photography project. It is not just a creative method of advocating for same-sex couples and their freedoms in Alaska. It is both of those things – but it is more than that: it is a beautiful celebration of love, an affirmation of people who have committed their lives to each other, a reminder that the nationwide discussion over the freedom to marry involves real people, a loud and strong and compelling and simple declaration: love is love.

Here, Freedom to Marry caught up with 10 of the Alaska couples who participated in Mitch and Shalem’s Love is Love project. Read their stories, and watch a video at the end of the post featuring more great families and their stories. Check out Love is Love’s official website, and follow the project on Facebook HERE.

Original Source – http://www.freedomtomarry.org/blog/entry/alaska-couples-show-the-world-that-love-is-love-in-gorgeous-photo-project

Sad times – Ugandan President has signed an anti-homosexuality bill

Post Update – Please visit www.allout.org and sign this petition 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed an anti-homosexuality bill that includes harsh penalties for homosexual sex.

The new law says that first-time offenders will be sentenced 14 years in jail. Offenders of “aggravated homosexuality” will receive a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Although the government officials applauded the bill’s signing and despite its apparent popularity among Ugandans, some European countries have threatened to cut aid to the country because of the bill.

The White House released the following statement..

Instead of standing on the side of freedom, justice, and equal rights for its people, today, regrettably, Ugandan President Museveni took Uganda a step backward by signing into law legislation criminalizing homosexuality. As President Obama has said, this law is more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda, it reflects poorly on the country’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people and will undermine public health, including efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. We will continue to urge the Ugandan government to repeal this abhorrent law and to advocate for the protection of the universal human rights of LGBT persons in Uganda and around the world.

We now wait to hear what other countries have to say about this

Some of the worlds most Powerful Political Figures get the Drag Treatment

Fantastic work from Saint HoaxWar Drags You Out is a photo series which takes the world’s most controversial leaders, past and present, and transforms them into drag queens. Why you ask, well Hoax realized the recipe for a great drag queen – fierce persona, defining outfits, and “one hell of a PR team” – was eerily similar to the makings of a powerful political figure. So now Hoax (a self-described POPlitical artist) focuses much of his work on “rewriting history through visual lies.”

“Just like drag queens, political leaders are expected to entertain, perform and occasionally lip-sync a public speech.”

You can see Saint Hoax’s complete collection here.

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Proud To Protest: SHOWstudio joins forces with Amnesty International

SHOWstudio video ‘Proud to Protest’ is the Fashion Community Support Russia’s LGBT Community. SHOWstudio and Gareth Pugh have joined forces with Amnesty International in their fight against the prejudice and violence directed towards Russia’s LGBT community. Nick Knight and Pugh asked the fashion industry to join the cause by taking part in mini video clips. Additionally, Pugh and Ruth Hogben present a striking short film. The launch times with London Fashion Week and the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

‘Has humanity learnt nothing? This situation in Russia is an unbelievable step backwards for an enlightened world.’

Nick Knight

 

Watch: Bonnie & Clyde with a lesbian twist

‘Addicted To You’,  the new music video by Avicii. Classic Bonnie & Clyde styled drama, with a lesbian twist. The beat is good, the video also.

 

Glorious gay posters for all the world to see

Russia has passed a law banning homosexual propaganda, making it illegal to even talk about homosexuality. But that hasn’t stopped #HomoPromo. They are on a quest and are looking for artists to make some glorious, gay posters for the whole world to see.

They are asking for designers to submit their design and they will publish the artwork on their site – http://homo-promo.tumblr.com/

The entries will be shown a whole lot of love, exhibited in March and auctioned off (with your permission) in support of Stonewall.

A fantastic idea.

LGBT Microaggressions You Hear On A Daily Basis

Kevin Nadal, Associate Professor of Psychology at CUNY, asked some of his friends to share the microaggressions they’ve experienced as members of the LGBT community. Prof Nadal, was inspired this photography project about racial microaggressions.

The term “microaggression” was coined the term in the ’70s by Dr. Chester Pierce. It means

Brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of colour.

Its crazy, but we all hear these digs and to many they have become a day-to-day occurance.

Angry pussy… Well, actually I prefer a smiling pussy; slightly amused… quizzical?!

Do you feel like that your pussy lacks emotions, well redditor dri_ve has found a solution. Sticky notes! We absolutely adore these.

Take a look at some more pussy magic – http://www.pinterest.com/KitschMix/pampered-pets/

Stunning Photography of Gay Couples All Over The Globe

Photography Braden Summers, traveled to six different countries to take this series of photo, which prove that no matter where you are, love is equal. As a gay man, Braden was tired of the LGBT community being misrepresented in media imagery – or worse absent completely. He decided to take matters into his own hands. He traveled all over the world to create dramatised romantic scenes featuring only gay couples. The results are beautiful, with real meaning and LOVE.

Ellen Page coming out, watch the video

Ellen Page, best known for portraying intelligent and quirky characters in hit films including “Juno,” “Inception,” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” Friday told an audience attending HRC’s Las Vegas conference for LGBT teens.

I’m here today because I am gay. And because maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility… I

t’s weird because here I am, an actress, representing — at least in some sense — an industry that places crushing standards on all of us. Not just young people, but everyone. Standards of beauty. Of a good life. Of success. Standards that, I hate to admit, have affected me. You have ideas planted in your head, thoughts you never had before, that tell you how you have to act, how you have to dress and who you have to be.

I have been trying to push back, to be authentic, to follow my heart, but it can be hard.”

Obviously her queerness isn’t a big surprise to us, but the fact that she has decided to come out is a BIG FUCKING DEAL, but this news has made global headlines,

Putin Art, our new Favourite Sport

In this last few months we’ve seen some funny portraits of Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin… here is a selection of the very best.

Wonderful, I’m Not a Joke

Created by Daniel Arzola, I’m Not a Joke is a campaign spreading awareness for the LGBT community through art and design. In light of the recent violent acts against the sexually diverse community in Venezuela. It initially seeks to expand in the online community. If you’d like to share your opinion please do so via twitter using the hashtag #ImNotaJoke.

Must See – http://society6.com/Arzolad/tshirts

Get it while it’s hot! Valentine’s For Pizza Lovers

Choosing the ideal card for your Valentine could be an overwhelming assignment. Well maybe, until I cam across these beauties; pizza-themed Valentine’s Day cards. This is an ideal gift for those who cherish pizza and love.

Photo: Etsy

Be my Valentines

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, couples are rushing to search for the perfect gift for their partner. If you’re in a lesbian relationship you know that just as much as you want the perfect gift, so does she. Homosexual presents are not that different from heterosexual presents. No matter what, the gift should count for something. You can go traditional with chocolate, jewelry, flowers; or you can try something new.

First, you have to know what your partner likes and what she is interested in. If you have been in the same relationship for a long period of time, then this part shouldn’t be that hard for you. However, if you have just lit the spark in this newfound love, it’s never too early or late to find out what her interests are.

But how do you do that? Observe, observe, observe. Daily habits say a lot about her preferences. Find the one thing she is so passionate about, that her eyes glow when she speaks of it. If it’s music, get her some concert tickets. Theatre? Tickets to a play (her favorite one if possible), etc.

Always remember even though you may want to impress your lady, you don’t want to break the bank if you don’t have to. Don’t take a loan out for the perfect gift! It’s the thought that counts. Don’t be cheap and just throw something together at the last minute, either. Jewelry can be reasonably priced with some careful research.

Keep everything spontaneous, you want to keep her on her toes so she doesn’t get bored of it. The relationship is all about love. Don’t worry about being an emotional person around her. Make a t-shirt with your faces printed on it and wear it together, just for the heck of it.

Another fabulous idea is to take her to a memorable location. Perhaps where you had your first kiss, maybe where you first became an ‘official’ couple. Maybe Valentine’s is the time you want to propose to your dear girlfriend. Choose a proposal location that isn’t to public, in case things get a bit awkward.

A great gift idea if you have been in a relationship for awhile is a charm bracelet. Something she can cherish now and forever. You can add charms to it periodically, maybe for her birthday, Christmas or next Valentine’s!

Valentines is about expressing your love, but with the help of materialistic tools. They can be big and expensive, or simple and sweet. The idea is to keep it about the love. If you think just chocolate and a card will do to make her day, then go for it.

Appropriately timed for Valentines Day

This is the perfect gift for all design and illustrators lovers. Written by Francesca Gavin, this collection of heart imagery highlights how a universal symbol can be creatively interpreted and constantly reinvented. It captures the breadth of art and design imagery exploring the meaning and representation of hearts… #valentinesday, #kitschmix

Prints by Olive Paperie

Dana Bly of Olive Paperie ditched her corporate job to start up her own design studio.

Here’s how Dana describes her passion project.

Known for her funky unconventional illustrations and graphic design, Dana has a deep passion for design and colours.  She is a self-taught designer who discovered her talent at a late age.  While working in the corporate world, she has designed on the side and knew that one day she would own her design studio.

She is still crafting her illustrations by hand skills and recently discover water colouring. If you follow Dana via social media, you will see a glimpse of her daily life that includes her daughter, photography, food and her current design projects. She is an avid prince worshipper and loves the colour green. Must love dogs.

Olive Paperie sells a diverse array of products includes prints, house decor, journals and calendars that feature women with diverse natural hairstyles.

Visit – http://www.olivepaperie.com/

How LGBT History Month can change attitudes

What’s the campaign called? 

LGBT History Month is an event first marked in Scotland a mere nine years ago to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, which prohibited local authorities and schools from discussing lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) lives. LGBT History Month is managed and promoted by LGBT Youth Scotland, the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT young people in Scotland.

Why should we care?

LGBT lives and culture should not be simply tolerated but, in fact, celebrated and incorporated into our daily lives. And as Scotland opens its doors to the world in 2014 through high-profile events such as the Commonwealth Games and Homecoming Scotland, the importance of working together takes on an even greater significance.

Who else cares?

More people than ever care about LGBT rights. Since its launch LGBT History Month has grown in size and scale to become an annual cultural celebration of LGBT creativity, and with more than 60 events planned for 2014, this year promises to deliver an exciting, ambitious and accessible programme of events for everyone. Debate and discussion can’t take place in isolation, and the fact that so many mainstream organisations across Scotland are committed to planning and delivering events throughout the month needs to be acknowledged and applauded. Next month, for example, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), Midlothian Council and LGBT Youth Scotland invite you to an evening of celebration and dance at the National Mining Museum; South Lanarkshire council will fly the rainbow flag from no fewer than four locations across the local authority area; and Forth Valley college play host to artwork from the three local LGBT youth groups, to name but a few.

Who are you targeting? 

Put simply, everyone. The success of LGBT History Month in Scotland is down to the fact that it’s remained true to its values: History Month provides a platform for showcasing the very best of LGBT culture at not only a national level but also locally and regionally, in community groups and through youth organisations. In doing so, its reach has extended far beyond LGBT-specific groups into mainstream organisations, including the British Transport Police, local authorities and the NHS, further and higher education, universities, colleges, schools, and the third sector.

What would a better world look like?

Our mission is to “empower lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people and the wider LGBT community so that they are embraced as full members of the Scottish family at home, school and in every community”.

What can we do?

To find out more about how you can get involved in LGBT History Month, or to see what events and activities are happening locally in your area, visit us at www.lgbthistory.org.uk. Alternatively, why not take part in our #lgbtsmallsteps campaign, which encourages individuals and organisations to celebrate the small, personal ways people have marked the month?