Tag Archives: Time Magazine

Ellen DeGeneres Recalls Her Decision To Come Out

It’s been 20 years since Ellen DeGeneres announced she was gay on national television.

However, in a recent interview with TIME magazine, the now hugely successful TV host, reflected on her coming out, and how a string of homophobic performers nearly ended her career.

DeGeneres told the magazine in a short video clip celebrating her contributions as a woman;

I was warned by my publicist at the time — everybody said, ‘We could destroy this whole show.’ But, you know, it’s my life.”

DeGeneres explained that she wasn’t trying to be political in any way when she decided to share the news.

I wasn’t trying to be an activist. When I did, it just made sense that the character would come out, and it was the greatest thing that happened because it sent me on a different trajectory, and here I am now and there’s no secrets. I’m not ashamed of anything.”

She also admitted that even before coming out, she had a hard time getting accepted in the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy.

DeGeneres also described a moment where she didn’t think she would ever return to comedy;

There was a night in particular that there were two guys on before me and their stuff was very homophobic – slamming women in every kind of way.

And no one knew that I was gay necessarily, it was just a very angry testosterone-filled crowd by the time I got on stage. The entire front row of guys got up and turned their chairs around and faced the audience.

That was a night that I thought I would never do comedy again. And I don’t know where those guys are now, but they didn’t get the Medal of Freedom.”

Last year, DeGeneres received the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in an emotional ceremony for her bravery and contributions to the community.

Ugandan LGBT Rights Activist Awarded The ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, the founder and executive director of an LGBT rights charity Freedom & Roam Uganda, was announced the winner of an Right Livelihood Award for her “courage and persistence, despite violence and intimidation, in working for the right of LGBTI people to a life free from prejudice and persecution.”

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The international Right Livelihood Award is known as the Alternative Nobel Prize for honouring people who would not gain conventional recognition – honouring and supporting those offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today.

Kasha has risked jail and violence to fight for LGBT rights for decades, in spite of the country’s anti-gay laws.

Both male and female homosexuality is punishable by up to 7 years’ imprisonment in Uganda under the country’s anti-sodomy laws.

statement says:

Fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in Uganda, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera is one of the most courageous and outspoken human rights activists in Africa.

Operating within a hostile and repressive environment, Nabagesera has shed light on human rights violations, and has successfully used the judicial system to advance LGBTI rights.

She has overcome threats to campaign against repressive laws and uses a range of creative and innovative tools to continue breaking myths and stereotypes surrounding LGBTI people in Uganda and elsewhere.”

It also notes:

Nabagesera is one of the few activists in Uganda who has engaged in the judicial process to advance the rights of the LGBTI community.

When a Ugandan tabloid published the names and photos of (alleged) gay and lesbian people, she was one of three individuals who took the newspaper to court and won.

When in 2012 the Minister of Ethics shut down a workshop involving several LGBTI organisations claiming that such a gathering was illegal, Nabagesera was among those who sued the minister for violating their freedom of assembly.

These court actions are slowly helping to shift public opinion in Uganda towards the notion that LGBTI people have constitutionally guaranteed rights.”

 

Another Day, Another Picture of Miley Cryus & ‘Confirmed’ GF Stella Maxwell For Us to Pore Over

Ah it’s another day, and therefore there is another saucy picture of Miley Cyrus on social media for us pore over – 🙂

In a new image – taken by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot for an upcoming W Magazine shoot – Cyrus is seen topless while the girlfriend (as confirmed by WStella Maxwell feeds her cake.

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Stella was first linked to Miley in May, but the pair confirmed they were more than good friends after they were spotted sharing a passionate smooch on the set of Miley’s video last month.

The kiss came after Miley, who was previously engaged to Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth, told Paper Magazine that she was open to bisexuality.

Miley Cyrus and Stella Maxwell ‘Caught’ Making Out

Miley Cyrus and Victoria Secret’s model, Stella Maxwell, have been spending a lot of time together (see Instagram), resulting in a explosion dating rumours. Any gender fluid couple posting that many pictures together has got to be a couple right?

https://instagram.com/p/4DNNI4wzNA/

Well, the rumours are at least partially true. The pair were spotted kissing during a break on set of Cyrus’ upcoming music video, with TMZ catching them making out against a bus – capturing it on video.

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This appears to be an invasion of privacy that is not above TMZ, of course, (who loves a good sex tape). But don’t feel weird about watching the video (which, I may add, depicts a SERIOUS make out session. There’s ass grabbing and hands being shoved down pants and everything), Cyrus and Maxwell make eye-contact with the camera before going at it.

Also read: New Couple Alert? Sources Report Miley Cyrus is Now Dating Victoria’s Secret Model, Stella Maxwell

It’s reported that both were very aware that photographers were snapping photos of them, but the two seemed comfortable enough to ignore them. They both simply looked happy and not interested in hiding it.

In a candid interview with Paper Magazine back in June, Cyrus expressed,

I am literally open to every single thing that is consenting and doesn’t involve an animal and everyone is of age. Everything that’s legal, I’m down with. Yo, I’m down with any adult—anyone over the age of 18 who is down to love me.”

She recalled the first time she shared her attraction towards women with her mother and telling her,

I love them. I love them like I love boys.”

Maxwell also has spoken about Cyrus in the past, sharing the story of how they met with V Magazine:

We met through Grindr… Nah, joking. We met through mutual friends via Instagram, which is where Cheyne [Cyrus’s assistant] contacted me about taking some photos. It’s been a trip to hang out and see a little of their world. Felt very organic and right.”

But when asked if she considered Miley her significant other, Maxwell responded cryptically,

Define significant…”

https://instagram.com/p/4nTP-GQzOA/

New Couple Alert? Sources Report Miley Cyrus is Now Dating Victoria’s Secret Model, Stella Maxwell

The rumour mills are going crazy with this one.

According to reports, the former Hannah Montana star, Miley Cyrus, is involved Victoria’s Secret model Stella Maxwell for the past few months.

A source says:

They hold hands and hug and are very comfortable together. They’re definitely together.”

The two have been linked to each other’s Instagram feeds, so it’s not hard to imagine them being close in some way.

Miley posted this to her account just a few days ago:

MEOW-TZ @stellamaxwell 😻😻😻

A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on

Sick dayyyy 🐴 @mileycyrus A photo posted by Stella! (@stellamaxwell) on

Stella even posted picture of Miley with a new kitten….

@mileycyrus @shantiombb vibin’

A photo posted by Stella! (@stellamaxwell) on

Miley, who has made countless headlines lately regarding her sexuality, again grabbed the spotlight on Tuesday night, when she brought an “agender” date, Tyler Ford, to the amfAR Gala in New York City.

  Dreams come true   A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on

Miley has previously been linked to Patrick Schwarzenegger and Liam Hemsworth. However, although she says she has had relationships with women, she has chosen to keep those private.

She said:

There are times in my life where I’ve had boyfriends or girlfriends. And there are times where I just love being with myself and don’t want to give part of myself away to someone else … I think that’s a new freedom for women, especially.”

As far as Stella and Miley (might we suggest “Stiley” if this sticks?), the two have reportedly been spending time together since Miley split from Schwarzenegger in March. Both gals have made numerous appearances on each other’s Instagram pages over the past few months.

Miley apparently met the 24-year-old runway bombshell through her friend/assistant Cheyne Thomas.

Miley Cyrus Discusses the Dynamics of Dating Men and Women

Miley Cyrus has once again opened up about on her sexuality and the experiences she’s shared when dating both men and women.

The former Hannah Montana recently did a interview with Time magazine, where she talked about her past relationships with both men and women, Instagram insecurities and her new role as an advocate for people across the gender spectrum.

In the interview, Cyrus discusses having a future that could involve a husband or wife or perhaps being a single mom by choice.

She’s also reflecting on how dissatisfied she felt in past romances, especially with the expectations for how men and women are supposed to act.

That made me feel like I had to be a femme-bot, which I’m not. And then when I was with a girl, I felt like, ‘Oh s–t, she’s going to need someone to protect her, so I’m going to need to have this macho energy.’ And that didn’t feel right either.”

As for what she’s looking for in a partner, Cyrus revealed it was about more than sex.

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F–king is easy. You can find someone to f–k in five seconds. We want to find someone we can talk to. And be ourselves with. That’s fairly slim pickings.”

Cyrus’ former relationships include an engagement to Liam Hemsworth and a short-lived fling with Patrick Schwarzenegger. However, any future male suitors will have to get their act together before asking her out.

If I end up in a straight relationship, that’s fine. But I’m not going to be with f–king slob guys who are watching porn, making all their girls feel ugly.”

In addition to addressing her sexuality, Cyrus also revealed why she’s been so hell-bent on losing her Disney star persona.

Cyrus adds that she’s devoted to efforts, like her #InstaPride campaign, that make those in the LGBT community more comfortable with who they are.

Maybe if you’re finally getting to be yourself, it’s more of a celebration. Like, you are living your f–king life.”

Uganda LGBT Activist and Out Lesbian is the New Cover for Time Magazine

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, an out lesbian and co-founder / editor of Uganda’s first LGBT publication, Bombastic, is on the cover of Time Magazine‘s European edition.

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She told Advocate Magazine she hopes the cover will not only bring awareness to the plight of LGBT Ugandans, but also help people around the world realise that LGBT people are their friends, neighbours, and family members.

It’s a great honour for me to be on the cover because it brings attention to the global LGBT struggle. Now many people will know about the struggles LGBT people go through in Africa and the world over. They will realize that the people they hate most are actually the people they love most when they get to read the article. They could be hating on their beloved family and friend without knowing they are LGBT.”

The move to feature what’s being celebrated as a monumental moment of visibility for Uganda’s harassed LGBT community.

More than ever, the world shouldn’t neglect the human rights of LGBT people, because we are here to stay — and part and parcel of the development of this world. All we need is respect, and protection from violence, and our basic inalienable human rights. Speaking out and bringing attention to the plight of LGBT people is life. I will not be silenced by anyone.”

Nabagesera became engaged in the very “controversial” issue of gay rights in Uganda when she was just 21, and has since played a leading role in the Ugandan LGBT rights movement. After being expelled from several schools, Kasha decided to study the law in Uganda.

Time magazine has history of featuring LGBT heros; here are some of the best covers

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