Vice President Biden’s comments about marriage equality were no surprise to me. Why? The night before the president’s statement on same-sex marriage, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at Drexel University’s gay pride celebration. After my talk, someone asked whether I thought President Obama would support gay marriage. My response was, “He’s evolving on the issue and I expect that evolution to be complete by the end of November.” It got the expected laugh. Less than 24 hours later, the evolution was complete, six months ahead of schedule.

That announcement put LGBT equality front and center in the presidential race and, thus far, no political pundit worth his or her weight can make an intelligent guess if this will help, hurt or not even matter in the November election. But one point is clear: Republicans are still uncomfortable with the subject, using Rick Santorum as an example. This was the last year that Republicans could attempt to scare voters with the LGBT card. It’s over and they know it. Don’t take my word; take Karl Rove’s, who said the following after Obama announced his support for marriage equality: “He’s just using it for political purposes.” You remember Karl. He’s the guy who, along with the now-out Ken Mehlman, used anti-gay-marriage amendments across the country to win George Bush a second term.

So how far and fast has this issue changed with Americans? Let me give you an example from just four years ago from the Democratic Convention. The morning after Joe Biden was nominated as Obama’s V.P., his first speaking engagement was with the Pennsylvania Delegation. I reported on one conversation at that meeting but this is the first time I’m reporting the second, which was with Jill Biden, the vice-presidential nominee’s wife.

After making a triumphant entrance, V.P. nominee Biden made his way to the platform to deliver a few remarks to what is almost his hometown crowd. Jill Biden was standing on the side and we spoke for a while. She knew I was from PGN and I asked her a few questions. Then I asked about gay marriage. She thought and then said, “Of course I support it.” Full disclosure, Jill Biden is so delightful, personable and brilliant that I didn’t do my job as a journalist and instead dispensed some advice: “Since Joe is the [V.P.] nominee, the two of you might want to mirror Obama’s position.” It was her first day on the job and I didn’t want to be the one to spoil it. I didn’t ask the vice presidential nominee that question. Was that a missed opportunity? I’m happy to say I have no regrets.

The second conversation that morning was with MSNBC pundit/personality Chris Mathews, who was considering a run against Sen. Arlen Specter, and that conversation was reported in the LGBT press.

Here is the exchange:

MS: You’re running for Senate in Pennsylvania. As you know, there are some very important issues going on. We have a Republican in that seat, Specter, who voted two ways on the Defense of Marriage Act. So what would you be doing?

CM: Well, first I’m not going to answer it that way. I always start with freedom. That’s where I start on every issue, whether it’s reproductive rights or it’s crime. There’s a constitutional right that starts with freedom and inherent rights, exclusive rights to the Constitution. But I really do believe that we always as Americans start with that. Then we work our way through things. Do you understand? It’s very important. Individual freedom has always been the way we start. First governments, sequestered governments like in England, always start with state power. This country has always started with individual freedom as the basis to work at what you allow the state to do. But obviously, this is an evolving thing; my thinking now is different from what it was 10 years ago. [For] a lot of people it’s been evolving, and for a lot of gay people it’s been evolving. A lot of gay people didn’t think marriage was going to be the issue. A lot of friends of mine didn’t think it was going to be an issue, because it was too far out. A lot of people are changing on these issues. I think a lot of people are going to work our way through these things.

MS: Well, where are you on the issue?

CM: I have an open heart. I’ll have to live with it.

MS: In other words, you won’t answer the question.

CM: I can answer it the way I have, which is any fucking way I want. I can answer in my way even if it isn’t your way.

What’s interesting here is the irritation Mathews had with the question. I’d like to believe he was in that “evolution” mode. Again, no regrets. Watching Matthews show his support of marriage equality now sometimes amazes me. He completely gets it and could give other pundits lessons in the proper journalistic use of words and terms to describe marriage equality. He has become passionate on the issue, something only someone who supports civil rights could do.

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My name is Lorraine McDonagh and I’m a PhD student at the National University of Ireland, Galway. I am currently looking for men to take part in a research study. The aim of my research is to improve our understanding of gay men’s sexual experiences, in particular sexual difficulties.

We are looking for as many gay men as possible from the general public to take part.

To participate, all you need to do is fill in an anonymous questionnaire online.

This confidential survey should take no longer than 20-30 minutes to complete.

If you take part, you will be entered into a prize draw for a €175 Amazon.com voucher.

If you think you may be interested in helping out, please click on the following link:  http://edu.surveygizmo.com/s3/845275/Gay-Mens-Sexuality-Survey

If you know anyone else who may be interested in participating, please share this email with them. Your input is greatly appreciated!

If you would like to hear more, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at any time.

Kind Regards,

Lorraine McDonagh

–

Centre for Research on Occupational and Life Stress

School of Psychology

National University of Ireland, Galway

Galway

Ireland

Tel: +353-91-495951 or +353-91-495952

Email: l.mcdonagh7@nuigalway.ie

Website: http://www.nuigalway.ie/crols/documents/people/lmcd.html

http://www.nuigalway.ie/crols/participate.html

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Photo Credit: www.savannahvisit.com

Savannah, Georgia is a charming gay oasis frozen in time. America’s first planned city boasts a thriving gay and lesbian scene and is a haven for the artistic and creative. Whether you’re looking to relocate or want a relaxing getaway, this historic city is a dream destination.

SCAD: Savannah is an Art Student’s Inspiration

One of the reasons so many artists, musicians and free-thinkers love “the hostess city of the south” is because of the Savannah College of Art and Design. The campus is stretched out across the downtown area and uses more than 60 buildings, including many historic structures. It’s not uncommon to see SCAD’s trademark red double decker bus passing through one of the squares. Many of the transplant gays are drawn to the city because of SCAD and the school’s presence adds unique appeal.

For gay and lesbian art enthusiasts, there are several opportunities to get your culture on in Savannah besides the gorgeous landmarks. There are a number of galleries featuring work by local artists, the acclaimed Savannah Dance Theatre and the Savannah Music Festival, an annual soiree that highlights an eclectic mix of performers.

True Crime and The Lady Chablis
Savannah’s breathtaking downtown district and colorful residents became a worldwide phenomenon in 1994, when John Berendt’s iconic novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” first hit bookshelves. The book quickly topped The New York Times’ bestsellers list and stayed on that list for 216 weeks.

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” tells the story of a male prostitute who is killed by his gay lover. The death took place in a home built by a relative of native singer/songwriter Johnny Mercer. During the course of the novel, readers are introduced to several iconic, real-life denizens, many members of the LGBT community. Clint Eastwood adapted the book into a critically acclaimed film, starring Jude Law and Kevin Spacey.

One of the most notable characters in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” is real-life legendary female impersonator, The Lady Chablis. Chablis adds some comedy relief to the heavy drama of the main plot. The legendary performer played herself in the film version and continues to entertain the local masses. Chablis is a huge draw at her “home” gay club, Club One in Savannah and she also performs at gay pride events across the country.

Rollin’ on River Street

For any gay or lesbian traveler venturing to Savannah for the first time, a skip down to River Street is a must. This charming commercial area is where you’ll find a plethora of gay-owned and gay-friendly restaurants and shops. Rocks on the Roof is a great place if you’re looking to enjoy some American fare with a glorious rooftop setting. If you want to partake in some French cuisine, check out Papillote, intersecting with Broughton. After a late night of boozing, head to the Mellow Mushroom for a slice or a calzone.

Make sure you bring an extra suitcase so you can shlepp back all of the antiques and other souvenirs you acquire back home with you. River Street is a great place to find unique pieces. Jere’s Antiques and Nature’s Treasures are just a couple of the most popular shops.

Savannah Gay Nightlife: Club One, Club All

So you’ve shopped ‘til your bank account balance dropped and now you want to check out the gay nightlife in Savannah. The most popular LGBT venue continues to be Club One. This iconic hangout offers two dance floors, a video bar and regular drag shows and liver performances. If you’re looking for a spot that’s a little more low-key, check out Chuck’s off River Street. This is a great place to chug down cheap drinks and meet friendly locals.

Life’s a Beach on Tybee Island

One of Savannah’s biggest draws is the fact that it’s located on the coast. Tybee Island is the most popular local spot to find gay and straight hotties alike getting bronzed. The area, also known as “Savannah Beach,” is a great quiet getaway for locals and tourists. This is also where you’ll find the famed Tybee Island Light Station and Fort Screven Historic District.

Each May since 1987 Tybee Island has played host to the popular Beach Bum parade. This is a great event to spy scantily clad southern gents and belles in all of their glory. Just make sure you bring your water-gun to squirt them when they roll by on their floats. The parade takes place on Butler Avenue, the main street in Tybee.

Art, music, amazing architecture and incredible LGBT nightlife, you can find it all in Savannah, Georgia. It’s a great city to relax in a rocking chair, put up your pinky and sip a mint julep in your best seersucker attire. I do declare!

To learn more about Savannah and other great LGBT travel destinations please visit www.gaytravel.com.

The Pride Films and Plays Production of David Drake‘s

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me

In A New 20th Anniversary Edition Featuring Chad Ryan

Please Be Our Guest for Opening Night, Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 pm.

Chicago, IL – In June 1992, David Drake opened his one-man show The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, which went on to make theatrical history as one of the longest running one-man shows in New York. The New York Times called the writing “angry, occasionally ferocious… Every line is spare, quick, complex, as it chronicles an important time of change for gay men in America.”

Now, 20 years later, Chicago actor Chad Ryan will perform a 20th anniversary edition with new material penned by David Drake. The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me will be performed at Luna Central, 3914 North Clark Street.

There is one preview performance on Wednesday June 20th at 7:30; tickets for this preview are $15. Opening night is Thursday, June 21 at 7:30. Performances thereafter are Friday, June 22 at 7:30; Saturday, June 23 at 7:00 and 9:30; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 26 through 29 at 7:30; Saturday, June 30 at 7:00 and 9:00, and the closing performance on Sunday, July 1 at 3:00. Tickets for all regular performances are $20. For tickets call 1 800 838 3006, or reserve on line at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Before moving to Chicago, Chad Ryan worked in dozens of off-Broadway productions as both an actor and director. He is an ensemble member of Pride Films and Plays, and has performed in their production of Love Sucks, as well as various screen and stage play “enhanced readings.”

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Meis directed by PFP Artistic Associate Andrew Souders. For PFP he has directed Some Men in last year’s Terrence McNally series, Blowing Whistles, Easy On the Eyes, and Lost In History, the latter for the recent Gay Play Weekend at Center on Halsted. Other favorite directing jobs include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Lady from Dubuque.

David Drake made his playwriting debut in June 1992 with the semi-autobiographical one-man play The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me at New York’s Perry Street Theater. Playing a year off-Broadway, it became one of the longest-running solos shows in New York theater history, and won David a Village Voice Obie award, two Dramalogue Awards, and a Lambda Literary Award nomination. To date, Larry Kramer has received nearly 100 independent productions worldwide in the USA, England, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, France, New Zealand, as well as being translated into Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. The 2000 film version of Larry Kramer aired on HERE TV and is available on DVD. Alternately as a performer, playwright, director, and teacher, David has continued to enjoy a prolific career in New York and abroad.

About Glitterati Productions

Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater. PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is essential viewing for our friends, family, and co-workers. Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding. Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences. For more information, visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

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Gay Prom Finally

As a high-school senior, I knew exactly who I was — not that I was shouting it in the school halls, but it was something I knew — and, like those of my generation, did not completely understand it, but knew enough not to make it public. And since, in those days, you didn’t take a same-sex date to the prom, this senior was not participating. It simply was not who I was.

Through the years, I often thought about what would have happened at the prom. Who would have been my date? Like everyone who comes across that fork in the road, you wonder what would have happened if you chose the other road; but in this case, I just wondered about the prom experience I missed.

Enter The SeniorLAW Center and its major event of the year, “The SeniorPROM.” Like all fundraisers, it has speeches and awards. About a month before the prom, the organizers informed me that I’d be receiving the Senior Advocate of the Year Award. Since my work on the LGBT-friendly affordable senior-living facility (the reason for the award) was taking up so much time, I didn’t give it much thought. About a week before the event, it dawned on me that this was the prom I never went to and it was my opportunity to have that personal moment … even though I’d have to hope the audience, prom attendees, appreciated it.

So in my acceptance speech, after thanking the organization and the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, I explained how many of my generation never had a chance to go to the prom. Many were actually terrorized by the concept; others stayed home in sorrow and loneliness. I told them I was one of those who did not go. Then I reached for a box I had hidden and said, “With your indulgence, I’d like to correct that now.” Walking over to my boyfriend, Jason, I took the yellow rose boutonniere out of the box and, standing in front of him and the audience, I said, “Will you be my prom date?” He smiled, which was a relief, and said of course, and the audience went wild.

Later we danced. And, no matter what you tell me, we were king and king of the prom.

Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.co

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Christopher Street Day is Berlin‘s gay pride. It is the end of Pride Week / CSD Berlin.

Berlin Gay Pride 2012

“Knowledge leads to acceptance.”

On the occasion of Alan Turing year, the CSD in 2012 dealing with the topic of science. Alan Turing was a brilliant scientist who decoded in the UK in the 40s, the Enigma code and was celebrated for it. He laid the foundation for the time today’s micro-chip.

In 1952, he was persecuted for his homosexuality.  He was charged with gross indecency under Section 11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885.

Turing was given a choice between imprisonment or probation conditional on his agreement to undergo hormonal treatment designed to reduce libido. He accepted chemical castration via oestrogen hormone injections.

Turing committed suicide two  years later.

Even today there are people gay, bisexual or transsexual hold for a treatable illness and as a call to ensure that all fit into the hetero-norm. Which it is to contradict and to ensure through education that, for example, no longer a teenager contemplating suicide claims that the fear out to be no longer part of this society.

Knowledge is the key to tolerance, acceptance and equality in our society.

Therefore, it can not be tolerated, that people should be brought in the name of a dubious science to rethink their self-esteem.

The festival will take place in the area bounded by Motzstrasse, Eisenacher Strasse, Fuggerstrasse and Kalckreuthstrasse, spreading over 20,000 square meters, and featuring the Worlds of Sports, Radio, Travel, Film, AIDS and Politics, as well as other exhibits from a wide range of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups.

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The 9-day festival runs from Zurich Pride 08 – 17. June 2012 and includes the Zurich Pride Week, an opening and closing party, a two-day street festival with bars, food stalls large stage shows, gay and lesbian parties, LGBT themed conventions, cultural and cinematic performances, and a politically motivated party parade through downtown. Up to 40,000 visitors are expected at the festival.

Our motto: (click for simple explanations) WELCOME TO REALITY

The Zurich Pride Festival is a non-profit organization and is reliant on any kind of support. We look forward to, even if YOU help us:

Zurich Pride Festival 2012

Das 9-tägige Zurich Pride Festival dauert vom 08.- 17. Juni 2012 und beinhaltet die Zurich Pride Week, eine Eröffnungs- sowie Abschlussparty, ein zweitägiges Strassenfest mit Bars, Essensständen, grosse Bühnenshows, lesbischwule Parties, LGBT orientierte Conventions, kulturelle wie cineastische Darbietungen sowie ein politisch motivierter Demonstrationsumzug durch die Innenstadt. Bis zu 40′000 Besucher werden am Festival erwartet.

Unser Motto: WELCOME TO REALITY (für Erläuterungen einfach klicken)

Das Zurich Pride Festival ist eine Non-Profit Organisation und ist auf jegliche Art von Unterstützung angewiesen. Wir freuen darauf, wenn auch DU uns hilfst:

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Not too many European cities have such a rich gay history as the Austrian capital. Gay emperors, generals or composers of days gone by and all the gays and lesbians of today convert Vienna into a unique travel destination.

Vienna Gay Pride 2012

Vienna Pride & Rainbow Parade

This year’s Vienna Pride runs from June 12 to 16, 2012. This “Pride Village” will be constructed on Rathausplatz this time around: a tent city in the middle of town, offering a mix of culture, show, food and information.

This highlight of Vienna Pride is the Rainbow Parade on Saturday, June 16, 2012. On trailers, motorbikes, in carriages or on foot: gays, lesbians, drag queens, leather boys, transgenders and many more celebrate themselves in the Rainbow Parade and send out a signal against discrimination. Vienna’s Ringstraße will therefore be closed to traffic. The Rainbow Parade will make its way around the entire ring road this year (start and end: Rathausplatz). More than 100,000 visitors are expected.

The closing event, the “Pride Show”, takes place at Rathausplatz again – as a large, atmospheric open-air party with an extensive show program and free entry. Once the open-air is over, the party continues, with “Pride Parties” being celebrated in many clubs until the early morning hours.

Vienna Pride

June 12-16, 2012
Rathausplatz
www.viennapride.at
www.csdvienna.at

Rainbow Parade

June 16, 2012
www.regenbogenparade.at

(Excerpts from the Vienna Tourist Board.)

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Athens Pride 2012 will take place in June 9 at Klafthmonos Square! Join us and help make history with the largest LGBT Pride event in SE Europe!

Athens Gay Pride 2012

Athens Pride

Athens Pride started as as small grassroots initiative gathering a few hundred activists in 2005 and quickly grew to become one of the most popular and most significant all day events of the city. With a parade attracting over 12,000 people in 2012, it is the largest pride event in SE Europe. Regardless of this growth and success, Athens Pride retains it’s grassroots, all volunteer, non-profit character.

Athens Pride is unlike any other in many ways. One example: For the past 3 years an auction named “Artists for Athens Pride” has provided most of the funding for Athens Pride, enabling it to produce free public cultural and political events that are enjoyed by thousands. This extraordinary display of sensitivity and conscience on the part of artists in Greece and abroad has made Athens Pride unique, as the only Pride in the world to be primarily supported by the visual arts community!

Gay and Lesbian Athens

Athens has a vibrant LGBT community. Athens Pride is just one of the manifestations of our community as are the several LGBT venues that can be found throughout the city. Travel agents can arrange tailored travel packages and tours to nearby islands and more. In Athens, gay-friendly places can found mainly in Gazi, Metaxourgeio, Kerameikos, Psiri and Iera Odos districts.

Galleries and unique shops are here too. And the museums are a must to visit. Among European cities, Athens is the oldest one and the one with the longest history. This history is still evident in many of the buildings and monuments of today’s Greek capital.

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— The city gives more funding to the LGBT community than almost any other city in the nation. This year, it was close to $3 million. (That’s dollars alone, not even in-kind services.)

— The state has approved $11 million in tax credits for an LGBT-friendly affordable living facility.

— Our community center owns its own building (no mortgage) and is in the black.

— Our youth organization similarly owns its building without a mortgage.

— Philly has a full-service LGBT health clinic with over 50 employees.

— We have 10 out elected judges. Does any other city have more? And that’s not counting ward leaders and committeemen and women.

— If it weren’t for former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” might still be in effect.

— There is not an appointed level of government in which we are not represented.

— In our city, openly LGBT people serve as college presidents, chancellors of the bar association, vice presidents of banks and heads United Way and major corporations.

— Philadelphia devised an award-winning media campaign to bring LGBT tourists to the city: “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay.”

— In our city, anyone running for mayor — Republicans as well as Democrats — supports marriage equality.

— Philadelphia was one of the first cities to enact domestic-partner legislation, and with a real-estate tax incentive.

— As for community, there are 30-some LGBT softball teams, three choirs/bands, Philadelphia Gay Pride, Black Gay Pride and we’ve had Latino pride festivals, too. Philly also has two LGBT street fairs and more social options than I can list here.

— When LGBT legislation is introduced in City Council, it’s passed unanimously.

— In the city’s attempt to end the Boy Scouts’ support of discrimination against gays in a city-owned building that it occupies rent-free, it has fought a 10-year legal battle and won’t stop until there is victory.

— Companies with city contracts must offer domestic-partner legislation.

— The city routinely invites LGBT journalists to visit, and pays the tab.

— Our city actively bids for — and wins — LGBT conventions and conferences.

— The nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore, Giovanni’s Room, is here.

— The oldest weekly LGBT newspaper in the nation is here. (We do debate that distinction with D.C. and S.F.)

— But there is no debate that PGN is the nation’s most award-winning LGBT publication in the nation.

— The largest trans health conference in the U.S. is held yearly at our convention center.

That list could go on and on without even touching the issue of LGBT American history.

Why is all this important? It’s not just that Philly is No. 1, but it’s a lesson in what can be accomplished if you’ve educated the public to the point where the LGBT community is embraced. Philadelphia is lucky to have its Quaker background. This has helped to create change in our region but also nationwide. The best example in this case is Comcast, which is based in Philly. When Comcast merged with NBC/Universal, it became the nation’s largest entertainment company. But the FCC, in allowing that merger, ordered the creation of a board to guarantee diversity in the new company. In the MOU, the FCC listed African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and women, but skipped LGBT. On its own, Comcast chose to include the LGBT community. That will filter to the 20-some cable channels that Comcast now owns, impacting management and hiring, behind the camera and on-air.

As we’ve done with Comcast and other corporations, it proves that growing your own community has benefits locally and nationally. While all politics are local, they’re national, too.

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