News: Syrian, Luke Macfarlane, Batman, Seattle Opera, Outfest,

Killer of Daytona Beach cross-dresser sentenced to life in prison.

Becks is a Sharpie in new print campaign.

Gay Syrian Jojo Jako Yakob to be deported from Scotland: "It has now emerged that an immigration tribunal has turned down his request to stay in the UK, despite accepting that Yakob is gay and that Syria criminalises and represses homo– sexuality."

He came out shirtless: Matthew McConaughey has a child.

Kenyan bishop threatens to quit over gay marriages: "The Reverend Thomas Kogo, a bishop at the Eldoret ACK Diocese, has issued the quit notice, saying he could not support a church that condones homosexuality. Kogo, who has just returned from a pilgrimage in Israel, said the faithful must uphold the sanctity of the Anglican family. He said those advocating for gay marriages were driven by desire for money and wealth. 'God recognises marriage between man and woman, and there is no way we will accept homosexuality and gay marriages. The Bible is very clear on the matter,' he said."

Boy George speaks to Newsweek about denial of visa: "I am hardly a threat to national security. I am just a performer trying to do his job. I have called America home at different times in my life. I love America, and the American people have always treated me with love and kindness since I went there as a 19-year-old boy with my band Culture Club."

Turkish oil wrestling!

SAS Scandinavian Airlines launches dedicated gay website: "The website is unique in its personalised aspect, providing a ‘gay’ counterpart to the popular SAS crew tips, offering tips from SAS’ own gay crew members on the best offerings in Stockholm and Copenhagen."

Gay and lesbian Christians to protest Pope Benedict's arrival in Sydney: "The protest, calling for equality for gay and lesbian followers, will take place at the Pitt Street Uniting Church this Sunday, coinciding with Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in Sydney. Catholic writer and educator Michael Kelly said gay and lesbian people had been marginalised and condemned by mainstream churches, particularly the Catholic Church. He labelled the 'version of Christianity that is coming to Sydney' as propaganda. 'We call on gay and lesbian Christians ... to join us in standing up for the goodness of being gay, and not allow right-wing religious propaganda to silence our faith, hope and love,' he said."

Batman refuses to work with Robin.

Brothers and Sisters' Luke MacFarlane interviewed at the Rome Fiction Festival.

L.A.'s Outfest film festival begins tomorrow. Here's the official site. It's opening with the gay hockey film Breakfast with Scot. Also, here's a new piece from indieWire on the state of queer cinema...

Indian actor walks off talk show after being asked about sexual orientation: "What sort of a question is that Sajid? First you call me for your chat show, and then ask me such stuff!"

American Idol's 'gay stripper' David Hernandez spotted sucking female face in San Diego.

Seattle Opera announces three LGBT nights for upcoming season: "At these designated performances, patrons may pay $100 for discounted main-floor orchestra seating, private intermission receptions (with wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts) and admission to preshow lectures. The inaugural event — an Aug. 22 presentation of 'Aida' — will be hosted by Seattle Opera trustee JJ McKay and Washington state Sen. Ed Murray. Tickets for the evening are on sale now." (site)

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News: Leather, Wiretapping, Tasmania, Janet, Fort Lauderdale

What? Congress strikes deal to give telecom companies immunity in warrantless wiretapping: "The deal, expanding the government’s powers in some key respects, would allow intelligence officials to use broad warrants to eavesdrop on foreign targets and conduct emergency wiretaps without court orders on American targets for a week if it is determined important national security information would be lost otherwise. If approved, as appears likely, it would be the most significant revision of surveillance law in 30 years."

Then and now: the disappearance of New York's leather scene.

Ryan Air CEO announces plans for reconfigured fleet: "So in economy it will be very cheap fares. Say 10 euros. And in business class it will be beds and blowjobs. In economy. In business, it will all be free including the blowjobs." WATCH.

Will Tasmania become the first Australian state to have same-sex marriage? "Tasmania Greens MP Nick McKim today said he would bring the same-sex marriage bill, which will also provide adoption rights, to state parliament on July 1. 'Marriage is an institution that should be open to opposite-sex and same-sex couples,' Mr McKim told reporters. 'We believe that this matter should have a conscience vote.'"

Naomi Campbell pleads guilty to six counts of assault.

Bill that would mark officially mark May 22 as Harvey Milk Day in California advances, getting approval from the Senate Education Committee.

UFO: South Wales police spot "unusual object."

Sydney's Oxford Street 'Safe Place' to close: "The six month pilot project was set up in November as part of a multi-faceted strategy to deal with the increasing homophobic violence on the strip and the perceived lack of action by government and police. It set out to raise awareness of homophobic violence, increase reporting of violence, to provide a refuge for people escaping violence and to improve the response from NSW Police and from the Government. Recent evaluation of the space deemed that it was no longer viable to keep it open, given the small numbers of people who were actually making use of it."

Would you let David Beckham sign your balls?

How a homophobic idiot was suddenly changed...

Janet Jackson announces MTV reality show.

Gay ex-Fort Lauderdale city commissioner Dean Trantalis enter's race for Naugle's seat: "Now this increasingly powerful voting bloc must choose among Trantalis; Hutchinson; longtime legislator Jack Seiler, who also has some support in the gay community; and defense attorney Steve Rossi. 'This is definitely going to be a very awkward campaign,' said Hutchinson supporter Michael Albetta, board member of the Dolphin Democrats, a gay political organization in Broward that doesn't endorse candidates."

Pamela Anderson's mother's wish: "Lately my mother has said, 'I wish you were gay, considering your choice of men.'"

The NYT profiled Russell T. Davies this past weekend and he recounted a story about a confrontation he had with a woman who didn't like the same-sex kissing in his Doctor Who series: “I was standing there saying, ‘You’re a bad mother, and your children will either grow up to be lesbians, or they will be taken into care because they’ve been badly raised,’ ” he recalled in a recent interview near the “Doctor Who” set. He began to chuckle. “ ‘You are ignorant, and you’re bringing up your children in ignorance, and that will backfire on you.'"

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News: DC Madam, HRC, Naomi Campbell, Sally Kern, Singapore

D.C. Madam commits suicide in Florida...Whitney Houston's daughter attempts...

HRC's VP of Programs, David Smith, talked to Michelangelo Signorile about why the Human Rights Campaign is not endorsing anyone in the Oregon Senate race, why they support Susan Collins, the Maine Republican who backed various antigay judges and Supreme Court justices, and why they're not endorsing Jim Neal of North Carolina. Audio here.

Batter Up: Who is Naomi Campbell gonna lay into next?

Scientists report success in blocking HIV infection in lab by inactivating protein expressed in key immune cells.

Misconception that AIDS is a gay disease fueling infection rate in Singapore.

Read John McCain's 2003 speech he delivered on the Senate floor on the occasion of "Mission Accomplished": "Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom demonstrated to the world what we saw just 12 years ago. We went to war as the most combat-ready force in the world. The value of that readiness is clear. We won a massive victory in a few weeks, and we did so with very limited loss of American and allied lives. We were able to end aggression with minimum overall loss of life, and we were even able to greatly reduce the civilian casualties of Afghani and Iraqi citizens."

AfterElton is casting about for the world's 100 hottest men.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore slams Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell over attitude toward gays: “Christ was a radical. He despised the Establishment and the Pharisees. He threw the money-changers out of the temple. I liken certain church officials today to the Pharisees that Christ took exception to."

Focus on the Family's new logo interpreted.

Vanderbilt University makes strides in reaching out to LGBT students: "There will be 'five immediate key action steps,' Dean of Students Mark Bandas wrote in a press release: opening an Office for GLBT Life; hiring a director of GLBT life; working with various campus groups, especially admissions offices and The Commons, to 'ensure that members of the GLBT community understand that they are welcomed and valued members of our community'; moving to amend the non-discrimination policy to include gender identity and expression; and continuing to investigate additional recommendations made by the GLBTQI Student Issues Committee."

Reichen recants rant: "Sorry everyone for being childish. We all experience pain, but venting on MySpace isn't right. I'm sorry and I regret it. I was emotional and I don't feel any of the things I've said. And whoever I've dated that it could have been directed toward is and was never the way I may have described. I was venting on life and frustration and I apologize for offending anyone or for making myself look childish."

Carrie Underwood gets liquored up in Vegas for new video...

Jason Lewis doesn't understand the haters: "In the world we're living in, gay people are still horribly discriminated against. Why does anybody need to be so affected by someone else's happiness? Some of these people show up 20 years in a row at the county clerk's office [to get married] knowing they're going to be turned down. That's dedication and love...These are decent people."

Sally Kern's rival in the upcoming election amassing a major war chest.

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Jason Bellini Flies Pink

Yeah, I know. Sydney Mardi Gras is over and done. But I couldn't resist posting this clip of the Pink Flight by LOGO's Jason Bellini. Jason met up with a straight guy who somehow "didn't know" he was getting on a special flight, but by the end was shirtless and wearing a pink boa in the aisle.

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

Previously
Tales from Air New Zealand's 'Pink flight' to Sydney [tr]
Pink Flight: Gayest Airline Flight Ever Takes Off [tr]

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30th Sydney Mardi Gras Draws Crowd of 300,000

The 30th annual Mardi Gras went off over the weekend in Sydney, drawing a crowd of at least 300,000.

AP: "What began in 1978 as a protest march by 1,500 brave homosexual, lesbian and transsexual men and women that was harshly disbursed by police has grown into one of the world's largest and most flamboyant gay pride events. This year's procession of 150 floats was led by the '78ers' — a group of 186 of the original marchers and their partners, who drew rapturous cheers."

Below, coverage from the Australian video featuring Margaret Cho, Kathy Griffin (who arrived there, of course, on the pink flight, and Carson Kressley, whom they identify as Carson Daly:

Craig Gee, who was brutally beaten in an anti-gay attack on Oxford Street three months ago, marched in the parade with his partner Shane Brennen.

Said Gee: "Unfortunately, homophobic violence will only recede when gay people [decide to] stand up and be counted. Shane and I are determined not to feel ashamed of our sexuality, nor to feel scared to walk the streets of Sydney, our home. To lead Mardi Gras will play a huge part in our recovery and we hope that with the support of 10,000 other marchers we will be able to do it."

Main photos by Morgan Carpetner for Same Same, where you can find many more galleries of the parade and parties.

MArdi Gras photo coverage [same same]
Sydney Celebrates 30th Gay Mardi Gras [ap]
BBC Slide Show [bbc]
30-year Anniversary look-back [news.com]
Video [news.com]

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Tales from Air New Zealand's 'Pink flight' to Sydney

And yes, that is Kathy Griffin running down the aisle of the plane in a bra.

Advocate film critic Kyle Buchanan's account of the gayest flight ever.

With photos.

Previously
Pink Flight: Gayest Airline Flight Ever Takes Off [tr]

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Pink Flight: Gayest Airline Flight Ever Takes Off

Right now, the Pink Flight, the gayest flight ever, is winging its way to Sydney with Kathy Griffin and a gaggle of gays aboard. When they promised gay, they weren't kidding.

I really hope they removed that boa and those eyelashes off the plane before take-off — wouldn't be good news if those got sucked into an engine.

There's a brief news report AFTER THE JUMP from CBS 5 in San Francisco showing some of the pre-flight preparations that went on, including the arrival of the flight crew which, according to our sources, are named Buckwheat, Miss Ribena, Miss Tess Tickle, and Miss Venus Mantrapp.

If my calculations are correct, as I write this the plane has about another nine and a half hours of gay in the air.

Check out the clip AFTER THE JUMP (sorry about the quality)...

You may have missed...
Kathy Griffin to Serve as Hostess on Gayest Airline Flight Ever [tr]

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News: Vanity Fair, Matt Foreman, AIDS Self-Medication, Eric Dane

New Republic editor James Kirchik questions legacy of National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's outgoing executive director Matt Foreman: "He was an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq. He fought against privatizing Social Security. He stood foursquare against the erosion of abortion rights. But what any of these issues have to do with lobbying for gay rights -- presumably Foreman’s job description -- is beyond me. His job description, though, was the problem. Foreman, after all, is just a symptom of the larger problem with NGLTF: It's a garden-variety liberal interest group posing as a gay rights organization."

Rolling Stone on Spears: an American tragedy.

"100 Reverends" to march in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade to apologize for the church's hostility to LGBT people, but not everyone's happy about it: "Not everyone who is part of that approves of homosexual people, they’re just apologising for the way the church has behaved.We’re listed but we’re not going to be one of the main ones because that could be seen as too narrow."

British Christian group lobbies against gays adopting children: "The decision to campaign against same sex adoptions comes after a city magistrate and CPA member, stood down over the issue. Andrew McClintock, 63, resigned from his position in the family courts after he was refused permission to opt out of cases that resulted in children being placed with same sex parents. Former city councillor Sid Cordle from CPA, said: 'People in Sheffield have a right to say if they were tragically killed in an accident and their children had to be adopted, then their children should go to a father and a mother.'"

Grey's Anatomy doc Eric Dane has skin cancer scare.

Two gay/bi men, Joshuah and Neil, join posse of 20-somethings for Big Brother 9.

Gay ball marks the end of Brazil's Carnival: "Thousands of onlookers gawked as men in glittering miniskirts, evening dresses, bead-studded lingerie and feathered headdresses shimmied down a wide avenue to the sounds of ABBA's 'Dancing Queen,' for a party that would last until dawn Wednesday. After a week that saw everything from a scandal over a planned Holocaust-themed float — later nixed by a judge — to a samba queen's quest to set a world record for the most plastic surgeries, revelers spent Carnival's last hours dancing the samba behind street bands."

Two Australian police officers may face prison after telling an inmate that his girlfriend was a transgender woman: "When he got out on bail he went around to her house and seriously assaulted her. Constables Tyrone Stacey and Brendan Ritson have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Back in September 2006 26 year old Jacobson was arrested under suspicion of theft. Constable Stacey looked up information on his girlfriend Brigitte Fell and discovered that her gender was actually male. Constable Ritson saw the screen and yelled out to Jacobson, 'You’re rooting a bloke.' When he refused to believe it the Police actually showed him written proof, saying, 'See, it’s a guy.'"

Vanity Fair cancels annual glam Oscar party amid writer's strike.

In rare sell-out appearance, poet Mary Oliver charms Seattle.

Time: Gay men self-medicating with experimental AIDS drugs. "'There's a philosophy in parts of the gay community that says its okay to take some risks in having sex,' says Dr. Dan Bowers, a senior partner in Pacific Oaks Medical Group in Beverly Hills, Calif., one of the country's largest private practices treating the HIV/AIDS community. Based on results of lab studies that suggest ARVs may confer some protective benefit when taken prior to virus exposure, some people have begun self-administering the drugs like a morning-after pill, in the hopes that the drugs' pre-exposure prophylactic benefits may apply after unsafe sex too. The antiretroviral drug tenofovir, for example, which was used in the recent Texas study, is often packaged as a potent cocktail with Viagra and Ecstasy or Valium, and sold in dance clubs for $100."

Amy Winehouse buzzes back to Rehab.

Log Cabin Republicans facilitate Laguna Beach resolution against anti-gay marriage amendment: "Working with the City Council, California Log Cabin Republicans helped secure a resolution at the city council meeting this evening reiterating it’s opposition to anti-marriage equality ballot measures. The vote was 5-0 in favor of the resolution and the position was to be conveyed to the California Supreme Court which is considering a lawsuit on marriage equality."

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Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Spurs Local Surge in LGBT Lifeguards

Sydney has seen a sharp increase in the number of gays and lesbians joining the ranks of lifeguards, or "livesavers" as the Aussies call them, since last year's Mardi Gras parade, when a squadron of LGBT lifesavers marched and encouraged others to join them.

"Lifesavers with Pride spokesman Drew Lambert said numbers had doubled since the organisation had a float in the 2007 parade. 'This year we expect 150 people to be part of the float,' he said. As a patrol captain and instructor at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, Mr Lambert has seen a big increase in the number of gay lifesavers. 'When I rejoined North Bondi a few years ago there were only a couple of gay guys in the club, now there are around 20 or 30,' he said. One of the new recruits is Michael Webster, who recently moved to Sydney from Queensland. 'Seeing the guys and girls in last year's Mardi Gras made me reconsider the lifesaving movement completely,' he said. 'I've always loved swimming, but I never thought I would be the right fit for lifesaving. I'm so glad I was wrong, because the skills I have learnt have given me the ability to save someone's life.'"

Here is their 'recruiting' video:

Recently
Kathy Griffin to Serve as Hostess on Gayest Airline Flight Ever [tr]

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News: Interview Magazine, Tony Romo, Gayelle, Finger Length

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama exchange nasty radio ads here and here.

Tony Romo can't shake off the albatross that brought down the Dallas Cowboys.

Underground movement underway by lesbians who don't want to be called 'lesbian' anymore. Their replacement name: Gayelle.

Washington state legislature has largest gay caucus in the U.S.: "Marko Liias, a 26-year-old Democrat from Mukilteo, started the legislative session earlier this month, replacing former Rep. Brian Sullivan, who left the Legislature for the Snohomish County Council. Liias' arrival gives Washington six openly gay lawmakers, ahead of California's five. That makes Washington the state with the largest Capitol gay caucus, according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based political action committee. 'Anything that we can do, me as an individual, or us as a state, to be leaders on this issue and be role models is excellent,' Liias told The Associated Press Wednesday. 'The message really is, everyone deserves a stake in Washington, and everyone has a stake in Washington's future.' Liias joins Reps. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver and Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines, and Sens. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Joe McDermott, D-Seattle." (CORRECTION: Victory Fund issues - statement: NH has most out legislators)

CLICK HERE if you're interested in knowing the funky name for the new James Bond film.

And guess who else has a new name? P Diddy.

Publisher Sandra Brant and editor-in-chief Ingrid Sischy leave Interview magazine.

Ceremony to be held on Monday in Westminster will remember Holocaust victims, including gays: "Groups such as the Roma, gay people and people with disabilities who also suffered under Nazi rule will be commemorated through song and imagery along with victims of other genocides.The event is part of a wider programme of education in Westminster's youth centres to explore the issues of racism, homophobia and sexism."

A closer look at finger lengths.

John Travolta had an obsession with Heath Ledger: "I wanted to meet him because I was very impressed with him from the very beginning. His agent introduced me to him at a party, and I just fell — I used every accolade. Actors need other actors to be inspired by, and he was 'my' actor....My feeling on Heath is I don't want to lose him at any age, 28 or 88, like Marlon Brando. I didn't like his passing, he was special to me, and he was a friend. At any age you don't want to lose someone like that — he was a valuable guy. I am truly sorry and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him and loved him, and actually, my heart goes out to me, I really don't like it. I don't like it…"

New South Wales police fight back against accusations of homophobia related to the recent surge of anti-gay violence in and around Sydney: "It should be pointed out that it can be very difficult for police officers to ask a victim whether they believe a crime was motivated by homophobia, or if it is a hate-related crime, especially if the victim has not voluntarily stated their sexuality. It is a sensitive topic that can lead to allegations of police either making inappropriate assumptions about someone’s sexuality or, or on the other hand, not treating a crime as a hate crime."

Jude Law spends a day at the beach.

Queerty talks to author Tom Dolby about his new book The Sixth Form.

Berlin film fesitval Panorama arthouse sidebar featuring a bunch of gay films: "Discrimination against gays and lesbians is one of this year’s hot topics in Dokumente and the subject of several films, including 'Das andere Istanbul,' by Doendue Kilic; 'East/West — Sex & Politics,' by Jochen Hick; 'Suddenly, Last Winter,' by Gustav Hofer and Luca Ragazzi, as well as Rosa von Praunheim’s 'Tote Schwule — lebende Lesben.'"

Maryland marriage bill gets new sponsors.

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News: Tina Turner, Galveston, Matt Foreman, Best Buy

Gays and lesbians in Washington state ask for divorce rights: "Supporters of the legislation unveiled Tuesday say it seeks to provide financial security for same-sex couples by establishing community property rights, probate protections and joint responsibility for debts. Murray, who is one of a handful of openly gay lawmakers in Olympia, say gays and lesbians seek not only the protections, 'but we are also asking for the responsibilities that go to marriage.' Senate Bill 6716 and House Bill 3104 also would provide domestic partners end-of-life rights, nursing-home visitation, veterans benefits and spousal testimonial privileges that married couples enjoy."

Best Buy quickly takes advantage of Heath Ledger's death: "A small sign, created by the company’s finest 1998-era laser printer, informs its customers that they should 'Remember a Great Actor Through Great Performances', tastefully suggesting that customers — who may not have even been aware of his passing — grieve the only way they know how: By reliving the romantic hijinx that is 10 Things I Hate About You."

Tina Turner and Béyonce to duet at the Grammys.

Matt Foreman to resign from National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, to lead Gay & Lesbian Program at the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund: "I will always love the Task Force, our work, our board, and our staff. Having served for 18 years as the executive director at three LGBT organizations, I’m incredibly privileged to be able to continue to work in and for the movement in a new role at the Haas, Jr. Fund. I have no doubt that the Task Force will continue to be the uncompromising progressive voice of the LGBT movement and to thrive and help lead our community to complete equality.”

Republican Fred Thompson drops presidential bid: "Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."

Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, and Shakira team up for Super Bowl commercial.

In new online game, user assumes role of presidential candidates and then shoots his or her opponents in the halls of the White House: ". While the ammo is paintball, the game on the highly trafficked miniclip.com site allows kids to train a rifle scope on six presidential aspirants and squeeze off a hail of shots (which are accompanied with a rat-a-tat sound). The game, 'Presidential Paintball,' features six candidates in the crosshairs: Barack Obama; Hillary Clinton; John Edwards; Mitt Romney; John McCain; and Rudy Giuliani (it seems the game was developed before the ascension of Mike Huckabee). If a candidate wins a head-to-head confrontation, he/she advances to a new shootout, which occurs in various White House settings, including outside the Oval Office."

Brad Renfro had a son nobody knew about.

Galveston, Texas opens LGBT visitors center.

David Beckham makes UNICEF trip to Sierra Leone.

New poll reveals attitudes toward gay people and sex in Britain: "18 percent of those surveyed consider gay relationships are always wrong, while 32 percent see homosexual sex as always or mostly wrong. Moreover, four in 10 people (42 percent) think gay male couples are not as capable of being good parents as heterosexual ones -- although three in 10 (31 percent) believe they are."

Sydney lawmakers begin dealing with the homophobic violence issue that plagues their city: “We’re not blaming any specific person for this, but violence is obviously a complex issue and we need to be using all opportunities to raise it. It’s got to be policies on the ground. Clearly the local council needs to work with police, but there’s a real role for it in changing what that entertainment precinct is used for. It’s quite a different place during the evening than during the day time. We support the measures to bring back the shops people need – fruit and veg, butcher, etc."

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Gay Jesus Play Stirring Up Controversy in Sydney

"Pro-family" and religious groups are incensed over the Terrence McNally play Corpus Christi, which is set to open in Sydney which features a gay Jesus Christ who is seduced by Judas, and who performs a same-sex marriage for two of his apostles.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports: "The Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth, questioned the integrity of Corpus Christi and expressed his outrage at the 'unhistorical and untrue' depiction of the son of God and some of his disciples as homosexual. 'It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they're obviously having a laugh about it,' he said. 'It's historical nonsense and I wouldn't want to go and see it. Life's too short.' Australian Family Association spokeswoman Angela Conway said the play's creators had committed "a big enough crime" by neglecting to treat Christianity and Christian believers with more sensitivity. 'The ideas are offensive and really border on blasphemous. It's just completely fanciful and self-obsessive,' she said."

The play is timed to open for Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, at the New Theatre in Newtown on February 7.

Its director, Leigh Rowney, told the paper he welcomes the controversy: "I would be surprised if people bothered to protest outside the New Theatre … but if they did, bring it on. I think [the play] humanises [Jesus Christ] in a way Christians might find difficult because we like to believe God and the son of God are ultimately divine and above all of us. I wanted this play in the hands of a Christian person like myself to give it dignity but still open it up to answering questions about Christianity as a faith system."

It's not the first time the play has created an uproar. A fatwa death threat was issued by the Shari'ah Court of the UK when it opened in London in 1999 and in New York as well.

Recently
Sydney's Oxford Street Labeled 'a Buttcrack Between Two Cheeks' [tr]
Kathy Griffin to Serve as Hostess on Gayest Airline Flight Ever [tr]

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Sydney's Oxford Street Labeled 'a Buttcrack Between Two Cheeks'

Gradual changes in clientele and tourism to Sydney's Oxford Street, accompanied by a surge in homophobic violence, has caused the Darlinghurst Business Lobby to label the street, which for so long anchored Sydney's gay community, a "buttcrack between two cheeks."

The increasing frequency of anti-gay attacks has left Sydney's gay community wondering what to do about the situation, Australian gay website Same-Same reports:

"The Sydney Morning Herald today referred to it as 'a dangerous strip dominated by 24-hour beer barns, noisy nightclubs and neon-lit convenience stores.' They talk about the violence, the crime and the gay bashings which have driven the culture out and have invited the 'seedy clientele' in...The Darlinghurst business lobby...report says that the area needs to become Sydney’s cultural hub once more, but is it possible? 'The question is one of which audience Oxford Street should target for its evening economy: diners, concertgoers and theatre enthusiasts, or clubbers and binge drinkers?' asks the report. It says that Taylor Square doesn’t 'currently function as a place at all', the night time economy is 'spiralling out of control to the extent where it damages surrounding businesses' and that the area risks turning into 'Kings Cross II – another nightclub economy.'"

Same-Same feels the damage has already been done and it's time to fix it. A vigil has been planned for Australia Day (January 26) at 4pm, Harmony Park, near Surry Hills Police Station to try and rally the gay community, which it says has been stressed to the point of fatigue over homophobic violence and the authorities' refusal to properly investigate it.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports: "A spate of brutal attacks on gay men in Oxford Street has sparked an internal investigation of the Surry Hills police command - and a controversial campaign to rally gays behind a street protest against homophobic violence. The NSW Police Professional Standards Command, the branch that oversees internal investigations, has confirmed it will investigate the Surry Hills police complaints system after more than two years of allegations that officers have refused to record acts of anti-homosexual violence or investigate some bashings."

An annual parade marking the height of Sydney's annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi marches down Oxford Street on March 1st, some say perhaps for the last time.

Oxford Street Is "A Buttcrack" [same same]
One For All And All For One [same same]
Gays to go on the march after spate of attacks [sydney morning herald]

You may have missed...
Brutal Anti-Gay Attack in Sydney Ignored by Police [tr]
Series of Homophobic Attacks Hits Sydney's Oxford Street [tr]
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Takes Oxford Street [tr]

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Kathy Griffin to Serve as Hostess on Gayest Airline Flight Ever

Air New Zealand has hired Kathy Griffin to host its one-flight-only "Pink flight" from San Francisco to Sydney, taking passengers to the city's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras on February 26th. As part of her in-flight duties, she'll perform a stand-up show and mingle with the passengers and drag queen flight attendants. The flight aboard the Boeing 777, of course, is going to be taped for My Life on the D-List.

Said Roger Poulton, Air New Zealand's vice president: "We knew that this party needed a hostess befitting of the eclectic and diverse group we are inviting on board for this celebration, and who better than Kathy Griffin? Her sense of humor strikes the right chord for the Pink Flight's spirit, and we anticipate a great show."

According to the airline, "Pink Passengers are encouraged to show up at the airport ready to party." They write: " In addition to Kathy's performance, the Pink Flight will boast a full program of entertainment - such as live performances from drag queens, on-board music, contests and screenings of classic gay-themed films on Air New Zealand's digital in-flight entertainment system (IFE). Because it is an overnight flight, there will also be a period of scheduled 'Beauty Sleep.' Additionally, passengers will enjoy the excellent cuisine Air New Zealand is known for with a Pink Twist, Pink cocktails, goodie bags and a "Party Party Wake-Up" before landing."

The flight is 14 hours long. Looks like there are still a few seats available in premium economy.

Check out all the info and book tickets at Air New Zealand Pink Flight.

Recently...
Kathy Griffin's Advocate "Cover Try" on Jimmy Kimmel [tr]
Kathy Griffin Rips Catholic League's Bill Donohue a New One [tr]
Kathy Griffin Wins Emmy, Gets Censored for Jesus Remark [tr]

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Hugh Jackman: You Can Leave Your Hat On...or Not

Hugh Jackman seems to spend all his time at the beach in Sydney these days, but he's dodged the Fedora trend in favor of this slick Panama number, which he soon ditches as well.

Previously
Hugh Jackman Entertains at the Beach [tr]
Jackman to Meet Marsden in Brokeback on Broadway? [tr]
Hugh Jackman Catches a Few Rays [tr]
(via Page Six)

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Brutal Anti-Gay Attack in Sydney Ignored by Police

Law enforcement authorities in Sydney, Australia have been accused of negligence after reportedly refusing to investigate a brutal gay bashing which left Craig Gee with a broken leg and a partially shattered skull. Additionally, Gee's mobile phone was stolen during the attack and friends and family have been receiving disgusting abusive threats and taunts from those who attacked him.

Police told the victim they've "already spent too much time on this" and initially refused to review closed-circuit TV tapes shot around the time of the incident. The tapes, which were later reviewed, did show the attacker but he has not been able to be identified.

"Part of Craig Gee’s skull was reduced to powder and his leg broken during the late-night attack last month, which his boyfriend Shane Brennen initially thought had killed him. Despite repeated attempts, NSW Police have not responded to SSO’s requests for an interview about the case. Gee and Brennan had been holding hands on Crown St at 1.30am when Brennen said they were attacked by two men who yelled, 'Give us your money you fucking faggot.' Gee, who has undergone facial reconstruction surgery, cannot remember the attack. Brennen remembers it clearly, but said the responding officer rebuffed his attempts to give a statement. 'He told us they get 15-20 cases of this a night and don’t usually get a result. ‘We don’t have the resources’,' Brennen said. The couple claim they were repeatedly turned away from Surry Hills police station because the reporting officer was not available. Their trauma was exacerbated when Gee’s mother received a call from his stolen mobile four days after the attack saying, 'We killed your faggot son.' The couple’s friends and colleagues also received homophobic calls and text messages threatening rape and violence."

'SORRY, WE CAN'T HELP YOU' [sydney star observer]

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Elton John Reminds Crowd What David Beckham's Got Down Under

Australia not only celebrated the election of a new Prime Minister over the weekend, but also honored the arrival of the L.A. Galaxy's David Beckham to Sydney with a star-studded party.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Elton John was in usual outspoken form: "Sydney's A-list may have been starstruck but it took Elton John to break the ice at the Foxtel is Football party last night, greeting guest of honour David Beckham with a cheeky quote, 'Allo Golden Balls'. The football king and queen of crocodile rock's friendly banter kicked off the fun at Cafe Sydney, where the A-list went ga-ga over the LA Galaxy superstar. While the rest of the team were happy to take in the view, local eyes were fixed on the bronzed Beckham."

Also in attendance, retired Olympian Ian Thorpe.

ADDENDUM: As noted in the comments, Beckham's visit has also created controversy because his entourage reportedly swept by a group of children with cancer upon his arrival to the hotel. Beckham says he didn't see them: "I would never have done that. Never have done, never will do. I'm more than willing to meet them wherever they want and at whatever time that they want."

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Santas Told Not to Say "Ho Ho Ho" Because it Offends Women

Seriously?

Santa Clauses in Sydney, Australia have been told to say "Ha Ha Ha" instead.

Agence France Presse reports: "One disgruntled Santa told the newspaper a recruitment firm warned him not to use 'ho ho ho' because it could frighten children and was too close to "ho", a US slang term for prostitute."

The spokeswoman for a group that campaigns against media that might sexualize children balked: "Gimme a break. We are talking about little kids who do not understand that 'ho, ho, ho' has any other connotation and nor should they. Leave Santa alone."

A spokesman for the company hiring out the Santas, Westaff, reportedly said the directive would be left up to each Santa's discretion.

The only way I'd possibly be offended was if Don Imus had donned the red suit as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army.

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News: George Clooney, Dogs, ENDA, Gay Muslims, Rudy Giuliani

ENDA: Michelangelo Signorile asks some tough questions of HRC's Joe Solmonese about the decision to go from opposing a non-transgender ENDA to fully backing it. (AUDIO)

Lance Bass and new man Ben Thigpen spend their bread at Butter.

George Clooney and Fabio get their claws out at West Hollywood restaurant: "I thought you were a nice guy. Stop being a diva!"

All I can say is, thank goodness there aren't many cliffs in Wisconsin.

Judge sees evidence that Rita Cosby "crossed the line" in evidence gathering for her Anna nicole book which alleges a gay relationship between Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead: "A federal judge in the Southern District of New York issued an order today in the wake of Stern's allegation that Cosby 'sought to tamper with two witnesses by offering to pay them thousands of dollars for their testimony.' The judge allowed Stern to probe the allegation, concluding he has 'presented substantial -- indeed troubling -- evidence that Cosby has sought to improperly influence witnesses...' In a statement to TMZ, Rita Cosby said 'I am pleased that the Court will get to the bottom of these unfounded allegations. I trust that when all the facts come out that a very different picture will be shown.'"

Gyllenhaal and Witherspoon in nocturnal paparazzi ambush.

Sydney summer Gay Day going green.

According to Mother Jones, Towleroad is blocked at the Denver International Airport: "Your request to URL "http://www.towleroad.com/" has been blocked by the URL Filter Database. The URL is listed under categories (Provocative Attire, Politics / Opinion), which are not allowed by your administrator at this time. The following reputation level was assigned to it: Neutral."

Democrats take back the state Senate in Virginia.

World's tallest dog meets world's smallest.

The NYT visits gay Muslims who have gained asylum in NYC: "Even as they reveled in newfound freedom compared with the Muslim world, they remained closeted, worried about being ostracized at the mosque or at their local falafel stand. 'They’re afraid of the rest of the community here,' said Ayman, a stocky 31-year-old from Jordan, who won asylum in the United States last year on the basis of his sexuality. 'It’s such a big wrong in the Koran that it is impossible to be accepted.' For gay Muslims, change may come via a nascent body of scholarship in minority Muslim communities where the reassessment of sacred texts used to damn homosexuality is gaining momentum."

I'll take the two of spades: Eva Mendes plays with some hot cards.

Pat Robertson endorses Rudy Giuliani. Talking Points Memo: "...the Robertson endorsement Rudy Giuliani bagged today is perhaps the ultimate fusion of right-wing religious extremism and war on terror mania. Giuliani's claim to the presidency is based on his service as mayor during and immediately after 9/11. What stops him from being a shoe-in for the nomination is his track record supporting abortion rights and gay rights. But, Robertson is on record saying that 9/11 was America's punishment for its sinful gay-loving, abortion permitting culture. As Robertson says on his website, the attacks happened because God withdrew his protection from America. He agreed with the late Jerry Falwell that America "deserved" 9/11."

Clinton lead slips 10% following debate debacle.

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News: Mario Lopez, Louis Vuitton, Sydney, Tom Ford, Brazil

Robert Goulet dies at 73, awaiting lung transplant at hospital.

Does Annie Leibowitz's Louis Vuitton ad contain a hidden message from Gorbachev about poisoned Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko?

Being Mr. Gay Brazil requires Representative Barney Frank on Larry Craig: "I don’t think he should have been arrested, but it’s more likely than not that he was interested in sex. You have a right to privacy but not hypocrisy. During the period that I was closeted for seven years, I was always a gay rights supporter. I think it’s a fundamental violation of principles to vote one way and act another."

Following rash of gay bashings, a "safe space" opens on Oxford Street in Sydney: "Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the City had agreed to lease a recently vacated shop front in a Council-owned building to ACON for use as a night-time Safe Space for the gay community. '“Following discussions with ACON, the City has agreed to provide the premises free of charge for ACON to use on a nightly basis,'” Ms Moore said. '“The Safe Space will act as a refuge for people who feel threatened or abused.” Residents continue to report assaults, robberies and anti-social behaviour associated with large late night licensed premises. There are ongoing reports of serious problems and people tell me that they fear for their safety.”'"

Ass-tastic: Mario Lopez lets it all hang out for Halloween.

Wentworth Miller holds on tight!

Two pink triangles from the Holocaust being auctioned in the UK: "They are expected to fetch hundreds of pounds when they go under the hammer at the Mullock's Auctioneers at Ludlow Racecourse on Thursday. Also being sold at the auction are other rare items including a description of a Spanish flu pandemic that killed millions and an apologetic letter from composer Edward Elgar."

Jesse Helms documentary comes to DVD, and includes never-before-seen interview with Matthew Shepard.

Frequent Towleroad commenter David Ehrenstein writes on "Obama's Gospel Mistake" in the L.A. Times.

Harper Lee to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Tom Ford is buying mineral rights to the land beneath his Galisteo, New Mexico ranch in order to block oil drilling: "Ford paid the state Land Office about $84,000 earlier this year to purchase the mineral rights to more than 1,400 acres, according to Land Office records. The purchase came in response to Tecton Energy's controversial proposal to drill eight exploratory wells on 65,000 acres, or 101 square miles, in the Galisteo Basin where it has acquired mineral rights." All drilling above ground is expected to continue.

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