Lika Starr » Inspiration

Monday Mash – Gay Marriage – A Change Is Gonna Come

Lika Starr — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:32:56 +0000

It’s no secret that I occasionally throw out a political or social statement on this blog. The song in this video was originally intended for the Afirican American civil rights movement. I am aware that by posting this video I will offend some of my black friends. If anyone finds this offending then I am sorry but I do not apologize for the message it makes.

For those wondering why I’m pointing this out it is because a lot of African Americans feel that the LGBT Community is feeding off their trials, errors and success in terms of the fight for equality. They feel it an injustice because they don’t consider the LGBT equality movement in comparison to their own. Most probably that is a result of religious upbringing and teachings that homosexuality is wrong.

I understand but I will tell you where you are wrong. Black equality just as gay equality comes down to one basic commonality and that is the rights of all humans to be treated equally. That, my friends, is where the comparison falls. Be proud that you’ve paved the way for other minorities to follow in your footsteps. For that we (as gays) look up to you and to what you have so boldly and bravely achieved over the past decades. Hopefully that gives even more to be proud of. If not, then are you being selfish of your own basic human right? For the love of humanism should you not share it with other minorities no matter how diverse. Isn’t the acceptance and tolerance of diversity the key to world peace?

We are not saying that being gay compares to being black in the sense of nature. We are not even asking you to change your beliefs. What we are asking you for is tolerance and acceptance. The very same things you asked of white people. Can you honestly deny us of that when the only proof you have that homosexuality is wrong is the same proof that whites had that slavery was right?

And, let’s not forget:

“Dr. King was a strong supporter of gay rights as well. Bayard Rustin, who was openly gay, was one of King’s primary advisors from 1956 until King’s death in 1968. Rustin convinced King to dedicate himself to the principles of non-violence; he also organized the 1963 March on Washington. King withstood great pressure from both blacks and whites for working so closely with a known homosexual.”

Quote taken from the creator of the above video – He makes a very valid point.

Feeling Tied To The Past…

Lika Starr — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:57:37 +0000

Tatsuji Okawa circa 1970

A personal thought:

2010 sounds so futuristic, doesn’t it? With the new year brings new goals and steps to take in reaching them. But doing so is not always so easy if you’re feeling tied to the past. So why not make part of your new resolutions to include letting go of those things from your past that bind you from moving forward. Let them go, set them free and you will fly.

About the photo:

From artist, Tatsuji Okawa (1904-0994), who’s work often depicted men tied or bound. His work was highly regarded in world of gay art erotica and published in Barazoku, a Japanese gay magazine that was in circulation for 33 years until it went bankrupt in 2004. Like many of its brothers in other advanced counties, the onset of digital media helped to bring it to an end. During its media reign, the mag was a cornerstone within the gay community as it featured original works from renowned artists like Okawa.

Santa Claus Is Coming Out – Not The Chimney

Lika Starr — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:44:23 +0000

Check out this cute and merry diddy from hot you-tuber, Sean Chapin. Check out his channel here.

The lyrics:

You better respect
You better not pry
You better not gasp
Im telling you why

Santa Claus is coming out.

Hes being himself
And finding it nice
Gonna keep checking
Everything twice

Santa Claus is coming out.

He sees you when youre smirking
He knows its no mistake
He still knows if youre bad or good
So be good for goodness sake.

You better respect
You better not pry
You better not gasp
Im telling you why

Santa Claus is coming out.

With wonderful toys and magical games
Thinking about his marvelous James

Santa Claus is coming out.

Remote control cars exciting and new,
Barbie dolls that are fabulous too.

Santa Claus is coming out.

The kids and girls in boyland
Will still have a jubilee.
Hell help them build a toyland town,
All around the Christmas tree.

You better respect
You better not pry
You better not gasp
Im telling you why

Santa Claus is coming out.

Sean is a dedicated activist for the LGBT civil rights movement. He has produced an entire album for the cause. All proceeds from his 13 song album, More Equal Union, available from iTunes will go to the thoughtfully selected organization, Lambda Legal. As we all know LL is courageously known for stepping up to the plate for the rights of all LGBT people across the nation.

Here’s the video featuring a powerful melody and vocal set in Grand from the album:

For more information of Sean Chapin and this project please visit the website, More Equal Union.

Houston, Texas – 4th Largest U.S. City Elects Gay Mayor

Lika Starr — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:53:04 +0000

Houston proves that a major U.S populous can focus on critical qualifications with open minds when it comes to a high-office election. On Saturday, December 12th 2009, Houstonians do what Dalasites couldn’t do in the last mayoral election. Houston elects Annise Parker as the first openly gay Mayor in major U.S. city. Houston with over 2 million residents is the 4th largest city in the United States.

In a runoff election held yesterday, Dem-Annise Parker won the mayoral election with 53% of the votes to her rival Gene Locke’s 47% (numbers rounded). November’s election was too close to bring in a new Mayor Elect along with several other city positions. Houston has been in a financial turmoil over the past 18 months and eagerly fought for new direction.

: AP – Photo: Annise Parker (center) celebrates with partner Kathy Hubbard (left)

Mayor Elect Parker promised her constitutes that her sexual identity would bear no influence on her management of the the city. In a post win acceptance announcement she also stated that she knows what it means for to have won the election and is proud make history.

Houston Mayor Elect Annise Parker “Tonight the voters of Houston have opened the doors to history – I acknowledge that. I embrace that. I know what this win means to many of us who thought we could never achieve high office. I know what it means. I understand, because I feel it, too. But now, from this moment, let us join as one community. We are united in one goal in making this city the city that it can be, should be, might be, will be.”

Neither November’s elections or December’s runoff made major national headlines prior to the final votes. Even without the national press looking on, Mayor Elect Parker did face aggressive local woes against her campaign. But that only came when the race (in November) was down to two and she was considered a threat by the conservative right and religious groups. A smear campaign consisting of phone calls, faxes, and fliers ensued full-on proclaiming Parker would move to legalize same-sex marriage in Houston and expand gay rights.

While the anti-gay effort did have an impact, Houstonians were able look past the viscous attacks and focus on personally proven qualifications and skills needed to get the job done.

In 2007, Dallas mayor candidate Ed Oakley, a long running and successful City Councilman faced the similar anti-gay campaigns and lost the election in what was otherwise a close race with the now current mayor, Tom Leppert. As with Parker, Oakely’s sexual orientation did not become an issue until the final weeks of the race.

There were some key differences in the Dallas race that supporters say ultimately lost the election for Oakley. The Dallas election made international headlines when Time Magazine ran an article on Ed Oakley as possibly being the first mayor of a major U.S. city. The Dallas Monring News followed suit with the gay angle, making a big deal out of it. Shortly thereafter, the anti-gay campaign attacks started,

Oakley, in what could have seemed a cornered counter attack, responded by going after his opponent’s character in a negative manner as opposed to sticking with the issues. As a result Oakley may have shown his own character in a negative light.

Perhaps Parker learned from this mistake. Instead of countering a very personal attack against her opponent, Locke, she stuck with the issues of the city and pressed those issues in her favor while highlighting the negatives of her opponent’s qualifications and past experience to handle the job efficiently. It was a strategy that worked.

Congratulations Houston!

Chris Pesto My Newest Hero

Lika Starr — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:38:49 +0000

The signs in the photo really tell it all, but… Just to elaborate: Chris Pesto, a Syracuse University student, joined in a protest outside the college campus. The protest was an anti-gay statement proclaiming that homosexuality is a sin. Pesto fought back the nonsense with one of the biggest no-no’s in the fashion industry – Corduroy Skirts are a SIN!

Gay, straight or indifferent you’ve got to appreciate the humor as well as the ingenious counter of wit vs. dimwit. You go – Chris Pesto! You Win!

World Aids Day A Time For Hope

Lika Starr — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:12:22 +0000

Every year here at LikaStarr.com we change the Express Yourself – Protect Yourself photo residing in the sidebar of this site in honor of Aids awareness. We do this every December 1st in recognition of World Aids Day. Today will be our third year and we hope to have many more Decembers to come.

This year we want to do something a little more special in addition. We have partnered with Love and Pride, the largest retailer of gay themed design jewelry on the planet – their outreach is global. More importantly, their size allows them to some great things on a grand scale. Things like help raise money for valiant charitable organizations. Over there years Love and Pride have given thousands and thousands to charities like the Mathew Shepard Foundation, GMHC (Gay Mens Health Crisis), Lambda Legal and others.

World AIDS day is a time of hope, a time to help and a time to act. If you want to help out with World Aids Day there is no better way than to help our gay brothers suffering with AIDS at the same time. You can do this and get something to back in return. Something that you can cherish, be proud of and to remind yourself and others that we should all continue to care.

Love and Pride donates 100% of the net proceeds of its “A Time for Hope” watch to the GMHC foundation. It really is a beautifully inspired watch that adorns the famed red ribbon on its face and sports a deep reaching hue of blue in the classic band. It is a watch to be proud to wear at any gay themed event, political, charity or otherwise – everyday if you are so inclined.

The watch retails for $125, not bad especially considering all of the net proceeds go to the GMHC. To encourage you to help we’re offering a 30% store-wide discount until December 3rd at 3:00 pm EST. Just enter the *coupon code, 301130 when you’re ready to check out. That means the watch is yours, the donations are made and all you pay is $87.50. Throw something else in your basket that bring the total to $100 or more and you get free shipping too. That additional item could be the awesome tell-it-like-you-feel-it “Erase Hate” pendant in which 100% of the net proceeds are donated to the Mathew Shepard Foundation.

Of course Love and Pride has tons of fashionably hot jewelry to choose from. We’ve simply chosen two items that fit the day. While you’re there you might want to pick up some other items for yourself or gift for that special person in your life.

To easily find the watch and pendant simply click on the link at the top of the Love and Pride home page that reads “10% of all proceeds supports equality for all.”

*Coupon code does not apply to the “Erase Hate” pendant.

Heart-full to Heart-less

Lika Starr — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:27:49 +0000

Michael Jackson’s death is the perfect example hearts full of love and hearts full of hate. On one side of the spectrum we have endearing family, friends and fans who still mourn the king’s untimely death. The mourners have all but chosen to ignore any allegations that were brought upon Jackson, his style of life and appearance incarnations over the years.

For everyone one of the adoring fans there is at least another of opposite devotion. Those opposites present a devout persistence to sentence a man to death whom has already died.

I am left asking does it really matter what someone has done or hasn’t done once they die. Certainly it does but who it matters to now should be the focus of reaction by those who choose to spout off with their venom. Think of the children that were left behind when their father died. Think of what you are going to say before you say it. Think of Michael’s children before you throw the forked tongue.

As individuals we have no personal proof Jackson did any of the things he was accused of because he didn’t do them to us. We were not there when the supposed crimes took place or didn’t take place. Jackson was acquitted of any wrong doing and that is what we as the public are left whether we believe it or not; whether we believe it or not. Jackson was tried before his own fellow citizens and they, the public, relieved him of all charges to which he was accused. It is time to let it go.

What matters now is the well being of Michael Jackson’s children. They should not have to endure the relentless torture by the hateful and hurtful comments left by those who seem to have no morals themselves. Let them hear the praise for their father. Let them hear how their father touched the hearts and souls of many through his undeniable talent as a song writer, singer, musician and artist. Most of all let them have their own piece within their lives.

1922-2009 – Bea Arthur Dies At 86 – RIP

Lika Starr — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:02:51 +0000

People magazine reported Saturday afternoon that Bea Arthur had died peacefully in her sleep. The actress had been suffering from cancer for some time. Arthur was best known for role as Dorothy Zbornak in the hit 80’s TV sitcom, The Golden Girls. She shared the spotlight equally with her costars Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Estelle Getty who died last July.

Arthur made her television debut where she played Maude on the ‘70’s series by the same name. Maude was a spn-off of the popular All in the Family sitcom featuring the character Archie Bunker played by the late Carroll O’Connor. Archie Bunker was an ultra conservative anti-everything-liberal including his wife’s liberal cousin Maude.

Prior to her television success Bea Arthur hit Broadway with a bang as the original matchmaker on Fiddler on the Roof as well as the as her hard edged alcohol prone role in Maime.

Golden Girls was Arthur’s most successful and remembered work. The show continues to air across the world and is an inspiration to many for its boldness and taking on topics of the time that other shows were afraid to touch. The real magic of the show’s reach was it’s ability to grasp all generations and bring them into its unique fold.

Golden Girls costar Betty White – "Bea was such an important part of a very happy time in my life and I have dearly loved her for a very long time," White said in a statement Saturday. "How lucky I was to know her."

Arthur was a tall woman with a large frame and a deep voice. She stood out from her peers both on stage and in her off-stage life. But it was this character and persona that made her unique and the success that was to come for this outstanding actress.

Bea Arthur – "Look – I’m 5-feet-9, I have a deep voice and I have a way with a line. What can I do about it? I can’t stay home waiting for something different. I think it’s a total waste of energy worrying about typecasting."

Bea Arthur – “I suddenly realized that comedy, for me, was just being honest, and playing it for real. I’ve seen so many wonderful actors who turn into creatures from another planet when they’re told they are supposed to be playing comedy.”

As an animal lover she was a strong advocate for the animal rights foundation, PETA. The foundation named her as an Honorary Director. She joined PETA in 1987, when the Golden Girls did an anti-fur episode. Her relatives are asking that donations be made to the foundation instead of flowers in memory of the late actress.

Bea Arthur – "Keep fighting for animals by making compassionate, cruelty-free choices every day and encouraging those around you to do the same. "

Videos:

Blue Shorts Workout – Have You Seen This Guy?

Lika Starr — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:18:30 +0000

I was visiting some blog buddies today and while over at Willy’s site I came across this hot, raw and sexy photo of a dude in short blue shorts getting a workout. Or maybe he was about to get worked out as the case may be. It does look like it could be the beginning of a dude flick scene. My first thought was “damn, that’s a f’ing hot pic” and how ~~I could give him~~ need a good workout myself. So yeah, I’ve kind of been missing the gym lately. This photo definitely has the potential to trigger the inspiration to not let yourself get out of shape. That is, if you can keep your mind off of wanting to, umm… Rip off those shorts. Wait! That’s the whole purpose of staying in shape, right? What was I thinking? Oh yeah, it’s called fantasizing. Duh!

Okay, so fantasies aside it hit me. I’ve seen this guy, this same pic, before but have no idea who it is. Another reader on Willy’s blog was asking who it is also. After searching I found this same photo in some old archives I had. There was no name in the file, just “blue-workout” and that’s it. So if anyone who happens to come across this post and knows who this cute hunk of a fella is please do share your knowledge. I’d love to name the photo properly and give credit where it’s due.

[UPDATE] Thanks Willy! Willy has solved he mystery in his comment below. Check out his blog (NSFW) for more revealing photos of this harry hunk of a man, Nick Braso.

I knew I knew this guy, lol. I guess the secret’s out on what I sometimes (haha) view on the internet.

If you want to see the full photo set of Nick in and out those sexy blue shorts – click here (NSFW)

Boston Santa Speedo Run – 2008

Lika Starr — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:58:19 +0000

Ho! Ho! Ho! Or is that, hahaha? These crazy-fun photos come from the boys in the sun gallery on Flickr. The photos are of the 2008 Santa Speedo Run held this past weekend in Boston, Massachusetts.

Run Santa, Run!

A couple of hotties!

Jumpin’ Jack Cold Flash!

Too cute! What’s he saying? Whatever it is – the expression is priceless!

The boys are having just way too much fun!

Btw, the last photo is a full screen view of the Flickr gallery with the Coolirs plugin for FireFox – it rocks! Also, a special thanks to Hunk du Jour where I found the link to boys in the sun. You can find a link to HDJ on the sidebar on this blog!

Milk Pours In A Record Weekend

Lika Starr — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:42:35 +0000

Milk – Reason to celebrate!

In the photo above, actor Sean Penn (playing Harvey Milk) celebrates atop a car in the movie, Milk. The photo is one of 13 officially released images from Focus Features.

indieWIRE — Gus Van Sant’s “Milk” scored a huge Thanksgiving opening, according to initial estimates from Rentrak early this afternoon. The Focus Features release, a biopic of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, grossed $1,381,484 on just 36 screens over the three-day weekend, for a $38,375 average. This ranks as the highest opening weekend for any film released in the range of 30-40 theaters (a record previously held by Focus’ “Atonement”). Since opening last Wednesday, “Milk” has taken in an impressive $1,866,079.

We planned on seeing the film at the Angelika theater in Dallas this past Saturday. Our plans came crashing down when Jake received a phone call requiring his network support skills due to an emergency at a large company. He’s not on call this coming weekend so we’ll have to see Milk then during it’s wide release opening weekend. We were saddened that we couldn’t be part of the limited release but were happy to learn the movie did extremely well.

In an interview with indieWire James Schamus, Focus CEO said they are enjoying the numbers and it’s cause for celebration. But even more cause for joy is the film itself.

James Schamus – “Honestly, if it was just me and my kids in the theater this weekend, I’d still be just as proud to know that Focus had even a small role to play in the creation of Gus Van Sant’s masterpiece.”

More great news are the exit polls which shows a mix of Milk goers to be over and under 35 and mixed between male, female, gay and straight. Milk also made the overall box office top ten list on its meager 36 screen limited release.

Focus Features reports that Milk is prepared both successfully and competitively for the upcoming Friday, Dec. 5 expansion – wide release, due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend success.

In the clip below, Manny interviews James Franco who plays Scott Smith, Harvey Milk’s (Sean Penn) boyfriend-partner in the movie, Milk.

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