Lika Starr » equal-rights

Gay Dads – Happy Father’s Day!

Lika Starr — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:00:39 +0000

Happy Father’s Day to all the gay dads out there raising their kids. By doing a quick search on the subject it would seem that gay dads are getting a little more recognition in the news media than in years past. Most likely this is due to all the recent anti-gay adoption legislation in recent months. But.. It could also be, in part, our more gay-friendly/tolerant President.

Barack Obama – Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a stepfather, a grandfather, or caring guardian. We owe a special debt of gratitude for those parents serving in the United States Armed Forces and their families, whose sacrifices protect the lives and liberties of all American children. For the character they build, the doors they open, and the love they provide over our life times, all our fathers deserve our unending appreciation and admiration.

The above excerpt is from the President’s recent Father’s Day proclamation for 2010. This isn’t the first time Obama has included gays as part of a national recognition when it comes to traditional family values. He also acknowledged lesbians for Mother’s Day earlier this year and included gay families for Family Day last year. On a related note President Obama also recently declared the month of June, 2010 the official Pride Month for the LGBT community.

It may seem unfortunate these proclamations from the nation’s President haven’t exactly made national or even international headline news. In reality this may also be a blessing for a couple of reasons. One, it quietly builds a substantial value system for the LGBT community at the core of our government on both sides of the isle. Two, if these gay-friendly proclamations had gained mass attention there undoubtedly would have been an onslaught of anti-gay backlashing resulting in a step backwards rather than forward. As it stands, this opens a huge door for more politicians in the future to openly support the gay minority.

* Also see today’s related post in Sexy Sunday featuring photos of Ricky Martin with his adorable twins

Marco Dapper – Just Because

Lika Starr — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:10:42 +0000

I just watched Eating Out – Sloppy Seconds this morning which makes about the 10th time I’ve seen this hilarious movie since it’s 2006 release. The other movies in the series are good too but this is by far a favorite of mine. It’s witty, funny and packs a political punch – Love it! Oh, and yeah, that Dapper guy…mmm…

City of Beverly Hills: Lauren Ashley is not Miss Beveryly Hills 2010

Lika Starr — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:51:15 +0000

Laurn Ashley - Not Miss Beverly Hills 2010...haha

In a move fit for royalty the city of Beverly Hills issued a statement claiming upcoming Miss California contender, Lauren Ashley, has no right to represent the city. The city says it holds no connection, sponsorship or representation any pageant whatsoever. Apparently Lauren Ashley is self-proclaiming her status as Miss Beverly Hills 2010.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Lauren Ashley, a Miss California USA contestant and outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage, claims Beverly Hills as the city she represents. Beverly Hills lays no claim to her whatsoever.

Quite the opposite. In a statement Wednesday, the city said it was shocked by Ashley’s description of herself as “Miss Beverly Hills.” The city “does not sponsor a beauty pageant and has no association with Miss California USA,” the statement said. “As such, there should be no individual claiming the title of Miss Beverly Hills.”

The city’s statement said Ashley lives in Pasadena and “does not represent Beverly Hills in any capacity.”

This comes after a Fox News segment featuring Lauren Ashley with her views on traditional marriage and opposition of same-sex marriage. It is there that she quoted Leviticus from the Bible and allured viewers to perceive Ashley feels gays should be put to death. Like many beauty queens before her such as Carrie Prejean and Sarah Palin, Ashley says she’s got lots of gay friends. According to the now defunct Miss Beverly Hills, she discusses her beliefs with those and others in an adult manner and there are not hard feeling on either side. Whaaaaaa? Ok, then.

I don’t know about the rest of you but this whole beauty queen stuff is getting old and boring. Do these booby flaunting babes (yes, that includes Sarah Palin – I’ll take a jab at her every chance I get.) really think the right wing three leggers are gonna fall for this crap? I mean come on, even those guys are smarter than that – I hope. Move over Lauren Ashley and let the next poster bitch give it tray. I’m quite sure there’s one in waiting.

Michael Anthony, Author of Mass Casualties, Speaks on DADT

Lika Starr — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:37:49 +0000

Michael Anthony - DADT

Mass Casualties: A young medic’s true story of death, deception and dishonor in Iraq. That’s the title and tag-line of Michael Anthony’s book that recounts his first year in the military. By way of meticulously kept journal entries the author paves his way through this raw, intense and even sometimes sheds humor in the shadows of harsh reality known as war.

As an ally of making things right with the world, Michael Anthony supports the repeal of DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell). A law enacted during the Clinton years that says it’s okay for gays to serve in the military as long as they don’t talk about it. In other words, homosexual men and women in the military must hang their heads in shame of who they are – but they can still serve. Via an email here are Michael’s thoughts on the subject:

My name is Michael Anthony, I am an Iraq war veteran and having spent six years in the Army, at the age of twenty-three, I have spent more than a quarter of my life in service to this country. I have four older brothers and an older sister, all of whom have been in the military: Air Force, Marines and Army. My father and both my grandfathers were in the military.

Hailing originally for a small sheltered town just south of Boston Massachusetts, I say this in all earnestness: the only gay people I know have all been in the military. This is not a joke or some talking point, it’s literal. Generals, Commanders and Civilians can talk all they want, but the fact of the matter is, the only gay friends I’ve had have all been in the military, in fact, my only experience of gay people(outside of the military) is when I once watched and episode of the TV show Will and Grace (it was kind of funny).

For the policy known as DADT, there is one thing people often forget. People forget that the policy doesn’t preclude gay people from entering the military it just precludes them from talking about their homosexuality. In short, someone can be gay in the military; they just can’t talk about being gay in the military.

If people are already in the military and gay—from my former unit alone I know close to a dozen—what is it that people are afraid will happen with the repeal of DADT? Are people afraid that the day after DADT is rescinded; gay soldiers are going to walk in wearing a feather boa and buttless fatigues? The uniform policy will still be in effect so we can cross that option out. Are people afraid that it’s going to hurt troop morale? The Military suicide rate is at a thirty year high having consistently risen for the past five years, with eighteen veterans killing themselves everyday (according to the VA) so it seems like it can’t get any worse.

With everything said, there is a negative aspect to repealing DADT. Having been in the military all my adult years, my peer group is filled with Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Several of these war veterans having done two or three tours, have sworn that they will never go back to Iraq or Afghanistan. Upon further questioning on how they plan to get out deployment if called, their answer is simple: “don’t ask, don’t tell,” expounding further, they say that if they’re called up, they will simply kiss a member of the same sex—in front of their commander. So how is repealing DADT going to affect the military? The answer is simple…my friends who jokingly suggested using DADT as a way to get out of a deployment are now stuck going to Iraq or Afghanistan.

And please don’t even get me started on the escapades that go on overseas. But hey, what happens in Iraq stays in Iraq…ahh not quite.

More Text

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.

ManCrunch – Super Bowl 2010 – Brilliant or a Bust

Lika Starr — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:51:28 +0000

I wouldn’t even touch this story if I weren’t a huge football fan. That being said, here goes…

ManCrunch Super Bowl Butt Shot

Today I heard on my local sports radio show that a dating site called ManCrunch.com is trying to get a commercial spot on this year’s Super Bowl. This was on a Dallas station and I was pleasantly rewarded with little to no overtly adverse reactions from either the radio hosts or the fans who called in to discuss the topic. I’m sure there were “other” calls but most likely they carefully screen their calls – It is Dallas and for the most part the entertainment industry here is gay friendly/tolerant. That said, there were naysayers but mostly with the position the commercial is inappropriate for the Super Bowl because it doesn’t normally attract a gay audience. Of course there were also the concerns fo having to explain that to kids. That along with others who feel all “advocacy” and or political ads should be kept out of all sporting events.

Sorry to say but no one is getting it – The ManCrunch commercial is not geared to towards the gay community at large, nor is advocating gay rights though it does strongly touch on the stupidity of stereotypes. Clearly it is targeting closeted gay men or those otherwise curious. Sure its meant to shock the viewers, all of them. But more importantly (for the business) it’s meant to stick somewhere in the back of that dude’s mind until his wife is asleep late at night as he types in ManCrunch.com on his computer.

ManCrunch is owned by Avid Life Media. The same company that owns AshleyMadison.com, a dating site with a niche in adultery. They’ve done the Super Bowl thing before with that site and were banned. They also got tons of media coverage from CNN, Dr. Phill, Ellen, The View and all the major networks. They’re certainly not wet behind the ear when comes to stirring controversy and profiting from it. They have nearly 6 million members on AshleyMadison.com to prove it.

Avid’s pockets seem to run deep as well. In 2007 they acquired Hot or Not for $29 million dollars. So all you guys out there saying (Towleroad, Queerty, JoeMyGod, ETC) this company probably doesn’t have the bank to fund a Super Bowl commercial better think again. More importantly, do your research.

This past December Avid offered Tiger Woods a contract for $5 million to endorse AshleyMadison. Of course he didn’t accept but talk about feeding off controversy. These guys are pros.

ManCrunch is obviously breaking new ground in that its targeted market is closeted gay males. Remember, their strong points are niche markets. It’s a smart move too as it stands to the reasonable belief there are many more closeted gay/bi-curious men than those who are out and proud. Get with program peeps, that closet is still pretty big and it’s chock full of men urging to get off with other men and that’s exactly what ManCrunch and Avid Life Media are banking on.

By the way, for all you that didn’t get it – that’s what the “down low” is all about on their Site – keeping it secret.

Oh and the black dude in the commerical. Of course its intentional. He’s got a fried chicken leg in hand. Then there’s the butt-load (pun intended) anti-gay props on the wall in the name of signage. At the end of the commerical we’re asked the question, “Why not?” The entire ad is full of stereotypes and begs to throw them all on the table at once as if to imply it’s all stupid, meaningless social ignorance. So it’s okay to venture out of the closet and hook up with many, many, many other men who want to come out and play. That also answers the question to the cheesiness of the commerical itself. In my opinion, it’s a brilliant marketing move. The company wins whether it gets its Super Bowl commerical or not.

What it does for the LGBT community is another story and will remain unanswered until we see the fallout of it all. Personally I don’t see it doing much harm. It doesn’t really matter what pro-gay ads are run on television or in what taste they are presented. Whatever the ad may be, anti-gay organizations are going to counter them and pick them apart and throw them out as chum to their frenzy of hate feeders. I’ll probably get called out on this but if Avid is going to do this, then I’m glad they put the black guy in the commercial. What that says to me is that homophobia is just as stupid as racism.

UPDATE: January 29th, 2010

CBS has officially rejected the ManCrunch Super Bowl ad. Let the rage and outcry begin and it does – talks of double standards and gays boycotting CBS are ensuing on the interwebs. Congratulations are in order for Noel Biderman of Avid Life Media for another well played ploy at controversial marketing. A couple of days ago no one knew of ManCrunch and now it’s the talk of the town, especially with gay related blogs and news outlets. Think that’s enough? Not so fast. ManCrunch is now asking LGBT equal rights groups to step up and fight the rejection of their ad based on discrimination.

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.

Adam Lambert – Don’t Judge Me

Lika Starr — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:08:01 +0000

Originally this post was going to highlight my new favorite song, Strut, from Adam Lambert’s new CD For Your Entertainment. I’ll still do that later but first there’s some hot news that I must share and it’s pink! Not my favorite color but, hey – It’ll do in this case.

Adam, while in Miami for a performance at the Jingle Ball, did some shopping and picked up a pair of pink boxer-briefs from LMFAO. The “undies” as Adam calls them, feature a crotch-grabbing hand print on the front and big bold message on the backside that reads, “Don’t Judge Me.” Fitting might be the appropriate word to describe the bold pair in light of the recent (very over-blown) controversy surrounding the singer’s recent AMA gig.

Proudly showing off his new purchase, Adam flaunts his pink undies with true rebel-style. That’s what we love about Adam.

The above photos and other recent shots by SureFiRedGuitar of Adam Sexual Lambert decked out in brown leather gear at the recent Miami Jingle Ball after-party can be found via twitpic. There’s some super hot photos of Adam there so be sure to check ‘em out.

As I mentioned before, this article was originally going to be about my new favorite song from Adam. I admit when I first heard Strut I didn’t care for it much. The more I’ve listened to it the more it has grown on me in an upbeat, positive way – Now, I’m in love with the song! The reason I’m writing about it is because more often than not some people are not understanding the lyrics correctly. By that, I mean they are either hearing them or reading them wrongly. Even some of the top lyrics sites out have them posted incorrectly. Without further ado let’s set the record straight – m’kay?

First, here’s a YouTube video with the song’s audio:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Second, here are the lyrics exactly the way the Adam Lambert sings them – Asesome, fun, liberating – kickass song!

Strut – by Adam Lambert

I want to start a revolution
A type of personal solution
We all have got our own pollution
It’s all about the execution

You got something to say, your hands are tied
Open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drop, don’t it feel good, don’t it feel hot
Feel the fire within

I wanna see you strut, strut – strut
C’mon walk for me
Strut, strut – strut
How you wanna be

Everybody’s looking for some love, but they don’t know
How to let it all hang out and that’s why they’re solo, solo, solo
Don’t wanna be solo, solo, solo
Don’t wanna be solo

We’re a complicated nation
And now we’re in a situation
Let’s take a Maybelline vacation
And get yourself some validation

You got something to say, your hands are tied
Open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drop, don’t it feel good, don’t it feel hot
Feel the fire within

I wanna see you strut, strut – strut
C’mon walk for me
Strut, strut – strut
How you wanna be

Everybody’s looking for some love, but they don’t know
How to let it all hang out and that’s why they’re solo, solo, solo
Don’t wanna be solo, solo, solo
Don’t wanna be solo

I’ll be your mirror
Darling, let your hair down
Show me what you’re working with and let me see you
Strut – strut, strut – strut
How you wanna be

Everybody’s looking for some love, but they don’t know
How to let it all hang out and that’s why they’re solo, solo, solo
Don’t wanna be solo, solo, solo
Don’t wanna be solo

Strut for me and show me what you’re working with
Strut for me and show me what you’re working with

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.

Landmark Day For LGBT People – No Hate!

Lika Starr — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:03:52 +0000

For the first time in history a President of the United States signs into law a bill that stands up for the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered persons.

Today, October 28th, 2099, President Barack Obama signs into law the Hate Crimes bill, aka, the Matthew Shepard Act. Since the bill was dubbed the The Matthew Shepard Act it has taken on many different revisions nearly losing it’s common name as it has been introduced in many other bills in an effort to pass the Senate and Congress to ultimately reach the President’s desk especially during the Bush years.

Because he was gay, Matthew Shepard (pictured above) died in 1998 after being robbed, beaten and dragged to a remote location where he was left affixed to a fence to peril in his own blood, fear and angst for 18 hours. When he was found, Matthew was first mistaken for a scarecrow. He remained alive but had succumbed to a comatose state. A few days later never to come out of the coma, Shepard died in the hospital from injuries to his head that caused his vitals to function improperly. The injuries were so impacting that surgery was not an option. Shepard’s mother who has fought long and hard for the hate crimes legislation was invited to the White House today to be present for the signing (see the second video below).

The bill was included with the 2010 National Defense Authorization Bill signed by Barack Obama. President Obama promised to support the LGBT community during his election campaign and again at a recent dinner where he spoke at the HRC just one day before an equality march on Washington was to take place. Today the President carried out on that promise in a big way – Thank you, Obama!

Remaining legislation to be passed and ultimately be signed into law include the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of Don’t ask Don’t Tell and. that he would sign the bill. He delivered on that promise today.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lady Gaga for Gay Rights at HRC dinner and Equality March

Lika Starr — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:52:34 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lady Gaga speaks and performs a specially altered rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine at HRC dinner. The following day she also speaks at the National Equlity March – October 11, 2009: National Coming Out Day.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The interview can be watched at OURsceneTV. Click the image below to open the interview in another window/tab.

Lady Gaga on OURsceneTV

Broadway cast Hair sings at Equality March

Lika Starr — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:16:53 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Broadway cast Hair sings Let The Sun Shine In at the Equality March in Washington DC on October 11, 2009 – National Coming Out Day.

Haters – Thank You Very Much

Lika Starr — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:52:24 +0000

This is a fun “attitude” video that made the rounds a couple of months ago across many gay blogs. It’s still going strong and I’m really surprised I didn’t post it here back in May. Better late than never, right? Maybe it’ll get a second surge in popularity. By the way, the haters hate this video – I’m lovin’ it! Ironically the video wasn’t even produced to taunt the bigoted hypocritical homophobes. It was meant as a light-hearted self-approach to deal with the ridiculous amount of hate towards the LGBT community.

The video is a collaboration of several YouTube publishers and is the creative work of steviebeebishop. The song is by Lilly Allen with the third verse removed to fit the message of the video better.

Room Temperature – Same Sex Benefit

Lika Starr — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:03:01 +0000

A Washington Post article brings to our attention the hetero couple’s battles over the summertime A/C temp. Women like it hot and men like it cold. This can lead to fighting and arguing in a married household.

Not so for some gay couples. The article tells of one lesbian couple who experience the opposite temp foes. But they also mention a gay male married couple who are on the same side of the thermostat.

Brad Ward, who has lived for more than a year in a chilly house in Crestwood with his spouse, Sanj Grewal, said: "My husband and I both feel compelled to leave the thermostat as cold as humanly possible during the summer. We’re in total agreement on keeping cool."

I found this to be very interesting not only because it’s true that a lot of men prefer to stay cool but I’m also declaring it as yet another benefit to same sex marriage that some of us might have overlooked or taken for granted. So… Here’s to keeping it cool boys and warming up together when it gets a little too frosty in the wee morning hours.

Right Wing Princess Prejean Dethroned – Finally

Lika Starr — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:47:57 +0000

Carrier Prejean, now former Miss California, has been fired. No just dumped once or twice but now three times. That seems to be the charm that gets justice served.

First there was the Phelps/Prejean misunderstanding-misrelationship-mishappening misscali-mistermostolympicmedalsofalltime thing-a-ma-jig that Michael Phelps denied ever happened. Ok, well he didn’t actually deny everything. He just said they weren’t dating. No mention if there was any bong blowing or sucking or whatever you do with it. I said bong not ~~dong~~. Anyway, props to Phelps – we still love him and this proves he’s not just a pot-head who happens to win gold medals at the Oympics like they’re pennies in an suburban-mall water fountain. Obviously, he’s got brains too. That’s dump #1 for Prejean. She never had chance with his godness. Photo Credit: The Dirty

Dump # 2 comes after Prejean goes head to head with self proclaimed Media ~~Whore~~ Queen, Perez Hilton, when asked her thoughts on Gay Marriage. I won’t go there as it’s been gone over and worn out like a pothole with a street around it. You can read about here and millions of other places on the web. Very long story short, the Miss California Pageant official Keith Lewis tried to yank her crown then but head honcho, The Donald, played his ever-lasting Trump card and saved the Prinicess.

Fast-forward to the present and we have Dump Da Dump Dump DUMP number three. After 40 something interview prospects, with all but 17 of them going sour Carrie Prejean only honored her contract to sit in on one of them. Just one, skipping out or down right refusing to honor her contract and do the other 16 interviews. What happened to all the others? According to the rumor mill, they didn’t want any part of Prejean and the negative controversary that surrounds her. To top that off, major advertisers were pulling their dollars from the Pageant. Armed with the ammo needed the Pageant fired Miss Prejean. And…. It’s about damn time. This time with Trumps blessing who said he gave her a chance and she just didn’t pull through.

There’s lots more to say like whether or not Shanna Moakler, former Miss California co-executive director, will get her job back with the Pageant after quitting because Trump denied the dethroning the first time around. Moakler says things are right now but will she get her job back? Who knows…probably so. Sure there’s lost more to say but this story has been said to death already. So now it’s just time to forget the fallen princess and move on. ‘Cept for one thing – How do we yank the fake pink tiara from self-proclaimed Queen of all Media, Perez Hilton?

Miss California Producer Slams Carrie Prejean

Lika Starr — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:09:09 +0000

Seems we’re stuck on the Prejean scandal – shame, shame. Noticed we’re dropping Hilton from the scandal as Prejean has gone out on a crying limb of her own as of recently. We’ll explain later. But first…

Keith Lewis, Miss California Producer, tells Miss California to get it together in a nice sort of way.

"Given the fact that Carrie Prejean’s first act upon returning to California was to headline five services at a church that promotes homosexuality as both unnatural and abnormal, we stand by our concern for her individual image and look forward to a time in the near future when she can put down her personal agenda and assume the responsibilities associated with being Miss California USA including promoting our official platform ‘The Beauty of California’ which sole purpose is to embrace diversity."

Kudos to Lewis for keeping the Miss California Pageant on track in name of diversity. Next step – Yank her crown! When we first reported this story we sort of lenient towards Ms. Prejean and chalked all this up as silly, ignorant and just plain stupid on everyone’s part including Perez Hilton’s post reaction.

Now Prejean seems to be liking her new role as right-wing media darling a little too much. So much that she’s resorted to lying according to a spokesman for the Miss California Pageant, Roger Neal.

"She chose to stand up in church and in front of the media and say something that was a lie… No one ever said, ‘You must apologize to the gay community,’ and no one ever said, ‘Don’t talk about your faith or your religion.’ Those two things never came out of anybody’s mouth."

Prejean said otherwise during Sunday service at her San Diego Church. She said that officials with the Miss California Pageant told her to apologize to the gay community and not to mention religion while doing post scandal interviews with national media.

It’s time to call this what it is – an anti gay agenda being milked for all it’s worth. No, it wasn’t Miss California’s original intention. But, yes, it has become her intention after the fact. Obviously she likes the attention she’s getting from her side of the fence. Maybe even liking it enough to subject herself to lying. Recently that seems to be a pertinent qualification for fighting the Gay Rights Movement. Still we can’t fault Prejean entirely, she’s been embraced with loving open arms of her own kind. Who wouldn’t love that and even feel a bit obligated?

Heterophobia Kills Pageant Wins

Lika Starr — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:32:34 +0000

OK, so I wasn’t going to post about the nonsense we’ve recently come to know as the Carrie Prejean Vs. Perez Hilton Scandal. Problem number one: Carry & Perez both deserve nothing less than a Dunce Award for this debacle. It shouldn’t be that way but it is. Prejean’s answer to Hilton’s question was nonsense even if she does believe what she said. Hilton’s blog reaction was even more ridiculous. The whole thing made no f*cking sense and boiled down to a hissy-fit, cat scratching, hair pulling frenzied mess. That’s why I wasn’t going to write about it – I don’t do cheesy stories. Ok, well… there are the exceptions.

But! Since I am forced to do so I can get my point across I encounter problem number two. A photo – I usually include a photo with my blog posts. I don’t want to post a photo of Prejean or Hilton – they don’t deserve it! So what’s the resolution? Hmm… Find some cute guy in place of Prejeans’s semi-rightful place as Runner Up Miss USA. Ya know, just to be fair. I don’t want it to appear I’m playing favorites or anything.

With all due respect to to previously mentioned disrespectful here’s the respectable super hunk, model Lucas Gil who won Mr. Brazil 2007 and 1st Runner Up, Mr. World 2007.

On forward… A friend and I were discussing my latest project, Homophobia Kills and somehow Ms. Prejean became part of the subject by way of problem number three: “is there really such a thing as heterophobia?” Well, long story short, we decided yes there is. The only difference is heterophobia kills pageant wins and homophobia kills, uhm… people! And, that my peeps, is whole point of this post. I know. It’s lame, right? Well here’s the jist of it all. We’ve noticed recently that a lot of right-wing self righteous whatever you wanna call ‘em have been saying that the LGBT community are the intolerant bigoted ones. That we do not tolerate their rights to their own beliefs which makes us just as bad as we say that are. What the f*ck? Come again! Say that one more time please. On second thought, don’t. Because uhm… There is no f*cking comparison.

On backward… Carrie Prejean politely and softly screams heterophobia:

Carrie Prejean tells Fox News: I had a gut feeling. I knew he was controversial, and so was the question. Out of all the topics I studied up on, I dreaded that one, I prayed I would not be asked about gay marriage. If I had any other question, I know I would have won.

It’s no secret that Carie Prejan blames Perez Hilton’s question for her pageant 1st place loss. According to her and others she was the front runner with the highest scores until she was asked by [judge] Hilton if she supported same sex marriage. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few days you already know the rest of the story.

But just in case, here’s a recap:

Post debacle Ms. Prejean seems to have taken on the prideful role of right-wing media darling. Fox News is lovin’ themselves some Prejean. One can’t help but wonder if Sarah Palin runs for Prez in 2012 if Prejean will be her main spokes woman. May our GG help us all.

[Note to self: Never start a blog post with “OK” :p]

homophobia kills – The Tee Shirt Project

Lika Starr — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:55:12 +0000

Hi guys…

I’m always thinking of ways that I can help out and give back to the community that has given so much to me.

I just registered the a series of the domain name, homophobiakills, in .com; .org; .info; .net; .mobi; .us TLDs. I’m not really sure what will become of the web presence at this point. But I do know where I want to start. I want to design a simple t-shirt that reads:

homophobia
kills

Ideally the design would also include the names of as many murder and suicide victims as I could get. I feel I would need permission from parents and family members to do this. Even if it’s a matter of public record and no permission is needed I still would want to ask. As I do not what want to bring unwanted attention to grieving families. So the work is cut out for me.

This t-shirt will be used to raise awareness of just how dangerous homophobia is to human life. It does harm others and in some cases it does kill. It needs to stop! The shirt could also be used as a fundraiser to help get this message out there. As I said, I’m not sure at this point where the website will go. I’m hoping it takes on a life of its own but it could also make an impact as a supporting portal to other organizations that already fight homophobia. Either way I’m hoping for success.

This won’t be an overnight task and at least in the beginning my priorities will be all about the t-shirt. I know that might sound lame but it’s not. The t-shirt will be the cornerstone of the idea. Imagine the impact of someone walking down the street wearing one of these tees. The front reads “homophobia kills” as they walk toward you. They have your attention as they pass you. Then on their back you see dozens and dozens of real names with the words “The Victims” boldly placed above them. Powerful! There’s also a metaphor to this design: The shirt wearer carries the burden of the victims on their back.

If you are interested in volunteering on this project or can provide needed information related to it please post your intentions in the comment section below. You will need to provide a correct and current email address so that I can contact you. I also plan to reward those who are willing to help and go the extra mile. Depending on your level of participation you could receive one of these awesome shirts free of charge in. In addition you’ll get a very special “thank you” on the main website.

I should point out that I am not sure if this will be a non-profit organization at this time. That really depends on the role the initiative takes. For example if it turns out that I am a manufacturer of shirts for other organizations then it stands to reason it would be a for profit entity. However if it takes on the role of a full fledged operation for the cause then it would be best suited as a non-profit. All that will be determined as this unfolds.

Right now I just want to make the damn shirt! I’m sick and tired of watching my LGBT brothers and sisters be victims of a very unnecessary hate.

The Nurse – By Kat Jackson

Lika Starr — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:16:24 +0000

The Nurse

Yesterday

You watched me stop your son’s bleeding;
You were glad for me to do your daughter’s tube feeding;
You begged me to save your significant other;
You pleaded for me to relieve the pain of a dying mother;
You said my work with the aged shows compassion;
You said all humanity should work in this fashion;

Last night

You saw me and a person eating dinner out;
You told your friends what my day had been about;
You knew me then with a show of gratitude;
You were thrilled with my caring attitude;
Then you saw me gently hold the hand of my lover;
Now showing hate and disdain your smile could not cover;

Today

You told your friends and their brothers;
The story grew as they told more and others;
The feelings of fear and betrayal and rage;
Continued to grow as the story passed through the day;
Someone said "a call to arms is what we need";
Then fear and contempt turned from words to deeds;

Tonight

They arrive, in the dark, at my door;
With sticks and clubs and fists they beat me to the floor;
As blood spills and splatters and consciousness lags;
I hear the words queer, homo, lesbian, and fag;
I pray for an end to the torture, suffering, and pain;
To continue to breathe I have nothing left to gain;

Tomorrow

You attend the service out of social obligation and morbid fascination;
After all I was a member of every school, church, and social organization;
Your child said "They only killed a queer, it could be worse";
My child said "That queer was my mother and your nurse";
You have taught your sons and daughters well;
You have taught them to hate and kill and condemn to hell;

ABC – Sports Bar Gay Bashing Test

Lika Starr — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:36:37 +0000

ABC News – Gay Bashing at a Sports Bar: What Do You Do? Similar tests have been done before by other national media networks. But never in a Sports Bar with additional actors set in place to help stir up trouble. The results are quite surprising. We’re not sure if that’s saying much since it is Jersey as opposed to a place like Texas, Georgia or maybe Kansas. However, the indication being as Americans we are getting to where we need to be – slowly, but the pace is picking up.

JGL Songs Presents Pride 2009 – Official Video Release

Lika Starr — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:05:59 +0000

JGL Songs brings us Pride 2009 that commemorates all of LGBTQ history and celebrates the last 40 years of Gay Pride since the riots at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City. Of particular note, it was June 28, 1969 that a police raid turned violent where gays and lesbians fought back marking the the start of the Gay Movement in the United States.

The official release of Pride 2009 is prior to the upcoming CD album Pride at 40 to be released later in April 2009.

"Pride 2009" – in celebration of GLBTQ pride and the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the birth of gay pride. From the upcoming CD "Pride at 40," (JGLsongs LLC). Final audio performed by Jon Gilbert Leavitt featuring Freddy Freeman and Kevin Hannan Music and lyrics by Jon Gilbert Leavitt ©2009 JGLsongs LLC (ASCAP); audio produced by Freddy Freeman and Jon Gilbert Leavitt; video directed by Jon Gilbert Leavitt.

We spoke with Jon Gilbert Leavitt to get some personal insight surrounding the new release. Jon says Pride 2009 is a follow up to to a song (no video) he wrote in 1999 that marked the 20th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Jon Gilbert Leavitt – “Now, ten years later with a lot of things happening in our community (which frankly, in 2000 I wouldn’t have imagined, like actual, legal gay marriage!), I wanted to update the song and re-record it with new vocals and arrangements, add verses and have it out there in time for this year…the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellions and the birth of (what we know as) gay pride.”

Update it is exactly what he did and the result is nothing less than stellar in our view. The song is akin to the style of Billy Joel’s We didn’t start the Fire with an urban upbeat and masterfully scored original music pounding the meaning and passion of the lyrics. We think Pride 2009 should be the anthem of all 2009 Pride events.

Vocals were performed by Kevin Hannan, Freddy Freeman and Jon Gilbert Leavitt. Hannan is Jon’s partner of 8 years and Freeman is a close friend. Both of whom Jon met through OutMusic, an alliance of LGBT musicians and collaborators. Jon Gilbert Leavitt recorded the vocals and musical score digitally in his home studio in NYC. In a production collaboration with Freeman, his vocals were co-produced in Nashville where Freeman resides. We asked Jon to tell us an interesting fact about the studio production. Here’s what he had to say:

…it has a ton of lyrics…which need to be sung very fast…and still have to be understood. Not easy…so you can imagine how many takes even a few words have to go through! (Try saying “…Greenwich Village, Bloomsbury, gays in high society” ten times very fast.)

On that note we’d like to thank Jon and the gang for graciously providing the lyrics both in PDF as well as annotated on the video itself. Without them it can be difficult to following along though every word is clear and profound – It’s just fast!

The video production includes a variety of video footage and image stills both modern and vintage to showcase gay life throughout history. Jon says he purposely chose footage from Pride Events from around the world to help instill the fact that Gay Pride is not just an American movement but has grown on a global scale. Impacting photographs make up a large portion of the video. Some of the photographers with Flickr links are Daniel Greene (from Phoenix, AZ), See-ming Lee (from New York) and Duane Dial (from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) and Jon Gilbert Leavitt himself.

Photos left to right by: Daniel Greene, Jon Gilbert Leavitt, See-ming Lee (Click to enlarge).

We asked Jon what he hopes Pride 2009 will achieve,

It’s purpose is not to promo a CD or even sell a CD (I am a composer, writer and produce and develop music – I’m not a band or performer looking to gig and get big e-mail lists), but to get the pride out there to our community – and maybe give some people the ‘aha’ moment about where we came from – whether GLBTQ or straight allies and supporters.

That’s a great answer and it shows the humble generosity of the man behind the scenes. A man that wants to give back to his community in song. In order to reach the community the word must get out and be shared. So if you’re got even the tiniest of space anywhere on the web we ask that you either share the video, provide a link back to JGL Songs and or link to this article. Pride 2009 will also be featured on an upcoming episode of Introducing… Fresh on the net, a BBC 6 Radio production with Host Tom Robinson.

The upcoming and very soon to be released CD, Pride at 40, featuring Pride 2009 will also contain at least 5 other tracks. Those tracks are listed below and Jon has been kind enough to offer a few words related to each one. The completed tracks can be heard on a dedicated page at JGL Songs.

Open World – Becky Maas

A very pop tune I wrote and produced with an amazing female artist named Becky Maas – not lesbian, but amazing nonetheless

Sofabed – Kevin Hannan

A solo cut by Kevin Hannan (of a song we co-composed and I produced); it’s an upbeat rock song which explores the relationship between a straight man with a girlfriend who uses his good gay male friend for sex and closeness although doesn’t think he’s questioning. Therefore, they make it in a sofabed and not the real bed…it’s easily put away and hidden.

Starbucks Boy – David Brown

A song originally written by Dean Friedman called McDonald’s Girl, which was a minor hit for him in the late ‘70’s and remade by the Barenaked Ladies in the ‘90’s and got to be a minor hit. I changed the lyrics from McDonald’s Girl to Starbucks Boy…with Dean Friedman’s permission and enthusiasm. He’s a straight ally with an amazing record of songs and hits that have spanned over 30 years. That song [Starbuck Boy] is currently being recorded by NY-based artist David Brown. It’s a little more rocked-up than the original, and (apropos to the theme), features the sound of a barista’s milk steamer in beat.

Howl – Jon Gilbert Leavitt

A dance-track instrumental I wrote honoring Allen Ginsberg.

Mithli Mithlak – Jon Gilbert Leavitt

Another original dance instrumental track that mixed middle Eastern motifs with house and trance beats. That was inspired by a friend of mine, who produced a wonderful movie called “A Jihad for Love,” about GLBTQ Muslims – very controversial, but did and still is playing in some theatres, festivals, etc. If you never saw that, you should – it’s very powerful. There might also be one more cut on there, by Freddy Freeman, but that depends simply on time.

We listened to the completed tracks and liked them all. Aside from the feature song, Pride 2009, all are great and our favorite is Howl followed by the close second, Open World. Mithli Mithlak is an instrumental wonder with the merging of sounds that had to be difficult to mix in order to achieve such masterful results. It’s clear that Jon Gilbert Leavitt is a master at composing as well as a very talented producer. We’re also looking forward to hearing Sofabed and Starbucks Boy which was still in production at the time this article was written. LikaStarr.com will update this page when the Pride at 40 CD has been released.

Gaytown – Turns The Tables

Lika Starr — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:05:18 +0000

What’s it like to be different in a world of gays? Find out from Crackle. The series have been out for a while but they’ve only recently been added to Hulu and it’s the first time they’ve been featured here. Enjoy! Click the menu to see options for viewing additional episodes of Gaytown.

Colleen Holmes Graces The Top With Gay Blogs

Lika Starr — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:49:18 +0000

If you Google yourself chances are you’re a blogger, celebrity, politician or worse… a douche who has se out to make peoples lives miserable (Colleen Holmes comes to mind). That or you’ve done something wrong and checking if it has hit the news yet! Okay, I know, people Google themselves all the time. Face it, people are vain and love to see how “popular” they are (my EX comes to mind). I’m no exception I Google myself all the time. Haha! Though more specifically I’m checking links, pages, optimization, etc.

Sometimes especially as a blogger you run across something just too good not share with others. Remember Colleen Holmes? Holmes is the one we busted a while back with an email she unintentionally sent to my friend Jack Jett. Ms. Holmes is the Executive Director of the Eagle Forum, a pro family right wing group in Washington DC

You might be asking yourself what could Colleen Holmes possibly have do with the photo on the left. When that photo of two hot guys who happen to be gay expressing themselves is my contribution to fighting AIDS via the pages of this blog. One would hardly think Colleen Holmes would ever be associated with the likes of such a photograph, right? Wrong! Here’s why: Consequence.

Everything we do in life has a consequence and that includes sending emails by mistake to people you shouldn’t. When Ms. Holmes sent that email to Jack he in turn forwarded it to a few of his friends with blogs. Yeah! Guess who ended up at the top by the grace of the search gods. You guessed it! LikaStarr.com

Check it:

Out of the top 20 Google results for “Colleen Holmes” LIka Starr comes in a #3 with Queerty close behind at #4. That means that out of the top four sites Ms. Holmes’ presence graces web pages at the rate of 50% gay. But wait! It gets even better. Ever wonder what Colleen Holmes looks like? Well lets check those image results. Shall we? Okay, I’ve done is for you. Take a look…

What??? LikaStarr.com is #1. I imagine Colleen Holmes is feeling very proud right about now having her image linked to to this site as number one. But don’t thank me Colleen. Nope, you only have yourself to thank and of course that wonderful search god we call Google – The daddy of ‘em all. Those consequences will getcha every time. Darn it.

But what about that picture of the two hot gay guys expressing themselves. Ya, know… Grabbing this and that, kissing, about to… you know. Yeah that. Look closely at the image results above once again. “Colleen Holmes” is promptly displayed directly under the Express Yourself photo. I think that’s just grand!

I really don’t know how the original photo is associated with Holmes in the eyes of the search gods. It wasn’t part of the original post as it simply resides semi-permanently in the sidebar of my blog. But now that I’m writing a post about the results I’ve aptly renamed the photo in the this post “Colleen-Holmes-Express” since it is obviously associated by the powers that be. I’m just reporting the facts. I think it’s only smart to use a naming convention for all my photos pertaining to what an article is about. You get better page positioning that way. *wink*

To make sure my post is accurate as possible here are the criteria I used to obtain the above results. I simply searched for “Colleen Holmes” without the quotes. I made sure safe search was off for the images since I sometimes showcase images on my blog that may be subjective to age limits. I also disabled my web history from my account so that it did not affect the results. That is more of a tip than anything else in case you didn’t know the search gods track that stuff if you have an account with them. None of my images turned up with Colleen Holmes with safe search on however that did not affect the regular web results. In fact, this site moved up one spot with it turned on.