KIM KARDASHIAN'S DIVORCE & THE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DEBATE

George Takei Tweets on Kim Kardashian's Divorce

With news of Kim Kardashian's impending Divorce from Kris Humphries spreading like wildfire through the Internet today, many are taking note at how this 72-day Marriage makes a Mockery of a cherished Institution.  Just search "same-sex kardashian" on Twitter.

Referencing the ongoing fight for Americans to have Sex-Sex Marriages legalized, Star Trek Star George Takei took to Twitter, stating "Kim Kardashian files for divorce after 72 days. Another example of how same-sex marriage is destroying the sanctity of the very institution".  Toronto's Scott Stratten says, "Kim Kardashian can make a mockery of marriage but same-sex couples together for decades have to fight to marry. Sad.".

I find it interesting that the Public are using Kardashian & Humphries' Divorce Debacle as Ammunition in the argument for Same-Sex Marriage.  To me, it was clear that after dating for only a few months - then deciding to wed - the Couple's Marriage never really had a fighting chance to begin with!

Regardless of the embarrassment that comes with what some are calling Kardashian's latest "Publicity Stunt", Gays are entitled to Same-Sex Marriage.  It is a birthright for all to love and not a matter that is open to discussion/interpretation.  Get with it, Haters!

"KLAINE" & "BRITANNA" DOUBLE-KISS AT "GLEE LIVE! IN CONCERT!" DUBLIN

Heather Morris & Naya Rivera kiss in Dublin

Dublin Gleeks got "duble" the shock last night with the conclusion of the Glee Live! In Concert! Tour!  In a skit where Heather Morris' Brittany is to seduce Darren Criss' Blaine, then being confronted by Chris Colfer's Kurt, the audience saw both Kurt and Blaine (known affectionately by Fans as Klaine) go in for a kiss, asserting their love for one another before a sea of screams.

Brittany however definitely wasn't left-out this time either, with Naya Rivera's Santana arriving on-stage and surprising just about everybody by kissing Brittany, adding further to their simmering romantic story line on the Series. Will we be seeing more of Britanna in the coming third season of Glee? Les wait and see!  How fitting for Pride Weekend!

In the meantime watch the exchanging of kisses below:

ACE OF BASE HEADLINING QUEER BEER FESTIVAL IN TORONTO

Ace of Base

The Festival of Beer already in its 17th year, is trying something new this year in launching the first-ever Queer Beer Festival, taking place on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Canadian National Exhibition, Bandshell Park. And guess who’s headlining? ACE OF BASE!!!

Having sold in excess of 30 million records worldwide, the Swedish Super-group will be making a rare appearance in the City, fronted by sexy new Vocalists Clara and Julia.  And yes, the Group responsible for smashes like All that She Wants and Beautiful Life are responsible for influencing the sounds of many a Pop Princess of today -  Lady Gaga and Katy Perry included.  They will be among several local Queer Acts and DJs appearing at the Festival.

The Queer Beer Festival is a celebration of the love for Beer in all its varieties among the Queer and Trans communities. There will be over 100 Food and Beer Vendors on-site serving deliciousness like Poutine to authentic BBQ; there also will be several Vegetarian options too.

RICKY MARTIN SIZZLES WITH "MÚSICA + ALMA + SEXO" TOUR AT CASINO RAMA

Ricky Martin at Casino Rama - April 2011

The perfect physical specimen that is Ricky Martin sizzled the Stage at Casino Rama in Orillia this evening before a packed House, which thankfully was more genuine Fans than High Rollers.   Marketed as a Toronto stop-off in his Música + Alma + Sexo World Tour, it was a bit of a pity that Fans had to go to great lengths on a weeknight to see their favourite Latin Sexy Symbol.  And I'll tell you, the most frustrating thing about having to venture two hours Northwest of the City for a Concert  is seeing unappreciative Casino VIP Members get preferred seating and then wind-up leaving part-way through the Show.

Taking the stage shortly after 8:15 and delivering just-over 90 minutes of hip-shaking energy.  Hits like Vuelve, Livin' la Vida Loca, She Bangs, Shake Your Bon-Bon and Más were delivered to an enthused crowd which by the end of the Set, was on their feet.

Catering to the hearts of his Spanish-speaking Fans, much of the Show's second-half was performed in Martin's Mother Tongue, paying homage to his native Puerto Ricko Rico at one point.  "If you want a beautiful place to vacation, go to Puerto Rico!", he recommended to the crowd.

Cohesive, with a tightly-arranged eight-piece Band and always sexy, the Scandal factor was upped a few notches with Martin engaging in a series of suggestive Tableaus with both his Male and Female Dancers.  At one point he had handcuffed some of them, while letting others place their hands allover that ripped Torso of his.  Lucky Putas.

LADY GAGA ENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TARGET

Lady Gaga in Toronto - March 2011

It was announced earlier today that Lady Gaga and Target have ended their deal to offer Fans a Special Edition of her upcoming Disc Born this Way via the Retailer. It is said that donations from Target have been traced to a Charity named MN Forward which supported Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Politician known for his anti-Gay sentiments.

Gaga in an interview with Billboard Magazine, spoke on her "intense" discussions with Target revealing: "Part of my deal with Target is that they have to start affiliating themselves with LGBT charity groups and begin to reform and make amends for the mistakes they've made in the past.". It appears that Target was not willing to "make amends" for these "mistakes", hence the ending of their partnership.

Kudos to Gaga.  And while we're on the topic of Lady Gaga and Social Justice, how about no kudos to her aggressive Handler who assaulted me last week?  Would be lovely to see her take a stance on that!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LADY GAGA AND MARIA ARAGON DUET AT TORONTO "THE MONSTER BALL" SHOW

Maria Aragon & Lady Gaga - Air Canada Centre (March 2011)

Instead of repeating a Review of the same show I saw last July, I will point out a few key differences at  Lady Gaga's The Monster Ball Show at Air Canada Centre.  In what is now my sixth time seeing Lady Gaga perform live since her rise to Fame began in 2008 (and third time attending this Tour), I can say with confidence that she vocally is at the top of her game right now.  What is even more impressive is that she did this after a long flight directt from Paris this afternoon, as she had made her Runway debut at a Thierry Mugler Fashion Show last night there.  Congratulating her tired self, she told the audience: "If I can do it, you have no fucking excuse!".

Lady Gaga chats with Fan on Phone

Aside from a few subtle Costume changes and song omissions like Speechless and So Happy I Could Die, a couple exciting bits were infused into tonight's Show.  During Alejandro from her The Fame Monster Disc, she dived right into the audience without warning, giving Fans a giant thrill.  Lady Gaga also called one Fan randomly on his Cell Phone to chat, to which he thanked her for helping inspire him to "out" himself as a young Gay Man.  Aiding Gay Youth is a cause which the Mega-Star believes in strongly, donating proceeds from her Shows to a Charity named Green Chimneys which assists homeless Youth in the LGBT Community.

The ultimate highlight of the evening though was a much-hyped Duet between ten year-old Winnipeg singing sensation Maria Aragon and Lady Gaga, performed not once but twice on stage of U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart-topper, Born this Way;  one Piano Version, one it is original glory in the encore of the Show.  Gaga visibly was moved by the talent of this young Girl whom she inspired.  

Watch Lady Gaga and Maria Aragon duet on Born This Way (Piano Version):

MR. WILL-W. IN FAB MAGAZINE

How fun!  Andrew Awesome from FAB Magazine recently went around canvassing noted names in the LGBT community about their thoughts on Valentine's Day and I'm honoured to have been a part of Team Single.

The Article appears in the current issue on newsstands and Honour Boxes around the City, and featured are rapper Cazwell, House Vocalist Ultra Naté and myself.

Read the write-up in full here.

DAN SAVAGE STRIKES DEAL WITH MTV FOR REALITY SERIES

Dan Savage

Founder of the It Gets Better Campaign and Sex Columnist Dan Savage will soon be appearing on Television screens around the world as he has just signed on a production deal with MTV to do a Reality Show.  The Series will follow Savage as he tours Colleges around the U.S., discussing Sex issues with students.  No details yet on its title or when it will air. 

Sold!  Can't wait to see this one.  It's great that MTV is doing something about someone fascinating.  Like Taco Bell, I could care less about a bunch of drug-loving, promiscuous Teenagers.... 

DORITOS SHOCK WITH GAY-THEMED SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS

Still from Doritos Commercial

I've got to hand it to Doritos for pushing the envelope. Parent Company Frito-Lay has leaked two Gay-themed Television Spots which are tentatively set to air during the Super Bowl on FOX, February 6, 2011.

One Spot has one Man staring at his two Gay neighbours longingly as they snack on a Salsa Verde Doritos by the pool. His Wife then shows up, seeing him lick his lips and looks absolutely bewildered at this startling discovery.  

Watch below:

SINGERS CHRIS BROWN AND RAZ-B IN HEATED HOMOPHOBIC TWITTER EXCHANGE

Chris Brown on Twitter

Hi Gay People of the World who are Fans of controversy-marred Singer Chris Brown!  He (or his Publicist for that matter) would like you to know that he loves you.  How sweet.

The Statement seen to the left, comes after a heated Slur-Fest which had occurred last night between Brown and former member of Boy-Band B2K, Raz-B (De'Mario Thornton) on Twitter.  Raz-B out-of-the-blue, had decided to go on a rant about Men who abuse their Female partners, mentioning the likes of Singer Eric Benet (formerly with Halle Berry) and Brown (formerly with Rihanna).  In his own words, Raz-B called Brown a "#WomanBeater" repeatedly.

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO & CLINT EASTWOOD TO TEAM ON J. EDGAR HOOVER BIOPIC

Clyde Tolson & J. Edgar Hoover

An exciting bit of news here. Clint Eastwood and Leonardo DiCaprio are teaming up together for the first time to make a Biopic about J. Edgar Hoover, the first ever Director to the Bureau of Investigation, eventually known as the FBI. Known mostly for his controversial tactics in obtaining evidence and directives, Hoover oversaw the investigation to John F. Kennedy's assassination.  He also was rumoured to have been romantically involved with his second-in-line, Clyde Tolson.

The Film, J. Edgar, is a Warner Bros. production and on that same note, Hoover served also as a consultant to that Company when required for research purposes during the '60s.

J. Edgar will star DiCaprio in the lead role of Hoover, while The Social Network's breakout star Armie Hammer will star as Tolson. Charlize Theron also will star in the project too which will soon begin production.  Dustin Lance Black who penned the amazing Oscar-winning Screenplay for Milk is attached also here.  Oscars Gold.

EMMA STONE AS A BLONDE

Emma Stone

Who knew?  Before today I had no idea that red hotness Emma Stone is actually a Blonde.  Stone who is now filming the latest installment of the Spider-man franchise alongside Andrew Garfield, showed her true colours last night at TREVOR LIVE.  The Awards ceremony in Los Angeles was held in honour of The Trevor Project, which promotes visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ Community.  Learn more about the event here.

US Weekly posted the above photo of Stone with her new original hair colour (required for her role as Gwen Stacy) and I hate to say it, but red suits her so much more.  Have a better look at the side-by-side comparsion here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/US Weekly)

SHOCKING GAY KISS ON "GLEE"

Max Adler plants a shocking kiss on Chris Colfer on Glee

Everyone's talking about last night's Never Been Kissed episode of Glee on Fox.  Penned by Brad Falchuk, the episode touched upon the theme of Gay Bullying and threw in a shocker where Kurt (Chris Colfer) after being harassed by Jock Dave Karofsky (Max Adler) the whole episode, decides to confront the Bully in the Locker Room.  In a heated moment, Karofsky plants a big, wet one on Kurt.  Embarrassed by his explosion of passion, Karofsky then runs off. Matters are complicated further as Kurt's character appears to be developing an interest in vibrant and grounded Blaine (Darren Criss) who is openly Gay and secure about it. 

To keep in line with the theme of Kissing, Falchuk writes in a scene with the super-butch Football Coach Shannon Bieste (Dot Marie Jones) who admits to never having been in love.  Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) consoles her in her sadness and grants her a first kiss at age 40.

Once again, Glee is marred by forced moments and really is reaching far to get a bit of shock value.   I do appreciate where Falchuk is going in helping us understand the psyche of a Bully as often is the case, violence and aggressiveness is a manifestation of a lack of power and self-esteem.  But seriously, I wish I too were smooched by my Bullies in High School!  Wouldn't that be lovely?  I can just hear all the discussions going on at your Office today: "Yeah, all people who pick on Gays have to be Gay".

If you're nodding your head at me, then how do you think I felt when I was subjected to this randomness on TV?

(Photo credit: Fox)

MICHELLE OBAMA ADDRESSES GAY BULLYING ON "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW"

Michelle Obama on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today to address many issues, including all the criticism President Obama is receiving for not living up to his promise of change.  She indicated that her daughters Malia and Sasha are well-sheltered and spend much of their time watching Disney, so they luckily aren't aware of much of the harsh criticisms.  Overall she felt that both were "doing okay" considering the changes their family has faced over the past two years. Obama indicated that when her daughters do have questions, both Barack and Michelle are honest with their children and let them make formulate their own opinions.

DeGeneres then brought up the topic of Youth Bullying and Obama voiced that:

".... all of these young people regardless of their race, their sexual orientation. They are gifts to us. They have so much to offer and it's just terrible to find out that kids are letting this part of their life define everything about who they are going to be."

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT - TORONTO REVIEW

Nick Adams, Will Swenson 
& Tony Sheldon

Wow! David Mirvish, et al and MGM on Stage after a long arduous journey, have finally brought the stage adaptation of 1994 Australian Comedy Priscilla Queen of the Desert to Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre.... and is it ever a spectacle! The story revolves around Tick (Will Swenson), also known as Mitzi in Drag persona, who is struggling to survive in competitive Sydney as a performer. One day he is called by his Wife Marion (Jessica Phillips) who runs a Casino out in Alice Springs, giving him an opportunity to reunite with his estranged son Benjamin (Luke Mannikus) and an opportunity to round-up two of his Drag-performing friends for a much-needed gig at the venue.

Tick manages to convince sassy Bernadette (Tony Sheldon), an older Transgendered Performer and also the vivacious and sharp-witted Adam (Nick Adams), who goes by the alter-ego of Felicia. The trio rent a bus, affectionately named Priscilla, and trek off to Alice Springs. Along the way, the Bus stalls and the antics ensue as personalities clash and we wonder whether or not the three Ladies will ever get to their destination. Above this, how will Tick's young son Benjamin handle the fact that his father is a Drag Queen?

CHRIS PINE COVERS NOVEMBER ISSUE OF DETAILS

Chris Pine covers November issue of Details

Hi, Eyes down here, please.  Thanks. 

While our friends out in Vancouver I'm sure are enjoying the sunshine that Chris Pine is bringing to their City right now filming McG's This Means War, the Star Trek star covers November's issue of Details.  The actor will be there filming until early December along with co-stars Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy.  

The strapping Actor who turned 30 at the end of August told Details' Howie Kahn: "I've been thinking a lot about mortality. A lot about what I'm going to do with my life and how to enjoy it. One of the things I'm going to work on is being more spontaneous, letting go, embracing the beauty of come-what-may."  The interview can be read here.

You must check out the photos from Matthias Vriens-McGrath, clearly who understands what Women and Gay Men want to see.  JustJared also posted a rather "telling" photo which was an Outtake from the shoot which you must see here.

(Photo credit: Matthias Vriens-McGrath)

NEW "I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS" POSTER AND RELEASE DATE

I Love You Phillip Morris Official Poster

You've gotta be kidding me, right?  I Love You Phillip Morris, the quirky Gay Romantic Comedy starring Ewan McGregor and Jim Carrey is FINALLY getting a release date - December 3, 2010.  Let's see how long before that gets changed again as multiple delays in its release have raised the question of whether or not there is any point at all in releasing it in theatres.  Regardless, a new promotional poster for the film has just been released above.

Although the film was slated for a limited release this August, legal battles over money matters between the film's production company EuropaCorp and its original distributor Consolidated Pictures, have been resolved and U.S. distribution rights have been sold to Roadside Attractions, which is owned partly by Lionsgate Films.  Visit the film's official website here.

I saw the film already a while back and this is my review of it here.

MY THOUGHTS ON DAN SAVAGE'S IT GETS BETTER CAMPAIGN

Dan Savage

I'm not here to preach or to use other people's problems as a springboard for my own publicity, but with all the controversy surrounding Dan Savage's It Gets Better Campaign, I think that as a Gay Man with a public forum, it is my responsibility to at least voice my thoughts on the matter.

Billy Lucas, Justin Aaberg, Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown and Raymond Chase are four five teen males who were reported tragically to have committed suicide over the past few weeks. Each of them had been intimidated by their peers for being Gay; some we're not even sure were Gay.

Although I was pretty fortunate to have grown up around a group of supportive friends, there have been times in my life even as an adult where I too have been mocked for being Gay - whether it be out shopping, walking my dog, on the subway or even in the workplace. And even though I have become rather thick-skinned about it, I want you to know that even as an adult, being laughed at still hurts to some degree. Invalidating someone for something they have no control over is cruel.  If that person on the receiving end of it were your brother or your sister, how would you feel?

And although I think the message behind Savage's campaign is wonderful, somewhere amidst all the pleas for Celebrities to join the cause, the true heart and soul of the message is getting lost. Instead, the vibe I'm getting is that those who are influencial are using this indirectly as an opportunity to shine the light upon themselves, when this is all about the generation of Kids whose voices aren't fully developed yet.

Do I think it's a good thing that Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres or Perez Hilton are sending a positive message out to Gay Youth? Absolutely. But what we need to remember though is that every situation is unique and simply telling kids to love themselves and be strong isn't enough.  In fact, it's rather delusional.  We don't see their realities or histories - what their family lives are like nor do we know the extent to which they are being bullied. And I know for a fact that life isn't always easy for Gay people even as adults.  If anything, it can be bloody complicated.

BACKSTREET BOY BRIAN LITTRELL AND FAMILY OUT IN TORONTO'S YORKVILLE

Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell (aka one of my top two favourites) was seen with his wife Leighanne and adorable son Bailey out and about in Yorkville tonight, heading out for a late dinner at Café MoRoCo. Littrell, in town for a concert at Molson Amphitheatre tonight with his band mates has been in-town since Thursday night and made some time today to do a bit of Golfing.

He Tweeted to his fans that he was enjoying S'mores, challenging fans to find him.  This alarmed a slew of fans to arrive at the restaurant's doorstep. Upon leaving Café MoRoCo with bags filled with their specialty Macarons and Truffles, his Security Guard ushered fans back to his Hotel where they were lined up and took photos with Littrell one-by-one.   Generosity incarnate.  And he looked thrilled actually to be greeting his fans.

Leighanne appeared fatigued, heading back to their Room first, although their son Bailey was all smiles at the Hotel's entrance, playing with a Sobieski Vodka Keychain Light (the same ones handed out at last night's Bruce Willis party), shining it on fans waiting on his famous Daddy.

STEVEN SLATER, FORMER FLIGHT ATTENDANT

"'It’s been great!'. He activated the inflatable evacuation slide at a service exit and left the world of flight attending behind", reports The New York Times on brazen former Flight Attendant Steven Slater who refused to put up with verbal abuse from a Passenger while on duty.  Steven Slater, you're my hero(ine).

God, I love dramatic Gay people!

Click here to read the story in full.

(Photo credit: Myspace)