Doubly Proud

This weekend the US celebrates its 232nd birthday and the (Atlanta) GLBT community celebrates its 37th (ish) annual pride. That means I'm double proud this weekend. Much like the beginnings of our country, the gay rights movement started with a few, dedicated activists who wouldn't tolerate unfair treatment from those in charge. For our founding fathers, the tyrant was the United Kingdon; for the early gay and lesbain movement it was the United States (the very country founded on the belief that "all men are created equal."). July 4th and Pride are both a time for us to reflect on the past and just how far we have come. It is also a time to look to the future and see just how far we have to go - both as a country and an individual minority within that country. This weekend as you watch the rainbow colors explode in the sky, spend a minute thinking about how proud you are to be an American, and much more pride you will feel when all her citizens are equal.

Stepping off my soapbox.

Let's party! This weekend will provide you with numerous options from parades, to artsts, celebrations, music and, of course, festival food! Check back tomorrow for Hot Gay Joe's Pride Picks - my list of the must-do events this weekend.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

D-Lister on the A-List

When I saw Mamma Mia! on Tuesday, I noticed Kathy Griffin was coming to the Fox on Friday, September 5 for two shows (7:30 and 10:30). I'm getting my tickets, and you should, too! Don't forget to watch her tonight on Bravo as she hosts the A-List Awards.

Gay Bars = Dinosaurs

Are gay bars going extinct? NPR and Marketplace think so. Listen to the audio here and let me know what you think - you can post a comment, send an e-mail or leave a message by clicking the button below (it's free).

Awards Season? In May?

Yep! Logo, the gay and lesbian TV network is hosting their first NewNowNext Awards. It will air on Saturday, June 17, 2008. My friend, and world-famous blogger, Arjan, is not only presenting, but he is presenting HIS award. It is called the ArjanWrites.com Brink of Fame: Song Award. Congratulations Arjan, and everyone be sure to watch!

The Gaykin

Is he outing himself on QVC via his new song? Could Woz's ex gal pal be right!? You be the judge. Lyacs and video below.
[via Towleroad]

The lyrics:

Foolish heart looks like we’re here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don’t let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I’m empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I’m loosening my grasp
There’s no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I’m tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade…

Please Don't Stop the Music

Here is the final entry from the Costa Rican adventure! Not much to say about the whitewater rafting (pictures below). The real story is the following video. Just released today, the contents of this video were prepared for the three birthday boys on our trip: Alun, Darell and Kevin. I hope you enjoy watching as much as we did making it - be sure to stay for the credits.

"I can't use the word trombone anymore"

Without making this a gay blog, I have to share an hilarious pair of clips from one of my favorites, Stephen Colbert. He sat down with Joe Solmonese from the HRC. Good job, Joe, in representing the Fightin' Gays!



Pay attention to Joe's face when Stephen says, "vagina."

A little bit gay?

A little bit? Listen to the photographer - all the way to the end. A little bit?

Longer version is here.