Raid on the Rainbow Room Bar

Isn't it sad how history has a tendancy to repeat itself. 40 years ago, New York City, The Stonewall Inn bar in Greenwich Village...and a police raid that began the gay revolution that we celebrate during June...known worldwide as Gay Pride month. Now, 40 years later on the same night, a raid on the Rainbow Room bar in Fort Worth, TX...which the police claim was just a routine inspection, where patrons were beaten, harrased and several were arrested. There are many blogs with accounts which you should check out to get the real story. It's sad to think that homophobia and bigotry are still alive and well in the South or anywhere. Check out the stories on Pams House Blend, our friend Kelli's blog - Planet Transgender and this article by Eric Folkerth, a Methodist Minister from Dallas, TX. Our hearts and prayers are with our LGBT friends and allies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area this evening.

Kris and Adam

Since Kris Allen and Adam Lambert will be spending so much time together on the road now on the American Idol tour, its great that they are best buds. It's nice that they have become so close, but I wonder how Kris's wife feels about it. Anyway, examiner.com from Milwaukee has more information about their close friendship.

Tyme Travel Photography

About a month ago, I started a new part time business taking greenscreen pictures at Ravenworks costume shop in Westgate mall in Madison.
Every other Sunday from 1:00 til 5, I set up and patrons are invited to bring in their own costumes or try on anything in Ravens store of Renaissance, Victorian, pirate and other period costumes and accessories, have their photo taken against a greenscreen backdrop and get transported to another place or tyme via my iMac technology.
I have been spending my spare tyme inbetween photo shoots to try out some creative and artsy variations of some of the photos and thought I'd share some of them here. The photos above and below are of Jerry, a store employee who graciously volunteered to pose so I could test out my new lights and backdrop on the second shooting. The background photo is an abstract pattern I shot of leaves and stems which were floating on our pond. I found they created an interesting pattern. I know I'm a bit wierd, but hope you enjoy them anyway. They have a Kandinsky-esk feel to them. If they become immensly popular, maybe some day I will print them up and do a gallery showing.

AARP remembers Stonewall

I just got the latest AARP webletter and was surprised to see a link to a page commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Thanks AARP. I never knew you were gay friendly.

Wear Green

Another tribute to Michael and those struggling in Iran

Remembering Michael

Steve told me this morning that the Michael Jackson video he remembered as his favorite was one that hasn't been shown in all of the MJ tributes so far. So Michael, this tribute is in your memory. As I was typing this up another tribute was on NPR mentioning how you believed in symbolism and reaching the age of 50, you were about to embark on a 50 day tour as a parting shot to revive your legacy and restock your bank account, then fade away and retire. One other thing I remember is a young Jamie King telling his Aunt Patty and Uncle Al who took him to a Michael Jackson concert in Chicago that he knew what he wanted to do after that...to be one of Michaels back-up dancers. He worked hard and not only became one of Michaels dancers, but is now one of the most sought after choreographers in the world.

Barack Obama - Here to Save the Day

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ASK NOT

A film featuring Soulforce activism involving the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy premiers tonight on PBS Independent Lens. Times vary, in Madison, it won't be on until Friday the 19th at 9 p.m. Check the Independent Lens site for your location and times. You can also watch the preview video for the film on the Independent Lens site..

2009 LGBT March on Washington

Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT
and campaign organizer for HARVEY MILK is calling for a national march on Washington for
marriage equality on Columbus day, 2009.
To read more about the plans, take a look at David Mixners website.

Coming Out in Style

Check out the Rolling Stone website for the whole story and a great video of the cover shoot.