LGBT Teen Suicide Attempts Fell as Same-Sex Marriage Became Legal

I've said it a dozen times before, but I will say it again: Trickle-down economics doesn't work, but trickle-down tolerance does. This AP report that shows teen suicide attempts in the U.S. declined after same-sex marriage became legal and the biggest impact was among gay, lesbian and bisexual kids is just more reason to be depressed that the Trump administration has stripped transgender youth of the dignity afforded by President Obama to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity, which could literally be a matter of life and death. (I repeat: Having your country legally tell you that you are "less than" is a recipe for misery.) Full story HERE.

Blinded by the 'Moonlight'

Over the weekend we went to see "Moonlight," Barry Jenkins's highly touted three-part opus about an impoverished young black man named Chiron coming to terms with his sexuality. The film is spectacular in how much it does with so little -- the cinematography belies its $5 million budget -- and I can't overstate how many great performances there are here, including all three guys who play Chiron, as well as Mahershala Ali (as his mentor), singer Janelle Monae (as his big-sister/auntie figure) and Andre Holland (as the adult version of childhood friend Kevin). Still, the film was incredibly difficult for me to watch, evoking -- of all things -- my recent reaction to Richard Linklater's "Everybody Wants Some," both of which could serve as public service announcements about the dangers of toxic masculinity and the lives it destroys. While Chiron's circumstances -- loosely based on screenplay writer Tarell Alvin McCraney's own -- were clearly far more difficult than my own, the parts that overlap hit a little too close to home, making for a very unpleasant viewing experience. (Many of the scenes set in school, some of which are extremely violent, all but gave me hives.) While I would like to think I could step outside of myself long enough to appreciate a thoughtful work of art no matter the topic, I asked myself if a woman who was raped would be given a pass for not wanting anything to do with "The Accused" and I had to say yes. Bravo to everyone involved in the making of "Moonlight." (McCraney actually escaped his misfortune because of his writing and acting talents, eventually becoming a MacArthur Fellow.) It's an important film that deserves to be seen but might not be for everyone.

University of Missouri Receives $1 Million for LGBT Journalism, Research

Exciting news for America's premier journalism school.

ISchoolGuide reports:

Timothy Blair, alumnus of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, donated $1 million dollars to the institution to support research and journalism concerning the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT).

The donation would create the Timothy D. Blair Fund for LGBT Coverage in Journalism, which will support the school's students and faculty in promoting the media's role in shaping the image of LGBT people in the country. This includes shaping perceptions about the LGBT's civil rights concerning same sex marriage, gender stereotypes, the acceptance of LGBT people and families into the society, and sexually transmitted diseases as a cause of rapid social change.

"Examining journalism as a force of social change in our democracy is an essential academic pursuit," said Blair. "I'm proud to say I'm making this gift as the first gift of its kind among American universities."

Keep reading HERE.

Cyndi Lauper Shows Her True Colors

  I'd heard about the upcoming housing facility for homeless LGBT youth that Bea Arthur helped fund, but am delighted that Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund also has one, up in Harlem. Would love to see more LGBT icons follow her lead. Full details HERE.

Just Bi-Curious

Iowa mom says bisexual 12-year-old daughter committed suicide after bullying at school

Another tragic story, but I'm posting for another reason. Every time I go to a LGBT media conference, the B's always complain about how they're not given equal representation in media coverage. I'm always confused by what they mean by this exactly because when they're, say, getting married to a same-sex person I think the news is "G" or "L." And when they're having children -- or anything -- with someone of the opposite sex, I think the news is heterosexual, so doesn't warrant mentioning that they also like to have sex with people of the same sex. Here's an example finally where being bi is relevant, but I'm guessing it's not what they were hoping for. Can anyone explain other ways the media can have more representation of bisexuals without it being gratuitous? Cynthia Nixon actually is bisexual and nearly twisted herself into a pretzel not using the term, so that didn't help.

The Gays of Our Lives

Vintage Photographs Provide A Glimpse Into The Lives Of LGBT Couples 

 We've come a long way, baby. But we've been around for-ever! View HERE.

Dearest Mommie

Learn more about this wonderful example of parenting HERE.

An Anti-Bullying Film With a Twist

Here's a project you might want to support:

Kim Rocco Sheild's anti-bullying short film "Love is All You Need?" has been seen by 30 million, translated into 15 languages, embraced by educators and condemned by right wing conservatives (costing a Florida teacher his job).

The film has the support of GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) – marking the first time the organization has partnered with a production company.

Shields has until July 2 to raise the funds to turn her award-winning short into a feature film via crowd-sourcing platform, Indiegogo. Details HERE.

Gay-for-Pay

"G.B.F." (aka "Gay Best Friend") is supposedly really good -- and it's coming to DirecTV. Read HERE.

My Child Will Not 'Stop Being Gay'

Wow, Amy! Just wow!

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Debuts New Short Film on LGBT Homeless Youth

Wanted to share with you this emotional new short film -- "Any Given Tuesday" -- about homeless gay youth, featuring Elton John & David Furnish, Jamie Foxx, Lisa Vanderpump and others. Jim Key, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's chief public affairs officer, tells me that young writer/director Trent Kendrick and producer Michael Fossat were so inspired by their tour of the Center -- and so touched by the plight of the many homeless LGBT youth it serves -- that they developed and produced this piece to heighten awareness and promote support for the Center.

Their film so impressed acclaimed filmmaker Roland Emmerich, one of the Center’s largest donors, that he offered to host the film's debut at an exclusive star-studded benefit dinner this Saturday night, Oct. 19. Co-hosts of the event include Bryan Lourd, David Geffen, Jane Lynch, Amy Pascal, Ryan Murphy and Dustin Lance-Black.

Great work for a great cause. Watch here.

For more information, please visit the Center's site HERE.