American Champion Wrestler Comes Out

Mike Pucillo, a three-time All-American and 2008 NCAA Division I Champion at Ohio State, has come out. He is the first openly gay Division-I national champion wrestler.

Pucillo reached for his phone and tapped out a lengthy text message to his best friend and college teammate, Reece Humphrey. The gist of the message was this: I’m gay.

Pucillo and Humphrey had been teammates for four years. They lived together as seniors. When Humphrey got married, he picked Pucillo as a groomsman.

"I think telling him was an unbelievable weight off my shoulders (and) I didn’t think I would feel that good just telling him", said Pucillo. "Reece has always been someone with a very open mind and I thought maybe he would understand", he added.

"Holy shit, buddy!", Humphrey wrote in his response text message. "I’m honestly so happy for you! I had no clue, but all I can say is I love you so much!".

Pucillo has won his main combat

300,000 Thanks!!!!

My blog has reached 300,000 pageviews in two years, and my Google+ profile has received over 8,200,000 visits during the same time.

I am very grateful to everyone who every day, from all over the world, are interested in my posts and sharings.

Thank you very much!

Of course, thanks to my loved Eddi too, my teacher and guide.

There is still some cake...

Last chance to see LGBT films over the world

As BFI Flare, London's LGBT Film Festival, began screening for the capital's viewers this week, we've been staging an ambitious programme to make five of the Festival's films available free for everyone everywhere until 29 March.

 

For the first time ever the British Council and BFI Flare have made 5 short films available free and online for people around the world, through the BFI Player.

 

#fiveFilms4freedom is a chance for audiences everywhere to enjoy a taster of LGBT cinema; to find out a little bit more about emerging LGBT filmmakers from around the world; and most importantly, to show support for freedom and equality everywhere.

 

Enjoy them in this link!

True Wheel

Morning is broken

Code Academy

Chance

An afternoon

The new Changing of the Guard?

 

The Changing of the Guard is one of Buckingham Palace’s most popular traditions in UK.

 

A dance troupe pretending to be the Queen’s Guard marched through central London’s Southbank, fooling some tourists into thinking they were the real deal.

 

The crowds were bemused when the group broke into a synchronised dance routine before tearing off their clothing to reveal Union Jack boxers.

 

The stunt was intended to promote the launch of new drama TV series "The Royals", which features a fictional royal family loosely based on the real British royals.

 

It seems more a changed guards than a changing of guard.

 

Watch the funny video below.

 

 

The U.N. says No to Putin

Russia failed today in a bid to stop the United Nations extending staff benefits to all same-sex couples after a U.N. General Assembly budget committee voted 80 to 43 against the proposal.

 

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in July that the United Nations would recognize all same-sex marriages of its staff, allowing them to receive U.N. benefits.

 

Previously, staff members' personal status was determined by the laws of their country of nationality. But the United Nations now recognizes all same-sex couples married in a country where it is legal, regardless of their nationality.

 

Russia's attempt was opposed by the United States and the European Union. Thirty-seven countries abstained from the vote. The United Nations has about 44,000 employees worldwide.

Putin anti-gay offensive has been stopped by the U.N.

Highest support to gay marriage in the U.S.

A new survey has found that support for marriage equality in the U.S. is at an all-time high.
 

The survey found that 59 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage. That’s nearly double the support reported back in 2004, when only 30 percent of Americans said they supported it.
 

It’s no surprise that Democrats and people ages 18-34 polled the highest in favor for gay marriage, with 74 percent saying they believed marriage equality ought to be the law of the land.

 

But surprise is among Republicans, 40 percent reported support up from to 27 percent two years ago.

 

If Supreme Court is side with the majority of Americans, gay marriage will most likely be made legal in all the country.

Love wins in the U.S.

Proud of you all

The largest U.S. Presbyterian church embraces marriage equality

The U.S. Presbyterian Church voted to adopt a new definition of marriage that includes same-sex couples. At 1.8 million, the church is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country.

Having received support from the majority of the church’s 171 presbyteries, the constitution will be altered to to redefine marriage as a union between "two people" instead of "a man and a woman".

The move comes a year after the General Assembly recommended such a change, and after decades of debate on the place of LGBT congregants. In fact, the church decided in 2011 to allow for the ordination of gays and lesbians as pastors, elders and deacons.

Currently, within the United States, the Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, the Quakers, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Churches and Reform and Conservative Judaism officially allow for their religious leaders to marry same-sex couples.

A 5-year-old Irish girl supports marriage equality

A five year old Irish girl has shown her support for marriage equality in Ireland.

 

In a video uploaded by her mother on YouTube, five-year-old Ruby Gorry talks about making a sign with the message: “Two boys can get married, two girls can get married: love is love. I think that’s actually fine.”

 

When questioned by her mother, she goes on to say: "I wonder why people don’t think that?"

And she added: "People just think that a boy and a girl can get married, but two girls can get married and two boys can get married, and smooch… Love is love, and perfect makes perfect!"

 

So cute!

Japan plans to end anti-gay discrimination by Tokyo Olympics

After the outcry and world leaders boycotted the Sochi opening ceremony, the International Olympic Committee in December added sexual orientation to its anti-discrimination policy.

 

For that reason, Japanese lawmakers formed a cross-party group to stamp out anti-gay discrimination in the country by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

 

Hiroshi Hase, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) member and leader of the committee, said they wanted to avoid a repeat of the Sochi boycotts over Russia's anti-gay law.

 

"As it hosts the Olympic Games, there is no doubt that Japanese society will be questioned on how it treats its sexual minorities", he said. "We must substantiate the principles described in the basic plan of the Games", he added.

 

We will see.

Lawmaker Hiroshi Hase leads this initiative

 

Sensational all-male version of "Cell Block Tango" at the Broadway Backwards 2015

As part of its annual Broadway Backwards event benefitting Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, director Robert Bartley transformed Chicago's famed "Cell Block Tango" into an all-male revue so hunky you would never tell them that they were wrong.

 

This year's event raised a record $466,717.

 

Bravo, boys.

LGBT people allowed in NY's St. Patrick's Day Parade for first time

After years of strong resistance, organizers of New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade said that gays and lesbians will be allowed to march under their own banner for the first time today March 17th.

 

This is the largest parade all year in the most Irish City in the World. New York has more people of Irish descent than any other city in the world.

 

It is not an official Catholic event, but the Church has much to say about it. The Cardinal of New York, Timothy Dolan, is the "unofficial head" the American Catholic Church since New York is the largest Archdiocese in the U.S., and he has welcomed the move.

 

The decision is another sign of how quickly changing public attitudes toward gay people have pushed changes in state laws, government policies and the practices of private entities.

 

Dolan’s positive response may also point to a shifting dynamic within the Catholic Church on gays and lesbians since the election of Pope Francis last year.

 

Pope Francis has made it clear he wants church leaders to highlight Catholicism’s outreach to the poor and vulnerable rather than always fighting culture war issues on gay marriage and the like.

 

So this is a big deal!

This year gays and lesbians are welcomed
to NY's St. Patrick's Day Parade

After Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade,

LGBT people will be allowed in NY's Parade for first time

 

 

New Documentary Calls to Vatican to Accept Gay People

An amazing film aims to achieve full acceptance of LGBT persons in the Catholic Church.

The 15 minute documentary includes touching personal accounts from Catholic LGBT people and their family's acceptance of them.

Michael Tomae, creator of the film, was inspired after volunteering at Covenant House, a youth hostel where many of the residents had been disowned by their Christian families because of their sexuality or gender identity.

It´s only a matter of time until the Catholic Church accept homosexuality, because you can be gay and religious at same time of course.

Watch the video below:

Marriage Equality Will Win in Ireland

A new poll released this week shows that 76% intend to vote yes in Ireland’s marriage referendum.

The poll was carried out earlier this week to assess voting intentions in Ireland ahead of the country’s referendum on same-sex marriage, which will be held on May 22.

With the highest percentage so far, 76% said they would vote in favour of equal marriage, 21% said they would vote against, and 3% said they did not know.

The age group most likely to support the referendum were the 25-34 showing an 86% support rate whilst the over 65s were least likely, showing a percentage of 55%.

Dublin showed the highest level of support at 79% whilst the lowest support was to be found in Ulster at 67%.

It´s time Ireland!

First gay wedding in the New Zealand armed forces

Air force squadron leader Stu Pearce, who is the former chair of New Zealand Defence Force GLBTI Group, tied the knot with former RAF serviceman David Fenwick.

 

The pair married at the airforce base chapel in Ohakea, in an intimate and moving service attended by their families, friends and colleagues. It has been the first time a Defence Force Chapel has been the setting for a gay wedding.

 

Pearce said: "For Dave and I to celebrate our marriage there, amongst friends, family and fellow servicemen and women, was particularly poignant".

 

The service was officiated by Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley, while Chaplain Colonel Lance Lukin gave a reading and offered prayers.

 

New Zealand Defence Force has moved to ensure all serving couples who might wish to marry in a Service Chapel are allowed to do so.

 

Same-sex marriage in New Zealand has been recognised since 2013, and it is the only Australasian country to recognise gay weddings.

A moment of the ceremony

IKEA closes online magazine in Russia over anti-gay law fears

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has announced the closure of the Russian edition of its Family Live magazine to avoid violating the country's anti-gay propaganda law.

Its online magazine Family Life often includes various types of family, including same-sex couples, and the way they decorate their homes. The Swedish furniture store has often been criticised by conservative groups for featuring same-sex couples in its advertising.

The retailer' statement reads: "Family Life shows different aspects of people’s lives at home, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality and religion. The magazine reflects the values ​​of the company IKEA, including equal rights and opportunities for all. We strive to talk about people with different lifestyles, different values, traditions, habits and interests".

IKEA always argued that the magazine should not have to have an age restriction, but also that it would not discriminate based on sexual orientation in who it picks to be featured.

This time, the company has preferèd closing the online magazine than paying a fine of up to one million rubles (US$16,261) or halt its activities for 90 days.

Same love with same rights

King's College London Rugby Team strip off for LGBT domestic violence charity

 

The rugby squad teamed up with the student newspaper Roar News, to shoot the calendar.

 

The first team post naked at several locations at the London campus. All the photographs were shot at various locations at the university’s flagship campus on the Strand.

 

Proceeds from the calendar will go to Broken Rainbow, a domestic violence charity for the LGBT communities. The charity helps over 5,000 people per year.

 

Team's head, Barney Lynock, said: "It is the greatest passion of so many people across the world, and yet issues of exclusivity continue to cast a heavy shadow over sport, be they related to gender, race or sexual orientation. It is a problem that cuts across all levels of sport, from the professional to the amateur".

 

"We must endeavor to bring attention to these issues of exclusivity so as to ensure fairer, more ethical and more equal sporting opportunities for all; it is with this in mind that we have chosen to demonstrate our solidarity with the LGBT cause", he added.

 

Buy the calendar here.

Historical agreement to stamp out homophobia in rugby

World Rugby and International Gay Rugby have signed an historic pledge to work together to eradicate homophobia in rugby.

 

As part of the agreement, they pledged to recognise and respect the right of any player, official and spectator to be involved with rugby without discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or identification, as well as the the common goal of inclusion and the elimination of homophobia in rugby.

 

The two organisations will consult on issues of importance to members of the LGBT community and the game of rugby through developing a positive and mutually beneficial relationship, based on a sense of shared purpose and working with regional associations and member unions, to improve tolerance and acceptance of LGBT players at all levels within rugby union.

 

They will also providing educational tools to member unions to support in the elimination of homophobia in rugby through supporting the promotion and development of progay events.

Biden supports federal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was invited to participate at the Spring Equality Convention of the Human Rights Campaign.

 

Biden spoke to the country's largest LGBT civil rights organization yesterday, and he noted in his speech that the struggle for LGBT equality is part of the larger work for human rights.

 

Although he acknowledging the success of the LGBT movement on open military service and marriage rights, the vice president noted there is still more to be done, especially with discrimination laws.

 

"We have to pass the federal non-discrimination legislation, and we need to pass it now", Biden said.

 

Soon a bill will be presented to the Congress to include protections in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, education, jury service and federal funding for LGBT people.

Kate Winslet to her son: Who you love up to you

Kate Winslet’s reaction to her 7-years-son Joe asking whether she would prefer if he was gay or straight, is quite something.

 

Here is Winslet’s full response:

 

"I like the diversity that my children are exposed to every day. I love the way their brains work. Joe turns to me the other day and says, ‘One day, I will have a girlfriend. But I might have a boyfriend. If I’m gay.’ He’s 7! And I said, ‘You might have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, darling.’ And he said, ‘Which would you prefer?’ And I said, ‘My love, that would be entirely up to you, and it doesn’t make any difference to me.’ But that he knows! It’s a real privilege. Talk about the best education."

 

I applaud Kate for being an amazing role model and parent.

Kate is not a mama bear, she is an amazing mom

ITB Berlin - Proud to Travel

A lot of tourist boards and travel organisations are these days in Berlin for the 2015 International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin).

 

ITB Berlin is a member of the International Gay&Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and supports the IGLTA Foundation. In the context of its social responsibilities, ITB Berlin considers itself to be an ambassador for human rights and tolerance. That is why its commitment to the area of LGBT Travel extends far beyond the trade show.

 

The Gay and Lesbian Travel Pavilion, or Pink Pavilion as it's better known, showcases in Berlin the largest range of LGBTI tourism products at any trade fair in the world.

 

Among this year’s exhibitors attending the Pink Pavilion for the first time are: Mykonos Accommodation Centre, the Stockholm Gay & Lesbian Network with EuroGames 2015, the Dorsett Hotel Group as well as the gay tour operator Zenith Travel from Ecuador.

 

Other exhibitors in the gay pavillion are Spartacus Gay Guide, Brazil with ABRAT and Embratur, Argentina Turismo LGBT, Diversity Consulting from Madrid, the Ella Festival from Majorca, Gay Gran Canaria, World Rainbow Hotels, Gay Guide 365 and co-exhibitors from Tel Aviv and Barcelona.

 

Also Florida Keys & Key West, Fort Lauderdale as well as Ontario with Toronto, are represented for the first time with their own LGBT stand.

 

A record number of LGBT exhibitors at the world’s largest travel trade show.