Meghan and Cindy McCain posing for NOH8. Image via NOH8.

Cindy McCain, the wife of former Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), says that both parties will support same-sex marriage in the 2016 presidential election. “You’re going to see a major turn,” said McCain. “By the next presidential election I think this will be an issue that will be very much agreed on by both parties.” Her husband, on the other hand, does not believe in gays having the right to marry, although, Cindy thinks at some point John McCain will have a change of heart. Both Cindy and her daughter, Meghan, caused some controversy when they posed for the NOH8 Campaign. Their outspokenness paid off this year when Cindy was awarded the  Trevor Hero Award at this past week’s annual fundraiser for the Trevor Project. [The Wrap]

Image via Joy Strotz

Next year’s Olympic games are to take place in Sochi, Russia, but in light of recently passed discriminatory laws, Russian gay rights activists are encouraging athletes and viewers to boycott the games. Thus far, no athlete has committed to boycotting the games though the threat was enough for the International Olympic Committee to release a statement. “The IOC would like to reiterate our long commitment to non-discrimination against those taking part in the Olympic Games. The IOC is an open organization and athletes of all orientations will be welcome at the Games.” Activist Nina Long of RUSA LGBT  says: “LGBT people in Russia are scared, they live in fear, and we want people to be aware of this issue. If they feel strongly about human rights they should boycott the Olympics in Sochi,” said Long. The  activist went on to say, ”We really want the LGBT community to know it’s unsafe to travel there.” [Qt]

Image via ‘Do You Speak Touriste?’

Apparently enough tourists have complained about the famous French attitude for Paris tourism chiefs to take note and be proactive about it. A new manual that will be handed out to 30,000 people who work in the tourism industry called ”Do you speak touriste?” hopes to better inform hospitality professionals on how to deal with tourists of various nationalities. Created by the Paris Chamber of Commerce (CCI) and the Regional Tourism Committee (CRT) has a specific goal. “The aim of this campaign is to focus on the quality of welcome that visitors receive in Paris, and to train professionals here to understand the differences between them,” François Naverro from the CRT, told The Local on Wednesday.

You can check out the official campaign website and find some fun details about what your nationality demands while in Paris. 

Screen Shot via YouTube.

Yesterday we were happy to report that Cher would be headlining this year’s New York City Pier Dance, and then last night the legendary songstress performed her latest single on the season finale of The Voice. The 67-year-old delighted the audience with a performance of “Woman’s World” wearing a signature Cher costume, and we have to say, she’s still got it! This performance marks her first live television performance in 12 years!

Check it out after the jump…

Read more…

Image via Passport.

A groundbreaking study from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has found that heterosexual couples are treated more favorably that gay couples when it comes to the rental housing market .According to the study, the market favors opposite-sex couples nearly 16% more than gay and lesbian couples. ”This study’s results are disturbing and confirm something we’ve all suspected but didn’t have the firm data to prove—lesbian and gay couples are discriminated against when they look for places to live,” said Ian Thompson, American Civil Liberties Union legislative representative. “Conducting this study is yet another example of HUD demonstrating its commitment to the LGBT community. But we desperately need congressional action so that the Fair Housing Act is amended to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.”

You can read the entire study here. 

View of people on March Against Adoption Ban in Moscow on Jan 13, 2013. People held march in Moscow to protest a recently adopted law that bans adoption of Russian children by US citizens. Image by Nickolay Vinokurov

A new measure that was recently passed by the lower house of parliament today in Russia will prohibit adoptions by people from countries where same-sex marriages are legal—this includes single people and unmarried straight couples. According to the Washington Post: “The lower house voted for the bill unanimously. After a third and final reading that is largely a formality, it must still be passed by the upper house, which is little more than a rubber-stamp body. Then it would go for signing to President Vladimir Putin, who has already expressed support for the ban.”

This news comes just a few weeks after the lower house unanimously passed a bill that bans “homosexual propaganda.”

Invite via City Lights.

This Sunday, June 23, City Lights Booksellers and Publishers in San Francisco, celebrates 60 years of opening its doors as a haven for progressive literary minds and their avid cohorts.

The celebratory events will begin with an open house featuring live jazz music and flash readings by some of San Fran’s own local authors and poets. Nostalgic film footage, special discounts, and some surprises will also honor the landmark’s longevity, which is a highly significant achievement for any bookseller.

The much-adored touchstone of San Fran, which helped launch a cultural revolution, will also be embraced in a series of upcoming events at venues throughout the city all year. Included are workshops, hosted events in Kerouac Alley, and a traveling photo exhibition of gay radical poet, Allen Ginsberg in partnership with the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Keep reading Christopher Ludgate’s piece after the jump…

Read more…

Image via Ocean House.

Now that gay and lesbian marriage is legal in Rhode Island, don’t settle for a wedding, honeymoon, or romantic escape that’s anything less than spectacular. Revel in the beauty of the Atlantic just outside your door at the historical Ocean House where New England comforts blend with timeless luxury. This TAG-approved turn-of-the-century-inspired beachfront resort features water views in all of its 49 guest rooms. Modeled after a Victorian seaside retreat, the rooms and suites take advantage of the natural views and New England’s colonial history with warm early-American wood furnishings and pops of yellows, blues, and creams.

Keep on reading over at Passport magazine online.

Image via Facebook.

Looks like Heritage of Pride is more than making up for their underwhelming indoor pier dance last year as this year the organization first announced its return outdoors and now major headliners for their 27th annual Dance on the Pier. Yesterday, it was announced that Canadian-favorite Deborah Cox would be performing and today Managing Director Chris Frederick confirmed that Cher would perform her newest single “Woman’s World” and others. “NYC Pride is thrilled to welcome Cher to the stage of this year’s Dance on the Pier! Her performance will be one of the most memorable in the history of this world-class party. Now in its 27th year, the Dance on the Pier continues a proud tradition of partnering with all-star talent to create a high-quality event that raises funds to support local LGBT non-profits and New York City’s  annual Pride festivities.”

Believe it or not, tickets are still available so click here ASAP!

Image via Facebook

John Cameron Mitchell announced that he will pass down his wig to jack-of-all trades Neil Patrick Harris for the Broadway Debut of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The original 1998 stage musical, which was written by John Cameron Mitchell, and its subsequent 2001 movie quickly garnered a massive cult following. Now, for the first time, the production is set to open on the Great White Way in spring 2014. ”I am simultaneously ecstatic and terrified to be stepping into Hedwig’s heels,” Harris said in a statement. “It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime role and I can’t wait to begin the journey.” Tony Award –winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot) will direct.