Marcus Reeves • Russian Roulette

In the build up to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, there was much coverage of the aggressively hateful laws on the books proudly written by the Putin regime. However, the imprisonment of LGBT Russians and their supporters were quickly bounced off the front pages when the press discovered their hotels were not as plush as they would like. Stories about young people assumed to be gay who were beaten were forgotten once the Ukraine fell apart, and straight people were being shot on the streets. The existence of the laws were pushed aside for reports of hateful laws coming out of the Arizona legislation, disguised as protection of religious freedoms. But not everyone has forgotten the circumstances as quickly as the press.

British singer/songwriter Marcus Reeves wrote and produced "Russian Roulette", a sweet and charming song that takes a look at equality on a global front. While I wasn't familiar with his work before now, I can tell you Reeves has his own style, taking Pop in directions both familiar and new, sometimes at the same time. His songs seem influenced by Folk and Pop, and at times Cabaret, the style, not the film. And there is most definitely the influences of Rock 'N Roll, and some glittery Glam Rock. His performances are bold and strong, allowing his voice to soar when it should, and whisper when it can. For the music video for "Russian Roulette", Marcus enlisted the help of his global LGBT family and friends, all who offer their own words to the world. This is Marcus Reeves singing "Russian Roulette".

I love the song, and couldn't wait to buy it and add it to my collection. It offers a surprisingly soft touch to the issue, but never falters in the message that equality is something we all demand and expect. You can purchase "Russian Roulette" on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. The proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to LGBT charities around the world, helping to promote equality. To learn more about Marcus Reeves, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' Marcus on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Panti Bliss Explains it All

Panti Bliss is a well known personality in Ireland, and seems to be getting more attention with each passing day. Panti, a respected drag artist, considered the best Dublin has to offer, has long been an outspoken proponent of equality. Recently, when speaking about LGBT rights and the discussions some conservatives have on the topic on RTE (Radio [and] Television of Ireland), Panti called them out as homophobic, which seems to has upset the seemingly sensitive bigots. Go figure. RTE issued an apology on behalf of the station for what Panti said, and paid money to the bigots to make sure their anti-gay stance made them wealthier. In the clip below, Panti gives her view on what occurred.

Well said, Panti! It is good to see the conservatives in Ireland seem to be just as thin-skinned as those here in the United States, quick to whine when someone stands up to them. If you weren't paying attention to the actual facts, you might believe they must suffer lives of persecution. Well, unless you really go by what is actually happening. To learn more about Panti Bliss, you can visit her official blog. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook.

Scott Free • Happy Pride Day Moscow

While much of the world is sitting on their hands as Russian Czar Vladimir Putin has made any show of support of LGBT people or issues illegal in Russia, where the upcoming Winter Olympics is scheduled to be held. Many would rather support the athletes, because competing in a game held every four years is far more important than human rights, right? Even skater Johnny Weir, whose self-involvement is Olympic in proportion to that of even the Kardasian family, appeared on ESPN with Keith Obermann to defend Russia and the games. The fashion-minded skater wore a Soviet-inspired army jacket as he explained how doing anything but support the games would be harmful to both the athletes who train for competition, and the citizens of Russia. Conveniently, the gay skater seemed to forget about the LGBT people having to live with the new law, and the reports of harsh treatment of those Russian citizens. Well, out and proud rocker Scott Free decided it was time to lend his voice to the discussion, so he wrote his new song, "Happy Pride Day Moscow".

Scott Free has been making Punk-fueled Rock since the 1990s, never afraid to speak his mind on the issues. Whether it was political or just a matter of Pop Culture, Free has never shied from allowing his queer voice to be heard. That continues to be true with, "Happy Pride Day Moscow", the bold new song with Punk and Ska influences. Scott's tongue is planted firmly in his cheek, taking a look at everything from oiled men wrestling to the regal attire of some of the Russian conservative movement. Hey, just give a listen for yourself.

To get "Happy Pride Day Moscow", visit Scott on Bandcamp. There you can name your own price, from Free to a donation to support the artist. To learn more about Scott Free, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Ireland Stands Against Bullying

I saw this video and knew I had to post it. It is very simple, clear and straight-forward - stand together to bring the end to homophobia and bullying. And there is plenty of proof Ireland had plenty of pretty boys who aren't members of Westlife or Boyzone. Check This out.



If only more poeple would stand up to bullying of any kind!

1 World, 1 People, = Rights

A video produced by All Out in collaboration with our friends on 5 continents—from Buenos Aires to Beirut, Kathmandu to Capetown to Tokyo and beyond. All Out is bringing together people of every identity - lesbian, gay, straight, transgender and all that's between and beyond - to build a world in which everyone can live freely and be embraced for who they are. Join the Movement. Go All Out.

Historic Vote in Senate

I can't help but mention the historic vote today, a vote which means so much more than what was just passed. By an incredible vote of 65-31, the US Senate joined the Congress, which had voted earlier in the month to pass the bill by a vote of 250-175. Once this bill is signed by President Obama, who has been a staunch supporter of the repeal, Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual members of the armed forces will be able to serve their country with the peace to know that their love will not be the reason for their career to end. They no longer have to live with the government enforced bigotry and inequality of a bad policy. It means the US Government is acknowledging that being LGTBQ does not make you less of an American, less of a patriot. This is the start of a movement toward the government not only seeing my tax dollars, but also my life as something valuable, something worthy of respect. The policy, put in place in 1993, has taken a far greater toll than most would admit, with something like 14,000 members of the military being discharged since the policy was enacted. But it was the idea behind the policy, that LGBT people were not able to serve, not worth protecting, not worth respecting, that was bad. It said the government will take out tax dollars, but not look to see us as valued citizens.

On a slightly more personal note, I am proud to know that the Congressional Representatives and Senators from the state of Delaware, newly elected Senator Chris Coons (D), Senator Tom Carper (D), and outgoing Representative Michael Castle (R), all voted in their respective houses in favor of repeal. The First State once again proved to be out in front for equality.

I am also very proud to have run videos by artists on this blog that have pointed to the problem with the policy. Two involved Tom Goss, a personal favorite of mine. The first was the song he co-wrote and performed with out singer/songwriter Matt Alber. The song, This Is Who We Are, speaks to the fear, shame and penalties brought on by the policy.



Only recently, Goss shot a video from his latest album, Back To Love. Lover is a beautiful song, made only more beautiful and aching with the video showing the effects of lovers separated by a war, and by the walls the military and the government set up to keep the lovers apart.



While this vote is a start, the policy remains in place. One would hope that while the process to end the policy is in place, all prosecution of LGBTQ service members would cease. But we should not forget this is a step, a giant one perhaps, toward equality in this country. Oddly enough, our elected representatives decided LGBT Americans were able to defend the rights and freedoms of the country before they have been able to pass legislation to enable the LGBT community to make a legal commitment to the one they love. With the more than 1,000 rights that go with marriage denied to LGBT couples, it is time for the elected officials to keep in mind it it always better to legislate with love than it is to vote with hate.