Troye Sivan Comes Out

Thanks to a post by Kyle Leach, who had the wonderful blog Out Left, I got to see this truly amazing video from an incredible 18-year-old young man. Troye Sivan might be best known for his portrayal of Young James in the film 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. He also played the role of John 'Spud' Milton the 2010 film 'Spud', as well as the 2013 sequel, 'Spud 2: The Madness Continues'. The young actor, who also has a popular YouTube channel where he often posts videos about himself, took the opportunity to come out to his YouTube followers and fans. In the video, Troye shows such wonderful insight, and a beautiful honesty that truly made me totally engaged in his video.

Troye has such a charm, and seems to be such a smart thinking young man, I can't help but have faith in the future. I wish him all the luck in the world, but don't think he'll need it. He is a young man who has a strong core, worth celebrating. Beneath the video, he also offers links to The Trevor Project, TrevorSpace, Human Rights Campaign, Minus18, and GLAAD, all organization offering up a resource to LGBT Youth. Welcome to the family, Troye!

Sacha Sacket • A Song For Jamey

Like many gay men, singer/songwriter Sacha Sacket remembers being bullied when he was a young boy in high school. He remembers the alienation, the pain, and the shame it caused him, and how he felt there was no one he could speak to about it. He made it though, but not without battling with depression. But he grew stronger, and is on out and proud gay man for his whole career in music. And he was touched by the story of a teen who was working to fight bullies. And it was twice as hard to hear the 15-year-old Jamey took his own life once the bullying became just too much. So Sacha wrote "Song For Jamey", which is featured in the production of 'It Gets Better', a musical experience that exposes the effect bullying has on youngsters. He also performs it as part of the show. This song is just so amazing, so touching, so, well, real, I had to share it.

I have to tell you, after several listens, it still gave me goosebumps. You can purchase the single from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Sacha Sacket, visit his official website. For more information about the 'It Gets Better' tour, visit the official website.

Linq • Oh Bully

Today is Spirit Day, but I'd like to think we are willing to support out LGBT Youth, and all Youth who are victims of bullying, every day. Bullying takes a tremendous toll on us all, and hurts us as a whole. Whenever we allow systematically hurt a segment of society, we become a land of thugs. We are far stronger people when we are holding one another up than when we are allowing people to be torn down.



So if you know someone who is being bullied, tell them it will get better. If you know someone who is being a bully, remind them that it can get better if they learn to live with tolerance and love, rather than bile and hatred. For more about Linq, check out her official website here. To purchase this single, visit iTunes here, or Amazon here.

Dark Monday - Pledge With Priscilla

Top: Nick Adams; Middle: Will Swenson; Bottom: Tony Shelton

Who are these rather handsome and talented men in the pictures? They are the leads in the new Broadway show, Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, which begins previews this evening at the Palace Theater on Broadway between 46th & 47th streets. They are Will Swenson, who plays Tick/Mitzi, Tony Shelton, who plays Bernadette, and the yummy Nick Adams, who plays Adam/Felicia. If you should turn up at the theater, you are more likely to see them looking like this:


Left to Right: Will, Tony & Nick.

As they prepare for previews and a Broadway opening, they took the time to record a video in support of acceptance and hope for LGBT people everywhere, and for LGBT Youth in particular. They recently got together with the people at the "It Gets Better" Project to take things a step further.



They are encouraging people to take the following pledge:

Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I'll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work. I'll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other bullied teens by letting them know that "It Gets Better."

Acceptance is a natural message from a musical like Priscilla, as it is part of the inherent message of the show. In fact, the producers of the show have made a sneak peak available online, and sho I thought I would share it with you.



You you like what you see, and are going to be in New York City soon, why not get tickets to see the show. You can find out about the show, and how to reserve tickets by visiting their official website here. I hope I get the chance to see it soon, cause I would love to see these men put in the performances I have been reading about. They've been met with praise everywhere they've been, and from what I have read in the response from the audience, the praise is well deserved.

It Gets Better - Philadelphia

The statement with the YouTube clip says it all.

It Gets Better when our entire community comes in support of LGBTQ youth! Thanks to everyone who joined us to record your message of hope and support for queer youth at this year's Philly Outfest!

The LGBT community of the city of Philadelphia gathered round to offer their words of support and encouragement to the LGBT Youth, and it is well worth hearing. Take the time to watch this video, and forward it to others who might need to hear the message. It is important to let the kids know while their world might seem dark and stormy at the moment, this too shall pass, and there is a world of change coming their way.





If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

It Gets Better - Vice President Joe Biden

Much can be said about Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr., but not much we Delawareans haven't already heard. You see, one of the things you can say about the man is that he is still, at heart, the same man elected Senator a couple of decades ago. For his supporters, he is a breathe of fresh air of honesty and forthright talk, and to his detractors, he can be seen as a loose cannon, a man who speaks with charm, but can be unpredictable. I've had the pleasure of voting for the man on many occasions, for he has been my Senator since before I was able to vote, up until 2008, when he became the Vice President to President Barack Obama. Biden has long been known for his liberal views on social issues, including equality for all. So it is not surprising he has made his own entry for the It Gets Better campaign. This proud Delawarean decided it was something I wanted and needed to run.



Again, after years of the LGBT community being either ignored or being used as a punching bag, I find it simply wonderful that we can now say the President, Vice President and Secretary of State have recorded and posted personalized messages of support to the youth of the community. For me, this is significant progress, and while we might not be all the to equality, it sure beats the hell outta where we've been in prior administrations.

If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

No H8 Campaign Promo

Clockwise from Left: Eric Balfour, Pauley Perrette, Hal Sparks, and Alec Mapa & Jamie Hebert.

Familiar faces join the NOH8 Campaign (official site here) to send a message of hope and inspiration to LBGT youth in support of Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" Project. If you or someone you know needs help, call The Trevor Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866.488.7386) or visit here.

It Gets Better - Broadway Speaks Out

Members of the Broadway & NY Theater Community came together to share their stories that "It Gets Better." Those interviewed were: Aaron J. Albano, Michael Arnold, David Beach, Brad Bradley, Selby Brown, Adam Brozowski, J.R. Bruno, Kevin Crewell, Jim Daly, Kurt Domoney, Bernard Dotson, Ben Franklin, Ben Gettinger, Tony Gonzalez, Eric Gunhus, Bryan Scott Johnson, Jenny Kanelos, Raymond J. Lee, Jeremy Leiner, Jose Llana, Bobby Martino, Tim McGarrigal, Danny McNie, Jen Namoff, Chris Nichols, Lindsay Northen, Rory O'Malley, Kate Pazakis, Alex Quiroga, Brian Charles Rooney, Ben Sands, Doug Shapiro, Kate Shindle, Gerard Salvador, Derek St. Pierre, Steven Strafford, Juan Torres-Falcon, Andre Ward, Thom Christopher Warren, Laurie Wells, Corey West and J.B. Wing. The stories are stirring and emotional, and I am grateful they have shared them.





For more about Broadway's It Gets Better project, check out the official website here. If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

Nhojj - It Gets Better with Love

The OUTMusic Award winning artist has added his effort to the It Gets Better campaign the way he knows best by adding his songwriting skills and amazing voice to the chorus of people who speak to the LGBT Youth suffering from bullying and discrimination. Like the rest of Nhojj's music, Things Will Get Better is beautiful, with an ethereal quality and sung from the heart. But rather than have me blather on, this is the song.



It is availabe for purchase on Bandcamp for 99 cents. You can click here to buy it here. The lyrics to the song are:

Is this what they say?
Is this what they do?
That makes you want to fade away

Are these the words that they use?
Do they bully and abuse?
Just because you’re gay

Well I’ve been there before and I know how you feel
We all walk through this door
And somehow learn to live
And on the other side
You can stand with pride

Things will get better
Things will get brighter
I promise it will

Things will get better
Your days will look brighter
I promise it will

Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
Love saves a child like me
I once was lost
But now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

Things will get better
Life will shine brighter
I promise it will

Some will be nicer
Some will be kinder

Things will get better
Love will bring laughter

Things will get better
Love will bring laughter

Nhojj is no stranger to supporting others in the LGBT community. The out singer/songwriter won the OUTMusic Award from the song Love was voted 2009 Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year, by The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers. It marked the first time an African American male won an OMA. For the 2010 OMAs, the video for the song has been nominated.



Earlier this year, Nhojj made history a second time when his gay music video Love topped the MTV Music video chart. He has been featured in The Advocate, About.com, and appeared on LOGO, New York 1, WNYE / WNYC TV Channel 25, an affiliate of the PBS Television Network. To find out more about this amazing artist, check out his official website here.

It Gets Better - Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert

The cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert took some time from their busy schedule on the road on their way to Broadway to record a video for the It Gets Better project. It is remarkable, and well worth watching. Check it out.





For more about Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, you can check out the official website here. If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

More with Joel Burns

Joel Burns; Joel Burns with partner JD Angle

When I watch the video made by Fort Worth City Council District 9 representative, it still moves me to tears. The courage it took to be so honest and searching is just remarkable. Since the video went viral, Joel has been interviewed several places, and I just thought I would share a bit more about this inspirational man. First is an interview he did with out newscaster Thomas Roberts on MSNBC. And yes, it certainly doesn't hurt there are two hot gay guys in this one.



He also had a wonderful interview on The Ellen Show. His mother is just adorable, and when Ellen talks to her, I am moved as well.



Joel also had an interview on The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, which also featured his husband of 17 years, JD Angle. The love and care they have for one another is evident in this video. It is quite wonderful to see.



Joel has a website where you can sign up for his mailing list. Check it out here. He also notes that he is running for City Council again next year, and one can only imagine that there are people who would like to see this thoughtful and honest man face a tough battle. If you would like to make a donation to his reelection campaign, you can do it here. Of course, #1 on his list is contact information for the Trevor Project, which you can find here.

It Gets Better - President Obama

"We have to dispel this myth that bullying is just a rite of passage an inevitable part of growing up. It's not."

I know I am not the first to be showing this video, but I think is important that it be seen. It is important because we, as part of the LGBT community, have to remember recent history. If we look at the last 5 Presidents, what the latest, President Barack Obama, does in this video is unprecedented. These 5 men represent the last 30 years of presidents, and if we look at the time of President Ronald Reagan, he managed to preside over the country during the outbreak and height of the AIDS crisis, yet he failed to mention it even once. The LGBT community was ignored. It was much the same during the George Herbert Walker Bush administration for his single term. President William Clinton, on the other hand, spoke of both the health crisis as well as the community, although this was also the administration who negotiated the dreaded 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy for the armed forces, which still haunts us today. President Gorge Walker Bush, the eldest son of HW, did some good work with the AIDS crisis in Africa, yet he and his cronies managed to demonize the LGBT community at home, using us as a wedge issue every step of the way. During the campaign, President Obama spoke directly to the community, making promises, many of which have yet to come to fruition. But he has added his voice, and the wieght of his office, to the chorus of people speaking to the LGBT Youth, telling them that despite any bullying, life will get better. In a video from the White House, telling LGBT youth they have done nothing to deserve the bullying, and there is help available. This is something neither President Bush would have done, nor President Reagan. I can't even be sure President Clinton would have joined in, as his second term was mired in the scandal. But this President took the time to make the video, and post it on the White House YouTube account.



This has in fact been a period of highs and lows in the LGBT community, including the news of several youth taking their own lives. There has been the struggles with Marriage Equality, and the end of the DADT Policy. Our community has also been hit with the economic crisis with the rest of the country. Yes, I wish these issues were all behind us, but they are not. But I also remember a time when the leader of the free world has ignored us, or used us to whip of the fervor of his right wing followers. For me, to see a clip of the sitting President talking to members of our community, telling them they deserve more than what is happening now, and that they deserve love and respect, is, well, something I could not have believed coming from Washington, DC, 30 years ago, or even 30. So I, for one, would like to take a moment to appreciate the effort, and to say, 'Thank you, Mr. President.'

It Gets Better - Jake Walden

"What's important is who you are."

I have a couple of recent posts about this young man, and out artists whose music really talks to me. And not just me, as you can see in the recent interview by Jason Shaw, a friend of this blog. You can check out his interview here. But since I have posted about the fundraising for his new album, I thought I should run this, as he mentions that part of the money raised on Kickstarter will be going to the Trevor Project. Check out what he has to say.



If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

Tommorow Will Be Better - Sectretary of State Clinton

I just love the message from Secretary of State Clinton in this YouTube video. She speaks to the LGBT Youth and speaks to the tradition of equality of this country, and the amazing amount of change that has happened in the last 50 years for many minorities, and what we all hope to happen for the LGBT community.



If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

Dark Monday - It Gets Better on Broadway

Broadway stars rock out in a celebration of life, in the wake of LGBT suicides across the nation. Please SHARE this original song and video to help send a message of hope and support. Available October 19th on iTunes, with all download proceeds benefiting The Trevor Project. (c)2010 Jay Kuo & Blair Shepard. Inquiries: jay@singoutlouiseproductions.com.



If you are someone, or know someone who might be feeling the effects of prejudice and bullying, here is the website for The Trevor Project. They have set up a hotline that can be reached at (866)488-7386. Share the number with those how you think might benefit, because the teenage years are hard enough without the additional issues discovering you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

Todrick Hall Sings 'It Gets Better'

Wow. This song just blows me away. I was checking out FaceBook, and came across a post from Adam Joseph and gave it a click. What I saw was a powerful video, and what I heard was a touching and strong song that says it all. The video includes some very talented young people, lending their gifts to this powerful piece.




Todrick, who made it to the semifinals of American Idol, wrote and sings this song with the conviction and style that sets it apart, and makes it one of the most incredible videos/songs I have heard for some time. I look forward to hearing more music from this talented young man.



Yes, with lyrics like Maybe today seems cloudy and gray, So full of sorrow and tomorrow seems so far away, But it gets better, but It gets better, And I know the world keeps throwing you strife, But Keep on strutting down this yellow brick road called life, Cuz it gets better, cuz it gets better, he manages to not only reach out to put a stop to bullying, but remind all who fall victim to it to find their strength and keep on living, cause it does get better. You can buy the song on iTunes here. You can check out Todrick on Twitter here, and on FaceBook here.