Thank You

“I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours.”

-- Dustin Lance Black, Oscar acceptance speech, 2/22/09

Dustin Lance Black accepting his Academy Award (Getty Images/Kevin Winter)

AMEN!

Last night, Dustin Lance Black won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and Sean Penn was for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Milk.

Both acceptance speeches were indictments of the bigotry and intolerance towards the GLBT community in general, and specifically of the passage of Proposition 8 in California this past November. While the film didn’t receive the widespread popularity of Brokeback Mountain from a few years ago, Milk followed in its footsteps, putting gay rights back into the spotlight. And last night, millions of people here in the U.S. and around the world were exposed to the issue once more.

Like Matthew Mitcham’s Olympic gold medal, Black’s win carries significance as an out gay man in Hollywood. Recognized by his peers and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Black stood at the podium having reached the pinnacle of his profession and having realized a dream shared by everyone in the film industry. He took the opportunity to speak compassionately to young gay men and women struggling with their sexuality. In that instant, he became a role model and source of strength and hope.

Alternately, Penn used his win to call shame upon those who sided with fear and hatred by voting for Proposition 8, and in the process, contributed to the discrimination and marginalization of the gay community. With strength and determination, he assured the audience that equal rights for gays and lesbians would undoubtedly be realized.

Together, Black and Penn delivered a one-two punch. As a gay man, I couldn’t be prouder.

Note to Freemantle Media and 19 Entertainment: BRING BACK NIGEL LYTHGOE!!!

“You know when you're really excited about having a bowl of cereal for breakfast, and you scarf down that first spoonful only to realize the milk has gone bad — and then you silently curse yourself for not checking the date on the carton prior to pouring? That would kind of describe my experience watching the first semifinal performance episode of American Idol's eighth season.”

-- Michael Slezak, www.ew.com


It’s no secret, as evidenced by my Countdown to American Idol back in December/January, that I love this show. I was so excited for it to return. I loved that they chose to reduce the number of audition episodes, to increase the footage from Hollywood Week, and to bring back the Group Sing during Hollywood. It was supposed to be fantastic!

Man, did I set myself up for a huge fall. Let’s break it down:

Audition rounds – I was glad that they showed more of the golden ticket winners, but they spent so much time on the cannon fodder contestants, rather than the singers with an actual shot at making the Top 12. Some of the contestants that I got really excited about, like David Osmond and Jamar Rogers, ended up getting cut during Hollywood Week. Meanwhile, we got Top 36 contestants who hadn’t seen so much as a second of time on-camera.

Hollywood Week – When I’m craving manufactured drama, I turn to bad reality TV, like Big Brother or any of the crap shows on VH1. I watch American Idol for the talent. I want to see singing. Instead, the new producers chose to focus on the human train wrecks that are Tatiana Del Toro, Nathaniel Marshall, and Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle. Singing took a back seat to temper tantrums, delusions of grandeur, and embarrassing emotional meltdowns. When I wasn’t annoyed, I was angry.

Semi-finals – I’ve never been a fan of the Top 36 format (Top 32 back in the day). First of all, random groupings can put too many good singers together, leaving deserving contestants to pray for a second chance in the Wild Card round. Then, singers who make it in early aren’t seen for weeks until the Top 12 eventually take the stage, putting them at a slight disadvantage. Finally, the results show becomes a bloodbath, especially when good contestants get the shaft.

4th Judge – While Kara has potential, and she’s given some decent insight at times, her first live performance show proved she has nothing new or interesting to add. I found her presence last night frustrating and boring.

Throw in the amateurish camera work and horrible instrumentation last night, and you’ve got the recipe for disaster. What has happened to my favorite reality show? I’m hoping that things return to normal once we get to the Top 12 and the finals. Thus far, I am completely underwhelmed and wholly disappointed.

RICKY BRADDY FOR A WILD CARD SPOT!!!!

And finally, just as a reminder to all the posers and wannabe’s out there: these are true American Idols. If you are not or can not become this good, don’t bother wasting my time.

Happy Friend-iversary, Lindsay!

"You always said how lucky you were that we were all friends. But it was us, baby, who were the lucky ones.”

-- Maureen, RENT



Friends are a special kind of family. The best of friends share a bond free of familial obligation and expectation. A connection, born from common ground or shared experience, grows into the strongest feelings of loyalty, love, compassion, companionship, trust, support, sympathy, and celebration.

They are the first people we think to call when something great or troublesome happens. They are people we look to for advice when we’re struggling with a tough decision. For them, we’ll drop everything when we’re called upon for help – no thought, no hesitation. Friends carry us through our darkest, most difficult times; and they share in our happiness and joy.

The biggest tragedy is to take friendship for granted. But every now and then, we experience a moment of realization to appreciate those people in our lives who mean the most to us. I had one of those moments yesterday.

A little over a year ago, I met Lindsay online in an American Idol chatroom as part of a blogmunity we are both a part of. It started superficially, talking about the latest crop of contestants. Quickly, our conversations extended beyond the chatroom on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights. We got to know each other more, surprised to find out how much alike we are. The mettle of our friendship has been tested with a break up, employment stresses, sending off close friends moving to California, and various other difficulties in our individual lives. Still, we’ve shared some incredible experiences, including a Jay Brannan concert; two trips into Manhattan to see Altar Boyz, and now my first time seeing RENT live on stage.

I’m so thankful that we met. Happy Friend-iversary, Lindsay! I love you!



On a side note, seeing RENT on stage for the first time was amazing. Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original Roger and Mark, are a part of this national tour. They were incredible, and the whole experience was unforgettable. Lindsay and her mom drove all the way up from DC to be there with me. Granted, it didn't take any arm twisting whatsoever, but I'm still glad they came.