Pride! Michael Shinafelt |
It's National Coming Out Day! Celebrate yourself!
I am gay and a huge horror fan! Here is my homage to A Nightmare On Elm Street 2.
Be proud of who you are!
Michael Shinafelt
"Someday my prince will come, Someday we'll meet again, And away to his castle we'll go, To be happy forever I know"
He's out there guys, keep on keeping and Happy Pride!
Gay Prince Charmings on TikTok -
"Close To You" Mike Clifford |
Here is the perfect ballad for Pride Month a re-working of the Carpnter's Classic "Close To You"
Sung and performed by former Teen Idol Mike Clifford of "Close To Cathy" fame.
The cover itself is a tribut to the song's writer Burt Bacharach here's the 411:
"Mike first met the late Burt Bacharach in New York in 1963. Since then, Mike has been an admirer of his work. In the course of his illustrious career, Burt won six Grammy's, three Oscars, an Emmy, and many other worldwide awards. In this tribute, Mike has recorded a new version of one of his biggest hits (written with Hal David), "Close to You" made famous by the Carpenters in 1970. With a brilliant arrangement by the iconic Maurice Gainen and a fresh and captivating video, Mike brings new life to this classic million seller! Special thanks to Devin Pinckard for lending his wonderful talents to this project. Entire production was conceived and co-produced by the great Maurice Gainen and Mike Clifford."
Hit the video after the jump and celebrate your Pride!
Mike on the WWW -
Photo: Zach Schmitt |
David Archuleta’s upward spiral continues with the official release of his brand new music video HERE for his latest single, “I’m Yours” HERE “I’m Yours” is a song I wanted to get people dancing and smiling to. It’s all about letting yourself go and being happy with a feel good, summery vibe. It was fun working with video director Brad Hammer and his team because they were able to bring all the bright colors I wanted to life while making things light, fun and unique. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I had fun making it” says David.
David recently spoke about what’s on the horizon musically with Entertainment Weekly – “Up” it’s kind of like the prelude. It’s meant to tie where I’m coming from, my past, my history — but it’s also coming from a place where I was at the bottom of that, at the end of that path. I’ve lived out the end of this, and I don’t know where else to go. This is continuing down a very dark place, and I need to get out of it now. So this is me saying, I’m accepting myself as I am, as a queer person, and letting myself be seen, every aspect of myself. And I’m just letting all of me be seen now. And not being so afraid of hiding myself and being afraid of what people will say if people find out. I’m just like, you know what, now they know! And now it’s just moving up, and I’m gonna have fun. There’s no need to hide anything anymore — just have a good time. There are some really fun songs that are gonna get people dancing as well, that I’m really excited about. And there are still some classic ballads. I feel like these songs are more about love, something that I always shied away from before because it was something I didn’t relate to. I don’t think I ever really experienced love the way everyone talks about in songs and novels and all that. I’m talking about what it’s like for me to experience it for the first time really and fully. I’m excited to share that, in fun ways, dance ways, and also in ballad-y ways. I’m excited to share this new chapter and these new songs with everyone. The first ones will be out the beginning of summer, leading to a full album release later this year.
In addition, David is set to perform at his first-ever Pride event this Sunday, July 16 in San Diego California alongside Saucy Santana and Princess Nokia - Event Info Here. ”As this will be my first formal pride performance (outside of Utah’s Loveloud last year) I am looking forward to connecting with the community and learning about what pride events are like. As this will also be my first time attending in a way outside of Loveloud, which is more catered to the Utah culture and community there.”
Follow David Here:
https://www.facebook.com/davidarchuleta/
https://www.tiktok.com/@davidarchie?lang=en
https://www.youtube.com/user/theofficialarchuleta
It's the last day of Pride Month, I'm gonna just leave this here with no explanation. I know I'll never explain again.
Carry on with your bad selves, Pride is a year long thang!
Get your Pride on Wikipedia -
During Pride, well all year round to be exact, there are many good time slogans that the community toss around about themselves via T-Shirts, bumper stickers, personalized license plates...
This slogan is the winner of Pride 2023 for me: Whore On Board
Absolute perfection! It captures the fun, spirit and self deprecating humor of LGBTQIA culture and is it's own little satire with a story to tell. All this in one simple, yet clever phrase, WOW!
Fact is I'm going to be using this slogan all Pride season and beyond!
There's some whores in this house, can I get an amen?!
Pride on Wikipedia -
Celebrate! Cardi B |
This year Los Angeles got confusing for Pride season. West Hollywood went ahead and had it's usual to do last weekend and now this weekend the Parade returns to it's original location the streets of Hollywood.
"Yes" we just can't be proud enough here in LA, thus we have two Pride celebrations. Last weekend Cardi B was in the house for the West Hollywood parade. Paula Abdul will be guest of honor at this one.
Whoever shows up I'm sure a fun time will be had by all!!!
Happy Pride Los Angeles Minions from me and Cardi B....
BTW in case you are wondering I did not go to the West Hollywood Parade and I will not be in attendance at the Hollywood Parade today.
Mic Drop!
LA Pride on the WWW -
Happy Monday Minions! (say that three times fast) - I thought we would honor Pride Month with one of my favorite Pride Anthems today.
George Michal's "Freedom! '90." Shortly before officially coming out as gay in 1998, George Michael recorded "Freedom! '90", a track that explores his struggles with his personal identity. With lyrics like, “There’s something deep inside of me / There’s someone else I’ve got to be," this classic song endures as a powerful ode to embracing your honest self.
I'll leave you with the song and video below...Enjoy your week with Pride everyone!
Talia Keys Photo: Stefan Poulos |
Her Call-to-Action Song and Visual Encourages Queer People
Be Proud, Keep Fighting and Shake Sh*t Up
Talia Keys is celebrating Pride month with the release of a new music video that calls for today’s queer generation to be loud and proud in who they are. Written and produced by Keys, “We’re Here” is a reggae inspired, feel good anthem that is broken into three parts. The first verse is about the internal struggles many LGBTQ youth face when their outward appearance doesn’t quite fit the societal mold. The second verse challenges them to smash the patriarchy of society’s expectations around gender binaries. Finally, the outro encourages all to own who they are because by simply existing, they are changing the world into a better place. “We need to fight the status quo,” asserts Keys, “Because like it or not, We’re Queer, We’re Here and We aren’t going anywhere.” Talia Keys’ “We’re Here” is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. Its music video is on YouTube.
“I was inspired to create ‘We’re Here’ because I grew up in Mormon Utah as a closeted queer Catholic girl,” Keys reflects. “Being different in Utah put a target on me. In school, I was bullied for being a Tomboy and then I became a bully to protect my secret.” When she finally came out in her mid-twenties, Talia, a successful musician, lost fans and gigs, but she kept her drive. Today, she uses her music and performances to preach the good word of love, acceptance and fucking shit up. “I see the stage as my platform to spread awareness.”
That message is echoed in the “We’re Here” music video. It was shot in an empty theater because, as Talia explains, “Sometimes it feels empty when you come out and the support you once had is gone. As queer people, though, we learn to be strong willed and to perform with our entire heart, even if it is to an empty room.” She also wanted to shed light on the fact that queer art is suffering during the pandemic.
The video features several queer, trans, enby artists and drag queens. “We’re Here” stars Madazon Can-Can, a gender non-binary drag king, burlesque dancer and clown. “I first saw Madazon Can-Can perform at our local Pride and was captivated by their ability to entertain rowdy queers, dance burlesque, shine as a drag king and make us laugh and cry as a clown,” Talia says. “When I began visualizing the We’re Here’ video, I immediately thought of Madazon whose multifaceted talents would be able to convey the message of the song.”
She also cast local drag artists Kay Bye (they/them), Lilia Maughn (she/her/they/them) and M’Lady Wood (she/her), as well as local musician Zaza Historia VanDyke (She/Her) in the music video and assembled an all-Queer crew to shoot the video. The award-winning filmmaker Melahn Atkinson (she/they) produced, filmed and edited “We’re Here.” Talia directed, produced and acted in the video. Ismene Vetas and Marz Catrow (they/them) long-time collaborators, were the additional camera operators.
Talia Keys is an activist-musician who has enjoyed a loyal following in Salt Lake City clubs for over a decade, and has made a name for herself on national tours and jam festivals from coast to coast. Growing up, she and her brother were raised by a single mother. Her dad struggled with addiction and his battles forced Talia to grow up sooner than one would expect.
Still, she was a kid with a big imagination and whether she was pretending to be Michael Jordan or impersonating Elvis Presley, Talia could entertain herself for hours. She began piano lessons at age 9, drums at 11, guitar at 16 and mandolin at 22. Music was always very prevalent throughout her youth, beginning with The Beatles and turning to Bob Marley in middle school. Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and Talking Heads were some of the other artists that played a big role in her musical development. She even had a Kris Kross phase (and yes, she wore her clothes backwards for a time). It opened Talia up to rap and hip hop and she became a huge fan of Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees and Blackalicious.
Talia Keys’ trademark fire and brimstone stage presence is an amalgam of her journey, identity, and musical influences. While her physical appearance may scream LESBO, her music does not. It presents a modern twist on the rock n’ roll troubadour singing songs of struggle and ultimately, triumph.
Talia Keys’ “We’re Here” is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. Its music video is on YouTube. Visit Talia’s website and follow her on Instagram @ taliakeys
Ally Dua Lipa |
With the attack on the LGBTQ community in Florida, not to mention other places around the world my Current Mood is one of Pride.
"Yes" Minions be proud of who you are and don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Hey, it makes it easier when we have the likes of Dua Lipa as an ally.
Thus marching into a new week, adopt a different attitude and proudly express yourself.
Keep on keeping and remember: If you can't love yourself, how the Hell are you going to love anyone else???
Flag Wave!
"Mood" on Wikipedia -
All The Colors Of The Rainbow... Sergey |
"This is my life, gonna hold my head high, Gonna live it with pride, till the day that I die" I Got My Pride, Barry Harris
"Yes" Minions we are continuing our Hump Day & Chill Pride Month Edition, since well, tis the season and all that jazz 😎
Some of us celebrate with our usual flair, others venture out into uncharted territory. Sergey on the other hand dips himself in rainbow color glitter and nothing else, while being photographed on the beach.
It's like your very own unicorn, or perhaps Power Ranger. I'll leave that for you to decide, as that is all a matter of your own Private Idaho.
Me? I find Sergey's exuberance infectious, not to mention unique.
Hey, that's one of the things Pride is all about, you doing you.
Hump Day & Chill with Sergey by hitting the link below, celebrate your Pride!!!
Solid As A... Rock Hudson |
While browsing Tye Briggs Favorite Hunks & Other Things I came across a piece he did on Hollywood Legend Rock Hudson and his status as a gay icon. Honestly the piece is a great read and has some yummy photos of Rock that will fuel your Hump Day & Chill I tell you what.
This being Pride Month I thought it would be great to present this as Tye has really done his homework and gives his own unique perspective on Hudson, and his own personal coming out story in relation to the icon.
"Yes" again there are some Hump Day & Chill worthy images to satiate your lust, don't worry, you'll be happy 😉
Keep on keeping and hit the link below...I said below <eg>
https://favoritehunks.blogspot.com/2020/05/between-rock-hard-pace.html
His Sunday Best! Billy Porter |
"Put on my best Sunday dress, and I walk straight into this..." - Best Sunday Dress, Hole
Do you see what I see? Why it's Billy Porter celebrating Pride in his Best Sunday Dress, which is all the colors of the rainbow, naturally.
I admire Billy, his talent, his activism, his fashion sense but most of all his choice to be himself. That to me at least, is where the power of Celebrating Pride lies. Choosing to be one's authentic self.
Thus it's great to have individuals like Porter help show those struggling that you can do exactly that.
Get out your Best Sunday Dress and celebrate yourself!
Billy on IG -
Pride Unicorn Lucy Hale |