Don’t Be Dumb at Brunch: Bad Bermuda, #DecriminalizeLGBT, ‘Queer Eye’ Reboot

Happy Sunday! This week’s we open with an unfortunate follow-up on a story from late last year regarding Bermuda. We also have some important info regarding how you can support our brothers and sisters abroad as well as an opportunity to know and understand our community’s history. We finish with an introduction to the new Queer Eye reboot and, as always, our Whackjob of the Week. This week, it’s a high-ranking Republican. (Shocking, we know!)

Here are the week’s 5 news stories that’ll keep you looking well-informed at brunch:

 

1. Boo-muda

Late last year, we wrote about the potential of Bermuda being the first nation to repeal same-sex marriage. Well, it’s official, Bermuda grabbed that awful dishonor. After its Supreme Court ruled in May 2017 that same-sex marriage was legal, Governor John Rankin signed the repeal into law replacing it with “domestic partnerships,” which are available for both opposite and same-sex couples.

The couple at the heart of the lawsuit which won marriage for Bermuda, Greg and Winston Godwin-DeRoche, released a statement calling the news “a sad day for Bermuda.” We will wait and see what happens to the Bermuda economy as the LGBTQ community is sure to boycott the popular tourist destination and pro-equality organizations are expected to pressure companies about doing business with the island-nation. It’s an unfortunate setback that reminds us that winning equality is never easy. Even when our community takes a step forward, we must remain vigilant to protect what we have gained.

 

2. Know our history

We’ve often talked about how important it is for the LGBTQ community to know its history. How did we get here? What were we fighting for before Stonewall? What have we fought for since? We’ve battled for our right to exist and our right for vital drugs that kept us alive. We most recently fought for our right to serve our country and our right to marry the person we love. This list goes on and on.

Thankfully, there’s a great new podcast called Mattachine that chronicles our history in a serialized format. Developed by Devlyn Camp, the 10-episode first season has been so well received that Camp plans to continue telling our stories by delving into the “nuances of our movement and the details of specific battles.”

If you’re interested in learning how the movement began, check out Mattachine wherever you download podcasts. The first six episodes are available now. Maybe they will spark your passion to get involved in moving our community forward.

 

3. #DecriminalizeLGBT by Hornet

Did you know that in over 70 countries being LGBTQ means you’re a criminal? And almost always, that criminalization leads to violence and further persecution of our people. We have all heard (or seen) the atrocities in Russia, Chechnya and Indonesia. And who can forget the “Kill the Gays” bill in Uganda? Sure, here in the United States, you’re not a criminal, but are we truly free and equal when others around the world are not?

We love that Hornet is launching #decriminalizeLGBT in an effort to raise awareness of these existing laws and support efforts to eliminate them. They hope to “build a coalition of activists, civil society and corporations to hold governments accountable, change policies and save lives.” They need our help to spread the word on social media. Click here to learn how. Remember, Hillary said it best, “Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.”

 

4. Queer Eye gets a refresh and reboot

Let’s be clear. When Queer Eye for the Straight Guy first aired, we all watched. It was a show that stepped out of the safe zone and built a bridge that led straight men into a “metrosexual” era — and they loved it. Their girlfriends and wives loved it. But did they play it safe by staying in New York City?

Now Queer Eye has a reboot on Netflix and it promises to take it to the next level. The premise is the same: straight guy needs help, gay dudes turn it around for him. But this time, the show will travel to cities in the South where it traditionally is harder to be gay — let alone being out. A short video to kick off the updated version of the show brings together the previous cast with the current one. It’s like handing off the gay baton as they speak of their inspirations and why they believe that this show in this time is so important. So hurry up and Netflix and chill while watching the new Queer Eye.

 

5. Our Whackjob of the Week: Vice President Mike Pence

Out USA Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon has his true game face on. After rightfully denouncing the Vice Prez in a USA Today interview about his awful record on LGBTQ issues, it seems that Pence requested a meeting to discuss. Not so much. Adam replied “no” to a prior invitation for the standard meet and greet with Pence as part of Olympic athletes meeting the delegation led by Pence so he wasn’t about to meet behind closed doors. Pence, obviously bothered by the situation, tweeted:

“@Adaripp I want you to know we are FOR YOU. Don’t let fake news distract you. I am proud of you and ALL OF OUR GREAT athletes and my only hope for you and all of #TeamUSA is to bring home the gold. Go get ‘em!”

Fake News? It’s amazing how “fake news” can somehow erase the factual evidence of Pence’s stance on LGBTQ rights including marriage equality.

Rippon on the matter:

“You mean Mike Pence, the same Mike Pence that funded gay conversion therapy?” said Rippon. “I’m not buying it.”

 

Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo were one of two plaintiff couples in California’s 2013 challenge of Proposition 8, which brought marriage equality back to the state after being ruled on by the U.S. Supreme Court. These activists also host the weekly podcast The Husbands. Catch them there or follow them on Instagram @JeffZandPaulK.

Featured image courtesy of Netflix