Damon Romine, a blogger for GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), is miffed that the Fourth of July flick's main character in “Hancock,” played by Will Smith, slings some anti-gay rhetoric. Romine notes, “GLAAD understands that sometimes anti-gay language shows up in dramatic narrative to reveal a character’s true colors, or to convey a message. But there’s a big difference between using it to highlight a character’s anti-gay attitudes and making a cheap, unfunny sho... More ...

One more sign that gay bars are slowly becoming extinct, the former lesbian hangout Toast Lounge in Union Square has opened its doors to Somerville's metrosexual, sports-loving crowd. Here's my Povo.com listing: As of May 2008, Toast Lounge is now Precinct, an equally hip Somerville hangout in the basement of the old Union Square police station. The joint's menu includes a killer array of appetizers including a tasty spinach dip (sans mayo) and fried mozzarella cheese bites. The spot is a unique... More ...

As promised, here's EDGE's take on the Provincetown public sex sting by writer Scott Kearnan: But if you’re planning to head down to Provincetown’s famous sand dunes to add another notch in your belt, you may want to consider buckling up; otherwise, you might wind up nailed--and not in the way you intended. Cape authorities are cracking down on public sex acts, following a massive leap in citations issued for such activity in 2007. Last year, 132 citations were issued in the northern distric... More ...

Executive producer Ryan Seacrest and MTV are on the hunt in Boston tomorrow for a man-on-man "Bromance" with "The Hills" hottie Brody Jenner. Bros selected to participate on MTV's upcoming reality show "Bromance" will be flown to Los Angeles, move into a mansion and live the celeb highlife with Brody and his D-list entourage. Wanna be Jenner's BFF? MTV is holding an open casting call for guys 21-plus from 10-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at Ned Devine's, Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall. Click here ... More ...

I've been busy hashing out Povo's upcoming Top 100 list and I've really worked hard at showcasing the site's new features like its photo gallery and YouTube video embed feature. So far, I probably spent the most time crafting the listing for Boomerangs on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. The re-sale store run by the AIDS Action Committee is genuinely my favorite shop in Boston. Why? The money I spend there goes to a good cause, the staff is friendly and I've made out like a bandit finding brand-n... More ...

In memory of Daniel Yakovleff, the 20-year-old gay man who was murdered at knifepoint earlier this year, friends of the popular hairstylist will hold a fundraiser Monday, June 30 to spearhead a scholarship fund at Blaine cosmetology school in his honor. The event will be held at Liquid Hair Studios, the salon where Yakovleff worked as well as Sister Sorel, one of Yakovleff's favorite hangouts. For a $20 donation, supporters receive a top-notch haircut from the stylists from Liquid or Southie's S... More ...

Lucas Silveira, founder and lead singer of The Cliks will be performing with Cyndi Lauper Thursday, June 26 on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The two will be dueting the Lauper hit, “Money Changes Everything” before heading off to repeat the duet at the True Colors shows in Alpine, CA (at Viejas Casino/Concerts in the Park on June 27) and Los Angeles (at The Greek Theater on June 28). Upon first signing The Cliks to The True Colors Tour in 2007, Lauper (who recently wore a Cliks T-shirt on “Good M... More ...

Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on the controversial voices who fuel the local news, media, arts, film, politics, music, LGBT and comedy scenes. ... More ...

There was an interesting article in the Sunday edition of the UK's Independent here. Apparently, the Brits are aghast about reports of a "growing number of gay orgies taking place on its famed sand dunes." The article, written by the paper’s Los Angeles-based reporter, claims that 130 men have been prosecuted for lewd behavior on Cape Cod last summer. Talk about a news flash. The piece called "Cape Cod no place for Puritans," which describes in detail some of the alleged "hanky-panky," gives a... More ...

The mystery behind the Mia Zapata murder has always been one of those stories that has haunted me for years. "The Gits," a documentary delving into the Zapata case, will premiere at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury St. at 6 p.m. Monday, July 7. Here's the lowdown. The film “The Gits” is a celebration of the influential Seattle band of the same name, led by the charismatic Mia Zapata. With an innovative sound that coupled hardcore punk with heartfelt blues, The Gits were poised to break into the m... More ...

Boston Daily reports that Boston Globe freelancer, Paysha Stockton Rhone, will replace long-time gossip wrangler Carol Beggy after the former Globe staffer opted for the much-ballyhooed buyout back in April. Newbie Rhone will work side-by-side with Mark Shanahan as the daily's Names co-columnist. For the record, I interviewed for the slot with the Globe's Arts Editor Steve Greenlee a few weeks back. I must admit, after looking at the pay rate and the job listing, I was turned off a bit, especia... More ...

UPDATE: Good news! Mediabistro contacted me today to book an encore "Pitch Letter Essentials" class slotted for October 14, 2008. This will be my third semester as a Mediabistro.com instructor. For my seminar on Wednesday, June 18, I plan to go into pitch letter strategies for marketing professionals as well as integrating social media to spice up your query. Meanwhile, click here to sign up for my Pitch Letter Essentials class 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 at BCA, Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremon... More ...

My colleagues at EDGE Publications did an amazing job chronicling yesterday's Boston Pride parade including the money shot of Gov. Deval Patrick marching with his 18-year-old daughter, Katherine, who last week publicly announced she is a lesbian. Click here for EDGE's photo flipbook.Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on the controversial voices who fuel the local news, media, arts, film, politics, music, LGBT and comedy scenes. ... More ...

I passed by Trinity Church Boston today in Copley Square and noticed this sign outside. It made me tear up a bit because of my love-hate relationship with organized religion in the past. It takes a lot of balls to take such a strong stance, especially with zealots like Rev. Fred Phelps threatening to boycott any church that embraces the GLBT community. Thanks Trinity for making my day. Click here for more photos from the "Loaded Gun Random Shots" series.Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on ... More ...

I've helped craft a section dedicated to Boston Pride on Povo.com here. In an attempt not to ruffle any feathers, I'm calling this the "unofficial" mini online Boston Pride 2008 guide. The site hashes out the Pride Parade route using Povo's cool interactive mapping tool. Speaking of Povo.com, the wiki-based site is now powering the Boston Metro's online neighborhood section here. Organizers plan to officially unveil the Metro/Povo collaboration in July. Meanwhile, the team at EDGE Publications h... More ...

Boston-based author Scott D. Pomfret insists he's overcome any lingering issues with Catholic guilt while crafting the satirical gem "Since My Last Confession: A Gay Catholic Memoir." Well, sort of. I have generalized Catholic guilt," he jokes from the home he shares with his partner Scott Whittier in the South End. "I feel guilty if I forget to give my mother a card on Mother's Day but I don't feel guilt about being gay. I don't feel shame about sex anymore," he says. "But a lot of people from ... More ...

We’re here. We’re queer. We want a beer. The Guerrilla Gay Bar folks are taking over one of the more hetero hangouts in the North End. Yes, they’re infiltrating the Harp at the Garden, 200 Portland Street starting at 9 p.m. Friday, June 6. According to the e-mail blast, organizers Daniel and Josh say the Celtics bar has a dancing and dress code that should be fairly easy to meet (men, they recommend, don't cut off your shirt sleeves). The guerrilla gay bar idea is a great concept: a group ... More ...

Boston-based Bay Windows is fuming after HX Media's revamped IN Newsweekly--now called the New England Blade--published what they called "the official guide to Boston pride." Not quite. It seems that Boston Pride planners didn't give the renegade gay pub the green light to include "official" in their title. Bay Windows' new editor, Laura Kiritsy, wrote a scathing editorial today slamming the rival paper's move. "For those of you who care about good business practice and like to support businesse... More ...

The hottest "drug" to hit the NYC club scene? No, it’s not what you think. Preparation H, the topical medication folks use to treat hemorrhoids, is reportedly burning up the dance floor. The hush-hush secret among women and, yes, gay men, has been used to reduce puffiness around the eyes for years. Now, get this, Manhattan-based club doorman, blogger and author Rob "the bouncer" Fitzgerald tells ABCNews.com and Mike & Juliet that men are slathering up their torsos with Preparation H to mak... More ...

Here's the latest on this weekend's "True Colors Tour" performers, The Cliks: Canadian rockers The Cliks, slotted to perform at the True Colors show in Boston 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31, proudly took home a "Brink Of Fame: Music Artist" Nexty at last weeks "NewNowNext" Awards. The show airs Saturday, June 7 on LOGO. Cliks frontman and founder, Lucas Silveira was blown away and had this to say, "We were extremely honored to win the Nexty. I really can't tell you what an amazing thrill it was not onl... More ...