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Gaga gets gagged by Apple
Lady Gaga and Apple have a lot in common. They're both known for their stunning design and larger-than-life performances. But it seems they part ways when it comes to politics. Apple used Gaga's twitter feed in their highly anticipated press conference Wednesday to show off Apple's newly packaged Ping feature in iTunes. But rag site Gawker picked up on more than the hype. Apple censored Gaga's tweets and took out questionable words like "manwh***" and "bad a***." What few noticed was that they also took out Gaga's tweets celebrating the death of Prop 8.

"REJOICE and CELEBRATE gay communities and straight all over the world. Our voices are being heard! Loud SCREAM LOUD AMERICANOS!" read an original tweet. Apple's version was blank.

Lady Gaga knows where her fans come from. I'd bet my iMac that an impromptu survey would show that majority of Apple owners are also keen on their sparkly design. Cupertino should take a lesson from the recent Target slip and restart their cautious public face for the edginess that makes their products gay fan favorites.

More from SheWired after the jump.

Gaga gets gagged by Apple originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 19:59:17.

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Scandinavian Airlines plans first gay wedding in the sky
Nothing can stand in the way of an eager couple ready to marry. Not the law or the friendly skies. And certain eager companies, like SAS Scandinavian Airlines, from cashing in on the festivities. Scandinavian Air is redefining the mile-high club by planning the first gay wedding in the sky.

Couples can compete for a special prize wedding package that includes a December 6 business-class wedding in the sky between New York and Stockholm, three nights' luxury accommodation in New York, flights to Los Angeles, a three nights stay at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood, and a luxurious West Hollywood honeymoon.

Scandinavia Gay Travel

Winners will be chosen by popular vote. To enter, go to flysas.com, create a profile and upload photos and video of your story.

Scandinavian Airlines plans first gay wedding in the sky originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 18:37:43.

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Why are we firing linguists in the middle of two wars?
"Why are we firing linguists and infantrymen in the middle of two wars?" asks Aaron Belkin, Director of the Palm Center, a research institute at the University of California that released data showing that several mission-critical gay troops were discharged in 2009.

Of the discharges under "don't ask, don't tell" were 8 linguists, 20 infantrymen, 16 medical aides, 7 combat engineers, 6 missile artillery operating crew members, and one member of the Special Forces. The news came a week before President Obama announced the end of combat operations in Iraq and the waning of operations in Afghanistan.

In his address to the nation last night, President Obama was careful not to claim victory or defeat, which could raise further questions about whether we were poised for success in the Middle East to begin with.

Belkin's data supports claims that DADT is not only discriminatory, but puts soldier's lives at risk. "As leadership continues to fire gay service members in critical career fields, it is the troops on the ground who will pay with their personal safety," says JD Smith, co-Director of OutServe, an organization made up of nearly 500 actively-serving gay and lesbian troops.

The number of DADT discharges also disproportionately affects women and minorities. Although women comprise only 14% of the Army, lesbians received 48% of the Army's "don't ask, don't tell" discharges in FYI 2009. Of the 619 total Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines DADT discharges in FY08, 279 (just over 45%) were non-white.

All signs point to U.S. Military operations as the Achilles heel of the Obama presidency. The public is growing increasingly impatient with a lingering war that's sending sparse U.S. dollars into unfocused operations. Belkin's new data only furthers angst that the U.S. military's focus is further blurred by policies that strip critical personal out of positions critical to success.

President Obama must act now to quell concerns that spread far beyond gay and lesbian servicemembers. He must: Hold to promises made to LGBT voters to end DADT. The numbers sway in favor of repeal. The policy is discriminatory and costly. And despite the Pentagon's investigation into the impact of ending DADT, the President can garner public and political support by ending lengthy reviews and recognizing private data that already supports repeal. The time is now.
Focus on "nation building at home." The discharge of critical service personnel based on sexuality gives a clear message that the priorities of the nation lay with divisive policy when it should focus on unity and inclusion. Discharging LGBT soldiers has a lasting impact on the building of a social infrastructure that is crumbling into segregated corners. The administration refuses to give clear messaging, instead opting to dilute its responses into what they think will cause the least amount of stir. What we need now is clarity and messaging to the American people that in order for us to rebound we must make a collective effort and that regardless of sexuality, there are LGBT people making significant contributions to the health and safety of this nation.

Why are we firing linguists in the middle of two wars? originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 12:14:13.

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Is it a connection or just sexting?
Dear Gay Man,

A few weeks ago I met a really nice guy online. We chatted over text message for about a week before we set up our first date. Our first date was nice: dinner, then back to his place to watch a movie. As we were watching the movie, we did the whole thing of getting close to one another (he put his hand on my leg, I put my hand on top of his, etc.) nothing, special in my opinion, but it was nice. I'm not looking for a guy to randomly hook-up with, and he says that he isn't either. The date ended with a kiss, which was nice; especially since he didn't try anything else, which would have been a turn off for me—so soon. He came across as really sweet.

But, after the date, he became somewhat distant. I know he works hard, and can't text at work, so I'd wait until I knew he was off work before texting him, but then it'd take him for what seemed like forever to reply. Then, he started asking me to send sext messages to him. Of course, I did, against my better judgement. So, then after the sexting, he becomes distant again. He seems to think that sexting is hot. I don't find much pleasure in it, but to each his own. I'd really like to see this guy again, because he's really nice, and so far he doesn't come off as a total jerk. But, the constant requests for sexting just makes me think that he's really not interested in having an actual relationship, and that he's only interested in chatting when he wants new sexting material to look at.

Is this normal? Should I cut my losses? Or is there something I can do to get this man interested in going out on a second date?

Dear Text Addict,

When a guy's phone recognizes more sex-related words than dictionary items, then it's time to move on—that is if a relationship is what you're looking for. Jobs are cracking down on texting time at work, but clearly he's more interested in what you're wearing (or not) than he is in planning a second date.

You can't make him like you, all you can do is be honest about what you want out of this situation. By responding to his sexts, cuddle bug, you're giving him the impression that you're cool with a little text and play.

Being honest and straightforward about your needs may drive him away, but he will flee anyway when he discovers that your priorities don't match. A guy on the up-and-up will take your honesty and openness and share his own in an effort to clear the air before either one of you invests more time.

Speak up to the sextinator. Let him know that you're not into cyber cuddles, you want the real thing. If he's not down with the idea, then you know he's not long term material. And from now on, keep the four letter words out of your texting vocabulary if you want more than a one-cyber stand.

Must Reads: Does He Just Want Sex? Get To Know Him In 3 Steps

Is it a connection or just sexting? originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 10:13:31.

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The Evergreen State College gets gender neutral housing
I'm always pleased to report news of a college or university that's added gender neutral housing. This time around, Olympia, Washington liberal arts school The Evergreen State College joins the list of institutions with inclusive housing for students.

Why gender neutral housing?
Guys with guys, girls with girls. Those are the general housing rules on most university campuses. Sounds straight forward, but the idea of limiting student housing choices by gender leaves few options for undergraduates that desire or feel more comfortable rooming with students of opposite genders.

The Evergreen State College gets gender neutral housing originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 19:19:14.

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September pride dates
September is about endings and beginnings. Summer is on its way out, while school creeps in. Gay pride, however, goes almost year 'round. Check out these Fall pride dates in September.

September pride dates originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 18:20:17.

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Gays go for Emmy gold
This year's Emmy Awards are boasting a wide array of nominated gay actors and actresses, while many "gay-friendly" programs were also recognized for larger awards, mostly in comedy categories. Awards shows are always known for their flashy sets, over-the-top personalities and general gawdiness, but many are thinking this may be the gayest awards show ever.

Openly gay actor, and successful host of both last year's Emmy Awards and this year's Tony Awards, Neil Patrick Harris is a double nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role of womanizing Barney on How I Met Your Mother and Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role of Bryan Ryan on Glee. Neil Patrick Harris is one of the most popular gay celebrities both inside and outside the LGBT Community. He was recently voted #1 on AfterElton.com's 100 Hottest Men, the first openly gay man to receive the honor, and he consistently guest stars in popular media, such as Glee and the Harold & Kumar franchise.

There are two shows that have improved gay visibility on television significantly, especially because they are both fan favorites. Modern Family gives us Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), both nominated in the Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category. Their role on the series as gays-in-residence is hilarious, but also refreshing. They both share responsibilities for their adopted baby, Lily, and both simultaneously break and bend traditional gender roles, making for a comically complicated relationship.

Chris Colfer, nominated for his role as Kurt on the television series Glee, depicts a gay individual at a very different stage of life. While Cam and Mitch are all-but-betrothed, Kurt has to deal with typical high school issues, such as coming out to friends and family, bullying, and belting out show-stopping Ethel Merman interpretations. Glee, with its big, garish musical numbers is popular in the gay community, and Ryan Murphy, the openly gay creator, was nominated for his writing on the show.

While the individual winners will be announced on Sunday, August 29th on the NBC telecast, many believe the gay community has already brought home the gold for the sheer number of LGBT people and themes among the nominees.

Mathew Rodriguez is a New York-based writer and social advocate.

Gays go for Emmy gold originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 11:19:32.

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Finally, a Modern Family kiss
Are you ready for Cameron and Mitchell's big Primetime screen kiss? Co-creator and writer Steve Levitan has announced that Modern Family's whacky gay couple Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) will finally lock lips in an upcoming "public display of affection."

Levitan denies that the planned peck is in response to the Facebook campaign calling for Cameron and Mitchel to kiss, but insists that an episode that "dealt with the subject" has been "planned for a long time."

Quick Quiz: Which of the two Modern Family gay guys is out in real life?
Not only does out actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson play a gay man on-screen, he's gay in real life. And, best yet, Ferguson's been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Role in a Comedy Series at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

Finally, a Modern Family kiss originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 14:36:50.

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Scared of falling? Researchers say you probably will
Have a fear of falling? A study published in the British Medical Journal has people on the look out for narrow ledges, rickety ladders, and cloud-brushing balconies.

When a team of researchers from Australia and Belgium set out to understand the fear of falling they found that a person's risk of hitting the pavement was directly related to how they felt about falling. Overall, having a fear of falling contributes to the likelihood a person will fall—just as much as the actual chance they'd eat it.

The focus of the study was on elderly folks 70 to 90 years old to help curb those hip-bruising trips to the carpet; but regardless of age, our brains are hardwired when it comes to fears of falling. So guys, the next time you get a little shaky, add some confidence to your step. It'll help you keep the fear of biting the dust from toppling you.

Scared of falling? Researchers say you probably will originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 12:34:08.

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Gay couples consider options for name changes
Courts are filling up as more gay and lesbian couples request name changes, even if they can't legally marry.

Although not legally united, many gay partners still live as married couples. They share a home, accounts, have children, hold ceremonies, and change their legal names to solidify their coupling.

Before You Move In Together

For heterosexual couples, taking a husband's name or hyphenating is just a matter of paperwork. All that's needed is a marriage certificate. Yet, for gay and lesbian couples, each partner has to request a legal name change individually, which isn't always an easy task logistically or emotionally.

It's All In A Name
Even if a couple shares in hyphenated goodness, a name is just a name and doesn't mean you're legally married. In other words, you'll get no more rights than you had before as a couple. The good news is, taking each others' name is a symbolically cool way to cement your partnership.

Passing Strange
Traveling any time soon? Keep in mind that because the federal government doesn't recognize same-sex unions, your passport will list both your given name and a "known as" if you've legally changed it.

Changing Faces
Did you know 80 to 95 percent of heterosexual couples marrying for the first time legally change their names? Have you or would you consider changing yours?

Gay couples consider options for name changes originally appeared on About.com Gay Life on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 16:44:53.

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