Joe.My.God. LGBT News

A New York City restaurant and nightclub trade association will today hold a symbolic vodka dump in protest of Russia’s ban on “homosexual propaganda.” The protest is organized by the United Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association, which represents 3,000 hotels, nightclubs, bars and restaurants. The umbrella group is calling for a citywide ban on all Russian booze and foods. Last …

A new audio/visual art installation debuted on Saturday in the eight-block long Park Avenue tunnel. My Modern Met provides a description: Open to pedestrians for the first time in history, the Park Avenue Tunnel welcomes visitors to experience an interactive light and sound installation like no other. Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has transformed the 1,400 foot long tunnel with 300 …

Citing a change in “environmental conscience,” Costa Rica will close its zoos and release many of its animals back to the wild. “We are getting rid of the cages and reinforcing the idea of interacting with biodiversity in botanical parks in a natural way,” said Environment Minister René Castro. “We don’t want animals in captivity or enclosed in any way …

Yesterday the New York Times Company agreed to sell the Boston Globe to Red Sox owner John Henry for a mere $70M.  Twenty years ago the Times Company bought the Globe for $1.1B. Times spokeswoman Eileen Murphy confirmed the planned sale of the Globe and other media properties to Henry. The Times said the all-cash sale, expected to close in …

Yesterday BBC America revealed the identity of the 12th doctor since Doctor Who launched 50 years ago. And the sonic screwdriver goes to Peter Capaldi. The Scottish actor was named the new star of the British sci-fi franchise Doctor Who on Sunday during a live broadcast on BBC America. He will replace the departing Matt Smith, whose time in the …

Christie continues to lead New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono by about 30 points in the polls.

While other top Democrats continue to hold their breath while they wait for word from Hillary Clinton, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley this weekend spoke about his own potential 2016 run for president.  Politico reports: “By the end of this year, we’re on course to have a body of work that lays the framework of the candidacy for 2016,” he told …

“What I believe is that when it comes to promising or assuring someone, or causing someone to expect that they’re gong to completely eradicate a set of feelings or temptations or desires, I think that sets someone up for tremendous damage, which can cause them shame and guilt. I certainly believe we should never be offering [conversion therapy] for minors. …

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) has written a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry which demands protections for LGBT athletes at the Sochi Olympics. The letter was co-signed by 83 members of the U.S. House.  The letter closes: We applaud the State Department’s commitment to ensuring that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT …

Ellen Degeneres will host the 2014 Oscars. It will be DeGeneres’ second tour of duty as Oscar host, having previously emceed the 79th annual Academy Awards in 2007 and earning an Emmy nomination. The popular syndicated talkshow host also fronted the Emmys in 2001 and 2005 (co-hosting them in 2003). “I am so excited to be hosting the Oscars for …