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In Life

The Gay Guide to Dogs

Let’s be frank, a good amount of us are looking at a future of singledom. It’s in your best interest to get ahead of the game and trade weekend Grindr tricks for weekend dog park trips. (See what I did there?) If you haven’t yet committed to a four legged life partner, here’s a guide to make sure you pick the right breed for you.

Gay Type: Twinks

Dog Breed: PomeranianChihuahua

We get it: you’re young and you’re thin and you know all the dance moves to every Beyoncé/Lady Gaga/Britney song at the club. You need a statement breed equally high maintenance but small enough for you to stay in control of. A pomeranian or chihuahua will make for the perfect pup to cradle while out on a Starbucks run. Best of all, when you’re past your prime and working to transition to Twunk status, their tiny stature will accentuate your muscle bod.

Gay Type: Bears

Dog Breed: Cairn TerrierSchnauzer

As the stockier of the gays, it may be tempting to choose a more masculine dog to emphasize your stature. Resist the temptation and go for a breed that’s equal parts rough and cuddly. Breeds like cairn terriers and schnauzers fit the bill. Mid sized with a stocky build and wiry hair, they’ll be totally masc at the dog park but down to cuddle on the couch.

Gay Type: Otter

Dog Breed: German ShepherdAustralian Shepherd

Otters are the chameleons of the gay world. Your slender frame lets you fit in with the twinks but your body hair and scruff give you masc cred for the jocks. Choose an equally slender and athletic  breed of dog like a German or Australian Shepherd. Both make a suitable companion for shirtless hikes or frisbee games.

Gay Type: Gay Lister

Dog Breed: Labrador Retriever

You’ve moved on up in the world with a professional gig, gorgeous house, and designer duds. Nothing proves you’ve made it in America more than a picket fence breed like a labrador retriever. Sure, it’s a dog that’s going to shed all over the house but you probably already have a maid service anyway. As a bonus, have the dog trained to retrieve cans of beer from the fridge. After a long day of closing deals in the office, you’ll be thankful you did.

Gay Type: Gaymer

Dog Breed: Cat

You have an open disdain for the “scene” and feel more at home with a group of nerd bros. Your type of dog is a cat. I dunno dude, I didn’t make this up.

Above all else, keep your street cred by adopting a rescue.

In Life

5 Easy Ways To Fight For LGBTQ Rights

This past November ushered in a Rainbow Wave of LGBTQ representatives into the halls of Congress. It’s easy to get complacent with these types of wins, but it’s important to keep momentum. I’ve always been politically active and the current political climate has spurred me to be even more persistent with my actions. Websites like 5 Calls and Resistbot are hugely important for improving the process of speaking up and being active. Even when I feel overwhelmed by the day’s news, it’s a relief to turn to these resources and have manageable tasks and avenues to participate. Celebrate this MLK Day by supporting the fight for LGBTQ rights and equality. Here are 5 things you can do to support our community.

Oppose Human Rights Opponent Neomi Rao For DC Circuit Judge

Donald Trump’s judicial nominee for the the DC Circuit has a history of writing inflammatory op-eds in college where she called LGBTQ issues a passing trend. Rao has no judicial experience, so her op-eds and legal writings form the basis of her qualifications. She’s also criticized advancements in LGBTQ rights like the decriminalization of gay sex and striking down of the Defense of Marriage Act. The DC Circuit is considered the 2nd most important court behind the Supreme Court.

Contact your representatives to oppose her nomination.

Oppose Anti-LGBTQ Howard Nielson Jr. For Federal Judgeship

Another judicial nominee, Howard Nielsen Jr, has a long history of bigotry. During the lawsuits over California’s Prop 8, Nielsen argued that Judge Walker (who ruled the proposition was unconstitutional) was incapable of ruling fairly because he’s gay. Nielson also argued against marriage equality in the landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges where he argued that gay couples couldn’t raise children in stable and enduring family units.

Contact your representatives to oppose his nomination.

Oppose Anti-civil Rights Attorney Eric Murphy For The 6th Circuit

And yet another judicial nominee, Eric Murphy, has an anti-LGBTQ record from his time as the State Solicitor for Ohio. He also argued against marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges.

In Gloucester County School Board v. G.G, Murphy argued for discrimination against transgender students by not allowing them to use the bathroom corresponding with their gender identity.

Contact your representatives to oppose his nomination.

Equality Act

With Democrats in control of the House, Nancy Pelosi has said she would give the Equality Act high priority. This legislation would define sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics in existing federal civil rights legislation. This would protect the LGBTQ from discrimination when it comes to housing, public accomodations, and and employment.

Contact your representatives to support the Equality Act.

Find legislation in your state

Aside from these federal issues, there are numerous laws making their way through state houses. Oklahoma has 10 bills related to LGBTQ discrimination. Search for issues in your state and contact your state representative.

In Entertainment

Queer Music Club: “Homotopia” by Sam Vance-Law

Who: Sam Vance-Law

Album: Homotopia

What’s it like: A queer dreamscape that mixes indie rock with operatic ballads.

Standouts: Wanted To, Let’s Get Married, I Think We Should Take It Fast

Lyrics for your Instagram captions:

Please do not ask
Why I asked him to dance
I still cannot explain
But I think that it was just
Cause I wanted to

Wanted To

Yeah I saw you in the club
And I knew that I loved you

Let’s Get Married

All the straight boys want him
And all the pretty girls wanna look just like him
Cause he’s fine

Prettyboy

Where you’re most likely to hear it: Your hipster hook-up’s Spotify playlists, a Berlin coffee haus

Why you should listen to it: The album features beautiful vignettes of queer lives that are often ignored by mainstream pop and have yet to be commercialized for mass audiences. Settling into relationships, coming out in middle age, relationships with inappropriate age gaps are all explored to the soundtrack of swooning orchestral arrangements and lo-fi indie rock.

In Entertainment

The Gayest Sci Fi Movies In The Universe

Science Fiction often offers a fantastical view of our own world. Presenting taboo themes in ways that mainstream culture can understand. It’s no surprise that the struggles of minority groups, especially queer people, can appear in so many science fiction stories. So in honor of Science Fiction Day, I decided to compile a living list of some queer-themed sci-fi flicks. Some of these I’ve seen and some I’ve yet to experience, so I’ll keep you updated as I check these off the list.


Sense8

Synopsis: 8 strangers discover they share a special psychic connection that lets them share experiences and skills. They soon discover their kind are the target of a sinister research group.

Why you should watch it: If you’ve been living under a heterosexual rock, you’ll have missed this Netflix series by the Wachowskis (the final season is a feature length movie). The series has gained gay buzz for its numerous pansexual orgy scenes, gay romances, and its trans lead character. But you should also watch because it’s instantly bingeable.

Where you can see it: Netflix


Bloody Mallory

Synopsis: With a strikeforce of misfits, including a drag queen, the titular heroin must take on an army of undead monsters to rescue the pope.  

Why you should watch it:

Where you can see it: YouTubeAmazon PrimeGoogle Play


Space Station 76

Synopsis: In a 1970s version of the future, the closeted gay commander of a space station clashes with his new second-in-command.

Why you should watch it: If you’re not big into sci-fi. The film may feature a science fiction setting, but the core story is about the relationships of a small isolated group. It’s also set to a soundtrack of hits from the 60’s and 70’s.

Where you can see it: Amazon PrimeVuduYouTubeiTunesGoogle Play


V for Vendetta

Synopsis: In a dystopian future, London is under fascist rule. A masked vigilante, V, enlists the help of a young woman to overthrow the government.

Why you should watch it: The film deals with homophobia and homosexual persecution by the fascist tyrannical government. In these trying times, the film’s themes are as important as ever.

Where you can see it: Netflix