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Ellen welcomed Sarah and her fiancée Kate, whose photo of her proposing at the Eiffel Tower went viral. Since Kate’s parents do not accept that she’s gay, they will not be attending her wedding, so she took to Twitter to help get Ellen to walk her down the aisle. The couple talked about their story, and Ellen surprised them with a wedding gift from Shutterfly and a visit from their family and friends, and Sarah shocked Kate by proposing to her on the show!

Orlando Pride and U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger are one of sport’s most beloved couples. They first met in 2010 at USWNT training camp, where they became fast friends. “I just found her to be so captivating and always wanted to be around her,” Ali says. “She’s someone who seemed so confident and comfortable with herself, and I was so attracted to that.” The two began a romantic relationship, which they kept secret for a long time out of fear of losing endorsement deals, despite the fact that hardcore soccer fans suspected they were a couple long before they ultimately decided to go public. After almost 10 years of dating, they tied the knot over the holidays in a wedding that was a non-stop, weekend-long party and served as a reunion for many of the USWNT team members. It also capped off a World Cup winning season in which these athletes made front-page headlines for their powerful stances off the field as well as their talent on it. Ashlyn and Ali’s official move toward marriage started when Ashlyn asked Ali to marry her in Clearwater, Florida. They were enjoying a weekend away after a long season. Just before dinner, “we headed down to the beach to watch the sunset and take in the beautiful scenery,” Ali remembers. “We had a glass of champagne and then wanted to take photos to capture the moment. I proceeded to take a selfie and Ashlyn’s arm was in the back of the photo. I asked her to put it down and stop being silly, only to realize she had actually been holding the engagement ring the entire time I had been snapping photos. She pulled it around in front of me, and then asked the big question! I was in shock but so happy and excited at the same time. It was an incredible sunset, and just a perfect moment.” Wedding planning kicked off soon after. From the start, the goal was to create a classic, clean environment. “Vizcaya Museum and Gardens [in Miami] is this kind of Mediterranean Castle-like vibe right on the water,” Ali says. “It has this European feel that we were going for, so right when we walked into the venue for the first time, we were like, ‘Oh my God! It’s breathtaking. This is it!’” The couple worked with Sara Lowell from Sara Renee Events to bring their vision to life. “She’s so badass and beautiful and just absolutely crushed it for us,” Ali says. “We’re so grateful for her and her incredible team of fantastic people working to make our dreams a reality.” “Ali and I really wanted to align ourselves with people and brands that spoke to our soul and were really about nonconforming and understood the same vision we were going for,” Ashlyn adds. “I just wanted to feel like we could fully express ourselves, our sexuality, and our community.” To that end, Ashlyn wore Thom Browne, the designer she turns to for all of her red carpet events, and a TAG Heuer Monaco watch. Thom Browne dresses the Barcelona soccer team, which is how Ashlyn first became acquainted with the brand. “Honestly, I love that it’s all very gender neutral, very fluid, there are women in dresses and men in dress, and men and women in skirts. I can really feel how he expresses himself through clothes. It’s just so nonconforming and so far out. I’ve been wearing his stuff ever since.” She and the Thom Browne team created a custom tuxedo with a beaded argyle pattern for the wedding day. Like a lot of brides on the hunt for the right dress, Ali took a weekend trip to New York City with her best friend and maid of honor, Elizabeth Mumley, to search for her wedding gown. They found a Pronovias fit and flare dress with long sleeves and a V in the back that was exactly what she wanted. “I tried it on, and I knew it was the one!” she says of the “Helio” gown. “I fell in love and knew I would get married in this dress. It’s simple but sophisticated and elegant at the same time. I have personally always loved Pronovias. It’s a brand with which I think I share a lot of values as they believe in inclusivity and diversity.” On Saturday, December 28, just three days after Christmas, the couple married in the round so that friends and family could see the ceremony and feel part of it. “We wanted simple white flowers and a rose-petal-strewn aisle,” Ali says. “We also wanted to walk ourselves down the aisle as strong, confident, independent women. We felt like it was right.” Ashlyn’s best friend, USWNT team captain and the World Cup’s MVP, Megan Rapinoe, served as maid of honor; Ali’s brother, Kyle Krieger, was best man; and Orlando Pride player Sydney Leroux was the officiant. For the reception afterward, guests found their seats at tables named after LGBTQ icons including Marsha P. Johnson—a pioneering activist known for her role in the Stonewall uprising—and Anderson Cooper. Dena Lowell Blauschild and The Cook and the Cork catered a colorful menu with an incredible attention to detail. And just before the party really got started, Ali changed into the Condesa dress, also by Pronovias. “I wanted to make it into a mini dress but keep the train, so I customized the hem to give it a high-low effect,” she says. “It was very nice to be able to dance without worrying!” Meanwhile, Ashlyn seemed to strip off components of her wedding ensemble as the night went on—her pants were switched out for shorts and her tuxedo jacket was traded in for a sleeveless shirt and vest, also by Thom Browne, which allowed her to dance more freely. The newlyweds cut their rainbow cake and did their first dance to a live, acoustic version of Kina Grannis’s “Stand by Me.” Toasts were given over the course of the evening, with Ali’s brother Kyle voicing the sentiments so many there (and those taking in the festivities from afar via Instagram) were feeling: “Since you went public with your relationship, it has been a gift to watch you grow together. It’s amazing because you guys are like a beacon of light for all young queer LGBTQ women and men who just need someone to look up to, like we get happy endings too. In the media and the movies, so often...you know, queer stories have a devastating ending, but not here. In real life, we get to see you guys live the dream.” Source

No fewer than 15 homosexuals were arrested in Kano during a party they allegedly organised last Thursday. It was gathered the Sharia law enforcement operatives stormed an event centre,along Ahmadu Bello way and a compound located at Sabuwar-Gandu quarters in Kano metropolis and apprehended the gays. The arrest took place before the planned party took off. The Nation learnt that the organisers of the party were new graduands who planned the party to celebrate their graduation from the “institution”. It was learnt each of them was said to have invited their same sex partners to the party. The DCG, Special Duties,Muhammadu Anbakary,who confirmed the arrest of the suspected same sex party organizers,said 15 of them are in custody. He added over 50 gays were involved, but many of the suspects fled during the operation. He said the operation was based on intelligence reports gathered by Hisbah operatives. He said the suspects arrested by Hisbah are currently undergoing reorientation programmes. Source

Gesare Chife said she visited Eastern Nigeria for the first time and what struck her was the land left uncultivated, which is something unusual in Kenya. Source

There’s no nudity or funny business in it, but that’s not stopping numerous airlines censoring the key hook-up scene in Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart. Comfortably one of the best films of the year is Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart. If you’ve not had the pleasure yet, just track down a copy. It’s on DVD and digital download in the UK – you’ll need to import from Australia or the US if you want a Blu-ray – and it’s very much worth the effort. In a bizarre and troubling piece of censorship though, it turns out that some major airlines have chopped the film for its in-flight entertainment system. It’s been reported on Twitter by an assortment of its users that apparently Delta, Etihad and Emirates have shown a version that excludes the film’s lesbian hook-up scene. The whole scene. She added further in the conversation chain that a different movie had a heterosexual hookup scene left entirely in tact. This has now come to the attention of Olivia Wilde too, and as she pointed out, there’s no nudity in the scene. There’s nothing troubling about it at all, in fact, and compared to other films that airlines show relatively untampered, sadly it looks like the fact that it’s a hook up scene between two women that’s the heart of the problem. The airlines concerned haven’t yet commented. At the very least, we can but hope that the publicity this generates will encourage more people to see out one of the best films of 2019. But still: sheesh. Source

Gay people are mostly misunderstood and seen in more negative ways, a lot of the things people believe about LGBTIQ+ people are complete lies based entirely on stereotypes. But what many do not know is that there are so many fantastic and awesome things about LGBTIQ+ people. Read below 5 things that people do not know about gay people. 1. THEY ARE INFLUENTIAL Most gay people might not like the sort of attention their sexuality brings. But the truth is; no one can decide how people react to their personality. Gay people are like stars and celebrities. They command so much attention wherever they are spotted. This is because like stars, they are meant to shine and influence. 2. THEY ARE FABULOUS. Gay people are special. They have an exceptional sense of humor, class, and style. They are mostly smart and destined for greatness. No wonder people can’t stop obsessing and talking about them. This is because no one can ignore or resist greatness and potentials when they see it. 3. THEY ARE CREATIVE Difference isn’t always a bad thing. Yes, gay people are like everyone else in the sense that they want the same things that every other person wants. But the uniqueness of their sexuality separates them from the crowd. This unique quality allows gay people to see things differently, and this is why they are intensely creative. 4. THEY ARE COMPASSIONATE Because gay people know exactly how it feels to be rejected and discriminated against, they are more sympathetic to other vulnerable groups. They mostly go out of their way to ensure that people are treated fairly. No wonder a lot of them are very passionate about social justice. 5. THEY ARE LOVEABLE Most people who are homophobic are those who do not have a personal relationship with a gay person. Their judgments and bias are mostly based on negative stereotypes and ignorance about gay issues. Those who are close to gay people will tell you that they are the most lovable, disciplined, and focused people you will ever know and meet. Source

President Muhammadu Buhari has noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019. Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property. President Buhari has also dispatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation. The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019. Source

Simone Biles made history more than once this weekend during the US Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Missouri. The five-time Olympic medalist and 14-time world champion became the first woman to ever land a triple-double in competition during her floor routine Sunday night. She also snagged her sixth national all-around title with a score of 118.500, nearly five points ahead of second place finisher Sunisa Lee. Biles' stunning floor routine Sunday included several astounding flips and jumps but it was her insane triple-double -- two backflips and three twists while in the air -- that wowed judges and fans alike. And that wasn't the reigning Olympic and world all-around champion's only history-making moment of the competition. On Friday, the 22-year old became the first gymnast to attempt and land a double-double dismount off of a high beam. The move involves two twists and two somersaults while dismounting. Biles had attempted the triple-double the same day she landed her double-double but just missed the landing. Now, she's nailed the landing, made history twice, and won her sixth national title all in one weekend. Next, it's onto the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which, Biles said, will be her last. Source

Simone Biles made history more than once this weekend during the US Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Missouri. The five-time Olympic medalist and 14-time world champion became the first woman to ever land a triple-double in competition during her floor routine Sunday night. She also snagged her sixth national all-around title with a score of 118.500, nearly five points ahead of second place finisher Sunisa Lee. Biles' stunning floor routine Sunday included several astounding flips and jumps but it was her insane triple-double -- two backflips and three twists while in the air -- that wowed judges and fans alike. And that wasn't the reigning Olympic and world all-around champion's only history-making moment of the competition. On Friday, the 22-year old became the first gymnast to attempt and land a double-double dismount off of a high beam. The move involves two twists and two somersaults while dismounting. Biles had attempted the triple-double the same day she landed her double-double but just missed the landing. Now, she's nailed the landing, made history twice, and won her sixth national title all in one weekend. Next, it's onto the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which, Biles said, will be her last. Source

Huh? Anyone ever experienced this?

Sometimes lesbians want to find a wife with whom to run a small sheep farm in Wales; sometimes what we want is a hard wet fuck from a beautiful woman we barely know in the bathroom of a gay bar. We contain multitudes. But how do you make the latter happen? I bring to you cruising tips and casual sex advice built off the years of skanky queer life experience that have solidified me as one of the leading minds in the highly un-scientific field of “Lez Slut-ology.” The Basics What’s cruising? Cruising is going out into the world with the specific intention of finding someone with whom to have casual sex. If you message or approach someone just wanting to hook up, you are cruising. It’s a time-honored gay tradition and a rich part of our cultural history that forgoes respectability politics and homonormative assimilation in favor of radical expressions of queer sexuality. Cruising is knowing what you want and actively pursuing it. The term is thought to have come from queer folks walking or driving around town searching for a casual encounter. Though cruising has gained prominence as practiced by men who have sex with men, it isn’t theirs alone; dyke communities have also engaged in cruising and casual sex for years. Where do you cruise? I would recommend any events or settings where you know lady-loving lady hotties abound as a great place to cruise. This includes: + Dyke nights at your local gay bar + Pride + Dance parties + Brunch + A-Camp + A Hayley Kiyoko/Tegan & Sara/Mirah/Melissa Etheridge concert + BDSM play parties + A gay picnic + A book fair + NaijaLez So my golden rule is: “If there’s a hot gay around and you aren’t at like, a trauma center or a funeral, you can cruise there.” An elegant golden rule, I know. How do you cruise? Feel good about it! We live in a society that indoctrinates us into believing that having desires is predatory and shameful, and that women who desire women are even more so. I think another big part of it is that many of us have experienced predatory behavior and are very scared to replicate it. It’s not predatory to want someone and let them know it. It’s not predatory to desire another woman in a purely sexual manner. It’s only predatory if you are being disrespectful of someone’s boundaries, body, and personhood. So don’t do that. As for fears about being desirable or confident enough, remember that queer desire is complex and multifaceted and lots of types of people are attracted to lots of types of people and bodies; why not you! I suggest wearing something you feel really confident and hot in, that outfit that just makes you feel like the baddest bitch. And when all else fails, fake the confidence because we honestly all do that. Flirting Flirting is the first step of cruising and something I know many queers struggle with. I know many queer folx, especially women, feel frozen by this deep fear of rejection and getting over that is the first step to being a more confident cruiser. Being rejected doesn’t say anything bad about you or them and it doesn’t invalidate your gayness. I fear rejection too, but learning to accept it as a likely possibility has helped me become my best flirt and built my confidence in other aspects of my life. What is important is to not be objectifying in how you interact with them. If they aren’t into it, respect the no, move on, and don’t make it weird. If you’re approached by someone you aren’t into, try to handle it the way you would want to be rejected, say thank you and politely decline. My favorite ways to flirt with or be flirted with by women are to be complimented — find something you think is beautiful, stylish, or attractive about this person and let them know — and then having them get down to it — ask for what you’re interested in, whether it’s a number, a date, or getting fucked in the bathroom. Having Casual Sex How do you actually initiate casual sex? In practice: you’re out and about and have spotted a hottie, and have been flirting by complimenting them and chatting. Maybe this doesn’t go well; either they aren’t into it or upon closer interaction you aren’t as into them as you thought you were. That’s fine; chalk it up to the mysteries of life and move on. If they do seem equally interested in you, you can take the initiative! If it’s a setting like a bar, party or social gathering where you could feasibly say “Do you want to go to my place/the bathroom/my car/anywhere else we can have sex?” you can ask that! If you’re in the middle of a protest or drag queen story hour for kids at 10 am at the public library, maybe you want to ask for their number so you can make a similar suggestion at a more appropriate time — like getting someone’s info to ask them on a date, but focusing more on asking them “I think you’re really hot, do you want to come over Saturday night?” If you are trying to get fisted in your car in the parking lot of the bar — congrats! — maybe wear something you can slip in and out of easily. Once you get to actually having sex, you of course are aware it’s good to communicate basic stuff about boundaries and consent, even if it is casual. There’s no set list of things to discuss before sleeping with a stranger, but if it’s something like a medical condition, a boundary, or testing status, then definitely bring it up. Examples: “Hey just so you know, I have a latex allergy, so finger me with nitrile gloves.” “Please make sure you don’t touch my neck. It’s a trigger for me.” “How recently have you been tested?” “My partner and I have a rule about getting no marks from hookups.” “I don’t like gentle sex.” “I have been tested recently and my results came back positive for gonorrhea.” Source

The founder of Jesus Intervention Household Ministry, Ejigbo, Lagos, Chizemdere Ezuma has been arrested for allegedly sodomising, prostituting and infecting underage boys with HIV virus. According to The Nation, he was arrested at his residence after an informant notified the police he had resurfaced, three months after he was declared wanted. It was gathered that the suspect climbed his ceiling where he hid for over two hours to evade arrest when detectives stormed his home few days ago. The suspect was declared wanted after an alleged male prostitute, Prince Chinecherem, was arrested and charged to court after a 16-year-old victim, Anthony Ikem, made revelations that implicated them. Ikem, who was found sneaking out of the suspect’s home with a polythene bag containing used condoms and other items, was accosted by neighbours and he confessed he was one of several sex partners of the pastor. Ikem also confirmed that the Ezuma usually gave them to service some of his male clients including VIPs. The teenager was taken to the hospital for checks and it was discovered he was HIV+. It was gathered that some residents of the community were worried he was corrupting their male children and initiating them into the club, hence, their keen interest to see that he was arrested and prosecuted. Findings revealed that Ezuma was moved to the Gender Section at the Police Command Ikeja, yesterday afternoon, following pressure from certain quarters in the division to release him. In his confessional statement to the police, Ezuma claimed he usually paid the boys N2,000 for sex. Investigation showed that he brought about 15 boys into his apartment where he forcefully penetrated them all through the anus. “The reverend confirmed he is HIV+ and has been receiving treatment for over three years. So, he knew he was HIV positive and still infected his victims and clients with it,” said a source. Source

Waconzy who was born in Port Harcourt, gained some popularity with his song “I celebrate” in 2010 and since then, has struggled to make a comeback even after releasing subsequent songs. The musician, whose music career is obviously over, took to Instagram to display his ignorance and homophobia. He posted “Gays & lesbians are bad children wey no gree change. They have nothing to offer to this world but HIV”. Given Nigeria’s increasing homophobia toward homosexuals due to ignorance on the issue, the statement above is capable of further encouraging discrimination and stigma which harms efforts to prevent HIV and care for LGBTQ+ persons living with the virus. Waconzy needs to learn that anyone regardless of their sexual orientation can contract HIV, the virus which causes AIDS and if he really understands the sort of harm that his post can cause to innocent lives, then he won’t wait for too long before taking it down with an apology. Source

Thoughts?