Adam at the NYC gay bar – coverage by towleroad.com

Adam Lambert made show tunes night at Splash bar in NYC a bit gayer last night.
A poster to the forums at Broadway World gushes: “What I thought was just going to be a regular night at Musical Mondays at SPLASH Bar turned-out to be pretty exciting. Around 9:30pm, none-other-than Adam Lambert himself comes strolling in! With about 3 friends, he moved to the back of the bar into a booth. And… a million cell phones immediately whipped out texting friends and updating their Twitter/Facebook statuses. I got the balls to walk over and say hi (thanks to a great friend who pulled me into the booth). He is much skinnier than I thought he would be…

read more

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Queerty.com goes deep into the Adam vs. AMAs/ ABC/ CBS controversy and the reaction of GLAAD -The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation – which Queerty proves is ridiculous.

In the article of 4 Dec, called How Jarrett Barrios’s Adam Lambert Reaction Assured GLAAD Remains an Absolute Joke we read among others:

When Lambert’s same-sex kiss and crotch-in-face American Music Awards performance generated endless headlines filled with the word “controversial,” GLAAD was the go-to organization for the MSM to grab a soundbite. Fine. That’s it’s job. So after speaking with GLAAD, the network has released these remarks:

Given the live nature of the American Music Awards, Adam Lambert’s performance, which differed greatly from his rehearsal, caught many, including the network, off guard. This is not a question of Lambert’s sexual orientation. As is evidenced by GLAAD’s media report card, ABC is at the forefront of positive gay and lesbian portrayal on television. We welcome openly gay performers and look forward to continuing our great work within the LGBT community.

GLAAD issues 1st statement:

It would appear that the kiss between Adam Lambert and his keyboardist did not factor into ABC’s decision. ABC has a history of positive gay and transgender inclusion that includes featuring kisses between gay and lesbian couples on-air. We applaud the visibility of openly gay performers and congratulate Adam Lambert for sharing his story on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ this week as well as his upcoming appearance on ‘The Jay Leno Show.’

ABC cancels his appearances on The Jimmy Kimmel Show and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve – GLAAD’s 2nd statement:

Since his American Music Awards performance occurred GLAAD has consistently advocated that Adam Lambert and openly gay artists not be held to a double standard. As we have expressed publicly, it is disappointing that ABC will not give Lambert a chance to perform at this time. GLAAD’s discussions with ABC focused on confirming that his sexual orientation was not a factor in their decisions. ABC confirmed this is not about a same-sex kiss or his sexual orientation but about being “caught off guard.” GLAAD asked ABC and calls on them for clarification on ‘caught off guard’ so that the community knows why Lambert is being denied the opportunity to perform on the network.

GLAOAD’s 3rd statement

“We appreciate ABC’s commitment to gay and transgender inclusion in other programming. However, let us be clear that GLAAD remains steadfast in our assertion that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard by ABC as an openly gay performer. We do not support ABC cancelling Adam Lambert’s past and future performances. We urge the community to reach out to ABC and express their concerns that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard.”

Bonus info:
1. GLAAD is now acting just like ABC: refusing interviews about its missteps
2. ABC is a proud sponsor of GLAAD

on the basis of Queerty

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

OUT Magazine, that become infamous recently for slamming Adam for not being ‘gay enough’ was quick with the comment on Adam’s performance on AMAs. ON 25th of November they published a note in which we read among others:

Whatever else is being said, whatever recriminations are still being hurled, we were delighted by Adam’s performance at the AMAs on Sunday night. Adam may have dedicated that performance to Out with his upraised finger, but the outrage that followed simply served to clarify our original point. As Adam said in an interview with Rolling Stone shortly after his performance, “I think there’s there’s a double standard going on in the entertainment community right now.” Our point, exactly.
Language is slippery and many commentators mistakenly interpreted the editor’s letter as an attack on Adam for not being gay enough, rather than a critique of the record industry’s conservatism and timidity. It was addressed to Adam, but could have been addressed to any number of celebrities who have been encouraged to limit their exposure in the gay press for fear that it would alienate their wider fan base. We believe that such an old school way of separating gay and straight needs to be challenged by those with the confidence and talent to stand up to the bullies.

And yes, they also seem to get my point that Adam’s finger was directed at them!!!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Lyndsey Parker commented on the ‘Out’ controversy already on 16th of November 2009, just after the letter of Aaron Hicklin has been published.
She basically does no have any oppinion about the gay-issues mentioned in the letter but points that the constant buzz around Adam Lambert makes him a true superstar.

I honestly cannot take a side here. I do not know Hicklin personally, nor do I know what went down behind the scenes at the Out shoot. I was not there. However, considering that Adam’s people “allowed” him to make an album with collaborators like Lady Gaga and a fearlessly glamtastic cover in which he is wearing more mascara than the late Tammy Faye Messner–and that no one stopped him from performing on the American Idol finale in Bob Mackie angel wings and platform boots, OR from coming out on the cover of an even more widely read publication, Rolling Stone–it seems like he has at least a few people in his camp who happily celebrate his individuality.

I just find it interesting, and actually a little amusing, that even when Adam Lambert poses for a seemingly innocuous group photo, he somehow creates controversy and conversation. And when people of all sorts–from regular folks gathered around the watercooler to editors of major magazines–can’t stop debating about someone, that’s the sign of a true superstar.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Michael Slezak raises some valid points at EW.com today, commenting the recent controversy about Adam Lambert’s appearance in ‘Out’ Magazine:

But all that fine print aside, what I don’t get is this: If OUT’s editors are so outraged by Adam Lambert and the actions of his publicity crew, how come he’s still on their cover? Why should Adam be held to Hicklin’s ridiculous standard of how a gay pop star is supposed to conduct his life? The hidden subtext in Hicklin’s letter is this: “Yes, Adam, we’ve slapped your image on our cover, but sorry, we’re also going to have to slap you in the face in a thinly veiled publicity stunt to try to boost sales.”*** Because make no mistake, as terrifically talented and/or fascinating as Wanda Sykes, Cyndi Lauper, Rob Marshall, and Dan Choi are, none of them have the newsstand power of Adam Lambert.

Read his defense of Adam under this link.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Jon Fogel’s reaction is: laugh.
The reaction I have in mind here is the AFTERMATH after the open letter published recently by Aaron Hickin, Editor-in-Chief of ‘Out’ magazine.
Jon Fogel aka gives Adam some valuable points as far as the rules and savoir vivre of t

1. As an openly gay man, you must be “unapologetically flamboyant” at all times. No going “hetero,” or “stripped down,” even if it’s for a Motown song.

2. For the love of man, no photo shoots with naked women, especially smokin’ hot “six-foot barbies”; not only does this compromise the box God put you in, it might cause or give the illusion of temporary bi-curiosity, thereby inflaming the fantasies of millions more “barbies.”

3. Please refrain from saying women are “pretty” (or kittens). That’s not gay at all. Well, maybe the latter, but definitely not the former.

4. In the future, please make an LGBT magazine your first choice of appearance. Scrap that. In the future, please make Out–the highest circulated gay magazine in the United States, available at stores everywhere–your first magazine of choice. We hear you sell a lot of magazines and we want in–for gay rights, of course!

5. Please re-consider your gay-hating handlers, particularly 19 Records. They clearly have too much control over your creative choices. Could that album cover have been any more straight and predictable?

6. Not to mention all those censored moments on American Idol. Did you really think we wouldn’t notice who was pulling the strings on the vapid song choices and dull presentations of “Ring of Fire,” “Black or White,” “Mad World,” and “Change is Gonna Come”

7. Which brings me to my next item: The gay community is troubled that while you have “come out” twice you keep going back “in.” To resolve this dilemma, and make absolutely clear to fans that you are indeed a gay man, we propose an “I’m gay” disclaimer on all album covers of For Your Entertainment

8. In addition, while the glam vibe of your album might make your “gayness” implicit, we suggest a few adjustments to song titles that will make clearer whose side you’re really on: “Strut (Like a Gay Man)”, “(Gays are) Sure Fire Winners,” and “Whataya Want From Me (Okay, I’ll be the Gay Messiah).”

9. If you forget everything else, remember that as a gay man you must convey your gayness unequivocally, at all times, and on the “gay community’s” terms. In the future, we will be watching to ensure your compliance (and maintain a blog for your discretions)

10. And finally, as a “gay pioneer,” remember that we are “all counting on you not to mess this up.” No pressure. Gay salvation depends on your career path. As the gay pop culture prophet Perez Hilton warns, you can either be a cog for the mainstream music machine or the gay community. There are no other options. You cannot be complex, you cannot be both masculine and feminine, you cannot resist labels or boxes, you cannot experiment, you cannot form your own identity, you cannot just be. You must always match stereotypes, meet expectations. Of course, if you do slip up and need to come out again as a gay man, Out Magazine would be happy to provide the platform.

Sincerely,

The Gay Thought, Fashion, and Culture Police

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Following the publication of interview with Adam Lambert in the special edition of ‘Out’ magazine, Aaron Hicklin published a letter in which he described the circumstances around Adam’s appearance in ‘Out’ as well as criticized the ways of dealing with Adam’s sexuality by his management.
The letter is seen below.

Adam himself reacted yesterday on twitter by saying:

Dear Aaron, it’s def not that deep. Chill! Guess ya gotta get attention for the magazine. U too are at the mercy of the marketing machine.

—————————————————-
As a reaction to the Aaron Hicklin’s letter, I received an open letter from an Adam Lambert fan asking me to publish it at this site in order to start a dialog.
All others open letters are welcomed to be published at this site – views and content are the author’s own.
—————————————————-

Dear Mr. Hicklin,

I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to say in this letter, and finally
just decided to write and see what came out instead of continuing to kick it around
in my brain, so here goes.

First of all, I want to say that I am an openly Lesbian 38 year old Social Worker
from Eastern Kentucky. I am an activist who has worked in the gay rights movement in
Kentucky where we have passed an albeit small amount of local ordinances protecting
people from discrimination in the areas of housing, accommodations and employment. I
have participated in cultural diversity workshops, written my legislatures, marched
in the streets and fought one on one with people to have the right to love freely
without fear.

However, with all of this behind me, I still have to disagree with your recent
tactics towards Adam Lambert and/or his management.
What I see here is a simple case of a generation gap. Our generations, yours and
mine, grew up in a totally different world. We have lived in our closets, struggled
to breathe amidst the air of hatred and violence, and have had to fight for every
step we have taken towards some semblance of equality. Adam and his generation grew
up in a climate of social change. They have reaped the benefits of what we sowed by
having positive role models in the media and on TV, and by having people like Harvey
Milk, Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge who paved the way for them to be free of
the labels and social constraints that you and I still chafe against.
His generation is living in a time where labels and battle lines are blurred and is
THAT not what we have been fighting for all of these years? Also, asking Adam to
buck his management at this point in his career is in my opinion asking too much too
fast. He is not yet a Elton John or George Michael with 25+ albums under his belt,
millions of dollars in the bank and enough real estate holdings to hide out in when
the Conservative Right takes up their proverbial pitchforks and torches to run him
out of Hollywood. Aaron while I do understand your desire for Adam to pave the way
for others to follow, we fought for his ability to do that on his own terms. We made
it possible for him to come out in Rolling Stone Magazine and we did so by forging
our own path through the muck and the mire, and not by dragging our fellow family
members through it. This generation is what we made them, and we have to trust that
they will do what is right under the circumstances that we created for them.

I admit, that when I first saw him on American Idol, my gaydar went off and when
those pictures of him kissing his ex-boyfriend came out I was chomping at the bit
for him to come out and be our knight in glitter armor. However, after much thought
and a few talks with people from his age group I soon realized that it wasn’t right
for me to ask him to take up that torch. We have no right to push our values on him
just the same as the conservative right has no right to push theirs on us.

I also was shocked when he came out in Rolling Stone instead of Out or The Advocate,
but in the end, I felt pride that he came out before his first album hit store
shelves and even before he jacked off his first mic stand on the American Idol
summer tour. THAT took courage, THAT was a huge step towards fighting for his
individuality as a music artist, and while it wasn’t the path that I would have
chosen, it was Adam’s choice and he made it based on what he thought was right for
his career, not our political agenda. His coming out was a huge process that he
fought for and did with grace and eloquence setting such a positive example for
those younger than him. In his own way, he is the Ellen of his generation, and who
are we to question the way that he went about it. In the End Aaron, the important
thing is that he is being true to himself, being an openly gay man, but more
importantly a very talented singer in the music industry.

So no, I don’t agree with your asking him to take up our torch. It has become an
antique, and it is time that we step aside and allow the new generation to create
their own way to light their paths.

Sincerely Your Sister in the Struggle
Rebecca R. Lyon, BSW

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Ok, I agree, I am seriously late with this one, but for those who haven’t seen it yet, another cover of the magazine with Adam on it ( is anybody counting the covers?), with the good company of Wanda Sykes, Cindy Lauper, LT. Dan Choi and Rob Marshall.

Scans found on idolforums.com, enjoy!

———–

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Once we are back in time to the AMAs – same day (13th of October 2009) Adam Lambert has been spotted with Drake LaBry shopping in 7/11 and kissing in the car.
Here is how this has been covered by accessshowbiz.com

Coming out of the closet as a gay in an interview with Rolling Stone back in June, Adam Lambert makes no attempt to hide his affection toward boyfriend Drake LaBry. On Tuesday night, October 13 the singer was caught on camera locking lips with the interior designer in the front seat of a car. The same-sex lovers were enjoying a night outing in Los Angeles when the picture, available for peek at Celebrity Mania, was taken. After the kissing scene, the pair then headed for 7-Eleven store for some food. Inside, they ran into singer Brandy. Later that night, Adam and Drake hit the 5th Anniversary Party of Star Magazine at Bardot. They were all smile during the night date.

The site calls Adam and Drake ‘the same-sex lovers‘, which I personally find a VERY awkward description….
Anyway, it is clear from the video below that Adam and Drake sealed the evening with the kiss which looked like a clear STATEMENT of their affection served consciously on a plate to people from TMZ and others photographers hungry for sensation.

As we know by now, the Details magazine photosession was already made, which gives a completely new meaning to the context of this whole story.
Surprisingly, the coverage of Adam/Drake’s kiss hasn’t been as big as the coverage of Details’ in the mainstream media channels….

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Popstar.com‘s Coleen Joyce has named Adam Lambert ‘the new and HOTTEST sex symbol’.

Step One for Adam Lambert was to go on American Idol and wake up the world. Never had we seen such a performer with such passion and charisma on stage. Immediately, fans fell in love with his versatility. One week The Rocker would come out looking all ripped up and sloppy just to turn around the next week to wear a tailored suit with slicked back hair. As soon as you thought you could peg Lambert, he did the complete opposite, making him not only a style maven but also one of 2009′s hottest sex symbols.
(…) The cool confidence that exudes from Lambert has driven women to the point of throwing their under garments on stage while he does his thing. It happened at most of the spots on the American Idol tour, the calm crowd would erupt in madness when Lambert hit the stage.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.