The band R.E.M.—headed by openly gay singer Michael Stipe—has launched a new iPhone/iPod Touch application that will be available to users free of charge, according to a press release.R.E.M. iPhone is the official app that enables fans to stay up to date on all the latest R.E.M. happenings direct from the band's headquarters in Athens, Ga. Features include access to the latest R.E.M. news and tour dates, which are updated instantly; song clips from the band's entire catalog; and full-length videos from every R.E.M. album.
The Web site StopAvatarMovie.Blogspot.com attempted to stop the release of the James Cameron film Avatar, arguing that the movie is offensive because humans will evolve into transgenderism, according to an Advocate.com item. Among other things, the site contends that "given the current course of evolution, it would be far more likely for the film's hero, Jake, to be gay, bi, or trans than it would for him to be straight."
The popular TV show Glee—about a high-school glee club—has received four Golden Globe nominations, including one for lesbian actress Jane Lynch, who portrays cheerleader coach Sue Sylvester, according to Entertainment Weekly. About the nod, Lynch told the publication, "...this is really a lovely dream. It was so fun to come to work this morning. The kids are beside themselves with excitement. It's great."
The Swedish pop group ABBA is among the 2010 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, according to Broadcasting & Cable. Other musical acts that will be inducted include punk-rock band The Stooges, reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, pop band Genesis and legendary act The Hollies. Among those missing the cut were rapper LL Cool J, disco singer Donna Summer, KISS and folk singer Laura Nyro, the Los Angeles Times reported. The 25th annual induction ceremony will take place March 15 in New York City.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced—and Colin Firth is among those nominated for his portrayal of a gay professor in 1960s Los Angeles, IMDB.com reported. Among others nominated are Helen Mirren for her role in The Last Station; Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'nique for Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire; Meryl Streep for portraying Julia Child in Julie and Julia; and the casts of Nine and Precious. The ceremony will take place Jan. 23.
Anti-gay reggae singer Buju Banton has been jailed in Miami, Fla., on drug-related charges, according to Towleroad.com . Banton ( real name: Mark Anthony Myrie ) has been in custody and will be transferred to Tampa, where he will be charged with "conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine." Banton, who recently received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, has called for the killing of gay people in his music, most notably in the song "Boom Bye Bye."
According to a poll commissioned by OnePoll.com, Sir Elton John and Judy Garland have been named the top all-time gay icons, according to a MonstersAndCritics.com item. Among the other men named were singer George Michael and soccer player David Beckham while singers Madonna, Cher and Kylie Minogue were among the other women.
It looks like openly gay movie director Bryan Singer will develop and helm the film X-Men: First Class for 20th Century Fox, according to Hitflix.com . Singer directed the first two X-Men movies before leaving the studio to direct Superman Returns instead. Among his other movies are Valkyrie, Apt Pupil and The Usual Suspects.
Beyonce's mother is about to become a single lady. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Tina Knowles filed for divorce from Matthew Knowles ( who managed Beyonce during her Destiny's Child days ) last month, and the couple has released a statement saying that the split is being handled amicably. The couple married in 1980.
