As the only guy in what I call my “all-girl-except-matt” spin class, I finally embraced a gay stereotype that I succeed at with flying colors… wait, I could probably use a better metaphor for that. Oh well. It’s my last semester of college, so I decided that I finally wanted to get off my ass and take an exercise class. The only class that appealed to me, because I’m a cardio whore when I work out, was spinning. Oh, I guess that’s another stereotype I can check off the list.

As if it’s not enough just to be a guy taking a spin class, The girl next to me on the first day says “Oh hey, you’re the only guy in here! That’s okay you can be an honorary lady with us” Little does she know I’ve carried that title proudly since 1989.

I guess I’m becoming more stereotypical as this blog progresses.

If you’re looking for a good exercise class, though, that really embraces cardiovascular health while toning your body, spinning is the class for you! Seriously. It’s just twice a week in the rec center and all you have to do is keep a daily journal of your heart rate. Easy peasy! If you’re a girl, you’ll fit right in. If you’re a gay guy … you’ll fit right in. If you’re a lesbian, well, you’ll enjoy it much more than I am. If you’re a straight dude … need I say more?

Moral of the story: Take a spin class. It’s a good cardio workout that will expose muscles in your legs you never thought existed, and it will keep your ass the life of the party at the bar every weekend. Dammit, another stereotype.

“My name is Mike Moroski and I like people.” – Mike

On Monday, February 4th, The Archdiocese of Cincinnati gave Mike Moroski an ultimatum: To take down his blog post entitled Choose Your Battles affirming marriage equality and sign a number of documents ensuring he’d never speak out again on the subject– or, lose his job at Purcell Marian High School.

Mike decided to keep his post active and replied with this statement:

“After much deliberation with my wife, family, trusted clergy, professionals from all walks of life and my own meditative silence, I decided not to take the post down, nor to recant my position that “I unabashedly believe gay people SHOULD be allowed to marry.”

Mike’s Choose Your Battles blog entry goes on to say, “Love of hurting others is where I draw the line – whether sexually, emotionally, physically, mentally – I do not accept the love of hurt.”

An online petition is now active on change.org to help convince the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to reinstate Mike’s job. On the petition, which has already received more than 4,000 signatures and climbing, one of Mike’s former students, Fabian Applebee, speaks out.

“As a sophomore at Purcell Marian, I can’t stand idly by while the Archdiocese terminates Mr. Moroski, for such a trivial reason,” Fabian says. “So what if he isn’t exactly in line with the Catholic Church? The church has been wrong before. Galieo was placed under house arrest by the church, simply because he thought the earth was revolving around the sun. Don’t make that mistake again, allow Mr. Moroski to come back!”

Mike posted to his blog that on Friday, February 8th, he found himself still on administrative leave with a pending termination by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for his public support of marriage equality.

“As I stated a few weeks ago, you gotta ‘choose your battles,’” Mike says. “I did not pick this one, but it picked me, and, after a week of discernment, I have decided that I will gladly accept it.”

READ MIKE’S FULL STATEMENT HERE AND SIGN THE PETITION TO HELP MIKE GET HIS JOB BACK

Don’t know what I’m talking about? That’s OK– Check it out right here and remember to share it with your friends. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and most importantly, you’ll mass message it to every big, nelly bottom boy you know

If you like what you see, check out RuPaul’s Drag Race every Monday night on Logo or at Logotv.com!

Now get your hands out of your pants and do something productive!

You’ll read about a small-town man who makes his first Transgender friend in Meeting Morgan, and we’ll catch you up on the good, the bad and the ugly of LGBT-friendly businesses in the Conscious Consumer.

Fusion gets the inside scoop of an HIV-vaccine trial happening close to home, where Cleveland Fights its Way Closer to a Cure, and you can’t miss out on features like A is for Asexual and What Would Jesus Do?

Our beloved featured photo spread is Fusion’s very own GAYBILL where Cinderella meets her Fairy Dragmother and Princess Charming, but her sassy step-brothers might stand in the way of true happiness!

Pick up your copy anytime on or after Monday, December 3rd, and don’t forget to share the love by picking up one or two more issues for a couple friends!

A special thanks goes out to all those who were interviewed for each story and those who made the publication possible, including Hess Print Solutions and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University.

Please contact Editor-in-Chief Jackie Bergeron if you would like a copy mailed to your home address.

1. Be Appreciative

When your transgender friend tells you about his or her preferred identity, the first thing you need to do is say thank you. Your friend told you because they trust you won’t react in a hurtful manner, so the greatest appreciation is a loving thank you– and a big hug! Everybody loves hugs.

 

2. Watch What You Say

From here on out, you’re going to have watch what you say about your friend’s gender identity. It’s so easy to offend a transgender person by calling them by the gender they’ve transitioned from. When you refer to their past, simply omit gender references. For example, instead of saying “when you were a guy” refer to the actual year, time or place: “Remember in 2010 when…” or “when you were a kid…” works just fine. This takes practice, but we know you can do it!

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

The greatest fear many friends and family of transgender people have is that they’ll say the wrong thing. Alleviate this fear by having a conversation about what your transgender friend (or family member) prefers. You can ask him or her anything. After all, your friend has trusted you with their transgender exposure, so you should ask about anything that confuses you. Your transgender friend will not be offended from your curiosity.

4. Don’t assume anything

Just because you took a class in which you learned about transgender theories or experiences, that doesn’t mean all of  the theories or experiences apply to your friend. There are many different ways in which differences in gender identity are expressed. The idea of being “trapped in a man/woman’s body,” the belief that trans women are hyperfeminine/trans men are hypermasculine, and the belief that all trans people will seek hormones and surgery are all stereotypes that apply to some transgender people and not to others. As stated in step 3, ask questions.

5. Treat transgender people equally

This might sound like a no-brainer, but it might be the hardest step on this list. Just because your friend is transgender, that doesn’t mean you need to pay extra attention to them– unless, of course, he or she is your best friend, companion or partner. After you know what’s going on, just make sure you’re not going overboard with acceptance language and new-found transgender advocacy. Transgender people might love the added attention– who wouldn’t? But the love can seem like anything but authentic if it’s shown more than it was before.

We sometimes forget about that T at the end of LGBT, but transgender people need the love just as much as anyone else!  We hope this list helps you in your coming out journey with a transgender friend or family member. If you have any other tips or experiences you think need shared, take it away in the comments section!

Lady Gaga, watch out– Kelly might just one-up you for the hottest gay anthem out there today.

VH1 reports that the songs are similar in beat and tempo– Lady Gaga’s Born This Way and Kelly’s People Like Us– but while Gaga’s message is directly targeted toward the LGBT community, Kelly’s song is bit more subtle. Open for interpretation, if you will.

“We come into this world unknown, but know we are not alone,” Kelly sings. “The change is coming, it’s our time now.”

Direct from Huffington Post, Gay Voices:

In October, Clarkson expressed her support for President Barack Obama in his reelection campaign, citing Gov. Mitt Romney’s stance on gay marriage as her reason for choosing to vote for the Democratic candidate despite being a “Republican at heart.”

“I’ve been reading online about the debates and I’m probably going to vote for Obama again,” the 30-year-old Texas native told the Daily Star. “I can’t support Romney’s policies as I have a lot of gay friends and I don’t think it’s fair they can’t get married.”

Check it out and tell us what you think! Totally hot or totally not?

No, not why your ex decided to fool around with another guy last night after a couple hard drinks, or why you’re too involved with your grandmother’s shopping schedule– that’s just relationship dysfunction. The nerds behind the white and blue gowns- and goggles that hide their pretty faces- tell us why exactly men of all races, sexualites and physical stamina wake up every morning with an erection: you know, MORNING WOOD.

So sit back, relax, and think about all the saucy information you now have for those upcoming holiday parties! Your friends will think you’re the coolest kid on the block … or maybe the creepiest. Either way, you’re staying informed.

If you thought your vote didn’t count in this great state we live in, think again! When Obama took Ohio last night, Romney knew he was in trouble. While the results break down to such a close race between the two parties, one thing stands certain after this election: Regardless of the candidate you voted for, your voice was heard.

Just as we saw after the 2008 election, Facebook was flooded again with a political firestorm. Here are just a few of my favorite Facebook posts I happened to see this morning after all was said and done … Comment if you see one that’s yours and you’d like to claim it! (Will the real Obama Mama please stand up?)

Some pondered Paul Ryan’s actions …

Some even thanked the Lord Almighty …

But this gal knows just who showed their die-hard support at the polls:

Some were criticized for their right to choose

And others simply knew what was at stake

BUT …

While one Republican took the loss in stride

It doesn’t change the fact that …

 via @FrancisBoulle

via @Jamismithcomic

 via @Slackmistress

 via @DamienFahey

 via @TeaPartyCat

via @LizGillies

But in all seriousness …

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