Jude Law at Last Year's Cannes Film Festival.Image via Cinemafestival.

The quiet French Riviera is about to get a whole lot louder as big personalities from Brad Pitt to Kirsten Dunst call the area home for the next two weeks for the 65th Cannes International Film Festival. The south of France is home to idyllic scenery and vacation-perfect weather, but for the festival it’s all about gazing at celebrities and checking out the latest movies. The celebrity-filled parties, movies that get standing ovations, and movies that people walk out of (sorry Madonna’s We), will all last until May 27.

We have some movie highlights after the jump including Gus Van Zant’s much-anticipated Restless and many others including some that will be competing for The Queer Palm…

Restless

For Love’s Sake

The Angel’s Share

Killing Them Softly 

On The Road

Cosmopolis

After the Battle 

Image via Facebook.

While Obama has had the respect of many in the international community since his election, his recent policy shift on same-sex marriage is getting applause from human rights defenders the world over. Today, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) released a statement on President Obama’s Global Leadership on LGBT Rights:

President Obama’s declaration signals a landmark moment during a historic time for the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights. It comes just months after he released a presidential memorandum calling for US agencies engaged abroad to integrate the protection of LGBT people into their work globally. Relationship recognition is a critical aspect of LGBT rights which stands side-by-side with other concerns including ending bias violence and state-sanctioned homophobia and transphobia in healthcare and employment.

Keep reading after the jump…

President Obama’s statement parallels that of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, who said in a taped video message to the UN Human Rights Council in March, “I did not grow up talking about these issues, but I learned to speak out because lives are at stake and because it is our duty…to protect the rights of everyone, everywhere. We need to tackle the violence, decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships, end discrimination and educate the public… the time has come.

There are rare moments when the goals and hopes of world leaders and human rights advocates are in alignment. At least in some places–be it the town, the city or even the country, we are in such a moment now, and it is a moment to take bold steps forward. We call upon these leaders to move their powerful words into action,” said Jessica Stern, Acting Executive Director, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.

In supporting same-sex marriage, President Obama joins leaders around the world whose positions on LGBT rights have evolved. Globally, same-sex marriage is now legal in eleven nations including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the capital city of Mexico. It is also legal in six states in the United States though not recognized at the federal level.

Y-Love and Diwon. Image via Myspace.

Crossover hip-hop artist Yitz Y-Love Jordan is speaking out for the first time about his life as a gay man of color, while straddling the worlds of hip-hop and Hasidic Judaism—two communities not known for supporting the LGBT community. On May 15th his latest release, “Focus on the Flair,” will bring a new voice to the hip-hop world and the LGBT community.

“I want mine to be the last generation of LGBT Americans that remembers what a closet is.  I want kids in 20 years to sit annoyed through LGBT history class to learn about that long ago time ‘when gay people used to have to lie,’ much like segregation is a far-off time to many of today’s middle-class black youth,”  Jordan said.

Check out the unique style of Y-Love after the jump…

Anti-Gay Republican Robert G. Marshalll led the fight against Tracy Thorne-Begland. Image via House of Delegates

The Virginia House of Delegates has blocked an openly gay Richmond prosecutor from appointment to a General District Court judgeship in the city. The prosecutor, Tracy Thorne-Begland, needed 51 votes to be appointed, but the votes fell short with 26 House members choosing not to vote. Conservative assembly members felt that he was unfit to serve because of his support for same-sex marriage and his opposition to the now-overturned “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), who is currently running for US Senate, led the fight against the appointment.

“The debate in the House of Delegates was homophobic and embarrassing and showed a disrespect to a chief deputy commonwealth attorney and decorated veteran who was honorably discharged,” said Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D-Alexandria), Virginia’s first openly gay state senator.  [WaPo]

Image via GLSEN

After reports over Romney’s bullying past, GLSEN is asking Romney to publicly support an end to anti-LGBT bullying in schools:

Yesterday, the Washington Post reported on disturbing behavior from Governor Mitt Romney’s high school years, including bullying behavior toward a gay classmate that allegedly led to assault. This is not a simple incident of ‘kids being kids’ — events like this one can stay with a person for months or even years afterwards.

Governor Romney says he’s changed. We want to believe you, Governor Romney, but actions speak louder than words. Giving an inadequate apology, which minimized the severity of the alleged attack and ignored the impact it had on the gay student, doesn’t reassure us.

It certainly doesn’t signal to the 84.6% of LGBT students who are harassed each year at school because of their sexual orientation that the person who could be our President understands that anti-LGBT bullying is wrong.

The world has changed since Mitt Romney was in school. Today, there is a growing understanding that bullying and harassment are issues that can no longer be ignored. Members of Romney’s own party have reached across the aisle to support efforts to stop bullying and harassment in our nation’s schools, including the bullying of LGBT students.

So we’re asking for your help to let Governor Romney know how he can show us he’s really changed. Stand with GLSEN by signing our open letter asking Governor Romney to clearly indicate that he will be a leader in federal efforts to ensure that all students, including LGBT youth, are safe at school and protected from bullying.

To send a message to Mitt Romney, go here.

Image via Passport.

The progressive, LGBT-friendly Kimpton Hotel Group boasts seven properties in Washington D.C., including funky Hotel Helix and chic, sultry Hotel Rouge within the hip, gay Logan Circle/14th Street NW district. Located at the crossroads of Penn Quarter and Chinatown, the 183-room Hotel Monaco (www.monaco-dc.com) embodies D.C.’s stately yet constantly evolving essence. Occupying the landmark Tariff Building, several galleries and attractions nestle the property, including the National Portrait Gallery, International Spy Museum, Crime Museum, Verizon Center, and Red Velvet Cupcakery (really yummy cupcakes, including vegan varieties), while the National Mall and Capitol Building are a short walk away.

Hotel Monaco’s out and proud Chief Concierge Luis Colmenares offers guests a wealth of helpful information and a 1,000-kilowatt smile. President of the Washington Area Concierge Association and member of Les Clefs d’Or, he previously worked at D.C. luxury properties Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton. Romantic requests, he notes, are happily fulfilled.

“I once had a guest request Champagne, rose petals all over the bed, and a violinist playing in the room at the time they walked in,” he recalls. “I most enjoy the interaction with guests as well as fulfilling people’s needs and making them happy. I’m an ambassador for my hotel, my profession, and the city of Washington, D.C.”

Find out all the insider info from Mr. Colmenares over at Passportmagazine.com

Image via thediamondjubilee.org

In the first of many major events to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, people from all over the world gathered at Windsor Castle to help kick off the celebration, which culminates during Central Weekend June 2-5. The Diamond Jubilee Show began when Her Majesty entered the grounds in a gilded coach. She was then entertained with a variety show of royal proportions. The Queen’s extensive travels have quickly become a theme of the Jubilee. ”Six months after the Coronation in 1953, a marathon program of state visits started with Bermuda and went on to include 11 other countries,” Academy Award–Helen Mirren said recalling her first trip abroad at the young age of 27. Britain’s own Susan Boyle wowed the crowd and a total of 800 performers and over 500 horses helped usher in a summer of events for the Queen. For a full list of Jubilee happenings, you can click here. [CBS]

Watch the Video after the jump…

Image via IDAHO

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) takes place May 17 with hundreds of events planned in over 50 countries. The Day’s activities highlight growing domestic and international tension regarding the fight for equality. From the constitutional amendment that makes it illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married in North Carolina to the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in St. Petersburg, Russia. All over the world, thousands of activists are gearing up for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. This year’s IDAHO will break records of mobilization and outreach, as an estimated 50 million people will be exposed to messages calling for an end to discrimination and violence against people on the grounds of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

This year’s focus involves eliminating homophobia and transphobia through education. You can click here to find out all about this specific initiative.

Image via Facebook.

Jay-Z has “99 Problems” but same-sex marriage isn’t one. In an interview with CNN, world-famous rapper and husband to Beyonce, discussed Barack Obama’s recent announcement in support of same-sex marriage. “[It's] the right thing to do,” the 42-year-old said. ”Whether it costs him votes or not…It’s not about votes…It’s about people. So whether it costs him votes or not, I think it’s the right thing for him to do as a human being.”

“You choose to love whoever you love,” he added. “That’s their business. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination, plain and simple.” [E!]

Image via Ali Forney's Facebook.

The nation’s largest organization working on behalf of LGBT homeless youths, The Ali Forney Center, commemorates its tenth anniversary this year.   The AFC has experienced a decade of enormous growth, not only in its client base and the scope of services it offers, but also in becoming a leading national advocate for these youths whose struggles are quickly gaining prominence as an LGBT rights issue.

As the New York State government continues to slash funding for LGBT organizations it is important to continue to support centers like Ali Forney. While in an ideal world our government would recognize the importance of protecting LGBT youths, the sad reality is that they look at each bed in the Center as wasted money. Please continue to support the Ali Forney Center by giving them a few dollars on their anniversary! 

For more info about the organization, click after the jump…

The Center was founded by Executive Director Carl Siciliano in 2002, taking its name and inspiration from Ali Forney, a homeless youth, and a dedicated LGBT and HIV prevention advocate, who was murdered on the streets of New York in 1997.  Beginning as a small organization with a handful of employees, the Center has grown to operate on a multimillion-dollar budget.  Today, the Center’s facilities include: an Ali Forney Day Center, offering intake medical services and ongoing support programs; emergency housing; Ali Forney Camp, serving as a vocational and educational center; and the Transitional Living Program, providing a combination of housing and programming aimed at enabling LGBT youth to live independently.

Together, all of the AFC’s facilities and services have contributed to extraordinary outcomes for its youth. 75 percent remain in programs for long-term care and support; 85 percent are enrolled in mental health services; 77 percent of Transitional Living clients are enrolled in higher learning or vocational opportunities; and 99 percent of Transitional Living clients are employed and on career tracks towards self-sustaining futures.