Milk

When I first saw images from James Franco's solo art show last week - I got what he was doing, but didn't think it was anymore creative than the crack-den of an apartment in West Philly that I lived in during college . Cluttered, filled with "junk" collected from rummage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets during years that I thought everything I saw that was second hand could be made into an amazing statement piece. I will go on the record and admit that I was wrong. In searching this week, reading more articles about the exhibit, and being privy to more photos of the actual show - I am floored by the actor's artistic talent outside of reciting lines and playing characters.

I am not going to pretend to be an art critic - my opinions are in no way "informed" or "important" - I like art that I like simply because I like it. Be it I find a piece aesthetically pleasing, moving, interesting, poignant...there has to be something that grabs me before I throw the word good(great)(amazing)(different)(interesting) before the word art. Which I think is a basic way of describing why one likes what they like in terms of anything.

The reason I have changed my mind about The Dangerous Book Four Boys is that through the clutter, the videos, and the structures is Franco's thought process - diving into what it means to be a man. The transition from boyhood to manhood - sexuality - perversity - sentiment - ideals; all done through a huge mixed media exhibit. Which in my uninformed opinion is the best way to depict the complexity in the formation of who you are. I am excited to see the show in person before it leaves - and you should see it too (its at AIR’s Clocktower Gallery in downtown Manhattan, and open to the public every Tuesday-Friday from 12pm-5pm through September 2010).

It is nice to see a celebrity using their fame and free time to create and add to society. I have been a fan of Franco as an actor since his days on Freaks and Geeks, was blown away by his performance in Milk, and am getting increasingly excited to see him play Allen Ginsberg in Howl - and now I guess I have to add that I am a fan of Franco as a visual artist.

Ok, this is just too important and too good a story...
...so I'm gonna take a break from being a snotty bitch for five minutes.

First he is dealt a nasty blow that's typical for Hollywood but not typical for the man - the ever popular sex scandal that seems to rear its head when someone becomes famous. Then he shows how fucking cool he really is by addressing the mess head on, and without bullshit.

Proving he's a bigger person than most people walking the planet these days - or at the very least, most openly gay celebrities who prove that they're human by admitting to mistakes yet still remaining steadfast in their beliefs - Dustin Lance Black held his head high and showed up in person in Hollywood this past Saturday to be honored by Lifeworks Mentoring, a group which offers mentoring opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.

His speech was passionate, long, and dead-on amazing. We'll say it again... we love you Dusty!

Click here for Greg in Hollywood's full coverage and Dustin's speech.

UPDATED SATURDAY 7/13/2009:
Cock exposure makes one speak out. And thankfully, Dustin has done the right thing, by addressing the dramz "head on" so to speak... which makes us love him even more. In a statement given to Mark Malkin of E! Online, the Oscar-winner and unwitting pornstar said:

"It is unfortunate that individuals and other outside parties are trying to profit from material which is clearly private. I have had the privilege to speak to people across the country, both gay and straight, on a number of critical issues including safe sex. More important than the embarrassment of this incident is the misleading message these images send. I apologize and cannot emphasize enough the importance of responsible sexual practices."

WE LOVE YOU, Dustin!

Click here to read the original post and to see the pickle pics...

That's right boys, we are packing up our travel bags and video camera and getting in our lollipop hot air balloon because HOMOPOP.com is hitting Hawaii!! We must have died and gone to heaven to get this location as our first assignment abroad, but who cares!

We are extremely elated to be hitting the 20th Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (May 21st - 24th) which kicks off today! There is a lot of LGBT activity swarming around Hawaii right now because the state's gov't recently shot down the civil union bill. Wasn't there a time when Hawaii was going t be the first state to allow it? What the hell happened?? We will certainly find out.

We are excited to be interviewing filmmakers, festvial staff and the all around hotness that swarms around the South Pacific. Dustin Lance Black (Milk) is being honored so I hope we can snag a chit chat with him. If you don't know who that is, please get out from under your rock. He won the Oscar® last year for Best Original Screenplay. Even I got goosebumps when he gave his acceptance speech.

So FYI, we will try and update as much as possible, but just note that we are either lying on a beach or drinking piña coladas somewhere with someone fabulous! Don't be jealous, we will be thinking of you the whole time.