The Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign acknowledged both Christopher Meloni and Jake Gyllenhaal on Saturday for their contributions to the ongoing civil rights struggle of human beings to have equal rights. Our own Canuck, Brian Rodgers, was in attendance as a guest of Mr. Meloni whose award was presented to him by the very supportive Tom Fontana who is worthy of an award or two in his own right. Just ask his two gay brothers.

Sure it’s great to have a festive banquet where everyone gets dressed up to honour those who are most deserving. Brian’s presence there was indeed due to the ever considerate and generous Meloni who certainly appreciates a good man when he sees one. Meloni’s choice of a guest was spot on. Our Mr. Rodgers is what the campaign is all about: good people who deserve the best out of life. Congratulations, Chris and Jake, who was unable to attend but accepted via video promising to become worthy of the acknowledgment. Thank you, Christopher Meloni, for acknowledging Mr. Rodgers.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

Speaking of HRC, Centaur Entertainment has a great collection of songs, Love Rocks, for sale to benefit the organization. From their website:

Billboard Magazine

With phrases like "family values" and "compassionate conservative" taking on new and heightened meaning, a CD like Love Rocks arrives right on time. The two-disc collection brings together gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight artists in the name of love, respect and commitment—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Onboard are:

Christina Aguilera ("Beautiful"), Dido ("Thank You"), Dolly Parton ("Sugar Hill"), Dixie Chicks ("I Believe in Love"), Pink ("Love Song"), Ari Gold ("Home"), Eric Himan ("No Urgency"), Melissa Etheridge ("Giant"), Kinnie Starr ("Alright"), Emmylou Harris ("Jupiter Rising"), Billy Porter ("Only One Road") and others.

Net proceeds from sales of "Love Rocks" will be donated to the Human Rights Campaign—a national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization—and its educational division, the HRC Foundation

Out.com

This two-disc compilation of 32 artists, compiled by HRC (Human Rights Campaign),which will receive all proceeds, begins on a high note with Christina Aguilera’s spirited ballad “Beautiful.”

The song takes on a whole new meaning in a GLBT civil rights context. Each of the subsequent songs delivers a staunch message of equality in this sonic pep rally, from Simply Red’s rendition of “You Make Me Feel Brand New” to Yoko Ono’s reimagined take on the classic “Every Man Has a Man.”

On “She,” openly gay singer-songwriter Jen Foster expounds: “Love is blind / So why are you staring? / She means everything to me.” But it’s the hook, line, and sinker lyrics “But I have found true love / And there is nothing you can do / Just try and stop me / Just try and stop us” that translates to a battle cry for civil justice.

Other openly queer acts, including Melissa Etheridge, Sophie B. Hawkins, Ari Gold, and Kinnie Starr, among others, appear with a vengeance. Teaming up with HRC’s straight allies, all the esteemed artists on Love Rocks scored a win, serving HRC’s message in a big, accessible way.