The Queen of the United States

So in a recent poll taken, the results showed about half the United States as being "fine" with a gay president. Somehow I think those statistics are a bit skewed. Although it did remind me of a little tidbit I heard once...

A gay president? We've already had one, ladies!

15th President of the United States, James Buchanan, is the only president in history to remain a bachelor... OR WAS HE???

*cue dramatic music and thunder clap*

Her Royal Highness Buchanan was engaged to Ann Coleman, daughter of a wealthy iron manufacturer. But the poor lass died "of hysteria" while the two were still engaged. Buchanan sent a letter of sorrow to the girl's Father which basically stated that he'd never love again.

OR WOULD HE????

For 15 years prior to his presidency, Mme. Buchanan, lived with his very close friend and fellow bachelor William Rufus King, an Alabama Senator. Buchanan and King's nieces destroyed their uncles' correspondence, leaving some questions as to what relationship the two men had, but the length and intimacy of surviving letters illustrate "the affection of a special friendship" and Buchanan wrote of his "communion" with his housemate.

"Communion." Is that what they called snogging then?

In May 1844, during one of the interruptions in Buchanan and King's relationship that resulted from King's appointment as minister to France, Buchanan wrote about his social life: "I am now 'solitary and alone', having no companion in the house with me. I have gone a wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I feel that it is not good for man to be alone, and should not be astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me when I am sick, provide good dinners for me when I am well, and not expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection."

Buchanan and King's close relationship prompted Andrew Jackson to refer to King as "Miss Nancy" and "Aunt Fancy," while Aaron V. Brown spoke of the two as "Buchanan and his wife."

Miss Nancy and Aunt Fancy! And I've just figured out what I want my nieces and nephews to call me and my partner should I happen to find the poor bastard.

Ready for a gay president? The question is are we ready for the next one?

You go, Miss Nancy!

Jai Don't H8

Hey, remember li'l Jai Rodriguez from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"?

I know I do. ♥♥♥

He has been a longtime inclusion on my short list of honorary celebrity boyfriends. I used to think he was cute as a button, but in recent years he has segued into looking outright dreamy.

Which reminds me, I need to workout.

I stumbled across this yummy photo of Señor Rodriguez the other day, which is a portrait from Adam Bouska's fantastic No H8 campaign.

The No H8 Campaign is a photo project and silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8.

The campaign started with portraits of everyday Californians who support Marriage Equality and soon rose to celebrities, military personnel, brothers and sisters, law enforcement, lesbian mothers, directors, politicians, newlyweds, and more. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths symbolizing their voices not being heard and "NO H8" painted on one cheek in protest.

If you want to support or learn more about the campaign, check out the Official Website or become a fan of No H8 on Facebook.

But coming back to my dreamy Puerto Rican-Italian lov-ah for a moment... He's remained quite the busy bee since QE. He's appeared on multiple television shows, live performances, and a few films. I kinda wanna see this little gay movie he was in last year. It looks cute!

Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy Dies at 77

WOW.

I honestly never thought it would happen.

Ted Kennedy, the last surviving brother of the famously tragic political family, has actually passed away at the age of 77 after a year-long battle with a brain tumor.

Kennedy served in the United States Senate longer than all but two Senators in history, starting in 1962. He was a major champion of civil rights, including women's issues and gay rights.

His family, as well as former First Lady Nancy Reagan, have released statements regarding the death.

Kennedy's family stated: "We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever."

Nancy Reagan said: "I was terribly saddened to hear of the death of Ted Kennedy tonight. Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. But Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another... My heart goes out to Vicki and the entire Kennedy family."

Rest in peace, Ted Kennedy. Regardless of anyone's opinions or political beliefs, I don't think I'm alone in saying that it feels odd being in a world without you in it.

Inaugurations of Yore

Chicago Tribune reporters Mark Jacob and David Jahntz know how to bring out the magic and glory of American History in this fantastic article about the 10 Things You Might Not Know About Inaugurations.

A flustered and blinded Robert Frost, frozen canaries, forgotten presidents, and poisoned pigeons.

And people say politics is boring!

MLK

This is a great commentary written by Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. Click the link below to read.

Happy Martin Luther King Day and here's looking forward to the continuation of our shared history...

Let's Treasure the Old, Along with the New