Callas, Bizet and The Museum of Sex?

WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS NUDITY AND IS NSFW (BUT THE SOUNDTRACK IS PERFECTLY FINE FOR WORK...):

obscene diary from onur karaoglu on Vimeo.

"Last year saw the rediscovery of a major figure whose remarkable story illustrated the secret history of gay life throughout the 20th Century. In Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist, and Sexual Renegade, author Justin Spring tells the thrilling tale of Sam Steward, a man who documented every one of his many sexual exploits in obsessive detail, providing a wealth of understanding to future generations looking to understand the pre-Stonewall era. Now the artifacts of Steward’s life have been collected and displayed in a brilliant, inspiring show at the Museum of Sex in New York City. Keep the Lights On‘s documentarian Onur Karoaglu asked Justin Spring to show him around the exhibition one morning a few weeks ago. Secret Historian, along with An Obscene Diary: The Visual World of Sam Steward is in bookstores now." [Source]

Side-by-Side: Elena Obraztsova Sings Carmen's "Habanera"

"Carmen" Becomes a Battle-Cry For Gay Rights in Russia

Gay activist Lieutenant Dan Choi was in Russia marching peacefully in a pride parade when he was attacked by the police (see the shocking video). One of the others detained, Louis-Georges Tin, is also a fierce advocate against racism and homophobia. He really caused a stir when he broke into a rendition of "Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre" from Bizet's Carmen. Read more in-depth coverage of the chaotic event here. Incredible how quickly events change for the worst. Read Lt. Dan Choi's complete twitter feed for the last 10 hours after the jump.