'Duck Dynasty' in anti-gay controversy
Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson is under fire for bashing gays in a GQ interview in which he grouped homosexuality with "drunks" and "terrorists," according to TheWrap.com .
After he complained that "everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong … sin becomes fine," the magazine asked what he considers sinful. He said, "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there—bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men." Duck Dynasty is cable's highest-rated reality show.
GLAAD has issued a statement condemning the remarks as "littered with outdated stereotypes and blatant misinformation."
CNN reported that A&E has suspended Robertson indefinitely. "We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson's comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty," the network said in a statement.
Season five of the show is set to premiere Jan. 15.
Bull riders stop in Chicago Jan. 11-12
For the second year in a row, the Professional Bull Riders tour will stop in the Windy City, with its elite Built Ford Tough Series slated for Jan. 11-12 at the Allstate Arena.
During the two-day Chicago Invitational, fans will see the Top 35 bull riders in the world. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20-$125; they're on sale at the Allstate Arena box office, www.Ticketmaster.com and 800-745-3000. For more information, visit www.pbr.com .
Gay Games accepting applications
The 2014 Gay Games is announcing a participation scholarship for those who wish to be part of the event but do not have the financial means to attend.
There is a limited number of scholarships available, ranging in estimated value from $750 to $1,350. The funds can be applied to general registration fees as well as fees for one sport/cultural event; transportation to and from host cities Cleveland and Akron, Ohio; and housing.
The Gay Games are open to everyone over the age of 18 by Aug. 9, 2014, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, transgender status, religion, nationality, political convictions, age, physical condition or athletic ability.
Interested parties can download the application online at bit.ly/GG9ScholarApp. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2014. Those awarded scholarships will be notified by April 1, 2014.
Nashville Grizzlies rugby team's calendar on sale
The Nashville Grizzlies—a USA Rugby Division squad that describes itself as "a socially and ethnically diverse group of guys ages 19-50"—has put together a calendar to raise funds to attend the 2014 Bingham Cup in Sydney, Australia.
The team welcomes new players, regardless of experience or sexual orientation.
Every two years the team travels to the Bingham Cup, named in honor of Mark Bingham, who died on United Airlines Flight 93 during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
The calendar is $20; see www.GrizzliesRugby.org .
'RuPaul's Drag Race' season six cast named
Fourteen contestants have been announced for the upcoming sixth season of the Logo TV show RuPaul's Drag Race, which will start in February.
Gia Gunn is the only contestant from Chicago. Some of the other entrants include April Carrion ( Guaynabo, Puerto Rico ), Vivacious ( New York City ), Laganja Estranja ( Los Angeles ), Milk ( New York City ) and Adore Delano ( Azusa, Calif. ).
The prizes will be $100,000 and the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar."
New Year's Day run
The city's New Year's Day 5K Run & Walk returns for its 29th year Wed., Jan. 1.
The first official 5K of 2014 will take place at 11 a.m. at 1600 N. Stockton Dr.
Pre-registration for the event's 5K competitive-time run, 5K fun run and 5K walk is $30.
To register, visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773-868-3010.
