The Gay Agenda

FLICK: Queer filmmaker Todd Haynes has always been a horse of a different color. His short film Dottie Gets Spanked featured a pre-teen protagonist who longed for abuse, and the central character of Safe was allergic to the outdoors. So it isnt surprising that his new Bob Dylan biopic, Im Not There, features six actors (one of whom -- haven't you heard? -- is the inimitable Cate Blanchett) playing the legendary rock icon. Given its kick-ass soundtrack and the quality of Haynes previous work, we smell Oscar nod for this one. The film opens in limited release on Nov. 23. PAGE-TURNER: Those of you who've used up all your paid time off nursing hangovers can break free by picking up queer author Brian Bouldreys travel memoir, Honorable Bandit: A Walk across Corsica. Bouldrey straps on a backpack for the tome, walking across Napoleans native land in a two-week trek, where he discovers cultural nuances, personal and physical challenges, and how to cope when you get very, very lost. Honorable Bandit is in stores now. TUBE: In honor of the shows 100th episode, prominent dykon Melissa Etheridge will be joining Out's Humanitarian of the Year, Annie Lennox, and Rufus Wainwright to host Logos NewNowNext, a video jukebox show that serves as the gay mans equivalent to MTVs Headbangers Ball. The show has helped launch Logo as the go-to destination for queer performers and gay-friendly artists. NewNowNext airs all week. Check listings for repeat times. HOLI-DITTY: Fans of novelty holiday songs who have worn out their copies of A John Waters Christmas have reason to rejoice this season as the Killers release their very own ode to Jesus birthday, Dont Shoot Me Santa. Not only have they proven to be one of the best acts in modern alt-pop, the Las Vegas-based gay-adjacent rockers are known for their charitable contributions -- 100% of the profits from the track will benefit the Global Fund to Fight Aids, tuberculosis, and malaria for investment in African Aids Programs. Feliz Navidad, fellas. Dont Shoot Me Santa will be released for digital download on Nov. 27. GLUTTONY: On Thursday, Nov. 29, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago will host its highly anticipated annual holiday event, A World of Chocolate. Guests will gather at the Hilton Chicago to dine on their favorite chocolate treats from more than 30 of Chicagos finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers, all in the name of charity. Still not as tasty as those benevolent Killers boys, but what the hell. For more information and admission prices, visit AIDSChicago.org.