The Gay Agenda

Monday, September 15: Lets forego the all-too-easy innuendos about baskets and balls and get straight to talking about Shirts & Skins, a new television series that chronicles the lives of the members of the Rockdogs, San Franciscos formerly number-one ranked gay basketball team. The reality show sports sweaty tension on and off the court, so its sure to please both jocks and their admirers. Bonus: Retired NBA player and 2007 Out 100 honoree John Amaechi is called in to mentor the team as it prepares for a national championship. The series premieres tonight on Logo at 10:00 PM EST. Catch more directly from the network here. Tuesday, September 16: Youre in for some aural pleasure today as James drops Hey Ma, the U.K. indie bands first album in seven years. Front man Tim Booth (most famous for his yodeling falsetto on the groups 1993 gender-twisting radio hit Laid) supplies impressive vocals to spiritual and political songs steeped in intricate guitar work, trumpet fanfare, and rousing melodies. Pick up or download the album when it drops today on Decca Records so that you have your favorite songs on your playlist for the weekend. Wednesday, September 17: If youre in the mood for something complex and provocative, pick up a copy of Smile as They Bow by Nu Nu Yi, one of Burmas most critically acclaimed authors. In her latest novel (out on Hyperion Books), Yi tackles the concept of love across genders, spinning the tale of a transgender medium and the young girl who falls under her spell. Says Out book critic Emily Drabinski: Set against the backdrop of one of Myanmars largest spirit festivals, Smile, censored for 12 years by the Burmese government, gives Western readers a rare glimpse of this largely hidden and fascinating culture. Thursday, September 18: Theres nothing small about Smallville, the CW hit series that enters its eighth season tonight. The show -- in case you dont know by now -- is a modern retelling of the Superman legend, featuring all the classic comic-book characters. In addition to the addicting storyline, the cast is hot, hot, hot. Clark Kent is played by the lovely Tom Welling, and dreamy Justin Hartley returns as the Green Arrow. Other sexy superheroes to watch out for: the Black Canary (Alaina Huffman), Aquaman (Alan Ritchson), and the Martian Manhunter (Phil Morris). Catch Smallville tonight at 8:00 PM EST, and grab more details here from the CW. Friday, September 19: If youve found yourself drawn into HBOs slick new vampire series, True Blood, we have good news: You can witness more drama now from the shows gay creator, Alan Ball, on the big screen. Based on a novel by Alicia Erian, Balls new film, Towelhead, tells the story of Jasira (Summer Bishil), a 13-year-old Arab-Amerian girl in suburban Houston who is struggling with discrimination from her peers and tackling her budding sexuality (sultry photos of female magazine models are the first images to get her ticking). Gay fave Toni Collette also makes an appearance. Towelhead is dark like Balls Oscar-winning American Beauty, but with more of a social conscious. See for yourself here. Saturday, September 20: Forget Daniel Harry Potter Radcliffe in Broadways Equus. All right, how could you really forget that? Regardless, heres your chance to saddle up to the real deal. The BigHorn Rodeo, organized by the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association, is taking place this weekend in Las Vegas. Steers, stirrups, spurs, and gay cowboys What more could you ask for on a Saturday afternoon, as more than 100 contestants participate in 800 individual performances. In addition to the typical rodeo fare, Bighorn features live entertainment, dancing, and down-home dining. Proceeds from this years event will benefit the Sin Sity Sisters AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the FOCUS Hot Meals Program. Come out for a gay ole time and support a good cause at Horseman's Park (from September 19-21). Sunday, September 21: If you cant play with the cowboys in Vegas, head to the Lone Star State to catch the annual Texas Freedom Parade, which takes to the streets today in downtown Dallas. For more info on the parade, which culminates in a full-on festival at Lee Park, and its featured events, go here. Proceeds benefit Youth First Texas, a social organization that supports GLBTQ youth across the state.