LGBT

Call this the Trojan Horse on ice ... a bunch of protesters snuck "Chick-fil-A Is Anti-Gay" signs onto the fast food restaurant's Zamboni at a pro hockey game Saturday -- and the video is hilarious!!!

It all went down at this weekend's Cincinnati Cyclones game ... where fans usually pay a small fee to ride in the Zamboni during intermission with fun signs.

The problem for the Cyclones? They say fans concealed anti-Chick-fil-A messages inside of "Happy Birthday" signs ... and then broke out the protesting ones once they were on the ice.

TROJAN HORSE!!!

The clip is pretty funny ... the Zamboni is decked out in Chick-fil-A swag and the cow mascot is obliviously waving to the crowd -- all while the anti-fast food signs are on full display!!!

Of course, the Cyclones were pretty pissed over the incident ... they booted the protesters from the game and apologized afterward.

"During the first intermission a group of protesters riding the Chick-fil-A Fan Zam displayed unacceptable messaging that was hidden inside of a birthday sign," the team said in a statement.

"The Cincinnati Cyclones & U.S. Bank Arena do not condone this type of behavior or the messaging expressed."

The team added, "These actions do not align with the family-friendly atmosphere that we aim to provide. Chick-fil-A has been a wonderful partner and we are thankful for their on-going support."

Mayor Pete Buttigieg thinks he can surprise a lot of people who believe it's impossible for him to successfully court super religious voters.

The South Bend Mayor will appear on "TMZ Live" Monday afternoon and he makes it clear ... he's not giving up on voters who believe the Holy Scriptures disqualify gay candidates.

The openly gay Mayor, who announced his candidacy for President Sunday, says voters have surprisingly open minds, and he points to something then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence was pushing back in 2015 -- a law that allowed people to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.

Buttigieg, who came out during what he calls that ferocious fight, notes that he not only had Democrats on his side but Republicans and even NASCAR fans.

The historically black all-male university that people like Martin Luther King Jr., Samuel L. Jackson and other famous folks attended will now start accepting transgender men onto its campus ... but there's a catch that excludes other trans students.

Atlanta's Morehouse College announced this weekend that it would begin admitting transgender students who identify as male starting in the fall semester of 2020. The move comes as part of its new Gender Identity Admissions and Matriculation Policy.

It also follows in the footsteps of neighboring Spelman College -- an all-female university -- which rolled out a similar policy for transgender women in 2017.

There's a caveat though -- Morehouse says its trans policy will only be applicable to students who identify as men throughout their academic careers. Any man who transitions from male to female during their time at Morehouse will not be eligible for enrollment.

It goes without saying, trans women won't be eligible for initial admission either. The good news ... the school says any already-enrolled students who identified as trans women before 2020 will be able to graduate. But, after 2020, that ain't gonna be the case.

Just to give you a sense of how historically important this college is, here's a brief list of some of its other famous alumni: Spike Lee, Herman Cain, Guru, John David Washington, Donn Clendenon, Fonzworth Bentley, Metro Boomin, Isaac Keys, Bill Nunn ... and many, many other guys who went on to great success.

12:52 PM PT -- Mayor Buttigieg just formally announced that he's running for President of the United States down at an event in his city of South Bend, IN. In his opening speech, he touched on a few simple issues his platform will address, which he says can fit on a bumper sticker.

-- Freedom

-- Security

-- Democracy

Check it out, he gets into the freedom pillar first ... and laid out what he believes the concept means for a modern-day America. Also, he kinda sounds like someone we've heard before on the campaign trail who went on to sit in the Oval. Any guesses?

He went on to say that he recognizes the "audacity" of running for POTUS as a "mid-western millennial mayor" in his mid-30s, but insisted there's no better time for someone like him to make a run at it than right now.

As Mayor Pete puts it, we're living in a time that compels us (and obviously him) to act, adding ... "That's why this time, it's not just about winning an election. It's about winning an era."

Mayor Pete Buttigieg loves to rock ... classic rock, specifically, and he doesn't just listen to it -- turns out the Democratic candidate for President can play some Jimi Hendrix.

The mayor of South Bend, IN, who's expected to officially announce his candidacy Sunday, stopped by our office and downloaded us on his favorite music. Seems he's got a thing for jam bands because he told us the Dave Matthews Band and Phish were his faves during high school and at Harvard.

He also told us his pops got him hooked on Creedence Clearwater Revival, and he's been revisiting those tunes lately. Now, we knew he played guitar growing up ... so we kinda put him on the spot by handing him a Gibson Les Paul.

Mayor Pete didn't disappoint as he started riffin' "Hey Joe" by Hendrix!

During his visit, the candidate, who is openly gay, also talked about the inevitable -- homophobic attacks on the campaign trail ... possibly from President Trump's camp.

Tune in Monday for "TMZ Live" (click here for showtimes) because Mayor Pete chats with us about a whole lot more ... including religion, Kim Kardashian's role in prison reform ... and Lori Loughlin possibly doing hard time for the college admissions scandal.

But, seriously -- politics aside, for just a moment -- it would be pretty cool to have a President who can play Hendrix, right?

Mayor Pete Buttigieg isn't fooling himself ... Donald Trump will target him with homophobic remarks as the 2020 Presidential campaign heats up.

The openly gay South Bend Mayor, who has soared in popularity, will appear on "TMZ Live" Monday ... the day after he formally announces his bid to make a move to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Buttigieg has a plan if Trump goes low ... confront and disengage.

The Mayor will tackle a variety of issues on "TMZ Live", from courting voters who may have predisposed views of gays, to the consequences people should face if they cheat to get their kids into college.

And, hint ... he plays a respectable guitar!!!

Buttigieg is expected to make a formal announcement he's running on Sunday.

Israel Folau -- a star rugby player -- has been fired from Australia's national team after he said gays will burn in hell in a social media post on Wednesday ... Rugby Australia announced.

30-year-old Folau took to Instagram this week to post a picture that read, "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters," will all, "end up in hell unless [they] repent."

The post immediately went viral ... and caused such a backlash -- Rugby Australia acted swiftly, terminating his $4 million contract just hours after the post went up.

"As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action," RA chief executive Raelene Castle said.

“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.”

Folau has repeatedly bashed gays in homophobic rants throughout his career ... reportedly writing in a separate social media post last year, "God’s plan for gay people was hell."

For his part, Folau has reportedly insisted he's not homophobic ... saying he's a devout Christian who believes the Bible condemns gays.

On that topic, Castle said, "Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts."

If you think Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney is voting for Mayor Pete Buttigieg just because they're both gay, you're dead wrong -- instead, Maloney's sticking with Beto O'Rourke.

We got Rep. Maloney Tuesday afternoon on Capitol Hill, and got his take on the Democratic mayor outta South Bend, Indiana ... who is making waves even before officially announcing he's running for Prez in 2020.

SPM showers Mayor Pete with tons of props, but shuns the notion he, or anyone else, should vote for a candidate just because they have similar backgrounds. We also asked Maloney -- who became NY's first openly gay Congressman in 2012 -- if he thinks the country is ready for a gay president, and he has strong feelings about that.

But, mostly ... the Congressman hammered home why he's throwing his support behind Beto. Point being ... just because a candidate's gay doesn't mean he'll automatically get the gay community's vote.

OG 'Queer Eye' cast member Carson Kressley seconds that emotion.

Carson Kressley seems to be ecstatic an openly gay man will likely run for POTUS -- but don't get it twisted ... that ain't gonna be the deciding factor for him in the voting booth.

We got the OG 'Queer Eye' cast member leaving LAX Tuesday and asked him about Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who's been leading South Bend, IN since 2012 and who's picking up major momentum in the quest to take on Trump.

Our question ... will gay people vote for the guy just because he's gay?

Carson says he certainly hopes not. He says Pete checks all the boxes for him on his merit and experience, and that should be the standard for supporting any candidate.

That said ... Carson says he gets why some gay people might automatically be Team Pete. It's a huge deal to have someone repping the LGBTQ community at this level.

Carson Kressley thinks it's a BEAUTIFUL thing that Dwyane Wade's family took his 11-year-old son to the Miami gay pride parade this weekend ... because families should support each other.

As we previously reported, Gabrielle Union took 11-year-old Zion Wade to the massive festival on Sunday where they danced and celebrated at one of the largest LGBTQ events in the country.

Dwyane was on the road with the Miami Heat but posted messages of support and said, "We support each other with pride."

There has been some blowback from haters who think Wade's kid is too young to attend a pride parade -- but Kressley immediately shot that down and said those people don't understand what Pride is really about.

"I would say [to those people] come to a gay pride [event] and you'll see how beautiful and embracing and how diverse and how wonderful it is ... and kids should be there to see it!"

He added, "It's a beautiful thing. It's great when parents bring their kids."

MLB legend Joe Torre is joining the protest against the Sultan of Brunei -- yanking his big charity dinner from the Sultan's Hotel Bel-Air over disgusting anti-gay laws in the tiny Asian country.

Brunei has enacted horrific new laws in which gay sex is punishable by stoning to death. Several huge stars and companies are now boycotting businesses owned by the Sultan of Brunei, which include the Hotel Bel-Air.

Torre's annual Safe at Home Foundation L.A. Dinner event had been scheduled to take place on April 25 at the Hotel Bel-Air, which has hosted the event for years.

But, that streak is over ... TMZ Sports has learned Torre's foundation has already moved the event to the Sunset Tower Hotel because they do not want to do business with Hotel Bel-Air until the laws in Brunei change.

The move comes after 2 other big foundations -- The Special Needs Network and The John Wayne Cancer Institute -- moved previously scheduled galas out of the Beverly Hills Hotel, which is also owned by Brunei's ruler, Hassanal Bolkiah.

As for Torre's dinner -- the event raises money for Joe's charity which supports children who have witnessed or experienced violence in their homes. It's a good cause.

Gabrielle Union was dancing her ass off at the Pride Festival in Miami Beach this weekend ... and it was all to show support for her 11-year-old stepson, Zion.

Zion is Dwyane Wade's son from a previous relationship but he lives with Dwyane and Gabby full-time and Gabby treats him like blood.

While Wade wasn't at the event -- the Miami Heat had a game in Toronto -- the NBA star was certainly proud of his family, saying:

"Zion had his own cheering section today. Wish I was there to see you smile kid."

The Pride Festival in Miami Beach is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the country -- with more than 145,000 people flocking to South Beach last year to celebrate together.

Gabby was having a blast -- dancing, taking pictures with fans and signing autographs.

Zion was sporting a rainbow ribbon and a big ol' smile!

Dwyane posted a photo of his older son, Zaire -- a HUGE prep basketball star -- with Zion at the parade along with the caption, "We support each other with pride."

He added, "It's a family thing."

George Clooney's call for a boycott of hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei is gaining traction ... because the Beverly Hills Hotel just lost 2 big gigs as a result of the protest.

The Special Needs Network and The John Wayne Cancer Institute are both pulling out of previously scheduled galas at the Beverly Hills Hotel ... and it's all because the hotel owner supports killing gay people by stoning.

SNN's signature spring event -- the 11th Annual "a pink pump affair // a Celebration of Women" -- was scheduled for May 19 at the swanky hotel ... but they're moving the fundraiser to the Beverly Hilton. Tons of celebs and politicians attend every year.

Meanwhile, the JWCI is moving its 34th Annual Odyssey Ball -- scheduled for May 4 -- to the Montage Beverly Hills.

These are huge blows for the hotel, and big wins for Clooney's boycott, which covers the 9 hotels owned by Brunei's autocratic ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The Asian nation recently implemented capital punishment on proven gay citizens.

The cast from "Queer Eye" is ecstatic with the work Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is doing in DC ... and meeting her didn't suck either, cause they were EXPLODING with joy.

We got Jonathan Van Ness and Bobby Berk strolling around the nation's capital Thursday ... just moments after meeting AOC. If you didn't know ... the cast was in D.C. for an event at the Library of Congress, celebrating LGBTQ youth empowerment.

Afterward they walked over to Capitol Hill, where AOC personally escorted them to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office ... where they talked about the Equality Act.

Lance Bass has some choice words -- and a splash of sarcasm -- for the Sultan of Brunei on the day his country will start stoning gay people to death.

We got the 'NSYNC singer Wednesday leaving NBC in NYC -- where he was plugging his new doc, 'The Boy Band Con' -- and asked about the deadly law that takes effect Wednesday in the Asian country -- gay people can now be stoned to death for who they are.

Lance clearly has a POV, but it was tough for him because while we were talking to him a slew of fans were asking for selfies so whatever he said he had to say with a smile on his face.

Our camera guys also asks Lance if he was on board with George Clooney's renewed call to boycott hotels owned by Brunei's leader, including The Beverly Hills Hotel and the Hotel Bel-Air. Check it out ... sounds like he's been with it for a while.

Jay-Z and Beyonce added another award to their mantle, but this one was highly personal ... and incredibly emotional.

The power couple received the Vanguard Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Thursday night, and used their time onstage to praise the LGBTQ community ... and members of their family who are a part of it.

Jay went first and shouted out his mother -- who came out as a lesbian on his track, "Smile," and received a Special Recognition Award last year -- for allowing him to follow her shining example of love and acceptance.

Beyonce then praised her Uncle Johnny, who she calls "the most fabulous gay I ever knew" and says helped raise her and her sister, Solange. Bey says her uncle lived his truth and was brave and unapologetic when it wasn't easy to do so ... and witnessing his HIV battle was "one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived."

She says she hopes his struggles helped pave the way for young people to live freely, and stresses that LGBTQ rights are human rights.

George Clooney is calling for a boycott of hotels owned by the Sultan of the Asian country of Brunei -- even the L.A. ones -- a week ahead of the day they'll start killing gay people by stoning.

The actor posted an impassioned open letter on Deadline Thursday, asking consumers not to do business with the 9 hotels owned by the autocratic country's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, including the famed Beverly Hills Hotel, as well as the Hotel Bel-Air.

Clooney's plea with would-be hotel dwellers comes less than a week before the day Brunei as a nation will implement capital punishment on citizens who are proven to be gay or commit adultery. Those folks will be stoned to death.

That's no joke -- Brunei lives under Islamic sharia law ... one of the few countries in the world to do so.

Interestingly, Clooney notes that there was widespread outrage about this a couple years ago, and people successfully boycotted the two L.A.-area hotels ... if only for a short while. Now, he's asking for renewed attention in light of the looming deadline.