Miss Lawrence on Iyanna Dior Black Lives Matter ... Applies to Black LGBTQ Members Too

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Miss Lawrence says Black Lives Matter applies to each and every black life -- especially those in the LGTBQ community ... this in the wake of the brutal beating of Iyanna Dior.

The Bravo TV personality -- who identifies as gender non-conforming -- spoke out against the vicious attack on Iyanna, a trans woman, in Minneapolis ... where she was pummeled by multiple men after allegedly causing a fender bender.

The video of the attack is incredibly disturbing ... so much so, we've opted not to include it, but it's out there. Miss Lawrence has strong thoughts about the violence, and what it says about a very real rift in the black community.

For starters, he says this divide over who is included in BLM shouldn't exist at at all. Miss Lawrence says the B is NOT exclusive to heterosexual, cis-gender members whatsoever.

Watch ... he also says it's time to strive for the kind of equality great civil and gay rights icons fought to attain, because it's an election year!

His point is if the black community can't bridge the gap now, and advocate for equality -- regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity -- then ALL black lives could suffer.

Kansas City Police Cops Indicted for Alleged Assault on Transgender Woman

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Two Kansas City cops now face criminal charges in the alleged assault against a transgender woman ... this as video of the incident has surfaced.

It happened a year ago this month, but the video has just been released.

A woman near a beauty supply store recorded the confrontation. You see one of the officers knee the woman in her face and ribs. At one point her face is slammed into the concrete.

She apparently got into a dispute inside the store, and police responded to several 911 calls, one placed by the transgender woman. The cops in question claimed she was resisting, which is why they used force. She was arrested for disorderly conduct, trespassing and resisting arrest, along with drug paraphernalia possession.

The P.D. investigated and concluded the cops did nothing improper ... this according to the police union. Prosecutors then brought the case to the grand jury because they were stymied ... saying the police department was not cooperating with its investigation by turning over key documents. Prosecutors took the case to the grand jury, which indicted the 2 cops on assault charges. Both officers are now on desk duty.

The woman has since died after being shot and killed in an unrelated incident.

The case has caused tension in the city ... the woman is African-American and the officers are white. The lawyer for the woman's family, David Smith, says the case was botched by police and he's calling for the resignation of the Police Chief, adding, "You don't treat this woman like a piece of trash because you think she's a freak."

The lawyer for the cops says, "They vehemently dispute the basis of these charges and believe they will ultimately be exonerated in court."

Transgender Singer Kim Petras Celebs Galore In New Music Vid ... Quarantine And Chill!!!

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Kim Petras just dropped a new quarantine-friendly music video ... and it's packed to the gills with celebs checking in from home and having a rockin' good time.

The transgender singer's latest hit is called "Malibu" ... and the theme for the music video is people everywhere daydreaming about some fun in the sun once these safer-at-home days are over.

Paris Hilton kicks off the long list of celebrity cameos, followed by Demi Lovato, Jessie J and Charlie XCX.

There are also appearances from Jonathan Van Ness, Madelaine Petsch, Todrick Hall, Pabllo Vittar, Loren Gray, Aquaria, Nikita Dragun, Dorian Electra, Brittany Broski, Bowen Yang, Slayyyter, Daniel Preda and Theodora Quinlivan.

Yeah, Kim's rollin' deep!!!

As you know ... KP loves trolling the hateful, homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, even parading around right in front of the hatemongers' HQ in Topeka, Kansas ... but this video is all about FUN.

So, check out the music vid and the gallery ... and feel like you're in Malibu!!!

Mister Rogers to Co-Star You Can Be My Neighbor ... But Not if You're Gay

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"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" was no place for gay people ... so says one of the stars.

Francois Clemmons, who played Officer Clemmons from 1968 - 1995, says in his new memoir, Fred Rogers got wind of the fact Clemmons was gay, pulled him aside and said, "Franc, you have talents and gifts that set you apart and above the crowd. Someone has informed us that you were seen at the local gay bar downtown. Now, I want you to know, Franc, that if you're gay, it doesn't matter to me at all."

And, then the other shoe dropped ... "Whatever you say and do is fine with me, but if you're going to be on the show as an important member of the 'Neighborhood,' you can't be out as gay."

Clemmons told People Rogers told him secrecy was the only way ... "You must do this Francois ... because it threatens my dream," adding, "I was destroyed. The man who was killing me had also saved me. He was my executioner and deliverer. But, at the same time, I knew that he would know how to comfort me."

According to Clemmons, whose memoir is titled, "Officer Clemmons," Rogers also told him the audience didn't care who he was sleeping with ... "especially if it's a man."

And, there's more ... according to Clemmons, Rogers urged him to marry a woman, and he obliged. Clemmons married La-Tanya Mae Sheridan. They divorced in 1974 and later Clemmons came out.

He says he forgives the legendary TV host ... "Lord have mercy, yes. I forgive him. More than that, I understand. I relied on the fact that this was his dream. He had worked so hard for it. I knew Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was his whole life."

UFC's Nina Ansaroff Training While 19 Weeks Pregnant ... MMA For Two!!!

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UFC star Nina Ansaroff told us pregnancy wouldn't stop her from training ... and here she is, 19 weeks preggo ... PUTTIN' IN THAT WORK, SON!

Nina is the 5th ranked UFC strawweight contender in a STACKED division that includes killers like Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Rose Namajunas and the champ Weili Zhang!

And since Nina plans on continuing her MMA career after she gives birth, she planned on staying in shape during the pregnancy to help expedite her return to the Octagon.

Take a look at the video ... Nina and her fetus are WRECKING those pads!

Of course, Nina is engaged to UFC champ Amanda Nunes -- and when they came into the TMZ office before the COVID pandemic, they spelled out their fight/baby plans!

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ONE STEP AT A TIME

"I’m gonna be training throughout my pregnancy," Nina told us ... "I’m gonna stay in shape. I’m not gonna, ya know, just like not do anything and jump in."

Nina said the plan is to take a year off -- but acknowledged, "I’ve never had a baby before. So, I don’t know what to expect."

As for Amanda, she obviously supports Nina -- but doesn't want her to rush back to the Octagon too soon ... a mistake she feels Mackenzie Dern made earlier this year.

Dern took a fight just 4 months after having a baby and lost her Oct. 12 comeback bout vs. Amanda Ribas via unanimous decision.

'Love is Blind' Carlton Wants a Second Shot at Love ... Put Me On Season 2!!!

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Carlton Morton wants to be bi-seasonal ... the "Love is Blind" star tells us he wants to bring back his bisexual storyline for the second season of the reality show.

Carlton tells TMZ ... he wants to find love and is still looking for his match, and he would be more than open to coming back for a second helping of "Love is Blind" if the producers are onboard.

As you know ... Carlton shot to fame on the Netflix show's debut season, but for all the wrong reasons. He didn't tell Diamond he was bisexual until AFTER he proposed, leading to an epic spat.

Carlton says he's even been approached about his own spin-off show ... but he tells us he would totally settle for a second shot on "Love is Blind."

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It's good to see Carlton in good spirits ... when we last caught up with him, he was seeking therapy after a cry for help and a 911 call.

As we first reported ... "Love is Blind" is already casting for season two, and the casting company is asking potential contestants about their sexual orientations.

Carlton thinks "Love is Blind" wants more contestants from the LGBT community ... not less, and he gives the show props for being all-inclusive.

Carlton's ready to head for a pod at the drop of a hat ... and he's also got a message for his ex-fiance.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' S. 12 Contestant Booted Over Catfishing Scandal

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'RuPaul's Drag Race' has laid down the hammer on one of their current contestants after a catfishing scandal came to light ... and he copped to it himself.

Sherry Pie -- who's real name is Joey Gugliemelli -- was disqualified from filming the rest of season 12 this week, according to the official 'RuPaul' Twitter page. The tweet reads, "In light of recent developments and Sherry Pie’s statement, Sherry Pie has been disqualified from RuPaul’s Drag Race."

They continued, "Out of respect for the hard work of the other queens, VH1 will air the season as planned. Sherry will not appear in the grand finale scheduled to be filmed later this spring." It's pretty crazy ... only two episodes of the new season have aired thus far.

Sherry has been introduced as a "big, loud Broadway dame" who considers herself the "Queen of camp." A majority of the filming is presumably complete for Season 12, but 'RuPaul' usually films a live reunion/finale episode, and brings everyone back for it.

Sounds like Sherry won't be though ... it's unclear how far along she made it in the show, but it appears VH1 will air the season as is, and simply won't invite her back for any further participation.

The reason Sherry got the boot ... at least 5 men have come forward to accuse Sherry/Joey of catfishing them over the years -- allegedly posing as a casting director and asking them to submit explicit videos of themselves in degrading acts. One guy says he was asked to masturbate on camera, and he agreed.

Sherry addressed the controversy on Facebook, apologizing for the past behavior and announcing she was getting help and treatment. Not good enough, apparently ... so long.

PGA's Scott Piercy Loses Titleist Sponsorship After Horrible Homophobic Post About Pete Buttigieg

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6:16 AM PT -- Two major sponsors have ditched Piercy in wake of his Instagram post ... Titleist and clothing company J.Lindeberg say they're done with the golfer.

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"We, J.Lindeberg, as a company do not stand by the statements made by Piercy," J.Linedeberg officials said in a statement Thursday, "and we want to make sure our customers, employees, and other ambassadors know we support all communities and have no room for hate or discrimination in our company."

UPDATE

Reps for Titleist did not release a statement on the matter ... but confirmed to Golf Digest earlier this week they had let go of the golfer.

PGA golfer Scott Piercy says he'll "do better" after posting a homophobic meme about Pete Buttigieg on his IG page ... insisting he wasn't trying to offend anyone.

Dude, are you a moron?

41-year-old Piercy doesn't seem to get why posting a photo of the openly gay politician with the caption, "Peter Pulls Out Early From Behind" could be deemed offensive.

Oh, and the post also referenced QAnon -- the far-right conspiracy theory. Supporters of it have been condemned by the FBI.

The PGA Tour was super upset with Piercy -- a rep said, "We were made aware of Scott’s post and are disappointed in the lack of judgment used."

The 11-year PGA Tour vet -- who's made more than $20 mil in his pro career -- spoke out on Tuesday saying, "Whenever i post my intent is NEVER to offend. I want to apologize if any of my recent story posts have been offensive. I will do better!"

If?! IF?!?! Okay ...

Originally Published -- 6:09 AM PT

'Love Is Blind' Star Carlton Morton I'm Getting Therapy ... After 911 Call

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"Love Is Blind" star Carlton Morton says he's getting some much-needed therapy after a 911 call from his home following his cry for help over social media.

We got Carlton at Drip Coffee Shop in Atlanta Thursday and our guy asked how he's holding up after catching tons of flak online, and a very public meltdown.

As you know ... Carlton's claim to fame on "Love Is Blind" is not telling Diamond he was bisexual until AFTER they got engaged, leading to an epic spat.

Authorities tell TMZ ... someone at Carlton's Atlanta home called 911 for a non-life threatening injury hours after his scary social media post, and he was transported to a hospital. Carlton tells us someone wanted to check up on him.

Carlton says he's seeing a therapist in hopes of improving his mental health and tells us he's getting death threats on the daily, and feels like the world hates him.

Carlton has lots of regrets, and he's second-guessing a bunch of decisions ... from how he showed Diamond his true colors, to even going on the reality show in the first place.

Carlton's also got a message for his fans, and for his haters.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg Dropping Out of 2020 Race ... Prez Trump Responds

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5:00 PM PT -- Pete just told the media aboard his flight that there's gonna be a slight change of plans in their route, explaining they're actually heading to South Bend (his town) instead of to Texas as originally planned.

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When asked directly if he was dropping out of the race, he played coy and said he was looking forward to making an announcement to them and the whole country.

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3:53 PM PT -- President Trump has weighed in Mayor Pete calling it quits ... and he seems to think it's nothing but a political ploy to help Joe Biden take on Bernie Sanders.

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45 tweeted, "Pete Buttigieg is OUT. All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden. Great timing." He continues, "This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play - NO NOMINATION, AGAIN!"

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Not to stoke conspiracies, but Pete dropping out does unquestionably help Biden strategically. Instead of splintering the moderate vote -- as they would have if Pete stayed in through Tuesday -- it appears most of those would-be Pete votes will likely go to Biden.

Pete Buttigieg is throwing in the towel in his bid for the presidency -- he's reportedly set to suspend his campaign ahead of Super Tuesday.

According to reports, the former South Bend mayor is dropping out after performing poorly on Saturday during the South Carolina primary ... where he came in at a distant fourth, only racking up about 8% of the vote which was largely made up of African-Americans.

Pete won the Iowa Caucus by a thin margin, but has largely underperformed in the races after that. So far, he's got 26 delegates to his name -- while Biden now has 53 and Bernie Sanders (the proverbial so-called front-runner) has amassed 60 to himself.

Elizabeth Warren has just 8 delegates, and Amy Klobuchar has only 7 -- no signs yet of either of them cutting bait ... it's interesting PB called uncle first, seeing how the big contest was around the corner. On Tuesday, a whopping 1,357 pledged delegates are up for grabs.

The Democratic nominee needs only 1,991 of those pledged delegates to claim victory.

Part of the problem for Pete thus far has been his inability to win over black voters, or voters of color in general. He made lots of efforts to do so, but in the end ... they just weren't with him. Of course, he was also battling homophobia within the party as well.

Pete was the first openly gay major presidential candidate to make a run at the White House. There've been others before him, but he was the first with a legitimate shot. He was also the youngest candidate in the race -- coming in 38 years old, while everyone else remaining is well over 50 and beyond.

Buttigieg was becoming a favorite among moderate voters in the Democratic Party -- being seen as a more stable option than someone like Sanders. Biden fits that bill too though ... it'll be interesting to see if he picks up Pete as a running mate in the weeks to come.

Originally Published -- 3:38 PM PT

Miss Lawrence on Boosie Gym Ban Over Transphobia ... Karma's a Bitch!!!

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Boosie getting tossed from his gym over his transphobic rant against Dwyane Wade can be summed up by Bravo star Miss Lawrence in just two words: Poetic justice.
THE COST OF IGNORANCE

Boosie getting tossed from his gym over his transphobic rant against Dwyane Wade can be summed up by Bravo star Miss Lawrence in just two words: Poetic justice.

We got the former 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' cast member and "Fashion Queens" star Friday at LAX, and had to get his take on the fallout after the rapper sounded off about Dwyane supporting his 12-year-old Zaya identifying as female.

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Boosie said a few days after his verbal diarrhea on the subject, he was turned away from his Planet Fitness gym in McDonough, GA. The rapper claimed the manager is gay and refused to let him in, specifically because of his Zaya comments.

Now, if you wanna call that karma, Miss Lawrence is perfectly fine with that. He says don't feel bad for Boosie one bit, but he does offer the rapper a bit of advice.

Despite Boosie turning this into an ugly episode, Miss Lawrence does say one good thing came out of all this -- and it has everything to do with how Wade handled the sensitive situation.

Dwyane Wade 'Struggled' About Going Public With Daughter's Gender Identity Story

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Dwyane Wade admits the decision to go public with his 12-year-old child's gender identity story wasn't easy -- the family "struggled" -- but they ultimately decided it was the right thing to do.

The NBA star appeared on 'GMA' and opened up about how Zaya -- who was born as a boy named Zion -- came to him and Gabrielle Union to talk about wanting to "live my truth."

"I think going forward I am ready to live my truth," Zaya told the Wades ... adding, "I want to be referenced as 'she' and 'her.' I would love for you guys to call me Zaya."

Wade says the family spent a bunch of time researching and talking to people to try to understand what Zaya was going through -- and it made the family stronger in the long run.

And, with Dwyane working with ESPN on a documentary about his own life, Wade knew he would have to decide whether to include Zaya's gender identity story in the flick ... and it wasn't an easy decision!

"I struggled on how much I wanted to talk about in the doc," Dwyane said ... "I actually didn't talk about it a lot. But, I knew if I put it in the doc at all, it would be a big conversation. "

"Yes, we understand that our daughter's 12 years old. We struggled with what people would say about a 12-year-old making a decision about her life, but we also know our child."

"So we sit back and we say. 'You know what?' As parents, it's our job to sit back and figure out and find the information that we can. And we've sat down together as a family. We've reached out to as many people as we can. We've researched as many things as we can to try to help not only our family but other people in this journey and along the way."