Unless you've been living under a rock without WiFi access, you'll know that one of the biggest news stories of the past day or so is about NBA player Jason Collins coming out.

Arguably, the most interesting part of this story are the reactions from various individuals. Take for example, ESPN writer Chris Broussard's stating that a gay NBA player is a
"rebellion against God" or this op-ed by Ari Ezra Waldman about the significance of the event and how it plays into identity politics. 

Or how about President Obama responding to news reporters, stating that he had spoken to Collins and couldn't be prouder.

And still on a sports tip, Vice magazine speaks with Roger Brigham, a coach at Golden Gate Wrestling Club, a gay wrestling team based in San Francisco.

There may be an explosion of talent shows out there on television, but that doesn't mean there is always a lot of talent to fill those very same airwaves.

Cue Ashley Tonga.

Tonga is from New Zealand, and this lovely queen decided to strut her stuff on The X Factor NZ. Although Ms Tonga almost loses her balance while dancing, she never loses her cool. And that's what makes for one fierce queen.

Proud Mary, indeed.

There is a strange echo this morning.

One year ago today, I woke up to a radio telling me about a death in my city. I am not a callous person, but I am, unfortunately, somewhat used to hearing about violence. But this one unnerved me for some reason. Maybe it was because it was on a street that I frequent, that I used to live near and that my friends still live on.

And then I got up and went online and read both rumours and reports. People I knew were talking about mourning, but not saying for whom. The violence was hitting close to home.

And then I saw his name, everywhere.

Raymond.

One year later, once again, I see Raymond’s name all over my Facebook feed, in news stories, in blog posts. I hear his name on the radio once again, and on television. But this time, he is smiling.

One year later, as I write this, there are people on Gottingen Street remembering Raymond. They are trying to remember everything that happened before he died, because it’s too difficult to think of the how and the why. Because those things don’t make sense.

Right now, I would rather think of him in those ways. I would rather see Raymond’s smiling face than walk over and around where they found him. I would rather think of the good he did than the unfortunate way he died. I’d rather remember all the people who came out, the hundreds who sat silently in prayer and reflection, who spoke quietly and who sang loudly one year ago today.

I will remember good things. Because that’s what he would want.

When she's not picking fights on Twitter with Perez Hilton or ASAP Rocky, Azealia Banks finds the time to put out interesting videos.

Her latest, Yung Rapunxel, is a dark ditty with NFSW language, tight edits and spooky visuals. Ms Banks even transforms her face so that all her mouths can open wide to let out her lyrical assault.

Personally, it reminds me of the Corinthian character from The Sandman.

In any case, check out the video below.

Later that evening, hundreds of people would stand on the street where he was found, remembering who he was and what he stood for.

In light of the first anniversary of that event, Halifax Pride is asking Haligonians to remember Taavel by placing rainbow flags in their windows, an echo of last year’s happening.

“In organizing this we weren't looking to do something that was a media event, or an event at all really,” says Adam Reid, Halifax Pride's communications coordinator. “We want to give people a way to mark the day, express their grief, celebrate Raymond's life and hopefully find some comfort. People were so touched by the number of flags that sprung up around town last year following Raymond's life, we wanted to replicate that moment and the comfort it brought people.”

Reid notes that there will also be gatherings held at Menz Bar and The Company House between 5 and 7pm, “so people won't feel alone in their grief.” He expects that “many people will just want a hug and someone to talk to.”

When asked about the ongoing and much-delayed trial for Andre Denny, who stands as the accused in Taavel’s death, Reid says, “We're really just focused on celebrating and remembering the friend we lost.”

You can find out more at the Facebook event page.

Even if you don't know the name -- and you should -- you know the work.

Erotic images of men cavorting, posing and engaging in all kinds of sexual acts, large lips, wide chests and a specific look are the calling card of Touko Laaksonen, also known as Tom of Finland. His images were some of the first erotic drawings of men with men that were viewed by a specifically gay audience, with his work being published in such magazines as Bob Mizer's Physique Pictorial. Tom's images helped cement the icon of the leatherman as part of the diaspora of queer visual language, titillating and educating his audience at the same time.

Now it appears that a film about the artist, called Tom, is coming out of Finland.

I, for one, can't wait to see how Touko goes on to become Tom. Unfortunately, it looks like it won't be happening until 2015, but if Tom of Finland taught us anything, it's that good things come to those who wait.

Musician Ryan MacGrath may be living in Austria, but his music has a global audience. This time, it's heading down to Los Angeles, via the webseries "EastSiders."

The series tells the story of a couple dealing with infidelity and is the brainchild of Kit Williamson. Williamson went to Kickstarter for funding and found many a fan. So much so that he wrote about the immense outpouring of support at The Huffington Post.

One fan who really liked the series was MacGrath. "We contacted the writer/director to show support," he says via email. "I gave him some links to my music, and he really liked my stuff! A couple of months later, I got an email from him saying that he would like to use two songs for the show."

Kudos and congrats to MacGrath. The series is due to go live on logotv.com on April 23. 

Sometimes you need a little something to get you going on Monday morning. 

Some people choose coffee; I choose music. A good beat makes the day better, but a great song makes it wonderful.

Cue Eli Escobar and Nomi Ruiz's "Somebody To Love Me."

Escobar is a New York DJ known for his skills at fostering great vibes at parties and his wizardry in creating stunning edits; his edit of Stevie Nicks's "Stand Back" is to die for. His recent EP, "Feel It" on Nurvous Records, features a collaboration with vocalist Nomi Ruiz, she of Hercules & Love Affair and Jessica 6 fame. This is not the first time that the two have worked together, but "Somebody to Love Me" is something special. Technically, it's a cover of a track that Mark Ronson recorded with Business International featuring Boy George, but Ruiz focuses on George's vocals in this track. As soon as she starts to sing, "I don't want to see you go, I need somebody to love me," you're hooked. 

And if that isn't enough for you this morning, may I suggest UK sensation Jessie Ware's latest single, "Imagine It Was Us." Ware is smart in her choice of producers and remixers, as evidenced by Joe Goddard's remix of "Night Light." This track produced by Julio Bashmore -- 2012's "Au Seve" was at the top of many 2012 year-end lists for dance music aficionadoes -- is just another sign that Ware is more than a contender; she is punching way above her class.

It was a sad day last November when Adam Goldman's web series The Outs posted what was then believed to be its last episode.

A still from Adam Goldman's The Outs.

Thankfully, through some kind of belated holiday miracle, The Outs has come back for one more episode, this time with a Hannukah special. I hope this is only the beginning of more.

It's no secret that I am a big fan of Jinkx Monsoon.

From her moments of narcolepsy to her killer performance as Little Edie on RuPaul's Drag Race, this monsoon is leaving the competition drenched.

Jinkx is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the show. But she went beyond the call of duty recently at a performance in New York where she once again donned her kerchief as Edie and, in a brilliant mix of pop-culture references, sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Mis as Miss Edie.

Watch the bravura performance below, and listen to the crowd eat it up.

 Sickening.