AfterElton Briefs: Rupert turns 49, the Coop turns it out for children's programming, and more!

Rupert Everett has a laugh with Russell Brand at the St. Trinian's December premiere (Photo: Getty)

In a continued effort to bring you all that is important in the world of gay entertainment and ensure that you are being spoon-fed images of gorgeous, commoditized manflesh, we present the newly-minted AfterElton Briefs. Following the usual assortment of carefully-selected news items, interested readers can find a refreshing pic of a hot man in underwear after the jump. Yes, we're serious.

• Happy birthday to out actor Rupert Everett, who turns 49 years young today. Everett is one of the first actors I remember seeing speak openly about being gay, and Another Country remains one of the most compelling gay-themed films out there.

• The makers of Vitamin Water backpedaled faster than you can say "Dragonfruit!" when their "Wings are for Fairies" slogan (aimed at competitor Red Bull) drew ire for being anti-gay.

• Bill O'Reilly grills a conservative guest, who is unable to offer a single reason that gay marriage should be outlawed in the state of California. What, is this an "Opposite Sketch"?

• I just love the above image of Hot 100 vet Anderson Cooper posing with Elmo at the recent Children's Television Workshop fundraiser. "Who wore it better?"

• The Human Rights Campaign is looking to secure 1.1 million signatures in support of gay marriage in response to the petitions to add a constitutional same-sex marriage ban to the November ballot in California. Head on over and add your virtual chicken-scratch.

And today's Briefs are brought to you by...

This guy!