AfterElton Briefs: George Takei, Desmond Tutu, Tom Cruise, Dan Abrams and more!

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.

• Can two handsome, young men be friends without everyone speculating they might be gay? Not if Defamer has anything to say about it (via Towleroad.com).

• If you're going to write a spoof article saying that Tom Cruise is gay, it darn well better be hilarious. And this one soooo isn't.

• We were all surprised to learn George Takei was so freakin' hilarious. But can he sing as well?

• The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission is giving Archbishop Desmond Tutu its 2008 Outspoken Award and it's hard to argue with their choice.

• This article is so gay. And I mean that in the right way.

• MSNBC's Dan Abrams wants to know why the media is so willing to focus on the controversial statements made by Barack Obama's pastor, but ignores the incredible homophobia of one of John McCain's religious supporters. Because they're fair and balanced, silly!

• Dolly Parton's songs are going to be performed on American Idol and she's going to mentor the contestants? Guess I'll have to start watching again!

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

Olympic swimmer/underwear model Michael Phelps!