Morning Meme: Rallying for The Ali Forney Center, Topless Chord Overstreet, Russell Tovey & Stevie Webb's Portrait of a Princess

John Lithgow is playing Barney’s dad on How I Met Your Mother, and even though he knew nothing about the show, the role appealed to him because of Neil Patrick Harris, and some family ties. “"I didn't know what the deal was at all. You're talking to someone who's clueless about most things in life and one of those things was How I Met Your Mother. But they sent me all these episodes and I loved it. Then I found out from my son and his wife that it was their favorite show, period. It was their appointment TV. And I do know Neil. I'm a huge fan of his. He's such a talented guy."

The 2011 Capitol Queer Prom was held over the weekend, and couples of all ages celebrated the ritual that so many take for granted.

Take a moment and read this guest post from Carl Siciliano of The Ali Forney Center in New York City. Then sign the petition demanding that Gov. Cuomo not turn those homeless kids out on the street. You don’t need to be a New York resident to sign. We can’t balance a budget on the backs of helpless, homeless children.

I’m completely unaware of Pink Narcissus, and evidently that’s what director James Bidgood wanted. But now that it’s getting another outing, he’s fessing up to what happened.

Justin Bieber’s concert film has surpassed Michael Jackson’s concert film in domestic revenue. Never underestimate the power of tween girls who don’t have to go to a job 12 hours each day.

British Home Secretary Mays says that the government promises “progress” on full marriage equality. Whatever “progress” means.

Elsewhere in the Commonwealth, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she’s not just against marriage equality for political reasons, she’s a bigot in real life too!

There are rumors about who will join L.A. Reid at The X Factor judges table, and each is more ridiculous that the last. First Nicki Minaj, who is probably too busy being Nicki Minaj to dedicate that much time to a television show. Then there’s Taylor Momsen, when she’s not too busy looking like a hooker on Monday morning.

America has begun its third concurrent war. Do we get a prize?

AT&T has agreed to shell out $39 billion to buy the U.S. operations of rival T-Mobile, but they still can’t afford to get 3G in my hometown.

Executive Mark Pedowitz is set to take over The CW. This could be good, since in past jobs he’s greenlit a host of gay-inclusive shows including Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, and Kyle XY.

There are new shirtless pictures of Chord Overstreet, and he’s shed the lean look for something beefier. His abs are just sick.

Chik-Fil-A president Dan Cathy is “disappointed” his speaking engagements are being canceled because his company supports hate groups. And he says they don’t. Except they do.

Nate Berkus names his favorite bars, restaurants, and cozy places to chat with friends. I probably can’t afford any of them, but I bet they look great.

Christopher and His Kind is set for a late spring DVD release in the U.S. according to BBC America, and Matt Smith loved playing the role. “He's primarily so fascinating because he's a brilliant writer. But not only that, he's a brilliant writer who was gay in a certain era of Britain, where it was difficult to be gay.” You seemed to enjoy the clips yesterday.

Ricky Martin received his Vito Russo Award from GLAAD over the weekend, and for the first time that I’m aware thanked his “partner-in-crime and my boyfriend Carlos.” JoeMyGod picked up Best Blog, and Scissor Sisters and True Blood were also honored.