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World famous gay penguin dies

<p>One half of the world famous gay penguin couple at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium has died. </p> <p>In 2018, Gentoo penguin Sphen made international headlines when he coupled up with another male gentoo penguin, Magic.</p> <p>Shortly after meeting, the two male penguins began making a nest together out of pebbles ahead of breeding season, so the aquarium staff gave them a foster egg to care for.</p> <p>Sphen and Magic raised two foster chicks, Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, and are among the most strongly bonded gentoo penguin pairs at the aquarium.</p> <p>The penguins have inspired books, documentaries, new studies in the NSW syllabus and even featured on a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade. </p> <p>Earlier in August, Sphen passed away at the age of 12, which is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin. </p> <p>In order to help process the loss, the aquarium staff took Magic to see his partner's body to help with the understanding that Sphen would not be returning.</p> <p>He immediately started singing, which was reciprocated by the colony.</p> <p>"The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic's story," SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's general manager, Richard Dilly, said in a statement.</p> <p>"Sphen and Magic's love story captivated the world and it's been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life."</p> <p>"The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen."</p> <p><em>Image credits: SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney </em></p>

Relationships

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Christian Wilkins shares how he came out to his dad

<p>Christian Wilkins has shared the touching story of how he came out to his father, entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins. </p> <p>Speaking on Phoebe Burgess’ Vogue podcast <em>Under the Gloss</em>, the 27-year-old model said he never felt pressured to come out “officially” as gay, explaining that both his parents encouraged him to “lean in” to his identity from an early age.</p> <p>When Phoebe asked about his coming out story, Christian joked that his parents knew all along. </p> <p>“Well, now that I look back at it, refusing to go to bed at the age of five until I did a lip sync performance of <em>On a Night Like This</em> by Kylie Minogue probably meant that they were somewhat aware,” he began with laugh.</p> <p>“But I just think there wasn’t this expectation that I was straight, and that I needed to say these words. It was a ‘we’re people and you can explore whatever you wanted and it doesn’t mean anything’. Or (they’d say) ‘It’s not as weighted as it used to be.’”</p> <p>While Christian was always comfortable in his own skin without feeling the need to label himself, a friend of his father's told him if he said the words out loud. </p> <p>“I remember one of my dad’s friends one day kind of said to me, ‘Oh, your dad would actually quite like you to say it.’ And I was really angry hearing that. And one of my girlfriends was there and she was she had a go at the person, she was like, ‘Why should he have to do that? It’s not about Richard,'" he said. </p> <p>“The next Monday, I went into Dad’s office and I was almost about to cry. And I was like, ‘I just heard that you want me to say something? And I think it’s unfair that you do.’"</p> <p>He turned to me and he was like, ‘Darling, if what you’re saying is what I think you’re saying, if you feel the need to say something, say it, but you don’t need to say anything for me.’ And I think that that was so amazing to kind of hear because it never felt like something I wanted or needed to say. And I loved that.”</p> <p>When asked who the nosy friend of Richard's was, Christian refused to disclose the details, saying it's someone people would know. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Josh Cavallo becomes Australia's first openly gay footballer

<p>Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has become the first openly gay male footballer in Australia during his active years on the field. </p> <p>The 21-year-old Socceroo made the announcement on his social media on Wednesday, saying, "I am <span>proud to publicly announce I am gay," in an emotional statement.</span></p> <p><span>By coming out as the first openly gay male athlete to play in the A-League competition, Josh said he wants to help create a safe space for others to come out. </span></p> <p>Other active and openly gay males playing professional football elsewhere in the world include Collin Martin, who plays for San Diego Loyal in the second tier of football in the USA, as well as Phuti Lekoloane, who plays in South Africa’s third tier.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVg4B1PBanS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVg4B1PBanS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by J O S H C A V A L L O (@joshua.cavallo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In his emotional statement, Josh recognised he may be subject to negativity and homophobia following his announcement, but he hoped his decision would inspire other male athletes in the closet to come out and <span>“show that everyone is welcome in the game of football”.</span></p> <p>Josh wrote, <span>“It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out,” he said. “I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest."</span></p> <p>“For the people that know me personally, you’ll know I’m a private person. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed. Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality.</p> <p>“Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before."</p> <p><span>“In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career."</span></p> <p><span>“I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community."</span></p> <p><span>Josh has received an outpouring of love from his football club, Adelaide United, as they shared a video of Cavallo on their Twitter account called "Josh's Truth".</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Josh's Truth <a href="https://t.co/NKSEP2kVWV">pic.twitter.com/NKSEP2kVWV</a></p> — Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited/status/1453173351396958208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span>Pride Football Australia also shared messages of support, as they said "everyone deserves to be themselves."</span></p> <p><span>Many other Aussie sporting personalities commented on Josh's post, calling him an "inspiration", and commenting on his </span>bravery.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Everyone deserves to be themselves.<br /><br />Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdelaideUnited</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/aleaguemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ALeagueMen</a> player <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshuaCavallo</a> on your bravery to come out to the world. <br /><br />Everyone at Pride Football Australia is right behind you. <a href="https://t.co/is9mSSA2MO">pic.twitter.com/is9mSSA2MO</a></p> — Pride Football Australia (@PrideFootballOz) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrideFootballOz/status/1453173651197415424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram @joshua.cavallo</em></p>

News

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Jacqui Lambie denies gay slur claim: “I’m not a homophobe”

<p><span>Controversial senator Jacqui Lambie has pushed back at claims she is homophobic after her burst of rage at Qantas staff in March.</span><br /><br /><span>The Age reported on Thursday morning that Ms Lambie had threatened staff members with “p*ssy power.”</span><br /><br /><span>She reportedly also referred to Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, who is gay, with a homophobic slur.</span><br /><br /><span>“Your CEO is a poof,” she was reported to have said during the incident on March 25.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841492/daily-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/970b0109934c494799ae40daf96b7d40" /><br /><br /><span>The outburst is alleged to have been made in the Chairman’s Lounge in Melbourne.</span><br /><br /><span>However on Friday, the Tasmanian politician vehemently denied the claims.</span><br /><br /><span>She admitted she was out of line to “blow her top” at a Qantas worm after a long day, but refuses any accusations she said anything homophobic.</span><br /><br /><span>“I never said it. I’d never say that. I know I can’t just deny it and expect people to believe me, so I went and got proof,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ve got witnesses confirming I never said it. Qantas doesn’t think I said it.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’m not a homophobe, and I don’t know why someone is anonymously accusing me of being one. It never happened.</span><br /><br /><span>“What did happen was I blew my top at a Qantas worker who didn’t deserve it, and I apologised to them, I’ll apologise now, and I’ll wear the consequences.</span><br /><br /><span>“But I can’t apologise for something I never did. I never used that homophobic slur. Anyone who knows me knows it’s something I’d never do.”</span><br /><br /><span>The leader Jacqui Lambie explained she had been banned by Qantas for six months on Thursday for blowing up at staff behind the embarrassing measure.</span><br /><br /><span>Ms Lambie revealed to Today that she had apologised after she “blew her stack” at staff.</span><br /><br /><span>“I have apologised profusely, I went on a rant and I deserve everything I got from Qantas,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ve tried to apologise to those staff members and I’ve even written a letter myself apologising for that a few months ago.</span><br /><br /><span>“That ban will stay – I deserve every bit of that ban, and once again I am profusely apologetic to those staff members involved.”</span><br /><br /><span>The Tasmanian senator said regrets blowing her top at Qantas employees after a long and hard day, during the Today show on Thursday.</span><br /><br /><span>“It had been a long few weeks up in parliament, and it’s just been a really, really long year,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Basically, I blew my stack.</span><br /><br /><span>“Unfortunately, there were a couple of Qantas staff members that wore that, and they should never have worn that, and basically it was really unfair of me to do what I did to them.</span><br /><br /><span>“I am extremely apologetic for my behaviour for that few minutes.”</span><br /><br /><span>Karl Stefanovic offered a cheeky suggestion for the politician.</span><br /><br /><span>“If you want to let off some steam just call Ali or me,” he joked in reference to co-host Allison Langdon.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ve got your number,” Ms Lambie returned.</span></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

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Man charged over 1988 cold case murder of Sydney man

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Police have charged a man over the 1988 cold case murder of Scott Johnson more than 32 years after the American’s body was found at Sydney’s North Head.</p> <p>The then 27-year-old’s body was discovered on December 10, 1988 and police initially believed his death was a suicide.</p> <p>However, his brother Steve has always insisted it was a gay hate crime and was validated when NSW coroner Michael Barnes confirmed this to a packed courtroom on November 30th, 2017.</p> <p>Detectives arrested 49-year-old Scott White before a search warrant was executed at a nearby home. He was then taken to Chatswood Police Station and charged with murder.</p> <p>He faces Parramatta Court tomorrow and the arrest has come to a shock to his neighbours, including Natalie Walster.</p> <p>Walster recalled that Mr White spoke to her about the investigation.</p> <p>"He just said 'I've got two detectives on my case about a murder that happened in the 80s. But I didn't do it. Don't have it in me'," Ms Walster recalled to the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-12/nsw-police-arrest-scott-johnson-murder-suspect-arrested/12237598" target="_blank">ABC</a>.</p> <p>"He's always been good to me. I can't say anything bad about him. He's always minded his own business," she said.</p> <p>"I'm not sure what to think to be honest. He comes across as a bit of a loner," she said.</p> <p>"He hasn't been bad to me; he's been good to me. He does favours for me; I do favours for him.</p> <p>"I don't know his past, don't really delve into his past."</p> <p>Scott Johnson’s brother Steve has described the news of the arrest as “very emotional for me and my family”.</p> <p>"For my three kids who never got to know their uncle and admire him not just because of his brilliance but because he courageously lived his life the way he wanted to."</p> <p>His brother’s death has been the subject of three coronial inquests, as the first inquest found that Scott Johnson’s death was due to him taking his own life and the second returned an open finding.</p> <p>It was the third inquest that Barnes found that Johnson was the victim of a gay hate crime and fell off the cliff as a result of actual or threatened violence.</p> <p>"I am of the view it is very unlikely Scott took his own life," Mr Barnes said.</p> <p>"I am persuaded to the requisite standard that Scott died as a result of a gay hate attack."</p> <p>NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has praised the Johnson family for their determination.</p> <p>"Making that phone call this morning is a career highlight — Steve has fought so hard for so many years, and it has been an honour be part of his fight for justice," Commissioner Fuller said.</p> <p><em>Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-12/nsw-police-arrest-scott-johnson-murder-suspect-arrested/12237598" target="_blank">ABC</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

News

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“He was proud”: George Michael’s sister rejects Elton John’s claim that Michael was “uncomfortable” being gay

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">George Michael’s sister has hit back at Sir Elton John’s claims that the late singer was uncomfortable with his sexuality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">John made the comments to Sharon Osbourne on her US TV show The Talk, according to </span><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/10208853/elton-john-george-michael-died-gay/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Sun</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He couldn’t get it, George. And he resented the fact I had hinted that maybe he change his life a little bit and he’d be happier if he tried something else.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The person has actually got to want it. It’s like me in the end. I really wanted it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I had two alternatives: one to die, and one to live, and I wanted to live,” John said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">John also said that Michael was “so uncomfortable in his skin about being gay even though he said he wasn’t.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michael’s sister Melanie Panayiotou said that George was “my ‘very proud to be gay’ brother, contrary to what you may have read recently”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michael’s sister is referencing some of Michael’s most famous solo work, as it was speaking about his sexuality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He later said in an </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/26/george-michael-lgbt-rights-i-never-had-a-problem-with-being-gay"><span style="font-weight: 400;">interview</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that he never had a “moral problem” being gay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I never had a moral problem with being gay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I thought I had fallen in love with a woman a couple of times. Then I fell in love with a man, and realised that none of those things had been love.”</span></p>

Music

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Russian man sues Apple for “turning him gay”

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Russian man has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple for moral harm claiming that an iPhone app has made him gay, according to a copy of the complaint seen by </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/russian-man-sues-apple-for-turning-him-gay/news-story/4761700ec65dde1f603acdb8781c2cda"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AFP</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The man has filed a suit in a Moscow court, asking for one million rubles (AUD$ 22,800) after an incident this summer delivered him a cryptocurrency called “GayCoin” instead of the Bitcoin he had ordered.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His lawyer Sapizhat Gusnieva insisted the case was “serious,” telling AFP that her client was “scared, he suffered”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The GayCoin cryptocurrency arrived with a note saying, “Don’t judge until you try,” according to the complaint.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I thought, in truth, how can I judge something without trying? I decided to try same-sex relationships,” the complainant wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Now I have a boyfriend and I do not know how to explain this to my parents … my life has been changed for the worse and will never become normal again,” he added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Apple pushed me towards homosexuality through manipulation. The changes have caused me moral and mental harm.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His lawyer says that Apple “has a responsibility for their programs”, despite the exchange taking place on a third-party app.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Homophobia is rampant in Russia, where reports of rights violations and attacks on LGBT people are common.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moscow has also introduced a law in 2013 against “gay propaganda”, which bans the “promotions of non-traditional lifestyles to minors”, but effectively outlaws LGBT activism.</span></p>

Technology

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The Project host publicly comes out as gay

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p><em>The Project</em><span> </span>co-host Hamish Macdonald has publicly come out as gay as he made a red carpet appearance with his boyfriend Jacob Fitzroy at the GQ Gentlemen’s Ball on Thursday.</p> <p>The 38-year-old journalist shared a picture of the two from the Melbourne event on Instagram.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXzCIGHxic/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXzCIGHxic/" target="_blank">🖤 #gqball @gqaustralia</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/hamishnews/" target="_blank"> Hamish Macdonald</a> (@hamishnews) on Jun 6, 2019 at 7:34am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans responded to the news with an outpouring of support. </p> <p>“Looking so handsome gentlemen,” one commented. “Such a wonderful way to show the world that love is love.”</p> <p>Throughout his career, Macdonald has been an avid supporter of LGBTQI rights. He challenged Steve Price on <em>The Project</em> last year over a proposed bill that would prohibit any schools from discriminating against students on the basis of their sexuality or gender.</p> <p>In October, Macdonald posted on Twitter: “How would a school determine if a kid is gay? Many kids work this stuff out during their teens, or later even. Are we now saying they’d potentially be expelled during that process?”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">How would a school determine if a kid is gay? Many kids work this stuff out during their teens, or later even. Are we now saying they’d potentially be expelled during that process? <a href="https://t.co/uQ0zoq8jt6">https://t.co/uQ0zoq8jt6</a></p> — Hamish Macdonald (@hamishNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamishNews/status/1049819001763713024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwl-qc-HeEH/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwl-qc-HeEH/" target="_blank">A post shared by Hamish Macdonald (@hamishnews)</a> on Apr 23, 2019 at 2:42am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Prior to hosting the Network Ten show, Macdonald worked for Channel 4, ITV and Al Jazeera English.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Relationships

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Dolly Parton finally addresses gay rumours in new interview

<p>Despite Dolly Parton having a solid marriage to her husband of 53 year, the rumours of her sexuality have followed her throughout her career.</p> <p>The theory suggests that her long-time best friend Judy Ogle is her secret partner instead of her husband Carl Dean, who keeps a very low profile in their hometown of Nashville.</p> <p>Now Parton has addressed the rumours in an interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/8455529/dolly-parton-sexuality-rumours-secret-girlfriend/" target="_blank"><em>The Sun</em></a>, saying that she accepts everyone for who they are.</p> <p>“So ­people say that — because you can’t really have a great relationship with a woman. I’m not gay but I have so many gay friends and I accept everybody for who they are.”</p> <p>As for the gay rumours? Parton explained a bit more about why people give her love life any thought at all.</p> <p>“Well, people love to talk, people love to gossip.</p> <p>“Judy and I have been best friends for 64 years, since we were little kids. Our ­parents knew each other, we grew up together, we were like ­sisters, became best friends.</p> <p>“She was very quiet, I was very outgoing. So we made perfect friends. We went all through school together.</p> <p>“She went to the army when we graduated because she needed the insurance and she needed to help her family and I was trying to make it. As soon as she got out, she came to Nashville and we’ve been together ever since.”</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/dolly-parton-and-judy-ogle-news-photo/91393390" target="_blank"><img style="width: 281.25px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823775/dolly-parton-friend.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a60d404f2f294a658021bb3b9eff9a52" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Dolly Parton and long-time friend Judy Ogle</em></p> <p>However, the rumours don’t phase Parton. As long as they don’t come for the people she loves, which include friends and family, she doesn’t have a problem with being in the public eye.</p> <p>“People love to talk — but sometimes that’s your best publicity. I don’t care what they say as long as they don’t hurt other people I love.”</p> <p>This includes saying anything negative about her husband of 53 years, Carl Dean.</p> <p>“He’s a good man. It is a true love story and he’s my best buddy — he’s crazy, he’s funny,” she says.</p> <p>“So I think laughter has been a big part of our relationship. We both have a lot of fun.</p> <p>“And we’re not in the same business — he doesn’t care about that. He’s pretty much a homebody, loves staying around home. We live out on a farm. He likes to mow the fields and work on his tractors.”</p> <p>The pair love their quiet life, which includes a life without children. This is due to a hysterectomy when Parton was 36, but she believes it “wasn’t meant to be”.</p> <p>“My husband feels the same way. Now that we are older, we’re almost kind of glad that we don’t have a bunch of grandkids driving us crazy that we have to babysit if we don’t want to.”</p>

Music

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Prince Charles' surprising gay admission

<p>Back when Prince Charles was unable to find a royal wife that met his standards, he joked with friends that maybe he should "go gay".</p> <p>This interesting claim comes from a new Channel 5 documentary that talks about the private lives of the royal family. Jeremy Paxman is hosting the documentary.</p> <p>The show, <em>Paxman On The Queen’s Children</em>, involves Paxman interviewing friends and family about the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, and his siblings, Anne, Andrew and Edward.</p> <p>Paxman conducted an interview with one of Prince Charles' old friends, Broderick Munro-Wilson, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/prince-charles-joked-pal-shall-13944480" target="_blank"><em>The Mirror</em></a>.</p> <p>The pair discussed an old newspaper story about “potential brides” in Europe for the heir to the throne, with Munro-Wilson claiming: <span>“I thought the only possibility was Caroline of Monaco.”</span></p> <p>According to Munro-Wilson, the Prince could not be tempted by any of the potential brides in Europe, joking around and saying: <span>“Shall I go gay?”</span></p> <p>“We all roared with laughter and moved on… they had a lot of fun,” reminisces Munro-Wilson.</p> <p>Paxman then asked about Anne, the heir’s royal sister.</p> <p>“Anne too?”</p> <p>Broderick explained: <span>“She wasn’t a stuffy old thing. I wouldn’t want anyone to think they were shrinking violets, either of them.”</span></p> <p>A shrinking violet is an exaggerated shy person.</p> <p>What do you think about these comments? Has it changed your view of Prince Charles? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Relationships

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Anthony Mundine unleashes shocking anti-gay rant

<p>After dramatically quitting <em>I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! </em>last night, controversial boxer Anthony Mundine has unleashed an offensive rant about homosexuality.</p> <p>Lasting less than two weeks in the South African jungle before calling it quits, Mundine doubled-down on his previously incendiary anti-gay remarks and appeared to support the death penalty for gay people in his <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/television/hang-them-suckers-anthony-mundines-offensive-antigay-rant/news-story/cc3a0ef591c1476c13efc838f495608b">post-exit interview with News Corp’s Jonathon Moran.</a></span></strong></p> <p>Using Islam and Aboriginal culture as an example, the practising Muslim said capital punishment would “deter” people from homosexuality.</p> <p>“If we were to live in a society, just like in Aboriginal culture, that homosexuality is forbidden and you do it and the consequences are capital punishment or death, you think you are going to do it? Or think twice about doing it?” he said.</p> <p>He also claimed that gay people shouldn’t be allowed to be on television, in case it influences children to become gay.</p> <p>“They are not going to be happy until they have primary school kids being gay,” he said. “I talk the truth. It is the system. I don’t care if you are gay or not, it doesn’t worry me because the creator will judge you later. If you are going to be gay, do it behind closed doors, that is how it used to be in the olden days.”</p> <p>Mundine was asked to clarify if he thought gay people should be executed.</p> <p>“The paedophiles mainly, hang them suckers and let’s see if they have the balls to do it again,” he said.</p> <p>Before entering the jungle, Mundine made headlines for controversially stating his opposition to homosexuality, contraception and abortion.</p> <p>The 42-year-old sensationally quit the reality show this week, claiming that he was missing his family.</p> <p>In the episode aired last night, Mundine confided to actress Kerry Armstrong, telling her he was “struggling” and missing his children.</p> <p>“But do you think, the thing is, they wouldn’t want you to give up, because that would break their hearts?” Armstrong said.</p> <p>“Look me deep in the eyes, I’m going to tell you something. You will never live it down if you leave here. You will be called a quitter by Australia,” she continued.</p> <p>“It’s not about quitting,” replied Mundine.</p> <p>“I’ve never experienced something like this, you know what I mean?”</p> <p>After the viper room challenge with boxing nemesis Danny Green, Mundine’s mind was made up and he bid farewell to his shocked campmates in a surprisingly emotional speech.</p> <p>“I made good friends here and I come in here to let people see the real Anthony Mundine, the real me, to know who I really am as a man. I am not the guy they perceive me to be,” he said, before departing the jungle for good.</p>

TV

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Centrelink demands couple pay back $7,000 after same-sex marriage vote

<p>Centrelink has reportedly been targeting same sex marriage couples, with the government agency making some dubious decisions to claw back welfare payments.</p> <p><a href="http://www.news.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a> reports a woman from Tasmania was left shocked when she was ordered to hand back welfare payments to the tune of $6,600, after Centrelink retroactively recognised the overseas marriage to her wife in 2016.</p> <p>In wake of the historic SSM decision Centrelink says woman wasn’t entitled to the family payments she received over the past year, but that’s where this story gets complicated.</p> <p>The woman’s partner is not an Australian citizen according to <a href="http://www.news.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>news.com.au</strong></em></span></a>, and as the couple do not share finances they do not satisfy Centrelink requirements for de facto relationships, which was what allowed her to claim family tax benefits.  </p> <p>After the legislation recognising gay marriage was passed, rather than her payments simply ceasing Centrelink is looking for backdated welfare payments, even though she went through the correct process of declaring the marriage back in 2016.</p> <p>Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality spokesman, Rodney Croome, slammed Centrelink for the ruling, suggesting the penalty was unfair and undeserved.</p> <p>“This woman has done nothing wrong and is being penalised because of the failure of the Federal Government to recognise her marriage when it occurred,” Mr Croome told Gay Star News.</p> <p>“I urge Centrelink to develop fairer policies on recognising overseas same-sex marriages so this doesn’t happen again.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

Money & Banking

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Bad news for “House of Cards” fans amid Kevin Spacey controversy

<p>Hours after actor Kevin Spacey <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/kevin-spacey-comes-out-as-a-gay-man-after-sexual-misconduct?utm_term=.jf7ObxVrA7#.ibkQxVvRm3" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">came out as gay amid accusations of sexual assault</span></strong></a> against <em>Star Trek: Discovery </em>star Anthony Rapp (who was aged 14 at the time) in the 1980s, Netflix has revealed the fate of his hit show <em>House of Cards</em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/X6ybi5atr5">pic.twitter.com/X6ybi5atr5</a></p> — Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinSpacey/status/924848412842971136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>The streaming service has revealed that the upcoming sixth season of their political drama, currently in production and set to premiere in 2018, will be the last.</p> <p><em>House of Cards</em> creator Beau Willimon described the allegations against Spacey as “deeply troubling”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">My statement regarding Anthony Rapp and Kevin Spacey: <a href="https://t.co/8z6zotHWE5">pic.twitter.com/8z6zotHWE5</a></p> — Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeauWillimon/status/925016121631301633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Spacey has been widely criticised for his decision to reveal his sexuality in a statement apologising for the alleged assault, a move many believe was intended to deflect attention from Rapp’s accusation – and it seems this is exactly what has happened.</p> <p>Social media has slammed news outlets for choosing to focus on Spacey’s coming out rather than the more pressing issue of alleged sexual assault against a child.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I'm not interested in Kevin Spacey being gay. I'm curious as to why we're conflating sexuality w/ the molestation of a minor. Stay on topic</p> — Ashlee Marie Preston (@AshleeMPreston) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshleeMPreston/status/924893723153940480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The classiest way to come out of the closet is as a PR smokescreen to distract people from the fact that you tried to molest a child.</p> — Guy Branum (@guybranum) <a href="https://twitter.com/guybranum/status/924862804691107841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Kevin Spacey has just invented something that has never existed before: a bad time to come out.</p> — billy eichner (@billyeichner) <a href="https://twitter.com/billyeichner/status/924867215459012608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Tell us in the comments below, are you a fan of <em>House of Cards</em>? What do you think about the allegations against Kevin Spacey?</p>

News

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Barry Manilow comes out as gay at 73

<p>Barry Manilow has revealed he's gay at the age of 73, and that he has been in a 39-year relationship.</p> <p>The singer has kept his personal life private for decades but in a new interview with People magazine, Manilow opened up about his sexuality and his relationship</p> <p>"I thought I would be disappointing [the fans] if they knew I was gay," he said. "So I never did anything."</p> <p>"When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful – strangers commenting, 'Great for you!' I'm just so grateful for it," he continued.</p> <p>Manilow has been in a relationship with his manager Garry Kief since the pair met in 1978.</p> <p>"I knew that this was it. I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that. He's the smartest person I've ever met in my life – and a great guy, too."</p> <p>The pair quietly married at their 53-acre estate in Palm Springs in 2014.</p> <p>Manilow told Entertainment Tonight he never planned to go public with his relationship</p> <p>"We've been together all these years. Everybody knows that we're a team. Everybody that I know knows. So it never really dawned on me to say anything about it. I mean, I'm a very private guy," he said.</p> <p>Manilow was previously married to Susan Deixler, admitting that while he loved her, he "was not ready for marriage."</p> <p>"I was out making music every night, sowing my wild oats – I was too young. I wasn't ready to settle down."</p>

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95-year-old man finally comes out as gay

<p>With Sydney Mardi Gras just around the corner, we’ve got the most heart-warming story to get you geared up for the fun and festivities. After 67 years of marriage, two children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, 95-year-old Roman has finally come out as gay.</p> <p>Chatting to popular LGBTQI YouTuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USukifYeFVo" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Davey Wavey</span></strong></a> about the massive decision to reveal his true sexuality, Roman revealed he knew he was gay since the age of five, but never felt safe or comfortable enough to come out publicly.</p> <p>“Whether you are queer or not, listening to Roman stirs something in all of us,” Wavey told the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/95-year-old-comes-out_us_58b85858e4b02a4e8ddb179a" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Huffington Post</span></strong></a>. “And at a time when the world often feels divisive and divided, it’s good to be reminded of our common humanity.</p> <p>“There’s a sense of history in understanding how far we’ve come, and the struggles that this man must have experienced. There’s gratitude for the LGBT people who marched and rallied and bleed and sweat so that today’s world is different ― and that fewer people feel compelled to live in the shadows or closets.”</p> <p>Watch the video above and hear Roman’s incredible story – as well as his potential plans for romance in the future – and tell us in the comments below, has someone close to you come out later in life?</p> <p><em>Video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USukifYeFVo" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>wickydkewl</strong></span></a> / YouTube</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/03/grandma-beautiful-reaction-to-transgender-grandson/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>83-year-old gran’s beautiful reaction to transgender grandson</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/grandma-texts-daily-encouragement/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Grandma’s daily encouraging texts to grandkids</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/01/grandma-knits-rainbow-jumper-for-bisexual-granddaughter-to-show-support/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Grandma knits rainbow jumper for bisexual granddaughter to show support</strong></em></span></a></p>

Retirement Life

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Prince William features on cover of LGBTQ magazine

<p>In the latest issue of British publication Attitude, aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community (LGBTQ), Prince William promotes an important message.</p> <p>Wills had a candid conversation with nine members of the LGBTQ community who have felt persecuted because of their preferences.  </p> <p>"No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives," Prince William told the magazine. </p> <p><img width="500" height="655" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/22373/prince-insert_500x655.jpg" alt="Prince Insert"/></p> <p>William is a regular advocate for charities that help people to cope with mental illness and recently paid his respects to the victims lost in the Orlando shooting by signing a book of condolence at London's US Embassy with Catherine. </p> <p>"The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now," he added.</p> <p>Attitude editor Matthew Todd told People, "He put us all at ease despite the fact that we were talking about some intense and sometimes harrowing things. He was absolutely passionate, compassionate and relaxed. Someone got upset during the conversation and he said, 'It's okay to cry. You can cry and be strong.'" </p> <p>How do you think the Prince suits being a cover model? Let us know what you think in the comments below. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/05/duchess-of-cambridge-takes-control-during-high-speed-yacht-race/">Duchess of Cambridge takes control during high speed yacht race</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/05/duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-pet-names/">Revealed: the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s nicknames for each other</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/05/prince-william-reveals-secret-for-george-asleep/">Prince William reveals his secret for putting George to sleep</a></span></em></strong></p>

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Play School to feature gay fathers

<p>Australia's <em>Play School</em> is set to feature a child with two fathers in their “Through the window” segment for the first time in the show’s 50 year history.</p> <p>The show, which is looking to showcase more diverse family structure to reflect the current makeup of Australian society, will also feature an adopted family, an extended family, a blended family and an Indigenous nuclear family in segments to be screened later this year.</p> <p>"In these stories, we explore the relationships and bonds of a family. We will look at how they care for one another and share experiences, roles and responsibilities,” said Jan Stradling, executive producer of the show. </p> <p>"All of these factors are common aspects that promote a sense of belonging for a child regardless of family type.</p> <p>"The focus of the 'Through the Windows' segments is always on the child and the favourite activities they love to do with their families, the emphasis being on spending time together."</p> <p>It will be the first time two dads will be featured on playschool. A similar segment ran in 2004, featuring now Puberty Blues actress Brenna Harding with her two gay mothers, but caused a furore. Then Prime Minister John Howard labelled the ABC’s decision to broadcast the segment as foolish. But in the 12 years since then, hopefully the conversation around gay parenting has evolved.</p> <p><img width="433" height="244" src="http://images.smh.com.au/2016/02/04/7186430/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide1005416928gmll31image.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.gmlko0.png1454719556926.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt="Brenna Harding with mums Vicki Harding, and Jackie Braw. " style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>"While there are still many families with Mum, Dad and two kids, there is also a significant and growing number of blended families, same-sex parents, single parents, grandparents as primary carers and many more!," Stradling said.</p> <p>"We don't see this as anything controversial, just a reflection of contemporary Australian life. We want preschool children from across the community to be able to see themselves as part of this very special show."</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/tips-for-a-happier-family/">3 simple tips for a happier family</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/cheap-school-holiday-activities/">30 cheap – or free – holiday activities to do with grandkids</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/funny-things-grandkids-say-part-4/">The funniest things grandkids kids say</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Still a tireless champion of gay rights at 86

<p>Twenty years after founding Parramatta’s Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) association, 86-year-old Mollie Smith is still fighting for the rights of the gay community.</p><p>“I established [PFLAG] because I believed there was a great need in Western Sydney, and I still do," she said.</p><p>Drawing a few timid parents back at the first meeting in 1985, today PFLAG counts over 40 active members who are thankful to have a local support group.</p><p>“I'm very proud of PFLAG, and it's tremendous how they're expanding and continuing,” Mrs Smith said.</p><p>After more than 20 years as a community activist, Mrs Smith’s commitment has not wavered. Her attitude and enthusiasm are infectious.&nbsp;</p><p>Mrs Smith was not surprised when her son “came out” to his parents when he was 23 in the mid 1980s.&nbsp;</p><p>“I thought he probably was gay, but I don’t think you should confront people and say ‘are you gay or are you straight?’” she explained.</p><p>“It wasn't until my son came out that I thought it was quite dreadful that respect wasn't given to gay people,” she revealed.</p><p>“My driving motive has been a fair go for everyone.”</p><p>“I recall going to my first Mardi Gras and seeing a young man standing in front of the crowd,” Mrs Smith said.</p><p>“This kid had tears rolling down his cheeks, and I thought that was dreadful, and he called out ‘I wish you were my mother’.&nbsp;</p><p>“I thought what a dreadful thing, no child should ever have to say that.”</p><p>Mrs Smith, a retired social worker, and her late husband Ken worked together to promote gay rights in western Sydney.</p><p>She has lost count of how many times she’s marched at Mardi Gras, and will return to parade this coming Saturday March 7.&nbsp;</p><p>“Things aren't what they used to be, so I'll be like a duchess riding in a chauffeured car,” the 86-year-old laughed.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/02/community-adopts-90-year-old-woman/" target="_blank">Meet the 90-year-old woman who was adopted by her community when they found out she had no family</a>&nbsp;</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/02/dogs-motivating-kids-to-read/" target="_blank">These special dogs are helping children learn to read</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/02/worlds-oldest-twins-103/" target="_blank">The world’s oldest twins are just as close as ever at 103</a></strong></em></span></p>

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