It’s finally Friday. It’s the second Friday in February in a very weird February for Seattle.

After two months of warmer than normal weather, we’re suddenly having much colder than normal plus a lot more snow than usual. It’s just weird.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five (IMHO) stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about deplorable people, and five videos (plus a notable obituary and the things I’ve written).

Stories of the Week:

This Holocaust Survivor Had No Family. So 150 Strangers Attended His Funeral.

Hiding Homosexuality on the Cover of America’s Magazines a Century Ago. I will never pass up an opportunity to link to Joe Christian Leyendecker’s artwork.

Democrats Have Had It With Allegations Of Voter Fraud .

How growing up on the road expanded my definition of travel.

Astronomers Accidentally Discover a Hidden Galaxy Right Next Door

Queer stories of the Week:

To Christian Parents of Gay Children.

Kirsten Gillibrand Introduces Bill to Allow Transgender Military Service.

Mike Pence will never allow Trump’s HIV pledge to become reality .

The lesbian ‘blood sisters’ who cared for gay men when doctors were too scared to.

Children of Gay Couples Do Better In School: New Study

Awful, Deplorable People:

‘Gamergate’ Advocate Arrested on Allegations of Molesting Child.

‘They basically have nothing to do’: Trio of Republicans face life in exile – Duncan Hunter, Chris Collins and Steve King are on the sidelines after being stripped of their committee assignments.

Founder of Proud Boys sues over being labeled hate group.

Things go from bad to worse with new revelations in Virginia.

Mitch McConnell, Enemy of the Vote .

In Memoriam:

Carol Emshwiller (1921-2019) .

Julie Adams Dead: ‘Creature From the Black Lagoon’ Actress Was 92.

James Ingram, Grammy-winning R&B singer, dead at 66.

Kaye Ballard, boisterous singer and actress, dies at 93

Kaye Ballard, Star of ‘The Mothers-in-Law,’ Dies at 93.

R.I.P. Dick Miller, character actor legend from Gremlins, The Terminator, nearly 200 other movies.

Dick Miller, ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Terminator’ Actor, Dies at 90.

RIP Rocket Raccoon’s Life Model, Mr. Oreo!

Things I wrote:

Weekend Update 2/2/2019: Self-loathing always spills out as harm to others.

We couldn’t dodge the snow and ice forever, I guess.

The viaduct is being demolished at last — good riddance.

Rabbit Holes, Wardrobes, and Magical Doors—escaping into better worlds with sf/f.

Videos!

Trump’s 2019 State of the Union Address: A Closer Look:

(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)

Gay Asian Country Love Song:

(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)

Sam Smith, Normani – Dancing With A Stranger:

(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)

Ariana Grande “7 rings” | ASL VERSION with Nyle DiMarco:

(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)

Pet Shop Boys – Give stupidity a chance (lyric video):

(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)