James Duke Mason

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The state of the Hollywood Closet How much, or little, have things changed for closeted gay celebrities?

On New Years Eve, just before midnight, I got the news that my last surviving grandparent Joanne, had passed away. It was strange and ironic to get that news just right before the end of the year, as it really does represent the end of a big chapter in my life. She was beautiful, funny and real. My Mom and I got to make a last minute trip to Arizona right a few days before Christmas to say goodbye. It was profound to share that experience with my mother and her siblings. Love you so much Grandma ❤️❤️🙏

Feliz Navidad from the Mason Family! With love from Mexico City ❤️🇲🇽

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The Case for Radical Centrism Is it time to make pragmatism in politics sexy again?

Wow!! So proud of my Mom Belinda Carlisle- her new version of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” with the Mexican music legend Emmanuel has over 1 MILLION views on YouTube in just 10 days!! It’s been quite a year for my badass Mama and there’s a lot more good stuff to come in 2024 ❤️❤️ https://youtu.be/Ft2TXZtW7rA?si=v0txchQvIDPQDbQF

My thoughts on the GOP debate tonight: what a sad, pathetic, scary indictment of what the Republican Party has become and represents in America today- hate, viciousness, darkness, vulgarity… Trump may not have been there but the destruction he has wreaked on the Republican Party and our political discourse is clear. We cannot allow him to tear down America irreparably which is exactly what he would do if elected.

Subscribe to my Substack and check out my new article on the harrowing news coming out of Russia

Russia's anti-gay crusade continues As if things couldn't get worse, more hate and oppression coming from the Kremlin

On World AIDS Day, thinking of one of my favorite quotes ever, delivered by the character Ned Weeks in “The Normal Heart”, written by Larry Kramer at the height of the AIDS epidemic:

I belong to a culture that includes Marcel Proust, Walt Whitman, Tennessee Williams, Alexander the Great, so many popes and cardinals you wouldn't believe. Mr. Green Beret, did you know that it was an openly gay Englishman who's responsible for winning World War II? His name's Alan Turing and he cracked the Germans' Enigma code. After the war was over, he committed su***de because he was so hounded for being gay. Why didn't they teach any of that in schools? A gay man is responsible for winning World War II! If they did, maybe he wouldn't have killed himself and you wouldn't be so terrified of who you are. That's how I want to be remembered. As one of the men who won the war.”

Merry Christmas!! Love my Mom’s new collaboration with Mexican music legend Emmanuel ❤️❤️

Emmanuel & Belinda Carlisle - All I Want For Christmas Is You Escucha a Emmanuel en todas las plataformas digitales: https://ONErpm.lnk.to/EmmanuelOficialHaz click aquí para suscribirte al canal de 👉 https://cutt.ly/Ul...

Celebrating my 14th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

Check out my article on the new film “Rustin” and the rediscovered legacy of it’s subject, the late civil rights leader Bayard Rustin:

The rediscovered legacy of Bayard Rustin A new film finally gives the forgotten civil rights leader the credit he is due

I really hope everyone will read and share my new article. I wrote it from my heart and out of deep concern for the state of our world and the direction of many of my generation when it comes to politics at the moment. Please check it out.

A Message To My Generation Don't allow the political fads of the day to determine our future

Had the honor of meeting First Lady Rosalynn Carter and President Jimmy Carter when I visited Plains, Georgia back in 2013. Both incredible human beings who were way ahead of their time during their years in the White House and have had a remarkable impact on the world in the years since. Sad to hear about Mrs. Carter’s passing today- may she rest in peace ❤️🙏🇺🇸

Subscribe to my Substack and check out my new article on the return of David Cameron to the front lines of UK politics

The Death of Sunny Conservatism What happened to the movement of Cameron and Schwarzenegger?

So excited to announce that my interview series DUKE’S DOWNLOAD is back with my special guest Dorit Kemsley! Join us live tomorrow, Tuesday October 31st at 2pm PT: www.instagram.com/JamesDukeMason

Check out my new article on why ranked choice voting might be the answer to our country’s problems:

Why ranked choice voting could be the way to go Is it the solution to ideological extremism in politics today?

So great to chat with my friend Scott Fullerton on his podcast Left of Str8 Show about my new projects plus some personal stuff as well. Check it out!!

Left of Str8 Show: The Duke Mason Interview Advocate, Journalist, Politico Today’s Show I’m bringing back one of my favorite guests who combines politico savvy, journalism bonefides, and entertainment roots, the handsome and charmin...

Check out my new article on the Republicans chaos in Congress and the chance for real progress:

In Speaker chaos, a chance for unity Can the House GOP and Democrats create a governing coalition?

Please subscribe and check out my new article on why it is so critically important for all of us to stand with Israel

Why we must stand with Israel It is the moral thing to do- on many different levels

Please subscribe to Dukes Download and read my new article about why I’m joining Presidents Biden and Bush in calling for the re-authorization of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief:

Why PEPFAR should be re-authorized The U.S. should not abdicate it's leading role in combating HIV/AIDS

Check out my new article applauding Governor Gavin Newsom and his recent actions on the issue of homelessness here in California

Why CARE Court is the right move Finally some real action from our state government on homelessness

Hi everybody! Big news- I’ve decided to relaunch my “Duke’s Download” blog. Please consider subscribing and being a part of this renewed endeavor of mine. Grateful for all of your support ❤️

Duke's Download is back! Why I'm returning to writing and what I'll be talking about

Proud of Mama ❤️ https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/belinda-carlisle-if-u-go-debuts-adult-contemporary-chart-1235419210/?fbclid=IwAR2ibLnFJIUIpTQbsP2I910FxG-B4n3P_d_DJr1j8o_EgYhdIdeVlq1mFuU_aem_AYTj7M-QmXvhP5_U1LNkal8G6ojuWPaImypKlUkzNJQ67BED6MLy4uIZry9yhXTbwig&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Belinda Carlisle’s Diane Warren-Written ‘If U Go’ Debuts on Adult Contemporary Chart The single is the pair’s second charted collaboration this year.

Happy Birthday to my incredible Mama Belinda Carlisle - you are the strongest, realest, funniest and coolest Mom on the planet- living definition of “bad b*tch” 🤣❤️ I love and admire you so much. So proud to be your son! 👑

Happy Fathers Day to the best Dad I could ever ask for. Thank you for always looking out for me and always, always being there. I love you and respect you so much. ❤️

Remembering my grandfather James Mason on his birthday ❤️🌟

Happy Mothers Day to my strong, funny, loving, fearless and badass Mama Belinda Carlisle - this a rare photo of me with the 3 most important mothers in my life who shaped me and helped make me the man I am today- my Mom, my Dad’s Mom Pamela Mason and my Mom’s Mom Joanne. Grateful for these 3 women who in their own ways persevered through so much in life and inspire me to this day. ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you Mom and Dad for the great 31st birthday gifts, including this 😂❤️

Such a great afternoon spent with my Mama Belinda Carlisle and the great Diane Warren at the listening party for “Kismet” - my Mom’s new EP they worked on together. 5 incredible songs that are out on May 12th!! Two badass, powerful and fearless women for whom I have so much respect and admiration ❤️❤️