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Ann Hampton Callaway Finding Beauty

Broadway & cabaret legend Ann Hampton Callaway is kicking off her "Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics & Originals” tour on May 1st at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, NH before heading to Boston to perform at Scullers Jazz Club on Saturday May 4that 7P. Callaway who was recently inducted into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame says her new show is comprised of classics from her songwriting inspirations- Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon & many more. Ann stated, “I will perform my critically acclaimed one-woman show, ‘Finding Beautify: Inspired Classics & Originals’ & I can't wait to return to Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club & then Boston’s premiere jazz club, Scullers, to perform one of my most personal shows to date. I share stories & great songs by the artists who inspired me to become a pop/jazz singer/songwriter, as well as original songs from my latest CD, which debuted at number 1 on iTunes Jazz. The fresh takes on songs by Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor & more are both rousing & moving & I’ve selected the true highlights of my popular new CD ‘Finding Beauty: Originals Volume 1.’ I promise a feel-good night of music that touches the heart & uplifts the spirit!” After her New England gigs Callaway is headed to the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, FL May 17th & 18th then on to the Purple Room Supper Club in Palm Springs, CA over Memorial Weekend & Myron's at The Smith Center Las Vegas, NV May 31st before performing at sea on the sold-out Brand G Cruise of Norway & Iceland. 
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Affordable Care Act Revised Protections

The Biden Administration has released updated regulations implementing section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibiting sex discrimination in health care federally. This rule ensures that health care providers & insurers are aware of their obligations & that patients can access the care they need. The revised updated rule restores explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, transgender status & other sex-based characteristics as well as pregnancy & related medical conditions. Cait Smith, Director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress stated, “Codifying nondiscrimination protections under Section 1557 will ensure LGBTQI+ Americans can visit a doctor for a checkup or receive a cancer screening without fear of discrimination. By finalizing this landmark rule, the Biden administration & HHS make clear that no one seeking health care should be treated differently by medical providers due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or pregnancy status. Everyone deserves the same access to health care without fear of discrimination. This rule is a major win not only for the LGBTQI+ community but also for everyone seeking access to health care. Julianna Gonen, NCLR’s Federal Policy Director concluded, “We know from decades of research & from members of our community who reach out through NCLR’s Legal Help Line, that LGBTQ people are routinely denied medical care or mistreated by health care providers simply because of who they are & recent moves by many states to restrict access to transgender medical care have made matters much worse. We commend the Biden Administration for issuing these important regulations that make clear that federal law protects LGBTQ people & those accessing essential reproductive care.”
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Maryland Passes Freedom To Read Act

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed HB785 the “Freedom to Read Act” & HB1386 that mandates anti-bias training for all school employees into state law. This legislation will support academic success & overall well-being for our LGBTQ youth. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, GLSEN Executive Director stated, “With Governor Moore's signature on HB785, the 'Freedom to Read Act,' & HB1386, instituting vital anti-bias training for school employees, Maryland takes a bold step forward in safeguarding the rights & dignity of LGBTQ+ youth & educators. Schools should be working to build inclusive environments that reflect the diversity of their student body & community. It is especially critical that state leaders like Governor Moore rise up for policies that foster inclusive learning when resources & supports for LGBTQI+ youth continue to be targeted by extremists across the country. GLSEN applauds this pivotal moment & urges continued dedication from state leaders to ensure every student feels valued, affirmed & safe in their learning environment." Last year there were 148 books challenged in both public schools & libraries across Maryland making the state one of 17 in the nation to surpass 100 disputed titles. In 2023 GLSEN stood with numerous LGBTQ orgs that filed an amicus brief in a Fourth Circuit case that considers whether Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) can prohibit parents from seeking an exemption from the English Language Arts curriculum when classes include books that feature LGBTQ characters. Through Gov. Moore’s signing of HB785 Maryland now joins a growing number of states that have enacted laws prohibiting book banning & strengthening culturally competent professional development trainings for educators. 
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Oklahoma Vows To Reject New Title IX

Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has ordered school district leaders across the state to refuse to comply with the U.S. Department of Education's updated Title IX rule finalized last week. The rule clarifies the scope of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ students while also empowering sexual assault survivors, a move imperative to the enhanced safety & protection of our LGBTQ students. Cathryn Oakley, HRC Senior Director of Legal Policy stated, “Yet again, Ryan Walters is choosing theatrics & extremism over protecting & furthering the needs of the students & schools he was elected to serve. Refusing to comply with Title IX could have damaging consequences for Oklahoma schools, including significant loss in funding on the order of hundreds of millions of dollars in a state that currently ranks 49th in academic achievement. It is clear that his only priority is himself & his own political profile–not Oklahoma students.” Refusing to comply with Title IX could put federal funding for Oklahoma school districts at risk. in 2021-22 Oklahoma received more than $800 million in school funding from the federal government or about 10% of its total revenue. According to the Oklahoma State Report card an average of $1,850.68 is spent per pupil in Oklahoma from federal funds which makes up 17.5% of the total $10,574.08 per-pupil expenditure. Ryan Walters has come under fire previously for his misuse of federal grant money. A whistleblower came forward earlier this month reporting that Walter’s incompetent leadership cost Oklahoma schools at least several million dollars. Friday I participated in a virtual press briefing with LGBTQ leaders, legal experts, civil rights leaders & student advocates about the new Title IX rule. LISTEN
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GLSEN To Honor Marcia Gay Harden

GLSEN has announced it will honor Oscar-winning actress & LGBTQ activist Marcia Gay Harden with the Advocate Award at the org's annual Respect Awards at New York’s Gotham Hall next Monday April 29th. The evening will be hosted by Peppermint known for her work on RuPaul's Drag Race with special appearances by Billy Porter, Anthony Rapp & GLSEN Board Chair Wilson Cruz. Harden stated, “I am deeply grateful to receive such an honor from GLSEN. I owe this award to my children, who drive me every day to be a public force for change. In watching them bloom into the vibrant individuals they have become, I have gained a redefined perspective on my own life. GLSEN’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ students comes at a crucial time when our LGBTQ+ children are under attack. We must now advocate for their freedom to form their own identities & perspectives, which must be cultivated with utmost care.” Additionally GLSEN’s Respect Award honorees will include community leader & activist Brad Baumoel with the Movement Leader Award, Republic Records will be honored with the Visibility Award & Student Advocate of the Year is Sophia T. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers GLSEN Executive Director concluded, “The Respect Awards is not just one of GLSEN’s most important fundraising events of the year but the opportunity to uplift honorees & supporters who reflect GLSEN’s commitment to advancing racial, gender & disability justice for all LGBTQ+ students.” The annual benefit raises critical funds for GLSEN’s student programs such as the Rainbow Library which provides LGBTQ affirming texts to students experiencing book bans. 
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Boston Lesbian Visibility Week Event

This year's Lesbian Visibility Week runs now through April 28th & focuses on the theme "United, Not Uniform" a commitment to solidarity with all LGBTQ women & nonbinary people & designed to promote unity, uplift those who face the greatest marginalization within the community & to celebrate the joy & strength of sisterhood by highlighting remarkable contributions across generations, disciplines & nations worldwide. In Boston LesbianNightLife is joining the celebration Saturday April 27th at HAN in Allston for a special Lesbian Visibility Week Teadance 21+ event 4P-8P celebrating LGBTQ women & non-binary folx united across the country. What began as a day of recognition in 2008 has blossomed into a full week of festivities thanks to the visionary efforts of Linda Riley at DIVA Magazine stating, “This year DIVA is working in partnership with EL*C (Euro Central Asian Lesbian Committee), ILGA World, GLAAD & The Curve Foundation to make Lesbian Visibility Week a truly international stage where iconic LGBTQIA women & non-binary people can all take a moment in the spotlight to be recognized for the work they do & the joy they bring." The Curve Foundation is championing Lesbian Visibility Week in the United States. Curve’s Lesbian Visibility Week programming includes an Inaugural Curve Power List of LGBTQ women & nonbinary trailblazers, a Speaker Series including panels on critical topics such as LGBTQ Women in the Corporate Workplace, Intersections of Disability & Queerness, Race & Sexuality, Trans Inclusion, the Importance of Intergenerational Conversations & Preserving Our Stories & more. So come join us & Curve Magazine as we celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week at Han Nightclub on Saturday April 27th 4P to 8P with DJ & Dancing. 
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Reactions To New Title IX Rule (AUDIO)

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a final rule interpreting & enforcing Title IX which restores & reinforces vital civil rights protections for our LGBTQ students. The new Title IX rule prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, transgender status & other sex-based characteristics & stereotypes. It also remedies students who experience sex-based harassment, removing the onerous complaint resolution procedures instituted by the prior administration & providing much-needed updates regarding the rights of pregnant & parenting students. Julianna Gonen, National Center for Lesbian Rights Federal Policy Director stated, “The U. S. Department of Education has enshrined in federal regulation what we all know to be true - discrimination against students on the basis of sex has no place in our schools. In this time when policymakers in some states are targeting LGBTQ & particularly transgender - youth with hostile laws, it is essential for our federal government to send a clear message that such measures violate federal law. We welcome these updated Title IX rules & look forward to working with the Biden Administration to ensure that they are fully implemented so that all students can learn & thrive in our public schools.” Though this is a major milestone to protect our LGBTQ youth there’s still much more work to be done. The new Title IX Ruling does not protect the rights of transgender athletes to play & be part of a team. In 2024 we’re already dealing with more than 470 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures nationwide mostly targeting our transgender youth. Friday I participated in a virtual press briefing with LGBTQ leaders, legal experts, civil rights leaders & student advocates about the new Title IX rule. LISTEN  
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Ann Hampton Callaway Finding Beauty

Broadway & cabaret legend Ann Hampton Callaway is kicking off her "Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics & Originals” tour on May 1...

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