Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Boston Pride Night At Fenway Park

Boston Pride has announced the first ever Pride Night at Fenway Park as an official 2013 Pride Week event. Boston’s LGBT community will be recognized at the Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers baseball game at Fenway Park on Thursday, June 6th at 7:10P. Linda DeMarco Boston Pride President stated, “Boston Pride is delighted to be working with the Boston Red Sox on Pride Night at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox are a strong ally to the LGBT community & to have a special Pride Night brings additional excitement to the week’s events.” In addition to Pride Night at Fenway Park, with the emergence of support for inclusivity of the LGBT community in major league sports, Boston Pride’s Human Rights & Education Committee will host a discussion free of charge & open to the public entitled “Out In Sports: Moving Forward – A Panel Discussion on LGBT People in Sports” as a part of Pride Week on Wednesday, June 5th at the Boston Public Library at 6:15P. This is a fab way to kick off Boston Pride. Tickets for the game are $30. We already have ours & at that price you know they'll sell-OUT fast. The Red Sox will also donate a percentage of tickets sales for Pride Night at Fenway Park to benefit Boston Pride, a nonprofit, 501 © 3 corporation.
For Info & Tix: bostonpride.org 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 8:49 AM 0 Comments

Monday, May 20, 2013

How Cher Changed My Life (Video)

On April 3rd 1978 I was in Florida with my then girlfriend. We had intended to stay the night with a relative who turned out to be so anti gay & homophobic we had to leave & find a hotel. Two things happened that night that forever changed my life. First was when I turned on the TV in the hotel/motel room & caught “Cher... Special” that aired on ABC. This was one of the most groundbreaking & brilliant TV shows ever, about thirty years ahead of its time. Especially one skit where Cher performs "West Side Story" & portrays all the characters, both male & female beautifully edited together. I was totally blown away that this fabulous drag masterpiece was airing on primetime network TV. (See 12:44 Video Below) The second thing that happened was we went to see the movie "Network". I had worked in the television industry in Boston at WCVB the ABC affiliate but left when they changed their commitment to original programing. After seeing what Cher had accomplished on her TV special & watching the movie version of Paddy Chayefsky’s "Network" predicting the future of TV, I decided it was time to return mainstream television. Within six months I was working for network TV in New York where I won by Emmy award. But the magic of my Cher story continued. In 1985 at a party for the MTV awards I got to meet Cher in the Mike Todd VIP Room of the Palladium in NYC & tell her how brilliant her "West Side Story" was. She was so appreciative & I must say the most genuine celebrity I have ever encountered.
Happy Birthday Cher & thank you for changing my life.
WATCH VIDEO 

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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 9:30 AM 0 Comments

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Marriage Equality USA Gala

Marriage Equality USA is having its 15th Annual National Gala honoring Lea DeLaria, Google & Swish on Tuesday, May 21st from 6-10P at 404 NYC, 404 10th Avenue in New York City. The event will bring together LGBT community members & leaders, gay allies, entertainment industry, corporate leaders & celebrities to raise funds for the marriage equality movement. Stephen Wallem from Showtime’s Nurse Jackie will emcee & NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Vicci Martinez will perform. Guests will enjoy a celebratory evening of cocktails, dinner, entertainment, awards, a silent auction & more! Lea DeLaria stated, "As an out performer this issue is incredibly personal to me, which is why I have proudly supported both the cause & Marriage Equality USA (MESUA) for many years. It is an honor to be recognized by my friends at MEUSA." Cathy Marino-Thomas, Marriage Equality USA Board Co-President added, "On Tuesday May 21, on the verge of historic rulings in the landmark marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, our community will gather in New York City to celebrate how far we've come & to acknowledge the leaders who are going the distance to make sure the constitution's fundamental guarantees of freedom and fairness apply to all Americans.
For More Info & Tix: marriageequality.org
LISTEN: Cathy Marino-Thomas & Marriage Equality USA
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 8:55 AM 0 Comments

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Boston Gay Youth Pride Event

Boston Pride in collaboration with BAGLY & Friends of LGBT Youth are celebrating Massachusetts Youth Pride Today Saturday May 18th from 11A to 4P at the Boston Common. Massachusetts Youth Pride is a one-day annual festival that celebrates the year round commitment of diversity of youth within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They’re expecting more than 5,000 LGBT youth, adult allies & supporters to march in this year’s parade. The parade will start at the Boston Common Bandstand & will march up Beacon Street, turn left on Bowdoin Street, then turn right on Cambridge Street, right on Tremont Street & end back at the Bandstand, where the festival will be held. This year’s festival will feature live entertainment & vendors for all ages. Malcolm Carey Boston Pride Committee Board Member stated, “Youth Pride is a great opportunity for the younger members of Massachusetts’ LGBT community to gather together & celebrate pride & awareness. The youth are heavily involved in all of the decision making & planning & the event will be a great celebration & resource for all attendees.” The Massachusetts Youth Pride celebration started in 1994 when a committee of young people rallied at the steps of the State House & marched through Boston’s streets. The tradition has continued through the years & has evolved into a full day event. This year’s festival will include dozens of community & resource tables for the youth as well as speakers & live entertainment. Check in is at 9:30A then 10A is the Gather & Mingle with a Rally at 11A. At 12noon the March Kicks Off & then the Festival runs from 1-4P. The weather is perfect so get out & support our LGBT youth! Updates to Come…:)
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 8:21 AM 0 Comments

Friday, May 17, 2013

Mayor Menino Pride Grand Marshal

Boston Pride has named fierce gay ally Mayor Thomas Menino Grand Marshal of this year’s Pride Parade. The late Jeanne Manford PFLAG's Founder has been chosen as Honorary Marshal. Linda DeMarco Boston Pride President stated, “We are excited to name Mayor Menino as Boston Pride’s Grand Marshal this year. As this is Mayor Menino’s last year serving as our city’s mayor, we are thrilled that he will be leading the Boston Pride Parade as it is a way for everyone to thank him for being a passionate supporter of Boston Pride & our LGBT community throughout his tenure.” Boston Pride Week 2013 will be held from May 31st through June 9th. This year’s theme is “Moving Forward… Proud, Strong, United”, especially fitting after dealing with the Marathon Bombing. The Boston Pride Parade is to celebrate & promote equal rights for the region's gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender communities & is the premier event of Pride Week. As one of the most popular Pride Parades in the country, organizations & individuals from around New England & beyond will walk together to advocate for inclusivity, equality & respect. Kicking the week off with the annual Flag Raising ceremony, 2013 Pride Week will also include Pride Day @ Faneuil Hall, the Royal Pageant, the Boston Pride Parade, the Boston Pride Festival, the Boston Pride Youth Dance, the Boston Pride Block Party: JP Edition, the Boston Pride Block Party: Back Bay Edition, a panel discussion on “LGBTs in Sports” & the first ever Pride Night @ Fenway Park.
Listen To “The Bear Sessions: Portraiture” Interview 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 7:00 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Gay Ally Matthew Morrison Joins HRC

Glee Star Matthew Morrison announced he’s partnering with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in support of LGBT equality. Matthew is using his platform to publicly support LGBT equality & has released a video for HRC’s “Americans for Marriage Equality". Partial proceeds from his new studio album “Where It All Began” will benefit HRC. Morrison stated, “I’m thrilled to join HRC in their vital work to bring full equality to all Americans. At this decisive moment, when there is so much work still ahead, I’m standing with HRC & LGBT people across the country until this fight is won.” Morrison turned to legendary producer Phil Ramone along with Grammy Award-winning producer Gregg Field to create the 12 songs featured on the album. The record marks the first release from 222 Records the newly formed label from Adam Levine. 222 Records in partnership with Matthew Morrison will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign. Adam Levine added, “It was so great working with Matthew on “Where It All Began”. He is an amazing artist & we are longtime friends. We’re both huge supporters of the LGBT community & I’m glad that partial proceeds from the pre-sale of this album will go toward such a great cause.” Chad Griffin HRC President concluded, “Not only is Matthew a brilliant musical talent, but perhaps more importantly he is a fantastic human being. His support for equality at this critical time in our nation’s history is something that is important to all fair minded Americans.” The album which will be released on June 4th features an assortment of classic standards, many of which were first made famous in Broadway musicals.
WATCH VIDEO
  
Listen To “The Bear Sessions: Portraiture” Interview 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 12:28 PM 0 Comments

LGBT Aging Project Joins Fenway

The LGBT Aging Project, New England's premier organization for programs & advocacy for LGBT older adults will become an affiliate of Fenway Health, Boston’s LGBT medical center effective July 1st. The LGBT Aging Project will become part of Fenway's research, education & policy division, The Fenway Institute. This new affiliation will reinforce the commitment of both the LGBT Aging Project & Fenway Health to the growing LGBT older adult community. Lisa Krinsky, Director of the LGBT Aging Project stated, "The LGBT Aging Project will maintain its mission, identity & staff with the Fenway Institute as our new home. We are excited to join the Fenway family & to grow our programs to positively impact the lives of larger numbers of LGBT older adults & caregivers. We are equally excited to help Fenway expand their work in LGBT aging." Stephen L. Boswell, MD, Fenway Health President & CEO added, "Fenway is extremely excited by this partnership. As more members of our community reach their 50s, 60s, 70s & beyond, care & services for LGBT older adults are going to be increasingly important. We look forward to working with the staff of the LGBT Aging Project on growing their programs & tapping into their expertise to help Fenway better serve our elders." We’re all aging so this is great news for our senior LGBT community in New England that has recently become a gay marriage zone…:)
 Listen To “The Bear Sessions: Portraiture” Interview 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 8:40 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

NYC LGBT Law Project Gets Grant

The New York Legal Assistance Group’s LGBT Law Project & the LGBT Bar Association Foundation of Greater New York (LeGaL Foundation) have been awarded a $9,000 grant from the Stonewall Community Foundation in support of the organizations’ LGBT Life Planning Clinic. The LGBT Life Planning Clinic assists community members of modest means with the preparation of long-term life planning documents, including health care proxies, living wills, wills & powers of attorney. As a result of the grant award, the clinic is now held regularly each Tuesday night at The Center in the West Village. Virginia Goggin, Coordinating Attorney of NYLAG’s LGBT Law Project stated, “We’re so pleased to receive this support. The grant not only enhances our ability to serve the community but also further strengthens our organizations’ collaboration.” Brad Snyder LeGaL’s Executive Director added, “We’re thrilled to see a service that began as a pilot project receive the support needed to expand. We’re looking forward to reaching more community members throughout New York City.” The clinic was created in response to the increasing need for life planning documents, which are vital to ensuring the greatest protections possible for the LGBT community in the face of continuing inequality under the law & ever-changing legal developments. The law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, a generous supporter of both organizations, will host a May 20th CLE for attorneys interested in volunteering for the project.
For More Info: le-gal.org 
LISTEN: Cathy Marino-Thomas & Marriage Equality USA
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 7:15 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Gay Marriage Historic Photo Event

Be part of an historic photo celebrating nine years of marriage equality in Massachusetts. Join GLAD, (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) the Respect for Marriage Coalition & Boston Mayor Thomas Menino for a celebration of the ninth anniversary of marriage equality in the United States & be included in this photo gathering. On Thursday May 16th from 2:45P until 3:30P LGBT couples & families are invited to gather for a photo at the Boston Public Gardens in Massachusetts where it all began nearly a decade ago. Given the recent victory in Rhode Island making New England a complete marriage equality zone & with the two historic marriage equality cases now before the U.S. Supreme Court, the time is right to recognize these first marriages. Especially now that Delaware & Minnesota have become the 11th & 12th states to pass gay marriage this is a fabulous opportunity to be part of this historic event. There will be brief remarks from GLAD & Mayor Menino in our beautiful Boston Public Gardens & the weather is suppose to be in the 70’s & perfect. So spread the word & RSVP if you can attend:glad.org
Then on Friday May 17th keep the celebration going by attending “The Bear Sessions: Portraiture” a series of photographs being showcased at the Boston Center for Adult Education. BCAE is premiering the show with their second annual LGBT “Sip the Rainbow” cocktail reception from 6P-8P on May 17th. The exhibit runs through June 2013. Let's Celebrate!!
For More Info & Listen To The Bear Sessions Interview 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 8:44 AM 0 Comments

Monday, May 13, 2013

Minnesota Passes Gay Marriage

UPDATE: Governor Mark Dayton signed the bill making gay marriage legal in Minnesota & the 12th state to do so as thousands cheered.
The Minnesota Senate voted in favor gay marriage by passing Bill 925 which has been sent to Governor Mark Dayton to be signed into law ensuring that Minnesota will become the 12th state to legalize the freedom to marry for gay & lesbian couples. This amazing victory comes just six months after voters in the state defeated a proposed anti-gay constitutional amendment. Lisa Cannistraci Marriage Equality USA Board Vice President stated, "Minnesota is the third state in three weeks to enact marriage equality. We are more energized than ever by the rapidly accelerating pace of change nationwide. When the legislature doors opened & we knew we had prevailed, justice rolled down like water & our cheers filled the Capitol rotunda in ecstatic celebration." Minnesotan Gary Gimmestad added, "The gratitude flowed back from the crowd to the members of the legislature who had affirmed marriage equality in Minnesota. It was a transcendent moment!" Thom Watson, Marriage Equality USA Social Media Director stated, "Like each of the eleven states before it, Minnesota's recognition of the freedom to marry is momentous. Each state that moves to embrace fuller equality for gay & lesbian couples brings us one step closer to equality for all."  Next month the Supreme Court will announce its decisions on cases involving DOMA & Prop 8. For complete information on where each stands on civil marriage status, check OUT Marriage Equality USA's national map: marriageequality.org
LISTEN: Cathy Marino-Thomas & Marriage Equality USA
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 5:53 PM 0 Comments