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Brian McNaught Faith & Culture Event

Stonewall National Museum presents acclaimed author & advocate Brian McNaught for an in-person interview December 8th in Fort Lauderdale, FL at 6P. Known for his memoir ‘A Prince of a Boy: How One Gay Catholic Helped Change the World’ McNaught’s work delves into his history of traveling to offices, churches & universities across Mumbai, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom & North America all while sharing his story how religion & LGBTQ identity can co-exist to support true change. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum’s President & CEO stated, “As a community, we often view religion & sexual orientation as two separate entities, with many of us even viewing the former as an ‘enemy’ due to how it's been used to stifle LGBTQ+ stories & happiness. McNaught’s experiences are a perfect example of how these aspects of our lives can intersect & how being one does not diminish the other. Rather, he has used his faith to not only strengthen communities around the world, but shine a spotlight on the empathy & kindness LGBTQ+ individuals are capable of. He has helped shatter the narrative of ‘sin’ often pushed, paving the way for better equality.” This is a free event & refreshments will be served. Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library is one of the largest & most significant LGBTQ museums & archives in the world. For more than 5 decades SNMAL has fought for equality by tirelessly releasing powerful messages, hosting dynamic events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington DC mobilizing educators in its national education project, recognizing leaders & heroes & providing historic record of achievements. SNMAL houses millions of pages of records & materials available to the media, drawing direct lines from our nation’s history to today. 
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Stonewall Inn Annual Brick Awards Gala

The 3rd annual Stonewall Inn Brick Awards fundraiser takes place December 8th at Sony Hall in NYC honoring leaders from around the globe who support their legacy of activism. Hosted by the fabulous Alec Mapa this will be a night of stellar performances, awards to honor LGBTQ activists, advocates & luminaries that you don’t want to miss. Scheduled to perform are Big Freedia, J. Harrison Ghee, Jan Sport, Murray Hill & Amanda Lepore. Presenters include Kate Moennig & Leisha Hailey & back by popular demand for their live & silent auctions to benefit SIGBI will be hosted by comedian/celebrity auctioneer Dana Goldberg along with the 2025 Brick Awards Girl Alicia Love. This will be a dazzling night of commemoration, celebration & community. The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) is the official charitable giving organization of the historic Stonewall Inn the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement & the center piece of one of the United States’ newest national monuments. SIGBI carries forward the legacy of The Stonewall Inn by supporting LGBTQ communities, fostering inclusivity & driving progress in the fight for equality worldwide. Born from the Stonewall Inn Uprising of 1969 SIGBI is committed to eliminating the social intolerance that is profoundly impacting the lives of LGBTQ citizens throughout America & globally. Experience this fabulous fundraiser benefiting SIGBI on December 8th in NYC. Tickets start at $150 & includes an open bar, light bites, thrilling performances & a live auction to support their safe spaces initiative, awareness campaigns, educational programming & candid public dialogue that supports grassroots orgs scattered across the globe especially in these challenging times. 
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Nadine Smith To Lead Color Of Change

After 28 years Nadine Smith Equality Florida's Co-Founder & Executive Director is stepping down to become President & CEO of Color Of Change the nation’s largest online racial justice organization in January 2026. Smith stated, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to help build Equality Florida into the most impactful statewide LGBTQ organization in the nation. Together, we have created a movement that has changed laws, saved lives & inspired hope across our state & served as a blueprint nationwide. I step into this next chapter carrying Florida with me. I will remain rooted in this state & my commitment to Equality Florida is forever. We’ve told the country for years that Florida is the front line & you don’t abandon the front line in a fight. I’ll continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with this team & this movement.” Equality Florida’s Board of Directors has named Stratton Pollitzer the organization’s Co-Founder & Deputy Director as the incoming CEO & Executive Director. Pollitzer concluded, “Nadine’s leadership has transformed what is possible for LGBTQ people in Florida & across the country. I am profoundly grateful for her courage, her brilliance & her partnership over nearly three decades. This is a moment to celebrate a visionary leader whose impact will echo for generations & to celebrate the strength of the organization she helped build. I could not be more proud of her, nor more committed to carrying our shared mission forward.” Smith will remain with Equality Florida through January to ensure a seamless transition. We wish Nadine continuous success & listen to our retro chat we did in 2016. LISTEN 
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Ashley Carothers Leads Modern Military

Modern Military Association of America announced that Ashley Carothers has been appointed their new Executive Director. Carothers is a devoted public servant, Air Force veteran & accomplished leader with deep experience in advocacy, policy & community engagement. From serving during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to advancing the passage of the PACT Act Ashley has spent her career ensuring that LGBTQ service members, veterans & their families are seen, supported & protected. Her commitment to equity, inclusion & strategic leadership makes her the perfect guide as Modern Military returns to their roots in advocacy, policy & action in 2026. Carothers stated, “Modern Military has always been a place where our community finds strength, support & solidarity. As we step into this next chapter, my commitment is to listen, to uplift your voices & to expand the resources & advocacy efforts that matter most to LGBTQ+ service members, veterans & families. We have important work ahead & I believe in our shared ability to move forward with courage & compassion. Thank you for being part of this mission, & for welcoming me into this new role.” Ashley joined the Air Force straight out of high school during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” While building expertise in logistics, she began volunteering with OutServe, Modern Military’s predecessor, supporting LGBTQ service members & their families. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to fighting for equitable treatment for underserved service members & veterans. Modern Military Association of America fights for a world where LGBTQ service members & families are safe, supported & seen. 
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Gene Frankel Theatre Winter Festival

The Gene Frankel Theatre Winter Festival has announced its full lineup with 18 new short plays & one acts making their New York Premieres that runs December 8th to 22nd at the historic Gene Frankel Theatre in NYC featuring approximately 100 artists. Playwrights include Cristina Noelle, Amy Losli, Matthew Fay, Maggie Fern, Joseph Sexton, Phoebe Eileen Grech, Abigail Jensen, Victor Cuenca, McKelvey Courtney Collins, Jay Moser & Carolyn Bacon. This fabulous event will showcase a diverse range of voices & stories from an impending asteroid collision to a heaven designed exclusively for Mormons to 3 bank robbers hiding out in an unsuspecting librarian’s sanctuary. Audiences can expect an eclectic mix of characters including an AI therapist, a 1950s nuclear family, a Cupid who can’t feel love & Mrs. Claus spending Christmas Eve alone. Each production offers a distinctive theatrical experience that celebrates innovative new works. The winter festival lineup was curated by Gene Frankel Theatre Artistic Director Thomas R. Gordon & award-winning actress Francesca Ravera. The 18 plays were selected from over 100 submissions. The upcoming winter edition will culminate with a Gala & Awards Night on December 22nd where Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Script & Best Play will be awarded in both the short play & one-act categories. Performances will take place nightly & on weekends December 8th to 22nd at the iconic Gene Frankel Theatre at 24 Bond Street in NYC. All featured plays are New York premieres with many also making their world debuts. Tickets are $25 for students & seniors with $35 for general admission. 
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San Francisco Dance Along Nutcracker

The Dance Along Nutcracker is one of San Francisco’s most treasured holiday events that takes place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on December 6th & 7th. This year theme is "A Wicked Dance-Along Nutcracker" set at the Stahlbaum’s Annual Holiday Party as Uncle Drosselmeyer weaves a tale for Clara & Fritz about a legendary School for Holiday Magic. Madam Sugarplum rules the school with an iron fist imposing limits & restrictions on the student body under the direction of the Great & Powerful Nutcracker. It’s Rats & Fairies & Nutcrackers Oh My as Mac a new student encounters unusual rat-like features learns to work with his bubbly dormmate Ross to save the school & the holidays. Waltz, march, pirouette & sing along with music from The Nutcracker ballet, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz & The Wiz performed live by the 75-piece San Francisco Pride Band the Official Band of San Francisco. The cast includes Zelda Koznofski (Stahlbaum/Madame Sugarplum), Remi Sunshine (Fritz/Franklin), Landyn Endo (Ross), Evan Kaminsky (Uncle Drosselmeyer) & Alix Feinsod Guerrero (Clara/Ruby). The production team includes Michael J. Wong (Guest Conductor), Steve Bolinger (Music Director), Nina Levine (Backstage Manager), Raphael Buenaventura (Stage Manager), Todd Young (Art Props/Fabricator, dancer), Allen Sawyer (Cast Director) & Marilynn Fowler (Choreographer). Part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet & part symphonic concert the Dance-Along Nutcracker features the holiday fun & tradition expected from this San Francisco favorite of 40 years. Dance Along Nutcracker truly exemplifies their mission to promote LGBTQ equality & build bridges among communities through public performances. Tickets run from $30 up & with the discount code: UNLIMITED get 20% off. 
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Celebrating The Words Of Quentin Crisp

Conceived & presented by Crisp's estate executor Phillip Ward “An Evening of Quentin Crisp: A Celebration of Life in His Own Words” takes place Tuesday November 25th at the Gene Frankel Theatre 24 Bond Street in NYC. Phillip Ward stated, "It delights me to present “An Evening of Quentin Crisp” for the 6th year at the Gene Frankel Theatre with a stellar cast of presenters to read the words of Quentin Crisp & an eclectic selection of short films to share with an eager audience. The material is from Quentin's books “The Naked Civil Servant” & the posthumous books “The Last Word & One More Thing” by Quentin Crisp (including his poetry) & from his one-person show “An Evening with Quentin Crisp”. The show presents a wave of emotion & gratitude offered by a chorus of voices from a wide range of ages, celebrating the life of the man many of us hold dear to our hearts. It thrills me to bring this show to the public. The night is free to all & everyone is invited to join us in celebrating the life and words of Quentin Crisp." Guest readers include Jennifer Barton, Tom Cardamone, Cynthia Carr, Peter Cramer, Flame, Peter Hale, Pauline Park, Michèle Goycoolea Pratt (Mr. Crisp's great-niece), Jack Waters & Emanuel Xavier. Quentin Crisp was the author of the classic & flamboyantly eccentric coming-of-age memoir “The Naked Civil Servant” that became the award-winning film starring John Hurt made Crisp an instant international celebrity. In this retro 2017 chat I talked to Phillip Ward about Quentin's legacy. LISTEN 
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Brian McNaught Faith & Culture Event

Stonewall National Museum presents acclaimed author & advocate Brian McNaught for an in-person interview December 8th in Fort Lauderdale...

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