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Toronto International Film Fest Event

For the 4th consecutive year the Toronto International Film Festival & GLAAD in partnership with The Trans Film Mentorship (TFM) in tandem with the group’s Trans Filmmakers Summit (TFS) returns on Sunday September 7th on the TIFF Lightbox rooftop. This year’s Summit promises to be its most dynamic edition yet expanding its programming & deepening its commitment to uplifting trans, non-binary & gender-diverse storytellers. Nick Adams, VP of Entertainment at GLAAD stated, "GLAAD is proud to support this year's Trans Film Summit, a critically important event directly supporting storytellers, who are trans & their short film projects. At a time when transgender characters in television & film have declined precipitously & trans people are being targeted & attacked, it's essential that trans creatives are empowered to tell our own stories. The Trans Film Summit is an incredible place where this resourcing & mentorship is re-invested into the talent in our community." Also returning this year is the highly anticipated CMF Barrier Breaker Award with this year’s recipient is Zackary Drucker the Emmy-nominated director for HBO’s The Stroll which won a Peabody Award in 2024 & a Special Jury Award at Sundance in 2023. At the heart of this year’s programming is the return of the ground-breaking Short Film Fund an initiative launched in partnership with Spindle Films Foundation whose founder J Stevens concluded, “Our mission has always been to champion emerging gender-diverse filmmakers by helping bridge the gap between vision & opportunity. This Fund is a tangible way for us to do that, offering real resources, mentorship & visibility to help storytellers take the next meaningful step in their careers” 
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American Dreams Tour Comes To Boston

HRC’s ongoing “American Dreams Tour” arrived in Massachusetts last night in a conversation with U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley & Kelley Robinson, HRC President. Addressing the standing room only crowd at the trendy Bow Market in Somerville, MA they spoke strongly against the current administration’s attempt to dismantle the freedoms of all Americans especially our LGBTQ community. Robinson, HRC President stated, “The American dream has never belonged to just one kind of person. It's been built by people who dared to demand more—by women who marched, by workers who organized, by Black folks who bled for freedom & by LGBTQ+ people who refused to disappear & every time this country tried to erase us, we rebuilt something stronger with our stories, our truth & our refusal to be silent.” Rep. Pressley added that this was the time to find your passion & use that passion to stand up & demand your constitutional rights that are the rights for all Americans. The event was moderated by Chastity Bowick - President of Marsha P. Johnson Institute. After their moving keynotes U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley & Kelley Robinson participated in a Q&A & offering their thoughts on how we can fight back to defend our rights & work together to build a better future. The evening concluded with Chris Erchull, Senior Staff Attorney at GLAD Law with an update on cases pending Federally & at the US Supreme Court effecting our community. HRC’s “American Dreams Tour” is an effort to raise One Million Voices for Equality to ensure pro-equality voices are heard loud & clear sending a message that we won’t tolerate hate & discrimination. 
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Traveling Legacy Link Mobile Art Studio

Internationally acclaimed artist Sydnéi SmithJordan whose work has appeared in exhibitions worldwide & in the collections of cultural icons such as Denzel Washington, Whoopi Goldberg & Sylvester Stallone has launched her most ambitious project to date. The Legacy Link Mobile Art Studio is a 32-foot converted RV traveling classroom designed to deliver art as a tool for healing, connection & storytelling directly into communities. SmithJordan stated, “Art has always been more than a career for me — it’s been a lifeline. The Legacy Link is about sharing that same possibility with others: the chance to heal, to preserve memory & to find joy through creativity. Wherever this studio parks, I hope it leaves behind not just artwork, but a renewed sense of connection.” Known for her bold “pop fusion” style melding oil paint with collage, fabric, glass & metal the Durham, North Carolina-born Cape May area resident has long used her practice to surface overlooked narratives in history from Negro League baseball players & Tuskegee Airmen to notable American women & a growing series honoring veterans. With The Legacy Link she brings that mission beyond gallery walls offering interactive workshops that empower individuals of all ages to explore creativity as a form of restoration & dialogue. SmithJordan’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Cape May Magazine & Visions Fine Art Magazine. She studied fine art at the College of Design, Art & Architecture at Santa Monica College under the mentorship of Ronn Davis & illustration at Rhode Island School of Design. The Legacy Link Mobile Art Studio brings hands-on art workshops to youth, seniors & civic groups mile by mile, masterpiece by masterpiece. 
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Lexus International GPL Tournament

Marking its 2nd year in the Horse Capital of the World the Lexus International GPL Tournament takes place on Saturday September 6th at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Founded in 2006 GPL is the world’s only LGBTQ polo league with a network of players from 15 countries. Six polo teams of four players each will take to the field with every thrilling goal & galloping stride a testament to the team of remarkable athletes both human & equine. The players bring skill, courage & heart & the horses bring speed, grace & an unshakable spirit creating the magic of polo. Chip McKenney, President of GPL stated, “When I first founded GPL in Los Angeles, the goal was to gather a group of friends who shared an interest in polo. Historically & even today, there has been an absence of ‘out & visible’ gay athletes in professional sports. As we raise awareness & visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes, that visibility sparks discussion; discussion leads to understanding; understanding is the cornerstone of acceptance & acceptance is the key to inclusion. GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ+ community, athletics & society at large, one chukker at a time.” From rainbow goalposts to Bourbon toasts more than 1,000 spectators are expected to attend the GPL’s Lexus International Polo Tournament in Lexington on Saturday September 6th at the Kentucky Horse Park. Sponsors in addition to Lexus, the Title Sponsor, the tournament is sponsored in part by the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, along with Delta Airlines, VisitLEX, Casablanca, J.P. Davis Partners, Bramhall Polo, La Jefe Polo, Delta, Georgetown Kentucky, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington Polo, McKenney Media, Maker’s Mark, Sam Hahn Travel, Tackeria & RadioLEX. 
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Wild Side Of Holly Woodlawn (AUDIO)

This week I talked with writer Jeff Copeland about his new book “Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn” published by Feral House. The memoir is how an unlikely friendship between a young gay writer collided with Holly Woodlawn one of Andy Warhol’s superstars from the films “Trash” & “Women in Revolt” as well as being Lou Reed's Holly in the hit glam rock song "Walk on the Wild Side". The book is based on the lengthy collaboration between Jeff & Holly as they created the bestselling 1991 autobiography “A Low Life in High Heels: The Holly Woodlawn Story”. For the trash mondo fans this must-read book is a pure delight & a refreshing escape from current affairs. Holly is the embodiment of Auntie Mame & Bette Davis fueled by chardonnay introducing Jeff to the glamorous & sometimes larcenous world of a Warhol Superstar. In turn Jeff uses his writing & typing talent to give Holly the second chance at the fame she craves. This wild read that you just can’t put down takes you on a ride through Hollywood in the late 1980’s through the 90’s. Many of the named people in this literary extravaganza are real & some are famous so you’ll probably recognize those but other names have been changed to protect the innocent & not so innocent’s privacy. The layout & design by Ron Kretsch illustrating Copeland’s journey also adds a timeless dimension with fabulous Hollywood montages & rare photos. I talked to Jeff about his inspiration for writing “Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn” & his spin on moving forward in the current political climate. LISTEN  
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Collaborating Fashion & Science Event

During New York Fashion Week 2025 an event & runway show will take place featuring a world-first collaboration between emerging student designers from Parsons School of Design & cutting-edge HIV scientists. +Life a multi-media brand focused on eliminating HIV stigma with support from Gilead Sciences will debut HIV Unwrapped a global initiative that unites fashion, science & storytelling to confront HIV stigma & reignite a critical conversation on Saturday September 13th at the Nexus Club New York. The immersive choreographed show will spotlight the lived experiences of those impacted by HIV & those working to end the epidemic. Karl Schmid, HIV Unwrapped executive producer stated, “I’m thrilled to bring HIV Unwrapped to life during New York Fashion Week, because let’s be honest, HIV deserves better PR & what better way to do that than with fabulous fashion? This isn’t just a runway show; it’s a bold statement to smash stigma, spark conversation & remind the world that HIV is only part of our story. I’m proud to be part of a team turning science into style & compassion into couture & you won’t want to miss a single stitch.” Anthony Ramos, GLAAD Vice President of Communications & Talent concluded, “GLAAD is proud to support HIV Unwrapped at New York Fashion Week. By merging fashion, storytelling & science, this initiative opens new doors for HIV awareness & visibility, especially for younger generations who may not realize the ongoing impact of this epidemic. It’s a powerful reminder that ending HIV stigma requires creativity, collaboration & unapologetic visibility.” HIV Unwrapped will be filmed as a +Life original broadcast special premiering in conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1st.
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"My First Ex-Husband" Coming To Boston

The Huntington’s Calderwood Pavilion will host the hilarious new comedy “My First Ex-Husband” by Joy Behar weekends only from September 12th to September 28th at the BCA 527 Tremont Street in Boston, MA. The cast will feature stars from theatre, television & film including Behar, Veanne Cox, Judy Gold, Jackie Hoffman & Tonya Pinkins. The play is a bold & heartfelt adaptation of true stories by Behar the legendary comedienne & co-host of The View. So prepare yourself for razor-sharp wit with no filters as it explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex & relationships. Joy Behar stated, “The stories are very relatable. Even if you never got a divorce, you still have problems with in-laws, let’s say, or sex, or kids, or money — everybody has problems. Marriage is a work in process all the time.” Behar crafted the evening of monologues based on interviews with friends & colleagues who endured breakups. “My First Ex-Husband” was first presented at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor before opening the new Off Broadway MMAC Theatre in NYC last January. Outrageous yet deeply relatable this show will resonate with anyone who has navigated the turbulent & often titillating seas of love. Times Square Chronicle says that My First Ex-Husband “appeals to men, women & anyone who has ever been in a relationship.” Each weekend a cast of 4 stars will bring their unique personalities to tell these tales that may be eerily familiar. Directed by Randal Myler & produced by Caiola Productions & Cyrena Esposito this North American tour plays weekends only at The Huntington’s Calderwood from September 12th to September 28th. 
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Toronto International Film Fest Event

For the 4th consecutive year the Toronto International Film Festival & GLAAD in partnership with The Trans Film Mentorship (TFM) in tand...

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