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Barkow & Garcia Take The Dinah Helm

After 35 legendary years The Dinah has been sold by founder & producer Mariah Hanson to event producer & longtime Dinah Operations Manager Bella Barkow & seasoned Dinah emcee reality TV star & real estate entrepreneur Rose Garcia. The acquisition ensures The Dinah will remain independently owned, community-led & deeply rooted in our LGBTQ culture now operating under the marquee of the duo’s newly founded company BellaRose Productions. Barkow stated, "The Dinah has been a cornerstone of queer culture for decades & being part of its future is an honor. Coming out at 13 in the late ’90s wasn’t easy, but seeing The Dinah on The L Word made it feel a little less scary. Working alongside Rose to carry forward Mariah’s legacy is deeply personal for me. This festival was my safe space & it’s my hope that we keep it alive for the next generation of young sapphics searching for the same sense of belonging." Garcia concluded, "I’ve been to over 20 Dinah events & each one has been unforgettable, a place to meet incredible women, build lifelong friendships & feel fully accepted. Keeping The Dinah in the family ensures Mariah’s legacy lives on. Bella & I share the same deep love & unwavering dedication for this festival & I know her vision is safe with us." This should be an extremely interesting transition of this iconic event. I’ve known Rose Gracia from our relationship as a media sponsor of The Dinah over the last 10 years. I’m looking forward to talking with them about what they have planned in the near future so stay tuned. The Dinah 2026 takes place September 30th through October 4th returning to the Hilton Hotel & The Zoso in Palm Springs, CA. 
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Women’s Media Awards 21st Honorees

The Women’s Media Center co-founders Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan & Gloria Steinem have announced the honorees for the 21st anniversary of the Women’s Media Center’s Media Awards to be held on Thursday March 5th at the Tribeca Rooftop in NYC. The WMC Awards are presented to outstanding leaders & champions for women in media. This year’s honorees are Chandra Childers, Julie F. Kay, Barbara Kopple, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Paola Ramos, Maribel Pérez Wadsworth & Margot Wallström. Julie Burton, Women’s Media Center President & CEO stated, “The Women’s Media Center’s call to action is simple: We want to see more diverse women, hear more diverse women & read articles from more diverse women across all media platforms. Our Women’s Media Awards honor champions for women who set the standard for what media should look like when it gives voice to the female half of the country. They are role models, history-makers & inspiring leaders.” The Women’s Media Awards Co-Chairs are Loreen Arbus, Donna Deitch, Kiehl Friedman Family, Mellody Hobson, Cindy Holland, Carlene C. Laughlin, Cynthia McFadden, Michelle Mercer & Bruce Golden, Pat Mitchell, Susan Pritzker, Sheryl Sandberg, Regina K. Scully, Alexandra Shiva & Mary & Steven Swig. Additional support for the WMC 2026 Women’s Media Awards includes the Cristensen Fund, Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Rockefeller Family Fund, Abigail Disney & Jenny Warburg. Founded by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan & Gloria Steinem the Women’s Media Center (WMC) is a feminist organization that works for gender & racial inclusion, representation & equality in media. The WMC mission is to make diverse women visible & powerful in the media. 
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Human Rights Campaign NYC Gala

HRC honored actress Jane Krakowski, fashion designer Daniella Kallmeyer & advocate Juli Grey-Owens at their annual gala event at New York Marriott Marquis in NYC February 7th. Jane Krakowski received HRC’s Ally for Equality Award, Daniella Kallmeyer was honored with HRC’s Visibility award & Juli Grey-Owens was honored with HRC’s Community Impact award. Kelley Robinson HRC President stated, “I believe this with everything in me: If we stand together, if we fight together, one day soon we will know more joy than grief. Our children will feel just as safe surrounded by the American flag as they do when surrounded by Pride flags. That one day our children won’t just dream about the promise of freedom–they will have it. The question is not whether or not we can win. The question is what are we willing to do. Are you willing to choose hope, to choose love, to choose courage, to choose joy.” Chuck Schumer U.S. Senate Minority Leader added, “America's march towards equality suffered a major setback in the last presidential election. We are reaping the ugly consequences, but I believe the tide has turned & let me just say, I believe, just as I believed a year ago when I was here, that if we keep the faith, if we remain alert & vigilant against the forces of bigotry, if we tap into the power of our numbers, then we can beat back this administration's equal agenda.” Journalist Don Lemon who made a surprise appearance concluded, “Tonight feels less like a gala & more like a gathering. A gathering of people who still believe that truth matters. That dignity is not optional. That freedom is not guaranteed.” 
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Broadway's "Some Like It Hot" In Boston

The national touring company’s fabulous production of “Some Like It Hot” is not to be missed currently playing at the Citizens Opera House in Boston for just 5 more performances now through February 8th. In these challenging times this is one of the most energizing theatre experiences for your heart & mind to regenerate especially in the deep freeze of winter. The cast is sensational presenting an over-the-top production of this winner of 4 Tony Awards. “Some Like It Hot” really delivers “A Super-Sized & All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!” Set in Chicago in 1933 when prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement it's the story about two male musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels they catch a gender bender opportunity to join an all-female band that takes them on a cross-country train ride for a life-chasing & life-changing trip of a lifetime. The touring cast brings immense energy to the show performing the songs by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman & Shaiman. The show also delivers jaw-dropping tap-dancing performances including a spectacular tap number finale. Since the Boston Opera House originally opened in 1928 & “Some Like It Hot” takes place in 1933 the Art Deco set design is beautifully complimentary with exquisite costumes & stage craft. As you know “Some Like It Hot” is based on the 1959 film directed by Billy Wilder starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon. This current production presents a more updated storyline but really reflects the genius of this breakthrough masterpiece. Limited tickets are still available for the remaining final performances this weekend. 
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New Bradbury Sullivan Health Survey

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health the Bradbury Sullivan Community Center is launching their 5th Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Survey at an event on February 5th in Allentown, PA from 5P to 6:30P. The Bradbury-Sullivan Center is leading a coalition of LGBTQ orgs across the state collecting data. The Health Survey assesses the state of health for the LGBTQ population across the state looking at issues such as tobacco use, access to affirming & affordable healthcare, vaccinations & preventative care, gender-affirming care & mental health issues. This data is then used by LGBTQ centers across the state to design programming & apply for grants. The data is also used by legislators & advocates to work on getting more inclusive policies passed. Chrystina Obleschuk, Director of Programs at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center stated, “We are hoping to have 5,000 respondents to the survey in 2026. It is more important than ever that the voices & needs of our community are not erased.” The Health Survey goal is to collect data from a large & diverse group of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. In 2024 data was collected from over 3,300 respondents from 65 out of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Any LGBTQ Pennsylvanian age 13+ is eligible to take the survey which is offered in both English & Spanish. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center creates a vibrant LGBTQ community in Pennsylvania through arts, health, youth, training & Pride programs. I talked to Chrystina Obleschuk about what she hoped to accomplish with Bradbury-Sullivan Health Summit last year & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Fort Lauderdale Film Festival 40th Year

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) is celebrating 40 years & takes place from Friday February 20th to Saturday February 28th showcasing a fabulous lineup of over 50 films & documentaries. This year’s festival will feature world premieres & U.S. premieres offering a wide array of parties & receptions, special presentations, film features, documentaries & short films. Attendees can look forward to red carpet appearances by directors, producers, actors & special guests who will participate in Q&A discussions & mingle with festival-goers. Actors attending throughout the festival include “Miami Nights” cast Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, Jeremy Sumpter, Danay Garcia & Sydelle Noel, Chevy Chase, “I’m Chevy Chase & You’re Not”, Paul Riser, “The Problem with People”, Guy Harvey with “Guy Harvey, The Documentary & Jamie Kennedy’s “Wingman”. Also attending are Will Yun Lee, Brooklyn Prince & Jon Huertas from “California Scenario” along with filmmakers from around the world. Lisa Grigorian FLIFF President & CEO stated, “We are thrilled to present the 40th year of the festival with a diverse line up for all of South Florida. The festival includes ‘something for everyone’ & will also host a series of curated events throughout the week.” Since 1986 the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) reels out more than 60 American Indie & international films during its annual film festival held each February. During the festival, celebrity & filmmaker guests from around the world create an aura of excitement as they arrive at their red carpet premieres, attend over-the-top parties & greet movie-goers. The 40th Annual FLIFF takes place February 20th to 28th at venues throughout Broward County. 
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Provincetown Film Society 6th Auction

The Provincetown Film Society (PFS) 6th annual winter auction takes place online now through February 8th featuring a variety of items, experiences & getaways. A couple highlight items are “Put a Ring on It with John Waters” & a private dinner for 2 with Emmy Award-winning actor Murray Bartlett from The White Lotus, Welcome to the Chippendales, Tales of the City & Looking. “Put a Ring on It with John Waters” is a once-in-a-life chance for you & your partner to be married or your vows renewed by Waters who will officiate an intimate, private ceremony for up to 10 guests. Additional auction items include a personal recorded voicemail greeting from Kathleen Turner, Luxury retreats to Costa Rica, Iceland, Portugal, private dinners with celebrity chefs & more. Anne Hubbell, Executive Director of the Provincetown Film Society stated, “Our annual online auction captures what Provincetown is all about—creativity, community & one-of-a-kind experiences. We’re grateful to our generous donors & partners & we look forward to getting the bidding started.” All proceeds of the auction will benefit the mission of Provincetown Film Society to present & advocate for gender, racial & LGBTQ representation on screen by providing year-round programming & platforms. PFS is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film & honoring the work of emerging as well as acclaimed directors, producers & actors including the upcoming 28th annual Provincetown International Film Festival that runs June 10-14, 2026. I talked with Murray Bartlett who was recipient of last year’s PIFF Excellence in Acting Award in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN  
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Barkow & Garcia Take The Dinah Helm

After 35 legendary years The Dinah has been sold by founder & producer Mariah Hanson to event producer & longtime Dinah Operations M...

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