April 2012

Senator Kerry Disputes DOMA Deportation

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is causing more pain & hardship to a legally married lesbian couple in Massachusetts. One of the women is facing deportation to Pakistan because the federal government doesn’t recognize their marriage. However, Senator John Kerry has written a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in support of the couple. Kerry states that deportation would not only tear apart a legally married couple but would put the Pakistani woman in harm's way, "She is certain that if she is forced to return to Pakistan, her life will be in danger, not only because of her sexual orientation & her marriage to a United States citizen, but for religious reasons as well." Kerry's March 27th letter comes as the Federal Court of Appeals in Boston considers the challenge to the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act that doesn’t recognize same-gender marriages. It seems that the woman lost her student visa because she couldn’t afford to remain in college. Her wife filed a petition to sponsor her for a marriage based green card but the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services won’t approve the petition because it uses the Defense of Marriage Act's definition of marriage as between a man & a woman. Kerry is asking that the couple's petition be put on hold until the Defense of Marriage Act is repealed or the litigation challenging the law is settled. The delay would allow the Pakistani woman to stay in the United States until the legal battle is resolved. Let’s hope that Napolitano grants the stay against deportation. Updates to Come…:)

Exclusive Audio Chat with Australian Director Anne Renton about her new must-see film THE PERFECT FAMILY starring Kathleen Turner, Emily Deschanel as a lesbian and Jason Ritter that opens May 4th in NYC, LA & on demand with a wide release on May 11th. Anne shares intimate stories of how the movie came about & her spin on LGBT issues. @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

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Gay Ally & Advocate Cyndi Lauper Honored

It's always a pleasure to report that Cyndi Lauper will once again be acknowledged for her LGBT advocacy work. This time the fierce gay ally & pop star will be given the prize by US Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day in Washington DC on May 9th. As you know Lauper co-founded the True Colors Fund to bring an end to LGBTQ teen homelessness. She wrote in the Huffington Post, “As a mother, I could never imagine throwing my kid away for any reason, let alone over something like their sexual orientation or gender identity. It would be like ripping out a piece of my very own soul.”. Lauper has also inspired more straight gay allies in the advancement of our LGBT equality. In 2010 True Colors launched the ‘We Give A Damn’ campaign to education & engage heterosexuals & inform them about the discrimination our LGBT people face globally. The campaign included PSA’s from celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Elton John & Susan Surandon. Then their was her appearance on Celebrity Apprentice where she raised $45,000 for the True Colors Fund to spread awareness & even educate homophobe Donald Trump a little.
For More Info: truecolorsfund.org

Listen our exclusive audio interview we did last November with Gregory Lewis, the Executive Director of Cyndi Lauper’s TRUE COLORS FUND who discusses their mission to help homeless LGBTQ youth @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

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Gay Activists Equality Message To Obama

After receiving close to 100 moving accounts of workplace discrimination from across the country, GetEQUAL handed Cleve Jones a binder of stories to deliver directly to President Obama. Here's what Cleve had to say about his message to the President, "Many in the LGBT community are deeply disappointed by the President's decision to not issue an Executive Order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. While we appreciate what he has done for us already, we will continue to push him to do more until we achieve full equality under the law. I told him that workplace discrimination remains pervasive and asked him to reconsider his decision." Robin McGehee, Director of GetEQUAL stated, “We were thrilled to be able to make workplace discrimination very real & very concrete for the President & thank Cleve for his willingness to again show irrepressible courage in leading our movement & our community. If you haven't yet signed our petition to the President to reconsider his decision and to sign the Executive Order to ban LGBT discrimination by federal contractors, you can do that here.” Sign Petition…

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Gay Ally Receives Medal of Freedom

President Obama has named Dolores Huerta a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the Nation’s highest civilian honor. The Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Dolores Huerta is President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation & co-founded the United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez. During her more than 50 years of tireless advocacy, Huerta led national efforts to stop the exploitation of farm workers & extend government protections & equal rights. In 1998, President Clinton awarded her the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights. Huerta is also a member of the Advisory Board Member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER). Chad Griffin, AFER Board President stated, “Dolores Huerta’s decades of pioneering activism has helped create a world that is more free & equal for all. Her lifetime of advocacy on behalf of farm workers, women, the LGBT community & others has ensured that every person is treated with the dignity & respect they deserve. I am proud to count Dolores as a friend & an ally in the struggle for marriage equality. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a fitting honor for her inspiring work.” Updates to Come...:)

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Gay Marriage Support Rises in America

The good news of the week is that the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press (PRC), has found that 47 percent of American people are in favor of allowing gay & lesbian couples to legally marry. Of course we still have to deal with the 43 percent who oppose marriage equality. At least this is yet another growing body of evidence that the country is increasingly moving towards the direction of marriage equality. The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press (PRC), tested three controversial issues including gun control, gay marriage & abortion as the presidential campaigns heat-up & compared the results to those conducted by the same organization in 2004 & 2008. In 2004 when gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts eight years ago the support for marriage equality stood at 31% & the opposition at 60%. In 2008, the division stood at 39% in favor & 51% opposed. Now it stands at 47% in support & 43% opposed marking the first time the majority favored gay marriage. So it will be interesting to see if Obama will finally come to terms with his evolvement on marriage equality & support this issue like the majority of Americans do. Updates to Come…:)

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Hillary Clinton Global LGBT Advocate

Our global LGBT people will suffer a great loss if Hillary Clinton steps down as Secretary of State after this year. Clinton recently addressed an audience at Syracuse University about the fact that many foreign leaders in Africa & Asia consider gay rights & women’s rights to be a “totally foreign concept.” She stated “I mean, the first response is, ‘We don’t have any of those here. Second response is, ‘If we did, we would not want to have them & would want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. And it’s your problem, United States of America, that you have so many of those people. So don’t come here & tell us to protect the rights of people we don’t have or that we don’t want.’ It’s a very difficult conversation because it’s just not been one that people have had up until now.” Clinton said the same was true for women’s rights: “If you’re someone, as I am, who believes strongly in the empowerment of women … in a lot of places, it’s just not understood.” Clinton echoed her landmark speech to the United Nations last year where she said: “human beings born free & bestowed equality & dignity, who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time. Some seem to believe it is a western phenomenon & therefore people outside the west have grounds to reject it. Well, in reality gay people are born into & belong to every society in the world. They are all ages, all races, all faiths, they are doctors & teachers, farmers & bankers, soldiers & athletes. Whether we know it, whether we acknowledge it, they are our family, our friends & our neighbors. Being gay is not a western invention, it is a human reality.”
Updates to Come…:)

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Lindsay Lohan to Play Gay Icon Liz Taylor

Lindsay Lohan has been cast to play gay ally & icon Liz Taylor in a new Lifetime Network TV biopic confirmed by network boss Rob Sharenow. "We are thrilled Lindsay will portray beloved Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor. She is one of the rare actresses who possesses the talent, beauty & intrigue to capture the spirit of such a provocative icon." Sharenow stated. We’ve heard rumors but now it’s official that Lohan is linked to the project, titled LIZ & DICK. Lohan said, "I have always admired & had enormous respect for Elizabeth Taylor. She was not only an incredible actress but an amazing woman as well. I am very honored to have been asked to play this role." Film bosses are now on the hunt for the actor who will play Taylor's soul mate & husband Richard Burton. The project will start shooting on June 12th according to industry reports. I think Lindsay will rock in this role. Now let’s hope that there’s some insight to Taylor’s infamous friendships with her inner gay Hollywood circle.
Updates to Come…:)

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Bradley Manning Protest At Nobel Summit

Under the slogan, "Nobel Laureates SHOULDN'T IMPRISON Nobel Nominees," anti-war & LGBT activists will highlight the Obama administration's prosecution of alleged wikileaker Private Bradley Manning with a picket at the start of the April 23-25 Nobel Laureates' Summit in Chicago. The protest will begin at 12 noon outside the UIC Forum at 725 W. Roosevelt Road. Manning is a 2 time Nobel Peace Prize nominee who activists say is far more deserving of peace & human rights accolades than Nobel laureate President Obama. Manning who is also gay is facing possible life in prison. Manning is accused of providing to Wikileaks the U.S. State Department cables which exposed the Bush & Obama administrations' questionable dealings with a host of dictators & human rights abusers around the world & evidence of U.S. war crimes in Iraq & Afghanistan. "The Obama & Emanuel administrations organized the Nobel summit to give a pro-peace, pro-human rights gloss to NATO, using the Nobel laureates as window-dressing to rehabilitate the largest military alliance in world history," said anti-NATO organizer Andy Thayer. "Nothing could be further from the ideals espoused by Arthur Nobel when he set up the Prize & it's a travesty that President Obama would use the Peace Prize to promote his pro-war policies." Last week Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Maguire, who won the prize for her work on Ireland & was scheduled to attend the Summit of Nobel Laureates meeting, canceled her appearance citing a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the State Department is an “active partner” in the event. The protest is co-sponsored by the Gay Liberation Network and Occupy Chicago.
For More Info: gayliberation.net & occupychi.org

Exclusive Audio Chat with Malcolm Lazin Founder & Executive Director of Equality Forum. This is the 20th anniversary of Equality Forum 2012 that takes place May 3rd to May 6th in Philadelphia. Equality Forum is a national & international LGBT civil rights organization with a focus on education. There are also lots of dance parties, entertainment & just basic fun events. This year Israel is Equality Forum International focus. More @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

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23rd GLAAD Media Awards In Los Angeles

The GLAAD Media Awards were held in Los Angeles Saturday Night. They’re call it The Year of Chaz as the Transgender Activist picked up 2 additional prizes as part of the watchdog group's 23rd annual Media Awards. Bono was also honored with GLAAD's Stephen F. Kolzak Award which is presented annually to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. Cher presented her son with the award & was joined on stage by Rep. Mary Bono Mack. Past winners have included Ellen DeGeneres, Rufus Wainwright, Wanda Sykes, John Waters & Melissa Etheridge. Bono was chronicled in Becoming Chaz, about his transition from female to male & was joined on stage by directors Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato to pick up the prize for outstanding documentary for the OWN release. Bono's 2 awards come a month after the organization recognized ABC's Dancing With the Stars as outstanding reality program after a season in which Bono became the reality competition series' first transgender contestant. In other categories, ABC's Modern Family took home the GLAAD Award for outstanding comedy series with star Jesse Tyler Ferguson accepting the honors. The Steve Levitan/Christopher Lloyd comedy shared the honor in the category last year with Fox's Glee. Drop Dead Diva's Josh Berman & Brooke Elliott & Hot in Cleveland's Betty White, Jane Leeves & Wendie Malick accepted honors for their respective series for outstanding individual episode, for "Prom" & "Beards," respectively. Focus Features' romantic dramedy Beginners, starring Christopher Plummer, Ewan McGregor & Melanie Laurent, was honored as outstanding film, wide release. Plummer took home a supporting actor Academy Award for the role. The Hunger Gamesstar Josh Hutcherson received GLAAD's Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. The next leg of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards will be held in San Francisco on June 2nd. For Complete Winners List & Info: glaad.org

Listen to our Red Carpet coverage at the NYC 2012 GLAAD Media Awards last month where we chatted with the winners of the Vito Russo Award producing team of Craig Zadan & Neil Meron (Chicago, Hairspray, Smash), NY INK’s Robear, figure skater Johnny Weir, actress Kim Wayans talked about her role playing the mother on PARIAH which won the award for Outstanding Film- Limited Release, CHOPPED host Ted Allen shared his spin on LGBT issues & we concluded with Jay Manuel sharing his advice for LGBTQ teens faced with the bully epidemic & more @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

OUTTAKE VOICES™ NOW ON HUFFINGTON POST...:) Hear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™ SUPPORT OUR QUEST @ OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE...:) View Our Historic Short Trailer on Gay Marriage

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Boston LGBT Film Fest Splash Party (Audio)

To kick off the 28th Boston LGBT Film Festival the 4th annual Splash Party was held at Post 390, 406 Stuart Street, Boston MA. This was without a doubt one of highlights of Boston LGBT Nightlife. Over 300 attended this Red Carpet Event & enjoyed over the top complimentary appetizers by Chef Eric Brennan while networking. Exquisite Italian apps were actually flown in for the occasion by ORTICOLA MEDITERRANEA. David M. Young said, “That was flat-out the best party the Film Fest has ever hosted! Amazing food spread! Kudos to the Festival Committee.” The Boston LGBT Film Fest which runs from May 3rd to May 13th 2012, ambitious film schedule was revealed at the party & also a sneak preview of the new festival trailer was presented. Over 30 community arts & professional orgs collaborating at this year's festival attended. The event was sponsored by Principle Financial Group & Amit Dixit the fest's Communications Director, did a fabulous job pulling this all together. David Aronstein said, “Kudos to Amit & Company for giving a great party!”
Listen to this exclusive audio montage of the Splash Party as we chatted with Gunner Scott, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Dan Hicks, Principle Financial Group & Robear from TLC’s NY INK who were all in attendance:

DOWNLOAD AUDIO MONTAGE: OUTTAKE™ on iTunes
The Boston LGBT Film Festival runs May 3rd to May 13th with an amazing schedule of film & events. If you missed the Splash Party don’t miss out at their Opening Night Gala at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston on May 3rd. The film LOOSE CANNONS will be co-presented by the Consolato Generale d'Italia Boston with opening remarks by the Italian Consul General Giuseppe Pastorelli. Enjoy an open bar & hors d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck catering with VIP Tickets. For More Info & Tix: Bostonlgbtfilmfest.org

Exclusive Audio Chat with Amit Dixit, Communications Director of the Boston LGBT Film Festival which is celebrating its 28th year and runs from May 3rd to the 13th @ OUTTAKE VOICES

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Today is LGBT Day of Silence 2012

The Day of Silence is coordinated nationally by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN). A day in which students from around the country take a vow of silence to bring attention to the anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual& transgender name-calling, bullying & harassment faced in schools by students, teachers & other school staff. Over 500,000 students from nearly 6,500 junior high & high schools in all 50 states & Puerto Rico have participated over the years. PFLAG National (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) the nation's original ally organization & the largest grassroots based nonprofit for families, friends & allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) people issued the following statement regarding Day of Silence 2012. Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of PFLAG National, said the following: “PFLAG National is proud to stand with our colleagues at GLSEN, as well as students, educators & others around the country, participating in today’s Day of Silence. This is an important annual event, one that offers a small glimpse into the world of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning teens & what it feels like to be targeted and silenced by anti-LGBT bullying, harassment & discrimination. GLSEN’s resources are a critical component of PFLAG’s work with our chapters in helping to create safer schools in local communities & GLSEN’s Day of Silence provides a tremendous opportunity to educate local communities about why more must be done to ensure that all children have a safe place to learn, free from bullying & harassment.”
According to statistics provided by GLSEN:
More than 85 percent of LGBT students have been verbally harassed...

Nearly 20 percent of LGBT students were physically assaulted by their
peers @ school...

Almost 40 percent of LGBT students reported that faculty & staff
never intervene when homophobic language is used in their presence...

Nearly 30 percent of LGBT students reported missing at least one
entire school day because they felt unsafe.

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Aqua Girl '12 Miami Beach May 2-6

This year’s Aqua Girl® festival promises to be the biggest yet with a star-studded line up that includes comedienne Jessica Kirson doing her stand-up act & The Beach House pool party will feature celebrity DJ Tracy Young. Now celebrating its 13th year Aqua Girl® is a week long women who love women event in Miami’s South Beach area that provides women from all over the world a safe place to mingle, network & have a fabulous time. The event which takes place May 2nd through May 6th will feature something for every woman with an array of pool & dance parties, comedy shows, film screenings, cocktail receptions & fitness workshops with the proceeds going to Aqua Foundation for Women. What began as a one night breast cancer benefit in 1999 has grown into the largest charity women’s week in the country, having raised more than $1.8 million dollars for the Aqua Foundation for Women. Aqua Girl has been attended by thousands of women, all with the focus of having a good time for a great cause. Serving as a funding catalyst for lesbian, bisexual & transgender wellness & equality in South Florida, Aqua Foundation for Women has awarded thousands of dollars in funding to the community, through grants, scholarships & initiatives. “Aqua Foundation for Women is the only nonprofit foundation in our community that focuses solely on LBT women so it is critical we continue leading, building & transforming South Florida,” said Aqua Foundation for Women Executive Director, Robin Schwartz. “As our largest fundraiser, Aqua Girl® is not only an amazing time for the women who join us but an essential source of funding.” Attendance at the festival has been rising year after year & 2012 will feature 14 culturally diverse events that encompass the best of the famous South Beach scene. For Full Event Schedule & Tix: aquagirl.org

Exclusive Audio Chat with Dr. Robin Gans about GIRL BAR DINAH SHORE WEEKEND LAS VEGAS April 27th to 29th. Robin talks about the move to Las Vegas & her spin on crucial issues facing our LGBT community @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

OUTTAKE VOICES™ NOW ON HUFFINGTON POST...:) Hear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™ SUPPORT OUR QUEST @ OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE...:) View Our Historic Short Trailer on Gay Marriage

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Another DADT Casualty To Be Reinstated

Staff Sergeant Anthony Loverde was discharged in 2008 under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) the discriminatory anti gay & lesbian law. He will be now be reinstated & return to active duty in the U.S. Air Force. This is the result of the lawsuit on his behalf by SLDN, (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network) & the law firm of Morrison & Foerster. He will take the oath in Sacramento next month in May & be assigned to the 19th Operations Squadron at Little Rock AFB in Arkansas. The reinstatement is set to make Loverde the second service member & second SLDN client to be reinstated to active duty following the repeal of DADT in September 2011. "I am honored & humbled to return to the service of my country & the job I love. I am grateful to my legal team & all of those in the armed forces who helped to facilitate this reinstatement. I am eager to take the oath & get to work," said Loverde. Anthony reinstatement is the result of a resolution on his behalf in the historic case, Almy v. U.S., filed in 2010 which challenges the constitutionality of the 3 plaintiffs discharged under DADT & seeks their reinstatement to active duty. A resolution was reached in December 2011 on behalf of Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels, who was reinstated in the U.S. Navy as a linguist. A resolution on behalf of the third plaintiff in the case former Air Force Major Mike Almy, is expected soon.
Updates to Come…:)

New Exclusive Audio Chat with Malcolm Lazin Founder & Executive Director of Equality Forum. This is the 20th anniversary of Equality Forum 2012 that takes place May 3rd to May 6th in Philadelphia. Equality Forum is a national & international LGBT civil rights organization with a focus on education. There are also lots of dance parties, entertainment & just basic fun events. This year Israel is Equality Forum International focus. More @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

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About Me

Senator Kerry Disputes DOMA Deportation

Gay Ally & Advocate Cyndi Lauper Honored

Gay Activists Equality Message To Obama

Gay Ally Receives Medal of Freedom

Gay Marriage Support Rises in America

Hillary Clinton Global LGBT Advocate

Lindsay Lohan to Play Gay Icon Liz Taylor

Bradley Manning Protest At Nobel Summit

23rd GLAAD Media Awards In Los Angeles

Boston LGBT Film Fest Splash Party (Audio)

Today is LGBT Day of Silence 2012

Aqua Girl '12 Miami Beach May 2-6

Another DADT Casualty To Be Reinstated

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John Waters Coolidge Award Honoree

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