Boston Queer New Year Event


If you’re still pondering what to do for New Years Eve in the Boston area we have a fabulous option for you. Boston has never seen a Queer New Year celebration quite like this before for our LGBT community. Join us for an epic oh so gay extravaganza presented by the combined forces of Machine Nightclub & Dyke Night & ring in the Queer New Year December 31st with a thousand hot moving bodies on one of the city’s largest dance floors! Queer New Year Event & Dyke Night Founder, Kristen Porter, says "The collaboration between Dyke Night along with Machine will bring the queer community a truly integrated LGB & T event for all sexual & gender minorities! Six hours of entertainment for only $15 (advanced) is a great price for a great event." The event features hostess Sapphira Cristal & music by DJs Dena (EPIC, Guilt, Providance, Second Saturdays) & DJ Ian Diver (Controversy) There will be go go dancers & pole performers as well as complimentary champagne toast at midnight & complimentary early morning continental breakfast. The event starts at 9P to 3A & advanced tickets are highly recommended. Machine Nightclub is located at 1254 Boylston St, Boston & this is a 21+ event. Tickets are $15 in advance & $20 at the door if still available.
For Info & Tix: queernewyear.com
LISTEN: Kate Clinton Reviews “2013 The Year In Queer”

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Gay Boy Scouts Still Can’t Lead


Even though the Boy Scouts of America will begin accepting openly gay youths starting on New Year's Day, if a 16-year-old openly gay Scout earned his Eagle badge, 3 years later if he applied for a position as a volunteer assistant scoutmaster he would be rejected because of his sexual orientation. A new BSA document even states, "No member may use Scouting to promote or advance any social or political position or agenda, including on the matter of sexual orientation." Adding when it comes to gay pride parades, "Each youth member is free as an individual to express his or her thoughts or take action on political or social issues but must not use Scouting's official uniforms & insignia when doing so." So this is a step forward but merely a step. We still have a lot more work to do.  Zach Wahls, founder of Scouts for Equality & the son of a lesbian couple stated, “Scouts for Equality will continue its efforts until discrimination is no longer a word associated with the BSA. Today across the country our members are united by one common goal — to make the BSA organization the strongest it can be.” Jennifer Tyrrell the Ohio mom ousted by the Boy Scouts of America in 2012 stated, "This isn't just about Boy Scouts this is about equality in all aspects of life. Boy Scouts of America needs to realize that they're sending a dangerous message to children by telling them that they're not good enough. I am making sure no parent ever has to look their child in the eye & say we're not good enough. You have no idea how much that hurts because Alicia & I are good enough & these kids, that we're raising, are amazing. Ask anyone." I spoke to Jennifer Tyrrell about this at the GLAAD Awards in NYC in this exclusive audio byte:
 
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Gay Activists, Allies & Celebrities


This has been a fabulous year for LGBT equality & we want to thank you, our millions of global listeners, for making OUTTAKE VOICES such a success. We also want to thank all the gay activists, allies & celebrities who appeared on our audio interview series in 2013 & our syndicated version on Huffington Post. Thank you Grammy Winner Janis Ian, Photographer Mike Ruiz, Dancer Mesma Belsare, Real L-Word Designer Lauren Bedford Russell, gay.com’s Brett Edward Stout, Director Susan Seidelman, Author Paul Vitagliano, Dinah Promoter Mariah Hanson, Tony Winner Levi Kreis, Prop 8 US Supreme Court Team Ted Olson, David Boies, Theodore J. Boutrous, Dennis Herrera, AFER Executive Director Adam Umhoefer, HRC President Chad Griffin, GLAAD Red Carpet Celebrities Producers Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, “Real Housewives of New York” Carole Radziwill, “Smash” Actress/Singer Krysta Rodriguez, Actor John Leguizamo, Actor Laverne Cox, Tony Award winning actor/singer Christian Borle, Sam Champion & his husband Rubem Robierb, Actress Milla Jovovich “Jersey Shore” Nicole “Snookie” Polizzi, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” June “Mama” Shannon & Boy Scout Activist Jen Tyrrell. Then there was GLAD’s Lee Swislow, Filmmaker Tim McCarthy, Mormon Authors Ross & Ryan Poore, Filmmaker Rolla Selbak, Cathy Marino-Thomas from Marriage Equality USA, Photographer Joel Benjamin, Producer John O’Connell, “The Real L Word” Somer Bingham, Journalist Michael Musto, TV Reality Star Anthony Pazos, Producer Seth Rudetsky, Gabby Hanna, Congressman Mark Pocan, Filmmakers Ed Lachman, John Waters, Brian De Palma, Christine Vachon, Mary Harron, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman Malcolm Ingram, & Jeffrey Schwarz from the Provincetown Int’l Film Festival, Author Richard Bowes, GLAD’s Jennifer L. Levi, Red Capes Wendy Robbins & Karen Paull, Actor Kit Williamson, Sports Activist David McFarland, Comedian Paula Poundstone, Filmmaker David Scheve, Filmmaker Nicole Conn, RightOutTV’s Marlee Walchuk, Filmmaker Michele Josue, Rev. Richard Emmanuel, Author Joel Derfner, Director JD DiSalvatore, Michael Feinstein, Filmmaker Curtis Shaw, Margaret Cho, Sarah Schmidt from LPAC, LGBT Financial Leader Elyse Cherry, Ann Hampton Callaway, NOH8 Campaign Founders Jeff Parshley & Adam Bouska, “America’s Got Talent” Jonathan Allen, Author Michael Petry, Producer Christin Mell & Kate Clinton who provides our “The Year In Queer” review. We still have a lot to accomplish in the US & Globally for our community so let’s make 2014 the best year yet for LGBT equality.
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Uganda Anti Gay Law Passes


While the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled for gay marriage & a Utah Federal Court ruled that the state’s ban of marriage equality was unconstitutional, Uganda passed their homophobic anti gay law. The notorious “Kill The Gays Bill” passed replacing the death penalty with life in prison. The new anti-gay law violates Article 21 of the Ugandan constitution & Articles 2 & 3 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights - both of which guarantee equal treatment & non-discrimination to all people. Gay activist Peter Tatchell, Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation stated, “The Bill extends the existing penalty of life imprisonment for same sex intercourse to all other same sex behavior, including the mere touching of another person with the intent to have homosexual relations. Life imprisonment is also the penalty for contracting a same sex marriage. Promoting homosexuality & aiding & abetting others to commit homosexual acts will be punishable by 5 to 7 years jail. These new crimes are likely to include membership & funding of LGBT organizations, advocacy of LGBT human rights, supportive counseling of LGBT persons and the provision of condoms or safer sex advice to LGBT people. A person in authority – gay or heterosexual - who fails to report violators to the police within 24 hours will be sentenced to 3 years behind bars. Astonishingly, the new legislation has an extra-territorial jurisdiction. It will also apply to Ugandan citizens or foreign residents of Uganda who commit these 'crimes' while abroad, in countries where such behavior is not a criminal offence. Violators overseas will be subjected to extradition, trial & punishment in Uganda. This bill is in some respects even more draconian than the extreme homophobic laws of countries like Saudi Arabia & Iran.” So while we move forward in the USA with LGBT equality we still have an enormous amount of work globally.
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Boston Lesbian Dance Event


After you’ve enjoyed your XMAS eating fest there’s a fabulous dance party on Friday Dec 27th from 9P to 1A to work off those extra calories. Dyke Night is celebrating the holidays with their Fourth Friday at Milky Way event with Special Guest DJ MARYALICE famous for her Provincetown Tea Dances & spinning her mix of top 40, dance & pop. Also as a little gift for their loyal patrons for yet another great year at the Milky Way they’re reducing the cover charge this month to only five bucks! Dyke Night Founder, Kristen Porter, stated, "We are excited to have one of the US's leading lesbian DJs guest spinning this event & to offer a reduced cover charge to thank our loyal patrons over the last 15 years!" The Improper Bostonian named Milky Way 2013 “Best Lesbian Scene” & long hailed as the “Cheers for Queers”- enjoy a come-as-you-are night of friends. This is great way to dance the night away, make new friends & celebrate all the advancements our LGBT community has made this year. Come early & enjoy a wonderful full menu served till 11P (dinner reservations recommended). Milky Way is located at The Brewery, 284 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain near the Stonybrook T stop, there’s free parking & this is a 21+ event. See You There!
For More Info: dykenight.com 
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Utah Ends Gay Marriage Ban


Perhaps the state-by-state marriage equality concept may work faster than we thought. In Salt Lake City, Utah today a federal judge struck down Utah's gay marriage ban, saying it’s unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby issued a 53-page ruling Friday saying Utah's law passed by homophobic voters in 2004 violates gay & lesbian couples' rights to due process & equal protection under the 14th Amendment. Shelby says the state failed to show that allowing gay & lesbian marriages would affect heterosexual marriages in any way & the state's unsupported fears & speculations are insufficient to justify denying gay marriages. Attorneys for the state argued that Utah's law promotes the state's interest in "responsible procreation" & the "optimal mode of child-rearing." The lawsuit was brought by three Utah gay & lesbian couples, Derek Kitchen & Moudi Sbeity; Karen Archer & Kate Call; & Laurie Wood & Kody Partridge, who wished to be either married in Utah or were legally married elsewhere & wanted their home state to recognize their marriage. This may be the case that cracks all the anti gay marriage constitutional amendments that were passed in other homophobic red states where similar court challenges are pending. Of course this is amazing because Utah is the home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are one of the worse opponents of marriage equality. Updates To Come…:)
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New Mexico Passes Gay Marriage


The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled today that the Land of Enchantment becomes the 17th state to pass marriage equality. John Hamiga from Marriage Equality USA stated, "I was raised in New Mexico & I have been waiting for marriage equality to become a reality. I wrote to members of the New Mexico Congressional delegation in support of the freedom to marry during the DOMA debate in 1996. Today I'm celebrating my home state of New Mexico becoming the 17th marriage equality state in the union." MEUSA Executive Director Brian Silva stated, "The 2013 marriages began when Doña Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins began issuing marriage licenses with the simple declaration: 'I took an oath to uphold the Constitution.' Today, the New Mexico Supreme Court has done the same -- upheld the Constitution, and fulfilled its promise of fairness & the pursuit of happiness for all." MEUSA Legal & Policy Director John Lewis concluded: "County by county & wedding by wedding, we are seeing couples & clerks & judges bringing to life in their actions the words of the U.S. Supreme Court's Windsor decision 'to protect in personhood & dignity,' not just in marriage but in all aspects of our lives. Justice Kennedy wrote: 'Responsibilities, as well as rights, enhance the dignity & integrity of the person.' How fitting that a New Mexico judge then wrote: 'There is no benefit to the parties or the public interest in having this matter progress through a lengthy path of litigation while basic constitutional rights are being compromised or denied on a daily basis.' What a wonderful reminder that as we celebrate love & marriage in more states than ever before, in the end the marriage cases are about so much more than marriage - they are about our full humanity."
For More Info:marriageequality.org
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Billie Jean King US Sochi Delegate


President Obama has named tennis icon Billie Jean King as one of two openly gay Sochi Olympic delegates to represent the US along with hockey star Caitlin Cahow sending an LGBT equality message to Russia. Billie Jean King stated she was “proud to stand with the members of the LGBT community” after accepting the role of delegate to the Winter Olympics in Sochi. This is the first time since 2000 the US will not send a president, former president, first lady or vice-president to the games. This all has to do with Russia’s anti gay laws & the feud that has been going on between Obama & Putin. King stated, "I am equally proud to stand with the members of the LGBT community in support of all athletes who will be competing in Sochi & I hope these Olympic Games will indeed be a watershed moment for the universal acceptance of all people." (Billy Jean King is also one of the founders of LPAC the Lesbian Political Action Committee). Michael Cole-Schwartz, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign that recently sent a letter urging Obama to include gays & lesbians in the delegation stated, "It's a positive sign to see openly gay representatives in the delegation. Hopefully it sends a message to the Russian people & the rest of the world that the United States values the civil & human rights of LGBT people." Updates to Come…:)
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LGBT Center Receives Grant


With LGBTQ teens four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers after facing bullying incidents it great news to hear that The Rockefeller Foundation has awarded a grant of $175,000 to the NYC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center’s Youth department. The grant will expand The Center’s leadership programming to further focus on career & college readiness & employment outcomes overall in the LGBTQ youth population. By being able to enhance service learning & external internship opportunities for youth participants they will be able to overcome barriers they may face in educational or social settings due to their sexuality & general identity. The Center’s programs hopefully will reinforce LGBTQ youth to initiate & make change in their lives & communities. Glennda Testone, Executive Director at The Center stated, "Grants from organizations like The Rockefeller Foundation are crucial in strengthening our programs so that these youth can thrive. We’re so grateful for funding that supports these young people in all the ways they deserve, so they can reach their full potential." Diany Disla, Center Youth participant added, "I’ve gained so much from Center Youth leadership programming. Before coming to The Center, I was embarrassed of who I was & didn’t think I was smart enough to reach my goals. Now, I’m more aware of my surroundings, better able to communicate with people in my life & have truly found myself along the way. I got the support & encouragement I needed to feel empowered to make changes in my life, & recently returned to school – I’m not giving up on myself! The lessons I’ve learned will stay with me for the rest of my life." The Center has 30 years of experience working specifically with LGBTQ adolescents & young adults & serves 1,200 individual youth annually. Center Youth provides LGBTQ youth, ages 13 to 22, with community support to foster healthy development in a safe, affirming, sex-positive environment. The grant is expected to last through March 2015.
For More Info: gaycenter.org
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Meet Candidate Maura Healey


Lawyer Maura Healey is running for Attorney General in Massachusetts. A lifelong Democrat, Maura has been Attorney General Martha Coakley's right hand for the last seven years achieving monumental victories to protect consumers, homeowners & is a champion of equal rights. As Chief of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights division, Maura spearheaded the efforts of an extraordinary team to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, winning the first federal court decision striking down DOMA, which discriminated against gay & lesbian legally married couples, as unconstitutional. Healey stated, “I’ve seen first-hand the impact the Attorney General can have on every sector of our state’s economy & every facet of our lives & I’m excited to carry on the tradition of principled, experienced leadership & nation-leading advocacy on important issues. My experience in the office & on the front lines guiding these important issues makes me uniquely qualified to protect consumers & ensure businesses & individuals are playing by the rules.” Maura has led groundbreaking cases in fair lending, housing & achieved breakthrough settlements to ensure new technologies were accessible to people with disabilities. She helped advance legislation & litigation to support access to reproductive health care for women, trained local, state & federal law enforcement on preventing hate crimes & cyber-bullying & oversaw the Attorney General’s efforts to address bullying in schools through policies & a new state law. Her extensive leadership experience, professionalism & vision make her uniquely qualified to serve as the next Attorney General of Massachusetts.
For Info & Support: maurahealey.com 
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Vladimir Putin Tops Anti Gay List


The Advocate's annual Phobie Awards have been announced for the 13 biggest homophobes of the year & topping the list is Russia’s anti gay President Vladimir Putin. As you know Putin has enforced obscene anti gay laws in Russia. Gay Icon Harvey Fierstein blasted Putin for declaring war on our Russian LGBT community stating, “Mr. Putin’s campaign against lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender people is one of distraction, a strategy of demonizing a minority for political gain taken straight from the Nazi playbook... Historically this kind of scapegoating is used by politicians to solidify their bases & draw attention away from their failing policies, & no doubt this is what’s happening in Russia.” Soon all this homophobia will play out on the global stage at the Sochi Olympic games. Additional Phobie Award Winners Include: Senator Marco Rubio, Justice Antonin Scalia, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli & bishop E.W. Jackson who fortunately lost their bid for governor & lieutenant governor in November, Dictator Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, the California based right-wing org Pacific Justice Institute that targeted a transgender 16-year-old in Colorado, claiming she was "harassing" other female students in the bathroom, French comedian Frigide Barjot who led massive protest rallies in opposition of marriage equality in France, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Pat Robertson who never ceases to amaze us with his obscene hatred of our community, author Orson Scott Card, Bryan Fischer who’s a radio personality & spokesman for the "hate group" American Family Association, Minister Scott Lively who has fueled the antigay climate in Uganda & spoken proudly of helping to inspire Russia’s “gay propaganda” law & from Texas Louie Gohmert the prime contender for the title of most homophobic member of Congress for his antigay rants this year, including attempting to link marriage equality to bestiality & polygamy, gay Boy Scouts to pedophilia & hate-crimes laws to the end of religious freedom.
Read More In The Advocate…..
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That's So Gay! The Board Game


If you’re trying to decide what to buy someone who has everything & is LGBT there’s a new trivia board game out in time for the holiday season called “That's So Gay! A Game of LGBTQ Discovery”. It features more than 2,400 questions of LGBTQ history & current events, can be played by two or more people & is ideal for parties & social events. As you know the phrase "That's so gay!" has been used mostly in a negative context for decades. Some people use it as a way to attack or vilify our community & others use it in the fabulous context not realizing the damage it can do. As with the reclaiming of negative words & phrases such as "queer," this game seeks to turn "That's so gay!" into a positive opportunity to educate our LGBTQ community & allies & even those people who use the phrase as an attack. Game producer & Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim stated, "Words can be a tool of our enemies, or can empower us in our work. This game hopes to break down stereotypes while having some fun with our LGBTQ history. There are the well-known celebrities & media sensations but also obscure authors, scientists, athletes & pioneers. The scope of the game goes back thousands of years & across multiple continents, all with more than 2,400 questions that will tease you, taunt you & treat you to some amazing facts." There are a limited number of copies of That's So Gay! available at Chicago's Women & Children First Bookstore & Gaymart. The game will also be made available to student & adults LGBTQ groups, including GSAs, as a fundraising tool, where they can keep $5 for every game sold.
For More Info: thatssogaygame.com
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Anti Gay Law Returns In India


It’s appalling news that India has taken a giant step backwards on the wrong side of history & brought back a 19th century 153 year-old law criminalizing homosexuality. In 2009 Delhi High court order homosexuality decriminalized. Now police can use the law, which carries a punishment of up to 10 years in jail, to harass members of their LGBT community. Thousands of people have taken to the streets across India in spontaneous protests following this homophobic hateful decision. Amit Dixit Executive Director, South Asian Arts Council & GLAD Board Member stated, “If we are to be considered to be an emerging nation of influence we must first address the fundamental rights of all our citizens. Our culture has always been based on tolerance & many of the great religions in the world have found haven on our sub-continent. Why then should such groups work in collaboration to preach intolerance? I am a proud gay Indian Citizen. I'm very disappointed by this court ruling but firmly believe that light will always prevail over darkness. We are all Gods children & taught that love is unconditional, why then can we just agree on the universality of love”. Though we are confident that this measure will be overturned in time it just goes to show how vulnerable we all are when the majority continues to vote on the civil rights of a minority. This is a sad day for India & for all of humanity.
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UN LGBT Sports Equality Event


David McFarland, Founder & CEO of United For Equality In Sports & Entertainment announced the non-profit’s official launch with a high-level event, “Sport Comes Out Against Homophobia,” at the United Nations. The goal of the event, which takes place on Tuesday December 10th is to create a global discussion on the role of sport in the fight against homophobia & transphobia. A VIP launch reception will follow the historic events being held at the United Nations. Guests expected to be in attendance to celebrate the UESE launch include tennis legend Martina Navratilova, openly gay NBA center Jason Collins & MSNBC Live anchor Thomas Roberts. Also joining UESE will be members from the United Nations & human rights defenders from Russia, South Africa & the United States. McFarland stated, “United for Equality in Sports & Entertainment is honored to be working with the esteemed United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights & a core group of nations to launch a global discussion on the important issue of homophobia & transphobia in the world of sport. Our goal is to accelerate a global discussion on LGBT equality in sport & to create safe environments for all athletes worldwide as well as to promote the ideals of respect, acceptance, fairness, sportsmanship & equality for all.” United for Equality in Sports & Entertainment’s is collaborating with the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights & a core group of nations, along with the European Union, to bring the issue of homophobia & transphobia in sport to the world stage. This historic meeting will take place in the meeting Chambers at the UN Headquarters and with over 500 diplomats, world-class athletes and Olympians, LGBT activists, UN staff members & ambassadors in attendance.
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For More Info: UESE.org
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Elton John Plays Anti Gay Russia


As promised Elton John kept his December 6th & 7th concert dates in Moscow & spoke out against Russia’s anti gay policies. At his sold-out performance in Moscow on Friday he dedicated the show in the memory of Vladislav Tornovoi who was the 23-year-old Russian killed in a horrific homophobic attack earlier this year. Probably the most famous gay celebrity John stated, “You took me to your hearts all these years ago & you’ve always welcomed me with warmth & open arms every time I’ve visited. You have always embraced me & you have never judged me. So I am deeply saddened & shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the LGBT community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane & it is isolating. People have demanded that because of this legislation, I must not come here to Russia. But many, many more people asked me to come & I listened to them. I love coming here. I want to show them & the world that I care & that I don’t believe in isolating people. Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together irrespective of their age, their race, their sexuality, or their religion. It does not discriminate. Look around you tonight. You see men, women, young & old, gay & straight. Thousands of Russian people enjoying the music. We’re all here together in harmony & harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society. The spirit we share tonight is what builds a future of equality, love & compassion for my children & for your children. Please don’t leave it behind when you leave tonight. Each & every one of you please, keep this spirit in your life & in your heart. I wish you love & peace & health & happiness.”
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Mandela Supported LGBT Equality


With the passing of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first post-Apartheid President, we mourn the loss of an outspoken advocate for LGBT equality. During his presidency he appointed an openly gay judge to South Africa's High Court of Appeal & South Africa became the first nation in the world to constitutionally prohibit sexual orientation-based discrimination. Mandela will be remembered for his social justice activism & commitment to equality for all people. Gay activist Peter Tatchell stated, “Nelson Mandela was an African liberation hero & a supporter of LGBT human rights. He continued the liberation struggle pioneered by Kwame Nkrumah & ranks with Mohandas Gandhi & Martin Luther King as one of the world’s great humanitarians. His government supported LGBT equality & ended legal discrimination against LGBT people. Mandela was a political & moral giant. He led the victorious liberation struggle against apartheid, & then pioneered the peaceful transition to multi-racial democracy. He was the first African leader to embrace LGBT rights. His extraordinary compassion & forgiveness led to reconciliation with his former white supremacist oppressors. For all these reasons, he is a global icon & a gay icon. Few people in history can match his moral stature.” However, Tatchell added that Mandela was not without his shortcomings. His presidency didn’t do enough to tackle poverty, HIV & Mandela also failed to speak out against Mugabe’s tyranny & homophobia in Zimbabwe.
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The Sound of Music Live Rocked


The live NBC telecast of Executive Producers Craig Zadan & Neil Meron’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC was fabulous. The 3 hour live televised musical starring country music star Carrie Underwood as Maria von Trapp & True Blood's Stephen Moyer as Captain von Trapp based on the original Broadway production was riveting in a way that only live television could achieve. The production was presented live on 4 soundstages in Long Island. THE SOUND OF MUSIC was directed & choreographed for the stage by Broadway veteran Rob Ashford & TV direction delivered by Beth McCarthy-Miller (SNL). It was a major accomplishment that hopefully will be become an annual XMAS presentation for NBC the way Peter Pan was presented starring Mary Martin during the Golden Age of Television. The casting was impeccable including Audra McDonald as Mother Abbess, Christian Borle as Max Detweiler, Laura Benanti as Elsa Schrader with a new generation of talent playing the von Trapp children. Sure there were a few mishaps that can only happen on live TV but it was all part of the thrill. The voices were spectacular & we hope this production will encourage more live drama & musicals on TV. It does come with a hefty price however, according to The Hollywood Reporter the live show cost in the neighborhood of 9 million dollars but with their sponsor being the likes of Walmart who's already selling the CD & DVD what’s 9 million to recoup. If you missed it Comcast already has it on-demand & there’s a possible encore performance on NBC TBA. All we can add is…Thank You Craig & Neil!!  BRAVO!! :)
For More Info: nbc.com
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Gay Dads Take On Reality TV


We have a new gay reality television show going into production starring gossip blogger Perez Hilton entitled “Gay Dads of New York” by the producers of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” producer Bunim/Murray Productions & OMG Productions. As you know Hilton recently became the father of his first child, Mario Armando Lavandeira III, born on February 16, 2013, conceived with a donor egg & carried by a surrogate mother. What we didn’t know was he also relocated to NYC. The concept is how a group of single & married gay dads support each other through the ups & downs of raising children. A casting call is underway for gay fathers who want to join the support group with Hilton. Perez claims that the series that currently in development will not be “trashy or boring” & will offer viewers a glimpse of the “real” Perez Hilton. Hilton stated, “What is your typical American family like? These days, it looks a lot like mine! I am honored & excited to bring to television a show that will be filled with love, humor & drama. What will it not be? Trashy or boring! Up until now, people know me more for my opinions than who I am. This show will give viewers the opportunity to get to know the ‘real’ Perez Hilton & my family, as well as some other really dynamic gay dads & the women that make up their support system.”
For Gay Dads Casting Call… 
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37th Annual Aspen Gay Ski Week


Aspen Gay Ski Week is the nation’s largest & oldest gay ski event, which is returning for its 37th year from January 12th to 19th. Mario Cantone the fabulous comedian from Sex in the City & The View will perform at Belly Up as part of the nightly events throughout the week. Proceeds from the event will benefit Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund, which has promoted tolerance, understanding & diversity through education, community action & service since 1996. Kevin McManamon, Co-Chair of Aspen Gay Ski Week stated, “World-famous Aspen plays host to a week of epic skiing, après-ski events at The Limelight Hotel & exciting nightly events. Back for a third year is the ‘mountaintop party,’ accessible only by a moonlit gondola ride up Aspen Mountain, to an elevation of 11,000 feet. On Saturday, we are excited to add ‘All For Love,” a group civil union ceremony, which we hope will be the highest elevation group ceremony in the U.S.—if not the world. There is something for everyone at Aspen Gay Ski Week, especially for the non-skier. Aspen offers visitors world-renowned restaurants, award-winning spas & first class shopping. We broke attendance records in 2013 & we expect to do the same in 2014, helping us to continue to be the premier GLBT winter travel event.” Each afternoon during Aspen Gay Ski Week, Limelight Hotel is the site for après-ski parties from 3P to 7P attracting up to 1,000 daily. Sponsored by Bud Light & Svedka, these events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from sponsors, a hospitality suite, heated pool & two hot-tubs. Miss Richfield 1981 will be hosting the popular annual Downhill Costume Competition on Friday afternoon. Contestants can be seen skiing down Aspen Mountain in riotous costumes, such as Madonna, St. Paulie girls & water skiers. Aspen Gay Ski Week is a great way to kick off 2014.
For More Info: gayskiweek.com 
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