Transgender Justice Rally In NYC

Everything Transgender in NYC asks advocates & activists for transgender justice in the greater New York City area to rally at 1 Police Plaza for Pearl Love on Tuesday July 6th at 5:30P. On April 28th of this year transgender New Yorker Pearl Love was verbally abused & physically harassed on the subway by 27 year-old Sarah Eldridge. The obvious transphobic incident was captured on film by Ms. Love. Her attacker is due to appear in court next Tuesday July 6th. Eldridge was charged with two misdemeanors (1 count, arrest charge, arraignment charge, aggravated harassment 2 race/religion & 1 count, not an arrest charge, arraignment charge, attempted assault cause injury/hate crime.) It is expected that Eldridge will be ordered to undergo anger management for a total of 4 hours. ETNYC believes it must be known that the consequences of attacking & harassing a transgender person in New York City is a serious offense & tolerance of such acts are unacceptable. They feel that the District Attorney has not taken this case seriously enough so they are gathering to demand rightful justice. ETNYC believes that Sarah Eldridge be given the highest penalty possible for a misdemeanor which is 364 days in prison. They demand that the District Attorney take all cases classified as a hate crime toward transgender people extremely seriously & seek the highest possible penalty & demand that Sarah Eldridge apologize directly to Pearl Love & attend diversity training focused specially on transgender rights.
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Caitlyn Jenner On Sports Illustrated

Caitlyn Jenner graces Sports Illustrated cover with a 40th anniversary retrospective of Jenner’s 1976 Gold Medal-winning decathlon performance at the Montreal Olympic Games in a story entitled "Jenner: 40 Years After Gold" by the publication’s Senior Writer Tim Layden. She spoke openly about the legacy of winning the gold & its impact on her journey as a transgender woman in the public eye. Caitlyn stated, "I loved Bruce… I still love him today. I like what he did & the way he set an example for hard work & dedication. I’m proud of that part of my life. But this woman was living inside me, all my life & it reached the point where I had to let her live & put Bruce inside. And I am happier, these last 12 months, than I’ve ever been in my life.” On Trans issues & the connection to sports she added "When you see what’s happening in this country on the bathroom controversy, politicians just don’t understand or get it at all. When it comes to this subject, the Olympic movement is far ahead of the rest of the world. Good for them." Jenner is featured on the national cover of this week's special "Where are They Now" double issue of Sports Illustrated, hitting newsstands on Wednesday, June 29th. The SI cover was shot by photographer Yu Tsai at Jenner's home in Malibu.
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Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Honored

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) announced it’s the recipient of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network’s (MNN) 2016 Excellence Award in Communications for its communications work on last year’s groundbreaking Middle East Tour which showcased the organization as an agent of social change & demonstrated that music performed by an openly gay male choral group can move audiences to a deeper understanding of our LGBT community. The award recognizes a nonprofit that effectively deploys strategic messaging to carry out its mission. Reuben Reynolds III, BGMC’s music director stated, “We are absolutely over the moon to receive this award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, which does so much to promote the Commonwealth’s nonprofit sector. When we embarked on our tour of the Middle East we were confident our music would build bridges & break down barriers in the communities we visited. But our communications for the Tour amplified our voices far beyond the concert venues. It enabled our fans & other arts enthusiasts at home to see our impact in real time & allowed BGMC to reach a global audience with our message that even in this complicated world, BGMC’s musical experiences inspire change, build community & celebrate difference.” BGMC made history in June 2015 when it became the first gay chorus to tour the Middle East, performing concerts in Israel & Turkey.
For More Info: bgmc.org
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Historically Celebrating LGBT Pride

This is the first anniversary of marriage equality becoming the law of the land in America. A number of major cities are celebrating LGBTQ Pride this weekend. This year to celebrate Pride Month President Obama designated Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village, NYC at the location where our LGBT community led the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. This new National Monument represents a significant step by President Obama & the National Park Service to recognize & commemorate LGBT history. Glennda Testone Executive Director The Center in NYC stated, "From this day forward, those days & nights when we fought back to say we would not be silent, would not be invisible & would fight fiercely to protect our safe spaces will be forever marked in American & global history. We thank President Obama for standing with us as a staunch ally & ensuring our place in the history books. After thousands of years of invisibility, LGBT contributions & culture will no longer be marginalized & our significance will be forever be a part of the story of The United States of America. In the wake of the recent, horrific act of hate perpetrated against our community in Orlando, this designation is particularly significant. Our safe spaces are more sacred now than ever & they must be protected with all of our might. We must transcend hate with love. By designating a home for LGBT history, we ensure that none of the lives lost in the fight for LGBT rights are forgotten. The Stonewall National Monument acknowledges that because of the uprising that took place here, this area has become an icon for the LGBT community in New York City, across the nation and around the world. When people come to Stonewall National Monument, we hope they'll know that it was also the place where thousands of people gathered after the Orlando shooting to try and make some sense of a world where something so heartbreaking could happen. It is, and always will be, the place where our community members go to find each other in times of celebration, tragedy & to advance the fight for full LGBT equality." HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE!!
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Military To Lift Transgender Ban

As of July 1st the Pentagon announced the repeal of its ban on transgender service members. Top personnel officials plan to meet as early as Monday to finalize the details of the plan & Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work could sign off on it by Wednesday. Final approval would come from Defense Secretary Ash Carter & the announcement will be on the eve of the Fourth of July weekend. This plan would direct each branch of the armed services over a one-year period to implement new policies affecting recruiting, housing & uniforms for transgender troops. Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán, J.D., Director, Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Justice Project, National LGBTQ Task Force stated, “This final remnant of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will now be put to rest. This decision is a great victory for the many trans people who have served & sacrificed in the military over the years. They also served in fear of being discharged from the service for simply being who they are. Thankfully this now will change. We look forward to hearing more implementation details.” Kristin Beck (Ret. Navy SEAL) & Shane Ortega (Ret. SSG) | National Transgender Military Liaisons, Military Freedom Coalition concluded, "We are elated at the news of the pending repeal of the transgender military ban & are thankful to everyone who worked so hard to see this day come to pass. We look forward to working with our military brothers & sisters to see successful implementation. We march forward into an age of greater equality."
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Millions Raised For Pulse Victims

Equality Florida's fundraising efforts for the victims' families & survivors of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting have raised over 6 million dollars. The vast majority was from a GoFundMe campaign that has drawn more than 114,000 contributors from across the world & all facets of society as well as pledges from corporate sponsors & grassroots fundraising efforts locally & globally. In working with their partners at the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) they are expediting the process of fund disbursement to ensure there is no gap in the safety net for these families. They expect funds to be dispersed as quickly as eight weeks via the NCVC's National Compassion Fund. It is imperative that all victims' families & survivors call NCVC's Victim Hotline or visit VictimConnect.org so that victims’ families & survivors have access to these critical financial resources. The NCVC will work with partners to quickly verify their identity, identify their expenses & process disbursements. Undocumented victims’ families & survivors qualify for these financial resources & as victims of crime, are protected. In a world where marriage equality only recently became a possibility & domestic partnership is not widely available, it is Equality Florida's top priority to ensure they address the unique needs of the LGBTQ & Latino/a communities impacted from the Pulse Nightclub Shooting.
For More Info: victimconnect.org
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Supreme Court & LGBT Immigrants

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down two decisions on separate court cases that will affect millions of LGBTQ people especially undocumented immigrants & people of color. Russell Roybal, Deputy Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund stated, “The decisions by the Supreme Court are bitter sweet. On the one hand, the court upheld aspects of affirmative action in higher education so vital in reducing inequality & delivering equity. Unfortunately, the court reached a deadlock in the case of United States v. Texas, thereby keeping intact a lower court’s decision striking down the President’s executive action providing relief to millions of undocumented immigrants. Within the LGBTQ community, there are over 260 thousand undocumented immigrants living in the US that still lack a pathway to citizenship & a fighting chance at accessing the promise of America. Congress must act now to stop the needless deportations of LGBTQ people & their families by passing comprehensive immigration reform." The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund works to secure full freedom, justice & equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (LGBTQ) people. For over forty years, they have been at the forefront of the social justice movement by training thousands of organizers & advocating for change at the federal, state & local level.
For More Info: thetaskforce.org
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Congressman Pocan Sit-in Solidarity

Democratic House of Representatives lawmakers have entered the second day of their sit-in to demand a vote on overdue gun control legislation. I woke up to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi this morning on CSPAN & I can’t stop watching it. Speaker Paul Ryan formally adjourned the body until July 5th yesterday & the sit-in began. They’re streaming from their computers & displaying the hashtag #NOBILLNOBREAK. We contacted U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus to get his spin & statement to share with our LGBT community & fierce allies. Pocan stated, “Democrats are united in the steadfast belief that we must pass common sense measures to prevent further gun violence in this country. Since Speaker Paul Ryan & House Republicans will not stand up to the National Rifle Association (NRA) & the gun manufacturers, my Democratic colleagues & I have held the House Floor to demand action. Speaker Ryan may have turned off the Floor cameras in an attempt to silence us, but we will continue to stand up and give a voice to the majority of Americans who demand commonsense gun safety reforms. The mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando took the lives of 49 innocent individuals. The gun violence epidemic affects our communities every day & it is past time for Congress to address this issue. Enough is enough. House Democrats will no longer settle for moments silence and are demanding real moments of action.” Contact your US Representatives & show your support.
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New York Liberty Pride Night

New York Liberty the NYC based Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team will celebrate Pride Night presented by Resorts World Casino NYC when it hosts the Chicago Sky at Madison Square Garden this Friday June 24th at 7:30P. The team will be donating $5,000 to the One Orlando Fund created to provide a way to respond to the needs of the Orlando community in the wake of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub. The Liberty’s Pride Month partner Resorts World Casino NYC will make a matching donation of $5,000 for a total of $10,000 donated to the fund. This year’s Pride Night celebration will provide #OrlandoUnited wristbands for the first 5,000 fans in attendance, a NOH8 Campaign photo shoot in Chase Square from 4P to 8P with a special musical performance by Lez Zeppelin & Whitney Day will perform as the guest DJ. Isiah Thomas, Team President stated “For 20 seasons, the New York Liberty has created an inclusive environment where all fans can be united through the game of basketball & come to Madison Square Garden to feel welcome & accepted. As the horrific events in Orlando have demonstrated, it is as critically important now as it has ever been, to stand with the LGBTQ community & offer them our love & support.” Ryan Eller, President of Resorts World Casino NYC concluded, “It is more important now than ever before to stand with the LGBTQ community in the face of the horrific attack in Orlando. Resorts World is proud to support Madison Square Garden & the New York Liberty’s celebration of Pride Night. This partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to the LGBTQ community & a celebration of diversity that makes our city & country so great.”
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Guns Continue To Kill Americans

The U.S. Senate had a chance to turn this country around & pass gun control measures. Unfortunately but predictably they failed on not one but four attempts to finally make America a civilized country. Rick Zbur Equality California Executive Director stated, “Slightly more than a week has elapsed since the worst mass shooting in history, in a country where the regularity of mass shootings horrifies the world. The U.S. Senate has followed the now-predictable pattern of proclaiming that their “thoughts & prayers” are with the victims, while denying those same victims any meaningful action on their behalf. They did not act on behalf of the six year olds gunned downed in Newtown. They did not act on behalf of social workers gunned down in San Bernardino & once again, they have refused to act when 102 young, mostly Latino mostly LGBT people were gunned down in Orlando. We had tangible hope that thoughts & prayers would this time result in real protections – for the LGBT community, which has suffered staggering rates of violence long before Orlando & for all Americans who want to be able to leave home to see a movie or send their child to school without fear that that kiss goodbye will be final. We are disappointed. Orlando is a call to action, for Equality California & for the LGBT community as a whole, to mobilize in support of meaningful gun safety reforms that will protect the LGBT community, our families & the broader communities we call home.” Equality Florida is collecting contributions via this GoFundMe page to support every single victim of the horrific shooting at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub. This includes victims’ families, survivors, and those in the club who may not have suffered physical injury but in need of support. They have a goal of 7 million dollars & are just under 5.7 million dollars.
To Donate @ GoFundMe…
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Provincetown Film Festival Kudos

The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced the award winners of this year's festival & Lisa Viola as its new Artistic Director. Viola will replace Connie White who has been with the festival since its inception.The award winners are: HBO Audience Award / Best Narrative Feature: THE INNOCENTS directed by Anne Fontaine HBO Audience Award / Best Documentary Feature (tie): THE MUSIC OF STRANGERS: YO-YO MA AND THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE, directed by Morgan Neville & POLITICAL ANIMALS directed by Jonah Markowitz & Tracy Wares HBO Short Documentary Award: TERRITORY, directed by Eleanor Mortimer. The John Schlesinger Award, presented to a first time feature filmmaker (narrative): BLOOD STRIPE, directed by Remy Auberjonois The John Schlesinger Award, presented to a first time feature filmmaker (documentary): OFF THE RAILS, directed by Adam Irving. Here Media Award - Best Queer Short Film: ONE LAST NIGHT, directed by Kerem Blumberg. Best Narrative Short Film: THUNDER ROAD, directed by Jim Cummings. Best Animated Short Film: GLOVE, directed by Alexa Haas & Bernardo Britto. Best New England Short Film: BLACK CANARIES, directed by Jesse Kreitzer. Best Student Short Film: THE MINK CATCHER, directed by Samantha Buck. Special Mention: ¡MAIS DURO!, directed by Camila Saldarriaga. The Short Film Jury consisted of Ian Samuels (filmmaker, MYRNA THE MONSTER), Lisanne Skyler (filmmaker, BRILLO BOX (3¢ OFF)) & Kim Yutani (Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival). As previously announced, Ang Lee was presented with the 2016 Filmmaker on the Edge Award in conversation with PIFF resident artist John Waters at Town Hall on Saturday night. Cynthia Nixon received the Excellence in Acting Award in conversation with film critic & professor B. Ruby Rich. The festival also announced the dates for next year's event as June 14th to 18th in 2017.
For More Info: ptownfilmfest.org
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States Denying LGBT Healthcare

In the wake of the Orlando LGBT Massacre The Fenway Institute has released a policy brief that examines controversial “religious freedom” state legislation that seeks to restrict access to healthcare & other essential services by LGBT people. In the first half of 2016 nearly 200 anti LGBT bills have been filed in 32 states. Six states including Florida, Indiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee & Mississippi have passed such “religious freedom” legislation & their governors have signed them into law. Some of the proposed legislation would also nullify local nondiscrimination ordinances based on sexual orientation & gender identity & denies transgender people access to restrooms according to their gender identity. Sean Cahill, Director of Health Policy Research at The Fenway Institute stated, “These bills take the concept of religious liberty, as protected by the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, & turn it on its head. True religious freedom laws protect individuals’ free exercise of religion & they harm no one. But these new anti-LGBT laws are designed so that corporations, small businesses, hospitals & healthcare providers can deny service or treatment to LGBT people as a group by claiming that providing such service or treatment would violate their religious beliefs or sincerely held principles.” President Obama stepped up to the plate in Florida during the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting to ensure that our LGBT community received the proper treatment. But on a daily basis our LGBT community is vulnerable in states that have passed legislation & those states that the legislation is pending.
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Leaders Condemn Gun Violence

We at OUTTAKE VOICES stand with the following national leaders who call for commonsense change to make our communities safer from hate & gun violence in the wake of the deadliest shooting in American history at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Nihad Awad, National Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Mark Barden, Managing Director, Sandy Hook Promise, Cornell Brooks, President & CEO, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force, Kathy Ko Chin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum, John Feinblatt, President, Everytown For Gun Safety, Kim A. Gandy, President & CEO, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Lily Eskelson Garcia, President, National Education Association, Ruth M. Glenn, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Chad Griffin, President, HRC, Dan Gross, President, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Mary Kay Henry, International President, Service Employees International Union, IIyse Hogue, President, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality, Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director & CEO, National Black Justice Coalition, Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO, Victory Fund & Institute, Janet Murguía, President & CEO, National Council of La Raza, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Jennifer Pinckney, Clementa Pinckney Foundation, Katie Ray-Jones, CEO, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., CEO, YWCA USA, Laura Ricketts, Chair of the Board, LPAC, Lee Saunders, Stephanie Schriock, President, EMILY's List, Neera Tanden, President & CEO, Center for American Progress, Robyn Thomas, Executive Director, Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Shannon Watts, Founder, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers & Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens.
For Info & Funding: weareorlando.org
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LGBT Groups Call For Unity

In the wake of the mass shooting that recently took place in Orlando over 50 LGBTQ advocacy groups have called for unity. The Orlando attack has caused outrage & sorrow across our nation & globally. Here is a portion of the statement the LGBTQ groups released: “We the undersigned organizations working on the front lines of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (LGBTQ) movement share in the profound grief for those who were killed & many more who were wounded during Latin Night at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Their lives were lost or forever altered in this devastating act of violence targeting LGBTQ people. Our hearts go out to all the family & friends touched by this horrific act. We know their lives will never be the same again. This national tragedy happened against the backdrop of anti-LGBTQ legislation sweeping this country & we must not forget that in this time of grief. Unity & an organized response in the face of hatred is what we owe the fallen & the grieving. Collective resolve across national, racial & political lines will be required to turn the tide against anti-LGBTQ violence. Our response to this horrific act, committed by one individual, will have a deep impact on Muslim communities in this country & around the world. We as an intersectional movement cannot allow anti-Muslim sentiment to be the focal point as it distracts from the larger issue, which is the epidemic of violence that LGBTQ people, including those in the Muslim community, are facing in this country… As LGBTQ people who lived through the AIDS crisis, we know what it looks like & feels like to be scapegoated & isolated in the midst of a crisis that actually requires solidarity, empathy & collaboration from all quarters. We appeal to all in our movement & all who support us to band together in rejecting hatred & violence in all its shape shifting forms. Let us stand united as a diverse LGBTQ community of many faiths, races, ethnicities, nationalities & backgrounds.”
For Info & Events: weareorlando.org
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National Vigils For Orlando Victims

We are heartbroken over the senseless murders of our LGBTQ brothers & sisters in Florida. Over 100 communities are listing impromptu vigils throughout our country in the wake of the Orlando Massacre. Our LGBT community needs to come together & stand strong. This tragedy struck in the midst of LGBT pride month celebrations in many communities including here in Boston. The theme for Boston Pride this year is “Solidarity Through Pride” which becomes more important than ever to bring us together. Yesterday we attended the moment of silence held at the Back Bay Block Party on St James Avenue in Boston. Today Monday June 13th there will be a Vigil for Orlando Victims on City Hall Plaza at 6P. Mayor Marty Walsh & Boston Pride invite everyone to attend this vigil in memory of the victims of the Orlando massacre. Join us in solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives for simply being out & proud. We at OUTTAKE VOICES are devastated by the senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of at least 50 LGBTQ people & allies in Orlando & injured more than 50 others. We grieve for them & for their friends, families & our entire community. For information on LGBT Vigils taking place in your area & ways to support the victims of our nation’s largest mass shooting Marriage Equality USA has launched this website.
For Info & Events: weareorlando.org
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LGBT Hate Crime Massacre

Our LGBT community is mourning the loss of at least 50 dead & more critically injured at Pulse Nightclub, Orlando Florida’s hottest gay bar. Nadine Smith CEO of Equality Florida stated, “We are reeling from the tragic news that a gunman opened fire on the 2A capacity crowd at Pulse leaving 50 people dead & over 53 injured according to preliminary reports. We are heartbroken & angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state & in our country. Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place & this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety. June commemorates our community standing up to anti-LGBTQ violence at the Stonewall Inn, the nightclub that has become the first LGBTQ site recognized as a national monument. We have received a steady stream of emails & messages from those seeking to help or to make sense of the senseless. We make no assumptions on motive. We will await the details in tears of sadness & anger. We stand in solidarity & keep our thoughts on all whose lives have been lost or altered forever in this tragedy.” Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force added, "We are deeply shocked by this appalling act of violence against the LGBTQ community & our friends. Our thoughts are with the families & friends of those who have lost loved ones & with the injured. While the motive behind this crime remains unclear, our resolve to live openly & proudly remains undiminished. Now is a time for the whole nation to stand together against violence."
For More Info: eqfl.org
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Boston Pride Weekend Begins

First we attended the Boston Pride Pre Parade Press Conference at the Hard Rock Café next to the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace for our briefing by Sylvain Bruni, President of Boston Pride & Martha Plaza, Parade Chair who stated that this year’s parade will be the largest in Boston Pride’s 46 year history. “Solidarity Through Pride” is the theme & 40% of the groups are marching for the first time with more floats, over 500,000 spectators & to top it all off the most massive rainbow-colored pride flag the city has ever seen. Plaza stated, “It’s nice to see the rise in the diversity of the types of companies that we’re able to accommodate. More & more organizations are using the parade to demonstrate their support & the diversity of their workforce & to show they stand beside their employees. A total of 258 groups will be taking part in this year’s march, with 28 floats & 80 vehicles among them, for the first time ever, a quite massive party bus from Budweiser” At the press conference we got a taste of the fabulous entertainment that will take place at the Boston Pride Festival at Boston’s City Hall Plaza following the parade & the best DJ in New England DJ Andrea spun a few tunes who will be spinning at parties all through the weekend.
HAPPY PRIDE BOSTON!!
For More Info: bostonpride.org
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Boston Pops Performs Carole King

Last night we enjoyed one of the best Boston Pops performances at Symphony Hall in Boston. Guest conductor Michael Krajewski presented “Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook” with special guest performances by Broadway veterans Liz Callaway (Cats & Miss Saigon), Allison Blackwell (Porgy & Bess) & Bryce Ryness currently appearing in "Matilda the Musical". It's always fabulous to hear a full symphonic treatment of timeless favorite songs including King's “It's Too Late”, “Locomotion”, “So Far Away”, “I Feel the Earth Move” & “Natural Woman” sung by Allison Blackwell performing one of the best renditions ever that brought the house to their feet. This trio of  exceptionally talented performers truly represented all the genres of King’s music with inspiring interpretations concluding with “You've Got A Friend” that actually gave me chills. The good news if you’re in the Boston area they will be performing again tonight Friday June 10th at 8P. More good news is if you act quickly & use this promo code: 30Special you can get limited tickets for a mere $30. But if you’re not in Boston this show is touring so if it comes to your home state don’t miss it. There’s nothing like nostalgia done to perfection. Especially in this current political climate to be able to enjoy great music with brilliant vocalists performing music that just makes you feel good & even included impromptu sing-a-longs & a Carole King trivia Q&A that makes this show an interactive night to remember.
For Info & Tix: bso.org
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Queer Woman of Color Film Fest

This weekend the Queer Woman of Color Media Arts Project presents the 12th annual Queer Woman of Color Film Festival that takes place June 10th through June 12th in San Francisco, California at the Brava Theatre. Opening Night Screening is “Magical Fantastical” on Friday June 10th at 7:30P. “Magical Fantastical” bestows the night with sparkling delight, from the sorcery of stereotypes that threaten a bisexual Chicana & the loving allure of femme friends to the rites of queer community through Cumbia. On Saturday June 11th there’s a important Filmmaker Roundtable entitled “Exponential Hustle” at 3P. Then the Featured Screening on Saturday is “Wages of Injustice” at 7P. “Wages of Injustice” reveals the sleight of hand it takes to live & love amidst poverty & income inequality. On Sunday the Centerpiece Screening is “Encuentros Con Amor” on June 12th at 2P. “Encuentros Con Amor” is a remarkable international program of queer & trans films from Latin America that includes QWOCMAP Films from Tijuana, Mexico. Then the Closing Night Screening is “Haven Bound” on Sunday June 12th at 6P. “Haven Bound,” summons the blessings of family from an Asian mother & daughter facing loss to safe havens for Black women, from the grace of Lebanese-Palestinian families to the adoption of all kinds of kids, these films invoke the blessing of wholeness. QWOCMAP creates, exhibits & distributes new films that authentically reflect the lives of queer women of color & addresses the vital social justice issues that concern multiple communities. They actively bridge seemingly disparate populations to transform & empower our filmmakers, audiences & communities through art, activism & community building. The 2016 Queer Women of Color Film Festival is absolutely FREE of charge.
For More Info: qwocmap.org
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Transgender Workplace Equality

The National LGBTQ Task Force & the District of Columbia (DC) Office of Human Rights have published a new resource to help eliminate workplace discrimination against transgender & gender non-conforming people. The guide “Valuing Transgender Applicants & Employees” provides in depth best practices intended to help employers across the nation create a genuinely inclusive & welcoming workplace environment for transgender people. Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán, Trans/Gender Nonconforming Justice Project Director, National LGBTQ Task Force stated, “Everyone, including transgender people, deserve a fair chance at a good paying job & the ability to provide for themselves & their families. Transgender people face formidable discrimination & harassment in the workplace. This new resource provides vital recommendations for employers & human resource specialists looking to ensure that transgender people are treated with dignity & respect in the workplace.” Currently 19 states & Washington DC have explicit workplace nondiscrimination protections based on gender identity & expression. Among the most progressive & comprehensive non-discrimination laws that include gender identity or expression is DC’s Human Rights Act (HRA). Mónica Palacio, Director of the DC Office of Human Rights concluded, “While many jurisdictions across the nation do not have explicit protections for transgender workers, in the District of Columbia we are fortunate to have a strong law that prohibits employment discrimination against transgender people. Yet many times employers that want to create welcoming environments are unsure of how best to do that. We believe this best practices guide will be an important starting place for those employers that want to build transgender-inclusive workplaces.”
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Lambda Literary Award Winners

The winners of the 28th LGBT Annual Lambda Literary Awards (the "Lammys") were announced last night in a gala ceremony hosted by comedienne Kate Clinton at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. The Lambda ceremony brought together over 500 attendees, sponsors & celebrities to celebrate excellence in LGBT literature & 28 years of the groundbreaking literary awards. As master of ceremonies, Clinton once again took the stage, stating, "Welcome to the Skirball Center, our new home! Thank you careful & constant readers. It's like Words With Friends in real life. Reading takes me away." Broadway star & Style Rookie editor Tavi Gevinson introduced Hilton Als, New Yorker writer & author of the award winning, “White Girls”, who received the Trustee Award for Excellence in Literature. Native poet Natalie Diaz introduced the celebrated poet Eileen Myles, who received Lambda's Pioneer Award. Tony Valenzuela, Lambda Literary Executive Director stated, "Throughout tonight's ceremony we were reminded of the impact that LGBT literature has on people's lives. Congratulations to all the winners and honorees." Some of the presenters who graced the stage included Richard Blanco, Kate Bornstein, Natalie Diaz, Tim Federle, Tavi Gevinson, Silas Howard, Paul Rudnick, Ira Sachs, Rakesh Satyal & Pamela Sneed. The celebration continued at Le Poisson Rouge at the Official After-Party with celebrity DJs Sammy Jo & Tikka Masala, VJ Bleue Liverpool & an electrifying performance by Macy Rodman.
For Winner List…
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Designing Women 2016 Awards

New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) will present their annual Designing Women Honoring Costume, Makeup & Hair Designers on Monday June 13th at Proshansky Auditorium, 365 Fifth Avenue in NYC at 7P. Designing Women includes the presentation of an award to a costume designer, a makeup artist & a hair stylist as well as the presentation of the Variety Ensemble Award to the entire costume, hair & makeup design team from a television series or a movie. This year they're honoring Costume Designer Sarah Edwards (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Michael Clayton), Hair Stylist Rose Chatterton (Shades of Blue, The Knick, It’s Complicated), Makeup Artist Anita Gibson (Confirmation, Power, For Colored Girls) & The Variety Ensemble Award will be presented to the costume, makeup & hair design team of “The Affair” starring Ruth Wilson, Dominick West & Maura Tierney. Designing Women Presenters will include Will Arnett, Lela Loren, Ray Liotta & Maura Tierney. Andrew Kozinn President Saint Laurie Merchant Tailors stated, “For many years, I have chaired the Benefit Committee for Designing Women. It is a great honor for me to do so. I was blown away by the scope & relevance of this extraordinary event. At my family’s business, Saint Laurie Merchant Tailors, we make tailored costumes for film & television & work with gifted female costumes designers. I jumped at the opportunity to thank these women along with female hair & make-up artists, all of whom rarely get the recognition they deserve. Designing Women is the only entertainment awards event of its kind.”
For Info & Tix…
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