Jonathan Allen Sings “AMEN”

Jonathan Allen the openly gay semifinalist of “America’s Got Talent” Season 8 that we talked to on OUTTAKE VOICES a few years ago has premiered his brand new single titled “AMEN” that’s now available on iTunes, Spotify & other major digital distributors. This is the singer’s first release since his appearances at Radio City Music Hall on the hit TV show. Allen stated, “AMEN was primarily arranged & produced in my home & speaks to the many trials & tribulations that we all face, but is an LGBT liberation song at its heart. The song touches on several issues that surround the community in day-to-day life & in the political realm. The song attempts to chip away at many issues by starting a dialogue that shows people we all can believe the same things, deal with the same things & be torn apart by the very same things that should bring us together. Despite the title, AMEN is a song that transcends any one belief system. It is not so much about Christianity as it is about breaking free from hatred & celebrating love on this Earth in the highest form possible.” For the last year Jonathan has based himself out of Albuquerque, New Mexico where he has established his business & worked on his music. Since his appearance on the show he has matured in his musical endeavors. Combined with strikingly original music & euphoric live performances he has become recognized as one of the most captivating artists around. In this exclusive audio byte I talked to Jonathan about his music: LISTEN
For More Info: officialjonathanallen.com
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Worst Colleges For LGBT Youth

Campus Pride released its 2016 “Shame List” highlighting for the first time a national list of “The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth.” The national listing includes 102 campuses that openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth in policies, programs & practices as documented on the site listing. Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride stated, “Most people are shocked when they learn that there are college campuses still today that openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth. It is an unspoken secret in higher education, how they use religion as a tool for cowardice & discrimination. This lists uncovers the religion-based bigotry that is harmful & perpetuated against LGBTQ youth on these campuses. Ultimately these campuses are dangerous for vulnerable LGBTQ youth & others. All families & youth deserve to know this information & so do corporations who do business with these campuses from those who hire & recruit, vendors who contract food service, sell books, make donations & in any other way provides goods or services to a college or university.” Since then the United States Department of Education has published online the letters of campuses related to Title IX exemptions, Campus Pride spent the last six months compiling a database & researching all public records related to anti-LGBTQ policies, programs & practices at these campuses. The criterion to be the “absolute worst” campus includes either of the following: 1) Received & or applied for a Title IX exemption to discriminate against LGBTQ youth &/or 2) Demonstrated past history & track record of anti-LGBTQ actions, programs & practices. This is the first time Campus Pride has released a listing of the worst anti-LGBTQ campuses across the country. Every year Campus Pride releases a “Best of the Best” listing highlighting college campuses with the most inclusive LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs & practices.
 For Info & List: campuspride.org

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Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival

Grammy & Tony winner Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ann Hampton Callaway & Pamela Williams will headline at the 4th Annual Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival that takes place Labor Day Weekend September 2nd to the 4th at the Annenberg Theater, Indian Canyons Golf Resort & Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Over 30 of today’s jazz greats & rising stars will come together to perform emphasizing the great stylistic & thematic diversity of women in jazz by featuring straight-ahead jazz, smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, blues & more. Ann Hampton Callaway stated, “I am excited to kick off the 4th annual Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival with a blockbuster show that celebrates the iconic ladies of vocal jazz & great women songwriters while sharing the stage with a stellar all women jazz quintet. It’s great to put goddess energy front and center this Labor Day weekend!” Ann will be performing with Lesa Terry on Violin/MD, Jane Getz on Piano, Carol Chaikin on Sax, Chelsea Stevens on Bass, Maria Martinez on Drums & with Music Director Sweet Baby J'ai on Vocals on opening night Friday September 2nd at the Annenberg Theater following the fabulous Dee Dee Bridgewater who performs at 5P. On Saturday Pamela Williams, The Saxtress will perform on September 3rd with a Cool Soul Jams set at Indian Canyons Country Club & the festival concludes on September 4th with a Divas Brunch at Hard Rock Hotel with a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Rickie Lee Jones & other great women of jazz. We talked to Ann about what she would like to accomplish with her work in this exclusive sound byte: LISTEN:
For Info & Tix: palmspringswomensjazzfestival.org
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Women's Equality Day 2016

Thanks to Congresswoman Bella Abzug who successfully introduced & passed the resolution in 1972 making August 26th Women's Equality Day to celebrate the anniversary of the 19th Amendment when women finally achieved the right to vote in 1920 in the USA. Then 96 years later finally a woman has become the democratic candidate for president. Stacey Long Simmons, Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund stated, “In so many ways, today’s on-going struggle for women’s equality calls to mind the line from A Tale of Two Cities…’It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...’ We have seen recent victories in the U.S. Supreme Court that protect vital reproductive rights; we cheered the record-breaking wins of women athletes at the Olympics that are in no small part due to the impact of Title IX & other civil rights laws; & we’ve collectively witnessed the historic moment when a woman has finally won the presidential nomination of a major political party. But far too many challenges remain for women in this society. Women still lack paid leave, face workplace discrimination, are persecuted for exercising their constitutionally protected freedoms & live under the ever-present threat of physical violence. For women of color & trans women of color, the disparities are greater and the conditions are even more dire.” So we’ve come a long way baby but there’s still much more to be done.
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Calling For Federal Equality Act

After marriage equality became the law of the land The Equality Act of 2015 was presented to the United States House of Representatives & the Senate that if passed would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections that ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity & sex in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations but nothing ever happened. Well the California Legislature has passed a resolution AJR 45 calling for the Federal Equality Act that urges Congress to pass the updates to 1964 Civil Rights Act to protect LGBT Americans. Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California stated, "When more than 200 pieces of anti-LGBT legislation have been introduced in state legislatures in the past year across the nation, AJR 45 puts the state of California in support of strong federal LGBT protections. LGBT people in a majority of states can be fired from their jobs, turned away by doctors when they need care, or evicted from their homes because of their sexual orientation or gender identity & they have little or no recourse. It is time to pass the federal Equality Act to make sure that all LGBT Americans are protected equally & that LGBT Californians don't leave their rights at the border when they leave our state." With a growing number of states passing or are considering enacting so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Acts or similar legislation to justify discrimination against our LGBT community. The Equality Act would maintain exemptions for religious organizations & schools, but would make clear that religion cannot be used to justify refusal of service based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Let’s get this done.
(Symbol by Richard Emmanuel )
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GMHC To Honor Javier Muñoz

Javier Muñoz, Broadway star of "Hamilton: An American Musical" will be honored with Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) 2016 Howard Ashman Award for his activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2002 Javier was diagnosed with HIV & he continues to speak out about his status-particularly in the media-because of the stigma directed at people living with HIV/AIDS. Muñoz stated, "I am truly moved by the honor from GMHC. As a gay man living with HIV, I know how important treatment & support are in order to have a healthy life. That's why I am committed to using my voice to raise awareness about HIV-related stigma & other barriers that block people from seeking care. GMHC's life-sustaining services & programs are vital to all of us." Kelsey Louie GMHC CEO concluded, "We applaud Javier Muñoz's success on Broadway and are thankful for his openness about being HIV-positive. We know that the consequences of stigma & discrimination are far-reaching for those living with & affected by HIV/AIDS…Stigma & discrimination undermine HIV prevention efforts by making people afraid to seek prevention, testing & care. In order for us to end the AIDS epidemic, we must end stigma. For over 30 years, members of the Broadway community have been some of our most devoted allies, advocates & fundraisers in this fight. The GMHC family is honored to celebrate & thank Javier with this year's Howard Ashman Award." The event takes place on September 19th at Joe's Pub at 425 Lafayette Street in NYC.  
For Info & Tix: gmhc.org
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California Transgender Update

The California Legislature passed a bill Monday by a bipartisan vote of 55-15 after clearing the Senate on August 18th that would establish the nation’s most inclusive restroom access law. The bill will require single-occupancy restrooms in California businesses, government buildings & places of public accommodation to be universally accessible to all genders starting March 1, 2017. Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California stated, "This is a common-sense proposal. Our home restrooms are already all-gender. So are restrooms on airplanes & at many hospitals & gas stations. The benefits of this simple change will enable all Californians to use restrooms in a way that is more safe, fair & convenient." Kris Hayashi, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center stated, “This law is a simple measure that will make everyone’s lives easier. Having restrooms open to all genders will mean less hassle for everyone going about their day & will allow people who don’t fit neatly into expectations of what it looks like to be male or female to use the restroom without fear of harassment.” The bill now moves to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto before the end of September. This advancement comes on the same day that a Texas federal judge ruled to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from implementing guidelines requiring school districts to allow transgender students to use restrooms that correspond to their gender identity, confirming once again that there’s still much more work to be done.
For More Info: eqca.org
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Tab Hunter Talks Confidential

In this exclusive audio interview I talked to Tab about “Tab Hunter Confidential” the fabulous documentary that’s being released by FilmRise in Blu-Ray & DVD August 23rd. This fascinating film is a must-see for our LGBT community, allies & beyond. In this intimate stylized documentary Tab narrates the true story of what it was like to spend his Hollywood years being gay in a precarious closet that repeatedly threatened to implode & possibly destroy him. Throughout the 1950s Hunter reigned as Hollywood's ultimate heartthrob in dozens of films & in the pages of countless magazines. Tab's astonishing looks & golden-boy sex appeal drove his fans to screaming, delirious frenzy, solidifying him the prototype for all young matinee idols to come. “Tab Hunter Confidential” is based on Tab's New York Times best-selling memoir & produced by Allan Glaser & directed by Jeffrey Schwarz (I Am Divine). Punctuating Tab's on-screen presence are rare film clips & provocative interviews with friends & co-stars including John Waters, Clint Eastwood, George Takei, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Wagner, Portia de Rossi, Noah Wyle, Connie Stevens, Robert Osborne & more. However most importantly Tab the man himself talks frankly about being a survivor of the Hollywood rollercoaster. I talked to Tab about his stellar career as he shared personal inspirational stories, lifelong survival philosophies & his spin on our LGBT issues.  LISTEN:
For More Info: tabhunter.com 
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Hollywood Comes Out For Pulse

Hollywood celebrities, industry powerhouses & advocates came together at a benefit for the onePULSE Foundation to honor & help those affected by the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history that took place at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. The event was hosted by Lance Bass who stated, “I choose hope. Let us choose hope tonight & every night. Pulse was a place where you could dance freely and safely without the fear of being judged.” Via video presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stated, “We can’t ever let hate & violence break our spirit … Together we will fight for the right of every American to live freely, openly & without fear no matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you love. We will take commonsense steps to reduce gun violence & do everything we can to make sure what happened in Orlando doesn’t ever happen again. I’m proud to stand with the LGBTQ community.” Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma, joined by some of the survivors concluded stating, “It wasn’t until the aftermath of the tragedy that I realized many of our goals had not only been reached, but also exceeded beyond my expectations. I was overwhelmed by the thousands of Pulse stories people around the world shared with me: the love stories, the funny stories & the life-changing coming-out stories.” Attendees included Caitlyn Jenner, Matt Bomer, JC Chasez, Quinton Aaron, Torrey DeVitto, Arielle Kebbel, Sophie Watts, Natasha Rubin, Ashley Bell, Nicholas Littlemore & Gigi Rose Gray among others. Grammy winner Stevie Wonder gave a surprise performance of More Than a Love Song followed by speaking on the power of both love & hate. To donate to onePULSE text PULSE to 91999.
For More Info: onepulsefoundation.org
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I Am Cait Prematurely Cancelled

According to E! the show was cancelled because of disappointing rating on the second season but this was a terrible decision to shutdown a program that shed such light globally for our transgender community. For two fabulous years I Am Cait brought experts from the trans community to address the long overdue subject of gender & sexuality. Whether you cared about Caitlyn Jenner or not wasn’t the focus. It was listening to weekly discussions by the cast of transgender experts like Jenny Boylan, Chandi Moore, Kate Bornstein, Candis Cayne & the rest of the supporting cast really highlighting our LGBT community’s issues. Ratings aren’t everything & can be totally misleading. Of course the second season wasn’t going to get the same ratings as the first after Jenner shocked the world by coming out as transgender. The premiere of the show debuted to a respectable 2.7 million viewers but it declined significantly from there. The second season premiere debuted to just 750,000 viewers. Unfortunately Jenner’s conservative republican position also alienated many of our LGBT community from supporting the show but maybe another season would have turned that around as well. Perhaps it was all just too much for Caitlyn Jenner’s evolvement. But fear none, her superficial side will remain with appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
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California Prop 63 For Gun Safety

Following the shootings in June at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, a spike in homicides of LGBT people & an ongoing worldwide epidemic of murders of transgender women, Equality California has made enacting gun safety measures a key part of its program & advocacy work & has endorsed Proposition 63 the “Safety for All” ballot initiative backed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California stated, "Orlando was a call to action & a reminder that ending gun violence must be a top priority for the LGBT community. But even before Orlando, gun safety was an LGBT issue, because LGBT people suffer disproportionately from gun violence. Proposition 63 will help close remaining loopholes in California's gun safety laws & help ensure that no community has to suffer another Orlando, San Bernardino or Newtown." Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom concluded, "It is vital for our state to come together on this important issue & I am so glad to have Equality California join the Proposition 63 campaign as an endorser & as a key leader in the LGBT community. More than 32,000 Americans are killed every year due to gun violence & the LGBT community is disproportionately targeted. The result is the massacre we saw in Orlando. This is an epidemic that is preventable & with strong leaders & organizations coming together we can make our communities safe again."
For More Info…
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Elliot Tiber In Woodstock Heaven

We just heard that Elliot Tiber has passed at 81 in Boca Raton, Florida. We had Elliot on OUTTAKE VOICES last December to talk about his fabulous memoir entitled “After Woodstock” which completed his trilogy following the critically acclaimed “Palm Trees on the Hudson” & his breakout bestseller “Taking Woodstock” co-written with Tom Monte & made into a feature film by director Ang Lee. He passed away on Wednesday August 3rd just a handful of days before the 47th anniversary of Woodstock which took place August 15th to 18th in 1969. I talked to Tiber about the inspiration for his new memoir & his spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Tiber stated: “It’s amazing to me there is such a movement & such an organization that’s worldwide because when I was coming out there were no groups, there was nobody to talk to. There were no companions, no people you could come out & say ‘Hey I’m gay & you’re gay let’s be friends’, no such thing. So seeing this develop into a movement it’s very inspiring to me and hopeful to me. I’m 80 years old now, it’s a little late for me & I’m in forced celibacy now at 80. I feel good that the new generation have a model someplace to look to find some answers & carry on with their own lives & hopefully these people go the next step further. I don’t know what that would be at the moment but the next step further so that we’re all equal which we should be.” Elliot Tiber Rest In Peace.
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For Info: squareonepublishers.com
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GMHC 35 Years Fighting HIV/AIDS

The first gathering of men in Larry Kramer’s living room 35 years ago provided the foundation for Gay Men’s Health Crisis now the nation's leading provider of HIV & AIDS care, prevention services & advocacy serving nearly 10,000 people living with & affected by HIV & AIDS in New York City which is the epicenter of the epidemic in the U.S. As the world's first HIV & AIDS service organization, GMHC is an expert in providing services that every person affected by the epidemic deserves. Kelsey Louie GMHC CEO stated, “Thirty five years ago a group of brave men gathered in Larry Kramer’s living room in the West Village of Manhattan to discuss the "gay cancer" that was affecting their friends & lovers. Choosing hope & strength over fear & helplessness, a hat was soon passed around and $7,000 was collected to fight this disease. The next year, in 1982, the world’s first AIDS service organization, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, was formally incorporated with a mission of fighting to end the AIDS epidemic & uplifting the lives of all affected… In 2015, GMHC served 10,000 clients. We provided 3,000 HIV & STD tests, maintained a 90% viral suppression rate of those who tested positive, served 80,000 hot meals & opened a newly renovated youth space. We are currently in the process of introducing new mental health & substance abuse clinics to meet the growing mental health crisis in this country. And, we re-launched our historic Buddy Program to meet the unmet needs of HIV and AIDS long-term survivors.” In this exclusive audio interview legendary activist & playwright Larry Kramer who was the pioneering co-founder of Gay Men’s Health Crisis & ACT UP talks about how his play “The Normal Heart” eventually found its audience & his frustration with the current AIDS national research policies.  
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For More Info: GMHC.org
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LGBT & Allies Disarm Hate Rally

On Saturday August 13th LGBT groups, the National Action Network & Gun Violence Prevention activists will unite to demand equal rights & realistic gun control reform in Washington D.C.’s West Potomac Park. Tens of thousands of activists from diverse groups concerned about gun violence will come from across the country will assemble to tell political leaders “Enough.” Organizing began after the tragic events at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando in June 2016. Group founder Jason Hayes over-come with emotion like many felt an overpowering need to shout, to yell, to scream, to weep. Eventually he realized this level of hate has to stop & online activism wasn’t enough. Hayes stated, “In a nation filled with rage, fueled by hate for our differences & combined with easy access to weapons has created a horrifying scenario that we must now address.” But the NRA is a formidable foe, donating millions of dollars to elect pro-gun lawmakers at all levels of government across the country. Hayes is undeterred adding “The LGBT community is used to fighting. Anything we have, we’ve had to fight for. It’s not new for us. It starts by coming together, uniting as a community & building a future around love & tolerance. Love is the answer to hate & fear.” The event takes place Saturday August 13th at West Potomac Park from 11A to 4P in Washington D.C.
For More Info: disarmhate2016.info
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Orlando LGBT Anti Trump Rally

Equality Florida, faith leaders & family members of victims of the Pulse shooting were joined by hundreds of local progressives today outside the “Rediscovering God in America” conference in Orlando to call out Marco Rubio & Donald Trump. Exactly two months after the Pulse Nightclub shooting presidential candidate Donald Trump & Senator Marco Rubio are the headline attendees for a conference at the Orange County Convention Center just miles from where the shooting that shook Orlando & the nation took place. The event is sponsored by the American Family Association & features the Liberty Counsel both notoriously anti-LGBT organizations dubbed hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Hannah Willard with Equality Florida stated, "For Donald Trump & Marco Rubio to support & appear at this gathering, so close in time & distance to an event that has forever changed our community, is nothing short of offensive & heartless. That is why we came together as a community today, to call for an end to hatred & bigotry of all kinds. Clearly, Trump & Rubio are trying to downplay their own record & distance themselves from the hateful rhetoric of those behind this event. But we are not going to allow them to demean & dehumanize LGBTQ people & our families, least of all in our city that is still mourning the horrific result of homophobia & senseless gun violence.”
For More Info: eqfl.org
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Trump To Attend Anti-LGBT Event

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump & U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) will be speaking at a campaign training hosted by the Liberty Councel the extremist hate group monitored by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its anti-LGBTQ discrimination efforts. The two-day event is set to take place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando 9801 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 this Thursday, August 11th less than 2 months after 49 people, mostly LGBTQ Latinos were killed during the shooting massacre at Pulse Nightclub. Russell Roybal, Deputy Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund stated, “Holding this event is an insult to the victims and families of those innocent people who were murdered barely two months ago. Decent people everywhere will be appalled. Stirring up homophobia & islamophobia is wrong at the best of times but to do so when the entire Orlando community is still grieving & recovering from the Pulse tragedy, is beyond distasteful. Donald Trump may have mentioned the LGBTQ community in his acceptance speech which some people interpreted as a positive signal to our community — despite the vehemently anti-LGBTQ views of his running mate Mike Pence & the Republican Party platform. But now Donald Trump & Marco Rubio plan to breathe the oxygen of publicity into an openly anti-LGBTQ event, joining some of the most notorious anti-LGBTQ people out there. Haven’t the people of Orlando had enough?” Among the speakers expected at the event include Mat Staver who has represented Kim Davis & Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore & has denounced memorial gatherings for the victims of the Orlando massacre as “homosexual love fests”.
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Florence Foster Jenkins Screams

Florence Foster Jenkins stars Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant & Simon Helberg among a hysterical stellar cast. This is the most hilarious smart film that’s come out in along time. Meryl Streep displays her brilliant comedic side in this period film set in 1944 based on a true story about an aging New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins who dreams of becoming a great opera singer. However her ambition far exceeds her talent. Unlike the character she plays Streep can really sing allowing her to reach notes that will have you laughing so hard make sure you come prepared with tissues. Simon Helberg (Big Bang Theory) is fabulous playing her gay accompanist Cosme McMoon & Hugh Grant plays her compassionate husband St. Clair who goes to extremes to make sure his wife never finds out how truly horrendous she really is. Of course it get complicated when Florence announces her plans for a concert at Carnegie Hall. The film is flawlessly directed by Stephen Frears (My Beautiful Laundrette, Dangerous Liaisons, The Queen & Philomena) & opens nationwide this Friday August 12th. Florence Foster Jenkins is a much need break & retreat  from our mudslinging presidential election. I truly can’t remember that last time I enjoyed laughing at a film until tears were running down my cheeks. Florence Foster Jenkins is definitely a must-see.
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Rio Olympics Makes LGBT History

LGBT history will be made at the Rio Olympics when the first married lesbian couple will compete in the games. This is the fourth time British field hockey players Kate Richardson-Walsh & Helen Richardson-Walsh will be competing in the Olympics but the first time they will be competing as a married couple. The couple made history in 2012 in London when they won Great Britain’s first Olympic field hockey medal in two decades & they’re going for the gold in Rio. They married in 2013 in Oxfordshire, UK combining their last names & invited the entire team to celebrate. Helen was left out of the field hockey World Cup in 2014 because of an injury & Kate said that she had to take her “captain’s hat off” & support her wife stating “We’re a couple, we love each other & we happen to be playing in the same team. I think because our teammates & our friends & family have all been so supportive & understanding of that we also don’t see anything strange or different.” This year’s Summer Olympics will feature a record number of 44 openly out LGBT athletes estimated by Outsports magazine nearly twice the number that participated at the London 2012 Olympics. So this year’s Olympics in Rio is definitely important for our LGBT community to watch & support & take pride in.
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Arrests At Uganda LGBT Pride Event

Distressing news out of Uganda when police stopped a Pride Event in Kampala the capital & largest city of Uganda making arrests. Jide Rebirth Macaulay, a Nigerian activist & eye-witness at the event stated, “We are calling for prayers for many distress people after the police stormed a venue celebrating the beauty pageant as part of Pride Uganda. I was there & I witnessed all of the incident. Many in alternative clothing were arrested plus leading activists & several of the organizers. The event was well attended with many international guests from Europe & the USA. The police harassed those who used their phones or attempted to use it. A few foreigners were arrested, they were paying attention to trans people & I heard someone running around asking anyone crossed dress to change clothing ASAP. I am fine as I was protected by others but many people were extremely distressed & concerned. The police rounded us up & forced us into a very tight space & ordered us to sit on the floor. A few people in their distress were tearful & needed the bathroom, the police refused. Many people remained calm but our photographs were forcefully taken whilst the police shouted, jeered & humiliated people.” Among the arrested were courageous LGBT activists Pepe Julian Onziema, Frank Mugisha, Shawn Kamomos & many others by the Ugandan Police. Everyone has since then been released.
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Susan Claassen Plays Edith Head

Susan Claassen stars in the fabulous one-woman show “A Conversation With Edith Head” that runs Monday August 8th & Tuesday August 9th at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, California at 7:30P. The play is based on the book “Edith Head’s Hollywood” by Edith Head & Paddy Calistro & continues the legacy of Hollywood’s iconic costume designer. For 6 decades the legendary costume designer Edith Head worked on over 1100 films, dressed the greatest stars of Hollywood from Mae West to Grace Kelly, received 35 Academy Award nominations & won an unprecedented 8 Oscars. Claassen stated, "We are thrilled to return to North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, CA! Their artistic director, David Ellenstein & staff are amazing! The greater San Diego area is filled with fashionistas, film buffs & all around fabulous folks! Rumor has it, "Edie's" friend, the divine designer Zandra Rhodes, will be in attendance!” The play is filled with behind-the-scenes stories about great movie legends & their delicious intimate encounters with Miss Head during their costume fittings & other personal recollections. As Lucille Ball stated, “Edith knew the figure faults of every top star. And she never told. Edith always knew how to keep a secret.” However in this one-woman show some secrets just might be revealed & fashion tips freely given. We talked to Claassen about “A Conversation With Edith Head” in this exclusive audio byte:
 
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Cher & Hillary In Provincetown

Legendary Rock Icon & fierce LGBT ally Cher will be campaigning with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for a summer celebration fundraiser at the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, Massachusetts on August 21st from 1P to 3P. As you can imagine tickets are selling out fast. Gabby Hanna, LPAC Board Member stated, “Hillary Clinton & Cher. You in the first row. Our future President will work the line, shake her hand & click a quick selfie. It can be true for you if you max out for the General Election with a contribution of $2,700. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity in our seaside town.” Elyse Cherry, LPAC Board Member added, “We need to continue to build on Hillary’s momentum coming out of the convention to assure that Donald Trump will never be the President of the United States – particularly when Hillary is the most experienced candidate to run for President, perhaps, in our lifetimes. So, please join me, once again, in supporting her.” Urvashi Vaid, LPAC Founder concluded, “We are so excited to support Hillary Clinton for President. We want to encourage everyone who cares about LGBT equality, women’s rights & social justice to consider making a donation - of WHATEVER amount you are able to support her election.” As you can imagine tickets for this once in a lifetime event are going fast & the only tickets that are available range from $2700 to $27,000 to be a co-chair. If you can’t make the event please contribute what you can to make Hillary Clinton our 45th President.
For Info & Tix: hillaryclinton.com
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AG Healey & LGBT Leaders

Sarah Kate Ellis-Henderson President & CEO at GLAAD was one of the many LGBT leaders & activists that attended the fabulous event honoring Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey at the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate & hear about what crucial issues AG Healey is addressing in Massachusetts & especially for our LGBT community. Comedian Kate Clinton who attended with her wife Urvashi Vaid, introduced Healey. Fresh from the Democratic National Convention Maura talked about the importance of supporting Hillary Clinton for President. She then talked about the new Massachusetts law “An Act Relative to Transgender Anti-Discrimination” which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in public places making the Commonwealth the 18th state to do so. Also in the aftermath of the Orlando Massacre Healey talked about recently issuing an important & courageous new directive on assault weapons in Massachusetts telling gun dealers they can no longer sell copycats of many of the same weapons used in recent deadly mass shootings. She then talked about leading a group of Attorney Generals taking on Exxon Mobil over their efforts to mislead the public on climate change. Sarah Kate attended with her wife Kristen Ellis-Henderson from the rock band Antigone Rising. Also in attendance were Event Chair Bryan Rafanelli & the Host Committee including Elyse Cherry, Arline Isaacson, Janet Lehman & Ann Maguire, Harry Collings & Dan Moon, Neal Minahan, Rick Murray, Hon. Sarah K. Peake, Alix Ritchie & Marty Davis & Hon. Dan Wolf among many others.
To Support AG Healy….
Listen: Nadine Smith Talks Disarming Hate After Orlando Massacre
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