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HIV Infection Rate Down In NYC

The New York City Health Department has announced that new diagnoses of HIV infection in NYC have reached an all-time low of 2,157 in 2017 which is a 5.4% decrease from 2016. Kelsey Louie, CEO of Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) stated, “Another year of record low new HIV infections in New York City is reason to be optimistic about where we’re headed in this epidemic. The fact that new infections among women a group that saw a slight uptick in new infections in 2016 fell by nearly 12% is a testament to the power of following the data & being smart about prevention targeting and outreach. But while there is a lot to celebrate, we must also remember that 2,157 New Yorkers were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2017 & that’s 2,157 New Yorkers too many. With proven prevention methods like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) & the knowledge that people living with HIV who are on treatment cannot transmit the virus, we have the tools & the data to end this epidemic once & for all. Now we need the proper resources. GMHC is proud to partner with the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene as we work collectively to stop new infections & reach all New Yorkers who are living with or affected by this disease.” However, the report showed some areas where we need to redouble our prevention efforts. For example, new infections among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) increased in 2016, according to the report.
For More Info: gmhc.org
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Transgender Troops Attacked Again

The Trump administration’s assault on transgender troops continues with news that Senator Inhofe, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee is seeking to perpetuate the Trump-Pence Administration's proposed ban on transgender military service. Aaron Belkin Palm Center Director stated, “Senator Inhofe insisted for years that allowing gays & lesbians to serve openly would undermine the military, falsely claiming that ending ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ would undermine ‘our military's ability to fight, protect & win.’ Yet gays & lesbians have now served openly & successfully for seven years in all ranks & services. Numerous military & political leaders who once opposed their service have acknowledged they were wrong & even expressed regret over a 'moral passing of the buck.’ But not Senator Inhofe, who is now taking aim at transgender troops to score political points. The senator's new embrace of President Trump's proposed transgender ban is just as misguided as his earlier embrace of 'don't ask, don't tell'. Senior military leaders have confirmed what we know from more than two years of successful, trans-inclusive service: that inclusive policy promotes military readiness, while discrimination harms it.” Andy Blevins, OutServe-SLDN Executive Director concluded, OutServe-SLDN will continue to vigorously defend our transgender servicemembers & we call upon Senator Inhofe & his like-minded associates to do the same. Open & authentic transgender military service has successfully been in effect for almost 3 years now. We cannot afford to revert to a standard that does not fully support & celebrate the identities of all the selfless patriots that make up our military services.To all of our transgender servicemembers & veterans, whether you are serving openly or in silence, please know that we see you, we appreciate your service & that we got your six."
For More Info: outserve-sldn.org
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Creative At Any Age Lesbian Event

Boston OLOC (Old Lesbians Organizing For Change) will present a very special program entitled “Creative At Any Age: Outstanding Performances” featuring six creative artists on Sunday December 2nd from 2P to 4P at the Brookline Senior Center at 93 Winchester Street in Brookline, Massachusetts. Maggie Cee, artist, activist, dancer, writer & the founder of the long-running, wildly popular Femme Show will be performing her fabulous new dance/theater piece. Amber Aliyah Williams aka SublimeLuv who is a Boston born & bred womanist spoken-word artist will be performing her powerful activist art in a set entitled, 'Sublime Poetry.’ They will be joined by panelists including Kalyani Devajgoti, Jyl Lynn Felman, Sarah Pearlman & Sue Katz. Author Sue Katz stated, "This programs highlights the talents of creative women of various ages in our community. Our artists do not always get the opportunities they deserve to perform & to read their work, so we are excited to bring together & to celebrate so many extraordinary voices." OLOC Boston programs & events are open to lesbians of all ages, including transgender lesbians. OLOC’s mission includes their commitment to creating communities of older lesbians & solidarity with allies for racial, economic & social justice. Following the event there will be an early dinner at Lemon Grass at 239 Harvard Street in Brookline, MA.
For More Info: spearlman@hartford.edu
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LGBTQ Cyber Monday Event

This year now more than ever it’s extremely important to display your commitment to LGBTQ equality & this Cyber Monday for the Holiday Season we’re offering the highest quality gear for all our LGBTQ shoppers & allies. We would appreciate it if you could take a moment & visit our online OUTTAKE EQUALITY STORE where your purchases will help support our mission to provide & produce our free exclusive & insightful podcasts with LGBT leaders & allies on OUTTAKE VOICES into 2018 & beyond. Choose from a fabulous array of unique gear while supporting our quest for full global LGBT equality. We have tee shirts, tote bags, watches & more all displaying either our cool OUTTAKE logo or merchandise designed by visionary Richard Emmanuel whose emblem consists of universal symbols. Two androgynous gender nonconforming figures are meeting each other within the circle of the world. This creates a symbol of unity that is diverse with its differences, yet respectful of each person’s beliefs. The word “Equality” is boldly displayed with the words “LGBTQ Civil Rights.” This awesome design is empowering & a courageous symbol for our LGBTQ community with a symbol that reflects our strong commitment to equality. Both of these designs are an excellent way to get the conversation started to maintain & advance LGBTQ civil rights & equality. So what are you waiting for? Just click on the link below & check it OUT!! :)
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Trump's Trans Military Obsession

The Trump Administration has requested a writ of certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court in cases challenging the president's ban on transgender troops. The cases are currently before lower federal courts that are still deciding on several motions but the Trump administration wants to intervene now & implement the transgender military ban. So what could have possibly caused such an appalling maneuver by this homophobic & transphobic administration just days after the global recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance & recent release of “TransMilitary” the groundbreaking & award-winning documentary that chronicles the lives of four transgender service members honorably protecting America on Logo TV? Jennifer Levi, GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director stated, “There is no urgency here & no reason for the Court to weigh in at this juncture. The injunctions preserve the status quo of the open service policy that was thoroughly vetted by the military itself & has been in place now for more than two years. This is simply one more attempt by a reckless Trump administration to push through a discriminatory policy. The policy flies in the face of military research & dozens of top military experts.” Sarah McBride HRC National Press Secretary concluded, "The Trump-Pence administration's desperate desire to discriminate against transgender service members knows no bounds. The administration is in a rush because they know that every day that transgender people continue to enlist & serve with distinction is another day that the courts & the public see this irrational policy for what it is. There is simply no reason to circumvent the traditional judicial process in pursuit of banning qualified, patriotic Americans from serving their country.”
For More Info: notransmilitaryban.org
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Harvey Milk Forty Years Later (Audio)

This year on November 27th marks the 40th anniversary when Supervisor Harvey Milk & Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by a deranged gunman at City Hall Plaza in San Francisco, California. It was a day that changed the course of our LGBTQ history forever & a day that I personally will never forget. San Franciscans were still in shock by news of the Jonestown Massacre which took the lives of 900 members of their community when the news broke after San Francisco Board Member Dianne Feinstein heard gunshots & called police & then found Milk face down on the floor shot five times, including twice in the head. Soon after she announced to the press stating, "Today San Francisco has experienced a double tragedy of immense proportions. As President of the Board of Supervisors, it is my duty to inform you that both Mayor Moscone & Supervisor Harvey Milk have been shot & killed & the suspect is Supervisor Dan White." Milk was 48 years old & Moscone was 49. White turned himself in at the police station where he was formerly an officer & the term "Twinkie defense" came from his murder trial that convicted him of the lesser crime of manslaughter. Outrage over White's lenient sentence caused a riot by angry protestors. After White was released from prison he committed suicide shortly afterwards in 1985. On Tuesday November 27th at 5P the Castro Theatre will host a free screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk” & at 7P there will be a memorial vigil at Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro organized by the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club & contemporaries of Milk followed by a candlelight procession to City Hall where there will be additional community reflections. Listen: Cleve Jones Talks About Harvey Milk:
For More Info: milkfoundation.org
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Trans Day of Remembrance (Audio)

On Transgender Day of Remembrance we observed those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. November 20th is an internationally oserved day to draw attention to the continual violence against our transgender community. In a new report since the start of 2018 at least 22 transgender people have been killed in the U.S. & 2017 were deadliest on record with at least 29 transgender people killed. Nearly nine in every 10 victims were transgender women & 45 percent of all domestic deaths occurred in the U.S. South. Jay Brown, Acting Senior Vice President, HRC Foundation stated, "At least 128 transgender people with the vast majority transgender women of color have been killed in the last five years. But most people can't even name one victim -- one human being who left behind family, friends & a future. We must do better. Solidarity means showing up, speaking out, saying their names & steadfastly working to change the realities that conspire to put transgender people at risk of violence. We can do better." Education is key & in this exclusive audio interview we talked with author & activist Brynn Tannehill about her new book “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Trans (But Were Afraid to Ask)” that really does tell you everything you need to know about transgender issues & serves as a valuable reference source to debunk many of the untruths circulating about our transgender community.  
For More Info: hrc.org
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The Dance-Along Nutcracker Event

Hailed as one of the best bets for holiday dance the Dance-Along Nutcracker is one of San Francisco’s most treasured holiday events that takes place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on December 8th & 9th. The Dance-Along Nutcracker® is a casual, fun & family-friendly show combining the classic music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite with a live musical adventure featuring a talented cast. This year’s show centers on the magical adventures of Clara Potter & her friends at Fogwarts School in "Clara Potter & The Elder Baton" as they search out the long-lost Elder Baton on a quest to save their school music program. Throughout the show the audience is invited to “Dance-Along” to the ballet allowing everyone the opportunity to express themselves in a welcoming & supportive environment. Magical costumes are highly encouraged. Each year the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band blends Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker Suite with a fun theme. The result is a fun-filled musical production brimming with wit, artistry & ingenuity. The talented cast sings & dances their way through a parody version of the Nutcracker. Then when the “Dance-Along” sign flashes, the audience is invited to tug on their tutus & sashay along with the cast. Join Clara Potter & her friends on a fun-filled musical adventure, featuring secret riddles, an evil school board, kazoos, a three-ish headed dog & more music & dancing than you can shake a wand at. General admission for adults is $35 & child, students & seniors are $20. Save 10% with code: ClaraPotter for general seating. For premium seating which guarantees first four rows tickets are adults $45 & child, students & Seniors $28.
For Info & Tix: sflgfb.townalive.com
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GMHC To Honor Michael Urie

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) has announced they will honor multitalented performer & director Michael Urie at their 2018 GMHC Cabaret & Howard Ashman Award event for his contributions to the LGBTQ community & the fight against HIV/AIDS. The event takes place at Joe’s Pub in The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street in NYC on Sunday December 16th from 7P to 9P. GMHC Kelsey Louie stated, “We’re so proud to have Michael Urie on our side as we work to keep HIV/AIDS in the spotlight & as we strive to engage a new generation with the important work we do every single day on behalf of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Michael understands the past, present & future of the epidemic & has approached his activism in the same thoughtful way he approaches his incredible career in entertainment & he like many in the Broadway community is an important member of the GMHC family of supporters.” Urie concluded, ”GMHC has long been a beacon of hope. From the terrifying early days of the epidemic to the confusing present when everyone’s basic rights are at risk, GMHC has had our backs. That my small part in the fight means anything to them is humbling & extremely rewarding. They are heroes & I am proud to stand with them.” Urie has been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ & HIV/AIDS communities for more than a decade appearing at major AIDS Walks around the country & helping to raise vital funds for AIDS service organizations including GMHC. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks & tickets start at $150. We talked with Michael on OUTTAKE VOICES™ a few years ago. LISTEN...
For More Info & Tix: gmhc.org
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Taiwan To Vote On LGBTQ Equality

There are five ballot initiatives on November 24th in Taiwan that will impact our LGBTQ community. Three initiatives would harm LGBTQ people including two attempting to undermine a landmark Taiwanese Constitutional Court decision supporting marriage equality & another that would repeal a portion of the Gender Equity Education Act which supports LGBTQ inclusion in Taiwan’s school curriculum. In contrast two other initiatives would affirm marriage equality & the importance of the Gender Equity Education Act. Noting that diversity & inclusion are good for business 27 Taiwanese & multinational companies have come out in support of LGBTQ Equality in Taiwan stating, “Diversity, inclusion, respect, equality & non-discrimination are values that we cherish & seek to uphold in our companies & in our business dealings. We do this not only because it is the right thing to do but because it makes our companies & our society stronger & more successful. Research has shown that a diverse workforce is more creative, productive & competitive. Policies that support & promote diversity & inclusion in the workplace also help businesses in Taiwan attract & retain the top talent we need to remain competitive in the global economy…” Erin Uritus, CEO, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates concluded, “We applaud these leading Taiwanese & multinational corporations for publicly standing with their LGBTQ employees & the entire community in Taiwan. These companies know that creating an environment where their LGBTQ employees feel welcome & respected both within their companies & in society more broadly is not only the right thing to do, it’s also good for business & good for Taiwan.”
For More Info: outandequal.org
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LGBT Friendly Senior Housing

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), BFC Partners, SAGE, the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) & the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) celebrated the topping out of construction of Ingersoll Senior Residences, one of NYCHA’s first 100 percent Affordable Housing Program developments. The new building is New York City’s first LGBT-friendly affordable senior housing & the largest such development in the nation. As it enters the final phases of construction, officials said the building is expected to open for residents in June 2019 alongside the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising & celebration of World Pride in New York City. Michael Adams SAGE CEO Michael Adams stated, “Today we celebrate being one step closer to realizing a decades-long dream to of providing LGBT-welcoming & affordable housing for our LGBT trailblazers. Thank you to BFC Partners, Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Speaker Corey Johnson & all of our supporters, who are making sure that the LGBT pioneers who fought for recognition & civil rights will soon have a place to thrive & memorialize the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.” Ingersoll Senior Residences, developed as part of the NextGen NYCHA initiative is a 17-story building at 112 St. Edwards Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn that will provide 145 units of affordable senior housing & a new 7,600-square-foot SAGE Center operated by SAGE the nation’s largest advocacy & service organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT elders. The new housing & SAGE Center will be open to all qualifying low-income seniors, BFC Partners & SAGE have worked together to ensure the building is uniquely designed to meet the needs of older members of the LGBT community. Older LGBT people across the nation are statistically more likely to face housing discrimination & harassment & are less likely to have children & other family members to help care for their needs.
For More Info: sageusa.org
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FBI Reports Rise In Hate Crimes

As we all predicted & dreaded the 2018 FBI Hate Crimes Report officially confirms a rise in hate crimes since the Trump administration came into power with their revolting behavior of continually spewing irresponsible hateful rhetoric. Vanita Gupta, President & CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights stated, “These numbers are disappointing, but not surprising. The Trump administration’s divisive rhetoric & discriminatory policies fuel the flames of bigotry & acts of hatred throughout our country. The FBI’s hate crimes report is merely the thermometer telling us that the temperature of hate & intolerance in America is spiking to sweltering levels. Sadly, we can trace the source of this heat directly back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Hate has no place anywhere in our country. Most alarming, this report captures only a fraction of the problem. The federal government must improve their hate crime data collection to accurately represent this country’s epidemic of hate. The civil rights community denounces these acts of hate & bigotry & calls on our elected & appointed officials to meet a higher standard with those who denounce acts of hate & bigotry in this country.” Read FBI Report… The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote & protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals.
For More Info: civilrights.org
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Kyrsten Sinema Wins In Arizona

U.S. Representative Kyrsten Sinema’s win in Arizona’s U.S. Senate race makes LGBTQ history becoming the first openly bisexual person elected to the U.S. Senate & just the second openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the body. Sinema defeated an anti-LGBTQ challenger in an extremely close race that was one of the most watched in the nation. Sinema joins U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin & eight other openly LGBTQ people who have won their historic races for U.S. Congress so far. There are currently just seven openly LGBTQ members serving in Congress. Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund stated, “An LGBTQ woman winning a U.S. Senate seat in a state that voted for Trump is a game-changer, both for the LGBTQ community & the Democratic party. Kyrsten’s victory makes clear that an LGBTQ candidate who listens to voters & prioritizes their issues can win elected office anywhere blue state or red state. It also signals to the Democratic party that nominating more LGBTQ candidates for high-level positions should be a strategic priority, because their openness & authenticity resonates with independent voters. Now Kyrsten joins Senator Tammy Baldwin, fresh off a huge reelection victory, in a U.S. Senate that continues to disregard White House attacks on our community & refuses to consider protections that most Americans support. By doubling our influence with two passionate & tough LGBTQ women, however, the U.S. Senate will certainly find our community more difficult to ignore.” LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face & voice of America’s politics & achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.
For More Info: victoryfund.org
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Transgender Troops On Veterans Day

This Veterans Day our LGBTQ community is still dealing with the Trump Administration’s latest attack on transgender Americans to define the word “sex” as biologically immutable. This is especially disconcerting for our honorably serving transgender troops. Aaron Belkin Director of Palm Center stated, “While the Trump administration ramps up its attacks on the transgender community to score political points, thousands of transgender Americans continue to serve their country in uniform every day, earning praise from senior military leaders & peers alike. After two years of successful open service, Army Chief of Staff, General Mark Milley said, ‘I have received precisely zero reports of issues of cohesion, discipline, morale & all those sorts of things’ related to transgender troops. The Air Force’s top enlisted leader, Chief Master Sergeant Kaleth Wright, affirmed, ‘We take care of them just like any other airmen.’ The Navy’s top enlisted sailor, Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Giordano, told transgender sailors, ‘We are honored & blessed to have you on our team & you will continue to have my support.’ The achievements & sacrifices of these transgender patriots remind us how much our country stands to lose when transgender Americans are attacked for political reasons instead of welcomed for their contributions to our nation.” As we celebrate Veterans Day take a moment think about all of the LGBTQ veterans who have served & continue to serve this country & throughout the world.
For More Info: palmcenter.org
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Elyse Cherry CEO BlueHub Capital

The Commonwealth Institute & the Boston Globe Magazine have recognized BlueHub Capital as one of the Top 100 Women-led businesses in Massachusetts. This is the fifth year in a row that CEO Elyse Cherry & BlueHub Capital have been recognized. The honor was announced at an awards breakfast hosted by The Commonwealth Institute (TCI). TCI is a nonprofit, community-based organization that promotes the success of women business owners & business leaders. Elyse Cherry CEO BlueHub Capital stated, “BlueHub Capital is honored to be included again as one of the Top100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts. Hats off to our sister honorees! Onward!” Elyse Cherry has earned national recognition for her groundbreaking work attacking the foreclosure crisis through an innovative combination of private and public dollars. She's an important voice in the Massachusetts LGBTQ community as the former chair of MassEquality & one of the few women running a major financial institution. As CEO of BlueHub Capital Elyse has overseen the investment of over $900 million into low-income communities. BlueHub Capital formerly known as Boston Community Capital is a national mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy communities where low-income people live & work. Their mission has not changed since they began in the mid-1980’s but their footprint has from their early focus on Boston’s neighborhoods, to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts & then to the United States. BlueHub Capital remains true to their mission & values while embracing expanded geography.
For More Info: bluehubcapital.org
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LGBTQ People Elected To Congress

Our LGBTQ community helped strengthen the new Democratic majority with an historic number of LGBTQ people elected to the U.S. House with eight openly LGBTQ candidates winning their races & one headed to a recount ensuring a historic number of openly LGBTQ candidates in the U.S. Congress next year. Senator Tammy Baldwin also won reelection in Wisconsin & Kyrsten Sinema’s race for U.S. Senate in Arizona is still too close to call. Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund stated, “An unprecedented rainbow wave of LGBTQ Congressional candidates helped strengthen the new Democratic majority, flipping three seats & securing eight seats in all. LGBTQ candidates won over independents & even Republicans to win in some of the most competitive districts in the nation, proving out LGBTQ candidates can secure big wins in tough places. With more LGBTQ candidates in the U.S. House than ever before, we have the opportunity to finally pass equality legislation too long ignored. There was hand-wringing among some politicos about whether LGBTQ candidates would provide the best opportunity for Democrats to pick up seats in red districts. Instead we saw LGBTQ candidates talk openly about their lives to a degree unseen in past elections & it resonated with voters. We tripled the number of LGBTQ women members of Congress, doubled the number of LGBTQ people of color & increased our overall number of LGBTQ members from six to eight. And we played a key role in securing a pro-equality Congress. America needs authentic, values-driven elected officials in the halls of power right now & voters found those qualities in our out LGBTQ candidates.” Over 100 LGBTQ candidates won midterm races on the federal, state & local levels. In Colorado Jared Polis was elected as Governor making him the first openly gay man to win a Governor seat. In Kansas Sharice Davids was elected to Congress making her the first gay Native American woman ever elected to Congress & Massachusetts voters supported Question 3 granting protections to transgender people living in the state. This marks the first time that transgender rights won in a popular vote.
For More Info: victoryfund.org
LISTEN: Brynn Tannehill Talks New Transgender Handbook & MoreHear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Massachusetts Transgender Equality

Massachusetts has become the first state in U.S. history to successfully defend transgender rights by popular vote of just shy of 68%. Kasey Suffredini, Yes on 3 Campaign co-chair & President of Strategy at Freedom for All Americans stated, “Massachusetts made history tonight, both for our transgender neighbors who call this state home & for transgender people across this nation. From the very early days of our campaign, we have been clear that this is about dignity & respect for all people. Together, we have shattered broken stereotypes of what it means to be transgender & debunked the myth – once & for all – that protecting transgender people compromises the safety of others. Winning this popular vote is irrefutable proof that public support for transgender people is growing & tonight’s outcome will provide the necessary momentum to change the landscape on transgender rights everywhere.” Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO concluded, “Voters in Massachusetts made history tonight & sent a clear message that transgender rights are human rights. The personal stories of so many transgender people in Massachusetts coupled with support from allies in business, faith communities, sports & so many areas of the state, shattered stereotypes & sparked this historic show of acceptance. This victory for transgender people all around the country is the latest sign that the Trump Administration’s attempts to discriminate against transgender Americans are completely out of step with where the American public is.” Boasting more than 1,500 strong the coalition supporting the Yes on 3 campaign was among the most diverse & broad of any ballot campaign in recent Massachusetts history & the largest ballot campaign on transgender rights in U.S. history. Support came from the LGBTQ community, businesses large & small, labor unions, law enforcement, sexual assault prevention advocates, faith leaders, the region’s professional sports franchises, educators, parents & many more.
For More Info: freedommassachusetts.org
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Vote & Make America Sane Again

In Pittsburgh we got a horrific reality of what this administration’s irresponsible hate speak has led to. November 6th we have a chance to take the first major step in reversing the damage of Trump’s hate spew. Go to the polls & vote. Take away some of this maniac’s power. Pittsburgh’s Jewish leaders have taken a firm stand & have told Trump that he is no longer welcome in Pittsburgh until he denounces white nationalism following the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue that has taken 11 innocent lives stating, "Our Jewish community is not the only group you have targeted. You have also deliberately undermined the safety of people of color, Muslims, LGBTQ people & people with disabilities. Yesterday's massacre is not the first act of terror you incited against a minority group in our country." Rea Carey National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director concluded, “The National LGBTQ Task Force joins others in outrage & heartbreak at the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The attack on Jews, particularly during Sabbath worship, is horrific & unconscionable. Our hearts are with the victims, their families & community. We condemn this attack. Whether at the hand of a shooter, or from the mouth of Trump & other elected officials, anti-Semitism & defense of white supremacy is unacceptable. We will continue the work to ensure that all people can worship & that all people can be who they are without fear of violence.”
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Latina Center Anniversary Event

In San Francisco the Hispanic Business Education Network is celebrating The Latina Center’s 12th anniversary with a fabulous fundraising event on Saturday November 3rd at Homage 88 Hardie Place in San Francisco, CA from 5P to 9P. Miriam Wong The Latina Center Executive Director stated, "For almost 15 years, The Latina Center has been dedicated to improving the Physical, Mental & Spiritual health of Latina women & their families in the Bay Area, specifically in West Contra Costa County. It is my pleasure to share how far we have come, how the organization has evolved throughout the years & where, I believe, we are headed. Our programs such as parenting classes have increased parents’ self-confidence & skills, provided pathways to support for victims of family violence to overcome physical & emotional abuse & build new relationships that help them to move on with their lives & offered small business training & access to microloans to increase self-sufficiency & support our community’s dreams for small business & micro-enterprise ownership." The Latina Center mission is to improve the quality of life & health of the Latino community by providing leadership & personal development opportunities for all Latinas. There will be a silent auction & tickets are $75 for this fundraising event which includes appetizers & a host bar serving beer & wine.
For Info & Tix: hben-funds.org
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St. Petersburg Trans Rally Event

LGBTQ advocates & allies are rallying together on Sunday November 4th in St. Petersburg, Florida responding to the Trump Administration’s latest disturbing plans to rollback important rights & protections for transgender & gender non-conforming people. The 'We Won't Be Erased' Transgender Rally of Support will take place at Williams Park 350 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL at 11A EST. Speaking at the event will be Taylor TeMonet Burts, Aaron Phoenix, Vanessa Valenziano Nichols, Samira Obeid, Nadine Smith Equality Florida, Ashley Rhodes-Courter, Kiala Emmons Metro Wellness & Community Centers, Gina Driscoll St Pete City Council Member, EsmĂ© RodrĂ­guez Equality Florida, Nathan Bruemmer, ALSO Youth & more. The Trump Administration has made it a priority to target our transgender & gender non-conforming community with overt discriminatory policies through the transgender military ban, rescinding school guidance for trans youth & excluding LGBTQ people from the 2020 census. In Florida & across the nation we know how these types of dehumanizing policies can lead to an increase in discrimination & violence against our transgender community. This year since February five black transgender women have been brutally murdered in Florida representing nearly a quarter of all reported anti-transgender murders in the entire nation so far this year. Equality Florida, TransAction Florida & ALSO Youth are calling on the community to come together to denounce these discriminatory policies by the Trump Administration & to tell elected officials to speak out against the rise of anti-transgender hate & violence & to stand in solidarity with the transgender & gender non-conforming community.
For More Info…
LISTEN: Brynn Tannehill Talks New Transgender Handbook & MoreHear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
OUTTAKE VOICES™ ON HUFFINGTON POST

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