Melissa Etheridge At World Pride

Before Melissa Etheridge will perform at the World Pride Closing Ceremony in Times Square on Sunday June 30th it has been announced that the Grammy & Oscar winning singer-songwriter will be joining GLAAD’s float in the WorldPride March in NYC. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Melissa Etheridge is not only a musical legend, but also a LGBTQ icon. Throughout her career, she has been such a trailblazer for LGBTQ people in music & has used her voice to advocate for equality & acceptance. We are so honored to have her march with us as we come together for this historic Pride celebration in New York City.” Since the release of her unforgettable self-titled 1988 debut Etheridge’s incredible career to date includes sales of over 25 million albums, 5 platinum & 3 multi-platinum records, 15 GRAMMY Award nominations & 2 wins, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame & an Academy Award for “I Need to Wake Up” from the climate change documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Her 2016 release Memphis Rock & Soul, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Blues Chart. Etheridge has selflessly dedicated herself as an activist for human rights, LGBTQ issues, breast cancer awareness & alternative medical approaches. Etheridge is currently on an expansive U.S. tour in support of her new album The Medicine Show which was released in April. The tour includes special summer dates with Pat Benatar & Neil Geraldo & LizPhair. WorldPride Parade will kick off at 12P on June 30th in NYC.
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Lisa Cannistraci Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

Lisa Cannistraci owner of the legendary Henrietta Hudson which has been Manhattan’s number-one lesbian bar for over twenty five years talks about partnering with WorldPride | Stonewall 50 & presenting two fabulous must-attend parties at a venue she has created at Watermark Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport, 78 South Street in NYC to accommodate “Pride Soup” or "Queer on the Pier" on June 28th from 9P to 4A & “Siren” which takes place on June 29th from 9P to 4A. “Pride Soup” will be the queerest party of the year according to Lisa with over 2000 LGBTQIA+ friends & allies. The event will be hosted by model/actor Rain Dove & Devin-Norelle NYC trendsetter, influencer, Teen Vogue & OUT magazine journalist. There will be performances by singing sensations Nina Sky & singer model Laith Ashley & dance to DJ Amber Valentine - The Woods, DJ MaryMac, Madonna’s Tour DJ & DJ AVG JO-NYC. Then the following night “Siren” will be presented the most famous lesbian-centric party of the year hosted by Harlem Globetrotter Crissa Ace & Kiyomi Valentine from Real L Word. Join 2000+ LGBTQIA+ friends & allies with a coast-to-coast stellar line up including singing sensation Mindy Jones, lead singer for Moby headlining & DJs Whitney Day LA/NYC, Denver’s Tatiana and MO from NYC. Then on June 30th from 12P on the iconic street party “Occupy Hudson” takes place. For this event Henrietta Hudson has booked NYC’s finest DJ’s to take you through the day with DJ Tikka Masala, DJ RosyQ, DJ BK Storm & DJ Christie. We talked to Lisa about her upcoming events, her relationship with Stormé DeLarverie who threw the first punch at the historic Stonewall Inn Riot on June 28th in 1969 & her spin on our LGBTQ issues in this exclusive interview.
For More Info: henriettahudson.com  
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OutRight & World Pride Equality

World Pride events continue in NYC throughout June designed to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ issues globally including in countries where Pride events cannot take place for security, legislation or capacity reasons. There are still 68 countries & several territories that still criminalize LGBTQ relationships & in a handful the death penalty can be applied. In 55 countries LGBTQ organizations cannot legally register & in 30 countries LGBTQ organizations don’t exist at all, whether registered or unregistered. Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International stated, “Fifty years after the symbolic first Pride at the Stonewall riots, Pride continues to serve as a symbol of the global movement for LGBTIQ equality. In New York, the anger & determination which sparked the first riots have been replaced by celebration. Yet, in far too many places around the world, where violence & murder of LGBTIQ people remains a daily reality, Pride, in the vast variety of forms it takes, continues to be an expression of protest & defiance, an affirmation of our existence & a message to authorities that they can not get away with denying us our basic rights…For even in countries with long histories of Pride, in countries which have been heralded as champions of LGBTIQ equality, a backlash has been growing. Although trans women were at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots, trans rights have lagged behind & now, 50 years later, are coming under even more attack. Evidently, we have quite the battle ahead before LGBTIQ people everywhere can live free to be who they are, love whom they choose, free from fear of violence, hate & persecution.”
For More Info: outrightinternational.org
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New LGBTQ Kids Books (AUDIO)

GLAAD the global LGBTQ media advocacy organization has announced the release of two new LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books: “Our Rainbow” & “Except When They Don’t” in partnership with Little Bee Books. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Children’s books are essential tools in encouraging awareness, kindness & acceptance at an early age. GLAAD is committed to advancing representation of LGBTQ lives & families & books like ‘Our Rainbow’ & ‘Except When They Don’t’ are shining examples of stories that families of all kinds can learn from & celebrate.” Illustrated by nine illustrators from the LGBTQ+ community “Our Rainbow” is a board book that teaches children about the meaning of each color of the pride flag. Told in simple, engaging text & paired with bright illustrations “Our Rainbow” aims to show children how simple acts of kindness can brighten up our world. “Except When They Don’t” is written by Laura Gehl & illustrated by Joshua Heinsz. This book challenges gender stereotypes by inviting children to examine what they're told "boy" & "girl" activities are. Instead of telling them what toys they're supposed to play with, what interests they should have & who they should be because of their gender, “Except When They Don’t” encourages children to play with whatever they want to & to be exactly who they are. We have had the privilege to work with GLAAD since the inception of OUTTAKE MEDIA™ in 2007. Listen to our recent chat with Zeke Stokes, GLAAD Chief Programs Officer who talks about GLAAD’s work & their Concert for “Love & Acceptance” in Nashville we attended on June 6th
For More Info: glaad.org
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Stonewall Film Screening (AUDIO)

Filmmakers Kate Davis & David Heilbroner talk about their documentary Stonewall Uprising that will be shown on Wednesday June 26th at 8:30P at the Washington Square Arch in Greenwich Village in NYC. Stonewall Uprising is the fabulous documentary chronicling the historic turning point in our LGBTQ civil rights movement. The film is based on David Carter’s Stonewall: The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution & told through interviews with Stonewall patrons, reporters & the policeman who led the raid. Stonewall Uprising recalls the fervently hostile climate in which our LGBTQ community was forced to live in 1969 and the events that led to what one reporter called the LGBTQ community’s “Rosa Parks moment.” When asked what they hope to accomplish with this documentary Davis stated, “We hope that the film will help a general population actually across the country & maybe the world to incorporate gay history into American history.” Heilbroner concluded, “One of the things I hope our film can do besides reminding people where the pride parade comes from which is directly out of the Stonewall riots but also we should be grateful how far we have come even though we have a long way to go. It’s amazing how far America has come in the last fifty years.” The screening is being presented by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME), the NYC Parks Department & American Experience Films/PBS. Stonewall Uprising is also available on PBS’s American Experience streaming.
For More Info: pbs.org
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LGBTQ Out Film CT 2019 Winners

The 32nd Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival (Out Film CT) had a record-breaking run of 65 features & shorts at four different venues in Hartford, Connecticut. With hundreds of attendees from throughout the state & beyond Out Film CT is proud to announce the films honored with Audience & Jury Awards. Audience Award - Best Feature went to Tell It To The Bees (U.K.), Audience Award - Best Documentary Feature went to Gay Chorus Deep South (U.S.), Jury Award - Best Feature went to Canary (South Africa) & Jury Award - Best Short went to The Serenade (La Seranata) (U.S.). Shane Engstrom Executive Director Out Film CT stated, "Our audiences were exuberantly vocal in sharing their pleasure with our film selections this year... seeing their lives & loves celebrated on the silver screen. We achieved our goal of bringing the community together through an amazing collection of diverse stories spanning the LGBTQ spectrum." Out Film CT which organizes the Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to presenting outstanding LGBTQ cinema & other theatrical events throughout the year, culminating in the nine-day Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival. Connecticut's longest-running film festival holds a special place in our state’s cultural landscape, bringing the community together to introduce, celebrate & rediscover the ideas and values that make the LGBT community unique. Out Film CT also presents the Queer Thursdays Cinema series, with screenings at Cinestudio on the second Thursday of the month.
For More Info: outfilmct.org
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Point Foundation 2019 Scholarships

Point Foundation the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization LGBTQ students has announced its 2019 scholarship recipients. The students receiving support from Point this year make up a group of passionate activists, ready & willing to fight for progress in the face of an increasing lack of support for LGBTQ people at the highest levels of government. Sixteen LGBTQ students were chosen to be Point Scholars from more than 2,100 applicants. Point is also welcoming 25 LGBTQ students to its Community College Scholarship Program. Jorge Valencia, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation stated, “These LGBTQ students have demonstrated the potential to be the informed & visionary leaders our society needs right now. Their dedication to making the world around them a better place provides our community with the promise of a better future. Point is grateful to the incredible people & companies whose support relieves the crushing burden of financing education & presents our scholars with a new world of opportunity.” Point’s scholarship recipients are talented students with a proven track record of challenging unjust laws & policies, offering guidance to future generations & using artistry to combat long-lasting discrimination. In addition to their fearless leadership they have battled obstacles including immigration status, homelessness, family rejection & abuse. Each one of them has the dedication & resilience to inspire change across the country. Since 2002, Point has awarded more than 400 scholarships, making it the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit. Point Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development & community service training.
For More Info:pointfoundation.org
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LGBTQ Hit Play “Electricity” In NYC

Celebrating the historic 50th Anniversary of Stonewall & World Pride in NYC the LGBTQ History project The Lavender Effect is presenting two benefit NYC performances of the award-winning LGBTQ hit play “Electricity” on Thursday June 27th & Saturday June 29th at 2P at The Revelation Gallery at 224 Waverly Place between 7th Avenue & W 11th Street in NYC. The play chronicles the journey of two gay men from Stonewall to today starring playwright & actor Terry Ray & Off-Broadway veteran Mel England. “Electricity” is directed by Steve Rosenbaum & has been touring across the nation to critical acclaim & audience response since it’s debut in Los Angeles. Terry Ray stated, “When I wrote “Electricity” I wanted to capture the journey that nearly all the LGBTQ+ community has taken--the journey of transitioning from thinking there is something wrong with you for being gay--to accepting yourself for who you truly are & demanding equality. I wanted to do that via a love story that begins in 1969--the year that Stonewall sparked our journey. Brad & Gary’s love story covers nearly all the 50 years since Stonewall. To be able to perform “Electricity” as part of the festivities of NYC Gay Pride, World Pride & especially Stonewall’s 50th Anniversary is a gift & the performances are benefiting The Lavender Effect which strives to preserve our gay history--it’s a perfect combination.” Tickets are for $40 premium seats in advance & $25 for general admission.
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Provincetown Film Festival Winners

The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced the award winners of this year’s 21st annual film festival. The award winners were HBO Audience Award/ Best Narrative Feature: OFFICIAL SECRETS directed by Gavin Hood, HBO Audience Award / Best Documentary Feature: LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE, by Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman, The John Schlesinger Award for Narrative Feature was presented to a first time feature filmmaker: SWALLOW directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis. The judge for the John Schlesinger Award for Narrative Feature was producer Christine Vachon. The John Schlesinger Award for Documentary Feature was presented to a first time feature filmmaker: GAY CHORUS DEEP SOUTH directed by David Charles Rodrigues. The judge for the John Schlesinger Award for Documentary Feature was writer/producer Mark Protosevich. HBO Documentary Short Film: CATHERINE OPIE B. 1961 directed by Sini Anderson. Here Media Best Queer Short Film: LAVENDER directed by Matthew Puccini. Best Narrative Short Film: LOCKDOWN directed by Celine Held & Logan George. Best Animated Short Film: UNDER COVERS directed by Michaela Olsen. Best New England Short Film: THE BLACK MAMBAS directed by Bruce Donnelly. Best Student Short Film: FRAN THIS SUMMER directed by Mary Evangelista. The Short Film Jury was made up of activist Byllye Avery: filmmaker Rhys Ernst & musician J Mascis. Previously announced John Cameron Mitchell was presented with the 2019 Filmmaker on the Edge Award in conversation with filmmaker John Waters, Judith Light received the Excellence in Acting Award in conversation with film and theater critic David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter & Jillian Bell received the Next Wave Award in conversation with Vanity Fair’s chief critic Richard Lawson.
For More Info: provincetownfilm.org
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True Colors United & FX Networks

FX Networks has announced a new partnership with True Colors United to create & distribute self-care kits to charitable organizations that are committed to ending homelessness amongst our LGBTQ youth. The partnership was inspired by the second season of Pose the fabulous FX drama series that includes storylines addressing the consequences of homelessness, ranging from sexual abuse & exploitation, alcohol & drug abuse, in addition to challenges entering the job market. In the United States 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year. LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ peers. Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO, True Colors Fund stated, "When it comes to homelessness, LGBTQ youth are overrepresented & underserved. We're proud to partner with FX Networks & Pose to put self-care kits into the hands of young people across the country. The organizations we're sending these to provide essential services to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness & make an incredible impact in their communities. United, we can create a world where every young person, wherever they live, is celebrated for being their authentic self." Kenya Hardaway, SVP of Integrated Promotions at FX Networks concluded, “We are very happy to be partnering with True Colors United on this initiative & appreciate the generosity of the brands that contributed to this effort. Pose has fearlessly shined a light on issues facing the LGBTQ community & we couldn’t think of a better way to mark the return of the series, than to bring support to those affected. Our hope is that this program will bring awareness to these amazing organizations & the incredible work they do.”
For More Info: truecolorsunited.org
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Orchestras Engage LGBTQ Audience

At the League of American Orchestras 74th National Conference in Nashville, TN there was a very interesting panel session entitled “Engaging the LGBTQ+ Community”. The panel included Daryn Bauer, community engagement manager, The Florida Orchestra; Julie Desbordes, conductor, the Queer Urban Orchestra; Miguel García, marketing & engagement manager, Chicago Sinfonietta; Leo Hurley, composer & Laura Reynolds, VP of education & community engagement of the Seattle Symphony. Daryn Bauer, moderator of the LGBTQ+ session stated, "Even in the past five years, orchestras have made huge strides in being inclusive of the LGBTQ community. The presentations in this session show a small sample of how orchestras have welcomed the community into the halls -- from a composition program for LGBTQ-identified youth who have experienced homelessness to an opera about a Muslim transgender man. There is still a lot of work to do but it was exciting to see what everyone is starting to do around the country.” The session included orchestra professionals & artists alike who addressed events & artistic projects that bring our LGBTQ+ community into focus & welcome their engagement. The panel shared their successes & challenges of engaging the LGBTQ+ community & discussed how to respond to the needs of their local communities in an informative Q&A that followed. Bauer concluded, “This is the first time the League has included a session on engaging the LGBTQ community but the importance felt a lot deeper than the specific programs and ideas. Based on comments I heard, I got a sense that people felt validated as a member of the LGBTQ community themselves, like they belong here, too.”
For More Info: leagueconference2019.org
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MBCC 27th Against the Tide Event

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will hold its 27th annual Against the Tide Athletic Fundraising Event at DCR's Hopkinton State Park on Saturday June 15th. Proceeds will benefit MBCC the state’s leading breast cancer organization dedicated to preventing the environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy & changes to public policy. MBCC will honor Emmy winner Charlotte Robinson with an award of appreciation at this year’s event in Hopkinton. Honoree Charlotte Robinson is CEO of OUTTAKE MEDIA & Host of OUTTAKE VOICES the online news network that for the last 12 years has broadcasted to millions globally & has provided a voice for thousands of LGBTQ+ organizations & allies, including MBCC. Cheryl Osimo, MBCC Executive Director stated, “Charlotte is a true humanitarian & an inspiration to all of us with her commitment in helping MBCC work towards our goal of breast cancer prevention. We are very fortunate to have such tremendous support from Charlotte, demanding greater protection of all children's future health in our effort to stop breast cancer before it starts.” Against the Tide is a family-friendly & inspirational event brings people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. The event offers participants of all ages the choice of up to four of the following components: competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, fitness walk, paddleboard & USA Track & Field certified 5K/10K runs. The event also offers an Aquathon “Splash and Dash” component, where participants “splash” in the competitive one-mile swim and immediately “dash” in the 5K or 10K run.
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Boston Spirit Pride Sunset Cruise

We are finally in town to attend the Boston Spirit Summer Sunset Cruise supporting Fenway Health Wednesday June 12th on The Provincetown II that departs from Bay State Cruise Company on Seaport Boulevard next to Boston's World Trade Center. We'll be boarding at 5:30P & hitting the high seas at 6:30P for a cruise around Boston Harbor grooving to the fab sounds of DJ Mocha until 8:30P. Pride has always been about celebration but it’s also about community & we all need a connection to that community more now than ever. Fenway Health stated, “Friends on Boston Spirit our annual Summer Sunset Cruise is coming up this Wednesday night!!! This is a super fun event with a great crowd, delicious bites, fun music, beautiful views of the city & more. And it is all to support a great cause, Fenway Health. Where else can you get a 2 hour sunset cruise with food for only $40 & it all goes to fund services provided by Fenway. Come on & join the fun, get your tickets today.” Tickets for the cruise cost $40 each & 100% of your ticket purchase will support programs & services at Fenway Health. Please join us & your Fenway family as we set sail for an evening of fun, food & friends all against the backdrop of a beautiful Boston Harbor sunset. We hope you'll join us as we show that together we are strong, we are beautiful & we can make a difference.
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CMA Fest Love & Acceptance (Audio)

We attended the fabulous 5th Annual GLAAD + Ty Herndon Concert for Love & Acceptance at the iconic Wildhorse Saloon during CMA Fest in Nashville. Ty Herndon performed along with Chely Wright, Harper Grae, Tayla Lynn, Billy Gilman, Brody Ray, Brandon Stansell, Antigone Rising, Lee Brice, Tyler Rich, Mickey Guyton, Sonya Deville, Paige, Mandy Rose, Rita Wilson, Daughtry & more. CMT’s Cody Alan hosted the event. Zeke Stokes, Chief Programs Officer at GLAAD & Executive Producer stated, “This has become the world’s largest LGBTQ country music event & this year’s incredible lineup sent a powerful message of allyship to kick off LGBTQ Pride month. Each year, the Concert for Love & Acceptance gets bigger & better & some of the biggest names in country music as well as up & coming artists are making it a priority stop on their CMA Fest schedule.” Co-host & performer Ty Herndon closed the show with his recently re-recorded 1995 hit “What Mattered Most.” Herndon came out in 2014 & chose to update the lyrics of the song with male pronouns to reflect his true identity & to make a powerful statement within country music in honor of Pride Month. The video for the new version of “What Mattered Most” was released last week. We talked to Ty Herndon about the Concert for Love & Acceptance & his spin on our LGBTQ issues in this exclusive audio interview. (Photo: agent Marilyn Rosen with Ty Herndon) LISTEN:
For More Info: glad.org
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Boston Pride Parade Loving Forward

The Boston Pride Parade which is the largest annual parade in New England kicks off at noon Saturday June 8th with over 430 contingents this year including 54 floats, 118 vehicles & 35 motorcycles becoming the biggest Pride parade Boston has ever seen. Along the parade route marchers & contingents will enjoy visual reminders of the history of our community in Boston: Stonewall 50 banners will recognize those places & locations still in existence or long-gone, were our LGBTQ community fought for equality & dignity. This year's theme is “Looking back, Loving Forward.” There will also be the Trans Remembrance contingent which will pay tribute to our transgender siblings victims of violence. This year’s 2019 Parade Marshals are Dale Mitchell, Ava Glasscott, with Honorary Marshal Chris Harris & Stonewall Honorary Marshal Marsha P. Johnson. The City Hall Plaza Festival starts at 11A with over 120 exhibitors including non-profit organizations, vendors, merchants, businesses & activists presenting their work, products & services, in support of our LGBTQ community. Performances this year feature the fabulous American Idol contestant Todrick Hall, Queens native Robin S. & International House Artist Beth Sacks who will bring the crowd to their feet with their exciting mix of pop, rap, R&B & house music. Amanda Playwith will be this year Boston Pride Concert Host. There will be Pride events & dance parties taking place throughout Boston over the next few days. Boston Pride Week 2019 takes place now to June 11th. HAPPY PRIDE BOSTON!! 
For More Info: bostonpride.org
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LGBTQ Win In St. Petersburg Florida

In a historic vote the St. Petersburg City Council will now recognize the majority of LGBTQ owned businesses in the city’s Small Business Enterprise program. The move will help to ensure that majority LGBTQ owned entities like other minority owned businesses are competitive in procuring city contracts. Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Florida Public Policy Director stated, “This is an important step forward for LGBTQ business owners & the community as a whole. Leveling the playing field for minority-owned businesses ensures that our neighborhoods continue to reflect the vibrant tapestries they are. We applaud the City of St. Petersburg for making its message clear: open for business means open to all.” This ordinance takes effect immediately. In addition to monitoring usage of LGBTQ owned businesses the city will also provide them with training programs & services to ensure businesses are familiar with how to do business with the city & are informed about procurement opportunities. The ordinance states: “The city of St. Petersburg is committed to providing all business owners, including historically underrepresented business owners, with equal opportunities to compete & succeed & is committed to increasing the number & diversity of supplier options.” Equality Florida who is changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity is proud to stand with the City of St. Petersburg as well as local LGBTQ leaders in ensuring a future where LGBTQ-owned businesses play an integral role in the prosperity of their community.
For More Info: eqfl.org 
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NYPD Apologize For Stonewall Raid

NYC Pride is demanding a long overdue apology from the NYPD for the violent police raid that triggered the Stonewall Uprising stating, “We voted unanimously to demand that the NYPD formally apologize to the LGBTQIA+ community for the violent police raid that triggered the Stonewall Uprising. We offer our stage at the Stonewall 50 Commemoration Rally on Friday June 28th 2019 for Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill to do so on behalf of the Department. Under Commissioner O’Neill, the NYPD has made significant strides in improving relations with LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. But the Department has yet to take responsibility for the decades of police violence committed against our community in New York City. Taking responsibility & apologizing for this single event is a small, albeit meaningful step towards improving the larger systemic issues that continue to cause significant harm to LGBTQIA+ people, especially transgender people & people of color. It demonstrates what is possible for the future of our community & our movement. Throughout the country & the world, LGBTQIA+ & ally law enforcement officers have become fixtures in Pride marches & parades. At the same time, calls have grown louder for those same officers, people who are proud of their work serving the community & their ability to live & work openly, to be banned from marching. In New York City, the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) had to fight in federal court for the right to wear their uniforms in our own Pride March. And yet these same officers are expected to accept the consequences of actions they played no part in, despite the work they have done to affect change from within… Commissioner O’Neill & the NYPD, the eyes of the world are on our city & we call upon you to show what real change can look like. The platform is yours on June 28th.”
For More Info: nycpride.org
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Todrick Hall Performs At LA Pride

LA Pride has announced that the fabulous actor, dancer, recording artist, director & choreographer Todrick Hall has been added to the LA Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday June 7th. Hall’s performance is the latest addition to the free programming that also includes a special 60-minute performance by Paula Abdul. The Opening Ceremony provides a great opportunity for the community to #JUSTUNITE & come together before the festival. #JUSTUNITE makes a simple yet powerful statement that the work the LGBTQ community does together is ultimately what will make it stronger & more resilient than ever before. Hall stated, “I’m so excited to join the amazing lineup of this year’s LA Pride Festival. The weekend is going to be unforgettable & I can’t wait to get the Haus Party started. We are going to celebrate this year’s #JUSTUNITE theme together as a community!” LA Pride & Christopher Street West (CSW), a 501(c)3 non-profit, organized the world’s first permitted parade advocating for gay rights on June 28, 1970 as a response to and in commemoration of the Stonewall Rebellion on Christopher Street in New York City the year prior. Since then they have built a rich history as an active voice for the LGBTQ community across the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. They continue to produce the globally-recognized LA Pride Parade & Festival every June in the City of West Hollywood. They also organize a number of events throughout the year with their nonprofit, philanthropic, community & corporate partners. LA Pride runs now through June 9th.
For More Info: pride.org 
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Workplace Supports LGBTQ Equality

According to a new survey Americans don’t care about who they work with when it comes to sexuality or gender identity. Now an overwhelming majority of Americans (83%) believe that LGBTQ equality will be achieved in the workplace. The top reasons cited included more diversity in the workforce, more workplace education about LGBTQ issues, younger professionals joining the workforce & more employees being out. Curtis Sparrer, principal at Bospar PR that conducted the survey stated, “These results show that more & more Americans are accepting their LGBTQ colleagues at work. It’s a further sign of progress that the people Americans named as the top communicators of LGBTQ equality include entertainers, straight allies, business leaders & politicians. That said, we have challenges to overcome, including harassment & the military ban on transgendered soldiers. When it comes to equality, I think baseball legend Yogi Berra said it best: ‘It ain't over till it's over.’” In the survey Ellen DeGeneres was named as America’s favorite communicator of LGBTQ equality in 2019 followed by the top 10 including Lady Gaga, Neil Patrick Harris, RuPaul, George Takei, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Pete Buttigieg, Cher & Tim Cook. Gabrielle Ayala, a principal of Propeller Insights that participated in the survey concluded, “Right now, several factors are contributing to what is a watershed moment in workplace social dynamics. The inclusion of high-profile LGBTQ personalities in mainstream media, especially those that transcend that label like an Ellen DeGeneres, goes a long way in breaking down those stigmas that lead to discrimination & prejudice.”
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NYC WorldPride Welcome Center

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the grand opening of the New York State WorldPride Welcome Center located at 112 Christopher Street in New York City's West Village just steps from the Stonewall National Monument. WorldPride, the largest international LGBTQ Pride celebration is coming to New York this month to coincide with the Stonewall 50 commemorations marking the first time it has been held in the United States. Governor Cuomo stated, "Pride is a special month for the LGBTQ community & for all New Yorkers & with the Empire State hosting WorldPride this year on the 50th anniversary of Stonewall we have a lot to celebrate and commemorate. From the passage of marriage equality & GENDA to our ongoing fight with the Trump administration over critical protections for transgender individuals, New York has been a national leader in the fight for LGBTQ rights & we will always stand alongside this community that we love so much. As millions of people visit our state this June, the WorldPride Welcome Center will highlight the roots & accomplishments of the LGBTQ rights movement in New York & promote the state as a safe, welcoming destination with no place for hate." Chris Frederick NYC Pride/Heritage of Pride Executive concluded, "Governor Cuomo & New York State have been instrumental in helping to make WorldPride a success in this historic year where we are planning on welcoming millions of visitors throughout the month of June. This needed Welcome Center will provide important information to educate visitors on the Stonewall Uprising, our rich history & the varied destinations throughout New York City & State. We encourage everyone to visit the WorldPride Welcome Center in the heart of the West Village & begin your journey to one of what will be millions of moments of Pride this historic year!"
For More Info: nycpride.org
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