The Washington Blade 50th Gala

The Washington Blade founded in the aftermath of the Stonewall rebellion in 1969 is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala that takes place Friday October 18th at the Intercontinental Hotel at the Wharf in Washington, D.C. Among those honored will be philanthropist Ariadne Getty & pioneering journalist Lou Chibbaro who has covered the LGBTQ community for over 3 decades at the Washington Blade. Chibbaro stated, "As a news reporter who has covered local news for many years, my being in the news in a small way like this is new to me. But the work I’ve been able to do in covering the news for the Washington Blade for many years has been possible because of the diverse & vibrant LGBT community that’s been the subject of our local & national stories. Thus I share this honor with all of you who are part of that community." Ariadne Getty, President & Executive Director of the Ariadne Getty Foundation added, "I am humbled to be receiving The Washington Blade Lifetime Achievement Award as we recognize & celebrate 50 years of Blade's pioneering, dedicated, accurate & insightful LGBTQ coverage. It is the go-to for readers who seek to be informed on all LGBTQ matters." Kevin Naff, Washington Blade Editor concluded, “We are thrilled to honor these individuals for their diverse contributions to the LGBT community as we celebrate our 50th birthday. From journalism to philanthropy, they exemplify everything we strive for at the Blade – to give back in some way to the larger LGBTQ community.” Songbird, Frenchie Davis, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon of "American Idol" as well Potomac Fever, part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will perform.
For More Info & Tix: blade50th.com
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Equality Forum Award Brunch

October is LGBT History Month & Equality Forum is kicking off the festivities with their Champagne Brunch Award Celebration on Sunday September 29th at the Mellon Center on the 48th Floor at 1735 Market Street in Philadelphia, PA from noon to 2P. Mel Heifetz LGBTQ Activist & Philanthropist will receive the 2019 Frank Kameny Award named for the father of the LGBT civil rights movement Frank Kameny who with Barbara Gittings organized the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall each July 4th from 1965 to 1969. Kameny also led the fight to overturn Eisenhower's Executive Order 10450 which prohibited the employment of gays & lesbians by the federal government & helped eliminate the American Psychiatric Association's classification of homosexuality as a mental illness. Kameny's archives are in the Smithsonian & Library of Congress. Special Guest will be Pennsylvania Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon & there will be a performance by Sherenté Harris Two-Spirit Champion Native American Dancer & a 2019 LGBT History Month Icon. During Equality Forum’s LGBT History Month a new LGBTQ Icon is featured with a video, biography, downloadable images & other resources. LGBT History Month is a free educational tool available for to the media, academic institutions, organizations & the public. Master of Ceremonies at the Champagne Brunch Award Celebration will be Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum Executive Director who stated, “In its 14th year, LGBT History Month will have archived 432 Icons in its database, making it the largest online resource for information on worldwide LGBT leaders. The Icons are searchable by a variety of means, including from a cloud of over 150 descriptive tags, such as Academy Award, Transgender & Politics.”
For More Info & Tix: /equalityforum.com
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Maine LGBTQ Halloween Event

The Great Pumpkin Ball is Maine’s largest LGBTQ Halloween dance party presented by Equality Maine on Saturday October 26th from 7P to 1A at State Theatre 609 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. The theme for EQME’s 2019 Halloween Ball is “In the Garden of Good & Evil” so dress to impress for a chance to win over $1000 in prizes with their annual costume contest. Miss Peppermint Season 9 Runner-up on RuPaul’s Drag Race will be performing along with a few local Drag & burlesque performances. Opening DJ for the night is Portland’s very own DJ Disco Dungeon & EQME’s headlining DJ is one of Boston’s favorite’s DJ Andrea Stamas who stated, “Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays, so to be EqualityMaine’s headlining DJ at their 2019 Halloween Ball, I am super pumped! Already working on my killer playlist!” The Great Pumpkin Ball is presented by: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, State Theatre & Coast 93.1 with Blake & Eva from Coast 93.1 of Portland, ME hosting the event. Last year's event sold out with over 1000 attendees. Tickets run from $15 early-bird until 9/30, $20 advance until 10/25 with $25 on day of the event & $50 for VIP. Only 150 VIP tickets are available which includes a pre-event reception with a Meet & Greet photo op with special guest Peppermint hosted by Sagamore Hill Lounge from 6P to 8:30P & admission & one complimentary Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage for 18+ with private bar service in the Tito’s VIP Lounge. Hyatt Place Portland the official hotel for this year’s Pumpkin Ball is offering a discounted rate for attendees & the event is ASL Interpreted.
For More Info & Tix: equalitymaine.org
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Boston Pride Presents "Rocketman"

Boston Pride Movie Night is featuring “Rocketman” at historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Saturday September 28th at 6:30P. “Rocketman” is the epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fabulous journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight to international superstar Elton John. This inspirational LGBTQ themed story is set to Elton John’s most beloved songs & performed by star Taron Egerton. “Rocketman” tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. This event is free & open to the public. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the nation’s premiere retail destinations combining a rich history with innovative retail concepts. The cobblestone streets are lined with famous restaurants, ethnic food stalls & a wide variety of stores. Renowned for outdoor entertainment, Faneuil Hall has hosted many events & performances from acrobats & magicians to musicians & more. This one-of-a-kind marketplace has something for everyone & promises a memorable experience every time. Boston Pride produces events & activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect & awareness in Greater Boston & beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility & dignity, they educate, communicate & advocate by building & strengthening community connections. Boston Pride Week 2020 will be held June 5th to June 15th. The free screening of “Rocketman” will take place on Saturday September 28th in the West End of Quincy Market at 4 South Market Street in Boston, MA with pre-show activities beginning at 6:30P & the movie at dusk.
For More Info… 
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Washington Trans Visibility March

Thousands are expected to attend this historic National Trans Visibility March in Washington, D.C. on Saturday September 28th. Members of the transgender, gender non-conforming & non-binary communities from major metropolitan cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Memphis, New York, San Francisco, Boston & more will take a major stand against hate & discrimination when they rally in the nation’s capital together with their allies calling for equal rights, physical safety & demanding the transgender communities be officially & federally recognized across every state department within this nation. Marissa Miller, National Organizing Director of the Trans March on DC stated, “We are marching in solidarity in support of the passing of the Equality Act & inclusion for the Trans community. We encourage all to #March4TransEquality while demanding justice for those whose lives were taken through senseless acts of violence & murders.” Angelica Ross, activist & star of FX’s POSE & American Horror Story 1984 & Alphonso David, President of the Human Rights Campaign are scheduled to speak at the Equality Rally for visibility, inclusion & justice for the transgender community. Additional speakers include Marissa Miller (National Organizing Director of the NTVM), Tiq Milan (Public Speaker, Trans Men of Excellence), Carter Brown, Masen Davis(FFAA), Earline Budd (Changes In Landscape), Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Bamby Salcedo, Lynn Morrisonwith & more. The National Trans Visibility March will begin at 9A at Freedom Plaza, located at the corner of 14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW adjacent to Pershing Park in Washington D. C.
For More Info: transmarchondc.org
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Trump Addresses United Nations

At the United Nations General Assembly today Trump addressed world leaders with a speech purportedly supporting international human rights & global peace efforts while undermining them. Though he mentioned the dedication of the US decriminalization of same gender relations which is still a reality in 68 countries around the world, the overall theme of the speech was one of nationalism. Trump stated, “The future does not belong to globalists, the future belongs to patriots.” Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International stated, “Throwing in a reference to opposing the criminalization of same-gender relations while at the same time stating that the national supersedes the international & that tradition & culture are sacred, is one more example of President Trump’s hypocrisy. LGBTIQ people across the world, including in the US, do not feel safe or protected within their borders & are often attacked under the guise of tradition. In all too many places, international standards have been the only avenue for LGBTIQ people to have our rights recognized, to seek remedy for crimes committed against us & for pushing nations to accept that human rights belong to all, including, explicitly, LGBTIQ people.” OutRight Action International, founded in 1990 as the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, works alongside LGBTIQ people in the Global South, with offices in six countries, to help identify community-focused solutions to promote policy for a lasting change. Headquartered in NYC, OutRight is the only global LGBTQ specific organization with a permanent presence at the United Nations in New York that advocates for human rights progress for LGBTIQ people.
For More Info: outrightinternational.org
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Judy Gold & Varla Jean Merman

Emmy Award-winning comedian & writer Judy Gold will share the stage for the first time ever with Boston-area cabaret sensation & Norton Award winner Varla Jean Merman for 2 shows in “The Judy & Varla Show” at the Huntington Theatre on Saturday October 19th at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. The 6P & 9P performances are produced by Mark Cortale. These two fabulous talents will deliver what is sure to be an unforgettable evening of music, stand-up & all-around hilarity. The Judy & Varla Show features Gerald Goode on the piano. Jeffery Roberson aka Varla Jean Merman starred in the musical Lucky Guy opposite Leslie Jordan at the Little Shubert Theatre in New York prompting The New York Times to rave: "If Carol Burnett & Harvey Korman had stood in front of the right pair of funhouse mirrors, they might have resembled Ms. Merman & Mr. Jordan in stature as well as comedic talent." Judy Gold has previously appeared at the Huntington in “25 Questions for a Jewish Mother” & “Judy Gold is Mommy Queerest” which she talks about in our exclusive podcast from 2009. She has had stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central & Logo. Gold has written & starred in two critically acclaimed, Off Broadway hit shows: “The Judy Show - My Life as a Sitcom” (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination) & 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother (GLAAD Media Award, Outstanding NY Theater; Drama Desk Award nominations). The Huntington’s Calderwood Pavilion is located at the Boston Center for the Arts 527 Tremont Street in Boston, MA. Tickets run from $20 for students to $125 for VIP tickets. LISTEN:
For Info & Tix: huntingtontheatre.org
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Emmy Winners Address Diversity

When Patricia Arquette accepted her Emmy for Hulu’s “The Act” she paid tribute to her late sister Alexis stating, “I just have to say I’m grateful to be working. I’m grateful at 50 to be getting the best parts of my life & that’s great, but in my heart I’m so sad that I lost my sister Alexis & that trans people are still being persecuted. I’m in mourning every day of my life, Alexis & I will be for the rest of my life for you, until we change the world so that trans people are not persecuted & give them jobs. They’re human beings, let’s give them jobs. Let’s get rid of this bias that we have everywhere.” Then Emmy history was made when Pose’s Billy Porter won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series stating, “We are the people. We as artists are the people that get to change the molecular structure of the hearts & minds of the people who live on this planet. Please don’t ever stop doing that. Please don’t ever stop telling the truth.” Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD CEO & President concluded, "The truly talented Billy Porter just made history as the first out gay man & first Black gay man to win the Emmy in Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as well as the first time this award has gone to an actor portraying a gay character. Congratulations to Billy for this well-deserved honor & for always using his work & platform to showcase the power of being authentic." Other LGBTQ highlights included RuPaul Emmy win for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program & out actor Ben Whishaw win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work on “A Very English Scandal” & more.
(Emmy Award Courtesy of Charlotte Robinson)
For More Info: glad.org
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LGBTQ Presidential Forum (VIDEO)

The LGBTQ Forum blew-up Twitter last night trending with 43.9 Tweets streaming 10 of the Democratic 2020 presidential candidates who answered questions addressing LGBTQ issues & how they would reverse the 125 attacks by the Trump Administration on our LGBTQ community. The candidates in order of appearance were Marianne Williamson, Joseph Sestak, Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren & Julián Castro. The forum was sponsored by GLAAD, One Iowa, The Gazette & The Advocate & live-streamed worldwide by GLAAD on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, ABCNews.com, NBC News Now & OUTTAKE MEDIA. This groundbreaking media event was hosted by Pose & American Horror Story star Angelica Ross & featured Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO who stated, “The last time we witnessed a Presidential candidate forum dedicated to LGBTQ issues was 2007 & none of the major Democratic candidates supported marriage equality at the time. Tonight’s forum demonstrates how far LGBTQ acceptance has progressed, while educating Americans about how far we have yet to go to reach full equality & reverse the anti-LGBTQ actions of the Trump Administration. It was the beginning of a conversation that we will keep going until we have a pro-equality President in the White House.” Williamson, Sestak, Biden, Booker, Gabbard, Harris, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Warren & Castro each laid out their vision for improving LGBTQ acceptance & also answered specific questions on how they would address some of the largest issues affecting our LGBTQ community today. The event was moderated by Lyz Lenz, The Gazette columnist, Zach Stafford, The Advocate editor-in-chief & Keenan Crow, One Iowa director of policy & advocacy. (Photo: Brandon Wolf Pulse Nightclub Survivor & Gun Reform Advocate w/ Senator Elizabeth Warren)
Watch Forum: Note Program Begins @ 16min:
For More Info: glaad.org
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LGBTQ People Of Color In Rural USA

A new report shatters stereotypes of LGBTQ people of color living in rural America. The report conducted by Movement Advancement Project (MAP) entitled “Where We Call Home: LGBT People of Color in Rural America” examines the unique challenges of LGBTQ people of color in rural America & highlights distinct experiences across different communities of color. David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) stated, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people of color are central to the fabric of rural life in America.” Ineke Mushovic, Executive Director of the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) concludes, “Rural communities have always been home to people of color & LGBT people of color but their lives & needs are often unexamined or overlooked. LGBT people of color are more likely to live in poverty, more vulnerable to discrimination & less able to respond to its harmful effects. Comprehensive nondiscrimination laws are vital to improving the lives of LGBT people of color in rural America—as is blocking & rescinding religious exemption laws that allow employers & taxpayer-funded service providers to discriminate.” When LGBTQ people of color in rural areas face discrimination they may have fewer alternatives for culturally competent providers & fewer opportunities to find a job. With religious exemptions not only may employers & health providers reject people simply for being LGBTQ, a provider or employer with racial bias may also choose to reject LGBTQ people of color, claiming the rejection is because the person is LGBTQ not because they are a person of color.
Read Report: lgbtmap.org
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LGBTQ Media Hosts Democratic Event

The LGBTQ Presidential Forum sponsored by GLAAD, One Iowa, The Gazette & The Advocate will be live streamed Friday Sept. 20th 7P to 9P CT from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The 2020 presidential candidates confirmed to participate include Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Sestak, Elizabeth Warren & Marianne Williamson. During the Forum each candidate will present their vision for improving LGBTQ acceptance across the nation at a time when LGBTQ issues have largely been absent from the national debate stage. Angelica Ross (Pose & American Horror Story) will host. Ross is a leading figure in the movement for transgender, racial & human rights equality. Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO of GLAAD stated, “This LGBTQ Presidential Forum is a pivotal moment in the 2020 election cycle. It’s the first time that LGBTQ issues will be exclusively discussed by 2020 presidential candidates on a national stage. We look forward to hearing how the 2020 candidates plan to reverse the attacks & rollbacks of the Trump Administration & put LGBTQ Americans on a course to 100% acceptance.” The LGBTQ Forum comes as the 2020 presidential election conversation has so far failed to address LGBTQ specific issues during nationally televised events. LGBTQ Americans have faced more than 124 anti-LGBTQ attacks in policy & rhetoric from the Trump Administration including the President’s ban on transgender Americans from serving in the military & the administration’s opposition to the Equality Act. Multi-platinum recording artist Billy Gilman will perform the National Anthem at the event.
Watch Live Stream Here:  
For More Info: glaad.org
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WIFVNE Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Alecia Orsini, President of Women In Film & Video New England (WIFVNE) about what this relevant organization hopes to accomplish to advance women in the film industry. WIFVNE was founded in 1981 by eleven women all Boston-based media professionals that came together to form the New England chapter of Women In Film. WIFVNE’s Annual Meeting takes place on October 2nd at WGBH Yawkey Theater One Guest Street in Brighton, MA at 6P. This is an opportunity to join WIFVNE members & the New England filmmaking community for a celebration of women storytellers & the great work that is happening in New England. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Michele Meek writer, filmmaker, professor & the founder/publisher of NewEnglandFilm.com. Special guests will include Lisa Simmons Director & Curator of the Roxbury International Film Festival now in its 21st year & Carol Conley Assistant to the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & Television Office a division of the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts. Liz Cheng WGBH-TV General Manager will be the welcoming speaker. There will be refreshments in WGBH's Yawkey Atrium & advice tables with peer experts Genine Tillitson & Adam Pachter addressing screenwriting questions, Irene Waschler answering your tax credit & business accounting inquiries & Melissa Paradice demystifying casting. Abbey Knoll Photography will be on hand to update your headshot for $20. Also fabulous raffle prizes including two orchestra tickets for Pink Martini at Berklee Performance Center in Boston on October 26th & more. Women In Film & Video New England is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting the accomplishments of women working in the film, video & new media industries.
 
For More Info & Tix: womeninfilmvideo.org
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PFLAG Hispanic Heritage Month Video

PFLAG National the first & largest organization for LGBTQ people, their parents, families & allies released Las Familias de PFLAG En Español a new video in support of Hispanic Heritage Month September 15th to October 15th. The video features members of PFLAG En Español in Los Angeles. Brian K. Bond PFLAG National Executive Director stated, “Family acceptance & love are core to the work of PFLAG’s chapter network across the country. As we celebrate the diversity & richness of our families during Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded of why our mission matters.” Las Familias de PFLAG En Español is directed by Nick Oceano an award-winning filmmaker whose feature directorial debut Pedro, the MTV biopic about AIDS activist Pedro Zamora was nominated for the Humanitas Prize, a WGA Award & a GLAAD Award. Oceano concluded, “Over 20 years ago, I came out of the closet. As a Mexican-American man in my Texas hometown, which was very religious & homophobic, this was especially difficult. I walked into a PFLAG meeting with my mother not knowing what the future would hold & was so relieved to find that there were others going through the same struggles. Working on this film & walking into this meeting of PFLAG en Español, listening to the personal stories of other Latinx & Hispanic families, it brought me back. I was moved to tears by these parents & grandparents, who support their LGBTQ+ kids. It reminded me that, in our dark times, love still wins. It makes my heart full & hopeful for the future.”
Watch Video…
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LGBTQ Faith Leaders To Watch

With the Trump administration’s rollback of nondiscrimination protections for our LGBTQ community under the flimsy guise of religious liberty the Center for American Progress has named nine faith leaders to watch in 2019. These faith leaders are playing a critical role in resisting injustice & articulating a moral vision for the nation. The nine leaders to watch are Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, progressive Christian writer, activist & deacon, Louisville, Kentucky, Abby Stein, Jewish educator, writer, speaker & activist in NYC, Reverend Naomi Washington-Leapheart, faith work director, National LGBTQ Task Force, Philadelphia, Reverend Dr. Nancy Petty, pastor, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mahdia Lynn, Executive Director, Masjid al-Rabia, Chicago, Reverend Frederick Davie, Executive Vice President, Union Theological Seminary, NYC, Rabbi Rachel Timoner, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, New York, Drew Konow, scholar of religion, cultural critic, activist, New Haven, Connecticut & Reverend angel Kyodo williams, writer, activist, ordained Zen priest, senior fellow, Auburn Seminary in NYC. Through their work these extraordinary faith leaders have proposed powerful visions to reform the criminal justice system, advance climate justice, dismantle systemic racism & more. These religious leaders all play a pivotal role in fostering bold, progressive policies to create a more just world. The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research & educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just & free America that ensures opportunity for all. They work to find progressive & pragmatic solutions to significant domestic & international problems & develop policy proposals that foster a government that is “of the people, by the people & for the people.”
For More Info: americanprogress.org
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Stonewall National Museum & Archives

Hunter O’Hanian has been named the new executive director of the LGBTQ Stonewall National Museum & Archives based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida & operating at the Stonewall Gallery in nearby Wilton Manors. Ronald Herron, Chair of the Stonewall Board of Directors stated, “Hunter has been enthusiastically selected by the Stonewall National Museum & Archives Board of Directors to lead the institution. Stonewall has a major cultural & educational presence in South Florida & has emerged as a nationally prominent LGBTQ+ organization & we expect Hunter to build on that success.” Hunter O’Hanian added “I have long been an admirer of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives & its supporters. They have worked hard to preserve LGBTQ+ history & culture in South Florida and nationally. I’m pleased to be part of this organization & look forward to exploring ways to expand its collection & present important stories that can be told through our Archives & Library. I look forward to seeing how we can work together with other LGBTQ+ organizations to collectively create a prominent national resource.” O’Hanian previously was the director of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art in NYC. The Leslie-Lohman Museum is a nationally-prominent organization & is the only art museum devoted exclusively to artwork that speaks to the LGBTQ+ experience. Founded in 1973 the Stonewall National Museum & Archives houses over 3,000 documents, public records, private archival materials & a host of historic items which together document a century of our LGBTQ+ cultural & social history.
For More Info: stonewall-museum.org
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HIV Prevention Failure In Florida

Equality Florida has disclosed that Senator Rick Scott rejected $70 million in critically needed federal funds to address HIV in Florida while he was Governor according to an investigative report by The Guardian. After years of decline Florida’s number of HIV diagnoses reversed course & increased during the time that then Governor Scott’s administration actively refused federal funds for HIV prevention & blocked grants for local governments to take action. Alejandro Acosta Equality Florida HIV Advocacy Project Director stated, “This is outrageous & irresponsible. This reporting indicates that Senator Scott purposefully worked against public health, directly endangering Floridians & keeping Florida among the highest states for HIV transmissions in the nation. We cannot afford silence when it comes to HIV. Florida should be using every tool at its disposal to combat its HIV epidemic, both through the state budget & state policy.” These admission come as the Trump Administration has proposed its “Ending the HIV Epidemic” plan, which aims for a reduction of new transmissions by 90% in 10 years. The hotspots of transmissions are mostly in the South & Florida has 7 of the 48 identified counties with the newest cases in the country. Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ community. Through education, grassroots organizing, coalition building & lobbying they are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
For More Info: eqfl.org
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LA LGBT Center Hearts of Gold Gala

The Los Angeles LGBT Center will present a star-studded Hearts of Gold concert & multimedia show at the historic Greek Theatre in Griffith Park at 2700 N Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles on Saturday September 21st to celebrate the Center’s momentous 50th anniversary & five decades of the fight for LGBT equality. The Hearts of Gold concert will feature Sia, Rufus Wainwright, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Kathy Griffin, Queer Eye's Karamo Brown & Bobby Berk, Valentina, Ty Herndon & many more. This will be a show unlike any other telling the story of the Center & the LGBT community with pride, passion & humor & although the stars will be out above the beautifully appointed amphitheater on its stage the evening will never lose the sense of purpose, compassion & community that defines the work of the Center bringing our community together to celebrate this momentous occasion. For 50 years the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed & celebrated LGBT individuals & families in Los Angeles & beyond since 1969. Today the Center's nearly 700 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services & global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services & Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership & Advocacy. They are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry & the struggle to build a better world in which LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal & complete members of society. Newly announced performers include Thelma Houston, Jenifer Lewis, plus comedian Margaret Cho.
For Info & Tix…
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Hope In A Box For LGBTQ Students

Hope in a Box has developed the definitive primer of LGBTQ inclusive literature for young adults & is working with dozens of university professors & middle & high school teachers across the country to make hundreds of rural public school more LGBTQ inclusive. The founding team of recent college graduates designed a bibliography of 50 books with supporting movies, magazines & albums that already is helping dozens of teachers diversify their classrooms nationwide to rave reviews. Their effort is part of a growing national movement to diversify public school curricula. Joe English, Founder of Hope in a Box stated, “I know that feeling of isolation & invisibility personally, having grown up in a small, rural town. After college, I returned to my high school to share my experience with my teachers & see how we could make the next generation of students feel more supported.” Hope in a Box has partnered with 25 rural public schools to pilot “Starter Boxes:” packages of 20-30 books from their bibliography along with supporting multimedia & curriculum guides for key texts. Based on feedback from users, 100% of educators feel better equipped to reach & support LGBTQ students because of Hope in a Box & 90% believe Hope in a Box noticeably improves LGBTQ students’ emotional wellbeing within one semester of receiving materials. With 80% of educators planning to formally incorporate the materials into their curricula this academic year, the pilot schools are diverse, including a traditional Mormon school in Washington state, low-income schools in rural Vermont & New Jersey & conservative Southern schools in Tennessee & Alabama among others.
For More Info: hopeinabox.org
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Take Back The Supreme Court Event

In San Francisco there’s an important event “How to Take Back the Supreme Court” on Tuesday October 1st at Manny's 3092 16th Street from 6:30P to 7:30P. Kate Kendell formerly from the National Center for Lesbian Rights & Aaron Belkin from the Palm Center have formed a new organization Take Back the Court & will lead the discussion. Kate Kendell stated, “Democracy & the entire progressive agenda will die unless we take back the US Supreme Court. Come hear the plan to do just that & how you can help save our future.” With Trump adding Justice Gorsuch & Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court we’re dealing with a frightening situation especially with our LGBTQ workers rights on the line next month when the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments October 8th in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia & Altitude Express v. Zarda on whether the federal ban on employment discrimination “because of sex” applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation. It’s time once again for our LGBTQ community to get focused & organized especially as we head into the 2020 election. Take Back The Court is leading the way addressing the crisis that the Supreme Court has broken democracy by dismantling the Voting Rights Act, allowing dark money to flood our politics & approving partisan gerrymandering. The mission of Take Back the Court is to prevent the Court from striking down new laws designed to restore democracy. San Francisco comic & Union activist Nato Green will moderated the event & tickets are $6.
For Info & Tix… 
LISTEN: Migguel Anggelo Talks Provincetown Afterglow Festival

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Migguel Anggelo Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Migguel Anggelo about his upcoming performance at the Afterglow Festival that takes place September 10th through September 14th at the Art House at 214 Commercial Street in Provincetown, MA. Migguel will present his latest show “LatinXoxo” that closes the festival on September 14th at 9:30P. “LatinXoxo” shatters the boundaries of gender in a striptease of the stereotypes his machismo father put upon him from birth. He still remembers the sting of the words his father uttered “I’d rather have a prostitute for a daughter than a gay son.” Then at the age of 12 Migguel witnessed his father’s death by electrocution in the backyard in their home in Valencia, Venezuela forcing him to face the dichotomy between love & hate he felt toward him. Through the dialogue in “LatinXoxo” Anggelo comes to terms with that & faces the Virgin/Whore & Femme/Macho dichotomies his father saw in him & eventually comes to peace with the man he has become. The Afterglow Festival is hosted by Stella Starsky & Quinn Cox & produced by Mark Cortale Productions. Also performing at the Afterglow Festival at The Art House are Quinn Cox on Tuesday, September 10th at 9:30P, Rick Berlin on Wednesday September 11th at 7P followed by Gene Dante at 9:30P, Trevor Bachman on Thursday September 12th at 7P followed by John Jarboe & The Bearded Ladies at 9P, Fauxnique on Friday, September 13th at 7P followed by Molly Pope at 9:30P, Kareem M. Lucas on Saturday, September 14th 7P & concludes with Migguel Anggelo at 9:30P. I talked to Migguel about the inspiration for his music & his spin on our LGBTQ issues.
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Carol Lynley My Friend & Mentor RIP

I met Carol Lynley when I moved to NYC in 1978 & learned she was my downstairs neighbor. My family was a huge Carol Lynley fan ever since my mother had seen her perform on Broadway in “Blue Denim” in 1959. I use to be so star-struck when I would run into her on the stairs in our brownstone on Madison Avenue. She helped me through that & took me under her wing. Carol would never name drop but she knew so many legendary icons. She said that Fred Astaire was her mentor & I was so honored that she wanted to pass that knowledge on to me. My favorite Fred Astaire story was when she shared that she called Fred complaining about how she was going to pay a number of parking tickets she had accumulated in NYC. Fred’s answer was “I don’t know what your problem is. When I look in a mirror I see an 82 year old man.” Carol had a wit & understanding of the entertainment industry & life like no one else. She spent many Thanksgiving dinners at my home & had a way of bringing me gifts that money couldn’t buy in the 15 years I lived in NYC. An example was Thanksgiving 1987 when Carol asked if her friend Rip could join us. I said of course & then had the pleasure & thrill to realize that this man who was sitting on my mid century turquoise chair was the fabulous actor Rip Torn sharing amazing Hollywood stories. She also taught me survival techniques that I still use today. I tried to contact her over the years but was unsuccessful. Carol was best known for her performances in Return to Peyton Place, Under the Yum Yum Tree, Bunny Lake is Missing, The Pleasure Seekers, The Cardinal & The Poseidon Adventure. She had a speaking voice like an angel that I will never forget. Rest In Peace Carol.
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GLAAD To Honor Paula Abdul

GLAAD the global LGBTQ media advocacy organization announced that American pop star, choreographer, dancer, actress & producer Paula Abdul will be honored with the Ariadne Getty Ally Award at the 2019 GLAAD Gala San Francisco on September 28th at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Throughout her remarkable career, Paula Abdul has used her platform to raise awareness for issues affecting the LGBTQ community, especially HIV/AIDS. Even in times of heavy stigma, Paula demonstrated true allyship by consistently supporting & advocating for the LGBTQ community. Her body of work & philanthropic efforts continue to have a lasting impact on her LGBTQ fans & we’re proud to honor her contributions to equality & acceptance.” The Ariadne Getty Ally Award is named after philanthropist Ariadne Getty a member of GLAAD’s Board of Directors & who announced a $15 million lead gift to support GLAAD’s work to accelerate LGBTQ acceptance at the 2018 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The Ariadne Getty Ally Award was presented for the first time ever in 2018 to actor & activist Alyssa Milano. GLAAD previously announced that Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy will receive the Davidson/Valentini Award & Ali Rosenthal, founder of Leadout Capital, will be honored with the Ric Weiland Award. The event will be hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race & Broadway star Peppermint. The GLAAD Gala San Francisco celebrates & features storytellers & tech innovators who accelerate LGBTQ acceptance & helps fund GLAAD’s digital advocacy work to grow LGBTQ inclusion in digital & social media.
For Info & TIX: glaad.org
LISTEN: Jan Dee Gordon Talks New Book “LGBTQ of Steel”

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HICK: A Love Story (AUDIO)

As part of the San Francisco Fringe Festival playwright/actress Terry Baum is performing her solo play “HICK: A Love Story” based on the romance of Lorena Hickok & Eleanor Roosevelt for 4 performances only on Thursday September 5th at 8:30P, Saturday September 7th at 2P, Sunday September 8th at 6:30P & Thursday September 12th at 7P at the EXIT Theatre 156 Eddy Street in San Francisco, CA. Lorena Hickok was the most famous woman journalist of her day & the first woman to have a byline on the front page of the NY Times. She met Eleanor Roosevelt (ER) during FDR’s first Presidential campaign in 1932. She convinced her editor that this particular candidate’s wife was worth her own reporter & was assigned to the job herself. The love affair between the aristocratic First Lady & the charming, hard-living butch reporter lasted several years. HICK: A Love Story is based on 2,336 letters ER wrote to Hick over 30 years. These letters were discovered in 1978 when a researcher opened 18 boxes willed to the FDR Library by Lorena Hickok. The letters document a passionate lesbian relationship between Hick & ER in the early years of their friendship & a deep connection that lasted Eleanor’s lifetime. A few of ER’s quotes from these letters during their affair include “I can’t kiss you, so I kiss your picture good night & good morning” & “I would give a good deal to put my arms around you & to feel yours around me. I love you deeply & tenderly.” Hick helped Mrs. Roosevelt become an outspoken, media-savvy activist for democracy & human rights & one of the greatest women of the 20th century. I talked to Terry about her play in the exclusive podcast in 2015.
For Info & Tix…
LISTEN: Jan Dee Gordon Talks New Book “LGBTQ of Steel”

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Jan Dee Gordon Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

This week I talked with photographer Jan Dee Gordon about her new book “LGBTQ of Steel” which is a compilation of striking portraits & personal profiles that captures the energy, optimism & resiliency of fifty LGBTQ heroes. Gordon celebrates LGBTQ individuals who bravely & without hesitation overcame unimaginable obstacles that threatened to hold them back, block their path & completely destroy their lives. The unmovable ribbon of steel symbolizes their individual struggles, hardships & ultimate triumphs. Celebrities profiles include actor Alec Mapa, comedian Margaret Cho, The Daily Show’s Frank De Caro, former mayor of West Hollywood John Duran & 93 year-old Bob Clement who was at the Stonewall Inn Riot in 1969 & more. Jan dedicated “LGBTQ of Steel” to her brother Ben Lewis who died of complications from AIDS in 1994 & a portion of the proceeds will be donated to AIDS research. I talked to Jan about what she hopes to accomplish with “LGBTQ of Steel” & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. Jan Dee Gordon’s study of photography began in Paris, France and continued in New York at the International Center for Photography and then in Los Angeles at UCLA. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar & in several museums & galleries. “LGBTQ of Steel” is the second book in her “Humanity of Steel” series. Her first was “Women of Steel” & currently she is developing the timely “Immigrants of Steel” to continue her theme of people using their inner strength to overcome life obstacles, using the comparison of the toughness of steel to successfully bend into their chosen paths.


For More Info: humanityofsteel.com
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LGBTQ Labor Day Trumped

Labor Day this year for our LGBTQ community is overshadowed by the Trump administration strategically attempting to legalize discrimination against LGBTQ workers. If Trump & Pence succeed workers will be fired simply for their sexual orientation. Next month the U.S. Supreme Court to hear oral arguments October 8th in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia & Altitude Express v. Zarda on whether the federal ban on employment discrimination “because of sex” applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation while the Trump administration has ramped up their attack on LGBTQ workers. First the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a rule last month that attempts to let government contractors discriminate against workers in the name of religion. Then the Department of Justice submitted a brief arguing that transgender people are not protected by Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination. This brief was submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case EEOC v. Harris Funeral Homes. Sarah Warbelow HRC Legal Director stated, “The Trump-Pence administration’s filing is both legally & morally unjustifiable. Their argument is un-American, anti-business & flies in the face of decades of federal case law, including established Supreme Court precedent. There can be no justification for such a narrow interpretation of the term ‘sex.’ Our community will not be silent & we will not be erased.” In July this case & two related filings, HRC, Lambda Legal, Out & Equal, Out Leadership & Freedom for All Americans submitted a “friend of the court” brief signed by over 200 major corporations arguing that LGBTQ people should be understood to be protected under Title VII. The landmark brief had more corporate signers than any previous business brief in an LGBTQ non-discrimination case. People we must stay vigilant on what the Trump administration is doing with their attempt to erase our LGBTQ community.
For More Info: hrc.org
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