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Super Bowl LIV Embraces Diversity

There will be at least five LGBTQ inclusive ads set to air during this Sunday’s Super Bowl LIV broadcast. They will include appearances by Jonathan Van Ness, nonbinary star of Netflix’s Queer Eye for Pop Tarts, Drag queens Kim Chi & Miz Cracker, former contestants on VH1’s RuPaul’s Drag Race for Sabra, Transgender actresses Trace Lysette (Transparent, Hustlers) & Isis King (When They See Us), as well as other LGBTQ members of the ballroom community for TurboTax, bisexual Lilly Singh, host of NBC’s A Lilly Late with Lilly Singh for Olay & Ellen DeGeneres & wife actress Portia de Rossi for Amazon Alexa. Though there was an attempt to scratch these ads by the anti-LGBTQ hate group American Family Association’s One Million Moms project fortunately it failed. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Leading brands have learned that fringe anti-LGBTQ organizations like Monica Cole & her American Family Association so-called One Million Moms project, are not a reflection of where Americans are. The level of diverse LGBTQ inclusion from at least five advertisers during advertising’s biggest night, coupled with Katie Sowers’ trailblazing role as Offensive Assistant Coach of the 49ers, mark a rainbow wave at the Super Bowl this year. We can’t wait for American families to see & cheer on LGBTQ icons like Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi, Lilly Singh, Trace Lysette, Isis King, Jonathan Van Ness, Miz Cracker & Kim Chi - it’s about time.” Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers & the Kansas City Chiefs airs at 6:30P ET Sunday February 2nd on FOX.
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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Hollywood Improv LGBTQ Comedy Event

Take a break from all the political drama & enjoy some comic relief. The Hollywood Improv is presenting Gays R Us the premiere LGBTQ comedy showcase on February 5th at 8P featuring Ali Liebegott (Transparent), Jess Salomon (The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon), Kristin Key (Last Comic Standing) with Jeffrey Jay, Mike Rose, Leah Bonnema & more. The fabulous Bridget McManus is hosting the event. McManus stated, "I'm ecstatic be able to host Gays R Us! The Hollywood Improv is my hands down favorite club & being able to work with the best LGBTQ comics in the nation is a dream come true!" Bridget is a television host, screenwriter, producer, director & award-winning performer. She’s also one of the few female warm-up comedians in television with credits including Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready, The Queen Latifah Show, The Real, The Teen Choice Awards, Last Comic Standing, Chelsea & the EPIX Wanda Sykes comedy special What Happened...Ms. Sykes? With five comedy specials under her belt she's currently busy producing content as Vice President of tello Films the only Lesbian streaming network. We've had the pleasure of having Bridget on OUTTAKE VOICES™ numerous times including our coverage of The Dinah Palm Springs & ClexaCon in Las Vegas. Tickets for Gays R Us are $18 for general admission as well as $18 with dinner reservations. If you want prefer seating just arrive a minimum of one hour prior to Showtime & dine in their restaurant before the show. There is a two-item minimum inside the showroom. The Hollywood Improv is located at 8162 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, CA.
For More Info & Tix: improv.com
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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Strengthening Federal Hate Crime Law

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) & U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced legislation to combat the rise of hate crimes. According to the FBI attacks motivated by bias or prejudice reached a 16-year high in 2018. The Justice for Victims of Hate Crimes Act ensures that federal prosecutors can effectively enforce the federal hate crimes law. Vanita Gupta, President & CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights stated, “This bill will strengthen the enforcement of the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, helping to protect communities across the country from systemic, pervasive hate violence. The current split in interpretation of the motive requirement is detrimental to enforcement and prevents prosecutors from seeking full justice for victims. All people deserve to live free from hate violence — no matter the individual's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. We applaud Senators Klobuchar & Murkowski for introducing the Justice for Victims of Hate Crimes Act and urge its speedy passage in the Senate.” Senator Murkowski concluded, “Prejudice against groups & individuals because of their sexual orientation, religion, race, or other characteristics has been part of our history. While we have made great progress in protecting our fellow Americans from acts of hatred & bias—discrimination, violence, & stereotyping still continue. It must be put to a stop. America is a melting pot & our differences should be celebrated, not treated with prejudice. I’m proud to join Senator Klobuchar in this effort to empower federal law enforcement by providing the legal certainty they need to bring the perpetrators of hate crimes to justice.”
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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Trump Jeopardizing LGBTQ Healthcare

A new policy brief from The Fenway Institute in Boston Massachusetts shows that in 2019 the Trump Administration dramatically expanded upon discriminatory, anti-LGBTQ policies implemented in 2017 & 2018 that are harming the health & wellbeing of our LGBTQ community in America & globally. Sean Cahill, PhD, Director of Health Policy Research at The Fenway Institute stated, “During Donald Trump’s third year as president, we moved from worrying that anti-LGBT policies would harm people to seeing the damage of these policies in action. The most dramatic examples have been the deaths of two transgender women seeking asylum in the United States who were detained in facilities currently being sued for their alleged abuse of LGBT migrants. Other moves have made LGBT people & people living with HIV much more vulnerable to discrimination in health care, social services, employment, education & access to basic government services.” Much of the harm the Trump Administration has inflicted on LGBTQ citizens is the result of discriminatory actions that target them like rolling back sexual orientation & gender identity nondiscrimination provisions in healthcare, employment & housing while expanding discriminatory religious refusal policies. Two initiatives by the Trump Administration aimed to improve the conditions of LGBTQ people around the world & ending the transmission of HIV have been undermined by the administration’s own anti-LGBTQ policies. The Trump Administration is working to uphold religious refusal protections, repeal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans & other such actions may actually increase discrimination against LGBTQ people, creating additional barriers to success for the HIV initiative.
Read Full Brief: fenwayhealth.org
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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The Dinah 30th Names Comedy Lineup

Celebrating 30 years The Dinah has announced that Dana Goldberg, Gina Yashere & Dinah Leffert will perform on their legendary comedy stage. Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. With performances at the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, The Comedy Festival produced by TBS & HBO & the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland with her quick wit & playful stage presence has earned her loyal fans across the country & abroad. As the youngest child in a single parent household run by a Jewish mother in which two of three kids are gay, Goldberg helps keep most of the comedy venues & half of the psychotherapists in the country in business. Dinah Leffert is an actress & stand up comedienne, Stars in “Flesh Blanket” on Amazon Prime. Currently touring the USA with the #1 Native American comedian JR Redwater as a duo The Jew & The Sioux, Dinah just wrapped her first SAG national commercial dropping this August on all networks & cable. Gina Yashere is an internationally acclaimed comedian who is currently starring in Chuck Lorre’s new series, “Bob Abishola” with Billy Gardell for CBS. Not only does Yashere star in the series, but she is one of the co-creators, as well as a writer & producer on the series. She can also been seen on Netflix as part of Season 2 half-hour comedy series, “The Standups” & on her own specials. The Dinah is celebrating its 30th anniversary as the largest all-girl music festival that takes place in Palm Springs, California from April 1st through April 5th.
For More Info & Tix: thedinah.com
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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LA Art Show Celebrating 25 Years

The 25th Annual LA Art Show will officially kick-off the city’s art season at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 5th. This year will be the largest lineup of art programming in the city’s history. Kim Martindale LA Art Show Producer stated, “For 25 years, LA Art Show has been raising the profile of the LA art scene, as well as bringing more & more compelling art to our market. I’m excited by the clear impact this has had on our city & looking forward to expanding the show even further.” The third edition of the DIVERSEartLA curated by Marisa Caichiolo will showcase a full celebration of pride in LA’s cultural diversity. This year, as part of our non-profit DIVERSEartLA programming, La Neomudejar Museum from Spain will present a showcase from their trans feminist queer archive. "Dactiloscopia Rosa: Video Art & Queer Constructions" documents the sexual liberation of the LGBTQ community through the 70s, 80s & 90s under the Franco dictatorship. Though it was shown at Madrid during the 2018 world pride celebrations this is the first time it is being exhibited in the US. The Museum of Latin American Art will be showcasing the exhibit "MOLAA Pride." Argentinian artists Leo Chiachio & Daniel Giannone have created a 112 ft. long textile installation in collaboration with more than 3,000 members of the Long Beach & Los Angeles communities who were all invited to include their own personal messages on the fabric. The LA Art Show 2020 runs from February 5th to 9th at Los Angeles Convention Center at 201 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, California & is open to the public.
For More Info: laartshow.com
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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HRC Releases Corporate Equality Index

At an event hosted by the Partnership for Global LGBTI Equality during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland HRC announced that a record 686 of America’s leading companies & law firms are continuing to advance vital policies & practices to protect their LGBTQ workers both at home & abroad. This was according to HRC’s newly-released 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Alphonso David HRC President stated, “These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees & customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do -- it is also the best business decision. In addition, many of these leaders are also advocating for the LGBTQ community & equality under the law in the public square. From supporting LGBTQ civil rights protections in the U.S. through HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act, to featuring transgender & non-binary people in an ad in Argentina, to advocating for marriage equality in Taiwan -- businesses understand their LGBTQ employees & customers deserve to be seen, valued & respected not only at work, but in every aspect of daily life.” Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer concluded, “Transforming industry & society takes more than any one organization alone. It takes consistent and sustained effort to overcome longstanding injustices that are codified in bodies of law or embedded in dominant cultural norms. The Corporate Equality Index sets forth a common standard that I hope all organizations embrace -- challenging us to constructively disrupt systems, drive change within our business & the places where we do business --to be more fair, more caring & more human.”
Read Corporate Equality Index...
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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GLAAD To Honor Judith Light (AUDIO)

GLAAD has announced that award-winning actress, producer & fierce LGBTQ ally Judith Light will be honored with the Excellence in Media Award at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in NYC. The Excellence in Media Award is presented to a media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Judith Light stood up for & with LGBTQ people when others in media & entertainment refused to speak up & she has never left our side. When the GLAAD Media Awards first started & was a small event with little visibility, she was one of the few entertainers who would join us in calling for LGBTQ representation, so it is only fitting to now honor her advocacy on what has become the largest LGBTQ stage in the world. From standing alongside LGBTQ people during the AIDS crisis, to fighting for marriage equality, to now uplifting transgender people & issues, Judith advocates with a unique passion and an unending dedication that uplifts.” As a multiple Tony & Emmy award-winning actress Judith Light is known for her extensive body of television, film & stage work for which she recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. GLAAD also announced that Lilly Singh, openly bisexual executive producer & host of NBC’s “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” will serve as host of the Awards that takes place at the Hilton Midtown in NYC on Thursday, March 19th. GLAAD previously announced that Ryan Murphy will receive the Vito Russo Award at the New York ceremony. I talked with Judith Light in 2009 at the GLAAD Media Awards in NYC about her commitment to our LGBTQ community in this exclusive sound byte. (Photo Credit: Emma McIntyre) LISTEN:
For More Info & Tix: glaad.org
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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Harmful New Religious Exemptions

GLSEN, the leading education organization working to create safe & inclusive schools for LGBTQ students has denounced the harmful religious exemptions to federally funded programs across nine federal agencies recently proposed by the Trump Administration. These new regulations would make it easier for schools to qualify for Title IX exemptions as “religious schools” & make it more difficult for states to protect students from discrimination carried out with public funds. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex, which has been interpreted in recent years to cover discrimination based on sexual orientation & gender identity. Eliza Byard, GLSEN Executive Director stated, “The Trump Administration’s on-going effort to make us all pay for discrimination in K-12 schools under the guise of religion must be resisted at every step. We should be working to make our nation’s schools safe for all students, not eroding existing civil rights protections that protect LGBTQ & other marginalized youth & paying for the practices that put them at risk.” Today Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue will be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that could allow for public funds to go to schools that discriminate against our LGBTQ students & staff by eradicating the current provisions that bar public funds from financing religious education. The Department of Justice under U.S. Attorney General William Barr filed an amicus brief in support of jettisoning those provisions. GLSEN is calling for the passage of the Equality Act that will protect all students from discrimination based on their sexual orientation & gender identity assuring safer school environments where LGBTQ youth can thrive, personally & academically.
For More Info: glsen.org
LISTEN: Actor Yuval David Talks LGBTQ Equality & More
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Yuval David Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

This week I talked with actor/filmmaker Yuval David about his advocacy work dedicating his time to serving various causes & organizations including The Trevor Project, GLAAD, The Kennedy Center, Stand With Us, The Jewish National Fund, A Wider Bridge, The National LGBTQ Task Force & more. Recently he led various workshops and panels at The National LGBTQ Task Force's Creating Change Conference in Dallas. Yuval stated, “Since my youth I always understood the importance of making this world a better place & helping others. I’ve brought this element into my own work as an actor, host & filmmaker in addition to my efforts in advocacy. I understand how important it is for me & for everyone to use their voices & actions to create change for the greater good. Being at the Creating Change Conference brings me together with so many others who have that same understanding.” As an acclaimed Israeli-American actor, host & filmmaker Yuval understands the larger social ecosystem & is committed each day to creating work that entertains, inspires & uplifts those around him & around the world. He is especially concerned about the global anti-Semitism crisis which he addresses as a first generation Jewish American whose grandparents were survivors of The Holocaust. Yuval’s acting credits include “Madam Secretary” ABC’s series “What Would You Do” as well as countless feature & short films & web series. He can be seen next on HBO’s TV mini-series, “The Plot Against America” with Winona Ryder & John Turturro. I talked to Yuval about what he hopes to accomplish with his work & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. (Photo Credit: Collin Edington)  LISTEN:
For More Info: yuvaldavid.com
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Patti Austin To Perform Fundraiser

To kick off the Cabot Theatre’s 100th anniversary celebration “An Evening With Patti Austin” will be presented on Thursday January 23rd at 286 Cabot Street Beverly, MA. The fundraising benefit will feature a performance by Grammy winner Patti Austin who is donating her time to help raise money for The Cabot. Proceeds will directly benefit The Cabot 100 capital campaign which aims to raise $6.8 million to complete the renovations started five years ago & in 2020 for The Cabot’s 100th birthday there will be year-long events & parties. J. Casey Soward, Executive Director of The Cabot stated, “We are so incredibly grateful to Patti & our presenting partners for donating their time, effort & resources to our cause as we inch even closer to our 100th anniversary. The evening will be our true launch of our centennial year & we can’t wait to celebrate one hundred years of The Cabot with the North Shore community & beyond. This is just the beginning—we’ll be rolling out a full schedule of exciting events, so stay tuned!” VIP tickets are $100 which includes a pre-performance party with a complimentary celebratory drink, delicious appetizers & premier orchestra seating with a fabulous silent auction beginning at 6P. General tickets start at $50 with the show beginning at 7:30P. The event is presented by SV Design, Over My Shoulder, The Cabot, Northshore Magazine, Cumar, Inc. & J Barrett & Company. In celebration of  Martin Luther King Jr. Day I talked to Patti on OUTTAKE VOICES in 2011 to get her spin in this exclusive sound byte. LISTEN   
For More Info & Tix: thecabot.org
LISTEN: Patti Austin Speaks OUT 2011 Podcast 
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Considering Matthew Shepard In Boston

There will be a special evening of music in Boston performed at the New England Conservatory in partnership with Walnut Hill School for the Arts on January 24th at NEC’s Brown Hall, 290 Huntington Avenue in Boston, MA at 7:30P. Walnut Hill School for the Arts & the New England Conservatory will present this fabulous concert featuring 100 students, faculty & staff. Conductor Erica Washburn, NEC Director of Choral Activities will lead a special performance of her own version of Craig Hella Johnson's Considering Matthew Shepard. Jason Marsden, Executive Director, Matthew Shepard Foundation stated, “Considering Matthew Shepard pays a priceless tribute to Matt & creates a space for everyone – audience & performers – to experience & reflect upon the feelings & important questions which are raised when we bring our consideration to Matthew Shepard.” Considering Matthew Shepard, composed by Craig Hella Johnson is a musical response to the anti LGBTQ hate crime committed over 20 years ago that captured the world's attention when Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered merely because he was gay. The new Walnut Hill String Orchestra will also perform Introduction & Allegro for String Orchestra & String Quartet by Edward Elgar with special guests The Parker String Quartet including Walnut Hill alum cellist Kee-Hyun Kim. The Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet consists of members Jessica Bodner, viola, Kee-Hyun Kim, cello, Ken Hamao, violin & Daniel Chong on violin. Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts, educates & trains creative & intellectually curious young artists to make an enduring impact in the world.
For More Info & Tix Availability…
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GLAAD To Honor Ryan Murphy

GLAAD the LGBTQ media advocacy organization announced that award-winning screenwriter, producer & director Ryan Murphy will be honored at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards that take place in New York at the Hilton Midtown on Thursday March 19th. Murphy will receive the Vito Russo Award presented to an openly LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance. The Award is named after Vito Russo a founder of GLAAD & celebrated ACT UP activist who was instrumental for news & entertainment industries to include LGBTQ performers & stories. I knew Vito & he would be very pleased with Murphy being acknowledged for his stellar bulk of work. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Ryan Murphy is a talented trailblazer behind some of the most innovative & popular LGBTQ projects in television, theater & film history & he continues to bring underrepresented LGBTQ voices to the table in ways that raise the bar in Hollywood. Ryan’s unique & gifted brand of storytelling has not only entertained the masses, but provided LGBTQ youth with characters who inspire them to live boldly & proudly.” Previous Vito Russo honorees include Billy Porter, Anderson Cooper, Ricky Martin, Cynthia Nixon, RuPaul, Rosie O’Donnell, Tom Ford, Samira Wiley, Thomas Roberts, George Takei, Alan Cumming, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, among others. GLAAD previously announced that Taylor Swift will receive the Vanguard Award & Janet Mock will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 16th.
For More Info & Tix: glaad.org
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Diane Anderson-Minshal Heads Pride

Pride Media Inc. the largest publisher of LGBTQ content in America named Diane Anderson-Minshall as its new chief executive officer & the first woman to ever hold the position at Pride Media. Diane previously served as the editorial director for The Advocate the country’s oldest LGBTQ publication where she helped expand the reach of a number of Pride’s multiplatform brands & expanded their revenue streams. She was also the editor in chief of Curve for a decade & the cofounder of Girlfriends magazine. Anderson-Minshall stated, “The Advocate was the first LGBTQ magazine I ever read, back in the late 1980s. I literally left mainstream media within weeks of discovering it, knowing the stories that I wanted to tell. Now, decades after I first penned one of my earliest freelance articles for The Advocate, our brands — Out, The Advocate, Pride, Plus — are still among the only national LGBTQ brands with the power to tell the full truth about our lives. These titles & this company are more important now in 2020 than ever. I look forward to taking our mandate for storytelling to new people & new platforms while remembering the readers & followers who have gotten us here.” Diane is a 30-year LGBTQ media veteran & the founder & CEO of Retrograde Communications, a modern editorial services & content development firm, which produced content & white label experiences for corporations, nonprofits & destinations/tourism outlets, including Marriott, the Kaiser Family Foundation, Walgreens, AT&T & more. The agency had previously partnered with Pride Media & was a key producer of content for The Advocate & Plus magazines.
For More Info: pridemedia.com
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Tanya Neslusan To Head MassEquality

Tanya Neslusan has been named executive director of MassEquality, Massachusetts’ leading statewide grassroots LGBTQ advocacy organization. MassEquality is redirecting its geographic focus by organizing communities from Springfield to Pittsfield & Quincy to the Cape. Their goal is to make LGBTQ equality a reality throughout the Commonwealth. Tanya is an experienced political & social justice organizer & life-long resident of Central Massachusetts. Michael Pizziferri, MassEquality Board President stated, “Tanya has an impressive set of organizing skills that will bring the work of MassEquality alive in local communities. There is positive alignment between our strategic direction & Tanya’s desire to inspire social change through community organizing, developing accessible tools for people to put to work to bring change at the local level, where people meet regular resistance.” In 2018 Tanya attempted to unseat a seven-term & largely-uncontested State Representative. Tanya has served as Secretary of the Sturbridge Town Democratic Committee, Planning Committee Member of Showing up for Racial Justice Worcester & Board Member of the Bay State Stonewall Democrats. Tanya is a founding member of the leadership team of Grassroots Central Massachusetts & is a member of both the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition & Citizens for a Neslusan concluded, “Local organizing is critical to true social change & I am excited to be a part of MassEquality as we redirect our primary focus to diverse grassroots organizing in local communities.” Tanya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts & has spent the majority of her career working in health insurance information technology. She lives in Sturbridge, MA with her wife Rebecca & her teenage son Nick.
For More Info: massequality.org
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The Dinah Palm Springs 30th Year

The Dinah is celebrating its 30th anniversary as the largest all-girl music festival that takes place in Palm Springs, California from April 1st through April 6th. Named for Dinah Shore the iconic singer, actress & golf fan, The Dinah has evolved from an annual gathering of women whose primary desert interest was golf to the most fabulous celebration of female empowerment, visibility & unity. This year will be their biggest event yet with amazing musical performances, comedy shows, pool parties, nighttime soirees, celebrity meet & greets, contests, DJ Battles, fun & games & so much more. Mariah Hanson, Founder, Producer & CEO stated, After 30 years, The Dinah is as strong an event as its ever been. In an industry where festivals come & go, where men control the narrative & the platform, The Dinah stands as a beacon of light for what women can achieve together when we embrace the paradigm of teamwork & inclusivity. The Dinah team embodies a relentless commitment to creating a women-centric space whose message is simply all women are valued, heard, celebrated & inspiring. We strive to create a collective vision of women that embodies an unapologetic determination to live life on our terms. Our customers leave changed for the better because of it. The Dinah's uplifting messaging touches lives long after the last song has played." Past Dinah performers include Tegan & Sara, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bebe Rexha, Snow Tha Product, Jessie Reyes, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, Eve, Chaka Khan, Salt 'N Pepa, Christina Perri, Natasha Bedingfield & so many more. Ally Brooke will headline this year's event with more talent announcements coming soon. OUTTAKE MEDIA is an official Media Sponsor covering this fabulous event so you won't want to miss this 30th celebration.
For More Info & Tix: thedinah.com
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Golden Gate Business Association Event

As the world’s first LGBTQ chamber of commerce the Golden Gate Business Association is kicking off 2020 with an event focused on members & partners in the hospitality industry on January 14th at Cafe Alma 888 Innes Avenue in San Francisco, CA from 6P TO 8P. If your business is Hotels, Meeting Rooms, Shared Workspaces, Event planning, Catering, Food & Beverage or DJ & Entertainment services then mark your calendars & be sure to bring a colleague. GGBA creates opportunities for marketing, networking, procurement & referral-based business growth programs that support development of business skills & expertise through workshops & seminars. They advocate for positive economic, social & political change. Gina Grahame, President GGBA Board of Directors stated, “The GGBA, like every successful team, cannot succeed without everyone’s participation. We need members to utilize the platforms & resources the GGBA provides to get more engaged to learn about, patronize & refer the businesses of fellow members. We need your feedback on what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong & what new programming you believe would be benefit your business & community. If you’re not sure where or how to start becoming engaged, then reach out to me or to any of our dedicated Board Members. In short, we need you – each of you & all of you.” So be sure to bring your business cards & your A-Game to this fabulous GGBA January 14th event where refreshments & light bites will be provided & more. Admission is free to Chamber Members & Partners & $25 for non-members & non-partners.
For More Info: business.ggba.com
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Victory Against Air Force HIV Ban

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a lower court ruling halting efforts by the Trump-Pence administration to discharge members of the Air Force because they are living with HIV. The decision will allow the two active-duty plaintiffs in the case to continue serving in the U.S. Air Force as well as prevent the discharge of any other Airmen living with HIV. Peter Perkowski Director of Modern Military Association of America stated, "In light of major advancements in medical treatments, there is no legitimate reason these servicemembers cannot or should not be able to continue to serve their country. It’s past time for the Department of Defense’s outdated policies to catch up with modern science.” The court ruled that the government’s justifications “fail to account for current medical literature & expert opinion about current HIV treatment & transmission risks.” The opinion written by Judge Wynn & joined by Judge Diaz & Judge Floyd, stated, “A ban on deployment may have been justified at a time when HIV treatment was less effective at managing the virus & reducing transmission risks. But any understanding of HIV that could justify this ban is outmoded & at odds with current science. Such obsolete understandings cannot justify a ban, even under a deferential standard of review & even according appropriate deference to the military’s professional judgments.”  The case was a joint effort of Lambda Legal & MMAA with attorneys from Winston & Strawn LLP & Greenberg Traurig LLP serving as pro-bono co-counsel. Modern Military Association of America was formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association & OutServe-SLDN & is the nation’s largest non-profit organization for the LGBTQ military & veteran community. They are committed to education, advocacy & support for LGBTQ service members, veterans, military spouses, family members & allies.
For More Info: modernmilitary.org
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New Tel Aviv LGBTQ Family Center

The LGBTQ center of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality has launched its new "Family Center" which will offer guidance to families in the city’s LGBTQ community & addresses a variety of aspects of LGBTQ family life. The family center is an important part of the community's struggle for equality & its establishment stems from the municipality's pluralistic worldview which promotes the values of tolerance, acceptance & diversity from an early age throughout the city's educational institutions. Etai Pinkas Arad, a Tel Aviv-Yafo City Council Member in charge of LGBTQ affairs stated, "The Tel Aviv LGBTQ center is the heart of the LGBTQ community in Tel Aviv-Yafo & it is our duty as a municipality to support LGBTQ families & provide them with the information & services they need. Tel Aviv-Yafo will continue to be a light-house city & will offer assistance to anyone who wants to build a family." Avihoo Mizan, Director of the Tel Aviv LGBTQ Center: concluded, "We are proud to offer a variety of services for LGBTQ families, all under one roof. The family center is a significant new pillar to the exceptional support that the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality is offering to the city's LGBTQ community. The center will enable thousands of families to find the social support system that will help them feel at home for the first time. The center offers a large pool of services, workshops, events & ongoing activities that will keep growing over the coming months & years. We invite all families of the LGBTQ community to come visit us & be part of our community." The Tel Aviv LGBTQ center opened its doors in 2008 & quickly became one of the main pillars of the LGBTQ community in Tel Aviv.
For More Info: lgbtqcenter.org.il
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LGBTQ Sin City Classic Sports Festival

The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) is pleased to announce the return of the Sin City Classic Sports Festival, the world’s largest annual LGBTQ sports festival returning to Las Vegas on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend from January 16th to 19th. Each year Las Vegas welcomes approximately 8,000 LGBTQ athletes, allies & fans for a weekend full of competition & fun. This year’s festival is adding 4 new sports including basketball, indoor rowing, spikeball & steel tip darts bringing the total number of sports participating in the festival to 24. Ken Scearce, Sin City Classic Tournament Director stated, “Each year the Sin City Classic continues to grow & brings even more LGBTQ athletes, allies & fans to Las Vegas for a weekend filled with competition & camaraderie. Our nightly events continue to get bigger & better & we’re happy to be able to offer attendees the opportunity to come together & bond of sport.” The festival brings together LGBTQ sports associations from around the world & in addition to a full roster of sporting competitions, the festival includes nightly social events, including an Opening Night registration party & the Closing Night celebration, which will be held at the LINQ Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl. The Sin City Classic is proudly hosted at The Flamingo Hotel & the LINQ Hotel. Additional sponsors include presenting sponsor, Lexus as well as Caesar’s Entertainment, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oasis, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, GAYVN, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority & Piranha Nightclub.
For More Info: sincityclassic.org
LISTEN: Monica Roberts Talks Dallas Creating Change Conference
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Creating Change Conference (AUDIO)

This week I talked with trans activist Monica Roberts who is being honored at the 32nd Creating Change Conference run by the National LGBTQ Task Force that takes place at the Sheraton Dallas in Dallas, Texas January 15th through January 19th, 2020. Roberts is the founding editor of the award-winning TransGriot blog & a longtime award-winning human rights advocate. She has been advocating for the human rights of transgender people for over 20 years with a focus on the issues affecting Black trans people & will be receiving the Susan J. Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement sponsored by Wild Geese Foundation. This year’s theme is “Love, Learning & Liberation” with special focus addressing issues facing trans women of color & the work being done to address anti-trans violence & systemic discrimination. Since 1988 the Creating Change Conference has created networking opportunities & inspiration for thousands of committed people to develop & hone their activist skills. The Creating Change Conference is the foremost political leadership and skills-building conference for the LGBTQ social justice movement. Over 4,000 people from all over the country will attend this five-day program that features over 300 workshops, training sessions, meetings & events. The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice & equality for LGBTQ people. They are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. I talked to Monica about what she hopes to accomplish at this year’s Creating Change Conference & her spin on our LGBTQ issues.
 
For More Info & Tix: creatingchange.org
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Lesbian Icons Rock Golden Globes

Kate McKinnon presented Ellen DeGeneres with the second Carol Burnett Award for outstanding contributions to television after a personal salute stating, “In 1997, when Ellen’s sitcom was at the height of its popularity, I was in my mother’s basement lifting weights in front of the mirror & thinking, ‘Am I... gay?’ And I was. That’s a very scary thing to suddenly know about yourself & the only thing that made it less scary was seeing Ellen on TV.” McKinnon became the first openly lesbian cast member to join Saturday Night Live in 2012. Accepting the award DeGeneres continued the sentiment stating, “All I ever wanted to do was make people feel good & laugh & there's no greater feeling than when someone tells me I've made their day better with my show or that I've helped them get through a sickness or a hard time with their lives. That is the power of television & I'm so, so grateful to be a part of it." When DeGeneres came out on her sitcom in 1997 it changed the face of TV for our LGBTQ community. After the turbulence that followed she went on to host her syndicated TV talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show since 2003. In addition to her television career she's an advocate & philanthropist & has hosted the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards & the Primetime Emmys. The Carol Burnett Award is an honorary Golden Globe Award bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for outstanding contributions to television on or off the screen based on their body of work & the lasting impact that their television career achievements have had on both the industry & audiences.
LISTEN: Ruthie Berman Talks Documentary & LGBTQ Equality
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Imagine Magazine's Annual Award Gala

Imagine Magazine’s Imaginnaires Award Party kicks off 2020 with their annual film & media industry networking party & award celebration gala that takes place on Tuesday January 14th in the Glass Room at the Tuscan Kitchen Seaport at 64 Seaport Blvd in Boston, MA from 7P to 10P. The Imaginnaires Awards were created in 2007 to honor members of our production community who go the extra mile supporting Imagine’s vision for creating our film/video/media industry in New England. Recipients are always rich in creative ideas & execute brilliantly exhibiting the best production practices. They are generous of themselves & their resources in service to our industry & its members. This year’s honorees are Jan Waldman actress, producer & supporter of many independent productions as well as co-creator of Critter Casting, Alecia Orsini Lebeda, President of Women in Film & Video of New England, Eran Lobel, President & CEO Element Productions, Massachusetts Representative Tackey Chan & legendary blues artist & performer James Montgomery. Alecia Orsini Lebeda President of WIFVNE stated, “I am touched deeply & humbled to be awarded alongside WIFVNE Member Jan Waldman, James Montgomery, Eran Lobel & Tackey Chan. There are so many wonderful men & women working to make New England a strong, safe & vibrant film community & I am honored to be singled out amongst the crowd." This is a fabulous must-attend event that brings out the best in the northeast film & media community for an extraordinary night of networking & social celebration. There will be exciting guests with merriment including splendid food, beverages & party gifts. This event sells out every year & tickets are $100.
For Info & Tix: imaginenews.com
LISTEN: Ruthie Berman Talks Documentary & LGBTQ Equality
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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