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Coming Out For Love Virtual Live Event

Nicole Conn Films Global is presenting a live virtual Happy Hour fundraiser for their new show “Coming Out For Love” hosted by comedian Jennie McNulty, Nicole Conn & the NCFG team with special guests on Saturday April 24th at 12P PST / 3P EST via Zoom. “Coming Out for Love” is a new online streaming series from award-winning LGBTQ filmmaker Nicole Conn & promises a fresh & often hilarious romp. Season one will feature contestants who identify as female ages from 24 to 38 while future seasons will cover other age groups & identities in the LGBTQ community. Nicole Conn stated, “I’ve been trying to make this show in one way or another for 15 years. It’s going to be fun, unpredictable & smart. It will be progressive & inclusive where our newly coming-out lead dates 18 women of all stripes, living in one house, eliminating all but one by the final episode.” So come drink, mix & mingle with Nicole Conn, Jennie McNulty & guests all to entertain & enlighten those attending as the team gives you the first opportunity to hear about Nicole Conn's new reality show. There will also be a special sneak peek at Nicole Conn video retrospective of her work with a live Q&A. A donation link will be provided during the event so that all attendees can easily make additional donations & contributions for this fundraising event. They will be hosting a live auction via Zoom Chat during the Happy Hour. A zoom link will be sent to you once you have secured your ticket & during the event so you will have opportunities to chat with Nicole, Producers & the performers. Tickets for this entertainment cocktail event range from $15 to $35.  For Info & Tix…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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White House Ramps Up HIV Funding

The Biden administration has requested a $670 million increase in funding for HIV prevention, treatment & equitable access to care. Carl Schmid, Executive Director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute stated, “While it falls short of what the community has requested, if this funding is realized it will continue the momentum already created & make further progress in ending HIV in the U.S. Efforts to end HIV will help eradicate an infectious disease that we have been battling for the last 40 years & help correct racial & health inequities in our nation.” Paul Kawata, Executive Director for NMAC concluded, “This is fantastic news for the fight against HIV. The Biden/Harris Administration is living up to their word that the federal plan to end the HIV epidemic would be a priority under their leadership. This additional funding will help bring greater access to HIV care & prevention services to those communities bearing the greatest burden of the epidemic. We are also pleased to see that the administration is making a commitment to equitable access to services, something that is desperately needed in communities of color & among LGBTQ+ people of color. We could not be more pleased about this announcement & we urge Congress to approve the full funding requested.” Since 1987 NMAC leads the race to urgently fight for health equity & racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America with a variety of programs & services. NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics & other groups assisting individuals & families affected by the HIV epidemic. For More Info…
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Lesbians Who Tech Online Pride Summit

Lesbians Who Tech & Allies will present their second virtual Pride Summit event from Monday June 21st through Friday Jun 25th. This Summit is an opportunity to come together, connect & organize on some of today's most pressing topics in the tech industry & beyond. Like last year’s successful summit they’re bringing some of the biggest names in tech, business, politics & entertainment to their stage. Everything is virtual & many events are free for our LGBTQ community & allies to experience. This Summit will address some of today's most pressing topics as we define & create the new normal. The first keynote speakers have been announced & they are Arlan Hamilton, Founder, Managing Partner, Backstage Capital, Debbie Millman, Host of Design Matters & Alicia Garza, Principal, Black Future Labs. Lesbians Who Tech & Allies is the largest LGBTQ technology community in the world committed to visibility, intersectionality & changing the face of technology. They are 70,000 LGBTQ women, people of color, non-binary & trans leaders & allies in tech in 100+ cities worldwide. Their programmatic work includes a coding scholarship for non-binary & LGBTQ women with the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship Fund & more. They're not just creating communities but pushing the tech sector to represent what leadership actually looks like. In 2020 Lesbians Who Tech became the largest summit for women in tech & LGBTQ professionals in the world with over 40,000 attendees. They consist of over 50,000 LGBTQ women, people of color, non-binary, trans people & allies in tech in over 40 cities globally. For More Info...
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Fusion Online & Drive In Film Festival

Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival takes place April 16th to 20th with 5 days of virtual screenings & outdoor drive-in celebrations that showcase the work of today’s LGBTQ leading storytellers. The program will include 10 features & over 40+ shorts from 18 countries including 9 premieres. Opening night of Outfest Fusion 2021 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Lawn at 500 Exposition Park Drive will include the Outfest Fusion Awards as well as six films featuring laughter, tears, romance, heartbreak & triumph representing the emotional highs of the queer experience. The festival will be honoring Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) with the Fusion Achievement Award & Andra Day (Lee Daniels' United States vs Billie Holiday) with the James Schamus Ally Award on Saturday April 17th. There will also be nearly a dozen community workshops, industry master classes & a One Minute Movie Contest that attendees can participate in plus live performances. This curated program represents contemporary LGBTQIA+ stories that reflect an array of cultures, identities & genres from & about our LGBTQ community. The films from the 2021 Outfest Fusion lineup have an eye for unique storytelling & a distinct Los Angeles flavor showcasing the dazzling array of talent emerging in the industry. This is a "silent-style" Drive-In event. The film’s soundtrack will be accessible exclusively through your car’s FM Radio for maximum social-distance safety. Doors will open at 6P with the Gala Shorts Program beginning at 7:30P. The Gala Shorts event includes: 2 Dollar, Blue Suit, Noor & Layla, Only for the Night, Peace & This Is the Way We Rise. For Info & Tix…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Transgender Rights Are Human Rights

The Arkansas Republican-led group of lawmakers should be ashamed of themselves for attacking the state’s transgender youth & passing the most extreme anti-transgender law in the country. History will catch up with them but in the meantime 25 state senators & 71 state representatives have placed a moral stain with their own bigotry above the lives of children. Winnie Stachelberg, Center for American Progress Executive Vice President for External Affairs stated, “A Republican-led group of lawmakers in Arkansas voted to put children’s lives at risk. Transgender youth, their parents & allies, the entire medical community & the state’s own Republican governor have all decried this law as abhorrent, immoral, dangerous & extreme. None of that mattered to state legislators hell-bent on antagonizing children.” On a positive note the Miami Heat & the eSport giant Misfits Gaming have joined the growing list of sports leaders & business organizations condemning bans that would prevent transgender children from playing sports in school. The National Women’s Soccer League, the NCAA & women’s sports legends in basketball, soccer & wrestling are publicly opposing blanket bans targeting trans youth. Also dozens of major corporations have spoken out as well including Airbnb, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Hilton, IHG Hotels, Instacart, Lyft, Microsoft, SunLife, Uber & others arguing that the business community has “consistently communicated to lawmakers at every level that such laws have a negative effect on our employees, our customers, our competitiveness & state & national economies” Nadine Smith, Equality Florida Executive Director concluded, “We applaud the Heat & Misfits & the legion of sports & business leaders for standing on the right side of history -- on the side of transgender young people.”
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Health Care Victory For Trans Kids

UPDATE: Today Arkansas lawmakers overrode the Governor’s veto making the state the first to ban gender confirming treatments & surgery for transgender youth…đź’” Arkansas Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson issued a veto Monday of a bill that would prohibit access to gender-affirming health care for the state’s transgender minors. The veto comes just hours after the Department of Justice issued a memo regarding federal Title IX protections determining that the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County applies to Title IX & clarifying transgender students are protected from discrimination in schools. The memo is even further evidence of the fact that attacks on trans students like the ban on trans student athletes signed into law by Governor Hutchinson earlier this year are illegal & exposes states that prioritize discrimination to expensive lawsuits. Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress stated, “Today’s veto is a welcome reprieve for Arkansas’ transgender youth, their families & their communities….Transgender Americans particularly transgender youth are already among the most at-risk individuals in the country. They face alarmingly high rates of discrimination in nearly every facet of daily life. Medical professionals in Arkansas made it clear to lawmakers last month that passing this bill would put lives in immediate jeopardy, but their testimony was ignored. It is abhorrent that Arkansas legislators chose to waste their time & energy attacking transgender children instead of responding to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this fight is not yet over. The state’s simple majority veto override means lawmakers could continue to put politics over the lives of Arkansans by overturning Gov. Hutchinson’s decision & imposing this discriminatory & unconstitutional ban on Arkansas’ children. For now though, Arkansas’ transgender youth & their allies have scored a huge, hard-fought victory.”

 

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Mapplethorpe The Director's Cut (Audio)

This week I talked with filmmaker Ondi Timoner about the recently released “Mapplethorpe, The Director's Cut” featuring an all-new soundtrack, previously unseen footage & also addresses Robert Mapplethorpe’s important relationship with Patti Smith & his subsequent pivotal romance with powerhouse art collector Sam Wagstaff. The film stars Matt Smith in the title role, best known as Prince Philip in the Netflix series “The Crown.” The stellar cast includes Marianne Rendón as Patti Smith & John Benjamin Hickey as Sam Wagstaff. LGBTQ Icon & photographer Robert Mapplethorpe was one of the most important & controversial artists of the 20th Century living his life boldly & authentically until his untimely death 1989 at age of 42 due to complications from HIV/AIDS. Mapplethorpe’s most controversial works documented & examined the gay male BDSM subculture of New York City in the late 1960s & early 1970s. His historic & provocative 1989 exhibition entitled “Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Moment” generated controversy & even sparked a Congressional debate when Senator Jesse Helms introduced legislation attempting to stop the National Endowment for the Arts from funding artwork he considered “obscene.” Though Helms’ extreme measures did not pass, a compromise was reached in Congress placing restrictions on NEA funding procedures that’s still in effect today. “Mapplethorpe, The Director’s Cut” also includes restored scenes depicting Mapplethorpe’s childhood love of photography, his embattled relationship with his father & his lingering ambivalent connection to the Catholic faith. This must-see biopic is now available on Hulu, Amazon & various digital platforms. I talked to Ondi about her inspiration for creating “Mapplethorpe, The Director's Cut” & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN:  

For More Info: interloperfilms.com

 

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LGBTQ Critics Dorian Awards Go Virtual

The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA) along with Karel Media will present the 2021 Dorian Film Awards on Sunday April 18 at 8P / 7P CT virtually on the digital cable TV network Revry. The Society will honor the best in movies in 17 categories ranging from Best Film, Best LGBTQ Film to Campiest Flick. The awards are voted upon by the 290 members of GALECA one of the most diverse critics groups in the world. Presenters set for the show include director Lee Daniels (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), actor Cheyenne Jackson (Call Me Kat), actress Gabourey Sidibe (Precious, Antebellum), actor Harry Hamlin (Making Love, Clash of the Titans), actor Rafael Silva (Fluidity, 9-1-1 Lonestar), actor Brad Rowe (Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss) famed comedian Margaret Cho & the legendary entertainer Charo. The online 2 hour magazine-style awards show will be hosted by LGBTQ rights icon Karel with other presenters & participants to be announced. In addition to the presenters the virtual ceremony will feature musical performances by Morgan Mallory performing “Look Into The Light," & Irish band The Black Donnellys performing the show opener “A Toast!” Shot in Las Vegas the show is executive produced by Brandon Riley Miller (Vice, Free Speech TV’s Life in Segments, High) & John Griffiths for GALECA & produced & co-written by Karel for Karel.Media. The Dorian Awards founded in 2009 honor both mainstream & LGBTQ-centric content & helps remind bullies, bigots & at-risk youth that the world looks to the Q eye for tips on great entertainment. For More Info… 
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LGBTQ National Out to Win Day 2021


National Out to Win Day takes place annually on April 2nd & is celebrated to encourage more LGBTQ people to run for public office. The date commemorates when Kathy Kozachenko won a seat on the Ann Arbor, Michigan City Council becoming the first out LGBTQ person elected to public office in the United States in 1974. Each April 2nd the LGBTQ Victory Institute celebrates National Out to Win Day to honor her legacy by encouraging more LGBTQ people to run for office in her footsteps. Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council Vice President & the first out trans woman elected to a major city council stated, “As a queer identified, Black woman of Trans experience, I know that when I am in the room the conversation changes. So, as an elected official not only do the conversations change, the policies change as well. In my role I am able to educate my colleagues & the broader community on how harmful these legislative attacks are for trans youth. I’m able to propose & pass a ban on conversion therapy, to vote to support Operation Fast Track that promotes PREP to help end AIDS. These are the types of issues you can impact as an elected official. If you care about your community & want to see equity & justice for all people, then becoming an elected official is the job for you. Remember, when we run, we win.” The LGBTQ Victory Institute works to achieve & sustain global equality through leadership development, training & convening to increase the number, expand the diversity & ensure the success of openly LGBTQ elected & appointed officials at all levels of government. For More Info…

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Transgender Day of Visibility Honors

In the first presidential proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility President Joe Biden stated, “Their trailblazing work has given countless transgender individuals the bravery to live openly & authentically. This hard-fought progress is also shaping an increasingly accepting world in which peers at school, teammates & coaches on the playing field, colleagues at work & allies in every corner of society are standing in support & solidarity with the transgender community….To more fully protect the civil rights of transgender Americans, we must pass the Equality Act & provide long overdue Federal civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation & gender identity. It will serve as a lasting legacy to the bravery & fortitude of the LGBTQ+ movement.” The Biden administration also released a new policy that will allow qualified trans people to serve in the military. A far cry from the last administration that rolled back nondiscrimination protections in health care for our transgender community & opposed passage of the Equality Act. Also in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility the National Association of Black Journalists’ LGBTQ+ Task Force announced a new scholarship named after transgender journalist & advocate Monica Roberts who passed away last fall. The Monica Roberts LGBTQ+ Task Force Scholarship is a newly established fund to support Black LGBTQ+ students studying journalism, mass communications or otherwise interested in reporting & storytelling. Femi Redwood Black Journalists’ LGBTQ+ Task Force co-chair stated, “Since I joined Tre’vell Anderson as co-chair of this Task Force, we’ve wanted to honor Monica for her work.” Roberts inspired generations of Black queer journalists while also serving as a possibility model to trans & non-binary professionals. I talked to Monica Roberts in January 2020 about her work & her spin on our LGBTQ issues in this exclusive audio interview. LISTEN:  

For More Info: nabjonline.org

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Commission On Unalienable Rights Ends

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that he has disbanded the Commission on Unalienable Rights that was created under the discriminatory Trump administration. Elisa Massimino, Senior fellow at the Center for American Progress stated, “Secretary Blinken’s repudiation of this misguided commission is a welcome signal, not only that the Biden administration rejects the cynical use of human rights language to infringe on the rights of others, but that it embraces the essential wisdom that human rights are interdependent. Matching this clarity of intention with action will go a long way towards delivering on the administration’s promise to put respect for human rights at the center of its foreign policy. Last year, more than 30 faith leaders signed a statement expressing grave concerns about a draft report on human rights issued by the commission. The leaders—who included Catholic, evangelical, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh & Buddhist leaders, as well as former State Department officials—warned that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s effort to elevate religious freedom & property rights above other human rights would weaken religious freedom itself & undermine the protections for the universal values of human dignity.” Christian evangelical Pompeo insisted that religious freedom was the single most important human right from which all other rights arose. He established the Commission on Unalienable Rights & held annual international religious freedom conferences that sanctioned discrimination against our LGBTQ community & others. Secretary of State Antony Blinken report concluded, "Other marginalized populations, including older persons, persons with disabilities & LGBTQI+ persons, experienced particular vulnerability. Human rights are also co-equal. There is no hierarchy that makes some rights more important than others."
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ClexaCon Virtual 2021 LGBTQ Event


ClexaCon the largest multi-fandom media event for LGBTQ women & allies will take place online from April 16th through April 18th with a virtual pop-up convention. ClexaCon brings together thousands of diverse LGBTQ+ fans & content creators from around the world to celebrate positive representation for LGBTQ+ women, trans & non-binary communities in the media. Get ready attend a full weekend of fun with your favorite actors, creators, authors, podcasters & more. With special events including Queerly Beloved Revue, Trivia Night with Lez Hang Out, Craft Hour with Design Hive LA, Mediation with Winny Clarke & more opportunities to connect with your community. Over the next few weeks they will be guest announcements, ticket details & the full schedule of events. Team Clexacon stated, “Join us online next month for our virtual pop-up con, taking place April 16th to 18th! We will have a full weekend of panels with your favorite celebs & entertainment industry guests, special events & more. Tickets will be donation-based & all ticket holders from ClexaCon 2020 will have free access to the full event. During the event, some of our featured guests will be offering premium add-ons such as one-on-one videos sessions, virtual photo ops & signed autographs which will be mailed after the event. We’ll post updates soon about who will be offering add-ons, pricing & other details. Stay tuned to email, our social media accounts & our website for more ticket information & keep an eye out for guest announcements throughout the week. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!” For More Info… 
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International Trans Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31st dedicated to celebrating transgender people & raising awareness of the discrimination faced by our transgender community globally as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) & the National LGBTQ Task Force will co-host a virtual panel on Wednesday March 31st at 6P EST to mark this day entitled “Fierce, Fabulous & Fighting for Our Lives: A Conversation with Transgender & Non-Binary Young People.” The panelists will included Actor/Producer Josie Totah, LGBTQ Reporter at 19th News Kate Sosin, Author, Activist, Life Coach & the 1st trans athlete on an NCAA D1 men’s team Schuyler Bailar, HRC Youth Ambassador and DJ Nico Craig, HRC Youth Ambassador & TikTok Influencer Ve’ondre Mitchell & Web Developer & Artivist Lala Shanks. Cathy Renna, National LGBTQ Task Force Communications Director stated, “With the pervasive attacks on trans youth happening across the nation & in the media, we wanted to give space to trans & non-binary youth, who are tired of being talked about & should be listened to, telling their stories & sharing their experiences.” Arkansas & Tennessee have become latest states to pass anti-trans legislation & there are a record number of bills targeting transgender people pending in state legislatures across this country with a significant number of these bills targeting our trans youth. This issue must be addressed so we can all move forward to a more humane & compassionate world. To RSVP this event email madeleine.roberts@hrc.org for instructions on accessing the livestream.
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Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022

The Gay Games 11 Hong Kong takes place November 11th to 19th 2022 & for the first time in Asia, announced that the iconic global brands Marriott Bonvoy & YouTube have proudly pledged at their Platinum Level support for the Games, the largest inclusive sporting & cultural event of its kind. Bart Buiring, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific stated, “We are proud to be one of the main sponsors for the Gay Games 11. With Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 800 properties & 24 exciting brands across Asia Pacific, our doors are always open to welcome all. This sponsorship is just one way we showcase our long-standing commitment to celebrate diversity & inclusion, inspiring travelers to be their true authentic selves whoever & wherever they are.” Christof Wittig, Director of Fundraising & Partnerships added, “Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 is happening & we’re thrilled to have this first slate of internationally renowned brands joining this historic project. Their support speaks volumes about the values these partners stand for & the immense opportunity for Hong Kong, regional & global businesses to partner with the Gay Games.” Expecting to welcome over 12,000 participants & 75,000 spectators from 100 countries the Gay Games promise to be a major event contributing to Hong Kong’s hospitality & tourism sectors. From hotel lodgings to shopping & local tourist attractions the estimated economic impact of the Gay Games in Hong Kong is expected to generate over HK$1billion in the city. It will be one of the biggest events to be held in Hong Kong as the region begins to recover & move onwards from the global COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the hospitality & tourism sectors particularly hard. For More Info...
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UK £50 Bill Honors Gay Icon Alan Turing

It’s official the Bank of England has displayed its new £50 note featuring mathematician & computer science pioneer Alan Turing who helped win World War II with his code-breaking brilliance & then died after facing government persecution over his homosexuality. Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England stated, "Alan Turing was a gay man, whose transformational work in the fields of computer science, code-breaking & developmental biology, was still not enough to spare him the appalling treatment to which he was subjected. By placing him on this new £50 banknote, we celebrate him for his achievements & the values he symbolizes, for which we can all be very proud. Turing's pioneering work in computing and artificial intelligence has had an enormous impact on how we all live today." Peter Tatchell. Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation concluded, “This is a much deserved accolade for one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century. Turing’s Enigma code-breaking helped defeat the Nazis & thereby shortened the Second World War, saving millions of lives. As a pioneer of computing science, his theories laid the foundation of the modern world, including everything from the internet & email to mobile phones, space exploration & life-saving medical technologies.” Turing was arrested in 1952 & charged with “gross indecency” for homosexual acts that were illegal in England & Wales until 1967. Turing did not deny the charges & was convicted & sentenced to chemical castration. He died two years later at 41 after eating an apple laced with cyanide which is still debated by historians whether this was a suicide or accidental poisoning. The banknote will officially be in circulation on June 23rd Turing's birthday.
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LGBTQ & Violence Against Women Act

When the House of Representatives passed an historic amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 (VAWA) last week this established a first-ever grant program to support LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault & stalking with an emphasis on programs providing support to transgender women who are also Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). The grant program was established through an amendment to the law that was sponsored by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) & Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-03). Ellen LaPointe, President & CEO of Fenway Health stated, “Fenway Health is grateful for the leadership shown by Congresswomen Pressley & Newman in championing this bill. Gender-based violence, domestic & intimate partner violence in the LGBTQIA+ community & maltreatment of transgender women, especially BIPOC women, by law enforcement & or emergency shelter programs are significant problems that require racially equitable & innovative prevention programming from community-based organizations.” VAWA was first enacted in 1994. When it was reauthorized in 2013 new language was added to the law to explicitly include people with gay & lesbian partners. The bill passed by the House last week explicitly includes, for the first time, transgender & gender diverse people. Lauren Kourabas, Program Director of Fenway Health’s Violence Recovery Program concluded, “There were more reported murders of transgender people in 2020 than in any previous year. Most of those victims were BIPOC women. Sadly, another 11 transgender women have already lost their lives to violence in 2021. This is an urgent crisis requiring immediate & on-going intervention.” The Senate must now act swiftly & pass this legislation to help protect all people in the United States from gender-based violence. For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Dr. Rachel Levine Confirmed By Senate

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate have voted to confirm Dr. Rachel Levine as the next assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. She is the first openly transgender American ever to be confirmed by the Senate to a position in the federal government. Adrian Shanker, Executive Director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center stated, “The U.S. Senate made history by confirming Dr. Rachel Levine to serve as Assistant Secretary of Health at HHS but while this is certainly momentous, Dr. Levine is less interested in making history & more interested in making a difference. Now, she can get to work to improve public health for the American people. There is nobody better prepared for this role than Dr. Levine.” Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress concluded, “Dr. Rachel Levine’s appointment reflects her years of competent, effective stewardship as the top public health official in the state of Pennsylvania. A long track record of success, amid the largest public health crisis in a century, speaks to her unimpeachable qualifications for the job. Her confirmation also marks a historic milestone in the push for a federal government that reflects & celebrates the diversity of its citizenry. Dr. Levine’s status as the highest-ranking openly transgender official to hold a position in the federal government demonstrates that representation in public spaces matters. CAP applauds Dr. Levine’s confirmation & looks forward to her continued leadership on behalf of the American people.” I recorded this sound byte a few months ago with Winnie Stachelberg introducing Dr. Levine. LISTEN  

For More Info: bradburysullivancenter.org

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Sin City Classic Joins Sports Summit

Connect Sports has announced a partnership with the Sin City Classic that will ensure this year’s Connect Sports Diversity Summit will be the most engaging & productive in its five-year history. Sin City Classic will be the presenting partner of the summit to be held May 24th to 26th at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. Connect Sports Diversity Summit includes three days of one-on-one appointments, networking, education & best practices, as well as memorable experiences unique to Las Vegas. Ken Scearce, Executive Director of the Sin City Classic stated, "We are excited to partner with Connect for the Diversity Sports Summit. This is a great opportunity for diversity sport planners to explore many great event venue options while also learning more about the specific needs & interests of the diverse LGBTQ+ community. It also offers a chance to network & discuss the challenges we’ll all face in pivoting back to live sporting events over the next few years." Patrick Higgins Connect Vice President concluded, “Sin City Classic is a leader in LGBTQ+ multi-sport events & its wealth of experience & knowledge will greatly benefit attendees at the Diversity Sports Summit. Not only will this partnership bring a record number of LGBTQ+ sporting event organizers to meet with cities, hotels & venues, but we’ll be offering some very impactful education & best practice sharing for our attendees as well.” Connect is a leader in the meetings, events, travel & tourism industry. As it has throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Connect will implement safety protocols to ensure attendees can have peace of mind while getting back to business. For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Equality Act New National Campaign

A new national campaign advocating for urgent passage of the Equality Act has been launched with support from hundreds of the nation’s top leaders in civil rights, faith, education, health care & advocacy. The Freedom & Opportunity For All campaign, with an initial investment of $4 million, will continue growing the nationwide effort that’s already supported by hundreds of the nation’s top business leaders advocating for the Equality Act. This historic federal legislation will modernize & improve our nation’s civil rights laws by including explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people, as well as women, people of color & people of all faiths. The Equality Act passed the House with bipartisan support last month & had its first-ever hearing in the Senate last week. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund stated, “The lives of millions of LGBTQ people in this country & our families would be improved through the Equality Act.” Brian K. Bond, Executive Director, PFLAG National added, “Parents of LGBTQ+ people want for their children what all parents want for their children: The opportunity to live, learn, work, pray & play safely, fairly & free from discrimination, harassment & harm.” Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) concluded, “NCLR is proud to be joining a coalition of advocates from the LGBTQ, women, people of color, immigration, & faith communities who have all joined the Freedom & Opportunity For All coalition to urge the swift passage of the Equality Act in the Senate.” Freedom & Opportunity For All is co-founded & led by 16 of the nation’s leading advocates for equality. For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Carole Pope & Church Of Trees (AUDIO)

This week I talked with award winning Canadian rock icon Carole Pope about her new single “World’s a Bitch” a collaboration with the Canadian electro synth pop trio Church of Trees consisting of band members Bernard Frazer, Tara Hope & Allison Stanton. The song & music video relay a stirring sonic snapshot of the angst felt & coping mechanisms tapped when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic & the world’s desperate need for vaccine distribution. The song is mixed & mastered by Jordon Zadorozny whose credits include Blinker the Star, Courtney Love, Chris Cornell & Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. The pairing of Pope with Church of Trees came by way of former Spoons/Honeymoon Suite keyboardist Rob Preuss. While working directly but separately with each artist he had a light bulb moment & suggested Frazer write something that might suit Pope’s voice. With her hit “High School Confidential'' recently inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Carole Pope has won three Juno Awards (Canada’s version of the Grammy), a Genie (Canada’s Oscar) & multiple gold & platinum records to her credit. The award-winning vocalist of Rough Trade is also known for leveraging her iconic status to openly table discussions around LGBTQ sexuality in her lyrics starting in the ‘70s. “World’s a Bitch” is one of several musical projects Pope is currently working on including “Attitude: The Art Rock Musical” a stage production based on the life of her late brother Howard a New York-based musician who passed away of AIDS in 1996. I talked to Carole about what she hopes to accomplish with “World’s a Bitch” & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. For More Info..  LISTEN  

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

 

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Wicked Queer Film Festival Goes Virtual

Boston’s 37th annual Wicked Queer film festival will be once again recreated into a virtual event this year with 17 short film programs for the entire month of April. Then from April 8th to 18th they’ll be showcasing their fabulous feature film selections. All screenings will be available for your viewing pleasure on Xerb.tv. They will also be hosting their annual Splash Party this year on Gather Town on Sunday March 28th where you can get a sneak preview of trailers & chat with the Wicked Queer staff. In preparation they’re reaching out to let you know that they love bringing you this festival each year & that they are so thankful that you love having Wicked Queer here to bring these stories to reflect the voices & images of our LGBTQ community. They hope that because our community knows the importance keeping Wicked Queer Film Festival going, this year, next year & for many years to come & since this is an all volunteer organization that donating a little or a lot will help continue to tell our stories. Founded in 1984 by film programmer George Mansour, Wicked Queer is Boston's LGBTQ+ Film Festival is the 4th oldest running LGBTQ+ film festival in North America. So come be a part of Wicked Queer: Boston’s LGBTQ+ Film Fest & be part of our ongoing story. Tickets go on sale March 27th but you can view the selection now. To participate in this year’s festival you can register to watch individual films or a variety of packages & because this is a unique viewing experience tickets will be available to purchase up until 3 hours before the program end times. For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Coming Out For Love Virtual Live Event

Nicole Conn Films Global is presenting a live virtual Happy Hour fundraiser for their new show “Coming Out For Love” hosted by comedian Je...

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