Commission On Unalienable Rights Ends
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…
International Trans Day of Visibility
Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022
UK £50 Bill Honors Gay Icon Alan Turing
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…
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
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…
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…
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
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…
“On The Radio” Fabulous Virtual Event
Overdue Gender Violence Protections
Bipartisan majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives have successfully passed both the long-awaited reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) & a joint resolution to advance ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) representing a critical moment in the fight to advance women’s rights & safety at a time when both have been undermined during the COVID pandemic. Wade Henderson, Interim President & CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights stated, “Gender-based violence, which has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has had devastating effects on survivors, their families & their communities. While every survivor needs support, survivors from marginalized or otherwise underserved communities are less likely to be able to access the services they need to heal & rebuild their lives. The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act provides crucial civil & human rights protections & promotes access to services for all survivors. The Senate must now act swiftly & pass this legislation to help protect all people in the United States from gender-based violence.” Jocelyn Frye, Center for American Progress’ Women’s Initiative Senior Fellow concluded, “The actions taken by the House today represent important progress in the fight to uphold women’s basic dignity & rights. Sexual violence is itself a pandemic—1 in 4 women experience domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault & stalking in their lifetime…It is essential to not only ratify the ERA but also to push for additional anti-discrimination policies that go beyond the amendment’s reach, to ensure rigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination laws & to hold politicians accountable for the ERA’s promise of gender equality.”
Senate Hearing For The Equality Act
Pope Francis Sinfully Breaks Hearts
Mary Bowman Arts In Activism Award
The National AIDS Memorial has announced Isabel Fatima (Ima) Diawara of Los Angeles as the first recipient of the Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award. The newly created & inspiring program is funded through a multi-year grant from ViiV Healthcare & offers support to artist-activists who are working & committed to making a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. John Cunningham, Executive Director of the National AIDS Memorial stated, “We are honored that Ima has been chosen as the first recipient of this award. Her passion & work exemplifies the same pioneering spirit of Mary Bowman that uses art & activism to raise greater awareness about bigotry, stigma & social justice, particularly around the issue of HIV/AIDS.” The Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award honors the life of Mary Bowman born with HIV who lived out her experiences of growing up & living with HIV & losing a mother to AIDS. Through her art the poet, advocate, author & singer she passed away in early 2019 at the age of 30. The award is funded through a multi-year grant from ViiV Healthcare & supports one young arts activist 27 years of age or younger, selected annually, to receive a $5,000 award. Marc Meachem, Head External Affairs North America ViiV Healthcare concluded, “This award supports young artists & activists like Ima who exemplify Mary Bowman’s passion for the arts, as the vehicle for their own HIV/AIDS community work & expression. Like Mary Bowman, Ima is using her own creativity to have a powerful impact in the community through honest conversations about issues that matter through art, expression & culture.” Applications for 2021 Award are now being accepted for social justice program funded through the support of ViiV Healthcare. For More Info...
Totally Brilliant “It’s A Sin” HBO MAX
BGMC Encore 2021 Gala Goes Virtual
Boston Gay Mens Chorus is presenting their signature fundraiser event virtually this year on May 1st live from the Regent Theatre in Massachusetts beginning with the pre-show at 6:30P & the live stream at 7P. This fun & interactive experience will be hosted by Catherine Peterson, Immediate Past Chair of Chorus America & Executive Director of ArtsBoston. Craig Coogan, BGMC Executive Director stated, “We’re really excited to have an interactive live gala this year. We’ve got all of the fun elements (live auction, hat competition), fabulous entertainment (including The Boy Band Project) that supporters can participate with from the comfort of their homes. It’ll be a great night that will raise critical funds for the chorus so we can come back strong.” There will also be a silent auction beginning online at 8A Thursday April 22nd that will run until 7P Saturday May 1st followed by the live auction at the event. So don your best bonnet or fedora for the hat competition. All you have to do to participate is post a selfie on Instagram with your hat using the #BGMCDerby & a winner will be selected during the live stream event. Founded in 1982, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest & most successful community-based choruses. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical & popular music & creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of our LGBTQ community. Encore 2021 Gala tickets start at $100 & some of the ticket packages include the BGMC pod-pack with food, decor & everything to make ENCORE 2021 Fabulous! For Info & Tix...
Texas Introduces LGBTQ Protections Bill
State Representative Jessica González & Senator José Menéndez have filed legislation that if passed during the 87th Legislative Session would ensure equal protections for our Texas LGBTQ community in employment, housing & public accommodations. House Bill 3860 & Senate Bill 1540 would add sexual orientation, gender identity & military veteran status to the state’s current nondiscrimination laws covering employment & housing. The Bills would also protect all Texans from discrimination in places of public accommodation based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or status as a military veteran. Rep. González stated, “Protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in Texas is the right thing to do & it’s long overdue. As a native Texan, I know the Texas spirit is to help & support our fellow Texans. We are driven to make Texas live up to its promise of freedom & prosperity. Let’s make Texas history & make sure every single Texan is treated with dignity & respect. Let’s send a message to all LGBTQ Texans – especially our youth – that their home values & respects them.” Senator Menéndez concluded, "It is time to pass comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation that will protect us all. Now more than ever, we should be embracing equality & helping our neighbors. Protections for our LGBTQ+ community are long overdue. Every day Texans, the business community & nationally, we know that our society thrives when we accept one another for who they are. Texas is far behind the curve. Please join us in supporting this legislation."
New Survey To Address LGBTQ Women
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