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Transgender Affirming Surgery Study

A new study published in JAMA Surgery has found that gender-affirming surgery is associated with improved mental health outcomes among transgender people. The study was authored by researchers at Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health & the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. This is the first large-scale controlled study to demonstrate an association between gender-affirming surgery & improved mental health outcomes & adds important new knowledge to the field as there is little high-quality evidence regarding the mental health effects of gender-affirming surgery. Anthony N. Almazan, Harvard Medical School Study Lead Author stated, “There is great demand among transgender & gender diverse people for gender-affirming surgery & thanks to recommendations by professional associations and clinical support for gender-affirming surgical care, these treatments are much more common today than they were even just 10 years ago. But until now there has been limited evidence that these surgeries result in better mental health outcomes.” Dr. Alex S. Keuroghlian, National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center at The Fenway Institute & the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Gender Identity Program concluded, “These results are incredibly important for the evolving field of transgender health care. Although clinicians have long supported the provision of gender-affirming medical & surgical care, the practice has been challenged by health insurers asking for more evidence showing its efficacy. In light of this study’s results, gender-affirming surgeries should be made available for transgender & gender diverse people who seek them & we should work to remove barriers to gender-affirming surgery such as insurance exclusions for such care.” For More Info…

Biden Speaks LGBTQ Leaders Respond

In his first joint address to Congress President Joe Biden stated, “I also hope Congress can get to my desk the Equality Act to protect the rights of LGBTQ Americans. To all the transgender Americans watching at home – especially the young people who are so brave – I want you to know that your president has your back.” A far cry from how our LGBTQ community was erased by the last administration for four long years. Brian K. Bond PFLAG National Executive Director stated, “We are grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support of our LGBTQ+ loved ones. His commitment to passing the Equality Act—critical legislation that would modernize our nation’s civil rights laws by including explicit protections for LGBTQ people, as well as improve protections for women, people of color, people with different national origins & people of all faiths—has meant so much to our families. We are also moved by his vocal support of our trans kids, whose rights & very lives have been under assault with hundreds of dangerous & damaging bills in 33 states across this country.” Kierra Johnson, Executive Director National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund concluded, “The President laid out a broad agenda that would improve the lives of diverse LGBTQ people in this country in so many ways, from the $15 national minimum wage to the infrastructure bill and the new American Families Bill, police reform, the expansion of hate crimes protections, gun control, voting rights & protecting our democracy & more…I believe Congressman John Lewis would be mighty pleased, for the President’s speech shows he & Vice-President Harris are all about making good trouble” For More Info…

South Carolina Trans Student Athletes

The South Carolina House Judiciary Committee has voted down H.4153 a bill that would prohibit transgender youth in middle & high school from participating in student athletics. This vote marks the third time nearly identical measures have been rejected in South Carolina’s 2021 legislative session. This vote marks another major step forward in the ongoing fight against anti-LGBTQ policies in South Carolina. SC United for Justice & Equality stated, “We are relieved & grateful that, once again, lawmakers have rejected their colleagues’ blatant attempts to discriminate against transgender student athletes. Today’s vote sends the message that H.4153 - just like its predecessor, H.3477 - & any other bill that discriminates against transgender people has no place in South Carolina. For months, transgender young people & the many South Carolinians who love them have been making their voices heard to oppose these discriminatory bills & we won’t stop until we have ensured a South Carolina where trans students are included, affirmed, & afforded the same opportunities as any other student. Every South Carolinian deserves an equal opportunity to thrive, no matter who they are & we will remain vigilant until that day comes.” SC United for Justice & Equality envisions a South Carolina where everyone can thrive with a focus on the lived & legal equality of LGBTQ people. The coalition advocates for the passage of legislation to protect LGBTQ community members & opposes anti-LGBTQ legislation. The coalition also works on intersecting issues of social justice, including racial justice, reproductive justice, voting rights & health care access. For More Info… 

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

 

Vicki Barbolak & Jason Stuart Live

Vicki Barbolak & Jason Stuart are performing their hilarious show “There’s A Gay Man In My Trailer” live at The Miracle Springs Spa in Desert Hot Springs, CA on Friday April 30th at 8P. Don’t miss this laugh out loud pairing of two of the most outrageous comics for this one night only live event with special guest Jimmy Della Valle hosting the show. In 2018 millions of "America's Got Talent" fans fell in love with the comedy of Vicki Barbolak & her hilarious observations on marriage, divorce & motherhood. She’s a Trailer Park Trophy Wife with a heart of gold & a passion for boxed wines. Audiences all over the country have flocked to see her on her Trailer Nasty & Trailer-palooza tours. Now she’s pairing up with Jason Stuart one of the most prolific character actors who’s also an openly gay stand-up comedian for this special comedic event. Stuart stated, “I'm coming out! …. out of the house, for some live & in person stand up comedy!” Of course COVID safety measures will be in effect  requiring  masks unless at your table. The showroom will also be at 25% capacity & the tables will be 6 feet apart. Tickets are $25.00 + 2 drink minimum & there’s also e a non-alcoholic package. Doors open for dinner at 6P & 7:30P for general admission. Last summer I talked to Jason & Mitch Hara in this exclusive chat about his comedy series “Smothered” now on Amazon Prime. LISTEN:  
For More Info & Tix...

Tyler Clementi Foundation Online Event

The Tyler Clementi Foundation whose mission is to end bullying in schools, workplaces & faith communities is celebrating Mitchell Gold’s 70th Birthday with a star-studded event on April 29th at 8P EDT. This milestone birthday fundraiser will consist of a series of toasts, celebrity entertainment & a raffle auction to fulfill Mitchell’s lifelong dream to end bullying nationwide to create a kinder world. The virtual gathering takes place in April the anniversary month of the American Psychiatric Association removing “homosexuality” as a mental disorder from the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973. Next step: to remove “homosexuality” from the sin list. Entertainment provided by Carly Simon with an appearance by Alan Cumming & Tipper Gore. The host committee includes Mitchell’s husband Tim Gold, Judith Light, Actress, Producer, Advocate, George Takei, social justice activist, social media superstar Grammy-nominated recording artist, New York Times bestselling author & pioneering actor, Allison O’Connor, President & CEO, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Bob Williams, CoFounder & President of Design, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Paul Boskind, PhD, Activist; Owner & CEO, DeerOaks, Wally Brewster, Former US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Jane Clementi, Co-founder & CEO, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Eloise Goldman, Vice President of Public Relations, Cambria, Steven Guy, Social Impact Amplifier; Brand Builder, Michael Marriott, Vice President at Compass; Director at BW Bastian Foundation, David Mixer, Political Activist; Author, Katherine Rice, Board Director, MG+BW & Bob J. Satawake, Author, Speaker, Human Rights Activist. For More Info... I spoke with Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams in 2014 about their spin on our LGBTQ issues & more in this exclusive interview. LISTEN:

 

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Boston Design Week Outside & Virtually

Boston Design Week returns for its 8th annual festival from April 28th to May 9th featuring over 50 virtual & outdoor events including the annual Design Week Awards on Friday May 7th. With the theme “Spring Forward!” this 12-day design festival offers a range of virtual programs featuring nationally-known guest speakers, panel discussions, behind-the-scenes tours & more. A special festival section titled “Landscape Design & Outdoor Life” will offer live outdoor events such as walking tours, architectural site visits & landscape design explorations. All events are open to the public & almost all are free. Tony Fusco, Boston Design Week Co-Producer stated, “We are thrilled to be able to offer 50+ virtual & outdoor events over the 12-day festival -- all Free & open to the public. Our goal is to both highlight the best design that Boston has to offer & to introduce new concepts & ideas to Boston's already rich design community. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we find ways of celebrating our world-class city.” Live Outdoor events include a Victorian Walking Tour of Back Bay presented by the Gibson House Museum & virtual programs focusing on our landscapes, outdoor environments & design of public spaces include an art & architecture tour by the MIT List Visual Arts Center. The 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Miguel GĂłmez-Ibáñez: a master furniture maker & President Emeritus of the North Bennet Street School & the Producers Choice Award will be presented to The Society of Arts & Crafts. More awards will be announced & presented on Friday May 7th with event details to be announced.  For Complete Schedule & More… 

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

 

Lesbian Visibility Day Virtual Event

The National LGBTQ Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) & the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) are presenting a virtual event for Lesbian Visibility Day entitled "What the L?" on Monday April 26th from 7P ET to 8:30P ET. This is a fabulous opportunity to join a diverse panel of queer women & talk about topics that range from the paradox of lesbian visibility vs. lesbian erasure to gender critical & anti-trans sentiment in the lesbian community to the role feminism is playing in the larger queer movement. Panelists will include Urvashi Vaid Icon LGBTQ Leader & Activist, Alise Maxie student activist & organizer & Charlotte Clymer activist, press secretary & writer. The online event will be moderated by Merryn Johns longtime editor at Curve Magazine & presently Editor in Chief at Queerforty.com. Urvashi Vaid, The Vaid Group President stated, "52 Years post Stonewall activism hasn’t solved the mystery. Who is a lesbian? How do lesbians partner & make family? What are the obstacles to surviving & thriving as a lesbian in 2021? How has COVID, racism, policing, economic vulnerability & sexism impacted our health & our families over the past year? Over the past decade? I am looking forward to talking about the historic National LGBTQ+ Women's Community Survey as these extraordinary lesbian leaders chart a path forward for our movement." There will also be a special introductory message from Imani Rupert-Gordon, NCLR Executive Director, Ashawnda Fleming, National LGBTQ Task Force Development Director & Ellen Kahn, Human Rights Campaign Senior Director, Programs & Partnerships. The April 26th free event will be from 7P to 8:30P ET but you must register. To Register & Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Celebrate Virtually With Pride In A Box

Pride in a Box is an at home Pride kit that guarantees to bring fun, joy & unicorn love into your home. For 20 years Brand|Pride has been guiding brands on LGBTQ+ promotional items & helping brands show their support for our LGBTQ community. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way Pride is celebrated with most in-person LGBTQ Pride celebrations cancelled. Pride in a Box offers a convenient way to get unique Pride products to celebrate at home or virtually with friends & family. Elise Lindborg Brand|Pride CEO stated, “At Brand|Pride we are constantly seeking out LGBTQ+ & minority owned businesses to work with. We want products by us & for us, which is why we’re thrilled that 95% of the Pride in a Box items are designed & sourced through LGBTQ+ suppliers. The LGBTQ+ community is vast, diverse & beautiful & we hope Pride in a Box can offer some happiness & connection in this unprecedented time in our lives. Pride has always been about unity. For us, Pride in a Box is another way to foster that unity, even if we need to be apart for our health & safety. This is our way to bring a little bit of Pride to your home, a reminder that Pride isn’t just a single month of the year but something we feel 365 days of the year”. Brand|Pride is a lesbian owned LGBTQ - certified branding solutions company. For 20 years the company has guided hundreds of brands on their quests for the best promotional items to achieve their goals of building brand loyalty. 

Chauvin Guilty LGBTQ Leaders React

LGBTQ leaders react after a Minneapolis jury convicted Derek Chauvin of second-degree murder, third-degree murder & second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force stated, “The world today saw accountability for the murder of George Floyd. Not justice, but accountability. If only these same verdicts could apply to all the police officers we have watched walk free over the years after race-motivated killings, whether intentional or carried out with callous disregard for each precious life. We have & will continue to say their names. Feeling a mix of emotions, from relief to sadness to anger, we hold George Floyd’s family in our hearts & commit to continuing the work of dismantling racism & white supremacy, in his name & the names of so many others we have lost.” Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO concluded, “The verdicts convicting Derek Chauvin deliver some accountability for his actions. They now must lead us toward greater safety & trust, especially for Black people, queer people of color & transgender people & youth who are disproportionately at risk of harassment, discrimination & violence, including violence by police. The deaths of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Adam Toledo & far too many others must motivate urgent change to address racial bias & prevent deadly force. Every American from a vulnerable community has a right to demand these necessary changes by protest & the media must be free to cover these critically important social justice movements. Our hearts are with George Floyd’s family & all who grieve his loss throughout the traumatizing trial & beyond.”

LGBTQ Victory Institute Hall of Fame

LGBTQ Victory Institute will launch its new LGBTQ Victory Hall of Fame to honor the LGBTQ elected officials & candidates who made a lasting impact on LGBTQ political history at their virtual 30th anniversary celebration on May 2nd. During a ceremony at the event 20 members will be inducted as part of the Founding Class & U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin will be inducted as a Lifetime Achievement honoree. The ceremony will include short interviews with many of the inductees. Chris Abele, Chair of the One Victory Board of Directors stated, “The founding class of the LGBTQ Victory Hall of Fame represents the vanguard of a revolution in U.S. & global politics – the people who stood up to serve openly when it meant harassment, threats or worse. These courageous leaders were the first out leaders in their cities or agencies, the first to sit for grilling by the U.S. Senate & the first to lead state legislatures or countries. The launch of this Hall of Fame is an opportunity to ensure their contributions are forever remembered & to honor the future leaders who will advance representation for our community.” I have had the honor to work with a few of the inductees including Barney Frank U.S. House of Representatives (1981 – 2013), Elaine Noble Massachusetts House of Representatives (1975 – 1979) & the first out LGBTQ person elected to a state legislature, Neil Giuliano Mayor of Tempe, AZ (1994 – 2004) & the first out LGBTQ mayor of a city in the U.S. & Senator Tammy Baldwin who was a frequent guest on OUTTAKE VOICES™. The virtual ceremony to honor the inductees takes place during LGBTQ Victory Fund’s 30th Anniversary Celebration & will also include special guests, entertainment & more presented by DaVita on May 2nd from 7:30P to 8:30P ET. For More Info… 

 

No Way, They Were Gay? (AUDIO)

This week I talked to author Lee Wind about his new book “No Way, They Were Gay?: Hidden Lives & Secret Loves” a Queer History Project published by Zest/Lerner. In “No Way, They Were Gay?” Wind takes the reader on a fascinating journey through primary sources of poetry, memoir, news clippings & images of ancient artwork to explore the hidden & often surprising Queer lives & loves of two dozen historical figures. History has left out so many stories about our LGBTQ community & people who lived outside gender boundaries. Historians have even censored the lives & loves of some of the world's most famous people from William Shakespeare & Pharaoh Hatshepsut to Cary Grant & Eleanor Roosevelt. Wind skillfully revisits famous figures in the USA & world history by delving into primary sources & reassesses what's made legible about people's sexual & gender identities when the present & past are allowed to collide. The book is divided into three categories: men who loved men, women who loved women & people who lived outside of gender binaries. Wind not only delivers a long overdue education for everyone that reads this book but also helps our LGBTQ youth by providing role models that are among the most revered of leaders. Lee Wind is the founding blogger & publisher of “I’m Here. I’m Queer. What The Hell Do I Read?” an award-winning website about books, culture & empowerment for LGBTQ youth & their allies. I talked to Lee about what he hopes to accomplish with “No Way, They Were Gay?: Hidden Lives & Secret Loves” that’s available everywhere books are sold & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

For More Info: leewind.org

 

Author Tyler Gillespie Virtual Event

The LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library in Gulfport, Florida is presenting author Tyler Gillespie who will read from his new book “The Thing About Florida: Exploring a Misunderstood State” on April 22nd at 7P ET via Zoom. Kristen Arnett, author of Mostly Dead Things stated, “Ripe with history, packed with fascinating information about the interior of the state, The Thing about Florida is a personal look at a profoundly misunderstood place. A necessary read.” In “The Thing about Florida” published by the University of Florida Press, Gillespie faces his Florida denial & takes readers on an exuberant search for the state behind the caricatures, cutting through the media storm with curiosity & humor. His journey leads him to eclectic & unconventional Floridians who have been misrepresented in news stories. He interviews storm chasers, Civil War re-enactors, cattle ranchers, drag queens, python hunters & pet smugglers. His conversations delve into serious issues such as addiction, Florida’s racist past & care options for the state’s LGBTQ senior citizens. With perspective & empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity & complexity of Florida today. Tyler Gillespie, a fifth-generation Floridian, is a poet & award-winning journalist. He has written for GQ, the Guardian, the Nation, VICE & Salon. He is the author of Florida Man: Poems & co-editor of The Awkward Phase: The Uplifting Tales of Those Weird Kids You Went to School With. The LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The event is free but you must register. 

Curve Foundation For LGBTQ Women

The Curve Foundation building on 30 years of the world’s best-selling lesbian magazine will empower & amplify voices of lesbians, queer women, trans women & non-binary people of all races, ages & abilities. The Curve Foundation will encourage & support active storytelling & cross-generational dialogue by supporting journalism in the tradition of Curve magazine, investing in the next generation of intersectional leaders & bolstering existing community archives as a resource to ensure LGBTQ+ women’s culture & history can be known. Curve magazine founder Franco Stevens has reacquired the publication & donated it to the Foundation to leverage the iconic name & brand to amplify the Foundation’s mission. Jasmine Sudarkasa Founding Executive Director stated, “Telling fearless stories has always been the heart of Curve’s mission. The opportunity to invest in intersectional queer stories & celebrate lesbian visibility feels fearless in the face of twin pandemics – true to the spirit of Curve & an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am so excited for the future of this Foundation.” The Curve Foundation’s initial programs will include the Curve Award for Emerging Journalists & the Curve Archive. In partnership with NLGJA, the Association of LGBTQ Journalists the Curve Award will recognize & support emerging journalistic writers who are focused on raising the visibility of LGBTQ+ women by telling their stories & elevating their voices. The Curve Archive will archive the existing 30 years of the iconic Curve magazine issues that document the history & historic voices of the lesbian movement. Co-founders Franco Stevens & her wife, philanthropist Jen Rainin concluded, "We are thrilled to have Curve magazine back home & excited for the work The Curve Foundation will do to continue the mission of Curve magazine that began in 1991.” For More Info… 

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

 

Boston Pride New Advisory Committee

Boston Pride has named seven members to their the new Transformation Advisory Committee (TAC) that will advise the organization during the ongoing transformation process to ensure that its vision, mission & values are in alignment & in the best interest of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the primary responsibilities of the TAC is to oversee the recruitment of new Boston Pride board members to ensure that the board is reflective of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community & to ensure that the board is inclusive of all people in the community. Linda DeMarco, President of Boston Pride stated, “This is an important step in our ongoing transformation process. We are looking forward to working with the Transformation Advisory Committee to help us build a better Pride. We continue to listen to members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially from Black, Brown, transgender people & others about making sure our work is inclusive to all. We have empowered the TAC to make recommendations for new Boston Pride board members & we look forward to implementing their suggestions. We thank them for their service to the community & we welcome others to join as well.” The TAC is comprised of members of the Greater Boston LGBTQ+ community including: Sheika Babin, Sam Chambers, Patty Haggerty, Shelita Hayes, Ed Hurley, Ryan Roy & Lee Santos Silva. Boston Pride produces events & activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect & awareness in Greater Boston & beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, equity, visibility & dignity they educate, communicate & advocate by building & strengthening community connections. For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Trans Sports Ban Heats Up In Florida

The Florida House voted 77-40 to ban transgender girls from playing sports alongside their peers. Despite fierce bipartisan opposition from lawmakers across the country, professional & collegiate sporting organizations including the Miami HEAT & Misfits Gaming Group, world-renowned athletes, faith leaders, legal scholars, medical professionals, over 65 major corporations & the very experts that bill sponsors cite as justification the ban now heads to the Senate where its companion (SB 2012) has one remaining committee stop. Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida stated, “All eyes are on the Florida Senate to stop this cruel legislation & protect the transgender youth this bill vilifies. If this bill passes, it would be the first anti-LGBTQ bill to pass the Florida Legislature in 23 years & could send shockwaves through an economic recovery dependent on conventions, events, sports & tourism. We know this is a nationally-coordinated attack fueled by far right anti-LGBTQ organizations & the Florida House has taken the bait. The Florida Senate must hear the voices of transgender kids & reject this state-sanctioned discrimination.” Cathryn Oakley HRC Campaign State Legislative Director & Senior Counsel concluded, "This legislation has no basis in facts, & legislators across the country have neglected to name any examples of the sky falling based on transgender athletes' participation in youth sports. That's because those examples simply don't exist & athletic organizations have welcomed transgender athletes' participation for years without incident. Anti-equality legislators should realize that while there is no problem here, there are serious issues that need addressing in Florida, like the pandemic & its economic impact. They should focus on addressing the challenges that are actually facing Florida & leave transgender kids alone." For More Info…

Colton Underwood Reveals Yep I’m Gay

With shades of Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out April 14th 1997 on the cover of TIME Magazine declaring “Yep I’m Gay” over 20 years ago former ABC’s "The Bachelor" star Colton Underwood came out as gay to Robin Roberts during a segment on Good Morning America this morning. Underwood stated to Roberts, "I've run from myself for a long time. I've hated myself for a long time. And I'm gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year & have been processing it. And the next step in all of this was sort of letting people know…I'm still nervous, but yeah, it's been a journey for sure." The story was then covered & posted on all mainstream media news network outlets & then went totally viral in social media. Anthony Allen Ramos GLAAD's Head of Talent concluded, “Every LGBTQ person’s journey to discovering & accepting their authentic self is different & Colton Underwood’s decision to share his truth with the public reminds us that there is no set timeline for coming out. Given the large & loyal fandom who know Colton from 'The Bachelor,' his coming out & discussion of his faith will hopefully open eyes to the millions of out & proud LGBTQ people who are also people of faith.” Underwood further revealed that he’s known the truth of his sexuality since a young age knowing he "just felt different" from the age of 6 when he couldn't process it especially growing up Catholic. Colton Underwood is ready to live his truth & we commend him for taking this important step to live his life authentically. For More Info…

Trans Youth Launch Book Collection

Transgender & non-binary youth influencers have launched a book collection with Kids Media Disrupter “A Kids Book About”. While many teens took e-learning as an opportunity to level-up their gaming skills a group of young people chose instead to write a collection of books about their lives. The Gender Cool Project a storytelling campaign turned global movement led by 18 young people known as the “Champions” has teamed up with “A Kids Book About” the company making kids media that matters to create a collection of books hoping to bring clarity & positivity to a national conversation that’s in need of support. The three books in the collection are: A Kids Book About Being Transgender, by Gia Parr, A Kids Book About Being Non-binary, by Hunter Chinn-Raicht & A Kids Book About Being Inclusive, by Ashton Mota & Rebekah Bruesehoff. Jelani Memory, co-Founder & CEO of A Kids Book About stated, “A Kids Book About is incredibly proud to partner with The GenderCool Project to help bring these topics to kids everywhere in a relevant & honest way. This is the first time A Kids Book About has ever partnered with a non-profit to create a themed collection. We felt it was critical to educate on & elevate topics around inclusivity, gender & identity for the next generation, using our unique publishing model & writing process to highlight the underrepresented voices of transgender & non-binary teens with real, lived experiences, conveyed through compelling stories that people connect with.” At a time when the nation is seeing an unprecedented level of harmful legislation targeting transgender & non-binary youth this book collection will help bring to communities everywhere the real stories of Gia, Hunter, Ashton & Rebekah written by these young people who are thriving. For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Equality Florida Honors Monica Cepero

Equality Florida will honor Florida Human Relations Commissioner Monica Cepero with a Voice For Equality Award at its statewide virtual event on Sunday May 23rd from 1-2P ET via their Facebook, YouTube & Twitter channels. The Voice for Equality Award is bestowed annually upon a person who with courage, passion & unwavering commitment moves Florida’s LGBTQ community closer to full equality. Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida stated, “Monica Cepero’s efforts on the Florida Commission for Human Relations led the agency to affirm that discrimination in employment, housing & public accommodations based on sexual orientation & gender identity is illegal. This means every LGBTQ Floridian, from the Panhandle to Key West, is protected from discrimination under the law. We’re so grateful for Monica’s tireless work to help move the needle closer toward justice & equality for all Floridians & we’re thrilled to recognize her as one of this year’s Voices for Equality.” Commissioner Cepero concluded, “In my nearly 30 years of public service, I can’t think of many more significant milestones that I have been honored to be a part of. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable & I’m proud to be a part of a Commission that values equal treatment & has the courage to do the right thing to protect the residents of the State of Florida. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I am grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis for appointing me to the Florida Commission on Human Relations. It is important that diverse voices are at the table when ensuring equality, fairness & equal opportunity for all.” For More Info…

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™

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…

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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