New LGBTQ Youth Affordable Housing

In New Jersey the LGBT RAIN Foundation broke ground on its first affordable & inclusive LGBTQ housing development. The building will house eleven homeless LGBTQ young adults & those with disabilities. The project is being consulted by Monarch Housing a non-profit pioneer in housing development for marginalized communities making this their first project related to LGBTQ young adults. The units will provide safe, affordable & supportive housing allowing residents to become independent & self-sufficient. Elaine Helms, Founder & Executive Director of LGBT RAIN stated, “This much needed supportive housing project has been a personal vision of mine for a long time & it’s incredible to see how it has become a community mission. The leaders & warriors of our communities have come together to help make RAIN what it is today; eleven one bedroom units is a huge step for RAIN & a huge step towards our goal of making sure chronically homeless LGBTQ young adults know & feel that they belong.” Each resident will additionally receive supportive services from the LGBT RAIN Foundation & its partners to address their health, financial & psychosocial needs. These services include case management, social services & programming designed to best support sustainable & healthy futures for LGBTQ young adults. Upon completion of this project the apartment building will be addressing a tremendous need within the current Continuum of Care which is the need for permanent affordable housing. As the project is the first of its kind in the New Jersey area it is a necessary effort to show LGBTQ individuals that their lives are valued & celebrated. It is a space for people to live without the fear of discrimination that too frequently occurs in housing.  For More Info…

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Provincetown Film Festival Winners

The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced the winners of this year’s Warner Media Audience Awards, the John Schlesinger Awards, the NY Women in Film & TV Filmmaker Awards & Short Film Prizes. Lisa Viola PIFF Artistic Director stated, “It was so incredible to have the opportunity to welcome filmmakers back to Provincetown at this precise moment of reopening & to have an eager audience able to view films both in person & online. We are grateful that we could provide a space for artists & festival goers to participate in this shared experience of reconnecting.” The Warner Media Audience Award / Best Narrative Feature went to LANGUAGE LESSONS, the Warner Media Audience Award / Best Documentary Feature was a tie & went to BEING BEBE & PLAYING WITH SHARKS. The John Schlesinger Award in a narrative went to Bassam Tariq for MOGUL MOWGLI. Filmmaker Andrew Ahn Narrative Schlesinger Juror stated, “MOGUL MOWGLI is a film that explores cultural, physical & artistic identity with passion & insight. Anchored by Riz Ahmed's beautiful performance, the film's bold use of sound, cinematography & editing all come together to tell us such a personal story of an artist.” The Documentary Schlesinger Award went to Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson for SUMMER OF SOUL. New York Women in Film & Television Filmmaker Awards in a narrative went to BEANS directed by Tracey Deer & in a Documentary Film went to STORM LAKE directed & produced by Beth Levison. Also Richard Linklater was presented with the 2021 Filmmaker on the Edge Award, Riz Ahmed was presented with the Excellence in Acting Award & Natalie Morales received the Next Wave Award. 
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Black Pride & Achieving LGBTQ Equality

The 7th Annual Los Angeles Black Pride celebration takes place from Thursday July 1st to Monday July 5th curated & produced by BBE Group Founder & CEO Brandon Anthony & his team. The Black Pride movement serves as a way for Black LGBTQ people to discuss specific issues that are more unique to the Black LGBTQ community & celebrate each other. Brandon stated, “This year's focus is on intersection of community & entertainment with award winning LGBTQ+ talent/allies & impactful conversations post-pandemic on topics necessary for the Black community. As we move into years to come we will continue to communicate the LABP mission of celebrating the past, while building the future. We will activate in historically Gay celebrated Los Angeles spaces like the Legendary Catch One & The Abbey. As a Black Man, we want to work on eradicating issues surrounding Homophobia & racism in America.” The fact is that within the larger LGBTQ Community people of color continue to experience higher rates of discrimination. A new Center for American Progress survey shows that 43 percent of LGBTQ people of color reported experiencing discrimination last year from a doctor or health care provider with nearly half reporting that discrimination has affected their ability to rent or purchase a home to some degree & 1 in 3 reported staying away from public spaces to avoid facing discrimination. Policymakers must wake up & respond to the diverse & complex needs of LGBTQ individuals with intersecting identities & pass the Equality Act. LA Black Pride includes a 5-day COVID-safe series of both daytime & nighttime events that will feature discussion, dancing & celebrating. For More Info….

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Celebrating Marriage Equality (AUDIO)

On June 26th 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court rules on Obergefell v. Hodges with a 5–4 decision that the Fourteenth Amendment requires all states to grant gay & lesbian couples the right to marry in all 50 states. Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National stated, “It is wonderful to celebrate love & marriage for our LGBTQ+ loved ones during Pride Month. However, the hard-fought battles to win the freedom to marry were just one step on the road to full justice & equality for LGBTQ+ people & the backlash against this victory was swift & continues today. In 2021, LGBTQ+ people & our families are still navigating a patchwork of legal protections to determine whether we can access basic rights, well beyond marriage--to work, to play, to live. PFLAGers everywhere will continue this fight & we call on our Senators from every corner of the country to pass the Equality Act to expand nondiscrimination protections not just for our LGBTQ+ loved ones, but for intersectional communities of people of color, women & people of faith.” After Jim Obergefell’s partner of 20 years died Obergefell fought & won marriage equality nationwide on June 26th 2015 when the Supreme Court ruled in his favor in Obergefell v. Hodges the case that secured the rights of gay & lesbian couples to legally marry nationally with the same rights & protections as heterosexual couples. I talked to Obergefell about the Supreme Court historical ruling & the crucial importance of passing the Equality Act in this exclusive audio interview on the red carpet at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2016.  LISTEN:
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Stern New U.S. Special LGBTQ Envoy

Jessica Stern OutRight Action International Executive Director has been selected by the Biden Administration to serve in the role of Special Envoy for International LGBTQI Rights. OutRight Action International is the only US based LGBTIQ organization with consultative status at the United Nations. Jenny Pizer Co-Chair of OutRight’s Board of Directors stated, “The United States is emerging from four years of unreliable foreign policy, distortions of international human rights standards & backs turned on LGBTIQ people domestically. In such times, LGBTIQ communities in the United States & around the world need and deserve a clear-eyed human rights champion to galvanize a wise reemergence of the U.S. government insisting on full human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. Jessica is that person. No one works with deeper commitment, greater integrity or more skillful strategic vision on behalf of our global LGBTIQ family. We who know Jessica’s talents best know what an immense positive impact she can have. This is an exciting new day for our global movement.” Jessica Stern comes to this new position with solid global qualifications. She was the first researcher on LGBT rights at Human Rights Watch & a Ralph Bunche Fellow at Amnesty International conducting fact-finding investigations & advocacy in relation to Iran, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa & the United Arab Emirates. Stern has campaigned extensively for social & economic justice in the United States for the Center for Constitutional Rights, the National LGBTQ Task Force & the Urban Justice Center. At OutRight International she has supported the legal registration of LGBTIQ organizations globally, helped secure the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity & advanced the UN LGBTI Core Group. 
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Loud & Proud Virtual Pride Bands Event

 

The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band is presenting a must-attend virtual event “Loud & Proud: A Celebration of Pride Bands from Coast to Coast” this Saturday June 26th for 2 shows at 4P PT or 7P PT via YouTube. The program will include performances from 13 LGBTQ bands featuring over 600 musicians from across the USA covering musical genres including pop, symphonic, classical, modern, soundtrack & more. There will also be a grand-finale when musicians from across the country come together for one big final performance. Since so many of our local pride celebrations are canceled this year due to the pandemic this is a fabulous way to connect virtually to our vast LGBTQ community at a pride party you don't want to miss. Though this is a free event net proceeds from donations made at registration or during the concert will be split evenly between all of the participating bands. The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band was founded by Jon Reed Sims in 1978 becoming the first openly-gay musical group in the world. First known as the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band & Twirling Corps Sims formed the band in response to Anita Bryant’s anti-gay campaign in the late 1970s. Sims went on to create the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, Lambda Pro Musica orchestra & encouraged the formation of The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps & the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles. The “Loud & Proud: A Celebration of Pride Bands from Coast to Coast” concert is free but you need to register to watch. 
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San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Event

To celebrate Pride the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will present “Wired” a virtual concert event on Thursday June 24th at 6P PST that will be live streamed via YouTube & Facebook. They'll be singing, dancing & generally raising the virtual roof bringing you showstoppers by RuPaul & Todrick Hall, heart-stoppers by the likes of Brandi Carlile & LeAnn Rimes & special appearances by their two ensembles HomoPhonics & The Lollipop Guild. There will also be special guest stars dropping in to make sure this Pride is off the charts & like none other. This Pride the chorus is hot-wired to bring you the most amazing celebration possible through wires & airwaves. Wired like a cricket on caffeine creating a record number of virtual chorus videos just for you. World premieres will include the hilarious & pointed "Message from the Gay Community” & “28 Barbary Lane” from the musical “@queerz” which was never performed due to the pandemic. Since the first 115 members sang on the steps of City Hall in 1978 over 2,000 different men, cis & trans & non-binary people have sung with the chorus. Jon Reed Sims who founded the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus went on & founded a number of gay & lesbian choral & instrumental ensembles before his tragic untimely death from AIDS. Today with a membership of over 300 voices the SFGMC continues to present a wide range of music & perform for many different kinds of audiences. This virtual concert is free but you must register to stream this online event. 
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Celebrities To Celebrate Pride Prom

In celebration of Pride Stacey Bendet CEO & creative director of alice + olivia clothing will be joined by Nicky Hilton, Hari Nef, Savannah Smith (Gossip Girl), Lea Michele, AnnaLynne McCord, Tayshia Adams, Vito Schnabel, Cuba Gooding Jr., Claudine De Niro, Derek Blasberg, Eboni K. Williams, Olivia Ponton & more with music by Ty Sunderland to celebrate LGBTQ Pride with Volkswagen to benefit the Ali Forney Center. The event will take place on Thursday June 24th from 7P to 10P at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York. Guests will arrive via Volkswagen’s ID.4 their first all-electric SUV & the brand’s first electric world car. Guests will be dressed to impress in alice + olivia wearing every color under the rainbow with sequins, suiting, ball gowns & bold hues. Stacey Bendet stated, “We are excited to celebrate Pride with our first ever alice + olivia Prom benefitting the Ali Forney Center. Through our collaboration with Volkswagen, we are able to strengthen support for the LGBTQ community. The evening will be special, I can't wait to see everyone dressed up & I am proud to partner with Volkswagen who’s ID.4 is the first all-electric SUV!” Guests will enjoy an array of rainbow candy by Dylan’s Candy Bar, Casamigos ginger margaritas, spiked punch & Jell-O shots, The Palm by Whispering Angel rose & froze, Milk Bar & Mini Melanie’s rainbow treats, Elegant Affairs mini sliders & rainbow wrapped French fries. The Ali Forney Center mission is to protect LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness & empower them with the tools needed to live independently. 
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Marc Smolowitz 13TH GEN Films (Audio)

This week I talked with filmmaker Marc Smolowitz about his film company 13TH GEN based in San Francisco. 13TH GEN is an entrepreneurial boutique company with a current slate of some 10-15 high quality projects both fiction & nonfiction all at different stages. 13TH GEN works with a dynamic range of independent film partners to oversee the financing, production, post-production, marketing, sales & distribution efforts of a vibrant portfolio of films & filmmakers. Recently his documentary “Being BeBe” directed by Emily Branham was showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival & has been selected as the closing film at the Provincetown International Film Festival on June 24th. “Being BeBe” is about Marshall Ngwa (a.k.a. renowned drag performer BeBe Zahara Benet) who travels to the United States from homophobic Cameroon with dreams of a better life & became the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2009. With over 15 years of unfettered & intimate access to Marshall’s story, the film presents his unique love affair with performance alongside his unstoppable sense of persistence & purpose, offering an unprecedented portrait of an artist who chooses to live a creative life against all odds. Marc Smolowitz has been significantly involved in 50+ successful independent films wearing many hats across the entertainment industry. His career focuses on powerful social issue films & filmmaking across all genres. 13TH GEN believes strongly in the power & potential of beautifully produced social issue films to speak to every generation. I talked to Marc about what he hopes to accomplish with his company 13TH GEN & his commitment to our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Supreme Court Rains On LGBTQ Pride


In the midst of celebrating LGBTQ Pride the U.S. Supreme Court rained on our virtual parade by ruling in favor of the Catholic Social Services in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. Just another wake-up call that without the passage of the Equality Act which would finally prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation & gender identity, the U.S. Supreme Court was able to issued a narrow ruling against our LGBTQ community on a technicality. Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates stated, “This decision is painful because the discrimination at the heart of this case is being allowed to stand. At the same time, the Court is saying that there is no broad right to discriminate, that the government can enforce nondiscrimination laws.” Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force concluded, “The court’s ruling on Fulton is a narrow one, limited in both nature & scope. The most important take-away is that the Supreme Court unanimously refused to allow a religious entity to have a license to discriminate. We stand in solidarity with the community in Philadelphia that is working for the fair & equitable treatment of those who want to provide safe & loving homes to children & hold in our hearts the many children who will be impacted by this decision. The work ahead for our community is clear – we must continue to advocate for local & state non-discrimination laws, apply the ones that exist & most importantly, fight for the Equality Act, which would provide long overdue Federal protections to the LGBTQ community & many others.”  For More Info…

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Title IX Protections For LGBTQ Students

The Biden administration has announced that the U.S. Department of Education has reversed the previous administration’s attack on transgender students by ensuring that Title IX protections will cover all students on the basis of sexual orientation & gender identity in compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County last year. Sharita Gruberg, Vice President of the LGBTQ Research & Communications Project at the Center for American Progress stated, “Wednesday’s announcement by the Department of Education tells all students, including LGBTQ students, that their government will ensure they have the opportunity to learn free from discrimination. This is a significant change from the previous administration’s abandonment of the rights of LGBTQ students & support for discrimination. In fact, a CAP analysis found that LGBTQ students’ complaints were nine times less likely to result in corrective action under the Trump administration than under the Obama administration. We are heartened to hear that this cruel neglect of our nation’s LGBTQ students has ended, but LGBTQ students still need the U.S. Senate to pass the Equality Act & ensure their protections are not simply ignored by a future administration.” Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal concluded, “Today, the Biden Administration has acted to uphold the fundamental rights of LGBTQ Americans. It's essential that schools across the country heed this guidance. Amidst the devastating legislative season that has left too many transgender young people questioning where they can be safe, this is a meaningful step in the right direction. It’s time to nurture our young people, not shun them."
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AMA Supports Transgender Medical Care

The American Medical Association (AMA) has strengthened its established position opposing the governmental intrusion into the practice of medicine that is detrimental to the health of transgender & gender-diverse children & adults. With legislatures in 20 states this year attempting to ban physicians & other healthcare professionals from providing medically necessary gender-affirming care to transgender & gender-diverse youth the AMA’s House of Delegates voted to meaningfully expand the organization’s strong opposition to undue restrictions on medical care to populations that have been politicized in state legislatures. AMA Board Member Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA stated, “The AMA opposes the dangerous intrusion of government into the practice of medicine & the criminalization of health care decision-making. Gender-affirming care is medically-necessary, evidence-based care that improves the physical & mental health of transgender & gender-diverse people.” The AMA delivered a letter to the National Governors Association in April urging its members to oppose legislative dictates that inappropriately limit the range of options physicians & families may consider when making decisions for gender-diverse pediatric patients. The letter cited evidence demonstrating that forgoing gender-affirming care can have tragic consequences for transgender individuals who face increased risk of anxiety, stress, substance use disorder & suicide. The majority of transgender & diverse-gender patients report improved mental health & lower rates of suicide after receipt of gender-affirming care. The AMA is a strong supporter of human rights & freedoms & will continue to strongly oppose discrimination based on an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. AMA will continue to work to ensure transgender & gender-diverse minors have the opportunity to explore their gender identity under the safe & supportive care of a physician.
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National LGBTQ Wall Of Honor 2021

The International Imperial Courts of the U.S.A., Canada & Mexico & the National LGBTQ Task Force will again come together to honor LGBTQ pioneers, trailblazers & heroes at the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the historic Stonewall Inn on June 24th. The 2021 Honorees are: Ivy Bottini, activist for women’s rights & LGBTQ rights & visual artist, Carmen Vazquez, immigrant rights activist, public policy expert & writer, Ruth Ellis, oldest surviving out lesbian at age 101, having come out in 1915, Jimmy Pisano, opened his first bar in the original Stonewall space, eventually changing the name back to Stonewall & Monica Robert’s, founding editor of TransGriot, a blog focusing on issues facing Black trans women & other trans women of color. Nicole Murray Ramirez, said International Imperial Courts Commissioner stated, “In honoring LGBTQ pioneers, trailblazers & heroes, every year on this National LGBTQ Wall of Honor we remember upon whose shoulders we stand on and acknowledge our community's history”. Cathy Renna, Communications Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, who will be speaking at the event, concluded, “This past year has been a testament to the strength & resilience of our community & recognizing these pioneers & icons exemplifies those same qualities. The Task Force is thrilled to be a partner in honoring those who came before us, the trailblazers who organized, advocated & rose up, living authentically & unapologetically.” Due to public health & safety precautions the June 24th event will be a short ceremony & private event in which the 10 names are added to the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor.
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Concert For Love & Acceptance Online

Country music artist & philanthropist Ty Herndon in partnership with CMT announced that the annual Concert for Love & Acceptance will take place virtually Wednesday June 30th at 8P EST via CMT’s Facebook & YouTube channels. Produced by Herndon’s charitable foundation the Foundation for Love & Acceptance the event will return as a star-studded online event co-hosted by Herndon & CMT’s Cody Alan who has hosted the event alongside Herndon since 2017. Herndon stated, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with the dynamic team at CMT once again to bring the Concert for Love & Acceptance to a broad audience as musicians, actors, comedians & more demonstrate their support for LGBTQ youth & artists in the country music community & beyond. This event comes from my heart & I hope it continues to resonate with people all around the world as we spread a message of acceptance for all people & work toward a world where only love remains.” Cody Alan concluded, “It’s a privilege to return as co-host of the annual Concert For Love & Acceptance, whose mission is as important today as when it launched six years ago. With dangerous & discriminatory legislation pending in our home state of Tennessee, the vocal support of the country music community is immeasurable in changing hearts and minds. I’m eager to again partner with Ty Herndon, CMT, GLAAD, & our new beneficiaries at MusiCares and Nashville’s Oasis Center to highlight the critical work to move LGBTQ+ rights forward.” The event will include appearances & performances by Brothers Osborne, Kristin Chenoweth, Terri Clark, Brooke Eden, Harper Grae, Chris Housman, LOCASH, Kathy Mattea, Rissi Palmer, Gretchen Peters, Tenille Townes, Walker County, Chase Wright & more. Herndon serves as executive producer of the 2021 Concert for Love & Acceptance alongside executive producer Zeke Stokes. 
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Pulse Survivor Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

Five years after the Pulse Nightclub Massacre Congress will create a national memorial at the dedicated LGBTQ site in Orlando where 49 people were killed. Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National stated, “On June 12, 2016, the lives of 49 people were taken by brutal, hate-fueled violence at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. These individuals had parents & families, friends & neighbors who loved them & who miss them & now in 2021, Congress has voted to ensure this country will not forget them. PFLAG National pledged then to continue working against bias-based violence & in support of policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from hatred, harassment & harm. The National Monument recognizing the massacre of LGBTQ+ people at the Pulse Nightclub is a call to action, reminding us all that the work must continue.” I talked to Pulse Nightclub survivor Brandon J. Wolf in 2018 who talked about his experience on that horrendous night five years ago which claimed the lives of 49 people & left 53 injured most of whom were LGBTQ Latinx people & people of color about what his personal commitment is to LGBTQ equality. Wolf stated, “My personal commitment is to again empower young people, a new generation of leaders that are going to challenge the status quo & say we’ve done a hell of a lot of great work but we’re not done doing great work until everyone in this country, everyone no matter black, white, brown, blue, LGBTQ feel safe in their own skin & I’m personally committed to amplifying that message until we get it done." LISTEN
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Boston Gay Men Chorus Pride Concert

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus PRIDE Concert is a celebration of LGBTQ dignity & diversity & will air on Boston’s ABC affiliate WCVB Channel 5 this Saturday June 12th at 7:30P & again on Sunday June 13th at 12:30P. The concert a celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month will feature the premiere of BGMC’s latest virtual video “This Is Me” along with appearances by Massachusetts’ Governor Charlie Baker & Boston Mayor Kim Janey. The Pride concert will also premiere on YouTube Sunday June 13th at 2P as well as on demand at WCVB.COM & BGMC Online. Reuben M. Reynolds III BGMC Music Director stated, “Even though we can’t perform live due to the pandemic, we’re bursting with Pride because we still get to share our music with the masses during this special month. We’re thrilled to be partnering once again with WCVB Channel 5 for this unique celebration of the LGBTQ community.” Hosted by Reynolds this special production features performances of fabulous LGBTQ anthems like “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage aux Folles” & Janet Jackson’s chart topper “Together Again;” the club classic “Relax” & the quietly defiant “Rise Up” by Andra Day. The special will close with the premiere of BGMC’s new virtual performance of the stirring “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” created especially for the TV show. In between performances viewers will meet BGMC members be entertained by stories about BGMC’s international tours & hear special messages from Gov. Baker & Boston Mayor Kim Janey. Craig Coogan BGMC Executive Director concluded, “BGMC is still here, still queer & we can’t wait to celebrate Pride the way we always do—with music that showcases LGBTQ life in all of its diversity, fabulousness & connection. Especially in a pandemic, Pride marches on.”  
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Pride & Joy Trans Youth Virtual Event

The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) will host “Pride & Joy” its first-ever virtual storytelling event for transgender & non-binary young people along with their families & friends on June 16th at 7P EST. The event features transgender storytellers & leaders & aims to provide family-friendly opportunities to celebrate Pride month particularly as lawmakers in legislatures across the country consider more than 100 anti-trans bills that would have significant negative impacts on young transgender people. Andy Marra Executive Director of TLDEF stated, “In this moment when transgender & non-binary young people are under attack in legislatures across the country, we felt it was important to show them & their families some extra love. We are incredibly grateful to the inspiring & talented trans leaders, authors & storytellers who will be taking part in Pride & Joy & hope that the event will reinforce for young trans people that they too have bright futures ahead of them.” Storytellers will include: Jackson Bird a YouTube creator & LGBTQ+ advocate, Precious Brady-Davis the author of “I Have Always Been Me”, Senator Sarah McBride who was officially sworn into the Delaware Senate in January 2021 & Meredith Talusan the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir “Fairest” from Viking/Penguin Random House. In addition the audience will hear from Vanessa Ford author of “Calvin”, Andrea Jenkins Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council & Gia Parr Champion of “The Gender Cool Project”. TLDEF is committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity & expression & to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services & public policy efforts. For More Info & Tix…

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New Teen Gender Questioning Study

Our colleagues at CNN passed on this report conducted by Dr. Kacie Kidd a physician & adolescent medicine fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who conducted a study that instead of asking teens if they were transgender Kidd & colleagues asked two questions in a study of 3,168 high school students at 13 racially & economically diverse public Pittsburgh high schools that resulted in a more honest inquiry. The first question was: "What is your sex (the sex you were assigned at birth, on your birth certificate)?" with the options of "female" & "male." The second question was: "Which of the following best describes you (select all that apply)?" with the options of "girl," "boy," "trans girl," "trans boy," "genderqueer," "nonbinary” & "another identity." The study published in the June 2021 issue of the journal Pediatrics found that 9.2% of kids consider themselves gender-diverse in some way. Dr. Kacie Kidd stated, "Our goal was to understand the prevalence of gender-diverse identities among high school students in our Pittsburgh school district by asking what we considered to be & what many scholars consider to be, a more inclusive question about gender identity. We came in suspecting that this two-step gender identity question would demonstrate a higher prevalence of gender diversity than in prior studies.” They found that gender diverse & non-binary teens exist in much higher numbers. Kidd concluded, “They are all unique individuals who have different needs & interests. We should be supporting them as a community in living their authentic lives, whatever that looks like for them." 
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LGBTQ Small Business Recovery Survey

CNBC announced the results of the first LGBTQ Small Business Owner Financial Health Survey that was conducted in partnership with Acorns & the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The survey took the financial pulse of LGBTQ entrepreneurs to learn more about how they manage their personal & business finances & the specific obstacles they face based on their sexual & gender identity. The survey also addressed topics from emergency savings to business succession plans to post-COVID small business confidence. Not only did the pandemic take a significant toll on many of those in the small business community, nearly one-third of LGBTQ small business owners say they lost 50% of their business as a result of COVID. However nearly 80% of those surveyed say they expect to make a full recovery next year. Justin Nelson & Chance Mitchell NGLCC Co-Founders stated, “The LGBT business community is thriving, despite both the economic impacts of the pandemic & the forces of inequality & discrimination that are still far too prevalent in America. As the business voice & certifying body for LGBT-owned companies throughout the country, we are so proud to partner with CNBC to highlight the resilience of LGBT entrepreneurs from coast to coast. The confidence in the economic recovery ahead demonstrated in this survey by our network of LGBT business owners should give us all hope for better days ahead. This groundbreaking survey further proves our NGLCC philosophy that economic visibility, just like social visibility, is essential in building a diverse and inclusive society.” The survey results will also be highlighted during a LinkedIn Live event, Invest in Pride: Ready. Set. Grow.. hosted by Invest in You on Thursday, June 17th at 1P ET moderated by CNBC Small Business Reporter Kate Rogers & featuring personal finance expert & bestselling author Suze Orman. For More Info… 

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

 

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Provincetown Film Festival (AUDIO)


This week I talked with Lisa Viola, Artistic Director for the Provincetown International Film Festival that takes place June 16th to 25th both virtually & in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The newly re-envisioned hybrid festival came together with the ingenuity & sheer determination of a world-class team of programmers including Andrew Peterson, Heidi Zwicker & Valérie Déus. Celebrating its 23rd year Richard Linklater will be this year’s Filmmaker on the Edge recipient in conversation with resident artist John Waters. Riz Ahmed, Academy Award Best Actor nominee for “Sound Of Metal” will receive this year’s Excellence in Acting Award in conversation with Vanity Fair Chief Critic Richard Lawson & queer actor/filmmaker Natalie Morales PIFF will receive the Next Wave Award in conversation with musician Holly Miranda. The hybrid festival will open with Jon M. Chu’s “In The Heights” at the Wellfleet Drive-In on June 16th & the festival will close with Emily Branham’s BeBe Zahara Benet documentary “Being BeBe” with guests of honor including director Emily Branham, producer Marc Smolowitz & the film’s subject & star BeBe Zahara Benet the winner of the very first RuPaul’s Drag Race. Some other highlights will include a Filmmaker Celebration at Truro Vineyards with Christine Vachon who co-founded the impactful independent film & television production company Killer Films joined by director & writer Daniel Minahan on June 19th from 6P to 7:30. The Provincetown International Film Festival will be closely monitoring federal, state & local COVID-19 safety guidelines & will continue to adjust safety policies accordingly throughout the festival. I talked to Lisa about what she hopes to accomplish at this year’s Ptown Film Festival & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

For Info & Tix: ptownfilmfest.org

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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