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Curve Foundation Giving Tuesday Event

In honor of Giving Tuesday the Curve Foundation whose mission is to empower lesbians, queer women, trans people & non-binary people are launching the 30+1 campaign to support their programming for 2022. When you to make a donation of at least $30 to support their work for 2022 & you also invite a friend to join they will send you a timeless "timepiece" pin commemorating the gift of your commitment to the Curve Foundation in its very first year. Your donation supports programming for lesbian, trans, non-binary & queer journalists. All donations are welcomed. Franco Stevens originally launched Curve in 1991 & reacquired Curve magazine donating it to the Foundation so it can leverage the brand & amplify the Foundation’s mission. Curve magazine is now a nonprofit project of The Curve Foundation. They will regularly curate articles from the Curve Archive & fill a critical niche by providing a way to understand our history – a portal into the hard-won lessons from our past that can inform our actions into the future. The Curve Foundation will bring their archive to life providing content & critical conversations. Their stellar programs include the award-winning documentary “Ahead of the Curve” & archiving historic voices of the lesbian movement including voices from the entire queer women & non-binary Curve Community. Also in partnership with NLGJA: The Association of LQBTQ Journalists, they have created The Curve Award to recognize & support emerging journalistic writers who are focused on raising the visibility of LGBTQ+ women by telling their stories & elevating their voices. For Donation & Support Info... Watch '21 Curve Award Winners:
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Creating Change Conference (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Mayra Hidalgo Salazar, Deputy Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force about their upcoming events including the 34th Creating Change Conference entitled “Reunite Reignite” that will now take place virtually in 2022 with dates TBA. The Creating Change Conference is the foremost political leadership & skills-building conference for the LGBTQ social justice movement. Since 1988 Creating Change has created networking opportunities & inspiration for thousands of committed people to develop & hone their activist skills. With the continual impact of COVID-19 & now the omicron variant cases Creating Change family will prepare for a new & different online conference experience. Danny Linden, Creating Change Conference Director stated, “We will announce what programming will look like for Creating Change 2022 & beyond as soon as possible. We are grateful to all of the attendees, participants & sponsors for their understanding as we transition to a virtual experience & the opportunity to bring Creating Change to an even larger audience.” Non-binary writer, performer & public speaker ALOK will be the keynote speaker & new this year there will be a program focused exclusively on queering climate justice as well as a conference schedule with many online workshops & caucuses. I talked to Mayra before Creating Change went online about what she hopes to accomplish at the National LGBTQ Task Force in the next few years & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN

 

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Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES

 

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San Francisco LGBTQ Live Musical Event


The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band is ringing in the holiday season with their first in-person indoor concert since 2019. Winter Postcards will take you on an aural journey with music celebrating the winter season from around the world on Saturday December 11th at St Mark's Lutheran Church, 1111 O'Farrell Street in San Francisco beginning at 1PM PST. The performance features a number of fabulous compositions including Alfred Reed’s seminal Russian Christmas Music, Julie Giroux’s lyrical Evening Snow in Kambara & James Curnow’s enthralling Overture to a Winter Festival. The Band will also perform several sentimental favorites including Greensleeves, A Rollicking Hanukkah & Concert Suite from ‘The Polar Express.’ Over the past two years it's been easy to feel disconnected from different cultures from around the world. This program is their way to reach out across the globe & celebrate the winter holiday season through the shared language of live music. Founded in 1978 by Jon Sims at the height of Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band has made music to build understanding among communities of all sexual orientations & identities for more than four decades. Ever since making a splash by marching up Market Street with Harvey Milk’s convertible in the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade the Band has been appearing throughout the City to promote LGBTQ+ visibility. Audience Members 12 years of age & older must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Children 5 to 12 need not be vaccinated to attend. All audience members 3 & older must wear a mask at all times. The performance is free but there is a $15 suggested donation. For More Info & Tix…
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Rainbow Railroad Hosts Benefit Concert

The annual Chicago 5 Lives fundraiser hosted by Rainbow Railroad returns this year with “When I Am Free” a benefit concert offering attendees a premier evening of classical music from esteemed young musicians. The concert will be held on Friday December 3rd from 7:30P to 9P CT at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre & will also be live streamed. Hosts will include U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky & Chicago Reader publisher Tracy Baim. Bruce Koff, Vice Chair of the Rainbow Railroad Board of Directors stated, "Although the persecution of LGBTQI+ people worldwide is tragic & epidemic 'When I Am Free'' is all about hope - especially the hope that is Rainbow Railroad. Primarily through music, the concert will convey what cannot easily be expressed in words: the journey from anguish & fear to freedom & hope.” Congresswoman Schakowsky concluded, “I am proud to stand with Rainbow Railroad & support their vital work to help LGBTQI+ people fleeing horrific situations around the world. Working together, we can support the people who simply want to live freely as themselves, a right many take for granted here in the United States.” Rainbow Railroad is a North American non-profit organization headquartered in Toronto & New York that helps LGBTQI+ people seek safe haven from state-led violence & persecution in countries where homosexuality & diverse expressions of gender identity are criminalized. “When I Am Free” benefit concert tickets are $100 & all proceeds go directly to Rainbow Railroad to support its mission to assist LGBTQI+ refugees fleeing persecution. The Chicago 5 Lives Campaign aims to raise $50,000 - enough to move five additional people to safety. For More Info…
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LGBTQ Youth & The Holiday Season

With the Holiday Season upon us the Family Acceptance Project has launched a national integrated online resource to help LGBTQ youth & families to find services to increase support for our LGBTQ youth during these challenging times. Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention stated, “The Family Acceptance Project’s work provides critical information to help parents & caregivers learn to support their LGBTQ children & to help youth & families find access to urgently needed resources. Their research has shown that when adults learn & demonstrate specific supportive behaviors in the home & community, LGBTQ youth not only feel more connected, but their health outcomes, including suicide risk, can be improved. A critical component of FAP’s work is providing evidence-based guidance to decrease family rejection & increase acceptance in ways that are culturally & linguistically relevant.” Dr. Caitlin Ryan, Director of the Family Acceptance Project concluded, “Although awareness has increased significantly of the risks that LGBTQ youth experience, there is still widespread lack of understanding of the essential role of family support in protecting against mental health risks & increasing well-being for LGBTQ youth. Our social media & online resources will help educate parents & caregivers on the compelling impact of family rejecting & accepting behaviors on their child’s risk for suicide, drug use & other serious health risks. Simple changes in how families respond to their LGBTQ children can make a powerful difference in preventing risk & building healthy futures. As families gather for the holidays this year, we are releasing this new resource to help decrease isolation & increase support for both LGBTQ youth & their families.” (Sam Kirk Graphic) For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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HERE TV Partnership With Frameline

HERE TV America’s first & largest LGBTQ premium subscription TV & streaming service has announced its partnership with Frameline Distribution the world’s only non-profit LGBTQ film distributor to reintroduce the Frameline Voices program. This program will include short films representing experiences unique to our LGBTQ community. Five of the seven short films; 'Flex', 'Blackness Is Everything', 'Four Fruitbites', 'The Rogers' & 'My Aunties' are available now on all HERE TV platforms. Two additional titles 'Noor 7 Layla' & 'Luv U Cuz' will premiere on HERE TV in January 2022. Christopher Donaldson, VP of Content at Here Media stated, “We are honored to partner with Frameline Distribution for the launch of the 2021 Frameline Voices program. Together, we can accomplish our shared commitment to amplifying & supporting queer voices & to further representation by showcasing a rainbow-wide range of stories about LGBTQ+ people that illustrate the power of diversity & inclusion.” Lindsey Hodgson, Frameline’s Director of Distribution & Educational Programming concluded, “We're delighted to continue our collaboration with Here Media to bring the special fun of a Frameline festival to all screens everywhere, with our Frameline Voices program. Our new cohort of Voices filmmakers are the fiercest & freshest of LGBTQ+ storytellers, bringing us stories with unique points of view and all kinds of hilarity, heart & soul. While also acknowledging the ongoing & generous support of the NEA Grants for the Arts, without whom this program would not be possible.” HERE TV has also partnered with Frameline Distribution to acquire three projects from director Mark Christopher for a retrospective of his award-winning short films in addition to a special Director’s Voice which features interviews with Mark & is only available on HERE TV. For More Info…
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Help Is On The Way Holiday Gala 2021

The Richmond / Ermet AID Foundation is having its 20th annual concert & gala celebration "Help Is On The Way For The Holidays” on Sunday December 5th from 7:30P to 10:30P in person at the Brava Theatre Center 2781 24th Street in San Francisco, CA. Celebrate the holidays at REAF's first live event in 2 years featuring a fun-packed evening of music & dance featuring many of REAF's fan favorites from years past. Featuring in alphabetical order Leanne Borghesi, David Burnham, Rodney Earl Jackson, Steve Knill, Sharon McKnight, Jai Rodriguez, Shawn Ryan, Marta Sanders, Bruce Vilanch, Lisa Vroman, Paula West, Barbary Coast Cloggers & the world champion dance troupe Salsamania. Kenneth Henderson, Executive Director of the Richmond/Ermet AID Foundation stated, “People think the AIDS epidemic is over & we don't need to pay attention to it anymore. Events like "Help is on the Way" serve not only to raise funds for local AIDS services but to remind people that there's still a need for funding them. More people are living with HIV & AIDS than ever before in history.” "Help Is On The Way" is directed by David Galligan & music director is Ben Prince. This is COVID vaccinated only event with audience members required to wear masks while seated in the audience as mandated by the CDC. Since it’s inception in 1995 The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation has raised well over $3.8 million for AIDS service agencies in the Bay Area & Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS as well as hunger programs & programs that serve & support homeless youth. This year 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Project Open Hand. Tickets run from $45 to $2500. For More Info & Tix...
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Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021


Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20th as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. In this country since January of 2021 at least 46 transgender or gender-nonconforming/non-binary people have been murdered making 2021 the deadliest year on record for transgender people in the United States. David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition stated, “For Black people who face an onslaught of violence, the murders of Black transgender people feel like a silent epidemic that prevents every member of our beautifully diverse community from being safe, happy, healthy & whole. All levels of our government need urgent action to address this crisis. It is incumbent upon all of us to stop these killings & protect our transgender siblings. At a time when Republican-led legislatures throughout the country are passing laws aimed at undermining the rights & safety of transgender children - we need a robust response from the federal government that loudly declares that all transgender lives have value & that transgender people are not disposable. Jaida’s life matters. Dominique’s life matters. Remy’s life matters. Tiara’s life matters. Natalie’s life matters. Iris’ life matters. Tiffany’s life matters. Keri’s life matters. Jahaira’s life matters. We say their names to honor them, knowing that true justice is never possible for them because true justice would have them living & celebrating life with us now. We can & must do better. The time for action is now.” Visit the 2021 list of known trans & nonbinary siblings lost to violence & hate. 
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Religious Freedom Gets A Reality Check

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has announced that it's restoring the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to a case-by-case determination as required by Congress. HHS will also rescind state waivers from the Trump administration that created blanket exemptions & allowed millions of federal dollars to fund discrimination against people of faith, LGBTQ families & others in the child welfare system. Maggie Siddiqi, Senior Director of Religion & Faith at the Center for American Progress stated, “Congress enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect the free exercise of religion, particularly for religious minorities. It was never intended to allow discriminatory practices that undermine religious freedom. The prior administration’s waivers misused RFRA in a manner the House Ways & Means Committee characterized as ‘improper & unprecedented’ allowing prospective parents to be turned away from adoption agencies simply because of their religious beliefs or any other protected characteristics. In South Carolina, for example, the waiver enabled a Protestant foster care agency to turn away prospective foster parents who were Catholic & Jewish. Far from protecting religious liberty, these waivers subverted this fundamental freedom. Today’s actions by the Biden administration will ensure no child is denied a loving foster home simply because of who their prospective parents are, who they love, or what they believe.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research & educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just & free America that ensures opportunity for all. They work to find progressive & pragmatic solutions to significant domestic & international problems & develop policy proposals that foster a government that is “of the people, by the people & for the people. For More Info…
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LGBTQ “Safe Schools For All” Campaign

Four of the nation’s leading LGBTQ organizations GLAD, GLSEN, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) & PFLAG National have come together to create a new website "Safe Schools For All" for students, parents & supporters to take action against bullying, harassment & discrimination. “Safe Schools for All” is a unique resource to help make schools safe & inclusive of all students & is rooted in guidance from the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice & the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education. Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National stated, “When adults act badly by bullying school board officials & staff, kids take note & continue the behavior in the classroom. This is a trend PFLAG families across the country have been working to end. Until LGBTQI+ people are fully protected from discrimination by federal law, resources like ‘Safe Schools for All’ are necessary & useful tools to protect our LGBTQI+ loved ones.” Imani Rupert-Gordon, NCLR Executive Director added, “Study after study has shown that bullying & harassment in schools has long-lasting & dangerous repercussions for the mental health & well-being of students – particularly LGBTQI+ youth. By working with our partners to create the ‘Safe Schools for All’ resource website, it is our hope that we can work with administrators, teachers, staff, students & their families to create learning environments that are free of harassment & discrimination & promote the personal safety of every student in every school in the United States.” Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Interim Executive Director of GLSEN concluded, “Bullying has overwhelmingly negative effects on a student’s educational outcome & mental health. With positive support & resources like ‘Safe Schools for All’ available, our goal is for all LGBTQI+ students to have a thriving educational experience while feeling safe sharing their identity without judgment or harassment.”  For More Info…

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SAGE Supporting Transgender Elders


In celebration of Transgender Awareness Week that runs November 13th to 19th SAGE the world's largest & oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ seniors has announced the Transgender & Non-Binary (TGNB) Elder Program Equity Fund. The TGNB Elder Program Equity Fund will dedicate $1 million to support TGNB-focused services & advocacy at SAGE nationally. These opportunities are vital to TGNB members of SAGE's community as transgender older people are at a higher risk of discrimination, marginalization, health disparities & poverty as they age. Michael Adams SAGE CEO stated, “It feels particularly appropriate to announce this initiative during Trans Week of Awareness because the need to amplify & recognize trans experiences is the very core of the TGNB Elder Program Equity Fund. Decades after Stonewall, which was led by TGNB people, TGNB elders are still pushed to the margins in society & even within the communities they helped to create." Joanna Rivera, SAGE's Manager of TGNB Outreach & Community Engagement added, "Equality cannot be achieved without action to dismantle the anti-TGNB oppression that many of our transgender & non-binary elders still face today. The TGNB Elder Program Equity Fund is what that action looks like. This initiative allows us to continue honoring our TGNB elders while they are still with us, letting them know that we see them & embrace them as valuable members of our community." Sandi Salas SAGE constituent concluded, “Transgender & non-binary elders have survived & fought for equality in various capacities over the years & this recognition through the TGNB Elder Program Equity Fund is a definitive step towards the respect, change & acceptance we deserve.” For More Info…
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Call For ReadOut Festival Submissions

The 5th Annual ReadOut Festival of Lesbian Literature is taking place virtually from Friday February 18th to Sunday February 20th 2022 via Zoom. This year’s theme is “Lesbian Voices, Stronger Together” & submissions for Pods & Pearls are now open until November 30th 2021. Pods are real-time panel discussions of 2 to 5 authors or workshops that relate to lesbian literature that take place during the Festival. They’re accepting submissions for panels, workshops & other interactive programming of 60 to 90 minutes in duration. Topics must relate to literature by, for & about lesbians. For example in ReadOut 2021 Susan Stinson & Sally Bellerose talked about how their friendship has developed along with their writing. In another Pod the author of Queer Virtue, Rev. Liz Edman was interviewed about how queer identity & experience can enrich Christian theology. In addition to Pods ReadOut is also accepting submissions for Pearls which are 5-minute prerecorded readings by authors of literature by, for & about lesbians. The deadline for Pearls submissions is November 30th 2021 as well. The LGBTQ Resource Center is committed to promoting awareness of the diversity of experiences, contributions & needs of people who are LGBTQ. They do this by providing educational, social & recreational opportunities through the Gulfport Public Library, including books, films, music, speakers, exhibitions & other events as well as an online presence. The LGBTQ Resource Center is also seeking volunteers to assist in planning the ReadOut 2022 Festival so if you would like to be involved & have experience with event planning, virtual events, marketing, social media, fundraising, or evaluating author submissions check it out. For More Info…
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National Fund For Trans Girls Of Color

With Transgender Awareness Week kicking off November 13th to 19th Grantmakers For Girls of Color & the Black Trans Fund created by Groundswell Fund have launched the Holding A Sister Initiative the first-ever national fund explicitly dedicated to trans girls & gender-expansive youth of color. The initiative will award $1 million in grants in the first year & will ultimately engage trans girls & gender-expansive youth of color in the decision-making process for selecting grantees on an ongoing basis. Dr. Monique W. Morris, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color stated, "History has shown that trans girls of color are catalysts for health equity as well as racial & social justice. They deserve to be heard, to have joy, to be safe & free & to grow up healthy & thrive without fear. It is our duty to love, support & resource the youngest of those who are most overlooked & have the least support." Bré Rivera, Program Director of the Black Trans Fund concluded, "The reality is transgender & gender-expansive youth of color require more attention & resources to interrupt the staggering intersections of trauma & crises they experience. The Holding a Sister Initiative will shine a light on a community that is often excluded in the national discourse of gender equity & create a container for important conversations between & among cis & trans girls & gender expansive youth of color about how to move in deeper solidarity with one another." The Holding a Sister Initiative will be led by a manager who will steward culture change through grantmaking, capacity building, narrative shifting & philanthropic organizing. The position is currently open for applicants. For More Info…
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SAGE Welcomes New Board Members

SAGE the world’s largest & oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ elders has welcomed Darrell Burks, Sue Wilder, Teresa J. Verges & Zak Karim to its national Board of Directors. Michael Adams SAGE CEO stated, “We are grateful to have these incredible leaders joining the SAGE board, enhancing our mission with their invaluable wisdom & experiences. Their generous spirits & dedication to LGBTQ+ elders will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the SAGE community.” Darrell Burks added, “I am so grateful to be elected to the Board of Directors of SAGE, an organization devoted to assuring the betterment of the lives of all LGBTQ+ elders. I look forward to contributing to Board’s vision & strategic planning in supporting our philanthropic growth & services throughout Miami-Dade & Broward counties communities.” Sue Wilder stated, “I look forward to help expand SAGE’s mission to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ elders in South Florida & across the country. Our elders are not invisible.” Teresa J. Verges added, “SAGE is advocating for our rights to age with dignity, have equal access to vital services & to celebrate our diversity & community. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to help SAGE grow its services network & advocacy at the state & national level.” Zak Karim concluded, “I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity to serve on SAGE’s Board of Directors & I look forward to advancing the amazing work the organization does to positively impact our elder LGBTQ+ community.” For More Info…
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'Serving In Silence' Veterans Day Events

It’s been ten years since the repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” & with the Biden Administration our transgender & intersex servicemembers are finally safe for now but there was a time not too far ago when our LGBTQ community could not be their authentic selves in the US Military. I talked to filmmaker Cindy L. Abel about her documentary “Surviving The Silence” that tells that story. In 1992 Colonel Thompson was a decorated Army nurse just two years away from her retirement after serving her country for over thirty years from conflict zones to working inside the Pentagon. At this trajectory of her career she was asked to preside over the military review board that eventually dismissed Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer for admitting she was a lesbian. For Thompson that trial was perhaps the hardest assignment in her long military career because she had to confront her own moral dilemma that she too was a lesbian & living privately with her life partner Barbara Brass for many years. On Veterans Day Thursday November 11th you can also join PFLAG National for a special “Something to Talk About Live” discussion with Colonel Pat Thompson & Barbara Brass for a 30-minute live event to discuss the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” years & anti-LGBTQ discrimination in the military at 4:30P EST via PFLAG National’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter & LinkedIn channels. I asked filmmaker Cindy L. Abel, Colonel Thompson & her wife Barbara Brass about what they hope to accomplish with Surviving The Silence & their spin on our LGBTQ issues in this exclusive audio interview. LISTEN
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The Legends Awards San Francisco Gala

The Academy Legends Archive will be honoring Dr. Tim Seelig, Artistic Director & Conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus & the National LGBTQ Center for the Arts as well as community recipients at The Legends Awards that takes place Friday November 12th from 6P to 10P at Swedish American Hall at 2174 Market Street in San Francisco. The Legends Archive was created to recognize those people that have shaped the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community. The Legends of the past include Sylvester, Harvey Milk & Divine. Each year The Academy selects one individual who has truly become a Legend worthy of being remembered in the historical archive. They are invited to donate a personal artifact to represent themselves & their contribution to the community to be put on permanent display. The 2021 Legends Awards will be hosted by Sister Roma, Donna Sachet & Liam Mayclem. The program will feature appearances by Terrance Kelly, The Oakland interfaith Gospel Choir, Melanie DeMore & Linda Stonestreet. Each award is presented by a distinguished member of the community in an award gala format & they the evening will close out with a cocktail reception at The Academy Social Club featuring Juanita MORE! The evening offers the opportunity to bring together the various elements of the San Francisco LGBTQ+ family & supports The Academy Legends Archive. With COVID-19 safety protocol tickets are limited. SFDPH requirements will be in place with masks required indoors as well as proof of valid vaccination for those who wish to remain indoors. For More Info & Tix…
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Disabled LGBTQ Adults Work Hardships

A new report from the Center for American Progress reveals how compounding forms of discrimination cause disabled LGBTQ individuals to face heightened exclusion in the workplace. Caroline Medina, Policy Analyst for the LGBTQ Research & Communications Project at CAP & co-author of the report stated, “LGBTQI+ people with disabilities face significantly higher rates of workforce discrimination & labor exclusion. These disparities are correlated with elevated rates of poverty, low levels of homeownership & asset building, an inability to access medical services & poorer health outcomes.” Mia Ives-Rublee, Director of the Disability Justice Initiative at CAP & co-author of the report concluded, “It is essential for Congress to adopt robust nondiscrimination laws—such as the Equality Act—to address the intersecting barriers that disabled LGBTQI+ people face, particularly in employment. By eliminating asset limits for public assistance programs, abolishing the subminimum wage & closing the Medicaid coverage gap, among many other measures, lawmakers can help to address the disparities laid out in this report.” This is another reason we need to pass The Equality Act & reduce disparities & improve outcomes among all LGBTQ people. The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research & educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just & free America that ensures opportunity for all. They believe that Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values & aspire to ensure that our national policies reflect these values. They work to find progressive & pragmatic solutions to significant domestic & international problems & develop policy proposals that foster a government that is “of the people, by the people & for the people.” Read Report…
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New Documentary ‘Mayor Pete’ (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Filmmaker Jesse Moss about his new documentary “Mayor Pete” that will be released globally Friday November 12th on Amazon Prime Video. This riveting film takes viewers inside Pete Buttigieg’s historic campaign as the first openly gay democratic Presidential candidate’s bid for the highest office of the United States. From the earliest days of the campaign to his unexpected triumph in Iowa & beyond, this documentary reveals an intimate insider’s inquiry of what takes place behind the scenes in a significant political campaign & how it impacts the lives of those involved. We all know Buttigieg’s story from a little known Mayor from South Bend, Indiana to his Presidential bid for the White House & then landing his appointment with the Biden Administration as the first openly LGBTQ Cabinet member in U.S. history as U.S. Secretary of Transportation. In this film Moss provides a modern cinéma vérité experience that explores the reality of what takes place behind the curtain in a high profile political campaign including the emotional roller coaster ride it provided for Buttigieg’s staff, family, friends & especially how it affected his relationship with his husband Chasten. “Mayor Pete” has been making the film festival circuit to rave reviews & is directed, written & produced by Moss in collaboration with writers Jeff Gilbert, Amanda McBaine & producers Dan Cogan, Amanda McBaine, Jon Bardin & Laurie David. I talked to Jesse about his inspiration for creating this must-see documentary “Mayor Pete” & as a fierce gay ally his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN:  

For More Info…

Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
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Worldwide LGBTQ Leaders Conference


The International LGBTQ Leadership Conference will take place from December 1st to 4th at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC & virtually via bizzabo. Each year hundreds of LGBTQ elected & appointed officials, advocates, community leaders & others gather for plenary events, issue-based workshops, networking & an exclusive elected officials track for those leading on LGBTQ legislation & policy worldwide. This year’s hybrid conference will offer an in-person & virtual experience to audiences around the world. Speakers will include Admiral Rachel Levine, Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod, Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone, Arizona State Representative Daniel Hernandez, Buncombe (NC) County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara & many more. Ruben J. Gonzales Executive Director, LGBTQ Victory Institute stated, “LGBTQ elected officials, leaders & allies will gather in Washington, DC & online for four days of career advancement & networking. Our Conference is the premier event for LGBTQ leaders & you won't want to miss out!” The Victory Institute is only national organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through their trainings, professional development programs & yearly conferences, Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business & advocacy. Many of their trainees join the more than 1,000 openly LGBTQ elected & appointed officials now serving around the world. COVID-19 protocol requires that registered guests should be prepared to show their CDC COVID vaccination card with matching ID photo or actual vaccination card accepted & show a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 96 hours prior to the event before entering regardless of vaccination status. For More Info…
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LGBTQ Social Security Survivor Benefits

Lambda Legal has announced that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has withdrawn its appeals in two cases on behalf of surviving LGBTQ partners & spouses whom SSA had previously denied from receiving Social Security Survivor’s Benefits. This is a monumental win for LGBTQ elders many who have been forced to live without these crucial & rightful benefits for far too long. For many LGBTQ people including Lambda’s clients in Ely v. Saul and Thornton v. Commissioner of Social Security, former discriminatory marriage laws prevented couples from meeting the requirement of being married for 9 months before qualifying for Social Security Survivor’s Benefits. Lambda’s cases confirmed that denying survivor’s benefits to those who were barred from marriage is just as unconstitutional as the underlying marriage bans. Michael Adams SAGE CEO stated, “Many people think that Social Security is merely a safety net, but in reality, it is the primary source of income for most older Americans as they enter retirement, including LGBTQ+ elders. Being able to access survivor’s benefits will make a world of difference to LGBTQ+ older people who have been denied these well-deserved benefits as they age. SAGE applauds the brave individuals & their lawyers at Lambda Legal who fought in court for these tremendous victories.” The agency has been processing many of these claims since the district court rulings last year but with the end of these appeals, there is a new group of people who can now pursue benefits – namely, surviving partners who have never applied for benefits in the past. For More Info…
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Outfest Legacy Awards Gala Event

The annual Outfest Legacy Awards Gala takes place in person on Saturday November 13th at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures at 6067 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA kicking off Outfest’s 40th Anniversary. This is Outfest’s premiere fundraiser supporting Outfest Forward their mentoring & educational programs as well as the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project in partnership with the UCLA Film & Television Archive which is the largest LGBTQ moving image archive in the world. This year’s honorees have made it their life’s work to change the cultural dialogue by smashing stereotypes, breaking barriers & advocating for a better, more inclusive world. Honorees are Marvel Studios’ Victoria Alonso with the Visionary Award, Neon with the Guradian Award, Jonathan Howardwith the Outfest Legacy Award, Robin de Jesús with the Terrance McNally Award, Rain Valdez with the Trailblazer Award and Outfest 2020 Co-Presidents Alan Koenigsberg with the Outfest Jonathan Howard Legacy Award & Marissa Roman Griffith with Outfest Jonathan Howard Legacy Award. There will also be special appearances by Garrett Clayton, Jamie Clayton & Steven Canals. Bil Bertini & Jose Malagon are the Outfest Legacy Awards Gala Event Co-Chairs. The event begins with a VIP Pre-reception at 5P followed by a Champagne Reception at 5:30P. The Award Show begins at 6:45PM followed by the Gala Party at 7:45P. The Outfest Legacy Awards Gala Event is catered by Wolfgang Puck. Outfest is committed to a safe & smart event & will be following top COVID-safety guidelines for an in-person event this fall with vaccination checks & at least 75% of the gala will be held outdoors. Admittance requires proof of COVID vaccination & a 72-hour negative PCR test. For More Info & Tix…
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Circus Bella Winter Holiday Spectacular

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