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LGBTQ Work Pride Virtual Conference

Work Pride 2022 returns on June 20th with an action-packed five-day global conference to promote LGBTQ inclusion & equality at work for all presented by myGwork via Zoom. The conference will bring experts from around the world with 70 events spread across five days focusing on allyship, networks, careers, business & wellbeing in both English & Spanish for the third consecutive year. Last year’s event attracted over 20,000 participants from around the world wanting to learn more about workplace inclusion & inclusive employers. Adrien (CMO) & Pierre Gaubert (CEO) myGwork Co-founders stated, “We’re delighted to return with an action-packed WorkPride this year. Our diverse agenda provides a brilliant opportunity for LGBTQ+ professionals, allies & inclusive employers to network, share best practice & learn strategies that will help to create inclusive workspaces for all. It’s a must-attend event for every leader & manager who wants to learn more about the tremendous role that LGBTQ+ professionals play across all industries & how to be a better ally to promote much-needed inclusion & ultimately retain this valuable & vibrant talent. It’s also an ideal event for LGBTQ+ graduates & professionals looking for their next role to find out more about opportunities at inclusive companies attending the event.” This must-attend five-day event is completely free for professionals, graduates, inclusive employers, allies & anyone who believes in workplace equality. WorkPride 2022 provides a unique opportunity to share best practice & mingle with thousands of like-minded – yet diverse – people across the globe on LGBTQ+ inclusion matters. Additionally myGwork’s virtual WorkPride conference includes diverse & ethnicity-specific panels to provide an opportunity to deep dive into different intersectional LGBTQ+ community needs & issues, covering disability, generational/age, race/culture (Latinx, South Asian, Black, etc) & more. For Info & Registration…
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Benefit Supporting LGBTQ Youth Event

Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) is bringing back their annual Heels For Hope fundraiser on Wednesday June 1st from 5P to 9P at Blend in Dorchester, MA. After a Covid-hiatus Heels For Hope is back & is bringing a fresh look & location but with the same mission: to support queer & trans youth while having a great time doing it. This fabulous 21+ night event will be filled with drinks, drag, dancing & more with all ticket proceeds going to BAGLY & their efforts to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ young people in Boston & across Massachusetts. Founded in 1980, BAGLY has been discovering LGBTQ+ youth leadership & building community, promoting LGBTQ+ youth health & wellness & shaping policy & practices locally, statewide & nationally for over 40 years. The BAGLY Community Center is a two-story space in Boston & is exclusively for queer & transgender youth. BAGLY’s center hosts programming & community events & serves as the home of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) & the New England Ball Collective (NEBC). Heels For Hope will be taking place on Wednesday June 1st at Blend Dorchester 1310 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester, MA. General Admission tickets are $35 & VIP tickets are $60. VIP tickets include: Skip the line with a dedicated entrance, a dedicated VIP lounge & two drink tickets. Note that VIP tickets are very limited so get them while they're still available. This is a great opportunity to have a great time & support our LGBTQ+ young people. For More Info & Tix…
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Janelle Monáe Pride Grand Marshal

The City of West Hollywood has named Janelle Monáe as WeHo Pride’s Grand Marshal Icon for the inaugural WeHo Pride Parade that takes place Sunday June 5th. JoJo Siwa will also be joining the parade as WeHo Pride’s Next Gen Icon. Mayor Lauren Meister City of West Hollywood stated, “The City of West Hollywood is thrilled to be producing WeHo Pride for our community this year & our amazing icons – Janelle Monáe & JoJo Siwa – truly reflect the core values of our city. Pride celebrations have always been more than festivals or parades. Pride events give the diverse LGBTQ community a place to advocate for equality as well as a place to celebrate exactly who they are – exactly who they were meant to be. As our icons join parade contingents rolling down Santa Monica Boulevard on Sunday, June 5th West Hollywood will give WeHo Pride Parade participants & spectators from around the world a safe space & a loving, accepting home. At this moment in history, with women’s rights & LGBTQ rights under attack, our icons stand as proud, outspoken beacons of light & hope for a better tomorrow. West Hollywood has been the home of the largest Pride celebration in Southern California for nearly four decades. We’re looking forward to continuing that tradition this year for WeHo Pride. I can’t wait for our city to be filled with all the colors of Pride as we welcome the global community to our historic Rainbow District, filled with LGBTQ bars, clubs, restaurants & retail shops. Come celebrate Pride with us in West Hollywood! Pride starts here!” The parade will begin at 12P from Crescent Heights Boulevard & will make its way west along Santa Monica Boulevard to the City’s Rainbow District. For More Info…
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Massachusetts Protecting Trans Youth

The Massachusetts Senate has adopted Amendment 388 which includes protections for providers in Massachusetts who provide essential medical care for transgender youth from out of state. This amendment introduced by Senator Cindy Friedman protects doctors, psychologists, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists & social workers who provide care to youth experiencing gender dysphoria from potential abusive lawsuits originating from other states. The Amendment signals that Massachusetts will not use its resources to facilitate these harmful civil & criminal actions in other states & instead this access to gender-affirming care is protected in Massachusetts. Adoption to the amendment comes as states including Alabama, Arkansas & Texas are banning or restricting access to essential medical care for transgender youth & criminalizing parents & doctors who provide such care. Polly Crozier, GLAD Senior Staff Attorney stated, “The Massachusetts Senate has made a powerful statement that transgender youth are valued & supported in our state & that access to critical, life-saving healthcare is protected & supported in the Commonwealth. While we are seeing some states attempt to ban access to essential, evidence-based care & to strip away parents’ ability to make the best choices for their transgender children’s wellbeing, I’m proud & grateful to see our Massachusetts legislators say loudly & clearly that here in Massachusetts we will always have the backs of transgender young people, their parents & their healthcare providers.” All leading medical associations endorse individualized, comprehensive care for the treatment of transgender youth experiencing gender dysphoria as best-practice & life-saving care. Massachusetts is home to some of the leading medical institutions caring for transgender youth including Boston Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital & Fenway Health. For More Info…
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Celebration Of All Things Curve Event

The Curve Foundation is celebrating its fabulous first year with an amazing Kick Off Pride Party on Friday June 3rd from 7P to Midnight at The Pearl at 601 19th Street in San Francisco, CA. Finally able to party in person there will be dancing to the sounds of DJ Rockaway & DJ LadyRyan & plenty of entertainment. It’s a celebration of all things Curve including the first fabulous year of The Curve Foundation, the successful release of the documentary film “Ahead Of The Curve” & a toast to Franco Stevens the 2022 recipient of GLAAD’s Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ+ Media last month. So dress to impress & don’t miss out! There will be a VIP reception from 7P to 8P followed by the party from 8P to Midnight. To join the festivities you must be 21 with ID & have proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. Tickets run from $75 to $250. For Party Tix… The Curve Foundation was co-founded by Jen Rainin & Franco Stevens with the mission & vision of the organization inspired by Curve magazine formerly Deneuve America’s best-selling lesbian magazine. As Curve’s 30th anniversary approached Franco reimagined how Curve would serve lesbians & queer women in its next chapter so she reacquired Curve magazine & donated it to the Foundation. Her journey is captured in the documentary film “Ahead of the Curve”. Last year I talked to Jen Rainin & Franco Stevens about what they hope to accomplish with “Ahead Of The Curve”, The Curve Foundation & their spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

For More Info: thecurvefoundation.org

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LGBTQ Community Excluded From Data

Despite recent strides there remains a persistent lack of routine data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity & variations in sex characteristics (SOGISC) that hinders efforts to improve the health & well-being of these communities. Our LGBTQ community continues to experience disproportionate rates of economic & housing insecurity as well as health disparities due to high rates of discrimination. A new report released by the Center for American Progress provides a road map for best practices & key considerations for how to incorporate SOGISC data in both general population surveys as well as LGBTQ community-based surveys to better understand this growing portion of the U.S. population. Caroline Medina, Senior Policy Analyst for the LGBTQI+ Research & Communications Project & co-author of the report stated, “A lack of robust data hinders the ability of policymakers, researchers, advocates & service providers to better understand the unique experiences & obstacles LGBTQI+ individuals face. By embracing LGBTQI+-inclusive data collection & making meaningful investments to continue to test, develop & improve these measures, we will gain much more insight into LGBTQI+ experiences & be better equipped to craft evidence-based policies to help meet their needs.” In addition to explaining best practices & key considerations for collecting data on LGBTQ+ populations the report also recommends areas for ongoing research to continue improving SOGISC measures by highlighting priority surveys where agencies should act to add these questions & offers guiding principles for all entities interested in advancing LGBTQ inclusive data collection efforts. Read Report... Also check out the National LGBTQ+ Women's Community Survey that will provide crucial data to inform policy change, service delivery & action to support LGBTQ+ women. Take The Survey…
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Night Of A Thousand Judys Yearly Event

Justin Elizabeth Sayre’s 10th annual “Night Of A Thousand Judys” the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center will take place at Joe’s Pub in NYC on Sunday June 5th at 7P. The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest agency dedicated to helping LGBTQ homeless youth. “Night Of A Thousand Judys” will honor the iconic Judy Garland with special skits, tributes & songs from her legendary career as movie star, recording artist & stage performer. The event helps commemorate Judy’s 100th Birthday & the 20th Anniversary of The Ali Forney Center. Justin Elizabeth Sayre stated, “Ten years is a milestone & lining up with Judy’s one hundredth seems like a kind of magic. It’s been an honor to present and be a part of this show for so long & to create a community around it, to work with so many wonderful performers & to celebrate Judy. But more so than this, it’s an honor to continually commit to queer kids. Being in a small way part of the work of the Ali Forney Center is the honor of a lifetime.” The event will feature performances by Tony winner Frances Ruffelle, Grammy winner Nathan Lee Graham, Grammy winner & Tony nominee Kathryn Gallagher, Lortel winner Bonnie Milligan, jazz vocalist Hilary Kole & singer/songwriter Eleri Ward with more to be announced. The performance is at 7P with a VIP post-show reception to follow. The evening is written & hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, directed by Peter James Cook & choreographed by Jason Wise, featuring Tracy Stark as the event’s music director. “Night Of A Thousand Judys” is produced by Dan Fortune & Adam J. Rosen with Dan Fortune serving as executive producer. For Info & Tix…
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Out Film CT Celebrating 35 Years

Out Film CT announced its complete lineup for the 35th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival to be presented as a hybrid event that will feature both in-person & virtual screenings. This year's event features 113 feature-length movies, short films & documentaries selected from over 675 submissions from around the globe. The 2022 festival will also see the return of fun parties celebrating the opening, centerpiece & closing films. The in-person films will run from June 3rd through June 12th with most in-person movie screenings offered at Cinestudio the historic movie house located on the campus of Trinity College with the closing night in-person films to be screened at Apple Cinemas on Front Street & the Connecticut Science Center in downtown Hartford. Virtual features & short film programs will be available to screen virtually June 3rd through June 19th via the non-profit's website. Shane Engstrom Festival Co-Director stated, "Out Film CT is delighted at the expanse & depth of submissions we received this year. We'll be hosting two world premieres, seven North American premieres, five U.S. premieres & twelve East Coast premieres. In particular, we are excited to premiere a new short film shot right here in Connecticut entitled Gay Spirit Radio: Not Afraid To Be Different - The Keith Brown Story, directed by University of Hartford's Susan Cardillo. Keith is an area legend having hosted America's longest-running gay radio program on UHart's station, WWUH." Jaime Ortega Festival Co-Director concluded, "We've embraced the possibilities that a hybrid format has provided. We've expanded our offerings for 2022 to 31 distinct programs, up from 27 last year. We will be featuring fourteen features, seven documentaries, a TV series & nine themed shorts programs. There is truly something for everyone." For More Info…
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LGBTQ API Movement Virtual Event

The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is partnering with the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) & San Diego Pride to host the 2nd Annual State of the LGBTQ API Movement live virtual event on May 24th at 3P PT/ 6P ET via YouTube. Tiffany Tran, Sr. Legislative Manager at the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund stated, “Please join me for our second annual State of the LGBTQ API Movement to discuss a multitude of topics that affect the API LGBTQ community including our Queer the Vote campaign, reproductive justice, the Equality Act, LGBTQ youth & the anti-trans bills happening across the country. We have an amazing set of panelists with extensive knowledge & experience to make this a great event.” Speakers include San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, California State Assembly member Evan Low & Hawaii State Assembly member Adrian Tam. Panelists include Sasha Neha Ahuja - Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Kenrick Ross - National Queer API Alliance, Alex Del Rosario - National Center for Transgender Equality, Nicholas Machuca - Equality Florida & Tiffany Tran - The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund. American Sign Language interpretation services have been confirmed for this virtual event & additional accessibility accommodations including English transcription & visual content description services can be arranged with advance notice. All extra services requires a computer & internet connection. The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund builds political power, takes action & creates change to achieve freedom & justice for LGBTQ people & their families. As a progressive social justice organization the Task Force Action Fund works toward a society that values & respects the diversity of human expression and identity & achieves equity for all. Join The May 24th Event…
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New York Bill Addresses LGBTQ Elders


The New York State legislature has passed New York S78A/7855 & when signed into law this critical bill will officially designate LGBTQ elders & older New Yorkers living with HIV as populations of “greatest social need” in state programs & services for older New Yorkers. This legislation will help ensure all older LGBTQ & HIV+ New Yorkers can access the services they need to age in place. Lynn Faria, Executive Vice President at SAGE stated, "We applaud Assembly member Bronson, Senator Hoylman & the New York State legislature on their steadfast leadership in passing this crucial bill. This legislation will have a marked impact on so many LGBTQ+ elders & older people living with HIV in the great Empire State, ensuring that LGBTQ+ older people & older people living with HIV receive the culturally competent aging services & supports our community deserves. Building on the progress led by the New York State Office for the Aging, this legislation puts New York in its rightful place as a leader for the LGBTQ+ community as we age. We look forward to Governor Hochul signing this bill into law.” SAGE is the world's largest & oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older people. Founded in 1978 & headquartered in NYC SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services & consumer resources to LGBTQ older people & their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ elders, provides education & technical assistance for aging providers & LGBTQ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ Aging & cultural competency training through SAGECare. For More Info…
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Rev. Nicole Garcia’s New Role (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Reverend Nicole Garcia about her new role as Faith Work Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force. Nicole is an ordained minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She firmly believes that her experience as a transgender & Latina seminarian has prepared her for this new position at the Task Force to help bring all denominations of our community together. This comes at a time when LGBTQ people are under attack with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills pending across state legislatures & 7 states have passed laws banning transgender women & girls from competing in sports teams consistent with their gender. Just 4 years ago there were 41 expressly anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across the country & today we are dealing with a barrage of over 300 bills rooted in hate. Then there are states like Arizona, Texas & Alabama moving to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Not to mention other states following Florida's lead which passed the "Don't Say Gay" bill & are eyeing restrictions on teaching LGBTQ topics in schools. Though President Biden has stated that the onslaught of state laws targeting transgender Americans & their families is simply wrong nothing has been done nationally to stop these malicious bills that are spiritually & physically dividing our country by radical rightwing conservative politicians & religious leaders preaching hate from their bully pulpits. I talked to Reverend Garcia about what she hopes to accomplish at The Task Force & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

For More Info…

 

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South Carolina Anti-Trans Law (AUDIO)


South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed H.4608 an anti-transgender bill that restricts transgender students from participating in school sports in middle school, high school & college. Ivy Hill Executive Director of Gender Benders & Community Health Program Director of Campaign for Southern Equality stated, “It pains us to see lawmakers in South Carolina & now the governor, ignore the voices of thousands of South Carolinians including parents, medical providers, students, faith leaders & transgender people ourselves who expressed loudly & clearly that this bill will harm young people in our state. Transgender youth are not a threat to fairness in sports & this law now needlessly stigmatizes young people who are simply trying to navigate their adolescence, make friends & build skills like teamwork & leadership, winning & losing.” Dr. Elizabeth Mack a board certified pediatric critical care physician & pediatrician in Charleston concluded, “As a born & raised South Carolinian, it is my expectation that our state’s elected officials make decisions based on evidence & listen to our state’s experts. We must not play into fear or treat some of our most vulnerable community members our transgender young people like political pawns. Transgender youth face higher rates of bullying, mental health issues & even suicide than their non-transgender peers, which we sadly see routinely in pediatric ICUs. This bill tells a population that is already at risk, ‘We do not support you,’ & I am devastated to see it pass. We must protect our future – our young people.” Last month I talked to human rights activist Amberlyn Boiter about making this country safe for our transgender community & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

For More Info…

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Gay Marriage 18th Anniversary (VIDEO)

Eighteen years ago I produced & directed this historic award winning short film shot in Massachusetts on May 17, 2004 when marriage equality began in the Commonwealth. Narrated by Arline Isaacson one of the architects of marriage equality it shows the first gay & lesbian marriages in both Cambridge & Boston. Then Obergefell won their case in the Supreme Court in 2015 & marriage equality became the law of the land. According to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau there are 543,000 gay & lesbian married couple households & 469,000 households with same gender unmarried partners living together. This compares to 61.4 million opposite-sex married & 8 million opposite-sex unmarried partner households. In addition 191,000 children live with same gender parents. Now as Massachusetts celebrates its 18th anniversary we sadly sit in the crosshairs of the US Supreme Court considering dissolving our marriages. With the leaked draft by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. earlier this month suggesting that the Supreme Court may attempt to end the national right to abortion the justices could also roll back the right to marriage equality erasing decades of activism by our LGBTQ community. Far right radical Supreme Court Justices & politicians who oppose marriage equality could use Alito’s logic as guidance for new lawsuits attempting to overturn Obergefell. Like abortion rights, marriage equality could possibly be thrown back to state-by-state legislation or worse, especially as we deal with 240 anti-LGBTQ bills filed in 2022 across the country so far up from 41 in 2018. If the US Supreme Court succeeds in overturning Roe v Wade that takes away a woman’s right to control her own body our LGBTQ community will become extremely vulnerable to losing the rights we have worked so hard to gain. Let’s stay strong & keep this country moving forward.
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New Grant Supporting LGBTQ Advocacy

The Leonard-Litz Foundation LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund has awarded a $150,000 grant to support CenterLink’s ActionLink advocacy program over three years beginning in 2022. ActionLink focuses on grassroots advocacy, education & organization by providing resources, timely information & connections at the federal, state & local levels to CenterLink’s over 300 member centers. Denise Spivak CenterLink CEO stated, "CenterLink is excited to continue our work with the Leonard-Litz Foundation & so appreciative of their continued support. At this time of significant legislative challenge in the United States, with an onslaught of hateful anti-LGBTQ bills, our ActionLink program is essential in supporting & developing center advocacy initiatives. The program has already made a tremendous impact for LGBTQ centers & communities across the US & we look forward to working with our network of centers as they increase their advocacy efforts to further support & defend their communities." Elliot Leonard, one of the founding trustees of the Leonard-Litz Foundation concluded, "The Leonard-Litz Foundation is proud to support CenterLink & LGBTQ+ community centers across the country in working to ensure that LGBTQ+ people of all ages & in all locations, have the opportunity to live their fully realized selves.” The Leonard-Litz Foundation is a private foundation based in Connecticut established to fund partner organizations in the U.S. that are working to improve the lives of the LGBTQ+ population with an emphasis on intersectional LGBTQ+ advocacy. Their LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund is intended to support specific projects rooted in pivotal progress for LGBTQ+ people on a broad scale. CenterLink strengthens, supports & connects LGBTQ community centers. For More Info…
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Lesbian Icon Urvashi Vaid Dies (AUDIO)

So sad to hear that LGBTQ activist & author Urvashi Vaid has died. She was a great friend to OUTTAKE MEDIA™ & the entire LGBTQ community. I met Urvashi in Provincetown in the 1990’s with her partner now wife comedian Kate Clinton. They set the bar of a lesbian power couple committed to LGBTQ equality. I first interviewed Vaid in 2009 when she was being honored by Out Magazine's 50 most influential men & women in America & Equality Forum as one of their LGBTQ Icons. Listen Here.... Urvashi served as Executive Director of National LGBTQ Task Force from 1989 to 1992 & then Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation. I interviewed her in 2014 when she received GLAD’s Spirit of Justice Award. Listen Here... She then founded LPAC the first lesbian Super PAC raising millions of dollars for candidates who are committed to social justice. Creating the Vaid Group she continued to mentor & support the future of our LGBTQ+ movement. Most recently Urvashi was honored with the Susan J. Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement at the 34th Creating Change Conference in March. Cathy Renna, National LGBTQ Task Force stated, “For the last several decades she continued to be a mentor & inspiration, always making me think about things more strategically & intensely & usually giving me a long list of things to do at the end of every meeting. I feel very honored to be at the National LGBTQ Task Force & help contribute to & follow her legacy of inclusive, progressive activism for the queer community & for everyone seeking liberation & justice.” I talked to Urvashi about her career & establishing the National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey in this exclusive audio interview. Rest In Power My Friend.  
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Cris Williamson Album Release Event

Cris Williamson is celebrating the release of her new album “Harbor Street” by bringing this new music of twelve originals mostly composed during the pandemic live & in-person at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, CA with live streaming tickets available on Saturday May 14th at 7P PST / 10P EDT. Cris stated, "One big bright spot, for me these days - is that I will be able to play these new songs for you - live & in person - for a celebration of the release of my new CD “Harbor Street”. The concert will feature the fiddle playing & vocals of Laurie Lewis, keyboards & vocals of Barbara Higbie & they'll be joined by Dewayne Pate on bass, James Deprato on electric guitar with accordion, keys & vocals by Julie Wolf & the rich cello sounds of Mia Pixley. Williamson concluded, “I’m live streaming with a band of talented friends - live from the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley & I’m so excited. It’s set up a little differently than our usual monthly live stream fare but I think you’ll find it easy, affordable & so much fun! You’ll need to buy a ticket in order to get a link to the show. We’ve kept them at $10 with friendly encouragement to give more as you are able. The show is on Saturday at 7P PT/10pm ET. Do head on over & grab up a ticket. See you there!” To attend the live venue per the City of Berkeley Order proof of vaccination with Photo ID is required & masks are also required. For More Info…
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Japan Parade NYC Grand Marshal Takei

In NYC the first-ever Japan Parade organized by Japan Day Inc. a non-profit org will take place on the Upper West Side on Saturday May 14th from 1P to 3:30P. The parade will begin on Central Park West & 81st Street & travel south ending at Central Park West & 68th Street with fierce LGBTQ activist & actor George Takei serving as Grand Marshal. Initially the parade was planned for 2020 to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the first Japanese delegates’ visit to America in 1860 as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the Japan Parade is to further promote friendship between USA & Japan to express gratitude to New York City & to strengthen the solidarity of the Japanese-American community on this milestone anniversary. There will also be a Japan Street Fair from 1P to 4:30P located on 69th Street between Central Park West & Columbus Ave. George Takei is a social justice activist, social media superstar, Grammy-nominated recording artist, New York Times bestselling author & pioneering actor whose career has spanned six decades. He has appeared in more than 40 feature films & hundreds of television roles most famously as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek & he has used his success as a platform to fight for social justice, LGBTQ rights & marriage equality. His commitment to advocacy is personal since he spent his childhood during World War II unjustly imprisoned in United States internment camps along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans. For More Info…

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Pass Women's Health Protection Act

The U.S. Senate has a chance to protect abortion access across the country by passing the Women's Health Protection Act today. After learning last week the U.S. Supreme Court appears be on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade we need a federal law that protects the right to abortion in every state & the Women's Health Protection Act would do just that. Perhaps you’re not aware of this but the first country to pass abortion rights was Russia in 1920 under Lenin. It’s appalling that in 2022 in the “Land of the Free & Home of the Brave” we are dealing with a narrow minded Supreme Court bent on taking away our rights. If they get away with this our LGBTQ community most likely will be next. Access to abortion care is essential for social & economic equity, sexual freedom, reproductive autonomy & the right to determine our own lives. Without the protection of SCOTUS abortion access will be left up to the state & the right to an abortion will depend on who your governor is. The good old Republicans are doubling down on their coordinated attacks on reproductive freedom so they can ban abortion outright in states across the country. In 13 states already there are laws attempting to ban or severely restrict abortions immediately if Roe is overturned & a total of 26 states are certain or likely to ban abortion in the aftermath. Even though 8 in 10 Americans believe abortion should be legal our government is teetering on taking this giant step backwards. Please call your Senators to vote yes on the Women's Health Protection Act! Sign Here… 
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A Cabaret Event Celebrating 40 Years


San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center the premier LGBTQ & allied theatre, youth conservatory & educational theatre program is presenting “Encore A Cabaret Performance Celebrating 40 Years” from May 13th to June 12th at 25 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, CA. They’re celebrating their milestone birthday with a magically melodious performance of iconic numbers from a songbook of over 50 musical productions that have lit up their stage. Featuring hit songs from blockbuster mega-musicals like Avenue Q, Dirty Little Showtunes & Head Over Heels to hidden gems from indie darlings these original arrangements & brand-new melodies are sure to have you singing with joy. The performance is curated by Ed Decker, directed by Dennis Lickteig with musical direction & arrangements by Joe Wicht, The cast includes McKay Elwood, William Giammona, Catalina Kumiski, Anthony Rollins-Mullens & Jacqueline De Muro. The mission of New Conservatory Theatre Center is to champion innovative, high-quality productions & educational theatre experiences for youth, artists & the queer & allied communities to effect personal & societal growth, enlightenment & change. New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) has been in operation since 1981. Still led by its Founding Artistic Director Ed Decker, NCTC provides the San Francisco community with high quality youth education programming, Queer & Allied theatre, children’s theatre, new work commissions & emerging artists residencies that support local & national artists. All guests must present ID with photo & full name & proof of vaccination. Face coverings will also be required in the theatre space. For More Info & Tix…
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Grand Marshals For NYC Pride March

NYC Pride's first fully in-person march in three years announced its Grand Marshals slated to lead the NYC Pride March on Sunday June 26th with Angelica Ross returning for a second year as co-host & the featured performer of the broadcast special on WABC. This year’s Grand Marshals are Ts Madison, Punkie Johnson, Schuyler Bailar, Dominique Morgan & Chase Strangio will head this year’s celebration. Bansri Manek, NYC Pride March Director stated, “At a time when LGBTQIA+ people are under increased attack, the NYC Pride March is a beacon of hope & community. Our grand marshals for this year truly embody the spirit of the theme for NYC Pride 2022, ‘Unapologetically Us.’ They have embraced their identities & used their platforms to help members of our community truly love & live their truth without fear or shame. They also exemplify the key themes of our Grand Marshal categories, including Trans Rights Champion, Social Justice Warrior, Behind-the-Scenes, Celebrated Luminary & Youth Activism.” The 53rd NYC Pride March will begin at noon on June 26th from 25th Street & 5th Avenue. Marchers will proceed south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing over 6th Avenue the March will continue on Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument. It will then turn north on 7th Avenue passing the New York City AIDS Memorial before dispersing in Chelsea at 16th Street & 7th Avenue. More than 75% percent of all marching groups are non-profit organizations & more than half of all marching groups are participating free-of-charge. For More Info…
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Provincetown Film Festival 2022 Lineup

The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) has announced its lineup of narrative, documentary & short films as well as festival honorees for the Filmmaker on the Edge & Next Wave awards. The festival’s opening night film will be Sophie Hyde’s “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” starring Emma Thompson & Daryl McCormack. The 2022 “Filmmaker on the Edge” is Academy Award nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name). The honoree’s documentary “Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” following the life of Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo will screen at the festival. Guadagnino will be in attendance to accept the award in conversation with resident artist John Waters on Sunday June 19th. Anne Hubbell, PIFF’s Executive Director stated, “Luca Guadagnino is a master filmmaker & a perfect example of an artist who pushes the boundaries of their craft. His complex, emotional stories & stunning visuals have left an undeniable mark on cinema, making him a natural fit for the ‘Filmmaker on the Edge’ Award. We are absolutely thrilled he’ll be joining us in Provincetown to celebrate his iconic career.” The recipients of this year’s “Next Wave Award” that recognizes those who have exciting & distinctive voices, take artistic risks & have a passionate commitment to independent film will be presented to Jenny Slate & Bowen Yang on June 16th. Lisa Viola PIFF’s Artistic Director concluded, “We are so excited to celebrate the dynamic & multi-faceted comedic talents of both Jenny Slate & Bowen Yang as they each fully embody the spirit & energy of our Next Wave Award. We cannot wait to welcome them to Provincetown & to share their fabulous new films with our festival audience.” The Provincetown International Film Festival runs from June 15th to 19th in Provincetown, MA. For Info & Tix…
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LGBTQ Kudos For Karine Jean-Pierre

Karine Jean-Pierre will become the first Black woman & first out LGBTQ person to serve as White House Press Secretary. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Karine Jean-Pierre is a brilliant communicator & person of tremendous intelligence, humor & poise, skills that will serve her & our country well in her new role. There are few jobs more visible or more important to our democracy than to share information with the White House press corps & answer their questions. To have an out queer person of color speak for the President of the United States says everything about Karine’s talent & heart & recognizes that LGBTQ people can belong, contribute & succeed in every room. Our whole community looks forward to seeing Karine deliver for our nation & represent every LGBTQ person with pride.” Dr. David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition added, “The White House Press Secretary represents the voice of the President of the United States & the American people & for the first time in our nation’s history, that voice will be the voice of a person who is both Black & openly same-gender loving. It’s about time & we celebrate this moment.” Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute concluded, “Karine is a lifelong public servant & fierce LGBTQ advocate. As White House press secretary, she will not only be able to use her podium to represent the Biden administration, but also the LGBTQ community during a time of unprecedented anti-LGBTQ hate & attacks…Shattering this lavender ceiling is a testament to Karine’s grit, power & commitment to our country’s potential. We are confident she will continue to be a strong ally & partner as she works in the highest office of the land.”
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Rita Mae Brown Provincetown Event

Women’s Week is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Provincetown now through October 20th with fabulous must-attend events including author ...

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