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Tennessee & Kentucky Trans Health Ban

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has issued a ruling upholding laws in Tennessee & Kentucky prohibiting healthcare professionals from providing medically necessary healthcare for trans adolescents for the treatment of gender dysphoria. This makes care such as gender-affirming hormone therapy & puberty blockers inaccessible in Tennessee & Kentucky for any transgender person until they turn 18. Phil Cobucci Founder of Inclusion Tennessee stated, “All transgender people, no matter their age, should be able access the healthcare they deserve without leaving their home state – but in the face of this horrible ruling, we will help families do what’s necessary to support their children. The truth is that this law is not stopping Tennessee families from caring for their children – instead, it is making that care painfully more expensive, time-consuming & burdensome.” Oliver Hall Trans Health Director at the Kentucky Health Justice Network added, “This ruling perpetuates the damage that Kentucky families of trans youth are already shouldering – but let me be clear: No law & no court ruling, can stop transgender people from existing. Trans youth need to know that they are loved, supported & affirmed & that’s what we remain committed to during this devastating period for the trans community in Kentucky.” Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality concluded, “Families in Tennessee & Kentucky deserve better than the chaos they have endured this year, a result of politicians recklessly inserting the government into private medical decisions that should be left to families & their medical providers. While this litigation continues to unfold, we want families to know that help is available: Please reach out & we are honored to provide information, one-on-one navigation support to out-of-state health care options & emergency funding to help your family through this crisis.” 
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National LGBTQ Task Force Gala Hosts

Latrice Royale & Dyllón Burnside will be co-hosting the 27th National LGBTQ Task Force Gala that takes place on October 14th at the fabulous Grand Ballroom of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Celebrating 50 years of activism the Gala is the premier annual celebration of South Florida’s LGBTQ community & serves as a night for LGBTQ people & allies to unite as a community, honor heroes of the LGBTQ rights movement & support the work of advancing equality for all LGBTQ people & their families. Latrice Royale earned the title of “Miss Congeniality” on Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Dyllón Burnside first captivated audiences with his Broadway debut starring as Anthony in 2014’s Holler if Ya Hear Me a hip-hop musical inspired by the music & lyrics of Tupac Shakur. As we previously announced actress, model & activist Dominique Jackson will receive the 2023 National Leadership Award. Michael Bath, The Task Force Events Director stated, “It is crucial that we let our community know that we stand with them wherever they live & that we are committed to ensuring that even the highest obstacles to equality are confronted & toppled. It is my hope that the Task Force, working in conjunction with state & local partners in Florida, will be able to effect real change in the state, making it a safe place for all LGBTQ people & their families to live.” Funds raised by this year’s Gala will fuel the organization’s work to advance the rights & security of LGBTQ people across the country with a significant portion of the proceeds donated to the South Florida community through the LGBTQ+ Equity Fund. 
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Red Carpet Celebrity Women (AUDIO)

This week I talked with 14 celebrities on The Dinah’s Red Carpet. I had a blast chatting with these fabulous women about their work & more. First we talked with Black Box headlining the Friday night Black & White Ball who is passionate about bringing people together. Next we spoke to XANA a new rising star on the pop scene who’s currently on her first American tour & recording a new album. Then we chatted with singer-songwriter Ariana Castelli who released her infamous song “Love is Love” a few years ago. Then we talked with The Dinah’s DJ’s Mo, Alex D & China G who are all committed to creating a safe place for women to party & strive. Next we chatted with Phem who just concluded a world tour with Avril Lavigne. Next was influencer Divinity Ray an LA-based content creator, dancer & hair stylist with a passion for beauty, fashion & mental health. Concluding Friday night’s Red Carpet was Oomy Oomy The Dinah’s Emerging Artist Winner. Saturday night’s Hollywood Party kicked off with Chef K a private chef who has spent the last several years working on the margins of the Kardashians. Then we caught up with actress Mackenzie Lansing from the Hunger Games prequel & “Mare of Easttown” alongside Kate Winslet. Next was lesbian fashion model turned pop star Keeana Kee who performed at the Sunday Pool Party. Then Rose Garcia from Showtime’s docuseries “The Real L Word” followed who talked about her 27th year at The Dinah after beating stage 3 ovarian cancer last year. Rose is now advocating for people to get tested. I concluded our Red Carpet coverage with Princess Nokia who headlined The Dinah stating, “I hope that my music always inspires people to feel awesome & feel relatable.” LISTEN  
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Star Driven GLSEN Fundraiser Returns

In these challenging times for our LGBTQ community especially our kids GLSEN the leading education organization working to create safe & inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ youth announced the return of its premier fundraising event following a 3 year hiatus due to the pandemic. “Rise Up LA” is co-chaired by Wilson Cruz & Imara Jones & is one of the premier LGBTQ events in Southern California with over 500 guests including leaders & allies of our LGBTQ movement. Taking place on Saturday October 28th supporters will be treated to live performances from today's most celebrated artists at the iconic NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles led by Mo Heart the official host of the evening. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers GLSEN Executive Director stated, “Rise Up LA expresses GLSENs vital pursuit to always rise to the occasion when LGBTQ+ students & youth are in need. GLSEN will be returning to its annual in-person format in Los Angeles for the first time since the start of the pandemic. We look forward to shining a spotlight on the community who shows up every day to support LGBTQ+ youth & is a reminder that we must always work actively against bigotry & hate to protect our youth.” Mo Heart the widely-celebrated & internationally known Drag Queen concluded, “I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the great work organizations like GLSEN do for the queer community, it’s a very fulfilling experience. I look forward to celebrating all that has been accomplished with GLSEN supporters at the Rise Up LA fundraiser.” 
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Voices Rising Film Festival In October

The Voices Rising Film Festival takes place Saturday October 7th from 10A to 3:30P in Patchogue, NY amplifying unique filmmakers’ voices & creating awareness for the vital work of underrepresented artists. This year’s lineup features films about of love, loss, family, community & resilience as well as thought provoking deeply moving stories about the struggles of everyday life. The Voices Rising Film Festival is an exciting event that offers the chance to witness important films on the big screen, have healing conversations & enjoy live art & music performances. Jaret Martino Voices Rising Film Festival founder stated, “I am passionate about creating safe spaces that celebrate & amplify voices that are too often silenced. I'm proud to be a Long Island Native, in the LGBTQIA+ community & have Cherokee Indian bloodlines.” Following the screenings & live performances there will be a reception at Jardin Café for refreshments, networking, Q&A's & awards presentations. Voices Rising Film Festival has partnered with The Plaza Cinema which aligns with their mission of creating awareness for underrepresented artists. As a community-supported organization, The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center in Patchogue is a safe, inclusive & equitable public forum for various community groups, individuals, artists, musicians, filmmakers & non-profit advocacy groups to connect, collaborate, discuss & support each other particularly when facing life’s ups & downs. The Voices Rising Film Festival has also partnered with Love Wins Productions. The Love Wins platform works in creating awareness for subjects deserving attention alongside collaborations with National Organizations.  For More Info & Tix… 

 

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LeVar Burton Leads Banned Books Week

LeVar Burton reading advocate, writer & actor will lead this year’s Banned Books Week that takes place October 1st to 7th. Burton is the first actor to serve as honorary chair of Banned Books Week's annual weeklong event that highlights the value of free & open access to information & brings together the entire book community as religious extremists continue attempts to censor library materials. Burton stated, “Books bring us together. They teach us about the world & each other. The ability to read & access books is a fundamental right & a necessity for life-long success. But books are under attack. They’re being removed from libraries & schools. Shelves have been emptied because of a small number of people & their misguided efforts toward censorship. Public advocacy campaigns like Banned Books Week are essential to helping people understand the scope of book censorship & what they can do to fight it. I’m honored to lead Banned Books Week 2023.” Saturday October 7th will mark “Let Freedom Read Day” a call to action about the urgent need to defend the right to read & to support the community of readers, library staff, educators, authors, publishers & booksellers. From calling decision-makers to checking out or buying banned books to writing letters everyone is encouraged to do at least one thing to defend the right to read & to speak on behalf of those who ensure access to information. Founded in 1982 Banned Books Week has drawn attention to the attempts to remove books & other materials from libraries, schools & bookstores. For More Info… 

 

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UK LGBTQ Conversion Therapy Ban

Disappointing news out of the UK. The government has run out of time to publish draft legislation to ban LGBTQ conversion therapy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is refusing to say if a ban is still planned so it looks like 5 years of promises have fallen to the wayside. My LGBTQ activist friend & colleague Peter Tatchell stated, "More than five years ago, the Conservative government promised to ban conversion therapy. Since then, it has been reiterated several times but we've had nothing but dither & delay. Earlier this year, draft legislation was pledged by the summer. That target has long passed. Now the government has run out of legislative time. A ban is dead in the water. We've been conned & betrayed." In the USA 27 states have now banned conversion therapy to protect our LGBTQ youth from this deadly practice, whether by legislation, regulations or executive actions. Conversion therapy has been rejected as unnecessary, ineffective & harmful by every major medical & mental health organization in the USA including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association & the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to The Trevor Project 15% those who had reported being subjected to the practice were more than twice the rate of attempting suicide in the past year. We certainly hope that the UK reconsiders the seriousness of this harmful practice & pass the much-needed legislation. For decades Peter Tatchell has unselfishly fought for educating, advocating & lobbying for the elimination of exclusion & discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, race, gender, disability, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic, social, cultural or refugee status. Check out his fabulous documentary “Hating Peter Tatchell” on Netflix. Watch Trailer  
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NYC Pride Family Movie Night Returns

NYC Pride announced the return of LGBTQ family friendly film events co-presented by Rooftop Cinema Club (RCC). Audiences are invited to bid a fond farewell to the summer by taking in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023) on Saturday September 23rd at 4:15P & to warmly welcome spooky season with Coraline on Saturday October 14th at 2:30P. Sandra Pérez NYC Pride Executive Director stated, “As a parent myself, I’m excited to invite our NYC Pride community & their families to sit back, relax & enjoy family-friendly entertainment in a safe space where all LGBTQIA+ identities are respected & celebrated. Whether you’re a parent who identifies or raising a child that identifies as LGBTQIA+, there is no greater joy & comfort than knowing when & where you can safely spend time together, as a family, without fear of discrimination or harassment.” Gerry Cottle, Rooftop Cinema Club Founder & CEO concluded, “Following our June 2023 partnership with NYC Pride for a screening of the iconic camp musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, we’re overjoyed to share our lovely space with NYC’s LGBTQIA+ families. Above all, we are proud to provide a fun & safe event for LGBTQIA+ families & the entire community.” NYC Pride members can enjoy 25% off their cost of admission to these screenings by booking their tickets using code NYCPRIDEFAM at checkout. Both of the 2023 NYC Pride Family Movie Night events will take place at Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown located at 60 West 37th Street in NYC featuring stunning skyline views as its backdrop. Please be advised that seating for each film is strictly limited to 108 attendees. 
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Global LGBTQ Pride Org Gains UN Status

InterPride has been granted consultative status at the United Nations through the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC). After a process that lasted more than 5 years this is vital & extraordinary recognition of the importance of Prides worldwide. Hadi Damien & Natalie Thompson, Co-Presidents of InterPride stated, “InterPride now further elevates the realities of LGBTQI+ Pride Organizers in UN institutions. The process has been long & challenging. We are thankful for the individuals within InterPride who have generously supported this work that makes us one of the few LGBTQI+ organizations with the access to speak and participate at the UN.” Richard Brethour-Bell, InterPride’s Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility added, “Each day at InterPride, we stand up for LGBTQI+ people & their right to live & safely gather in spaces free from violence & discrimination. Now, we can support our members in their fight to gather, change hearts & minds & build a world where LGBTQI+ people are free & equal through the hard-fought-for ability to uplift voices at the United Nations. I am excited for what we can do together.” J. Andrew Baker, UN Advocacy Coordinator at InterPride concluded, “In the face of growing & coordinated anti-rights actions against LGBTI people in countries worldwide, it is vital that InterPride brings the voices of Pride organizers & members organizations into United Nations spaces. I am honored to have led the process for InterPride to gain consultative status that allows our movements to document human rights violations against LGBTI people & advocate for the safety & protection of LGBTQI+ people when they gather in protest & celebration.” 
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LGBTQ 2023 Studio Responsibility Index

GLAAD has released its 11th annual Studio Responsibility Index which maps the quantity, quality & diversity of LGBTQ characters in film during the previous calendar year. Although this year’s report finds progress & growth in LGBTQ representation in film the current studio-prolonged strikes in Hollywood risk stalling any & all progress from remaining on track for further growth. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, “At a time when the LGBTQ community is under unprecedented cultural & political attacks, it is more important than ever to hold film studios accountable for how our community is represented on-screen. The LGBTQ characters & stories found in this year’s study would not exist without the work of talented writers, actors, directors & crew on all levels and GLAAD firmly stands in solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA & the Writer’s Guild of America WGA in their efforts & contributions to fair & accurate storytelling integral to the LGBTQ movement.” Fran Drescher SAG-AFTRA President concluded, “Right now there’s a very tiny but loud segment of our population that’s hard at work spreading hate & fear while attempting to squash all storytelling that showcases the full, beautiful reality of the human experience. Seeing diverse representation on screen is vital for empowering everyone to embrace their authentic selves. Sadly, the longer the AMPTP companies keep the entertainment industry shut down by refusing to come back to the bargaining table, the more risk there is for disrupting the progress that’s been made in terms of inclusive representation. Let’s make a deal & end this stalemate so we can continue sharing diverse stories & create a more hopeful, empathetic society for today’s young people.” 
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National LGBTQ Task Force Gala Event

The National LGBTQ Task Force 27th annual Gala takes place on October 14th at the fabulous Grand Ballroom of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Celebrating 50 years of activism the Gala is the premier annual celebration of South Florida’s LGBTQ community & serves as a night for LGBTQ people & allies to unite as a community, honor heroes of the LGBTQ rights movement & support the work of advancing equality for all LGBTQ people & their families. This year actress, model & activist Dominique Jackson best known for her lead role as Electrabel Abundance Evangelista Wintour aka Elektra in the hit show Pose on FX will receive the 2023 National Leadership Award an honor awarded each year to an advocate who has helped further the Task Force’s mission to advance freedom, justice & full equality for all LGBTQ people. Michael Bath, The Task Force Events Director stated, “It is crucial that we let our community know that we stand with them wherever they live & that we are committed to ensuring that even the highest obstacles to equality are confronted & toppled. It is my hope that the Task Force, working in conjunction with state & local partners in Florida, will be able to effect real change in the state, making it a safe place for all LGBTQ people & their families to live.” The presenting sponsor for the 2023 Gala is St. John’s on the Lake United Methodist Church. Funds raised by this year’s Gala will fuel the organization’s work to advance the rights & security of LGBTQ people across the country with a significant portion of the proceeds donated to the South Florida community through the LGBTQ+ Equity Fund. 
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Alabama Trans Healthcare Ban Dispute

Alabama families are challenging the state’s ban on medical care for their transgender children & have asked the full 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to review a panel ruling. Shannon Minter, Legal Director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights stated, “Our clients & other Alabama families have a right to protect their transgender children & ensure they get the support they need. The panel’s decision tramples on that right & conflicts with clearly established Supreme Court & 11th Circuit law. We hope the full court will review this case & prevent this devastating criminal ban from taking effect.” Scott McCoy, Deputy Legal Director for LGBTQ Rights & Special Litigation at Southern Poverty Law Center added, “Allowing SB 184 to take effect would serve no purpose other than preventing parents from obtaining the medical care their children need. Every federal district court that has heard the evidence presented has come to the same conclusion: the established medical treatments recommended for transgender adolescents are safe, effective & lifesaving for some youth & there is no legitimate reason to ban them.” Sarah Warbelow, Legal Director at Human Rights Campaign concluded, “Parents, not the government, are best situated to make medical decisions for their children. That understanding is deeply rooted in our common understanding & our legal foundations. Allowing this ban to take effect would be a shocking reversal of firmly established precedent & a jarring intrusion into private family decisions.” The Alabama law likely violates the federal Equal Protection Clause & also violates parents’ fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children. 
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Connecticut LGBTQ Film Fest 36th Year

Out Film CT Connecticut’s longest-running & most diverse film festival is celebrating its 36th year October 6th to 15th. The majority of the festival will be screened at the festival's longtime home the historic & elegant Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford. The closing night film will be held at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in downtown Hartford. In addition there will be some virtual-only exclusives for film fans to enjoy at home. Marina Yurieva Out Film CT Co-Director stated, "I think our film festival is going to be particularly important at this time in our history. LGBTQ visibility is at an all-time high, but there is so much negative discourse nationally & internationally about LGBTQ rights. We are at an inflection point where it is more important than ever to hear queer stories by queer storytellers about things that affect us all. We're very proud to bring these profound, funny, romantic, sexy & political stories from all over the globe." Out Film CT Co-Director Shane Engstrom concluded, "The Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival is not only a safe space where the LGBTQ community can gather to enjoy film & each other's company; it's also an opportunity for straight allies & cinephiles to learn about the breadth of our experiences & the talent of queer filmmakers. The movies are always smart, moving & most of all, entertaining. Many of the films are premieres, so you won't be able to see them anywhere else!" Attendees can look forward to such highly-anticipated events as the Opening Night after-party, a Centerpiece film pre-reception & the Closing Night celebration. The festival will also include appearances by some of the filmmakers & artists, virtual exclusives & other surprises to be announced. 
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Marriage Equality Vow Renewal Event

As we head into the 20th anniversary of marriage equality in Massachusetts Boston Spirit magazine & Boston Harbor Cruises (BHC) are hosting the first-ever Wedding Vow Renewal Event on Wednesday September 13th aboard the stunning Odyssey Yacht at Rowes Wharf in Boston, MA. During these politically challenging times as so many states are attempting to take away our right to marry Boston Spirit magazine & Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC) want to celebrate your love. This is a fabulous opportunity to join hundreds of other LGBTQ couples for a truly incredible night of dancing, dining & cruising around Boston harbor as part of a once in a lifetime giant wedding vow renewal ceremony. There will be delicious food, photos, dancing, honeymoon giveaways & a marriage ceremony that you will never forget. David Zimmerman, Publisher of Boston Spirit Magazine stated, “We will have a special wedding vow renewal ceremony (unlike any other!!) We have some incredible honeymoon getaways that we will be giving away (One includes a helicopter tour!!) Amazing food courtesy of the Odyssey, dancing with incredible views of the Boston Skyline & much more.” So share your love & show your pride at Boston Spirit Magazines' first-ever Wedding Vow Renewal Celebration for a giant wedding vow renewal ceremony on Boston Harbor City Cruises' Odyssey with yacht photos, dancing, honeymoon giveaways & a marriage ceremony that will create new memories. The honeymoon getaway giveaway prize includes a 2-night stay at The Shelter Harbor Inn in Westerly, RI. Odyssey Yacht boarding begins at 6P & the Wedding Vow Renewal Event cruise runs from 6:30P to 8:30P on The Odyssey at 60 Rowes Wharf in Boston for $50 a couple. 
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Las Vegas United Multicultural Festival

Thousands of Nevadans are expected to attend the massive “Communities United Multicultural Festival” celebrating the state’s diversity & encourages civic engagement, voter participation & understanding across racial & identity lines. The festival will feature fabulous live performances, music, art, children’s activities, food & vendors from many diverse cultures. The event is a powerful rebuke & antidote to divisive rhetoric & the recent alarming rise in hate crimes that have reached the highest levels on record. Grace Vergara-Mactal, Executive Director of Nevada’s largest healthcare & public service union, SEIU Local 1107 which is hosting the festival along with community partners stated, “The message & vision of our Communities United Multicultural Festival is one of joy, harmony & hope — that Americans won’t let ourselves be divided by hate, but rather we celebrate our diverse cultures.” Over 100 partners are helping to coordinate the festival including major unions, companies & grassroots organizations from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander; Black; Latino; indigenous & our LGBTQ communities. Michelle Maese, President of SEIU Local 1107 concluded, “Our Communities United Multicultural Festival is occurring one year out from historic elections & intends to motivate people to vote at unprecedented levels, especially union members, youth & people of color. We’re declaring that Nevadans refuse to fall for the politics of division & are instead uniting around our shared values.” The free United Multicultural Festival takes place Saturday September 9th from 4P to 9P at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater at 500 S Grand Central Pkwy in Las Vegas, Nevada. 
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Trans Federal Employee Case Settled

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) has resolved a complaint filed in 2021 with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against the Office of Personnel Management on behalf of career federal employee Kelly Shaw. This resulted in the Biden-Harris administration directing all insurance carriers for Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) to remove any discriminatory exclusions for health insurance coverage for transgender people. Kelly Shaw state. “I’m relieved the case is settled. I was on the same plan as other federal workers, but the plan covered medically necessary facial surgery for my colleagues & explicitly excluded this coverage for transgender people. As a transgender woman, being misgendered daily was a kick to my gut that resulted in symptoms of anxiety & depression. It is a huge weight off my shoulders that other transgender federal employees won’t have to go through what I did to have my surgery & they will be allowed to access the same kind of coverage for vital medical care that is offered to my colleagues.” Ezra Cukor, TLDEF Senior Counsel concluded, “We are relieved to resolve this matter for our client & we are pleased with the steps the nation’s largest employer is taking to ensure greater access to transition-related medical care for transgender federal employees. Whether you are a member of Congress or a postal worker or a food service worker, all federal employees, regardless of their gender identity, deserve access to the health care they need.” Founded in 2003 Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to end discrimination & achieve equality for transgender people, particularly those in our most vulnerable communities. 
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Fueling The Power Of Pride In Oakland

This year Oakland Pride & Pridefest Oakland have joined forces to create “Fuel the Power of Pride” a fabulous celebration that takes place Saturday September 9th & Sunday September 10th in Oakland, CA. On Saturday September 9th there will be a variety of events for the whole LGBTQ community & their allies. Then on Sunday September 10th the annual Oakland Pride Parade will begin at 11A down Broadway from 14th to 21st that’s free to the public with live coverage of the parade provided by ABC7. The parade will be followed by Oakland Pride Festival & Celebration from noon to 6P with performance by Deborah Cox & Diana Reyes. Since 2010 Oakland Pride & Pridefest Oakland have been an influential coalition dedicated to educating the greater Bay Area & promoting equality, social justice, civic involvement & responsibility within Oakland & neighboring communities. Their organizations have a shared vision of providing an equitable platform, safe spaces & events for the entire Oakland community. Their events celebrate Oakland’s rich & diverse queer community, support Oakland’s BIPOC businesses & non-profits & highlights the resources available to the community through a series of events throughout the year that lead up to Oakland Pride Weekend which provided a Festival & Parade. This is a partnership of strength & respect while elevating their unified mission to celebrate & support the cultures & diversity of our LGBTQ community in Oakland & the surrounding Bay Area. Both of these organizations have cemented their partnership to provide unified support for each other, the LGBTQ community & Oakland at-large so that every marginalized voice can be heard. 
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Canadian LGBTQ USA Travel Advisory

With the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ laws pending & passed across the nation the Canadian government has updated their U.S. travel policy warning LGBTQ Canadians about traveling to this country stating, “Some states have enacted laws & policies that may affect LGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state & local laws. Foreign laws & customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression & sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can be very different from those in Canada. As a result, you could face certain barriers & risks when you travel outside Canada. Research & prepare for your trip in advance to help your travels go smoothly.” Last June HRC also released a guidebook designed to inform LGBTQ people on relevant state laws & to help our community stay safe when living, working & traveling in the U.S. Kelley Robinson, President of Human Rights Campaign stated, “When another country is affirming the state of emergency that LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. are currently living through, it only further validates the grim reality that our community is facing. These declarations are anything but theatrical. This year alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures throughout the country, with over 220 of those bills specifically targeting transgender people. Over 80 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law this year, more than any year on record. We are seeing this political extremism also manifesting into real life, fatal violence. LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a crisis and it’s vital that LGBTQ+ people stay informed about the risks & realities when traveling to and throughout the U.S.” 
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Maryland Passes Freedom To Read Act

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed HB785 the “Freedom to Read Act” & HB1386 that mandates anti-bias training for all school employee...

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