Circus Bella Winter Holiday Spectacular

Circus Bella returns with “Kaleidoscope” San Francisco's newest holiday tradition performed in the round under a colorful big top tent for a limited engagement now through January 5th 2025. A diverse cast of 11 perform thrilling feats of balance & strength, demonstrations of grace & poise, outrageous humor & slapstick antics all taking place in the intimacy & immediacy of a 350 seat one-ring circus located at the intersection of Beale & Howard Streets at the Crossing at the East Cut, San Francisco’s newest gathering spot. Abigail Munn, Circus Bella co-founder & Director stated, “Now, more than ever, we all need opportunities to laugh with our neighbors. We’re thrilled to be back with our gorgeous tent at the East Cut, in the city I call home & be a part of activating downtown with arts & entertainment.” Kaleidoscope features guest stars Garret Allen (San Diego) & Esther De Monteflores (San Francisco) who represent some of the best & brightest circus talent in the country. Original music is performed live by the 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band led by master composer Rob Reich & costumes by Autumn Adamme. Let yourself be dazzled & join in the celebration of the perfect show for families & children of all ages looking for a joyous holiday event that will stay with you all season long & beyond. Kaleidoscope runs 90 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission in their intimate heated big top tent. General Admission Seating in 2 sections: Premium (1st two rows, assigned seating) & General Admission. (Tix: $55 - $75). 
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National Historic Landmarks Diversity

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has announced the designations of 19 new National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) reflecting the importance of the sites in sharing our country’s diverse history. The new NHLs are nationally significant properties for LGBTQ Americans, African Americans, Asian American Pacific Islanders & women’s history in addition to important moments in the development of American technology, landscape design & art. Secretary Haaland stated, “As America’s storyteller, it is our privilege at the Department at the Interior, through the National Park Service, to tell our nation’s history & honor the many historical chapters & heroic communities that brought us to where we all today. These newly designated historic landmarks join a list of the nation’s premier historic & cultural places, all of which were nominated through voluntary & locally led stewardship.” One of the LGBTQ designations is the Boulder Colorado County Courthouse where the first same gender marriage licenses were issued in 1975 by County Clerk Clela Rorex. Mardi Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Mountain Equality added, “I wish I could pick up the phone & call Clela right now. When I heard the news, my heart took an extra beat, caused by happiness & pride. This announcement couldn’t be more timely as we approach the 50th anniversary of when she issued these marriage licenses.” Chuck Sams National Park Service Director concluded, “The National Park Service is committed to helping preserve & share a fuller & more inclusive account of our nation's history, a history that is not complete until all stories are represented. These 19 newly designated landmarks help do just that. We are proud to recognize these nationally significant places representing the diversity of the American experience & our country’s collective heritage.” 
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A Woman’s Song For Peace 7 City Tour

Dance Brigade is sponsoring this 7-city tour to make an indelible mark on the upcoming inauguration. A Woman’s Song for Peace is a new dance theater work featuring original, live music by iconic musician & activist Holly Near, seminal queer feminist singer-songwriter Ferron & groundbreaking Afro-Caribbean jazz artist Christelle Durandy intertwined with Dance Brigade’s fierce nuanced choreography & signature melding of styles with Hip Hop, Modern, Salsa & Taiko utilizing these storytelling components to convey a larger narrative about social justice & liberation. This is a cry for peace to end all wars so that peace & justice can prevail not only in the Middle East but also in Sudan, Ukraine & at our borders & inner cities of the United States. The highlight of Dance Brigade’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Season will be the creation, performance & touring of “A Woman’s Song for Peace A Tribute to the Past, A Vision for the Future”. The tour will begin on January 9th in Eugene, Oregon with a performance at the Soreng Theater & a fundraiser at the WOW Hall the original home of this ground-breaking company. The tour will progress in Oregon to Portland & Medford (Ashland) then return to California in Ukiah, Santa Rosa, Aptos (Santa Cruz) & conclude in San Francisco at the Herbst Theater on January 19th with guest musician Woody Simmons. Dance Brigade members include Lena Gatchalian, Bianca S. Mendoza-Prado, Deb’e Taylor, dominique hargrove, Frances Sedayao, Fredrika Keefer, Johanna Gormley, Kimberly B Valmore, KJ Dahlaw, Megan Lowe, Sarah Bush, Sierra Tiatia & Vivian Dai. 
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Judy Garland XMAS Show Reinvented

Peter Mac the award-winning tribute artist is celebrating the 61st anniversary of Judy Garland's legendary 1963 CBS Christmas Special by starring in a fabulous homage to the iconic show on Saturday December 21st & 28th at Jacqui’s Supper Club Amazing Pizza & More on Pickering Wharf in Salem, MA. This season marks not only the historic anniversary of Garland's television special but also Peter Mac's 22nd year of performing as the legendary entertainer. Peter distinguished for his deeply emotive & respectful portrayal of Judy Garland brings to the stage a performance that goes way beyond impersonation. His dedication to capturing the essence of Garland's spirit & complexity has been recognized & celebrated with numerous accolades including the prestigious Golden Halo Award presented to him by Mickey Rooney in a gala celebration in in 2012. Significantly Mac's portrayal of Garland has received heartfelt endorsement including Margaret O'Brien presenting him onstage in Los Angeles with a letter from Garland’s children Liza Minnelli & Joey Luft wishing him a terrific run. This bond was further enriched by a memorable dinner shared by Mac & his husband Dr. John Mac with Joey Luft & Margaret O'Brien before their relocation back to the east coast. In this special production Dr. John Mac portrays the incomparable Bea Arthur adding to the show’s allure. Additionally the audience can anticipate surprise guest appearances all played by Peter throughout the run. This is not a lip syn performance as Mac sing all the songs live. We have our tickets for Dec 21st & looking forward to catching this critically-acclaimed show. Doors open at 6:30P for the 8P - 9:30P concert. 
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Supreme Court Declines Anti Trans Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined a case backed by conservative groups that aimed to dismantle trans-inclusive school policies at Eau Claire Area School District in Wisconsin. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers GLSEN Executive Director stated, “Today, the Supreme Court rejected the baseless challenge against Eau Claire Area School District’s trans-inclusive policies. We saw the Supreme Court do its job & acknowledge what the law & the facts have always made clear: trans-inclusive policies are not only lawful but essential for creating safe, affirming schools where all students can thrive. Eau Claire’s policy is a model for inclusive education that affirms students’ rights to be themselves, belong in their communities & feel safe in their schools. These are not radical ideas—they are foundational to creating equitable & effective learning environments. We cannot ignore the dissenting voices that continue to push harmful rhetoric about so-called ‘parents’ rights’ as a pretext to attack LGBTQ+ youth. These efforts are part of a broader, dangerous agenda that prioritizes fear & division over the well-being of our youth. GLSEN will remain steadfast in defending policies like Eau Claire’s & advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ students nationwide. As the fight for inclusive education continues, we stand with educators, families & students committed to ensuring that every young person succeeds in schools that respect their identities.” GLSEN is the nation’s largest advocate for LGBTQ issues in K-12 education & has been dedicated to establishing inclusive schools & learning environments for over 34 years. Amidst increasing threats against LGBTQ youth nationwide GLSEN actively addresses harassment & discrimination by empowering educators, advocating for policy changes & combating book bans through its Rainbow Library Program which provides LGBTQ affirming literature to over 6 million students across 30 states. 
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NDAA Provision Against Trans Families

At the 11th hour Congressional Republicans have attached a despicable provision to the NDAA spending bill banning coverage of best practice medical care for transgender military minor dependents. Cait Smith, director of LGBTQ Policy at the Center for American Progress stated, “As a trans veteran, I know how important the NDAA is for our military members & their families. That’s why it’s reprehensible that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is playing politics with our troops’ pay by trying to include language that would take medical decisions out of the hands of doctors & families & put it in the hands of politicians. It is unacceptable to see a ban on coverage of transgender medical care for military dependents tacked on to this crucial legislation. Families should never have to choose between serving their country & ensuring their kids are able to access the medical care they need. People should be trusted with their own medical decisions. Should the NDAA pass with this ban on care in place, it would mark the first federal anti-LGBTQ statute in nearly 20 years. Members of the House must oppose passage of the NDAA until this harmful amendment is removed.” Even though a letter with nearly 300 advocacy groups calling on members to oppose the NDAA discriminatory anti-trans provision the committee denied House Members an opportunity to vote specifically on this essential health care. So it’s now going to be a wait & see situation since President Biden has promised repeatedly to veto any legislation that would enshrine discrimination against transgender people into law.
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Nikki Giovanni Poet & LGBTQ Icon Dies

We’ve lost another great with the passing of poet Nikki Giovanni. As a prominent figure of the Black Arts & Civil Rights Movements she became friends with Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin & Nina Simone as she inspired generations of students, artists, activists, musicians, scholars & our LGBTQ community both young & old. One of her infamous quotes is so timely right now as Giovanni stated, “If now isn’t a good time for the truth I don’t see when we’ll get to it.” She was the recipient of hundreds of awards & honors including a 2024 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project. Diane Anderson Minshall concluded, “I haven’t spoken with Nikki in nearly a decade but in the 1990s I was so inspired by her words around resilience & justice & life I was thrilled to meet her at a conference & later interview her. She once said (I paraphrase) ‘you aren’t dead until no one remembers you.’ I can say that it’ll take quite some time for the generations alive to forget her. RIP Nikki Giovanni.” Having battled cancer twice Giovanni refused to let a third bout interrupt her art. Just three weeks ago she performed with saxophonist Javon Jackson at the Louis Armstrong House in NYC. Her forthcoming book of poetry “The Last Book” will be published in fall 2025. Born Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 7, 1943 she served as a University Distinguished Professor in the English Department at Virginia Tech until 2022. She died peacefully with her wife Virginia (Ginney) Fowler by her side.
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Bring Your Own Bells Holiday Concerts

Boston Gay Men's Chorus is thrilled to present “Bring Your Own Bells” holiday concerts on December 13th, 14th & 15th at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall in Boston, MA after performing to sold-out audiences at Provincetown's Holly Folly. Under the guidance of Music Director Reuben Reynolds who always delivers a fabulous musical experience that captivates & uplifts audiences. Reynolds stated, "Bring Your Own Bells is an opportunity for us to celebrate the holiday season with our community through the power of music. It's a chance to spread joy, inspire resilience & foster a sense of togetherness." Sarah Shoffner BGMC Executive Director concluded, "Bring Your Own Bells is more than a concert, it's a celebration of community, resilience, & the sheer joy of the holiday season. We invite everyone to join us for these incredible performances that are sure to fill your hearts with warmth & cheer!" “Bring Your Own Bells” is an electrifying holiday show to dazzle & delight. Step into the festive holiday spirit as BGMC brings together all the beloved holiday music you know & love re-imagined with their signature flair. From timeless classics to modern favorites it’s a fabulous concert of harmonies that will warm your heart & lift your spirits & don’t forget to bring your bells to ring in the joyous season. Founded in 1982 Boston Gay Men's Chorus is committed to diversity, inclusion & the celebration of LGBTQ rights. BGMC strives to create a more harmonious & accepting world. Tickets run from $29 to $129 with wheelchair accessibility & a sign language interpreter provided. 
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BETTY Rocks Their New Holiday Show

After their sold-out show in NYC BETTY the award-winning indie rock trio of Alyson Palmer, Elizabeth Ziff & Amy Ziff are taking their “EAT, Drink & Be Merry For Tomorrow!” holiday show live to City Winery in Boston on Sunday December 15th at 7:30P. Ring in the holiday bells with BETTY in a feast for all senses as the indie band returns to town with their brand-new album EAT & a seasonal celebration of songs, stories & harmonies smooth, sweet & hooky as candy canes. BETTY is thrilled to return to the delicious Haymarket Lounge to share cheer & sleigh. Elizabeth Ziff stated, “BETTY couldn’t be more stoked to be back in Boston at City Winery with our holiday show! Now more than ever we all need to be together & celebrate each other!” Since forming in 1986 the band’s distinctive sound has been heard in concert & on TV with The L Word theme song. The indie pop trio consists of Alyson Palmer on vocals, bass, guitar & Elizabeth Ziff on vocals, guitar, electronic programming with her sister Amy Ziff on vocals & cello. BETTY uses beguiling melodies, compelling lyrics & signature harmonies to create energetic live shows that mix music, performance art, politics & comedy. Their melodies & rhythms are infectious & the appeal is limitless. In addition to their concerts they tour with The BETTY Effect a non-profit organization created to hold equality & empowerment workshops for women, girls & our LGBTQ community. Then they’re headed to Washington DC bringing their “EAT, Drink & Be Merry For Tomorrow!” tour to Union Stage in DC on Tuesday December 17th at 7P. Tickets run from $25 & up but are selling out fast so don’t miss this uplifting show. 
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LGBTQ Report On Supreme Court Case

After oral arguments were heard before the Supreme Court in the case of United States v Skrmetti addressing transgender healthcare access LGBTQ civil rights groups provided the following statements. D Dangaran, co-chair of the National Trans Bar Association stated, "It was inspiring to hear Chase Strangio advocating for trans youth & all trans people, in this historic argument. Trans issues have been before the Court before, starting with Dee Farmer's prison rights case argued in 1994, but it is so significant that this major Equal Protection case, which may have long-lasting impacts on the access to gender-affirming care in this country, was argued in part by a trans attorney who has spent his life at the forefront of trans advocacy. No matter what the Court decides, today it heard an excellent argument from an excellent trans lawyer & that itself is a win for the entire trans community." Shannon Minter, Vice President of Legal at the National Center for Lesbian Rights concluded, “The plaintiffs today made a strong case that, on its face, this law discriminates by barring medications based solely on a person’s birth sex. The State of Tennessee had no effective response to that obvious fact, which several justices made clear Based on today’s argument, we are hopeful the Court will rule that Tennessee’s law discriminates based on sex & must therefore be subject to the same high standard of review applied to all other sex-based laws. That would be a huge victory & would provide clear guidance for the lower courts about how to evaluate these laws.” A decision will be reached in mid 2025.
For More Info….
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES 
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Supreme Court Hears Trans Health Case

This morning oral arguments were heard for United States v Skrmetti the U.S. Supreme Court’s first case on access to healthcare for transgender people. Kelley Robinson, President HRC (Human Rights Campaign) stated, “Today’s oral arguments laid bare that there is simply no legal or medical basis to deny transgender youth the same protections under the U.S. Constitution that everyone else enjoys. Trans youth deserve compassion, access to medical care & the same opportunities to thrive as all youth & their parents deserve the same rights to support their needs as all other parents. Despite attempts in the courtroom to argue otherwise, the facts are clear: transgender healthcare is best-practice, medically necessary & supported by almost every major medical association in the country. It’s healthcare, plain & simple & no politician should be able to interfere in the healthcare decisions best made by families & doctors. Now the Supreme Court has the opportunity to follow the facts, the science & the law & affirm our constitutional promise of equal protection for all. Thank you to Solicitor General Prelogar, who combined an unmatched command of the law with vivid examples of how discriminatory bans impact the lives & wellbeing of our youth & the heart of the community today was with Chase Strangio, the first trans lawyer to argue in front of the Supreme Court. His presence in the courtroom was about more than history–by taking part in the arguments, he sent a clear signal to trans people across the country that they are seen, they are strong & they are not going anywhere.” A decision should be reached by summer of 2025.
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Trans Youth Erasure Gearing Up (AUDIO)

Last week Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine signed SB 104 into law that includes a bathroom ban provision that prohibits over 8,500 transgender K-12 students in Ohio from using restrooms & locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. On December 4th the Supreme Court consider a case about bodily autonomy & whether the courts have a right to come between patients & medical professionals in United States v. Skrmetti. The court is being asked to consider the legality of Tennessee’s ban on access to best-practice transgender medical care for youth. The case could have far-reaching implications for our LGBTQ community’s nondiscrimination & doctors’ ability to treat their patients without political interference. If the court decides to reject their own logic in Bostock v. Clayton County as it rejected clear & longstanding precedent in Roe v. Wade & deny transgender youth equal protection under the Constitution then bans on transgender medical care will remain in place across the country. Haley Norris, Center for American Progress LGBTQ Policy Analyst stated, “Bans on transgender health care are part of a larger attack on sex discrimination protections that will harm bodily autonomy by restricting reproductive rights & access to medical care, all of which are a part of the far right’s attempts to redefine sex & gender. The fallout of the Skrmetti decision, which likely won’t be released until the summer of 2025, is something that everyone concerned about bodily autonomy should be worried about.” I talked to Southern Equality’s Alexis Stratton about this & other trans issues in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN
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Act Up For World AIDS Day 36th (AUDIO)

We’re commemorating the 36th Anniversary of World AIDS Day today on December 1st with a photo by Howard Pope who died of AIDS in the early 90s. Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine, MD stated, “The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, ‘Collective Action: Sustain & Accelerate HIV Progress,’ reminds us that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to prevent new HIV infections & provide essential services to all people with HIV. Today, we pause to remember the estimated 39 million individuals around the globe with HIV, including approximately 1.2 million people here in the United States. We also remember the 42 million individuals worldwide who have died from HIV/AIDS. Their stories & their lives will continue to motivate & inform our work to end the HIV epidemic…” According to the World Health Organization more than one million people acquired HIV in 2023 alone. By sharing the story of AIDS we make strides toward ensuring that future communities will not be harmed by fear, silence, discrimination or stigma. Kelsey Louie GMHC CEO stated, “Candlelight vigils, rallies, gatherings & other ways that people can come together—especially on World AIDS Day—remain important because AIDS is not over. When we gather, we support each other to keep going, keep doing the work in all the ways we can & keep persisting & resisting with a collective goal to end AIDS.” I talked to the late Larry Kramer the pioneering co-founder of Gay Men’s Health Crisis & ACT UP in 2018 about his spin on the AIDS crisis that continues in this country & around the world in this exclusive audio byte. LISTEN
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San Francisco Premiere "A Red Carol"

Gearing up for the next holiday in these challenging times the San Francisco Mime Troupe will present the world premiere of “A Red Carol” Michael Gene Sullivan’s deconstructed, activist adaptation of Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” It runs on stage December 14th to 29th at Z Space in San Francisco, CA. We all know the story about the redemption of a cranky miser at Christmas, a ghost story designed to let an audience feel good about themselves for not being heartless. However Charles Dickens wasn't trying to make people feel good, he was trying to show them a stark reality, scaring them into being more human. He wrote "A Christmas Carol" to shake up society & with “A Red Carol” it re-establishes his story as the revolutionary call-to-action Dickens intended. In Dickens story Bob Crachit tells Scrooge, "People always think this story is about you. But it ain’t about you, it’s about us & how we let ourselves get infected with your ideas, your greed, your lies, it’s you steppin’ over the hungry & homeless & us following your lead, it’s us lettin’ you turn our government into a casino, listenin’ while you say day after day that profit is the new god & us not standin’ up & shouting NO! It ain’t about you it’s about us.” This isn't your average feel-good Christmas tale but it was never supposed to be. With music, joy & plenty of harsh truths about his time & ours “A Red Carol” is the demand for economic & social justice Dickens wanted then & we need now. 
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Positivity Queen Alethea Crimmins

Alethea Crimmins the widely celebrated "positivity queen" & "international hype girl" will deliver the keynote at the 81st Annual PANJ-EF Training Conference on November 26th at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to help foster professional growth amongst New Jersey Probation Officers & supervisors. With over 1.6M TikTok followers & 1.1M Instagram fans Alethea has caught the attention of icons like Madonna, Viola Davis & Rihanna & recently made her third appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Alethea Crimmins stated, “I’m super excited about spreading positivity to this phenomenal group of law enforcement professionals. These are individuals that give of themselves daily, putting their lives on the line for the people in their community. It is truly my pleasure to be able to motivate, empower & inspire them. I’m truly honored to give back to them a small token of what they give to others.” Alethea’s mission is to inspire others particularly women & our LGTBQ community to turn their own pain into purpose. Additionally Crimmins will lead a workshop entitled "Tips to Having a Good Day On Purpose" an empowering & interactive workshop designed to help you take charge of your day & cultivate intentional positivity. Through practical tips & hands-on exercises participants will learn to build effective self-care routines, harness the power of positive self-talk, rewrite limiting narratives & unlock their full potential. Drawing from personal challenges & triumphs Alethea will energize & motivate attendees to step boldly into their greatness. Crimmins inspires others through podcasts, keynotes, life coaching & music drawing on 15 years of experience in early childhood education to share her wealth of motivational insight & wisdom. 
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New Book “Trans Kids Our Kids” (AUDIO)

This week I talked with writer Alexis Stratton about the new book “Trans Kids, Our Kids” co-authored with Adam Polaski & Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara from the Campaign for Southern Equality & released by Ig Publishing. In these unprecedented times “Trans Kids, Our Kids” provides a narrative look into the challenges facing our transgender young people. This is especially crucial after the recent GOP presidential campaign distorted & targeted transgender issues to regain control of the White House. The new book provides a truthful blueprint addressing trans youth issues by taking a storytelling approach in capturing how people all across the country are meeting the moment to support, protect & live in solidarity with transgender youth & their families. The book is based on more than 50 interviews with transgender youth, their parents & the medical providers, advocates & faith leaders who are leading the fight against the wave of discriminatory legislation that has flooded statehouses since 2022. One primary focus of “Trans Kids, Our Kids” is the attack on trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care. Less than 2 years ago there weren’t any states that had such bans in effect. Currently there are now 26 states that have bans or restricted transgender youth from accessing hormone therapy with the issue coming before the Supreme Court in the case United States v. Skrmetti with oral arguments on December 4th. Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) through their Trans Youth Emergency Project have supported more than 1,000 families of transgender youth in navigating healthcare bans. All royalties from book sales will benefit this project. I talked to Alexis about what they hope to accomplish with “Trans Kids, Our Kids” & their spin on our LGBTQ issues. (Design by Liz Williams) LISTEN  
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Celebrate Phyllis Lyon's 100th Birthday

Come celebrate what would have been Phyllis Lyon's milestone 100th birthday at El Rio! 3158 Mission Street in San Francisco, CA on Sunday Nov 24th. Doors open at 3P for a fun-filled event honoring this incredible woman. Especially during these challenging times with our LGBTQ rights in jeopardy it’s important to come together & celebrate community & dance the pain away & gather together to show our love & appreciation for Phyllis & Del 2 fabulous Lesbian Icons. There will be performances from The Red Hots Burlesque & legendary lesbian DJ's Page Hodel & Downtown Donna will be spinning. Pioneering lesbian & civil rights activist Phyllis Lyon died at age 95 in 2020 & her wife Del Martin who passed in 2008 cofounded the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in San Francisco in 1955 becoming the first social & political organization for lesbians in the United States. They both acted as president & editor of The Ladder until 1963 & remained involved in the DOB until joining the National Organization for Women (NOW) as the first lesbian couple to do so. Phyllis Lyon was not only a legendary pioneer in the fight for equality she was also founder of Lyon-Martin Health Services. This fabulous event is a fundraiser to support the documentary “The Day the Curtains Came Down” which tells the story of Phyllis' last years & her creative, loving & stealthy AF all-queer caregiving team. So don't miss out on this special fabulous occasion that happens at El Rio Sunday November 24th from 3P to 8P PST with tickets $20.20. 
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Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro Perform

Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro are performing their “Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret” tour at The Cabot in Beverly, MA on Saturday November 23rd at 8P. Both haver transported their audience to other worlds through their stories & now they’re joining forces in song with musical direction by Henry Koperski. Cumming stated, “I’ve got to know Ari over the last few years, both socially & when he interviewed me for a couple of events. The last time was an evening in D.C., & by the end of it I realized our chemistry & the unusual combo of us, as well as the fact that Ari has an amazing voice, would make for a really great cabaret show & kapow! We’re doing it! What I love most is it’s fresh and ever-changing.” Shapiro concluded, “When Alan first suggested that we create a show together, I didn’t quite believe him. Then as we started to dig in to this collaboration, I realized how much our professional lives actually complement each other. We’re both storytellers who try to help audiences better understand themselves & the world around them. This show lets us explore those shared ideals on stage together, through stories & songs.” They have performed together for a few seasons in Provincetown & now they’re performing at the historic Cabot Theatre a North Shore treasure & legacy of the visionary showmanship & architectural passion of the Ware Brothers. Their Westport, CT show has sold out so get your tickets while they last. Tickets run from $69.00 to $114.50. 
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International Human Rights Art Festival

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) returns to NYC for its 6th year & takes place December 9th to 15th at The Tank in midtown Manhattan. There will be 60 new shows presented including new short musicals, dance pieces, one act plays, solo shows, poetry, puppetry & musical acts. Over 200 local & international artists will showcase their work which revolves around pressing social issues such as climate change, religion, immigration, caregiving, identity, diversity, LGBTQ, women's empowerment & more. Tom Block, IHRAF’s Founder & Executive Director stated, “As an organization that highlights & supports activist artists around the world, we now become one of them, instead of simply innocent bystanders in the international struggle for justice & human rights. As America enters its most challenging era since the Civil War, we will stand not with or against one or the other political parties, but for our values: human rights, social justice & celebrating diversity, equally for all people. Our artists open space through their own sincerity & vulnerability (no anger or finger-pointing, justified though it may feel) for conversation, understanding & appreciation of the ‘other,’ however imagined. Our work is based on our common humanity & the talent, passion & creativity of our performers.” IHRAF was founded in 2017 with the mission to amplify the critical voices of artists who bring human rights issues to the forefront of conversation & to inspire social change around the world. IHRAF, a 501c3 non-profit believes in a world where artists are free to use their creativity to provide an engine for social change & their work is honored as a human right. 
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Trans Week of Remembrance Film Fest

Transgender Film Festivals are happening across the nation gearing up to the celebration of Trans Day of Remembrance that takes place Wednesday November 20th. In Massachusetts The Theater Offensive & Coolidge Corner Theatre at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA are bringing 3 evenings of film highlighting our Trans community with “Black Trans Women at the Center” on Monday November 18th at 7:15P, “Kokomo City” on Tuesday November 19th at 7P & “Paris is Burning” on Wednesday, November 20th also at 7P. All the screenings will be accompanied by introductions & panel discussions. “Black Trans Women at the Center” presents the next wave of new plays through this theatrical recording of the 5th annual Black Trans Women at the Center: Virtual New Play Festival. Witness the symphony of voice rising to claim their rightful place at the forefront of the theatrical landscape led by the visionary Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Ensemble member Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi. The festival will feature a staged streaming of her new work Shapeshifter. Then “Kokomo City” on Tuesday November 11th directed by D. Smith & featuring Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell, Dominique Silver will takes place at 7P with a post-film panel discussion with guests from The Theater Offensive. Concluding with the classic documentary “Paris Is Burning” directed by Jennie Livingston & featuring Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Venus Xtravaganza, Octavia St. Laurent with post-film panel discussion with guests from The Theater Offensive & moderated by Rev. Irene Monroe. Watch our nonpartisan VOTE PSA we produced with Rev. Irene Monroe.  
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John Waters Coolidge Award Honoree

The nonprofit Coolidge Corner Theatre that has been entertaining & building a vital community through film culture in greater Boston since 1933 is thrilled to announce legendary filmmaker, author & visual artist John Waters as the recipient of the 2024 Coolidge Award. This fabulous event takes Thursday November 21st at 8P at The Coolidge at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA. There will be an onstage conversation with Waters about his life & career conducted by Jared Bowen Emmy award-winning Executive Arts Editor & host of The Culture Show at GBH. The conversation will include a tribute clip reel & will be followed by the presentation of The Coolidge Award. Established in 2004 annual Coolidge Award celebrates a film artist whose work is consistently original & challenging. Past honorees have included Zhang Yimou, Meryl Streep, Thelma Schoonmaker, Jonathan Demme, Werner Herzog & more. John Waters has written & directed sixteen movies including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, Hairspray, Cry Baby, Serial Mom & A Dirty Shame. Both Pink Flamingos & Hairspray have been added to the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Waters is also the author of ten books including Shock Value, Crackpot, Pink Flamingos & Other Trash, Hairspray, Female Trouble & Multiple Maniacs, Art: A Sex Book co-written with Bruce Hainley, Role Models, Carsick, Make Trouble, Mr. Know-It-All & in May, 2022 his first novel, Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance. In 2022, Liarmouth was optioned by Village Roadshow Pictures for John to write & direct the movie. I’ve known John since the 1970’s & he’s always been true to character. Here’s my retro interview I did with John back in 2011. LISTEN  
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