About Me

Massachusetts Celebrates 21 Years

As our country deals with an administration bent on taking away Americans rights, in Massachusetts May 17th marks the 21st anniversary of marriage equality. It was a watershed moment in the history of civil rights when the landmark Goodridge ruling designated the constitutional right of gay & lesbian marriages in Massachusetts. At midnight on May 17th in 2004 Cambridge, MA became the first city in the United States to issue marriage licenses for gay & lesbian couples. Mary L. Bonauto GLAD’s Senior Director of Civil Rights stated, "When the SJC decided Goodridge, it forever changed the standards for how LGBTQ+ people must be treated under law & raised the bar for equality across the country. This momentous victory would not have happened without the courage, commitment & perseverance of the 14 Goodridge plaintiffs. Their willingness to repeatedly open themselves to public scrutiny, to share the truth of their lives with their neighbors & to face opposition from powerful leaders & institutions, ushered in legal & cultural shifts toward greater acceptance, protection & integration of LGBTQ+ people & families in our communities. We remain grateful for the powerful & empowering efforts of the Goodridge plaintiffs in making marriage equality a reality in Massachusetts & beyond.” I was there & directed & produced this historic award-winning short film “OUTTAKE: Gay Marriage 2004” shot from midnight on May 17th 2004 in Cambridge & throughout the day in Boston when marriage equality officially became the law in Massachusetts. The film became instrumental in the passage of marriage equality globally as we're about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodgeson on June 26th. It was shot by Kirsten Martin & narrated by Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus. WATCH  
No comments:

Jodie Foster Awarded Radcliffe Medal

Oscar winner Jodie Foster added the Radcliffe Medal to her stellar career of accolades on Radcliffe Day 2025 in Cambridge, MA. Since 1987 the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University has awarded the medal annually to an individual who embodies its commitment to excellence, inclusion & social impact. Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard stated, “Jodie has used the power of art to engage with existential questions that define the human experience. She’s also harnessed her craft & the resources it affords her to focus our attention on critical issues & overlooked voices.” In these challenging times Foster who I had the pleasure meeting & congratulating concluded, “What I hope for people now is that they take the gloves off & Harvard has shown that recently & right on. This group of thinkers in these rarified places, where the intellect & the ability to connect really are revered above all else, to really understand that you have the power to use love as a guiding principle & be strategic.” Last year’s award went to Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor with other notable past honorees including Melinda French Gates, Billie Jean King, Hillary Clinton & Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Foster was awarded this year’s prize for her barrier-breaking career & contributions in front of & behind the camera as well as for her support of our LGBTQ community. Following a riveting film industry panel & fabulous testimonial by Diana Nyad, Foster engaged in this keynote conversation with Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Photo by Stacy L. Smith) WATCH   
No comments:

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Boulder County AIDS Project announced their 42nd Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial event will take place Sunday May 18th in Boulder, Colorado. The Interfaith AIDS Coalition (IAC) & Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP) are hosting an in-person Candlelight Vigil remembering people living with HIV. This event is one of thousands of events organized across the world on this day. It is open to the public & participants are invited to arrive at the covered porch of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) located at 1421 Spruce Street in Boulder at 6P. The program will begin shortly afterwards including live music, short reflections by Rev. Amy Ostwald the retired minister of the First Congregational Church & the reading of names of people living with HIV who have died. Musicians for the evening are harpist Susan Conceicao, singer-guitarist Matt Nicodemus & opera singer Alex Sierra. There will then be a silent walk leaving from the covered porch of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) past BCAP on 14th Street to the Boulder County Historic Court House on the Pearl Street Mall then east along Pearl Street to 15th Street ending back at the FUMC’s porch area at 15th & Spruce Streets. Participants will carry signs reminding the public that until there is a cure there is work to do to improve the lives of people living with HIV to minimize transmission & to end HIV-related stigma. After the last names are read aloud participants will be invited to share names of loved ones they would like to remember. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial brings together people in more than 100 countries to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS & highlight the importance of HIV prevention, treatment & support. 
No comments:

US Nonprofit Organizations In Jeopardy

The US House Ways & Means Committee reconciliation markup under H.Con.Res. 114 was released yesterday that includes language from HR 9495 aka the "Nonprofit Killer Bill" from the last Congress. Lia Holland, Campaigns & Communications Director at Fight for the Future stated, "The House is about to hand the Trump administration the ability to strip nonprofits of their 501(c)3 status without any reason or recourse. This is a 5-alarm fire for nonprofits nationwide. If the text of last autumn's H.R. 9495 is passed in the budget, any organization with goals that do not line up with MAGA can be destroyed with a wink from Trump to the Treasury. This terribly thought-out legislation means that under the current administration every environmental, racial justice, LGBTQ+, gender justice, immigration justice & particularly any anti-genocide organization throughout the country may be on the chopping block & in the future, the same shadow will fall on organizations that sit outside of more liberal ideological lines. This is a first amendment issue—no President should have the right to destroy nonprofits for no reason. We urge lawmakers to insist that section 112209 is struck from the FY 2025 budget reconciliation before it moves forward.” A previous version of the "Nonprofit Killer Bill" set the Internet on fire this last fall with 100+ organizations condemning it & demands for action from the NAACP to Greenpeace. Democratic Committee members Reps. Brad Schneider (IL), Tom Suozzi (NY) & Jimmy Panetta (CA) need to reverse their previous "Yes" vote on H.R. 9495 & recognize the dire threat that their support of section 112209 would pose to all the causes they say they support. The budget that includes this language goes to markup on today May 13th at 2P EST.
No comments:

The Prom Musical Revival Rocks Boston

Last night I attended a fabulous sold-out performance of The Prom at America’s oldest community theater The Footlight Club founded in 1877. It was a brilliant production directed by Jill Tokac with music direction by Evelyn Tomaro & choreography by Chad Flahive. The Prom is based on a true story following 4 Broadway actors lamenting their days of fame as they travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom. While The Prom is based on one specific story unfortunately similar discriminatory practices continue today across our country. The stellar cast rivaling anything I’ve seen on Broadway includes Samantha Hughson as Emma Nolan, Nick Panagiotou as Barry Glickman, Cynthia Krebs Lee as Dee Dee Allen, Matty Finn as Trent Oliver, Melinda Mogel as Angie Dickinson, Liv Bartolomei as Alyssa Greene, Paul Murphy as Principle Hawkins, Jocelyn Hesse as Mrs. Greene, River Armstrong as Sheldon, Emma Salinas as Kaylee, Maria Barrett as Shelby, Lucas Coura as Kevin & Dom Pappagallo as Nick. The Prom was written by Chad Beguelin & Bob Martin with a score by Chad Beguelin & Matthew Sklar with the original concept by Jack Viertel. The Footlight Club run continues on May 11th, 16th & 17th & tickets are extremely reasonable at $30. I talked to Caitlin Kinnunen who originated the role of Emma on Broadway in this exclusive podcast about making history when she performed a scene from the play at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & kissed her co-star during the live performance. LISTEN  
No comments:

Nashville Love & Acceptance Concert

Groundbreaking country star Ty Herndon announced a new round of performers including Ingrid Andress, Billy Gilman, Tiera Kennedy & Runaway June confirmed to take the stage for the 10th anniversary of the Concert for Love & Acceptance. They join previously announced performances by pop-country sensation Dasha as well as David Archuleta, Brooke Eden, Lindsay Ell & Sam Williams. The annual event takes place in partnership with GLAAD Monday June 2nd at 7:30P at Category 10—formerly the Wildhorse Saloon. Herndon stated, “CMA Fest is such a sacred week for country music lovers & we’re honored to be able to kick the week off for the fans with a night of music that brings us together & reminds us that we have a whole lot more in common than what divides us. This is a night about putting differences aside & coming together to say we’re all God’s children & our job is to love & accept one another.” Founded in 2015 the Concert for Love & Acceptance has become a premier event during the week of CMA Fest dedicated to fostering a more inclusive country music community. Proceeds from the event support Ty Herndon’s Foundation For Love & Acceptance which focuses on supporting the LGBTQ community alongside support for mental health, addiction & trauma recovery. Orgs that have benefited from the Foundation include GLAAD, MusiCares, ACM Lifting Lives, the Oasis LGBTQ Youth Center in Nashville, Bianca Page Day & more. The 10th anniversary Concert For Love & Acceptance is presented in partnership with Music City PrEP Clinic, Rooted Recovery Stories with Patrick Custer & Southern Pride Process, LLC with additional support from Chris Watson Travel.
No comments:

Provincetown Film Festival 27th Year

The Provincetown International Film Festival is celebrating 27 years & runs Wednesday June 11th to Sunday June 15th in Provincetown, MA. This year’s Filmmaker on the Edge is director Ari Aster. Aster will be in Provincetown to receive the award in conversation with resident artist John Waters on Saturday June 14th ahead of the nationwide release of his new film “Eddington” on July 18th. Anne Hubbell, PIFF’s Executive Director stated, "Ari Aster’s films weave grief, beauty & dread into unforgettable cinematic experiences. We’re excited to welcome Ari to Provincetown for a thrilling conversation about his dynamic filmography.” It was also announced that Emmy Award-winning actor & Provincetown local Murray Bartlett will be honored with this year’s Excellence in Acting Award. The star of “The White Lotus” is known for his expansive work in HBO’s “The Last of Us”, “Looking” & Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales”. Murry will receive the honor in conversation with Academy Award-nominated producer & prior PIFF Filmmaker on the Edge honoree Christine Vachon on Saturday June 14th. Andrew Peterson, PIFF Director of Programming added, “Murray Bartlett has distinguished himself as a remarkable talent, bringing depth & authenticity to every role. Murray demonstrates a rare ability to connect with audiences through vulnerability, humor & strength. We’re thrilled to honor him this year." PIFF also announced that Eva Victor & River Gallo will receive this year's Next Wave Awards. Lisa Viola PIFF Artistic Director concluded, “Eva Victor & River Gallo represent the very essence of independent artistry. With our Next Wave Awards, we are incredibly proud to celebrate their diverse talents as both creators & powerful leads in each of their original debut features." 
No comments:

SCOTUS Purges 15K Service Members

The Supreme Court of the United States has granted the current administration’s April 24th motion for an emergency stay in United States v. Shilling allowing the purge of transgender service members from the military to proceed while the case is still being heard in the courts. Now thousands of transgender Americans will now lose their jobs, their commands, their promotions, their training, pay & benefits & careers. Their units will lose key players & missions will be disrupted causing irreparable harm. Jennifer Levi GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender & Queer Rights stated, “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the military ban to go into effect is devastating for the thousands of qualified transgender servicemembers who have met the standards & are serving honorably, putting their lives on the line for their country every single day. Today’s decision only adds to the chaos & destruction caused by this administration. It’s not the end of the case, but the havoc it will wreak is devastating & irreparable. History will confirm the weight of the injustice done today.” Shannon Minter NCLR Legal Director concluded, “The Court has upended the lives of thousands of servicemembers without even the decency of explaining why. As a result of this decision, reached without benefit of full briefing or argument, brave troops who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country will be targeted & forced into harsh administrative separation process usually reserved for misconduct. They have proven themselves time & time again & met the same standards as every other soldier, deploying in critical positions around the globe. This is a deeply sad day for our country.” 
No comments:

Franklin E. Kameny Centennial Event

In honor of Frank Kameny’s 100th birthday 100 demonstrators will raise candles in activism & remembrance on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on May 21st from 11:15A to 2P. They will be joined by prominent national LGBTQ leaders carrying picket signs, many of which will include messages from the early iconic LGBTQ protests. This event is a historic celebration organized by LGBT History Month in collaboration with national partner organizations. Franklin E. Kameny was the chief strategist & founder of the LGBTQ civil rights movement. A first-generation American who was born in NYC May 21st 1925 Kameny became a decorated World War II veteran & earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He made enumerable lifelong contributions to LGBTQ equality. Kameny fought to overturn the ban on gay & lesbians in federal employment & filed the first LGBTQ equality brief with the United States Supreme Court. He cofounded organizations that would become the National LGBTQ Task Force & the Washington Blade. He led seminal protests & coined the slogan “Gay Is Good” at a time when LGBTQ people were vilified as deviants. He waged a successful effort to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness. He remained a prominent activist until his death in 2011. Honorary National Co-Chairs of this event are Senator Tammy Baldwin the first out U.S. Senator & Jim Obergefell the Supreme Court Marriage Equality Plaintiff as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of marriage equality this year. 100 activists & national leaders will hold vintage picket signs and 100 flameless birthday candles at the Supreme Court to honor Kameny & demonstrate the unity of the LGBTQ Civil Rights movement. WATCH  
No comments:

NEA Future Funding Challenged

The current administration proposes the full elimination of the National Endowment For The Arts (NEA) in their budget to Congress for 2026. The Creative Coalition, dedicated to advancing the arts as a fundamental pillar of American society opposes this shortsightedness & urges Congress to reject it by preserving funding for the NEA for the upcoming fiscal year. Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition stated, “The arts are not a luxury; they are a necessity for a thriving society. Alongside preserving & spreading our cultural heritage, arts exposure results in higher academic achievement, social cohesion & mental wellness. NEA-supported programs bring these benefits through visual arts, music, theater & dance to American communities. Slashing arts funding would endanger not only these benefits but also the cultural legacy we pass on to future generations.” Robin Bronk, CEO of the Creative Coalition concluded, “Defunding the arts isn’t just a cultural loss — it’s a fiscal mistake. When the NEA makes a $1 investment, it returns $9 to the community in lipstick, lumber & light bulbs. If we eliminate the NEA, we risk losing the community centers & arts entrepreneurs, not in big cities, but on Main Streets in small towns all across this country. We urge lawmakers to protect this essential investment in our identity, economy & future.” Additionally, the NEA is a grassroots investment in the arts & culture industry as well as one of America’s highest-value exports that results in a $22.6 billion trade surplus. Founded in 1989 The Creative Coalition is the nation’s premier nonprofit org dedicated to advancing the arts as a fundamental pillar of American society. For More Info… 

No comments:

HHS Report Challenges Trans Youth Care

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has released a 400-page report entitled “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria” attempting to discredit gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The report comes at the request of the new administration through an executive order seeking to ban lifesaving medical care for transgender people. Sinead Murano-Kinney, Health Policy Analyst at Advocates for Trans Equality stated, “This report, initiated by the Trump administration’s January 28th Executive Order, is a deeply ideological & politically motivated distortion of scientific evidence. It lacks the substantial time, rigorous & objective assessments & strong methodological tools that literature reviews require & it fails to maintain even a thin veneer of intellectual rigor or objectivity. Public health policy should be achieved through evidence-based constructions of policy, not policy-based constructions of evidence. Although it has become nakedly clear that scientific integrity is not valued by this administration.” Caleb Smith, Center for American Progress added, “This report wants so badly to be mistaken for expertise—but that’s impossible for 400 pages of rambling, incoherent, dangerous propaganda that waxes poetic about conversion therapy & anti-trans activists. Let’s follow the science here. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, life-saving care. No politically motivated MAGA report can change that.” Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD’s President & CEO concluded, “A report in the suggestion that someone’s authentic self & who they are can be ‘changed’ is discredited junk science. This so-called guidance is grossly misleading & in direct contrast to the recommendation of every leading health authority in the world. This report amounts to nothing more than forcing the same discredited idea of conversion therapy that ripped families apart & harmed gay, lesbian & bisexual young people for decades.” 
No comments:

Boston Spirit Annual Networking Event

The 17th annual Boston Spirit Executive Networking Night returns for an evening of networking & conversation on May 14th at the Marriott Boston Copley Place from 6P to 9P. This is a very special event to join more than 1,000 corporate professionals & 50 exhibitors for a great night of networking. There will also be a powerful panel presentation with leaders from the nonprofit world & government for an important discussion addressing our LGBTQ community. David Zimmerman, Publisher of Boston Spirit Magazine stated, “This year we have a remarkable panel presentation planned for the event. In response to the recent wave of anti-LGBT legislation & Executive Orders, Boston Spirit has assembled a panel of national leaders to inspire hope, to report on what they are doing to fight for LGBT rights & equality & to give us all a much-needed boost of energy & excitement as we continue to stand up for what is right!” The panel will include Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Ricardo Martinez GLAD Executive Director, JoDee Winterhof HRC Vice President Legislative Affairs & ACLU attorney James Esseks. There is no other event in New England that is similar to Boston Spirit’s Executive Networking Night event & this promises to be a very special, important night & one not to miss. Many of the attending exhibitors are also hiring so if you are in the market for a new career be sure to bring resumes & business cards. There will also be free appetizers & a cash bar. To attend you must register as we all come together & show our power & resilience. 
No comments:

Janis Ian Film Brings Us Back & Forward

In this new must-see documentary “Janis Ian: Breaking Silence” available on VOD platforms April 29th, director Varda Bar-Kar takes the audience on an intimate journey over decades from Ian’s perspective. Through Janis’s narrative, archival footage, dramatic reenactments & celebrity interviews an important retrospect is presented for our viewing consumption. I first became aware of Janis Ian in 1965 with her hit single "Society's Child" a song about an interracial relationship written & recorded by Ian when she was just 13 which was later featured on her debut album in 1967 with cover art above by Joseph Solman. The film begins with an introduction by Leonard Bernstein who learned of Ian after she performed "Society's Child" at “The Gaslight” during the vibrant Greenwich Village music scene of 1960’s. The intro was part of a segment of “Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution” a 1967 CBS television special about new pop music. The documentary then addresses the turbulent civil rights movement of our past, through Vietnam War protests & into the current wave of achieving equality for all. One of the most significant factor in this documentary is showing a talented female artist's lifelong survival in this world by staying true to their art & themselves. There are notable interviews with Joan Baez, Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, Laurie Metcalf & many more Janis encountered during her journey. Janis Ian won her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1976 for “At Seventeen” & her 2nd Grammy Award in 2013 at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio book "Society's Child” when I talked to her about her career in this exclusive audio interview. LISTEN 
No comments:

Drama Desk Awards Benefit Event

The 2025 Annual Drama Desk Awards benefitting the Entertainment Community Fund have announced that stage & screen stars Debra Messing & Tituss Burgess will host the event that takes place on Sunday June 1st at NYU Skirball 566 LaGuardia Place in NYC beginning at 6:15P. The creative team for this year’s Drama Desk Awards has also been announced. Lorin Latarro (The Who’s Tommy; The Heart of Rock and Roll; The Producers in the West End) returns as director of the evening and Steve Rosen & David Rossmer (The Other Josh Cohen) will again be writing the show. Musical direction is by Dan Lipton, lighting design is by Abby May, production management & sound design is by Five Ohm & video design is by Ido Levran (The Lifespan of a Fact), Ira Mont (Jagged Little Pill) is the production stage manager. Co-Executive Producers Staci Levine & Jessica R. Jenen stated, “We are absolutely thrilled that Debra Messing & Tituss Burgess are hosting this year’s Drama Desk Awards, along with a stellar creative team led by Lorin Latarro. The Drama Desk Awards are a very special event, celebrating the entire theater community. With all net proceeds donated to the Entertainment Community Fund, the Drama Desk Awards benefit the very community being celebrated." The Drama Desk Awards are the only major NYC theater awards for which productions on Broadway, Off Broadway & Off-Off Broadway compete against each other in the same categories honoring all aspects of New York’s professional theater. The Drama Desk Nominations will be announced on Wednesday April 30th. 
No comments:

Mamie Van Doren Feature Documentary

It’s been announced that a new documentary is in the works about the life of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars Mamie Van Doren who is on board as executive producer. The film entitled “Mamie Exposed! The Life & Loves of the Last Blonde Bombshell” is the first authorized documentary of the legendary Van Doren & is being produced by Alan Eichler, Stephen Israel & Marc Saltarelli who also directs. This is the same team that brought audiences the award-winning 2024 documentary “Studio One Forever.” Van Doren stated, “I have been fiercely private my whole life & at 94 I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind & reveal intimacies, secrets & never before shared moments from my incredible life as the last original Hollywood Blonde Bombshell. Marc Saltarelli & his exceptional team are truly talented stewards of my documentary life story. Together we’re going to reveal & celebrate a provocative, entertaining, & indelible life journey.” Marc Saltarelli concluded, “It’s an absolute honor to collaborate with the magnificent Mamie Van Doren to tell her life story – for the first time authorized for the big screen. She’s a true Hollywood trailblazer & pioneer silver screen goddess. I can’t wait to celebrate her uncompromising life & also share many surprising moments that the public has never been privy too before.” Still dynamically engaged with contemporary culture into her 90’s Van Doren has an active online presence. In 2024 she released the bestselling single with orchestral band Pink Martini "I told ya I love ya, now get out!" on Heinz Records. The film currently in production will be completed by the end of 2025.
No comments:

Victory Fund DC National Brunch Event

Tim Gunn will be joining U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride & U.S. Rep. Mark Takano at the Victory Fund’s National Champagne Brunch that takes place Sunday April 27th at The Ritz Carlton Washington, DC from 11A to 2P. Tim as the beloved mentor from Project Runway is a champion of self-expression & a powerful voice for authenticity. Now he’s bringing his wisdom, charm & signature “make it work” attitude to Victory Fund’s biggest event of the year. Other feature speakers will also include U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, U.S. Rep. Emily Randall, U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, California Attorney General Rob Bonta & Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. In these challenging times this is more than a fabulous event it’s a call to action. Victory Fund is working tirelessly to elect & support LGBTQ leaders at every level of government as they ensure our voices are heard where decisions are made. Your attendance helps fuel that mission & empowers the next generation of LGBTQ candidates. At a time when our rights are under attack & our democracy hangs in the balance LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is fighting back as the only national organization working to elect out LGBTQ leaders at all levels of government who will stand up for us in the halls of power. The Victory Fund recruits, trains & supports pro-choice LGBTQ candidates who will make a difference in our communities. Since 1991 LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has helped elect thousands of LGBTQ people to positions at all levels of government. These LGBTQ voices have made significant contributions to advancing equality for LGBTQ Americans from passing non-discrimination laws to defeating amendments to ban marriage equality. 
No comments:

Stonewall National Museum Events

Rita Mae Brown author of the 1973 autobiographical classic novel “Rubyfruit Jungle” will be the star of 2 exclusive Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library events during Wilton Women’s Week & Lesbian Visibility Week. Both events take place on Sunday April 27th starting with ‘Here’s to the Ladies Who Brunch’ that takes place starting at 11:30A followed by 'An Afternoon with Rita Mae Brown’ from 2P to 3:30P at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Funds raised will help further support efforts by The Stonewall National Women's Fund to ensure parity between women & men in the archives, library, programing & exhibitions on a national scale. Every story needs to be told if we are truly respective of our history & culture. The Women's Fund operates chapters across the country. I met Rita Mae Brown when I escorted her to a Gay & Lesbian fundraiser back in the 1980’s in NYC. Now 80 Rita isn’t slowing down, actually just last month she helped launch Stonewall National Museum’s The Banned Aide Project a social media campaign banding people together to “free” banned books locked out of America’s public schools & libraries. Brown has received multiple accolades including the Writer’s Guild of America Award for I Love Liberty. In 2015 she received the Lambda Literary Pioneer Award for her LGBT+ literature & the Lee Lynch Classic Book Award. Attendees of these fabulous events will get a one-of-a-kind personal look into Brown’s career as an author, a life-long activist & the importance of continuing to fight for an equal future for all. 
No comments:

Reflections Of Pope Francis Passing

Waking up to the news of Pope Francis passing I felt an immediate loss of one of the last compassionate gatekeepers on Earth. The first news I heard from our LGBTQ community was from the UK’s Peter Tatchell Foundation. Tatchell stated, “I extend my condolences to Catholics worldwide on the passing of Pope Francis. While we often disagreed on issues of LGBT+ rights, I acknowledge his more compassionate tone towards sexual minorities. His recent moves to allow blessings for same-sex couples, albeit with limitations, signaled a small but significant shift in Church doctrine.” Then I turned on “Good Morning America” to see a segment with Father James Martin, S.J. the founder of Outreach & the editor at large of America Media who shared his documentary “Building a Bridge” with our global OUTTAKE VOICES™ audience in 2022. I talked to Martin about his 2019 meeting with Pope Francis in our podcast when he & Pope Francis discussed LGBTQ issues. When Martin asked Pope Francis “Holy Father, is there anything I can do for you?” Pope Francis replied, “Yes, you can continue your ministry—in peace.” Today James Martin, S.J. reflected on Pope Francis’ request stating, “I have tried to do that ever since & will try to continue to do so, now with his prayers. Thank you, Pope Francis, for your kindness to me, for your kindness to our LGBTQ brothers & sisters & for your kindness to millions of people around the world. May you rest in peace with the Father who loved you into being; with Jesus, in whose Society you labored for so long & with the Holy Spirit, whose voice you listened to in the lives of those who prayed for a pope who would finally listen to them.” LISTEN  
1 comment:

American Revolution 250th Anniversary

In the midst of America’s Constitutional Crisis, in Massachusetts where our freedom in this country began, we're celebrating our historic 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution on this epic Patriots’ Day Weekend. Massachusetts is celebrating this milestone with events that honor unity, history & the enduring spirit of revolution & liberty. Governor Maura Healey stated, “This anniversary is a chance for Massachusetts to remind the world where the fight for liberty began. Patriots’ Day weekend invites us all to reflect on our past, honor those who stood for freedom & celebrate the values that continue to shape our democracy today. We welcome everyone to experience this historic occasion and take pride in the state’s enduring legacy as the place where liberty lives.” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, “This Patriots’ Day, we’re not just looking back, we’re rallying together to celebrate the revolutionary spirit that still defines Massachusetts. It’s a chance for all of us to share in the story, the energy & the pride of being part of something bigger.” Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism concluded, “Massachusetts will be the place to be this Patriots’ Day weekend. Whether you are stepping back in time at a Revolutionary War reenactment, diving into our vibrant cultural celebrations or cheering on runners at the iconic Boston Marathon, there’s no better time to explore all the history, energy & hometown pride our state has to offer. Come be a tourist in your own backyard or make Massachusetts your Revolutionary destination.” The 250th American Revolution Anniversary weekend events include reenactments, parades & the 129th Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon concludes the weekend 250th anniversary celebration on Monday April 21st.
No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Featured Post

Massachusetts Celebrates 21 Years

As our country deals with an administration bent on taking away Americans rights, in Massachusetts May 17th marks the 21st anniversary of ma...

Popular Posts