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San Francisco Independent Film Festival

The 27th San Francisco Independent Film Festival takes place both in person & virtually February 6th to 18th with 80 new independent films from the Bay Area & globally. Michael Fox, Film Journalist & Critic stated, "San Francisco IndieFest is the one festival of the year where you should throw a dart at the program & take a chance. Not because you’re guaranteed a masterpiece but because it’s the best fest to see something that would never, ever breach your filter otherwise." The in-person screenings take place at the Roxie Theater at 3117 16th Street & Vogue Theater at 3290 Sacramento Street in San Francisco, CA & start at the published time so plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before showtime as late attendees are not guaranteed seating as empty seats are filled by those in the Rush Line right before showtime. For over 2 decades the San Francisco Independent Film Festival draws crowds over 11,000 attendees & continues to support & celebrate maverick filmmakers & their work. SF IndieFest was founded in 1998 by Jeff Ross when he realized there wasn't a venue available for his friend Rand Alexander to show his film CAGED even though it had played the prestigious Slamdance Film Festival that same year. So Jeff took to the streets & put on a 4-day event financed like many of the films presented with his personal credit cards. The event was welcomed with an audience of over 3,000 people & the following year Indiefest grew to a 9-day event with over 4,200 in attendance. San Francisco Independent Film Festival is a 501c3 non-profit with support from the California Arts Council, San Francisco Grants for the Arts & San Francisco Art Commission. 
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Fighting Back Becomes The New Norm

As you know Trump attempted to wield his executive order power yesterday by blocking federal grants & loans that would devastate the lives of Americans which is so apropos that it falls on the Chinese New Year’s celebration of the year of the Snake that is considered the most tenacious of the 12 zodiac animals. Then we should revisit the meaning of our own historical “Don't Tread On Me" Gadsden American flag with a yellow field depicting a timber rattlesnake coiled & ready to strike. “Don't Tread On Me" is a warning against oppression or interference essentially saying "do not try to control or dominate me" & is most commonly associated with the American Revolutionary War era. If Trump studied American history instead of his Nazi dominance obsession maybe things would be different right now. In the meantime lawsuits are being filed throughout the USA challenging his orders. In the wake all of his anti-LGBTQ executive orders that are headed to court another Motion for Temporary Restraining Order was filed yesterday by Democracy Forward, the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance & SAGE the world's largest & oldest org dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older people. Michael Adams SAGE CEO stated, “Blocking federal grants & loans would devastate the lives of older Americans including LGBTQ+ elders who already face unique challenges. These individuals are more vulnerable to health issues, disabilities & social isolation & often struggle to access the care & services they need. This reckless decision puts entire communities at risk. We must work together now to protect our older neighbors, friends & loved ones before it’s too late.” 
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LGBTQ File Challenge Trans Military Ban

GLAD Law & the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) have filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging Trump’s January 27th order banning transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. The suit Talbott v. Trump was filed on equal protection grounds on behalf of 6 active service members & two individuals actively seeking enlistment. Nicolas Talbott, Army 2nd Lieutenant stated, “When you put on the uniform, differences fall away & what matters is your ability to do the job. Every individual must meet the same objective & rigorous qualifications in order to serve. It has been my dream & my goal to serve my country for as long as I can remember. My being transgender has no bearing on my dedication to the mission, my commitment to my unit or my ability to perform my duties in accordance with the high standards expected of me & every servicemember.” Plaintiffs serve across all branches of the military & are contributing among the highest levels, including a Major, a Captain, a Sergeant & a Navy Pilot. They bring decades of experience, training & education including a West Point education & several master’s degrees. They have decorated careers with commendations ranging from Sailor of the Year & Meritorious Service Medals to Joint Service Commendations & a Bronze Star. Some have been a part of decorated military families spanning generations & have served honorably throughout the country & the world on many deployments. GLAD Law & NCLR led the legal challenge to Trump’s first transgender military ban issued in 2017. Multiple federal courts found that ban to be unconstitutional & blocking it from taking effect for nearly 2 years. President Biden reversed the ban in 2021. 
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Protecting Our LGBTQ Kids In America

With the national bully pulpit targeting our LGBTQ community with executive orders especially our transgender, nonbinary & intersex citizens we have been overwhelmed with concern especially for our LGBTQ youth. GLSEN the leading education organization dedicated to creating safe & inclusive K-12 schools & learning environments for our LGBTQ youth condemns the executive orders & urges LGBTQ youth to know their rights as the incoming Trump administration seeks to intimidate school leaders & foster exclusionary learning environments. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN stated “From its first day, the Trump administration shows its unseriousness. Refusing to grasp the diversity of lived experiences in the United States does not make that rich diversity disappear. His day-one tirades do not erase legal rights afforded to gender-expansive people, but it seeks to set a dangerous precedent: that a person’s gender can be intrusively questioned in an effort to force them out of public life. The goal here is to erase free expression in pursuit of a fruitless quest to force America into a small-minded & ahistorical understanding of gender roles. LGBTQ+ people in America don't back down to bullies & will not surrender in silence or deny the expression of our or any child’s authentic identity. We will assert our rights & fight to ensure that every child gets to be who they are & their right to learn safely in schools free from violence, harassment & discrimination is defended & expanded.” GLSEN is a multi-racial intergenerational LGBTQ organization working nationally & locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Since 1990 GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ students across the United States & helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ issues in education. 
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Out At The Fair Riverside County Event

Out at the Fair is thrilled to announce the return of its 3rd annual celebration at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival that takes place on Saturday February 15th at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio, California presented by Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino. This vibrant event promises a day filled with entertainment, inclusivity & community pride. The event will be headlined by RuPaul's Drag Race Superstar Scarlet Envy who will dazzle audiences during the iconic Glam Show. Other highlights include OATF® Bingo hosted by the fabulous RuPaul’s Drag Race Judge Deven Green with fabuous emcees Alexander Rodriguez & Landa Plenty. William Zakrajshek, CEO & Founder of Out at the Fair stated, “We strive to create a day filled with activities for everyone, showcasing the amazing talent the LGBTQ+ community has to offer. It’s more important than ever today to be Out & Proud & we’re excited to make OATF® the first Pride event of the year in California.” Show-stopping performances include hashtag truly, Arena Red Band, KINGQUEEN, Robert Rene, Mariah Counts & the first LGBTQ Mariachi Band, Mariachi Arco-Iris de Los Angeles. The all-ages Out At After Dark Dance Party will feature beats by DJ Lotus. OATF Storytime & an energizing Zumba class with Jonathan will all happening on the Pageant Stage. Out at the Fair® is the premier LGBTQ family-friendly festival at fairs with a mission to create inclusive spaces that celebrate community & pride. OATF® brings together diverse performers, organizations & attendees for a day of fun, unity & entertainment. 
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Executive Orders Target LGBTQ Citizens

With the incoming administration discriminating executive orders were issued that target our LGBTQ community. The most despicable is entitled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism & Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" that declares there are only 2 sexes male & female a claim that ignores both science & lived experience. This exclusionary policy erases critical anti-discrimination protections from transgender people, disregards gender diversity & enforces a narrow definition of sex on government documentation including passports. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) stated, “Simply put, President Trump’s executive orders mark a dangerous turning point for our nation. They represent a deliberate effort to divide the country, erode civil rights protections & make it permissible to target the most vulnerable among us. The impact of these actions will be far-reaching, leaving communities more vulnerable to violence, poverty & systemic injustice….” Ricardo Martinez, Executive Director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) concluded, “The administration is trying to create fear & sow chaos by its statements & orders, but no executive action can change the fundamental truth that transgender people are vital members of our families & communities. Like all people, transgender people deserve dignity, respect & the freedom to live without fear of government-sanctioned harm. A president’s powers are not unlimited – the Constitution, federal courts & our democratic system serve as a bulwark against government overreach. The implementation of today’s order & others that may follow, cannot happen overnight. GLAD Law will use every tool we have to fight for LGBTQ+ people’s rights & for fairness and dignity. We will defend the fundamental principle that equal protection under the law is guaranteed – without exception.”
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What A Difference A Day Makes

It’s difficult to remain nonpartisan in the latest transfer of presidential power but we’re all capable of doing so as we continue to move our democracy forward. Best scenario is to attempt to try to extract the truth from the doom prophecy that was laid on the America people yesterday. It’s important to understand what was really accomplished over the last 4 years. We were a successfully working America in the last administration. Biden left office with employment at the highest level ever. Our economy is so hot it's achieved world envy. Biden created an economy that’s so strong that rather than acknowledging it the new administration can only belittle it but that’s hard to do since the Stock market is also at a record high. Then there’s their gloom & doom of violence in America that happens to be at a 50-year low. They should be able to flip that quickly after pardoning 1500 of the Capitol convicted insurrectionists. Perhaps they will be given new positions to go after the Mexican Cartels. As the new Immigration Czar vows to go after illegal immigrants nationwide, the Southern border has had less illegal immigration since 45 left office. Then the new executive order was signed to begin the process of ending birthright citizenship that is protected by the 14th Amendment an order will likely face legal challenges. Next signed was an executive order against our LGBTQ community proclaiming that the federal government will only recognize two genders & “male” & “female” by the size of people’s reproductive cells. The new American president then ended his speech with “drill baby drill” & adding more gas on the fire signed an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the international Paris Climate Agreement under which countries agreed to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. What a world we’re living in. 
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Revisiting Nondiscrimination Protections

The Supreme Court Bostock ruling in 2020 held that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is equivalent to discrimination on the basis of sex. As a result of the decision Title VII needn’t be amended to prohibit employment discrimination for our LGBTQ workers nationwide. All employers subject to Title VII can no longer discriminate based on a worker's sexual orientation or gender identity regardless of the state or municipality in which they are based. In a new study from Fenway Institute addresses current employment nondiscrimination protections for sexual minority LGBTQ adults after the Supreme Court Bostock ruling. Michael Liu, student researcher at The Fenway Institute & lead author of the research paper stated, “Our findings demonstrate that there are mental health consequences of public policies & laws that determine the fundamental rights of marginalized populations. This suggests that the unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws being proposed & enacted across the country will seriously harm the health of sexual & gender minority people." Alex Keuroghlian, MD, MPH, Director of the Division of Education & Training at The Fenway Institute & the senior author of the JAMA Psychiatry study concluded, "Discrimination in many facets of civic life drives mental health disparities among sexually & gender diverse people. While our study found that the Bostock decision was associated with better mental health among employed sexually diverse people, comprehensive nondiscrimination protections are necessary for sexually and gender diverse populations in all sectors, including education, credit, health care, housing & public accommodations. The Equality Act being considered by the United States Congress would confer such protections." 
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Congress Passes Trans Youth Sports Ban

The U.S. House of Representatives have passed HR 28 the Protection of Women & Girls in Sports Act that restricts transgender students from participating in school athletics. The bill amends the Education Amendments of 1972 so that for the purpose of athletics Title IX’s definition of “sex” only refers to a student’s sex assigned at birth. The bill explicitly states that youth assigned male at birth will not be allowed to participate on school sports teams designated for women & girls. Allison Scott Director of Impact & Innovation at the Campaign for Southern Equality stated, “The passage of HB28 by the U.S. House of Representatives is a cruel & unjust abuse of power that targets a very small number of young people who just want to play school sports with their friends. It’s appalling that one of the first priorities of this new Congress is to bully children with the weight of a federal law. I want to send a clear message to transgender young people & their families: No law can strip you of your inherent dignity & humanity & we will never stop working alongside you & a huge community nationwide to ensure all people can live authentically & with joy. The Senate should do the right thing here, refuse to exclude & marginalize children & reject this legislation.” If the bill becomes law schools that receive federal funding will be forced to exclude transgender young people from school athletics programs. HB28 now heads to the United States Senate. Last month I talked to 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.  LISTEN  
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LGBTQ Equality & Protections Decline

First the social media company Meta announced it would eliminate fact-checking & hate speech guidelines on its sites much like X allowing users to abuse our LGBTQ community online. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, "With these changes, Meta is continuing to normalize anti-LGBTQ hatred for profit." Then yesterday a federal Judge in Kentucky scraped Biden's Title IX rules reversing expansion of protections for our LGBTQ students. Mardi Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality stated, "In a country that values freedom & requires all youth to attend school, this ruling is dangerous & deadly. The court is grossly abusing its power to advance an extreme political agenda that has nothing to do with protecting youth or families. This decision puts countless students across the country at risk. We know that State of Tennessee v. Cardona is just the beginning of the systematic attacks that transgender youth & all LGBTQ people & families will experience over the next four years & possibly decades to come. To our young people, I want to make something very clear. Rocky Mountain Equality & countless other organizations across the country, including the National Women’s Law Center, will continue to fight for you." Biden’s changes took effect last August but only in 24 states. With George W. Bush appointed Judge Danny C. Reeves of the Eastern District of Kentucky the ruling stated, “The entire point of Title IX is to prevent discrimination based on sex. Throwing gender identity into the mix eviscerates the statute & renders it largely meaningless.” Sadly Thursday’s decision will affect the entire country.
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The Best of Ann Hampton Callaway

Ann Hampton Callaway brings her new show “The Best of Ann Hampton Callaway” to 54 Below in NYC live on Friday January 10th at 9:30P with livestream availability. The Tony nominated singer-songwriter will dazzle with highlights from her hit shows The Streisand Songbook, Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the ‘70s, The Linda Ronstadt Songbook, To Ella with Love, From Sassy to Divine: The Sarah Vaughan Project & Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics & Originals. Callaway stated, “I am so excited to kick off the New Year with my new show, ‘The Best of Ann Hampton Callaway’. While showcasing my musical passions, I will be spotlighting great singers & songwriters with fresh takes on beloved songs. With my friend Billy Stritch on the keys leading the band, this show is destined to rouse, move & delight my cherished audiences who are with me in person & via livestream at New York’s famed 54 Below!” Callaway will perform with her trio led by Grammy-winner Billy Stritch on piano, Tim Horner on drums & Martin Wind on bass. Billy Stritch added, “I’m so excited to welcome the New Year with my dear pal Ann Hampton Callaway. We always have a good time & you will too!” Nothing is more soothing than music in these transitional times so come see a superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Streisand & Ronstadt for the sheer vocal beauty just as Ella Fitzgerald was the greatest jazz singer of her era so too is the magnificent Ann Hampton Callaway today. 
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Lea DeLaria Out Rage In San Francisco

Emmy winner Lea DeLaria the multi-faceted comedian, actor & jazz musician is returning to San Francisco for one night only on January 18th with her brand new cabaret show "Out Rage" kicking off the 2nd season of programming at The Chan National Queer Arts Center for 2 shows at 6P & 8:30P. Lea will be addressing WTF is happening in the world just 2 days before the inauguration by bringing her Sicilian rage, sharp tongue & musical prowess to the city where she began her career in San Francisco’s Mission District in 1982. DeLaria holds the distinction of being the first openly gay comic on television in America & earning a place in our hearts from her 3 time SAG Award Winning role as Carrie Big Boo Black in the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Joining Lea at The Chan National Queer Arts Center will be featured artists Chris Grasso on piano, Marco Panascia on bass & Shirazette Tinnin on drums. In 2012 I talked with Lea in this exclusive audio interview about her personal commitment is to LGBTQ civil rights, Lea stated, “Everything I’ve done, every step I’ve taken has been to further a positive perception of queers within the world…Someone has to be that person for those little butches out there to see. That one is going to be me every time.” Tickets for DeLaria’s 18+ new cabaret show "Out Rage" at The Chan National Queer Arts Center located at 170 Valencia Street In San Francisco, CA on January 18th range from $36 for rear seats, standard seats are $52 & $77 for premium seating. Here’s our 2012 retro podcast with Lea DeLaria. LISTEN  
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LGBTQ Sin City Classic Sports Festival

The annual Sin City Classic Sports Festival takes place over Martin Luther King Weekend January 16th to 20th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted by The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) the festival brings together our community for a weekend of competition & camaraderie with at least 19 sports participating in this annual event presented by Lexus. The Sin City Classic kicks off with the Opening Night Registration Party held at the Flamingo Las Vegas with competitions & nightly social events taking place around the city & concluding the weekend with a Closing Party headlined by Spice Girl, DJ, singer & LGBTQ ally Melanie C spinning on stage at the Brooklyn Bowl. Dr. Jason Peplinski, Sin City Classic Co-Executive Director stated, “The Sin City Classic has become a staple of the LGBTQ+ sports community. Each year we work hard to create a safe space for our athletes to gather for a weekend of competition, fun & mostly importantly community. Melanie C has been an icon & advocate to the LGBTQ+ community since the launch of her career. We can’t imagine a better way to close out the largest LGBTQ+ sports festival in the world than by having Melanie C on stage while thousands of athletes, fans & allies come together to dance the night away after a week packed with competition & camaraderie.” For the past 17 years the tournament has grown to include 24 sports & approximately 10,000 athletes & fans. GLASA created the Sin City Classic in 2008 & remains committed to creating the best experience possible for diverse roster of dedicated athletes who participate & the fans & allies to come to enjoy the festival. 
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Mary Bonauto Presidential Citizen Medal

Mary Bonauto the architect of marriage equality in this country & GLAD Law’s Senior Director of Civil Rights & Legal Strategies was among the 20 individuals receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal in a ceremony at the White House. Mary first fought to legalize marriage equality in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut & Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Bonauto stated, “It is an astonishing honor to receive this recognition & to be in the company of other incredible individuals who have had such a significant impact on the lives of Americans. The Presidential Citizens Medal represents something fundamental: that we each have a role to play in fulfilling our country’s promises of equality, dignity & freedom. I stand alongside so many courageous individuals who fought for the right to marry & others across our nation who share a deep desire that all of our community members be treated with fairness & dignity. This recognition today is a testament to the profoundly positive impact marriage equality has had on individuals, families & communities across our country.” Another attorney & LGBTQ advocate recipient was Evan Wolfson who also was on the forefront for marriage equality. Wolfson concluded, “As we prepare to mark 10 years since the US Supreme Court ruling ensured marriage for same-sex couples nationwide, I’m honored to see the profoundly positive impact that the freedom to marry has had for so many families across the country & for the LGBTQ community & American people as a whole.” Liz Cheney was also honored. Photo Credit John Huet 
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Rev. Richard Emmanuel Exits (AUDIO)

I’m extremely sad to report that my dear friend & visionary Reverend Richard Emmanuel passed on December 28th 2024. I first encountered Richard in the 1960’s when his paintings were on display at his mother’s gallery in Rocky Neck one of the oldest art colonies in the USA where my grandmother also had a gallery in Gloucester, MA. I was so impressed by his work especially after my mother proclaimed “This Boy is an Artist” which determined me to know him better that began our decades-long relationship. When he acquired & founded The Church in 1968 I was involved in his first dramatic production & we participated in heated conversations about spiritual growth & consciousness in pursuit of the meaning of life over the next 6 decades. Emmanuel’s The Church evolved into a "spiritual metaphysical bus stop", meeting house & counseling center for the greater Gloucester community & beyond. We shared each other’s belief systems especially questioning the uncomfortable truths that western religions continue the patriarchal myth that males are superior to the females of the human species. As our relationship developed over the years I thought what a fascinating world this is to have such creative people as Richard around & over my lifetime I realize that no one comes near Emmanuel’s truthful perceptions & insights. Emmanuel always reminded me that no humans escape this planet alive & my world is already profoundly different without him. RIP my friend & enjoy your metaphysical galactic journey. Richard was a frequent guest on OUTTAKE VOICES including our last exclusive audio interview when we talked about “Humanity In Crisis” giving us his brutally honest spin on where our world may be headed. LISTEN  
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Modern Military & Executive Orders

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