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Trans Comedy Tour Hitting All 50 States

With the national attack on our transgender community trans activists, comedians & performers are coming together for a nationwide tour to champion trans visibility while supporting local LGBTQ orgs. The first-of-its-kind comedy tour will hit all 50 states using humor as a powerful form of protest & kicks off March 1st led by trans comedian Ren Q. Dawe. The “Here to Pee Tour” features an all-trans lineup performing in states with anti-trans legislation aiming to uplift trans voices, foster community & spark critical conversations about trans rights all while delivering unforgettable comedy with a documentary crew capturing the journey. Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone the first openly trans elected official in Colorado stated, “This is exactly the kind of medicine our country needs right now. As trans folks around the country fear the new laws popping up in & around their states, this tour brings relief to their door. Crossing the state line may be outside the comfort zone for some trans folks in some states. I see this tour as an inspiration & a protest. For so long, trans folks were the “jokes” & you were hard pressed to find a trans comedian. This empowering tour faces the bad history and the current political turmoil head on.” The increase of organized attacks on American LGBTQ citizens especially our trans citizens have advocacy groups scrambling for the necessary resources to support & protect our communities. The organizers & performers on the tour are committed to helping local communities by donating a percentage of ticket proceeds to local nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ+ community & provide direct service to trans individuals. 
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Bruce Vilanch New Book Event (AUDIO)

Emmy winner Bruce Vilanch will be holding a special reading & book signing of his fabulous new book ‘It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time’ on March 11th at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The 6-time Emmy Award-winning writer served as the head writer for the Academy Awards back when they were fabulous & clever. (Let’s see what the Oscars bring this Sunday & we'll surely be missing our friend Laverne Cox on the E! Red Carpet.) Community is so important these days so if you’re in FLA this sounds like a must-attend event. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum President & CEO stated, “Bruce Vilanch brings a unique style & viewpoint to his comedy. That has created a legacy allowing him to be an important advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His talent is well recognized & gives him credibility when he takes on the serious issues facing our community & issues. We expect a lot of laughs at this book reading & signing. Bruce never disappoints. He is the consummate professional & can turn almost anything into a humorous story. This has made his efforts combatting homophobia palatable to some of the most uninformed across the nation. Many years ago, Bruce worked with me on a salute to Oscar winning film director, Sidney Lumet, it will be nice to host & interview him on March 11th.” ‘It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time’ is a fascinating & fabulous look into the infamous projects Bruce worked on including The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White at the Oscars & The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. I talked with Bruce on OUTTAKE VOICES back in 2016 about what he was up to & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Carl Baloney Jr. New AIDS United CEO

AIDS United has announced that Carl Baloney Jr. the current vice president for public affairs & chief policy officer at the org will succeed the retiring Jesse Milan Jr. after 4 decades of unwavering commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS in July. Eugene McCray, M.D., Chair of AIDS United’s board of trustees stated, “The leadership transition at AIDS United follows a planned & deliberate process one that Jesse & the board carefully aligned on through the succession plan we created in 2023. We recognized that Jesse could not stay forever & AIDS United needed a successor with political acumen, deep organizational knowledge & skills & a strong commitment to the populations we aim to impact most. Given Carl Baloney Jr.’s decade-long tenure at AIDS United & his deep roots in policy & advocacy, the board recognized a clear path forward by promoting from within the pipeline of emerging leaders. Carl’s preparedness & strong relationships with funders & his dedication to advancing health equity & social justice solidified our confidence in this decision. There is no doubt that Carl will hit the ground running & continue serving this organization & the movement with excellence.” As a Black gay man from the Deep South Carl Baloney Jr. is an advocate for policy solutions that improve the living & social conditions of disenfranchised communities especially in the Southern region. Baloney joined AIDS United in 2015 to lead its federal advocacy portfolio through strategic collaboration. AIDS United is committed to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States through strategic grantmaking, advocacy & capacity building. Baloney’s new position will take effect July 2nd 2025. 
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Equality Florida Champion For Children

Equality Florida Institute has been selected as the national winner of the 2025 National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Champion for Children award. The prestigious national honor follows Equality Florida having been selected by the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP) as the only nominee from Florida this year. Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director of Equality Florida stated, "It's an incredible honor to be chosen as the recipient of this year's award, especially at a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer & especially transgender young people are facing relentless attacks. Amidst all of the hateful rhetoric our LGBTQ+ young people are living through on a daily basis, this honor stands as a beacon of hope for them & their families & a reminder that they are loved & valued.” Dr. Noelle DeLaCruz, Equality Florida’s Senior Manager of Health Equity added, “As a school psychologist, receiving recognition from NASP was especially meaningful & I was deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of our team. The need for mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth & families has never been more urgent. This recognition underscores the importance of providing affirming, trauma-informed care & advocating for best practices that ensure every child has access to safe schools, supportive homes & quality care so they can truly thrive.” Equality Florida's advocacy has a strong collaboration with the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP) in providing essential training & co-hosting initiatives that prioritize the needs of LGBTQ youth. Dr. Joe Latimer FASP President concluded, “Equality Florida ensures that our educational, healthcare & community settings are equipped to stand up & protect our LGBTQ+ young people when challenges arise. FASP values its partnership with Equality Florida & is so pleased to see their work recognized at the national level." 
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Being There With Jane Fonda (VIDEO)

I met Jane Fonda when I escorted her to her car after a taping at WCVB in Boston back in the 70’s. She was sporting her Klute shag & I was in awe. Last night watching her accept her Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sag Awards & listening to her brave & bold acceptance speech was inspirational. Fonda began her speech stating “I made my first movie in 1958. It was at the tail end of McCarthyism, when so many careers were destroyed. Today, it’s helpful to remember, though, that Hollywood resisted.” Then Fonda brought it home stating, "Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke & by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people. A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way. So, let’s be brave. This is a good time for a little Norma Rae or Karen Silkwood or Tom Joad. We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project & inspire a vision for the future, one that is beckoning & welcoming… Have any of you ever watched a documentary of one of the great social movements — apartheid or civil rights or Stonewall & ask yourself, would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge? We don’t have to wonder anymore. We are in our documentary moment. This is it & it’s not a rehearsal!” So let’s all come together at this moment & stand with brave Americans who are willing to speak up & fight for love, democracy & our country. Watch Fonda’s Speech... 
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Mardi Gras Glow Under the Sea Event

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area & want to escape from politics for a bit experience this outrageous evening of decadence & fun in the true spirit of Mardi Gras with San Francisco's Krewe de Kinque Mardi Gras Club. This year’s theme for the annual Krewe de Kinque Bal Masque is “Mardi Glow Under the Sea” that takes place on Saturday March 1st from 6P to 9P at The Cafe 2369 Market Street at Castro Street in San Francisco benefiting the LA Fire Survivors Migrant Aid Fund. Expect wild costumes, outrageous performances, regal Kings & Queens & sexy shenanigans by the West Coast's authentic krewe. Festive attire encouraged (formal not required) for a costumed tableaux show, state of the art lights & sound, festive decor by Sparky's balloons with DJ Brian Busta spinning & full bar service. Grand Marshal Brian Busta aka Chickpea will lead a Second Line Parade & the new King & Queen XXII will be crowned at night's end. Bid on exciting silent auction items, take a chance on great raffle prizes, enjoy Jell-O shots & the fun photo booth. Krewe de Kinque (KDK) is a social/charitable club that raises awareness & funds in the spirit of Mardi Gras with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion & emergency needs. Founded in 2004 by Gary Virginia the all-volunteer organization has raised over $150,000 for 45 causes ranging from HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, LGBTQ asylum, local housing & hunger programs to emergency relief. This year’s event will benefit the LA Fire Survivors Migrant Aid Fund. Advanced tickets run from $1,000 for VIP to General Admission $15 in advance & $20 at the door. 
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Stonewall Returns Solid In 2025 (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Cathy Marino-Thomas, Gilbert Baker Foundation board member about the current state of our LGBTQ community especially with our transgender, intersex & non-binary American citizens being targeted by the new administration. Most recently the National Park Service has deleted references to transgender & queer people by removing the “TQ” part of the LGBTQ acronym from the Stonewall National Monument website launching a massive rally in NYC on Valentines Day. There will be another rally taking place this Saturday at the Stonewall National Monument in NYC to protest this blatant petty attack of federal erasure of our LGBTQ community. Marino-Thomas who is one of the rally organizers stresses to our audience that this is no time to stay at home. We need to show up & speak out & not allow 50 years of LGBTQ civil rights progress be ripped away with executive orders attempting to erase our history & our community. The new administration is trying to scapegoat our community in an attempt to distract the country to what is really happening to all of our freedoms. This isn’t the first time our LGBTQ community has been targeted by an administration’s hatred & lack of understanding of who we are. When Republican Dwight Eisenhower was elected President he issued Executive Order 10450 in 1953 that revoked Truman’s Executive Order 9835 of 1947 & dismantled Truman’s Loyalty Board Program. This resulted in 5,000 federal gays & lesbians to be fired in government that began the Lavender Scare witch hunt of the 1950’s & continued until 1975. I talked to Cathy about what can we do to ensure our LGBTQ community moves forward in the current Trump administration & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Michael Adams SAGE CEO 2026 Exit

SAGE has announced that Michael Adams will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer in early 2026 concluding nearly 2 decades of dedicated leadership of the world's preeminent organization solely dedicated to improving the lives of our LGBTQ elders. Adams stated, “It’s been the honor of a lifetime for me to lead SAGE over the last 19 years & to help advance the profoundly important cause of ensuring that LGBTQ+ older people can age with the dignity & support they deserve as the pioneer generation of our community. I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together & as someone who is now old enough to benefit from SAGE’s advocacy & programs, I know that much remains to be done, so I look forward with excitement to the next chapter of this amazing organization.” Under Adams’ leadership SAGE has grown dramatically in size, scope & impact. SAGE’s training & education programs now directly benefit 500,000 LGBTQ elders across the country. The organization established & runs the country’s only National Resource Center on LGBTQ Aging. In 2020 SAGE convinced Congress to amend the Older Americans Act to prioritize LGBTQ older people & SAGE has successfully advocated for important LGBTQ inclusion in laws & policies across the country. Founded in 1978 SAGE has worked to envision a world where LGBTQ elders are valued have limitless opportunities & thrive. They have led the way in advocating for policies, services & resources that empower LGBTQ elders to live openly & authentically. I talked to Michael back in 2016 about his work & vision for our LGBTQ Community. LISTEN  
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Broadway Diva Liz Callaway Performs

Liz Callaway, Tony Award nominee, Emmy winner & newly-minted Grammy nominee made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim's “Merrily We Roll Along” & went on to star in “Baby”, “Miss Saigon”, “The Look of Love”, “The Three Musketeers” & for 5 years appeared as Grizabella in “Cats”. Liz also sang the Academy Award-nominated song "Journey to the Past" in the animated feature “Anastasia”. Now JM Productions in conjunction with Five Star Productions is pleased to present “An Evening With Liz Callaway” a spellbinding sampler platter of what has been described as the voice of a generation on Sunday February 22nd at 8P at the Church of Presidents / United First Parish Church 1306 Hancock Street in Quincy, MA. Liz stated, “It’s been ages since I’ve performed in Boston & I’m so looking forward to singing in Quincy on Saturday night with my one-man orchestra, Alex Rybeck.” Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Callaway in a spectacular concert that highlights her incredible vocal talent & stage presence. Liz showcases her storied career in a concert featuring songs from the Broadway shows she starred in along with songs from her recording career including her Grammy-nominated Sondheim album & her Oscar-nominated hit from “Anastasia”. JM Productions has been dedicated to delivering top-tier entertainment to the Quincy community for over 45 years & this is the 2nd live event in their 2025 Broadway concert series. Tickets run from $40 to $50 for general admission & $60 for VIP seating with a portion of tickets sold to be donated to a charitable organization connected to the LA fires. 
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Presidents Day From Carter To Trump

Before they became POTUS I’ve personally encountered the 39th & 47th presidents. I met Jimmy Carter during his run for the position when I was working on the “Good Day” show at WCVB in Boston. Carter entered the studio extending his hand to me saying “Hi I’m Jimmy Carter & I’m running for president.” I remember thinking back then that this guy hasn’t a chance in hell to win & after one of the most successful media campaigns he won the election & became the 39th president. Though his term was rated with mixed reviews he went on expanding human rights which is what this country was based on earning him the Nobel Peace Prize on 2002. Then while living in NYC I was invited to an intimate screening of a remake of “Christmas in Connecticut” in 1992 directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger & starring Dyan Cannon, Kris Kristofferson & Tony Curtis. I was the plus one for a friend covering the film for the Hollywood Reporter. As we took our seats in walked Trump, Marla Maples & broadcaster Chuck Scarborough taking the seats directly behind us. My thoughts at the time queried Scarborough’s relationship with Trump. After the 90-minute film ended we all proceeded to the afterparty where the Trump entourage acknowledged my leather clad presence with nods as I went on to meet Tony Curtis who couldn’t have been more gracious. Now fast forward 33 years later & a month after Carter’s funeral with 3 weeks since 47 took office protests are taking place in major cities across the U.S. on this (not my) Presidents Day responding to the anti-democratic & illegal actions of the current administration. God only knows how it will all turn out. 
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New Transgender Sports Ban Challenged

GLAD Law & ACLU of NH have asked the court to expand the existing New Hampshire case to include a legal challenge to Trump’s executive orders banning transgender girls from participating in school sports. Trump’s February 5th executive order banning transgender girls & women from athletics is the latest in a series of executive orders & related policy changes deliberately aimed at broadly restricting the rights of trans Americans in public life. Since taking office January 20th his administration has worked to roll back access to non-discrimination protections, health care, equal educational opportunities, military service & vital identity documents for trans US citizens. Henry Klementowicz, Deputy Legal Director at ACLU of NH stated, “We’re expanding our lawsuit to challenge President Trump’s executive orders because, like the state law, it excludes, singles out & discriminates against transgender students & insinuates that they are not deserving of the same educational opportunities as all other students. Every child in New Hampshire & across the country has a right to equal opportunities at school & all students do better when they have access to resources that improve their mental, emotional & physical health.” GLAD Law & the ACLU of NH filed the motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire in the case Tirrell & Turmelle v. Edelblut a federal lawsuit challenging HB 1205 a 2024 state law banning all transgender girls in grades 5-12 from participating in school sports in New Hampshire public schools. Last fall the court ordered that students Parker Tirrell & Iris Turmelle be allowed to play sports during the litigation. 
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Lincoln Diversity Equality & Inclusion

With the current administration announcement to end minting Lincoln pennies we thought that on Abraham Lincoln’s real birthday we’d share a story about the 16th POTUS who served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He led the nation through the last American Civil War which succeeded in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, bolstering the federal government & modernizing the U.S. economy. Let’s celebrate Lincoln’s birthday as we re-revisit the interesting theory that Abraham Lincoln might have been our first LGBTQ president referencing Carl Sandburg who alluded to the early relationship of Lincoln & his friend Joshua Fry Speed as having "a streak of lavender & spots soft as May violets" in his 1926 biography. "Streak of lavender" was a term back then that implied homosexuality. The late legendary activist & playwright Larry Kramer back in 1999 claim that he had uncovered previously unknown documents while conducting research for his work-in-progress The American People: A History claiming to be found hidden in the floorboards of the old store once shared by Lincoln & Joshua Speed. In these beyond challenging times just think how that would affect our current administration with its anti-LGBTQ agenda. A while back I talked with author Lee Wind in this exclusive audio interview about his novel “Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill” that actually centers around Wyatt a 15 year old dealing with his sexuality in a homophobic small town who discovers this theory about Abraham Lincoln's relationship with Joshua Fry Speed a Springfield, Illinois merchant who met Lincoln in 1837. Wyatt can't help feel that if the world knew about this relationship perhaps they would treat our LGBTQ community differently. LISTEN
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Parents Teachers Leaders Rally For Kids

Parents, educators, community leaders & elected officials will gather outside the U.S. Capitol In DC on Wednesday February 12th to take a stand for students & public schools ahead of Trump’s Secretary of Education nominee Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing. If confirmed McMahon will implement Trump’s agenda that includes eliminating the U.S. Department of Education which would dramatically increase class sizes, take resources from our most vulnerable students, enable the passage of voucher schemes across the country, remove vital services away from students with disabilities, cut job-training programs, make higher education more expensive & gut hard-won civil rights protections. During the last few weeks we’ve already experienced Trump’s executive orders that have stripped marginal students’ civil rights protections especially for our LGBTQ kids. McMahon a business executive resigned from her position as World Wrestling Entertainment CEO (WWE) in 2009 to run as a Republican for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut which she lost to Senator Blumenthal. Actually most of the appointees joining the new administration have lost their bids for public office. The rally on Wednesday February 12th will begin at 4:15P on the Capitol Grounds at the corner of Independence Avenue SE & First Street SE & across from the Cannon Office Building. Speakers will include parents, educators & elected officials scheduled are Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Education & Workforce Committee Ranking Member Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Rep. Marc Takano as well as National Education Association President Becky Pringle & American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten with additional speakers TBA. McMahon's confirmation hearing is scheduled for February 13th. 
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Maiden Mother Crone: A Duet Of Plays

Maiden Mother Crone is 2 solo plays encompassing “The Longer My Mother Is Dead The More I Like Her” by writer/performer Deborah Unger & “Sugarcoated” by writer/performer Jen Ponton for an unforgettable evening of theater at Off-Broadway’s The Pete at The Flea 20 Thomas Street in NYC from February 12th to February 23rd. In “The Longer My Mother Is Dead The More I Like Her” Deborah invites audiences into the lifelong battle & posthumous reconciliation with her mother by blending humor & heartbreak. Unger’s journey explores the unspoken dynamics of mother-daughter relationships as Mom gets to speak her peace as well–albeit from the grave–the play transforms into a moving meditation on love, understanding & letting go. In “Sugarcoated” Jen takes audiences on a visceral journey through the polished facade women are often forced to wear with biting humor & profound vulnerability as “Sugarcoated” strips away societal expectations revealing raw truths about trauma, survival & self-empowerment. This compelling double bill is an ode to resilience, self-discovery & the intricate threads of human connection. Whether you’re drawn to tales of empowerment, familial complexities or raw emotional truths “Maiden Mother Crone” promises an evening of theater you won’t forget. “The Longer My Mother Is Dead The More I Like Her” is directed by Dominick LaRuffa Jr. & “Sugarcoated” is directed by Tessa Hope Slovis with lighting design by Hayley Garcia Parnell & stage manager Chelsea Rodriguez. Maiden Mother Crone: A Duet of Solo Plays runs 2 hours & 15 mins with an intermission & tickets are $40 & can be purchased in person at the theater a 1/2 hour before performances or online. 
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Another Week That Was In America

There was a TV show “That Was The Week That Was” on the BBC hosted by David Frost in the early 1960’s that totally broke comedy ground by lampooning political figures. Then in America during the Nixon administration we had “The Great American Dream Machine” a weekly PBS satirical variety 
TV series in the early 1970’s that disappeared because it was too brutally honest to last with the people in power. SNL has been fabulous but we’ll have to wait & see until after their 50th Anniversary Special airing on February 16th. With our country under siege by the new administration the only consistent antidotes we really have is to push back every way we can, question & challenge all the illegal executive orders in the courts & watch Rachael Maddow’s brilliant "First 100 Days" on MSNBC for daily updates. This is obviously not a time to go complacent. Stay informed & don’t settle for less than freedom. When this administration took hold the 1st time in 2017 massive protests took place resulting in everyone realizing how vulnerable our government was to going backwards instead of forward. After COVID & January 6th we thought we were moving in the right direction but after Roe ended the playing field radically changed. Now it’s all about power with no exceptions. This week we watched the demise of USAID into something unrecognizable, then the illegal occupation of the Department of The Treasury, personnel cuts at the FBI & the Department of Education, CIA, Department of Budget & Management all headed for the chopping block with the Kennedy Center & the arts in their crosshairs. This is how the week ended as we head into celebrating the newly politicalized Super Bowl LIX. So enjoy your Super Bowl weekend & recharge for the next week of living in America.
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Family Equality New CEO Darra Gordon

 

Family Equality the national nonprofit dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQ families has named Darra Gordon as its new Chief Executive Officer bringing more than 2 decades of experience in LGBTQ nonprofit leadership. Gordon stated, “Stepping in to lead Family Equality wasn’t a choice for me. It’s a calling. I’ve dedicated my career to protecting & preserving our community’s right to be celebrated, respected & connected. Together with our dedicated team, families & allies, I am excited & eager to continue this work on behalf of LGBTQ+ families around the country. As a parent myself, I know firsthand that family is a powerful force for good & a right that is fundamental to who we are as humans. By building Family Equality’s impact & becoming stronger & more sustainable, I know we can build a world where everyone can experience the unconditional love, safety & belonging that only family can provide.” Darra who will assume her new role on March 3rd most recently served as Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer at GLAAD & joins Family Equality at a moment of both opportunity & urgency with LGBTQ families continuing to face legislative & social challenges across the country. Under her leadership Family Equality is committed to addressing these challenges head-on while expanding its reach & resources to better serve families & advance equality. Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety & belonging of family. As the leading national org for current & future LGBTQ families they work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form & sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling & education. 
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Joe Sangirardi Joins Equality California

Joe Sangirardi will serve as Equality California’s new Development Director based in San Francisco, CA. He replaces the outgoing Sarah Morrow Chwe who joined the org in 2021. Sangirardi is an experienced nonprofit fundraiser who has worked for large national LGBTQ organizations & statewide advocacy organizations & currently sits on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. Tony Hoang Equality California Executive Director stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Joe to our leadership team as we continue our mission to achieve full, lived LGBTQ+ equality in California & beyond. He will help ensure that we have the resources we need to defend our community amidst unprecedented attacks on the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people nationwide. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Joe in multiple capacities & we look forward to the wealth of knowledge & experience he will bring to our organization. Equality California is immensely grateful to Sarah Morrow Chwe for her unwavering dedication & years of service to our mission & organization. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding our base of support & securing critical resources to fuel the fight for full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people." Sangirardi served as Director of Development at California YIMBY & previously served in various development leadership roles at both the Human Rights Campaign & the LGBTQ Victory Fund to help raise millions of dollars in the fight for full, lived equality. Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights org. They advance civil rights & social justice by inspiring, advocating & mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those they serve. 
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Modern Military & Executive Orders

Modern Military committed to ensuring that LGBTQ service members & veterans continue to receive the support & recognition they deserve is closely monitoring the 1st wave of executive orders effecting our trans community. Rachel Branaman, Executive Director of Modern Military stated, “Trans people have served in every conflict since the Revolutionary war & have been serving openly for almost a decade with honor & integrity in every theater across the globe. The trans ban was wrong in 2019, it’s wrong now & so has every other attempt to discriminate against minority populations who serve & protect our country. Modern Military will work tirelessly to mitigate the devastating impact this will have on thousands of servicemembers & their families.” The discriminatory transphobic executive order entitled “Prioritizing Military Excellence & Readiness” directs the Secretary of Defense to update medical standards to result in the disqualification of transgender individuals from military service, prohibits the use of pronouns that do not match an individual’s sex assigned at birth, bans individuals from using facilities (sleeping, changing, bathing) that do not correspond to their sex assigned at birth, rescinds previous policies that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly & access transition-related medical care. Though the order does not immediately discharge currently serving transgender troops it does set the stage for potential future removals. Branaman concluded, “The overwhelming pace & vagueness of these orders are meant to disempower us, but we must remain vigilant.” As we reported last week legal challenges are already in motion & advocacy efforts are ramping up to counteract these harmful policies. It’s crucial for service members, veterans & allies to stay informed, report discrimination & connect with LGBTQ community resources. 
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Sweeping Transgender Sports Ban Fails

The U.S. Senate has voted not to consider a sweeping national ban on transgender youth participation in sports. Despite the current administ...

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