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AIDS United 32nd Annual Conference

For 32 years AIDS United’s AIDS Watch has been more than a conference it’s a force for change. From the halls of Congress to community centers, AIDS Watch has amplified voices, ignited policy shifts & transformed lives. With the House & Senate both in session this week AIDS Watch 2025 kicks off Monday March 31st through Wednesday April 2nd while Congress is in session. This year’s theme is “Preserving our Health and PrEParing for the Future!” It’s a declaration of the work needed to advance health equity & ensure so all our voices are heard & we can reach everyone who can benefit from HIV care. We must continue to work together to preserve, protect & advocate for an end to the HIV epidemic. Registration includes an AIDSWatch t-shirt, all conference materials, transportation from the hotel to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for meetings with congressional offices, a welcome reception with hors d’oeuvres Monday night, a congressional reception with hors d’oeuvres Tuesday night & breakfast and lunch at the hotel on Tuesday. AIDS United is committed to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States (U.S.) through strategic grantmaking, advocacy & capacity building. Through their pillars of strategic grantmaking, capacity building & technical assistance, policy & advocacy. AIDS United has delivered more than $160 million in direct funding & leveraged an additional $184 million to increase the capacity of communities & organizations responding to the HIV epidemic across the U.S. Their grantees & members touch communities representing more than 96 percent of today’s HIV epidemic & they have proudly supported the work of over 600 organizations across 43 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
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Transgender Day of Visibility In America

Today on Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) we all need to take a stand & celebrate the strength, brilliance & resilience of transgender & gender-nonconforming (GNC) people in America & around the world. This day is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves the freedom to live openly & authentically without fear, discrimination or violence. What a difference a year makes since President Biden formality marked the annual Transgender Day of Visibility at the White House 2024 event stating, "Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America & my entire Administration & I have your back." Since then we’ve been confronted with the new administration’s wrath attempting erasure of our trans community. Across the country transgender American citizens are being targeted at an alarming rate. Their rights are being stripped away, their healthcare banned, their very existence challenged. Misinformation & hateful rhetoric fuel these attacks & extremist politicians are using them to justify harmful policies. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President and CEO concluded, “Communities are coming together to celebrate & show solidarity for transgender people at a critical moment in history - in blue states & red states, purple states & worldwide. Equal treatment is not a partisan issue, it’s a value that unites all of us. Transgender Day of Visibility is a chance to show up & speak out for everyone’s right to be themselves & be safe & rally around values of acceptance & equality that make every community stronger, safer & kinder.” 
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GLAD Law Appoints New Legal Director

Joshua Rovenger former Biden Associate Counsel for Racial Justice & Equity will join GLAD Law’s civil rights legal team at the forefront of all the radical right political attacks on our LGBTQ community. Rovenger’s portfolio includes LGBTQ equity, democracy & civic engagement, religious freedom, access to justice, veterans’ affairs & housing. Ricardo Martinez, GLAD Law Executive Director stated, “Josh Rovenger is an experienced, strategic & passionate leader & litigator. His deep understanding that impact litigation, public policy & public education must work together to defend & expand civil rights & his dedicated commitment to racial & economic justice will be critical assets to GLAD Law & our movement at this pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights. I am thrilled to welcome Josh’s leadership as our accomplished & dedicated legal team fights around the clock to stop, delay & reduce the harm of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks coming from the current federal administration while continuing to advance GLAD Law’s vision of equality & justice for all.” Joshua Rovenger concluded. "We find ourselves in a moment where future generations will ask what each of us did to fight back. This time demands resilience & creativity -- traits our queer community has built up over generations & that GLAD Law exemplifies. For decades, GLAD Law has been at the forefront of our battle for liberation & justice, achieving lasting progress that has benefited all of us, my husband & myself included… I am humbled & exhilarated to join this brilliant team to fight for the multi-racial, gender-inclusive democracy we seek & to do all I can to ensure that when future generations look back, all of us, together, will have met the moment." 
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Second Federal Court Blocks Trans Ban

U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Hale Settle has issued a second nationwide preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the transgender military ban resulting from Trump’s January executive order. Earlier this month U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes in Talbott v. Trump issued a first nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the ban. Lead attorneys in Talbott v. Trump responded to the 2nd preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the ban. Jennifer Levi GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender & Queer Rights stated, “Given the thousands of brave & decorated transgender servicemembers facing unthinkable harms as the result of this ban, we are heartened but not surprised by today’s decision. Trump's executive order & Secretary Hegseth's implementation represent a policy that cannot be constitutionally justified. Thousands of transgender servicemembers currently serving have clearly demonstrated they meet all military standards, with many deployed to critical missions worldwide, proving their capabilities beyond question. These dedicated servicemembers & their families have earned our nation's gratitude & respect & the government has a responsibility to honor the commitments it has made to them. This is about keeping faith with Americans who have risked everything to defend our freedoms. “Shannon Minter NCLR Legal Director concluded, “In both Talbott & Shilling, it was abundantly clear to the court that it must act swiftly to protect our troops from an unconstitutional & indefensible ban that would disrupt the lives & dismantle the careers of thousands of transgender servicemembers & their families. The harms associated with this ban are gut-wrenching. In each of these cases, the government did not even attempt to claim that any evidence supported its position. There is no reason to discharge individuals who are serving capably & honorably.” 
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Dinner With Edith Head Event (AUDIO)

The National Arts Club (NAC) is presenting a fabulous dinner event on April 1st at their headquarters in NYC presented by NAC’s Fashion Committee. Step into the glamorous world of Hollywood with the “Reel Diva of Costume Design” Edith Head that includes a film-themed dinner created by Chef Alex Bowman & a “Conversation with Edith Head” starring Susan Claassen. From Sunset Boulevard to Breakfast at Tiffany’s Edith Head was a costume designer who won a record 8 Academy Awards for Best Costume Design between 1949 & 1973. The extraordinary one-woman show “A Conversation with Edith Head” starring Susan Claassen has played to rave reviews coast to coast & internationally including London’s West End with more than 750 performances. David Zyla NAC Fashion Committee co-chair stated, “I am thrilled to host "Dinner with Edith Head" on Tuesday, April 1st at The National Arts Club in New York City.” The National Arts Club was founded in 1898 to establish a hub for the arts in NYC. NAC admitted women on a full & equal basis from its inception & has a long history of exclusivity through inclusivity, continuing its tradition by welcoming all artists. The dress code of the National Arts Club is designed to be inclusive & respectful of all individuals, regardless of gender identity, while also maintaining an elegant atmosphere for all visitors. For this event dress to the theme of your table or to the occasion & the red carpet. Prizes will be awarded to the individuals dressed to the best of their table theme. I talked to Susan Claassen about “A Conversation With Edith Head” in this exclusive audio byte: LISTEN  
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Union Members Support Trans Rights

The United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union have voted unanimously to take a vocal stand in solidarity with the transgender community. The vote taken at their biannual convening comes amidst a concerning influx of attempts across North America to limit, revoke & erase the rights & contributions of transgender people. Union members from UFCW Locals throughout the United States & Canada OUTreach Executive Board stated, “North America’s Labor Movement was founded on the principle that collective action is the ultimate tool to deliver justice. Guided by this fundamental truth since our chartering in 2013, it has been our singular focus at UFCW OUTreach to uplift & unite ALL working people, regardless of who they love, how they identify or where they were born. As trade unionists, we feel a deep sense of urgency to speak out in support of all transgender & gender non-conforming people in our shared fight for dignity & respect on the job. Labor unions exist to protect, support & empower anyone who wants to improve their working lives & that must always include our transgender brothers, sisters & siblings. We strongly condemn attempts at all levels of government to disenfranchise trans people by restricting their access to healthcare, criminalizing which bathroom or locker room they use & erasing their contributions to our communities. Rhetoric which seeks to demonize their existence & deny their basic freedoms has no place in our politics, in our workplaces, or in our Labor Movement... We will not be erased by the stroke of a pen & we will never go down without a fight.” 
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GLAAD Board Members Reality TV Ask

GLAAD Board members Peppermint & Frankie Grande together with a coalition of LGBTQ celebrities, advocates & allies have called on producers, casting directors & creators to embrace authentic, diverse LGBTQ representation across the Reality Television genre. Peppermint stated, “I think there needs to be an industry wide change, not just casting & I'll use my experience on The Traitors as an example…I wanted so desperately to be able to show the rest of the world, the rest of the audience, the rest of the viewership that trans people are just like anybody else. I think that really does reflect how a lot of trans people feel right now. I really would love for producers & people who create these shows to give people the opportunity to see the beauty in the relationships that trans people form. It's all about managing relationships & trans people deserve to be a part of the story. The world needs to see that & I think reality TV is a great place to do it.” Frankie Grande concluded, “It's the responsibility of casting directors, producers to make sure that there is inclusivity within our community represented on the show. Otherwise, we're a monolith. Otherwise, I am representing the entire queer community…There is a formula that has been in place for decades that is no longer working for our community. It is no longer representing the world & the people that are watching your shows.” Celebrity signers who joined to launch the open letter included Alan Cumming, Monét X Change, Bob The Drag Queen, Britney Haynes, Derrick Levasseur, Jazz Jennings, Elliot Page, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Christian Siriano & more. 
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PA High Court Affirms Parental Status

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has issued a major ruling protecting a lesbian mother’s parental status & affirming the recognition of legal parentage for children born through assisted reproduction. “A couples’ decision to have a baby together is often profoundly intimate & may not be so easily reduced to a transaction," stated the high court in this landmark decision establishing a legal standard. In the case Glover v. Junior the state Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that Junior had established legal parentage of the couple’s child & that their subsequent separation & divorce did not change the fact that Junior is her child’s parent. Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders stated, “Having a secure legal parent-child relationship is critical to a child’s wellbeing. Many hopeful parents across Pennsylvania – including many LGBTQ+ people – are building or seeking to build loving, stable families through assisted reproduction. With this decision the Court has not only, importantly, affirmed that Nicole Junior is a parent to her child, it rightfully advances application of Pennsylvania common law so that a child born through assisted reproduction isn’t stripped of a loving parent.” Shannon Minter, NCLR’s Legal Director concluded, “Children born through assisted reproduction deserve the same security and stability as other children. This decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will ensure that families created through assisted reproduction have clear protections & that lower courts have clear guidance about how to apply the law to these families.” GLAD Law & NCLR along with the ACLU, ACLU of Pennsylvania, Family Equality, Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia Family Pride & COLAGE filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case. 
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Rise Up NYC Pride ’25 Theme Revealed


NYC Pride | Heritage of Pride a longtime national leader in LGBTQ Pride organizing & advocacy has announced its official 2025 theme “Rise Up: Pride in Protest”. As our LGBTQ community faces increasing hostility & legislative attacks this year’s theme is a reflection of the Pride movement’s origins in protest & is a powerful call to action for our communities & allies to rally & march in defiant celebration, advocacy & solidarity. “Rise Up: Pride in Protest” meets the moment before us & honors the legacy of the first Pride March in 1970 which commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. I actually marched in the 10th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots & remember my fear of being outed back then & losing my job at CBS. Kazz Alexander, NYC Pride Co-Chair stated, “This year, more than ever, we acknowledge that Pride can be celebrated in many ways, but at the heart of our mission, we recognize that we must also remain steadfast in protest. The challenges we face today, particularly in this political climate, require us to stand together in solidarity. We must support one another, because when the most marginalized among us are granted their rights, all of us benefit. Pride is not merely a celebration of identity—it is a powerful statement of resistance, affirming that justice & equity will ultimately prevail for those who live and love on the margins.” Michele Irimia NYC Pride Co-Chair concluded, “In the face of increasing discrimination, we must continue to push forward. As New Yorkers, we know: Pride is resistance, Pride is activism & most importantly, Pride is for everyone. ‘Rise Up: Pride in Protest’ reminds us that the fight for equality is far from over.” 
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American Education Chainsaw Massacre

With his new executive order 47 has unlawfully attempted to dismantle the US Department of Education & pressures agency officials to violate the civil rights laws the agency is tasked with upholding. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) stated, “This executive order to dismantle the Department of Education is a direct attack on public education, democracy & the civil rights of all students. It is a calculated step in the agenda to dismantle public education, funnel taxpayer dollars into private school vouchers & eliminate protections for Black students, LGBTQ+ students, students from low-income backgrounds, students in rural communities & students with disabilities, leaving young people without the support needed to succeed. To be clear, the goal remains changing the rules of the game via policy & subsequent practice to further enrich a small group of extremely wealthy, mostly white men, at the expense of everyone else…” Melanie Willingham-Jaggers GLSEN Executive Director concluded, “Trump’s latest effort to circumvent Congress will have devastating consequences for children & communities. The U.S. Department of Education conducts essential business that sets our nation up for success by ensuring that federal civil rights laws are enforced & that schools are adequately funded to provide opportunity for every student. Donald Trump’s selfish campaign to rob children of their future to pay for tax cuts for billionaires is cowardly. He’s tried to scapegoat LGBTQ+ youth & the growing diversity of the next generation to enact a radical agenda that only benefits the few at the top. We stand united with students, educators, parents & communities in opposing this short-sighted effort to dismantle public schools & leave an entire generation of Americans without the resources & education they need to succeed.” 
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CDC HIV Prevention Division In Jeopardy

More alarming news out of Washington with the Trump administration considering the elimination of the CDC’s HIV Prevention Division & shifting its responsibilities within the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) stated, “The administration’s attempt to dismantle the CDC’s HIV Prevention Division is not just reckless—it is a direct attack on Black people, LGBTQ+/same-gender loving (SGL) people & other marginalized people most impacted by the HIV epidemic. Defunding HIV prevention will undo decades of progress, forcing states to bear the financial burden of prevention & treatment programs while putting countless lives at risk. The CDC’s HIV Prevention Division has played a critical role in public health since the early 1980s, focusing on preventing new HIV transmissions. Programs like Let’s Stop HIV Together & Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE), which Trump’s first administration launched, were built on the simple principle that we cannot end HIV without focusing on the communities most impacted. Now, they are working to destroy the very initiatives they once championed. With game-changing treatments like PrEP available, we should be expanding access, not defunding the very programs responsible for providing life-saving education & resources.” Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO concluded, “Suggested cuts to HIV funding are disgraceful & wasteful. These cuts will result in more cases of HIV & end up costing taxpayers billions more in new health care costs. Remind your representatives to do their jobs: protect funding they appropriated. Speak out against illegal plans that go against proven strategies & resources that improve everyone’s health, safety & wellbeing. Together we can end HIV when we work to share accurate information & break down all barriers to prevention & treatment." 
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Federal Court Blocks Trans Military Ban

U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Talbott v. Trump that challenged Trump’s transgender military ban executive order brought by LGBTQ legal groups GLAD Law & NCLR. In her ruling Judge Reyes noted that “thousands of transgender servicemembers have sacrificed—some risking their lives—to ensure for others the very equal protection rights the Military Ban seeks to deny them.” Judge Reyes held the ban violates equal protection both because it discriminates based on transgender status & sex & because “it is soaked in animus.” As Judge Reyes further held, “Its language is unabashedly demeaning, its policy stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit & its conclusions bear no relation to fact.” Shannon Minter NCLR Legal Director stated, "The court acted quickly to shield our troops from the harmful effects of this irrational ban. It would have ended careers of dedicated transgender servicemembers & created personnel gaps, leaving others to fill critical roles. The ban's harmful impact & rushed implementation show that it was motivated by prejudice. Our plaintiffs include lifelong military personnel who served in combat in Afghanistan, come from multi-generation military families, & have received honors like the Bronze Star. This ban is unjustifiable & attacks brave servicemembers, recruits & families who sacrifice so much for our country." Jennifer Levi GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender & Queer Rights concluded, “The Court's unambiguous factual findings lay bare how this ban specifically targets & undermines our courageous service members who have committed themselves to defending our nation. Given the Court's clear-eyed assessment, we are confident this ruling will stand strong on appeal.” 
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Ending Trans Veterans Affirming Care

The new administration has announced that it is phasing out providing gender-affirming care for veterans through the Veterans Administration. Kelley Robinson HRC President stated, “Transgender veterans share the same commitment & the same love of country as all other veterans. They made the same sacrifices & are owed the same respect & care after their service. Despite this, the VA has decided to turn its back on transgender veterans who committed their lives to serving in our armed forces—complying with an Administration hellbent on harming & scapegoating the transgender community. We must continue to stand up for our transgender servicemembers & veterans. We must push back against these attacks until our nation’s policies reflect the values of honor, respect & duty that our transgender veterans embody.” This is just the latest action from the new administrations that abandons our servicemembers & veterans simply because of their gender identity. Earlier this year Trump signed an executive order banning trans people from serving in the military & last month HRC, Lambda Legal, GLAD & NCLR have filed numerous federal lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the ban on military service by transgender people. Research has consistently found that receipt of gender-affirming care can significantly improve the lives of people who receive it. Every major medical & mental health organization including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics & the American Psychological Association recognizes that gender-affirming care is medically necessary to support people in affirming their gender identity. Treating American transgender veterans differently simply because of who they are is out of touch with the values of the American people.
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“Black Bag” Smart Adult UK Spy Thriller

It so refreshing to catch a new film to escape from American politics for a few hours. “Black Bag” from director Steven Soderbergh is a gripping spy drama set in the UK & Zurich about legendary British intelligence agents George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) & his beloved wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett). The film begins as Woodhouse is given a week by his superior Meacham (Gustaf Skarsgård) to investigate the leak of a top-secret software program code named Severus & one of 5 suspects is his wife Kathryn (Blanchett) who is also an intelligence officer. He invites the other 4 suspects who are also fellow spies over for a dinner party. The 4 suspects are satellite imagery specialist Clarissa (Marisa Abela) her boyfriend Freddie (Tom Burke) agency psychiatrist Zoe (Naomie Harris) & her boyfriend James (Regé-Jean Page). Dinner turns into a bit of a “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” scene that adds to the mystique of the film. Pierce Brosnan also has a role as Arthur Stieglitz the agency boss. The intelligence leak in question is around who is in cahoots with the Russians selling info that could cause a nuclear meltdown killing thousands of innocent people. In this film the Russians are still the bad guys & the CIA are still the good guys which under the current political landscape is sadly refreshing. Directed by Steven Soderbergh “Black Bag” is written by David Koepp, produced by Casey Silver & Gregory Jacobs & disturbed by Focus Features. It’s beautifully shot by cinematographer Peter Andrews & edited by Mary Ann Bernard. It’s a smart sexy movie with lots of twists & turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat now in theaters. Watch Trailer
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Wicked Queer Boston’s LGBTQ Film Fest

Boston’s 41st Wicked Queer Film Festival takes place April 4th to 13th with this year's theme “Community is Resistance”. The 2025 program includes over 120 films from around the world acknowledging that through joy, love, education & laughter we can create hope in these dark times together. Screenings will take place at the Brattle Theatre, Coolidge Corner Theater, Museum of Fine Arts, ICA, Mass Art, BFSR Emerson, & Boston University. The Opening Night selections are Allan Deberton’s “The Best Friend” & Todd Verrow & Charles Lum's “Memoriabilia” will screen at the Brattle on April 4th at 6:30P & 9P. Since its inception in 1984 Wicked Queer has been a safe haven for our LGBTQ community to gather, discuss ideas, learn our histories. Most importantly Wicked Queer Film Festival is an opportunity to see ourselves & our lives on the screen. This year’s program acknowledges the vibrancy of our community’s experiences & reminds us that our combined strength is our power. Wicked Queer champions the belief that Queer love & joy is revolutionary & that we will not disappear despite the attempts to eradicate us. The Closing Night selection “Outerlands” from director Elena Oxman screens at the Brattle on April 13th at 6P. Founded in 1984 by film programmer George Mansour Wicked Queer is Boston's LGBTQ Film Festival is the 4th oldest running LGBTQ film festival in North America. So come be a part of Wicked Queer: Boston’s LGBTQ Film Fest & be part of the ongoing story. Tickets go on sale March 28th but you can view the selection now. 
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NYWIFT 45th Muse Awards Gala Event

New York Women in Film & Television present their 45th annual Muse Awards gala luncheon on Wednesday March 26th at Cipriani 42nd Street in NYC. The event begins at 11A celebrating the vision & achievements of women who work in the entertainment industry. Each year remarkable & accomplished women are honored with this prestigious award. It is NYWIFT's flagship fundraising event a highlight in the entertainment industry & is attended by an enthusiastic audience of over 1,200 leading executives from every major studio, broadcast & cable network & film production facility. This year's honorees include the fabulous Pamela Anderson actor, author & host, Marissa Bode actor & activist with the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award, director & producer Lisa Cortés, producer Celia Costas Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment “Made in NY” Award, Amy Entelis, EVP Talent, CNN Originals & Creative Development CNN Worldwide & Versha Sharma Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue with the Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism. For 44 years New York Women in Film & Television has presented the Muse Awards annual gala luncheon celebrating women of vision & achievement. New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) advocates for equality in the moving image industry & supports women in every stage of their careers. As the preeminent entertainment industry association for women in New York NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training & professional development programs, awarding scholarships & grants & providing access to a supportive community of peers. NYWIFT is a nonprofit 501c3 public charity & contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. It is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership. 
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America’s Gender Agenda Obsession

You have to wonder why the new administration has such an obsession with sexuality & gender. Since taking office Trump has signed not only discriminatory executive orders bent on taking away years of civil rights by eliminating diversity, equality & inclusion but also targeting our transgender community. These orders include federal agencies to only recognize a biological, binary definition of sex & authorizing the Pentagon to bar transgender soldiers & sailors from serving. As these discriminatory executive orders are being challenged with 10 lawsuits in the Federal Courts our advocates continue to work to protect our transgender community as bills are being passed across the country attempting to vilify America transgender citizens. In West Virginia Senate Bill 154 recently passed the Senate aiming to restrict instruction related to sexual orientation & gender identity in public schools. In Texas HB 3817 was introduced that would make it illegal for a person to present to an employer or a governmental agency as different from their birth sex. The bill defines this as gender identity fraud. Other legislation concerns the use of pronouns including Oklahoma House Bill 1361 that prohibits students & school personnel from using certain pronouns or alternate names in certain situations & in Missouri House Bill 1085 prohibits public school staff from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. However there is some sanity to report. In Massachusetts Worcester officials approved a measure declaring the second-largest city in the state a sanctuary city for the transgender community & the Cambridge City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring Cambridge a sanctuary city for transgender & nonbinary individuals.
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Queer Expression Film Fest Spring 2025

Chicago’s Queer Expression Film Fest announced its slate of LGBT-themed feature, mid-length & short films in March, April & May with both in person & streaming events. Now in its 12th year Queer Expression Film Fest announced 11 films with 4 programs streaming between April 9th & May 13th. The films come from eight countries including France, Canada, Iran, Bangladesh, Mexico, Denmark, Serbia & the United States. Queer Expression Film Fest continues in-person screenings during the last week of each month with “Block Pass” from France screens at Facets on March 25th & “Cherub” from Canada screens at Facets on April 29th located at 1517 W Fullerton in Lincoln Park, IL. with both screenings at 7P & are followed by a Q&A talk back in the Facets Lounge. “Block Pass” directed by Antoine Chevrollier is a coming of age film about childhood friends Willy & Jojo who never leave each other’s side. Training at the motocross track is their way to beat boredom. One evening everything changes in this portrait of fathers & sons & best friends forever. Other programs included Best of Fest Shorts April 9th to 22nd, Best of Fest Mid-Length Films April 16th to 29th, Best Of Fest Feature Warm Film April 23rd to May 6th & Best of Fest Feature It’s Always Been me April 30th to May 13th. During these challenging times it’s crucial to support our LGBTQ community. Queer Expression Film Fest is sponsored by Open Space Arts. Tickets for in-person screenings are $15 & tickets for streaming events are $12. 
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Conversion Therapy Heads To SCOTUS

The Supreme Court has decided to hear a case challenging local & state laws banning so-called “conversion therapy” for our LGBTQ youth. This challenge was filed by Alliance Defending Freedom an org classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center & is behind numerous targeted legal attacks against our LGBTQ community. The case will be heard next Supreme Court term that starts in October 2025 with a decision expected in 2026. This case comes out of a Colorado law enacted in 2019 that prohibits licensed mental health professionals from engaging in the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy” for youth in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity & currently over 20 states have similar laws. Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign President stated, “The Supreme Court’s decision to take up this case isn’t just about so-called 'conversion therapy' – it’s about whether extremists can use our courts to push their dangerous agenda, in an effort to erase LGBTQ+ people & gut protections that keep our kids safe. There’s no debate: so-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a dangerous practice, not therapy & it has no place in our communities. These bans exist to protect LGBTQ+ children from harm—period. Attacks on LGBTQ+ rights are the entry point to attacks on all of our rights. The same people trying to legalize abuse under the guise of ‘therapy’ are the ones banning books, ripping away reproductive rights & undermining our democracy. The Supreme Court must uphold the 10th Circuit decision finding that these laws are constitutional.” As we all know kids are especially vulnerable & conversion therapy can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness & suicide.
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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 Cham...

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