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National Black Justice Awards Event

The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) hosts its Bayard Rustin-Pauli Murray Advocate for Justice Awards on Thursday September 25th in Washington DC. This year’s honorees include Representative Summer Lee who has proudly represented Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District since 2022, Delegate Gabriel Acevero has represented Maryland’s 39th house district since 2018, Leggoh JohVera, Founder & CEO of Open to All, Jack Mizrahi, Founder of The Gorgeous House of Gucci, Dreisen Heath & Procter and Gamble. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective stated, “We are honored to uplift & celebrate members of our community who have dedicated their life’s work to defending democracy, advancing equity for transgender, queer & gender-expansive people & moving all Black people closer to freedom. These leaders embody what’s possible when we dismantle systems built to preserve privilege & white supremacy. The Rustin-Murray Advocate for Justice Awards honor their unwavering commitment, preserve their legacies within our shared history & foster the intergenerational connections essential to collective liberation.” The Rustin-Murray Awards are part of NBJC’s OUT on the Hill annual week of action which brings together advocates, thought leaders, community members, allies & partner organizations to advance an equity-focused policy & advocacy agenda that is unapologetically focused on the intersectional needs of LGBTQ people. The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) is America’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black LGBTQ people including people living with HIV/AIDS. This year’s event is powered by Amazon & in partnership with Dr. Martens Foundation, Gilead Sciences Inc., Planned Parenthood Federation of America, GLSEN, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, the Human Rights Campaign & Vascano Tequila.       For More Info… 

 

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Rocky Horror Picture Show Turns 50

Rocky Horror began as a quirky stage play in 1970s London & became a global phenomenon that reshaped film, fashion, musical theater & beyond especially after the movie version "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" was released on September 26th 1975. Now celebrating the 50th anniversary of the film version there are 2 documentaries we recommend. The first is “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” which opened the Provincetown International Film Festival last June that’s coming to your local movie plex. This exploration directed by Linus O'Brien the son of the creator of “Rocky Horror” Richard O’Brien who played Riff Raff. This version includes interviews with the cast of characters including Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Richard O'Brien, Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell & the film’s producer Lou Adler among others all sharing their spin on the extraordinary success of this cult classic. The second version we recommend is “Sane Inside Insanity - The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror” the unofficial, unauthorized & unbiased documentary directed by Andreas Zerr. This version gets a bit closer to the heart of the production process interviewing the main cast of characters with the exception of Tim Curry but then explores a bit deeper into the diehard fanbase of Rocky Horror’s role as a cultural lightning rod. This doc filmed across the UK, Europe & Australia concludes the journey in NYC the birthplace of Rocky Horror’s legendary midnight screenings. Currently there are also 50th anniversary celebrations with cast members like Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) on tour for a screening of the unedited movie with audience participation, costume contests & more so check your local listings to join the time warp fun & remember that it's okay to be different. WATCH TRAILER
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Spirit Of Justice Awardee Tony Hoang

GLAD Law will honor Equality California’s executive director Tony Hoang at their 26th Spirit of Justice Award event on November 6th in Boston, MA. Ricardo Martinez, GLAD Law’s Executive Director stated, “Local leaders like Tony Hoang power the LGBTQ+ movement—working on the ground to identify needs in their communities, marshalling the resources to meet them through innovative programs & policy & contributing to the playbook to expand protections & support for LGBTQ+ people around the country. As leader of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ statewide civil rights organization, Tony brings the strategic leadership needed to fight the relentless attacks on our community, especially transgender & nonbinary youth. In a period of increasing political opposition to LGBTQ+ equality, Equality California has steadfastly worked to safeguard important civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Californians. Tony’s leadership to proactively secure fairness, safety & dignity for LGBTQ+ people shows us we can create opportunities to advance justice even in a hostile climate. We’re proud to honor him with this year’s Spirit of Justice Award.” Tony Hoang concluded, “It’s an honor to receive this recognition from GLAD Law, an organization that has spearheaded some of the boldest strategies & most significant advances in our movement to date, despite ever-present & powerful opposition. With our democracy under strain & hard-won rights increasingly under attack, LGBTQ+ advocates across the country must continue to safeguard the gains we’ve made, model ways to make progress, & speak directly to the majority of Americans who believe everyone deserves equal opportunity, without discrimination & who can help us expand protections for LGBTQ+ people regardless of the state where they live.” 
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RENT Plays North Shore Music Theatre

RENT the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama & 4 Tony© Awards including Best Musical is on stage now through September 28th at Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. Through love & acceptance Jonathan Larson’s rock musical follows a diverse group of struggling artists navigating life during the AIDS crisis as they strive to find themselves & the art they wish to create. Set in NYC’s East Village in 1989 this groundbreaking rock musical follows a year in the lives of struggling artists battling poverty, love, addiction, disease & loss. Featuring iconic songs like “Seasons of Love”, “La Vie Bohème”, “Take Me or Leave Me”, RENT is an unforgettable show & a powerful tribute to friendship, resilience & living without regret. With its powerful themes of strength & connection experience the revolutionary musical that continues to resonate with audiences today. There are a few special events happening including Meet The Theatre a free post show event that allows the audience to ask questions of the casts, musicians, creative staff & management at North Shore Music Theatre on Tuesday September 23rd at 7:30P & on Saturday, September 27th at 2P. Also Out At The North Shore takes place on Thursday September 25th at 7:30P with a post-show reception in honor of our LGBTQ Community including live music, open mic with the cast & more in The Broadway Club. RENT was originally produced by New York Theatre Workshop & on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon & the New York Theatre Workshop. RENT at the North Shore Music Theatre is sponsored by Realtor Nicholas Newhall. 
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Dominique Jackson To Host Be You Ball

The Be You Ball will be hosted by Dominique Jackson the actress known for her role as Elektra on FX POSE & takes place October 11th at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. Jackson is Task Force family receiving the National Leadership Award at the 2023 Gala for her leadership & dedication to amplifying trans rights through her celebrity platform. Kierra Johnson, Task Force President stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Dominique back to the Task Force for our very first Be You Ball, a time to highlight & celebration queer joy. Dominique’s presence embodies what this event stands for: authenticity & power. Dominique’s alluring charisma & unapologetic love for the trans & queer community will shine brightly as she hosts the first gala in a new era for The Task Force.” The event will also celebrate local honoree David Jobin, the CEO/President of Our Fund Foundation with the Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award. Jobin added, “I am deeply honored to receive the Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award from the National LGBTQ Task Force, an organization whose relentless advocacy has shaped & strengthened our community for decades. To have my name mentioned alongside friends, colleagues & personal heroes like Liz Schwartz, Jim Pepper, Cindy Brown, Robin Schwartz & Jerry Chasen is both humbling & inspiring.” Johnson concluded, “The Task Force has worked hand-and-hand with David in his role at Our Fund Foundation & with our partners at The Miami Foundation through our joint initiative, the LGBTQ+ Equity Fund. We are thrilled to honor & celebrate all that David has done & continues to do to help LGBTQ+ people survive & thrive.” 
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Showgirls Movie 30th Anniversary Event

An evening with Elizabeth Berkley for the 30th anniversary screening of “Showgirls" will take place  for one night only at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on Thursday October 9th. For the very first time “Showgirls” star Elizabeth Berkley will engage directly with fans in a truly intimate post-screening conversation. This special event will give audiences a rare opportunity to connect with Elizabeth on a deeper level & celebrate the lasting legacy of a film & bold performance as Nomi that continues to shape pop culture. Berkley stated, "It is a thrill to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Showgirls in Austin with fans who have championed this film with such love & ownership over the years. Austin is such a hub of creativity - where film, music, & the arts intersect making it the perfect place to honor this milestone. To come together here, three decades later, with laughter, nostalgia & a deep sense of community, is an honor I will cherish.” Recognized by the London Times as a “fearless & committed actress” Berkley has secured an iconic place in pop culture. From defining one of television’s most memorable teen characters to pioneering bold female roles on screen her influence continues to resonate across generations. Beyond her acting career she is also a New York Times bestselling author of Ask Elizabeth (Penguin) a book born from her volunteer work since 2006 to support girls’ self-esteem. Next she’s be appearing with Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close, Naomi Watts, Kim Kardashian & Niecy Nash in the upcoming Hulu female legal drama “All’s Fair” created by Ryan Murphy. 
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Liz Callaway Broadway & Beyond Event

Liz Callaway, Tony Award nominee, Emmy winner & newly-minted Grammy nominee will perform at a special fundraising kickoff event for Riverside Theatre Works 2025-2026 season on Saturday September 20th at 7P in Boston, MA. Callaway 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”. Liz stated, “I’m so looking forward to returning to Boston with my show Broadway & Beyond for Riverside Theatre Works. Alex Rybeck will be joining me at the piano for a 2-act concert of songs from Broadway shows, movies, 60's pop & of course, some Sondheim.” This is a fabulous opportunity to support a great org & witness Callaway in a spectacular concert that highlights her incredible vocal talent & stage presence. Liz will showcase her storied career in this concert featuring songs from the Broadway shows she starred in along with songs from her recording career including her Grammy-nominated Sondheim album “To Steve With Love” & her Oscar-nominated hit from “Anastasia”. Riverside Theatre Works was founded 4 decades ago by Marietta Phinney a music teacher in Hyde Park’s Readville neighborhood who realized that local children weren’t getting enough exposure to the arts. RTW’s mission is to have all aspects of their org reflect the cultural, social & economic diversity of our community. Liz Callaway Broadway & Beyond is a fundraiser for RTW’s Educational & Theatrical Programming. Tickets run $42.50 - $67.50 with table seating ticket holders invited to a special post-show reception with Ms. Callaway. 
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 NewFest 37TH New York Film Festival

NewFest announced the full lineup for the 37th edition of its annual New York Film Festival with a total of 130 films including 28 narrative features, 7 documentary/nonfiction features, 8 legacy retrospective features, 7 episodic series & 12 shorts program screenings with the full program featuring work from 29 countries. The 2025 festival will run in-person from October 9th through October 19th in theaters throughout Manhattan & Brooklyn with streaming available throughout the United States on NewFest’s on-demand platform October 9th through 21st. David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director stated, “Celebrating queer stories is an act of rebellion—one that challenges erasure & insists on visibility. This festival has always been a space for resistance, celebration & community, which is all the more vital as LGBTQ+ stories come under attack. The stakes are high—let’s watch films, push back & have a damn good time doing it.” Nick McCarthy NewFest Director of Programming concluded, “This year’s wide-ranging line-up is a tribute to triumphant stories that center the LGBTQ+ community. We’re thrilled to feature new & legacy films that boldly celebrate personal expression & at times defy categorization, while addressing vital topics that include the transformative power of art, immigration & our enduring lineage. We look forward to engaging artists & audiences in conversation as we amplify the best in queer cinema from around the world.” Founded in 1988 NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ film & media & the largest convener of LGBTQ audiences in NYC. In-person premieres & screenings will take place at the SVA Theatre, The LGBT Community Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) & Nitehawk Prospect Park. 
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Artist Amy Sherald To Be Honored

Amy Sherald artist & advocate will be honored at this year’s HRC National Dinner in Washington with the Ally for Equality Award for amplifying the existence & experiences of our community in her art. The sold-out 2025 HRC National Dinner takes place on Saturday September 13th at the Washington Hilton. Kelley Robinson HRC President stated, “Amy Sherald’s work brings to life the diversity, beauty & power of our community. Her talent, advocacy & bravery, in the face of cruel & politically motivated censorship, calls forward a vision of the American Dream that is not only inclusive, but celebrates the diversity of our beautiful community. We are so excited to honor her at this year’s National Dinner, as we work toward making LGBTQ+ stories, faces & voices an undeniable part of our country’s history and future. This night will be a moment to lift up the voices of our advocates, celebrate the beauty of our authentic selves & unite around a future where our community’s dreams know no limits. Amy Sherald concluded, “In the fight for social justice, art has served as a megaphone — it has been a place where dreams are held & a lens through which we can imagine a better, inclusive & more authentic world. Through my work, I seek to make visible the full, complex truth of American life. Transgender people, Black & Brown people, we are all part of the American identity. Attempts to erase our existence is not only futile, but a blatant disservice to the truth.” The National Dinner brings together HRC’s dedicated advocates, members & supporters across the country to raise crucial funds in the fight for LGBTQ equality. 
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Tyler Clementi Foundation Upstanders

Now as the new school year has begun the Tyler Clementi Foundation that stands against bullying has announced 2 powerful fundraising events first in Washington DC on September 17th & the second taking place in NYC on October 23rd. The DC event will honor Reggie Greer with the Upstander Award for his tremendous work as a global LGBTQ advocate to be presented by Bishop Gene Robinson. Jane Clementi, Tyler Clementi Foundation Co-Founder & CEO will share the Foundation’s vision & work to end online & offline bullying & empower people to become Upstanders in their schools, workplaces & communities. This special gathering brings together local leaders, advocates & supporters for an inspiring evening to uplift kindness, compassion & inclusion. The event will also feature an exclusive auction with unique experiences & items you won’t want to miss it. Then on October 23rd the 11th Annual Upstander Legacy Celebration takes place in NYC. The Upstander Legacy Celebration is the Tyler Clementi Foundation’s largest signature fundraising event presenting a powerful evening that brings together champions on inclusion, LGBTQ allies & advocates committed to ending bullying in all its forms. This year actor & activist Wilson Cruz will be honored who embodies what it means to be an Upstander through his courageous voice & unwavering advocacy. Actor Robin de Jesús will be presenting the honor to Cruz. The Tyler Clementi Foundation was founded by the Clementi family to prevent bullying through inclusion & the assertion of dignity & acceptance as a way to honor the memory of Tyler Clementi a son, a brother & a friend. 
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Creative Coalition Humanitarian Awards

Ahead of the Primetime Emmy Awards influential voices in television will be celebrated at The Creative Coalition’s 11th Annual Humanitarian Awards Luncheon on Saturday September 13th at Craig’s in West Hollywood, CA. This year’s Honorees include 2025 Emmy nominees Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus), John Turturro (Severance) & Natasha Rothwell (The White Lotus) as well as Emmy & Tony Award-winner Judith Light (Poker Face) & actors Jon Gries (The White Lotus), Brianne Howey (Ginny & Georgia) & Skye P. Marshall (Matlock). The honorees will be recognized for using their platforms to champion causes that spark change including mental health advocacy, arts education, family caregiving & social justice. This year’s presenters include Emmy Award-winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Emmy nominee Yvette Nicole Brown (Inside Out 2), actor Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus), Emmy nominee Tig Notaro (The Morning Show) & Emmy-nominated executive producer David W. Zucker (The Good Wife). Variety Senior Culture & Events Editor & Emmy nominee Marc Malkin will emcee the event. All proceeds from the Humanitarian Awards support The Creative Coalition’s advocacy work to protect the arts & elevate artistic expression nationwide. Over the past decade the event has become Hollywood’s signature intersection of entertainment & impact with an esteemed roster of past honorees including Uzo Aduba, Patricia Arquette, Colman Domingo, Amy Poehler, Ryan Murphy, Sheryl Lee Ralph & Henry Winkler. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community The Creative Coalition educates, mobilizes & activates its members on issues of public importance through award-winning public service & advocacy campaigns that advance funding for the arts & arts education as the premier nonprofit nonpartisan advocacy organization of the arts & entertainment community. 
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National Tour Hokus Pokus Live Expands

Hokus Pokus Live! the wickedly fabulous theatrical experience starring Ginger Minj, Jujubee & Sapphira Cristál as the legendary sisters & Landon Cider as Billy have added 11 new cities to their North American tour running now through October 26th in a city near you. Hokus Pokus Live! is written, directed & co-produced by Minj. Ginger stated, "We are incredibly excited to bring Hokus Pokus Live! to audiences everywhere. This tour brings together an extraordinary lineup of talent, each a master of their craft. It's more than just a drag show; it's a magical theatrical experience that will leave audiences spellbound.” Hokus Pokus Live! is a true love letter to the classic film inspired by Bette Midler encouraging Ginger on the set of “Hocus Pocus 2.” Ginger recalls Midler telling her, “I just really love the way that you do me. I would like to see you take this and run with it & turn it into something.” This must-see new narrative promises an evening of raucous laughter, unparalleled talent, stunning vocals, spellbinding performances, jaw-dropping drag artistry & unforgettable entertainment as these queens & king bring their unique brand of sorcery to stages across North America. With hauntingly hilarious comedy, powerhouse vocals & a dash of magic this live spectacle brings the cult classic to the stage like never before. The additional cities are Toronto, Buffalo, Portland (Maine), Boston, Red Bank, Wilmington, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Phoenix & Anaheim. It’s also been announced that the original Los Angeles tour date set for October 6th has been moved to October 26th at The Novo closing out the 2025 tour. Hokus Pokus Live! is produced by Fruit Wine Productions, AEG Presents & Producer Entertainment Group (PEG). 
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Valley Film Festival After 25 Years

The Valley Film Festival is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of thought provoking storytelling with a showcase of 50 films from around the world September 17th to 21st at the Laemmle NoHo 7 theatre in North Hollywood, CA. The Valley Film Festival was founded by Los Angeles native & proud “Valley Girl” Tracey Adlai in 2000 to spotlight locally produced films in response to the San Fernando Valley’s attempt to secede from Los Angeles. This year’s festival however will mark the end of The Valley Film Festival as a traditional festival as the non-profit arts organization a project of Community Partners will transition into residencies & retreats for filmmakers in 2026. Tracey Adlai, Valley Film Festival Founder & Executive Director stated, “When I founded The Valley Film Festival in 2000, Los Angeles had a handful of film festivals & none supported the San Fernando Valley. It’s been a sincere pleasure to provide a discovery platform for films & filmmakers, based on merit, from across the world as well as from around the corner for 25 years. From our first year at Pacific Theatres, at the iconic Sherman Oaks Galleria, to our longstanding partnership with Laemmle Theatres, true champions of independent & foreign film. While it may be the end of our traditional festival, we will continue to foster community & culture among filmmakers in the (818).” Festival highlights include the World Premiere of “Dorothea” from the twisted mind of Chad Ferrin will open the 5-day festival. “The Prospect” directed by Robert Schultz & Dana Donnelly closes out the festival with its West Coast Premiere. Shorts programs & free educational panels fill out the week at the Laemmle NoHo 7 theatres in the NoHo Arts District. Tickets are $15 per program. 
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"Bats, Balls & Family" Florida Exhibition

Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library (SNMAL) will honor South Florida’s Gay Amateur Athletic Association (SFGLAA) through an inspirational exhibit opening Friday September 12th & runs through Sunday November 2nd in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Bats Balls & Family: The History of the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association Exhibit opening reception will be held on September 12th at 6P in the Hester & Ross Galleries 1300 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library President & CEO stated, “This exhibit is a vibrant tribute to community members who used sports as a tool to engage & overcome historic obstacles foisted on us by the outside world. Sports has always been a great unifier in the United States & it has helped build comradery between diverse groups of people that otherwise may have never met." Founded in 1994 originally as the South Florida Softball League the SFGLAA has welcomed more than 500 members over the course of 30+ years providing an accepting space for athletes of all skill levels while building national & international relationships with numerous organizations including International Pride Softball & United States of America Softball. Kesten concluded, “The SFGLAA is proof that when our community comes together, amazing things happen. These athletes, many of whom felt unwelcome by mainstream sports, built a place where teamwork, visibility, friendship & healthy competition were the priority, quickly becoming a lifeline. Their efforts transformed South Florida into what it is today. Now we celebrate their efforts & cheer on the future which is sure to be even more amazing." 
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Toronto International Film Fest Event

For the 4th consecutive year the Toronto International Film Festival & GLAAD in partnership with The Trans Film Mentorship (TFM) in tandem with the group’s Trans Filmmakers Summit (TFS) returns on Sunday September 7th on the TIFF Lightbox rooftop. This year’s Summit promises to be its most dynamic edition yet expanding its programming & deepening its commitment to uplifting trans, non-binary & gender-diverse storytellers. Nick Adams, VP of Entertainment at GLAAD stated, "GLAAD is proud to support this year's Trans Film Summit, a critically important event directly supporting storytellers, who are trans & their short film projects. At a time when transgender characters in television & film have declined precipitously & trans people are being targeted & attacked, it's essential that trans creatives are empowered to tell our own stories. The Trans Film Summit is an incredible place where this resourcing & mentorship is re-invested into the talent in our community." Also returning this year is the highly anticipated CMF Barrier Breaker Award with this year’s recipient is Zackary Drucker the Emmy-nominated director for HBO’s The Stroll which won a Peabody Award in 2024 & a Special Jury Award at Sundance in 2023. At the heart of this year’s programming is the return of the ground-breaking Short Film Fund an initiative launched in partnership with Spindle Films Foundation whose founder J Stevens concluded, “Our mission has always been to champion emerging gender-diverse filmmakers by helping bridge the gap between vision & opportunity. This Fund is a tangible way for us to do that, offering real resources, mentorship & visibility to help storytellers take the next meaningful step in their careers” 
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National Black Justice Awards Event

The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) hosts its Bayard Rustin-Pauli Murray Advocate for Justice Awards on Thursday September 25th i...

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