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Musical Film "Kiss of the Spider Woman"

Global superstar Jennifer Lopez & breakout talent Tonatiuh star in Bill Condon’s upcoming musical film “Kiss of the Spider Woman” this October are featured in OUT mag's new issue. Fierce LGBTQ ally Lopez who performed at WorldPride DC last Spring stated, “I was there for no other reason than just to show my support & love & solidarity [during] everything that’s going on in our country right now — not just for the LGBTQ community but for the Latino community. As an artist, you show up in the ways that you can. As an artist, you show up in the ways that you can & when they asked me to do it, I was like, I will absolutely f**king be there.” About starring in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” Lopez added, “It was really a dream come true. I’ve dreamt of doing a musical for so many years. For it to be one that is a movie about love & acceptance & community, especially in this time, to me it couldn’t have been a better thing to happen.” Tonatiuh concluded, “There is no difference between me or Jennifer or Diego, who are in this film, from the people who are hardworking & are trying to provide for their families. It’s just been breaking my heart to see their agony & to see people separated from their families & I think that, especially for first-generation people like myself, it’s activating a sense of fear that we are next & so I hope that this film gives people a space for some catharsis & a little escape & a win.” 
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New Welcoming Schools Book Series

The Human Rights Campaign has launched its first-ever Welcoming Schools Book of the Month series beginning this month through early 2026. The series will highlight a book each month aiming to inspire people in both red & blue states to bring LGBTQ inclusive these stories into libraries, schools, community centers & other youth-friendly spaces to push back against the erasure of our books. The series kicks off with New York Times bestselling author Chasten Buttigieg’s “Papa’s Coming Home” a celebration of unconditional love in a family emphasizing that stories featuring LGBTQ families are stories that celebrate belonging for everyone. Kelley Robinson, HRC President stated, “We are living at a time when censorship is being valued over love & acceptance. The Supreme Court’s recent Mahmoud decision reminds us why we must push back against efforts to silence LGBTQ+ stories. Through this series we hope to show that inspiring tales are beautiful no matter who the characters are & that themes of family & acceptance connect us all. Through these monthly readings, we hope every child & family can see themselves celebrated in the pages of these books.” Chasten Buttigieg concluded, “As a father & teacher, there’s nothing more powerful than watching a child’s eyes light up when they see themselves reflected in a story. I’m proud to partner with the Welcoming Schools program to bring Papa’s Coming Home to more students & families, especially at a time when stories like these are under attack, ensuring every child feels celebrated, every family feels embraced & the unifying theme of love shines through.”
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NGLCC 2025 Global Business Conference

NGLCC is presenting its 2025 International Business & Leadership Conference August 19th t0 22nd in Las Vegas, NV. This is the world's largest LGBTQ & allied business event where innovation meets opportunity & where entrepreneurs & businesses leaders unite for a brighter more connected future. There will be fabulous speakers & events to attend as well as networking opportunities. NGLCC is the business voice of our LGBTQ community & the only national advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for our business community. Justin Nelson NGLCC Co-Founder & President stated, “Back in 2002 we realized that too few government leaders & corporate executives had considered the economic equality of LGBTQ people or the impact economics could have on the future of the equality movement. So with a few forward-thinking corporate partners & a small network of LGBTQ business owners willing to tell their story, NGLCC was born. We can’t wait to welcome you to Las Vegas for the 2025 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference! As we approach the big week, we ask that you please take a moment to RSVP for our Closing Awards Brunch on Friday, August 22nd. This celebratory event is one of our most cherished traditions—don’t miss your chance to close out the week with inspiring honorees, a few final surprises & plenty of fabulous fare.” New this year is The Capital Connect Zone hosted by Macy’s, Inc. This curated space within the Marketplace Expo is designed specifically for one-on-one conversations between financial institutions & entrepreneurs seeking access to capital, funding resources & grants. For More Info… 

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Florida Key West Womenfest Event

Key West’s annual Womenfest is back for 5 sun-soaked late-summer days of fun September 3rd to 7th. This year’s theme is “Decades of Divas” paying tribute to the queens who’ve ruled our radios, hearts & history books from disco on with this year's the lineup louder & the vibes unmatched with poolside parties, retro proms, soulful sunset cruises, inspiring art & more. Womenfest is more than themed outfits & tropical cocktails. It’s a celebration by women for women spotlighting the power of visibility, community & joy. It's a place to be seen, supported & celebrated & where every diva gets to take center stage. Rob Dougherty, Executive Director at the Key West Business Guild which produces Womenfest stated, "This year’s theme, Decades of Divas, is our love letter to the bold women who’ve defined generations & redefined what it means to shine. We’re not just celebrating pop icons, we’re celebrating sisterhood." It’s kicks off Wednesday September 3rd with the official Welcome Party at Birdcage Cabaret hosted by the fabulous Chantal P. Thursday brings the fan-favorite Cornhole Tournament, a poetry & art showcase featuring women poets of the Key West Poetry Guild & local artists at Tropic Cinema then a scenic Argo Navis sunset cruise. Friday leads up to a throwback 90s Alt-Rock cover concert headlined by Marjory Lee & The Misspellings at Rams Head Southernmost. Saturday turns up the heat with a pool party & a glitter-drenched Decades of Divas 80s Prom. Sunday winds down concluding with the beloved Tea Dance at La Te Da featuring DJ Rude Girl. 
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New Board Members Join CenterLink

CenterLink announced the appointment of 4 new members to its Board of Directors bringing accomplished leaders with valuable experience & expertise to strengthen their national network. Denise Spivak CenterLink CEO stated, "We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional leaders to our board. Their diverse backgrounds & proven track records will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen & expand support for LGBTQ community centers everywhere." The new Board Members include Jasper Liem, Executive Director of The Attic Youth Center in the Philadelphia, PA area & Daniel Penchina, President of Penchina Partners bringing over 22 years of experience navigating the intersection of nonprofit management, public policy advocacy & strategy on behalf of social justice organizations. Also joining the board are Joli Robinson, CEO, Center on Halsted & Adrian Shanker, Shanker Strategies who most recently served as a senior political appointee in the Biden-Harris administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy & Senior Advisor on LGBTQ Health Equity at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Marvin Webb & Michelle Kristel, Co-Chairs of CenterLink’s board of directors concluded, "We’re excited to welcome these new voices & visionary leaders to CenterLink’s Board. Their passion & perspective will help shape the future of LGBTQ community centers & the lives they touch every day.” Founded in 1994 CenterLink is the national association of LGBTQ community centers serving as the central coordinating body for LGBTQ centers throughout the United States & globally working to strengthen existing centers & help establish new ones. The organization provides capacity-building assistance facilitates the sharing of strategies & resources as well as advocating for funding for LGBTQ centers & programs. 
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Massachusetts New Health Shield Act

Governor Maura Healey has signed into law the Massachusetts Shield Act which will strengthen state protections for reproductive health care & transgender health care amidst a rapidly shifting political landscape that threatens access to care. The bill updates Massachusetts’ 2022 Shield Act that protects providers of reproductive & gender-affirming care from out-of-state investigations & prosecutions & other liability for providing or assisting patients in accessing such care which is legal in the state. Governor Healey stated, “Massachusetts will always be a state where patients can access high-quality health care & providers are able to do their jobs without government interference. From the moment Roe was overturned, we stepped up to pass strong protections for patients & providers & with President Trump & his allies continuing their assaults on health care, we’re taking those protections to the next level. No one is going to prevent the people of Massachusetts from getting the health care they need.” Polly Crozier, GLAD Law Director of Family Advocacy concluded, “Faced with political headwinds from the federal government & hostile states, the Healey administration & the State Legislature today ensured that, in Massachusetts, health care will continue to be based on science & people’s need for care. GLAD Law is grateful to the Governor, the Attorney General & the legislature for taking these critical steps as part of our deep commitment to maintaining access to reproductive health care & transgender health care for the people of the Commonwealth. Political threats or intimidation should never deny people the health care they need & we will continue to work with government leaders & other partners to anticipate & protect Bay Staters.”
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Carly Ozard Chain of Love Release Party

Carly Ozard presents a one night only show concert with friends to kick off the release of her “Chain of Love A Broadway Album” on Monday August 18th at GRNHS Gallery + Studio in San Francisco, CA. With musical direction by Baker Peeples, Ozard will perform the singer’s deep love for showtunes from classics, unknowns & fiascos. Featuring rarely-heard gems like "Chain of Love" from The Grass Harp a 1971 musical that ran just 7 performances based on Truman Capote’s novel the album showcases works by legendary composers including Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Irving Berlin & Charles Strouse. A number of songs are reimagined with new arrangements by Ozard herself. Each track is paired with personal stories from her life in NYC & San Francisco including encounters with Broadway stars & casting directors. The album also highlights vocal talents from the Bay Area’s Lamplighters Music Theater now in its 78th year performing Gilbert & Sullivan titles in duets, trios & including a full ensemble number. It's a heartfelt tribute to musical theater & an invitation to become a link in the "Chain of Love." Carly’s San Francisco nightlife appearances include Feinstein’s at the Nikko, Oasis, Martuni’s Piano Bar, Act II in Puerto Vallarta, Crazy Coqs in London & in NYC at Don’t Tell Mama, The Metropolitan Room, Stage 72 at the Triad, Room 623, Birdland & Feinstein’s 54 Below. The August 18th One Night Only Show concert is $20 for general admission as a suggested donation & the 7P show runs 70 minutes without an intermission. 
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Provincetown Swim For Life 2025 Events

Celebrating 38 years as a community tradition the Provincetown Community Compact is presenting their annual Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla fundraiser. First on Friday September 5th there will an optional swimmer’s orientation at 1P & a kayak orientation at 2P & at 8P there will be a celebration of Life Concert at the UU Meeting House at 8P. Then on September 6th swimmers will swim 1.2 miles along the East End shoreline from Breakwater Hotel at 716 Commercial Street that begins at 2:20P & a half mile swim from the Town Landing at Atkins Lane also starting at 2:30P. There will also be a fresh water swim in Wellfleet’s Great Pond on September 6th beginning at 9A. Jay Critchley, Director of The Compact stated, “We are thrilled to be back at the town’s spectacular waterfront park & welcome swimmers, kayakers, volunteers, safety boaters & our fans from across the country.” The Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla fundraiser has raised over $6M for AIDS, women’s health & the community. Over 100 volunteers are invited to assist on land & sea including kayakers. There will be Watch Parties for the public along the shoreline to cheer on the swimmers & the famous Mermaid Brunch will be catered by Far Land Provisions with the world-traveling Zoe Lewis providing the music. Walkers are also invited to participate with a walk along the beach route & Commercial Street & the public is invited to share this post-Labor Day tradition along the shore & greet swimmers at the finish line where there will be food, beverage & entertainment. 2025 Swim design Four Moons by Paul Resika. 
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Modern Southern Art Contest Extended

The Gibbes Museum of Art established in 1858 in Charleston, SC announced the extension of their deadline to September 7th for artists to submit for the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. The 1858 Prize is recognized as one of the leading artist competitions in the Southeastern United States & awards $10,000 each year to an artist whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South. Artists must reside, work in or be from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia. Dr. H. Alexander Rich, Gibbes Museum of Art President & CEO stated, “Year in & out, the prestigious 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art stands as a testament to & celebration of, the amazing talents of artists living & working in the American South. Since its origins in 1858, the Gibbes Museum has been a champion of groundbreaking art & the emerging & established artists whose diverse voices speak powerfully to the full breadth of the American experience and American creativity. Keeping with this legacy, 2025’s 1858 Prize candidates promise to posit new & eye-opening ways to reflect upon our individual & collective worlds & we cannot wait to be in awe once again of our region’s incredible artistic talent.” Since the inaugural prize of 2008 the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art recognizes the highest level of artistic achievement & welcomes applications from artists working across all media. Past winners have gone on to receive major national awards including the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Fellowship, the United States Artist Fellowship & the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. 
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Actress Loni Anderson Passes (AUDIO)

Very sad to hear that actress Loni Anderson has passed away. Anderson will always be remembered for her iconic role from the hit sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” but I will remember her as a beautiful woman always trying to do the right thing. I talked with Anderson in 2017 about her sitcom on tello films & her spin on our issues. As a fierce ally when asked how she sees our community moving forward in the last Trump administration Anderson stated, “Needless to say I’ve had my hysterical moments over the election & I have a granddaughter who’s a junior at UCLA & we have had many spirited discussions about our feelings. I think after you get over being hysterical, but I don’t know if you do, that you try and move forward the best you can & hope that we do not slip backwards. I was a 60’s girl; I went to high school and college in the 60’s. So I marched and I always said my political party is I’m a card-carrying member of the civil rights party. So I didn’t think as a grandmother I would be facing this. Somehow when I was a college student I didn’t think this would come up when I got to be a grandmother. I naively I guess thought it would be all taken care of but as I said to my granddaughter, if need be I’m still ready to march.” Loni earned 2 Emmy nominations & 3 Golden Globe nominations. Anderson was married 4 times & was happily married to Bob Flick from the folk music group The Brothers Four since 2008. She had 2 children. Anderson's autobiography My Life in High Heels was published in 1995. LISTEN
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Ty Herndon & Ashley McBryde Sing Out

Country music icon Ty Herndon has teamed up with Grammy winning powerhouse vocalist Ashley McBryde to breathe new life into his 1998 hit “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go)” a haunting ballad about love, loss & the moment two hearts go their separate ways. The track is set for release on Friday August 8th & is the second single from Herndon’s highly anticipated new double album “Thirty” a landmark project honoring his three-decade journey through country music set to be released in two installments. Herndon stated, “This song has always been one of the most emotional songs in my catalog. To revisit it with someone as fearless & gifted as Ashley was both humbling & electric. We didn’t just sing the song — we lived it.” Volume One will be out this fall & feature reimagined versions of Herndon’s most beloved hits each reinterpreted as collaborations with some of the genre’s most dynamic voices. Penned by Gene Dobbins, John Ramey & Bobby Taylor “A Man Holdin’ On” became one of Herndon’s signature songs in the late ’90s. With McBryde’s raw edge & Herndon’s trademark heartfelt delivery this new rendition brings even greater emotional depth to the classic, capturing the pain, poetry & power of letting go. Released through Club44 Records the track also marks Herndon’s next step in an exciting new chapter with the Nashville-based label known for championing bold vocalists & genre-defying artistry as part of a 3-album deal announced recently with the label. I talked to Ty about his annual Concert for Love & Acceptance in Nashville in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN
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Fenway Institute Health Partnership

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has partnered with Fenway Institute to further enhance the visibility, availability & usefulness of educational resources & training for licensed healthcare professionals serving the LGBTQ population. The DPH/Fenway Health Training Initiative will offer educational & training opportunities focused on delivering culturally competent affirming care for LGBTQ individuals & others who rely on these services. Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD stated, “As a physician, I have seen firsthand that gender-affirming care is more than just affirming – it can be lifesaving. Far too often, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience stigma, bias & discrimination when seeking care. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity & to have access to health professionals who are knowledgeable, respectful & prepared to meet their specific needs. These training materials will help reinforce & embed those standards of care across the workforce in Massachusetts.” Jordina Shanks, Chief Executive Officer of Fenway Health concluded, “This initiative represents a powerful step forward in ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people receive care that is not only competent but deeply affirming. At Fenway, we know that training is not an optional enhancement - it’s an essential component of equitable care. We’re proud to partner with DPH to bring this work to scale across Massachusetts & set a national example for inclusive health education.” The Fenway Institute has over 25 years of experience training healthcare staff on providing skilled & affirming healthcare. Founded in 2001 Fenway Institute is one of the most preeminent LGBTQ health & HIV research, education & policy orgs in the world. 
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Lambda Literary Awards Finalists

The Lambda Literary Awards have announced the finalists for this year’s Lammy awards marking 37 years of outstanding LGBTQ voices in literature & storytelling. Eighty judges participated in the reviewing & deliberating 1,339 submissions over the past six months included literary critics, academics, librarians, students, poets, independent & traditionally published authors & other avid readers representing a bright & bold spectrum. J Clapp Lambda's New Executive Director stated, “This year's shortlist represents the voices & resilience of LGBTQ+ people in a time when our stories are under attack through legislation & misinformation. Standing with the truth & determination of our authors, Lambda Literary is proud of the vulnerability our writers have shown by continuing to use their pen (or keyboard) to move hearts, minds & missions. More than ever, this year's Lammys represents the importance of our work—we must elevate LGBTQ+ stories to give hope for a future where we are all free while reminding us of the paths blazed by our elders & ancestors. We at Lambda Literary remain immensely thankful for the ongoing support & reminders of our mutual investment in the presence and success of LGBTQ+ writers.” The Lammy Awards ceremony has traditionally taken place in NYC. Winners receive a plaque & the coveted Lambda Literary Award sticker for the covers of their award-winning book. The Lammys celebrate more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 26 categories spanning a number of genres, lived identities & experiences. They continue to proudly recognize works by self-published authors & independent academic presses alongside works supported by traditional big 5 publishers. 
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Argentina Leads In Workplace Equality

Argentina revealed that 93 organizations including 75 private companies, 16 universities & two embassies have implemented inclusive policies benefiting 285,600 employees a 27% increase from the previous year. Even amidst political tensions in Argentina where the national government has actively opposed key principles that drive business, including diversity, equity & inclusion policies Argentine companies are still making remarkable strides in LGBTQ workplace inclusion. Shawnie Hawkins, Senior Director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program stated, "Even in the face of political resistance to diversity & inclusion in Argentina, businesses are not just holding the line. They are setting the standard. A 13% increase in participation with 45 new organizations joining this year is something to celebrate. It shows that companies in Argentina are stepping up & saying yes to inclusion, yes to equality & yes to creating workplaces where LGBT+ people can thrive. This kind of progress is not only inspiring, it’s a powerful reminder that when businesses lead with values, everyone benefits." Dolores Covacevich, HRC Equidad AR Implementing Partner concluded, “One of the major advances in this edition was the inclusion of 16 national universities in the HRC Equidad AR index. This achievement not only broadens the territorial & federal scope of the measurement, but also reflects the strong commitment of the public university system to building inclusive, safe & respectful educational spaces for sexual & gender diversity. Universities are key actors in shaping new generations & driving the cultural transformation of our society. The fact that we can now measure their policies & support them in this process means opening doors for thousands of students & education workers to be part of institutions where their identities are respected & valued.” 
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Darwin Del Fabro New Solo Play In NYC

A new play “Lili / Darwin” written & performed by Darwin Del Fabro opens for a limited 12 performance engagement beginning Saturday August 2nd at The Tank in NYC. It’s a poetic solo performance exploring the intimate overlapping journeys of Lili Elbe & Darwin Del Fabro inviting the audience into a raw unflinching world of identity, memory & becoming through voice, projection & powerful language. Darwin brings to life the blurred lines of self & story from history to present day. Lili Elbe was the Danish painter whose life inspired the 2015 Academy Award-winning film “The Danish Girl” starring Eddie Redmayne & a 2023 opera by Tobias Picker. Darwin Del Fabro is a Brazilian writer, performer & producer based in New York who appeared in Blumhouse Productions' “They/Them” directed by John Logan. After years of creative work in theater & music “Lili / Darwin” marks her return to the stage following her gender transition. Darwin Del Fabro stated, “I’ve always written to survive, to see myself clearly. Lili / Darwin is the most personal work I’ve ever brought to the stage. It’s not just a play — it’s a reintroduction to myself & an homage to the woman who helped me find the courage to begin.” The play is presented by Madalena Productions & directed by The Tank’s Artistic Director Meghan Finn. “Lili / Darwin” will be a featured mainstage show as part of The Tank's annual LimeFest which invites new works by creative teams who identify as women, nonbinary or gender non-conforming to make way for more gender parity in the performing arts. A few years ago I talked to Darwin about the film “They/Them” & more in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN    
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Torch Song Trilogy Robe On Display

Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library announced that Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein’s ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ robe has been added to their expansive collection of Broadway memorabilia. Robert Kesten, SNMAL’s President & CEO stated, “As one of the first openly gay celebrities in the U.S., Fierstein has helped transform how Americans see LGBTQ+ life. He helped make it recognizable, not exotic. His contemporary storytelling, enjoyed by millions globally, made us seem like relatives, friends & neighbors. His work proves that our community is very much like other communities in our society & his unabashed acceptance of his identity serves as a reminder of community strength during our ongoing battle with people elected to protect us. ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ broke incredible ground in the theater world, challenging audiences both straight & gay to sympathize with someone they simply never thought about before. It paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in film, television & theatre, though there is still much to be done. Fierstein’s message is still all too relevant as we fight back against national efforts to dehumanize our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to preserve this piece of history & highlight Fierstein’s legacy in our archives for all.” Released in 1982 & written by Fierstein after years of discrimination for his sexual orientation ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ play went on to win Fierstein several awards including two Tony Awards (Best Play, Best Actor), two Drama Desk Awards (Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Actor in a Play) & the Theatre World Award. Recently Fierstein was awarded 2025 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award. 
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San Francisco Music That Moves Event

The official band of San Francisco will be performing “Dance, Drift, Descarga! Music That Moves” for a sonic journey connecting the body, spirit & story on August 16th at the Saint Mark's Lutheran Church in San Francisco, CA. The concert by composers from Colombia, Mexico & beyond will feature guest conductor Dr. Sixto F. Montesinos Jr., chair of the music department & assistant professor of music at Saint Mary’s College of California. This is the first of two 1 hour community concerts this summer as the band works towards selecting a new artistic director of concert bands. This program celebrates rhythm, resistance, movement & meaning. The concert features works including Descarga by Jorge Sosa, Tricycle by Andrew Boysen Jr., Tango by Victoriano Valencia, Chandé by Victoriano Valencia & Los Caminos de Langerke by Rubén Darío Gómez. Each piece reflects how music embodies movement from the whimsical joy of a tricycle ride to the electric energy of a descarga. The music in this program will be propulsive showing how we are moving forward not just physically but historically & personally. Los Caminos de Lengerke for example contemplates the legacy of the German engineer who carved literal roads into Colombian landscapes but also created cultural & political ripples that are still being reckoned with today. Founded in 1978 San Francisco Pride Band is the first openly-gay musical group in the world. For over 40 years the band has tirelessly marched forward with their mission of fostering understanding of our LGBTQ community through musical performance. "Dance, Drift, Descarga!" concert tickets are general admission $12 & senior & student admission $10. 
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Musical Film "Kiss of the Spider Woman"

Global superstar Jennifer Lopez & breakout talent Tonatiuh star in Bill Condon’s upcoming musical film “Kiss of the Spider Woman” this O...

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