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US Senate Passes Medicaid Madness

Despite attempts by sane, compassionate Democratic Senators the GOP failed American citizens in the passage of H.R. 1 that will significantly cut Medicaid funding. If the House passes this bill knowing that Medicaid is the largest payer of mental health & substance use disorder services it will have irreversible repercussions for patients & their families. Dr. Theresa Miskimen, American Psychiatric Association President stated, “This is a huge blow for access to health care in America. In very real terms, this legislation will result in irreparable gaps in access to care for our country’s most vulnerable, many of whom have mental health & substance use disorders & they will suffer as a result.” Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A & APA CEO & Medical Director added, “The country is already facing a mental health & substance use disorder crisis. We cannot afford to have patients lose access to vital Medicaid services. We urge the House of Representatives to vote against this legislation. Despite this major setback, APA will continue to work for progress on behalf of psychiatrists & the patients they serve.” Sinead Murano-Kinney, Advocates for Trans Equality Health Policy Analyst concluded, "Make no mistake: this bill still contains many provisions that will endanger the health & well-being of millions of people across the country. For sure, the “defunding” of Planned Parenthood will jeopardize many trans people’s ability to access reproductive care, routine healthcare & transition-related healthcare. But we are relieved that a significant anti-trans provision was removed & we are grateful for all the members of our community who demanded that their representatives defend access to gender-affirming care.” We can make a difference this fight is by no means over.
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Stonewall Riots 56 Years Later (AUDIO)

As the 55th anniversary of the first Pride in 1970 ends this has been quite a different year for many pride events globally. Kicking off with World Pride celebrations in Washington DC to our Hungarian community massive display of solidarity despite threats made by their nation's homophobic president 2025 has been quite a year. Though according to Pew Research Center the majority of American adults (56%) favor legislation that protects our trans citizens from discrimination in jobs, housing & public spaces we’re dealing with an administration bent on discrimination. Robert Kesten Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale President & CEO stated, “The laws that have long criminalized gender nonconformity have been taken out of the mothballs with the intent to do harm to another generation of brave Americans seeking to be themselves. We are coming together as we did in the 60s. Although the threats against us are many, we too have a much bigger & more experienced community of people willing & ready to take on this fight. The only thing that is going to be erased at the end of this struggle is the hate & prejudices that divide us as Americans. The laws attacking human rights is nothing new, even as it remains disturbing. For people to reach their fullest potential, they must be who they are, unafraid to move forward with confidence. Stonewall will continue to use materials from our library & archives to advocate for those being unfairly challenged. We fully understand our role in this community.” In 2024 I talked to Kristen Lovell about the historic Stonewall Riots reenactment she participated in & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Bruce Vilanch Book Event Fundraiser

Emmy winner Bruce Vilanch will be signing his latest book, “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: The Worst TV Shows in History & Other Things I Wrote” at a Mark Rhoades event benefiting Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation at Club Oasis on July 22nd in San Francisco. D’Arcy Drollinger will also be conducting an interview with Vilanch about the book & his fabulous career. Ken Henderson, Executive Director of the Richmond/Ermet AID Foundation stated, “Bruce has been a long-time friend & supporter of REAF & has performed in many REAF benefits. He is probably one of the most caring & philanthropic performers in Hollywood & can always be counted on for a great time & great performance.” In addition to writing many entertainment award shows Bruce also wrote many musical variety shows & specials some of which were the biggest bombs in television history. In this book Bruce tells all about some of the infamous projects he worked on including “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special”, Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White at the Oscars & “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour". Tickets begin at $30 with VIP bundles available for $73 which include 25% Discount on VIP Seat + physical copy of Bruce Vilanch's book preorder book + GA Event Ticket & $58 which include 25% Discount on GA Seat + physical copy of Bruce Vilanch's book. This Club Oasis is a 21+ event so bring your IDs. I talked with Bruce on OUTTAKE VOICES back in 2016 about his spin on our LGBTQ issues & more. LISTEN  
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NEA Addresses Supreme Court Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court has imposed burdensome new requirements on educators & public schools that will undermine their ability to provide students with an inclusive education that reflects the real-life diversity of students & identities in our nation’s public schools & communities. Becky Pringle, National Education Association President stated, “Today the U.S. Supreme Court willfully discounted & ignored the expertise of trained professionals in the classroom. This decision could have a chilling effect on students for generations to come & could lead to more educators self-censoring, shelving books & lessons & preventing some already marginalized students from being seen & acknowledged. In the end, students are the ones who pay the price for censoring what books they can & cannot access & read. Educators know that students can’t learn when they do not feel welcomed, seen or valued…The Court’s ruling is a direct attack on our democracy. Public education is founded on the core educational principle of engaging students on a broad range of ideas, allowing them to explore new perspectives & learn to think for themselves. Students deserve nothing less than to feel supported & valued on that journey, in particular our LGBTQ+ young people & families, who often feel marginalized & excluded. Censoring the books & resources students can access puts limits on their freedom to grow, learn & contribute to society. Everyone deserves to see themselves & their lived experiences in books at our schools & in our libraries. Books are like mirrors & windows. They reflect what we observe & know about the world in which we live & help us understand lives that are different from our own. The Court does students a disservice by limiting access to these opportunities.” 
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Paul Reubens Filmed In His Own Words

Surfing for something relevant to watch I came across “Pee-Wee As Himself” the HBO Original 2-Part 195 minutes documentary directed by Matt Wolf (“The Stroll”) that recounts Reubens life story from over 40 hours of brutally honest intimate interview footage, fabulous archival film & photographs from Reuben personal collections. This must-see binge-worthy film opens your eyes & corrects the record with the factual story of his life. The most revealing part of this riveting documentary was addressing the societal persecution of Reubens for being a gay man forced to remain in the closet during a time in the 1980’s when living openly was totally unacceptable especially with a high-profile Emmy-winning CBS weekly Saturday morning television show like “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” that ran from 1986 to 1990. I totally sympathize with this on a number of levels. While I was employed by CBS between 1979 to 1984, I had to remain in the closet or be fired for being LGBTQ. I left CBS in 1984 to live my life authentically so I can just imagine the horrendous circumstances Reubens was up against. Sadly he passed away in 2023 at 70 after privately battling cancer for years. Wolf stated, “I was completely unaware that he was sick. I could tell something was up, but I had no sense of the gravity of it. So when he died, it was a complete shock to me, & I went to work immediately to figure out how to make meaning out of these extraordinary circumstances & to better understand the relationship that I had with him & what unfolded through the process of making this film.” “Pee-Wee As Himself” is currently available on HBO/MAX & a truly important way to celebrate Pride in these times. Watch Trailer 
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Stonewall Inn Wall of Honor Inductees

The Wall of Honor at the historic Stonewall Inn will induct 7 trailblazing individuals on June 26th. This year’s ceremony is especially significant as all honorees are trans advocates recognized for their enduring impact & leadership. Nicole Murray Ramirez, Founder of the Wall of Honor stated, “A community-indeed, a movement-that does not know where it came from or whose shoulders it stands on does not really know where it’s going. In these times, when there are radical & extreme campaigns trying to erase our transgender community, the Imperial Courts and Task Force are reminding us all that transgender people have not only always been here, but have also been some of our community’s most dedicated activists & leaders.” This year’s inductees are Ruddy Martinez “Mami Ruddys” who since the 1980s opened her home to nurture, shelter & empower young LGBTQ people rejected by their families, Chili Pepper a fierce activist largely revered for her AIDS awareness activism, Lynn Conway was an electrical engineer, computer scientist & activist, Alan L. Hart a physicist, novelist & writer is considered one of the very first people to receive gender affirming surgery to live as a man, Bianca Castro-Arabejo of RuPaul’s Drag Race & starred in FX Pose as Veronica Ferocity, The Lady Chablis best known from her self-portrayal in the film Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil & Sam Nordquist the Black trans man that was tortured for nearly 3 months before being found dead in Hopewell, NY last February. The Wall of Honor was inaugurated by the International Imperial Court Council & the National LGBTQ Task Force in 2019 with 50 names to mark the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.
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Help Is On The Way Concert & Gala

The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation is presenting its 31st Anniversary "Help is on the Way" Concert & Gala on Sunday July 20th at the Marines' Memorial Theater at 7:30P & After Party at the Beacon Grand Hotel in San Francisco, CA. "Help Is On The Way" is one of San Francisco’s longest-running benefit concerts featuring stars from Broadway, TV, film & the recording industry. The concert will feature cast members from the Broadway touring cast of “& Juliet” & while you won't hear the music from the touring show you can expect to hear some other fabulous songs as cast members join guest performers from Broadway, TV & Film. Additional entertainers will include Leanne Borghesi, Jason Brock, Garrett Clayton, Julie Garnye, Sam Harris, Bruce Vilanch, Sharon McNight & Paula West. Ken Henderson, Executive Director of the Richmond/Ermet AID Foundation stated, “It’s hard to believe this will be our 31st annual "Help is on the Way" concert & gala. With all the proposed cuts to funding for LGBTQ+ causes as well as food distribution programs like Project Open Hand, we are proud that 100% of ticket sales will go directly to support our cause & we know our ticket buyers will still be getting one hell of a great show.” The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation was founded by the late Barbara Richmond & Peggy Ermet in memory of their sons John Richmond & Doug Ermet who both lost their lives to AIDS. To date REAF has raised well over $4.5 million dollars to support AIDS/HIV services, hunger programs & programs for homeless & disenfranchised youth. The 31st Gala event consists of a Broadway-style performance & a nightclub-themed after party with the cast. The event benefits Project Open Hand & REAF’s Small Emergency Grants Program. 
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Kate Rigg To Lead NYC Comedy Class

Manhattan Comedy School (MCS) announced an exciting new addition to its summer offerings led by acclaimed performer & writer Kate Rigg. This LGBTQ+ Stand-Up class will begin on June 30th providing a unique, inclusive environment for aspiring comedians to develop their skills, find their voices & learn from one of the industry's finest. Andy Engel, Founder & Owner of MCS stated, "At MCS, we believe in creating a space where everyone—regardless of gender, identity, or background—feels empowered to express themselves through comedy. This LGBTQ+ Stand-Up class, especially with Kate Rigg at the helm, will offer a nurturing & safe environment for participants to explore their comedic voice, learn the craft of stand-up & ultimately feel supported in honing their skills. We're thrilled to be offering this class during Pride Month, a time to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ voices in comedy." Rigg concluded, "I'm so honored to be teaching this class at MCS during Pride Month! Stand-up is a powerful form of expression & this class is all about giving LGBTQ+ individuals the space to experiment, develop their material & find their comedic voice in a supportive & inclusive environment. Comedy has the power to change lives & I can't wait to work with the students & help them unleash their potential!" Kate Rigg is an internationally acclaimed performer, writer & producer whose one-person shows have been featured at prestigious events such as the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, the Smithsonian Institute, The Comedy Central Theater & the Vancouver Comedy Festival. Founded in 2005 the Manhattan Comedy School is a premier institution dedicated to fostering the next generation of comedic talent. 
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Filmmakers Speak Out In Ptown (AUDIO)

In this audio montage of our 2-part series I talked with celebrities & filmmakers at the 27th Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF). First I talked with Emmy-winning actor & star of “The White Lotus” Murray Bartlett who received the PIFF Excellence in Acting Award & talks about being honored & “Ponyboi” the feature film he appears in. Murray known for his expansive work in HBO’s “The Last of Us”, “Looking” & Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales” also gave us his spin on our LGBTQ issues. Then I chatted with director Megan Rossman whose short film “We’ll Carry On Alright” was selected as PIFF Best Documentary Short. Megan talks about her film focusing on the friendship between Mabel Hampton a black lesbian activist & Joan Nestle a white Jewish lesbian professor who is 40 years her junior. Ms. Hampton cared for Joan as a child & the roles reversed when Joan cared for Ms. Hampton at the end of her life. Rossman talks about her film & gives her spin on our current LGBTQ issues. Next I talked to director Carmen Emmi about his film “Plainclothes” that won the PIFF Audience Award / Best Narrative Feature. The film set in 1990s New York is about a working-class undercover officer whose job was to entrap & apprehend gay men only to find himself drawn to one of his targets. I talked to Emmi about his film & his spin on our current civil rights issues. I concluded the first part of our series with directors Jackie Reeves & Lauren Wolk who talk about their film “The Art of Survival (Unafraid)”. The film is a collection of five short animated films that fuses animation, poetry & music to confront themes of identity, resilience & resistance. LISTEN  
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SCOTUS Delivers Heartbreaking Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision upheld that Tennessee’s transgender medical care ban for youth is constitutional effectively restricting access to gender-affirming medical care for thousands of transgender youth in 27 states. Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Tennessee stated, “The Supreme Court told Tennessee transgender youth & their families that they cannot access healthcare that is vitally important for a successful life. This ruling creates a class of people who politicians believe deserve healthcare & a class of people who do not. We will continue to stand with transgender people in Tennessee & are committed to realizing a world where all people belong, are valued & can access the necessary healthcare they need.” Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO added, “The Supreme Court took the place of parents & doctors & stripped away their ability to make private, lifesaving decisions for their children. This ruling is a chilling step toward unchecked government overreach, intruding on the most personal aspects of our private lives. All families are now less safe & left vulnerable to politicians & a Court that has abandoned its duty to protect personal liberties. Every family deserves the freedom to make the medical decisions that help their children live, thrive & be well.” Tony Hoang Equality California Executive Director concluded, "Healthcare decisions should be made between doctors, parents & children. This ruling permits the government to intrude into deeply personal medical decisions. It is a shameful & dangerous setback for transgender youth, their families & every person who believes in freedom & bodily autonomy. The Supreme Court has chosen politics over people & is allowing states to strip transgender kids of the care they need to survive.”
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John Waters Film Fest & Tribute Event

Attention John Waters fans the Somerville Theatre in Somerville, MA has teamed up with Identical Cousins for a John Waters Tribute featuring 3 John Waters masterworks in 35mm from June 19th to 20th followed by an immersive party full of polyester, pageantry & poor taste entitled “Filthy Formal & Trash Talent Show – A John Waters Tribute” that takes place on Saturday June 21st in the Crystal Ballroom at the Somerville Theatre beginning at 8P. The films being shown are Female Trouble on June 19th at 7:30P, Hairspray on June 20th at 7:30P & Pecker on June 20th at 9:15P. Then all students of John Samuel Waters Jr. Memorial High School for Subversives are invited to attend the festivities to honor the polyester, pageantry & poor taste at the Filthy Formal & Trash Talent Show presented by the esteemed faculty & so-called “Identical Cousins” invite you to a dance party / variety show / & a fabulous excuse to wear your most vile, stupid & repulsive formal fashions on Saturday night June 21st in the Crystal Ballroom of the Somerville Theatre. Join Vice Principal Keira Horowitz, Guidance Counselor Tooky Kavanagh & key members of the PTA (Perverts, Troublemakers & Anarchists) as they pledge allegiance to the freak flag. You’ll inhabit an iconic Pink Flamingo lawn kneel at a shrine to Divine, pose for photos under a low-rent prom arch & pencil in your own Maybelline moustaches whilst sipping signature cocktails like the sickeningly sweet “Little Chrissy.” I talked to Waters in this exclusive interview at the Ptown Film Festival in 2011 about his spin on our LGBTQ issues & more. LISTEN
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San Francisco Power Pride & Pop Oh My

SFGMC presents The Pride Concert “Power, Pride + Pop. Oh, My! A Musical Celebration of Trans & Nonbinary Voices” on Saturday June 21st at The Curran Theatre in San Francisco at 1P or 7:30P. Get ready to dance, sing & celebrate with their most joyful event of the year. This year’s San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus show is a high-energy celebration of Pride & queer brilliance featuring a spectacular soundtrack of anthems that span generations & genres from Bob Dylan to Chappell Roan & Pink pop bangers for an unforgettable night bringing together over 200 voices in a musical explosion of love, liberation & pure Pride joy. Joining the celebration will be Grammy-nominated Justin Tranter one of today’s most influential hitmakers. Tranter is the creative force behind chart-toppers by Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus & more racking up over 100 billion streams & now he's taking center stage with the chorus at the Curran Theatre. Tranter is one of the most in-demand producers & songwriters in music today & an ACLU Bill of Rights Award-winning activist & founder of Facet Records & Facet Publishing. This Pride SFGMC is turning up the volume & lifting up voices especially those of our Trans & Nonbinary community with music that inspires, unites & celebrates the beauty of being your authentic self. Uplifting, unapologetic & full of heart this is one of the most exciting concerts they've ever staged. Expect fierce choreography, unforgettable solo moments & the signature SFGMC sound that will leave you smiling long after the final note.
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Circus Bella 16th Annual Season

Escape from the politics with Circus Bella's new show HOOPLA! that runs now through July 20th celebrating its 16th annual Circus in the Parks Season in San Francisco, CA. This fabulous exhilarating show will delight & astonish audiences of all ages. Experience the mesmerizing magic of HOOPLA! offering a modern twist on one-ring circus & presenting a captivating blend of circus enchantment & madcap mayhem. Circus Bella’s diverse troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers & clowns from the Bay Area & beyond performs to the lively tunes of performed by the Circus Bella All-Star Band. Circus Bella thrives in its mission to produce & present high-quality Circus Arts entertainment accessible to all audiences. Their vision is to be a classical circus attuned to the present. They pursue excellence in a modern one-ring circus combining past traditions with forward-thinking sensibilities & flair. Circus Bella honors diversity & universal human potential as a proud member of the multinational circus community. In celebrating the beauty of circus art they delight in unifying people with experiences that cross age, culture & language barriers with joyous performances. Their new show HOOPLA! is written & directed by Abigail Munn a founding member of the American Circus Alliance with costumes by Autumn Adamme. Performances run approximately 60 minutes & are free to the public but donations are welcomed & bring picnic blankets or small folding chairs to all locations since Circus Bella does not provide audience seating at events. Last year I talked to acrobat Toni Cannon about what he hopes to accomplish performing with Circus Bella & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

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New Comic Book Honors Brandi Carlile

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile is the latest artist of trailblazing women featured in TidalWave Comic’s Female Force series. Written by Darren G. Davis & illustrated by Elmo Rocko “Female Force: Brandi Carlile” delivers a compelling 22-page narrative that presents a compelling look at her life & legacy with a striking cover by renowned artist Pablo Martinena. Darren G. Davis stated, “When I lived in Bellingham, Washington, I got to know Brandi a little through her performances at events for the Evergreen AIDS Foundation, where I used to work. Even back then, it was clear she was destined to break through to the mainstream & she didn’t just break through she became a true role model & an extraordinary talent.” "Female Force: Brandi Carlile" is an empowering comic book biography that celebrates the life & career of this groundbreaking singer-songwriter. From her early days in rural Washington to becoming a Grammy-winning artist the comic highlights Brandi Carlile's resilience, authenticity & impact on the music industry. It also addresses her struggles as a queer woman in country & folk music as well as her advocacy for social justice & her role as a voice for marginalized communities. TidalWave's biography comic book series honors a range of influential individuals, spanning authors, business leaders, entertainers, journalists, politicians & activists. This latest release expands the company's impressive collection of over 400 biographical comics. "Female Force: Brandi Carlile” is available in both print & digital formats on Kindle, iTunes, ComiXology, Global Comics, Google Play, Overdrive, Nook, Kobo & other eBook retailers. For More Info… 

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Jonathan Capehart New Memoir Event

The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library presents Pulitzer Prize-winning MSNBC & Washington Post journalist Jonathan Capehart for a special evening of exploration of his new memoir on Monday June 16th in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Capehart’s will delve into experiences shared by many in & out of our LGBTQ community covered in his recent memoir “Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home” including the struggle for acceptance, embracing one’s full identity & the desire for connection in a world rife with bigotry. Robert Kesten Stonewall National Museum President & CEO stated, “All of us at Stonewall are pleased Jonathan is able to join us at the museum. He is & has been such a force in media these past few decades, he will be able to give us an insider's view as to what is going on in DC. His story is one of mastering each & every facet of your life, no matter how much pushback comes your way. When you are reaching for the stars you will get hit personally & professionally, yet when it comes together, it is inspirational.” Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library is one of the largest & most significant LGBTQ museums & archives. SNMAL houses millions of pages of records & materials available to the media drawing direct lines from our nation’s history to today. SNMAL will also be holding its 2nd Annual Stonewall Uprising Reenactment on June 28th. “Finding Your Voice: An Evening with Jonathan Capehart & Yet Here I Am” event takes place at Sunshine Cathedral MCC, 1480 SW 9th Ave Suite 7 in Fort Lauderdale, FL beginning at 6P followed by a Q&A & book signing. 
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Legal Civil Rights Org Changes Name

After nearly 50 years as a leading civil rights organization the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has announced that it's changing its name to the National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR) to better reflect its longtime commitment to advocacy on behalf of the full LGBTQ community. Imani Rupert-Gordon, President of NCLR stated, “NCLR’s feminist roots have always called on us to support & amplify the most underrepresented communities & those often left out of the mainstream movements. At a time when the LGBTQ community is facing increasing attacks, it is critical that we are crystal clear that we represent the entire community. Without losing touch with our roots, NCLR will continue its nearly 50-year commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, forging new partnerships & working toward a day when every LGBTQ person can live with full dignity, equality & freedom under the law.” Shannon Minter said NCLR Legal Director concluded, “This change reflects what has always been true: NCLR works tirelessly to defend, protect & advance the entire LGBTQ community. Since this administration took office, NCLR has filed four lawsuits challenging discriminatory & unconstitutional executive orders & we are preparing for additional litigation. I have devoted my more than 30-year legal career to working at NCLR, an organization committed to putting the community first, supporting LGBTQ people & their families & using the power of the courts to fight for a better & more just world. I am excited that our new name captures & expands that spirit & vision.” Since 1977 NCLR has maintained a longstanding commitment to racial & economic justice & the LGBTQ community’s most vulnerable.  
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US Senate Passes Medicaid Madness

Despite attempts by sane, compassionate Democratic Senators the GOP failed American citizens in the passage of H.R. 1 that will significantl...

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