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New York African Film Festival 33rd Year

The 33rd New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) a month-long cinematic celebration that takes place across NYC throughout the month of May kicks off at the Africa Center with a Town Hall forum May 1st centered on the theme of “Black Space” the ongoing transformation of social & physical environments by Black communities toward liberatory futures. Spanning theaters, cultural centers & public spaces the festival will present more than 100 films from over 30 countries across Africa & its Diasporas. The lineup includes more than 50 feature films & 60 shorts with many filmmakers in attendance for post-screening conversations. Mahen Bonetti, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) founder & Executive Director stated, “Across this year’s selection, filmmakers are reimagining the landscapes we inherit—drawing from ancestral wisdom not as something to leave behind, but as a source of renewal and possibility. Many of the directors, including a strong group making their first features, open new ways of seeing, rooted in land, spirit & the worlds we share. In these films, what sustains us becomes a kind of wealth, guiding how we envision & shape futures on our own terms. Together, they offer glimpses of brighter horizons, reminding us that even in difficult times, life takes root in surprising & extraordinary ways.” NYAFF is co-presented by the Africa Center, Film at Lincoln Center (FLC), the Maysles Documentary Center, BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) & New York City Parks Department. The programs of AFF are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts & more. 
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Baylor Hosts All Are Neighbors Event

Student leaders at Baylor University in Waco, Texas hosted a historic event on Wednesday April 22nd as prominent Christian advocates, Human Rights Campaign & Interfaith Alliance leaders addressed the “All Are Neighbors” gathering offering a powerful values-driven alternative to Turning Point USA’s “This Is the Turning Point” tour stop happened the same day. Kelley Robinson, HRC President stated, "We are here. On this campus, in this moment, together. Because this didn't just happen. This moment exists because people spoke up. Because students organized. Because a community decided that if harmful ideas were going to have a platform, then truth would have one too & that matters. Because democracy doesn't just happen every other year in November. Democracy is happening right here, right now & I want you to know they are talking about you & your courage in Washington, DC & on campuses across America... You are making the change so many people only talk about. So good people, I came deep in the heart of Texas to decree & declare that we are here. We are fighting for freedom without exception. We are fighting for democracy without exception. We are fighting for joy - somebody say joy - without exception." Baylor’s College Democrats, NAACP Baylor, Students Demand Action at Baylor, Hearts for the Homeless & Texas Rising asked for & received university approval to host the event marking the first time that students at Baylor have been permitted to host leading LGBTQ advocates on campus. Additional speakers for the event included Minneapolis minister & activist Rev. Susie Heyward who was a central faith organizer in the successful effort to push back against ICE’s Operation Metro Surge & Interfaith Alliance president & Baptist minister Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. 
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Supreme Court Takes On Preschool Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to take up St. Mary Catholic v. Roy a case that will determine whether preschools that refuse to enroll children of same-gender couples may continue to receive Colorado state funding under the state's universal preschool program. Mardi Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality stated, “Colorado's universal preschool program was a landmark investment in our state's children, a commitment that every family would have access to quality early education. The answer to whether taxpayer dollars should fund institutions that turn children away because of who their parents are should be clear. Taxpayers should not fund discrimination. Public funding carries public responsibility & that basic contract cannot be selectively applied. Rocky Mountain Equality stands firmly with the Colorado families fighting to uphold the nondiscrimination protections that Colorado has enshrined in law & we urge the Court to affirm that equal rights & public funding are inseparable.” Kelley Robinson, HRC President concluded, “All students deserve to be accepted at school & treated equally regardless of their or their family members’ sexual orientation or gender identity. To give public dollars to preschools that openly treat students with LGBTQ+ parents differently is state backed discrimination & has no place in Colorado or everywhere else. Colorado’s policy is sound & responsible, but this case is part of a dangerous, escalating path that takes aim at LGBTQ+ children, parents & entire family units. This must stop.” Rocky Mountain Equality is a leading org dedicated to advancing LGBTQ rights & promoting equality & justice for all individuals in Colorado providing direct services to the community & engages in advocacy RMEQ strives to create a more inclusive & equitable society. 
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Janis Ian Conversation & Film Screening

As part of Wilton Women’s Week & presented by Stonewall National Women’s Fund singer-songwriter Janis Ian will join the screening of “Breaking Silence” a moving portrait of a legendary singer songwriter on Saturday April 26th at the Center for Spiritual Living in Oakland Park, Florida from 5P to 7P. Following her recent induction into ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes’ exhibit Robert Kesten, SNMAL President & CEO stated, “We are welcoming Janis back to SNMAL as a family member & supporter of the work we do here. Her unique talents as a song writer & singer are an integral part of the culture we celebrate. Her artistry & commitment to advocacy energize every room she enters, reminding us of our own potential. People like Janis foster positive change. Despite intense societal pushback throughout her life, she persevered, cementing herself as a fighter & icon in the LGBTQ+ & women's communities. We look forward to what will surely be a sold-out event.” Enjoy drinks & hors d’oeuvres, a brief live musical tribute with a special performance by South Florida vocalist Heather Craig & followed by the film screening Ian will join the attendees for a conversation & a Q&A celebrating the power of women’s voices, truth-telling & the stories that shaped us. Tickets are $20 & include 2 drink tickets & hors d'oeuvres. Janis Ian won her 1st Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1976 for “At Seventeen” & her 2nd Grammy in 2013 for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio book "Society's Child” when I talked to her about her career in this exclusive audio interview. LISTEN  
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Sean Dorsey Dance 22nd Home Season

Sean Dorsey Dance kicks off their 22nd home season April 24th to 26th at Dance Mission Theater in San Francisco, CA. The program entitled “We Choose Each Other” is a powerful evening of dances created as a balm for this moment in America. Dorsey stated, “We know this again & again, when our communities are under attack & in crisis, when we are being harmed, we choose each other. We choose to hold each other up, we choose to hold each other more tightly. That is what these dances are about – coming together out of deep care & love for each other.” Sean Dorsey Dance will also treat audiences to a “sneak peek” of their new-show-in-development performing the world premiere of several new dances. Additionally the company will be restaging pieces from the company’s 20-year award-winning repertoire. This is a program brimming with Sean Dorsey Dance’s signature fusion of full-throttle dance, luscious partnering, intimate storytelling & theater. The artistic team includes performances by Sean Dorsey, Brandon Graham, Héctor Jaime, David Le & Nol Simonse. Original music composed by Jesse Olsen Bay, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Alex Kelly, Cassandra Miller, Alejandro Mosso & Christophe Zurfluh. Lighting Design by Clyde Sheets, costume design by Krystal Harfert, stage manager Emily Paulson, technical director Jessi Barber, sound engineer & operator Jabari Tawiah & lighting operator Harry Rubeck. Sean Dorsey is an Emmy award-winning choreographer, dancer, writer, educator & activist long recognized as the first acclaimed trans modern dance choreographer in America. Dorsey has toured his work to more than 35 cities across the US & globally with his explicitly trans-positive pedagogy in more than 40 cities. 
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Shannon Minter Named TIME100 List

Shannon Minter, NCLR Legal Director has been named to TIME’s Annual TIME100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Minter is one of the nation’s foremost civil rights attorneys whose career spans more than 3 decades & has produced some of the most consequential legal victories in the fight for LGBTQ equality. Jennifer Levi, GLAD Senior Director stated, “I could not be more proud of my dear friend & long-time collaborator Shannon Minter for being named to the TIME100 Most Influential People list. This is an honor he has earned a thousand times over. Shannon is a true pioneer, an inspiration & a mensch. I am a better lawyer & person for the years I've had the chance to work with him. Congratulations, Shannon — this recognition is beyond deeply deserved.” Minter concluded, “I grew up in Texas knowing that I was different & feeling like an outsider, longing for a chance to belong and participate fully in the world around me. I became a lawyer to change that — not just for myself & other transgender people but for every LGBTQ person the law has failed to protect. For more than 30 years at the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, I have represented plaintiffs who risked everything to do exactly that — challenging harmful federal & state policies, defending their families & asserting their human rights to be safe from sexual violence while incarcerated. Their courage has reshaped our legal system & widened our vision of who belongs. They made me braver than I ever would have been on my own. TIME100’s recognition of this work means so much, especially in this moment.” I talked to Shannon in this 2020 exclusive podcast. LISTEN  

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Jim Caruso’s Cast Party Boston Event

Jim Caruso’s legendary star-powered Cast Party open mic event that’s been a NYC institution for over 2 decades is heading to greater Boston with Billy Stritch at RegattaBar Jazz Club on Saturday April 25th for one show only at 7P. Part concert, part variety show & part anything-can-happen theatrical experience Cast Party is where Broadway bravado, jazz virtuosity, comedy & pure showbiz joy collide. Jim Caruso presides over the festivities keeping the evening moving at a thrilling pace. Guiding the musical mayhem is his longtime collaborator the brilliant Billy Stritch at the piano providing the swinging heartbeat that turns spontaneous performances into showstopping moments. From seasoned theater & cabaret stars to fearless rising talents & the occasional surprise guest Cast Party is equal parts polished & unpredictable. The one thing guaranteed is you never know who will take the stage next & that’s exactly the fun. Billy Stritch stated, “Hey Boston! Jim Caruso & I are coming your way with Cast Party for one night only on Saturday April 25th at the fabulous RegattaBar Jazz Club in Cambridge. It will be our first time bringing this show to Boston & we really want to pack the place so if you’re in the area grab your tickets now for one show at 7P. We already have a slew of great singers lined up so it promises to be a really fun evening. See you there!” Since 2003 Jim Caruso’s Cast Party has been turning Monday nights at Birdland in NYC into a glittering anything-goes variety spectacular. With renowned pianist Billy Stritch at the piano Broadway legends, jazz divas, crooners, tap dancers & total surprises collide in the most rollicking open mic on the planet. Tix run $36 to $48 
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Chicago Critics Film Festival 12th Year

The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) has announced the complete lineup, schedule & special guests expected for the 12th annual Chicago Critics Film Festival that takes place May 1st to 7th at the city’s historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. The festival opens with a screening of “The Invite” with director & star Olivia Wilde scheduled to attend. The week-long event closes with Joe Swanberg’s “The Sun Never Sets” with Swanberg & star Cory Michael scheduled to attend. Additional selected films for the 2026 festival include Chicago premieres of the most anticipated films of the year such as John Carney’s “Power Ballard” starring Paul Rudd & Nick Jonas, John Early’s “Maddie’s Secret”, Adrian Chiarella’s “Leviticus”, Sara Dosa’s “Time & Water” & Edd Benda & Stephen Helstad’s “Chili Finger” with the filmmakers scheduled to attend. In addition to the more than 20 acclaimed new feature films & two short film programs making their Chicago premieres the festival will present several anniversary screenings including 40th anniversary screenings of David Cronenberg’s classic “The Fly” & Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” as well as a 25th anniversary screening of Steven Spielberg’s “A.I.: Artificial Intelligence” all presented on 35mm. The Chicago Film Critics Association supports & celebrates quality filmmaking that has something to say about our world, our lives & our society. Rotten Tomatoes joins the CFCA in presenting the CFCA / Rotten Tomatoes as an official sponsor of the festival’s Audience Award. For more than 30 years the Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent & foreign films, festivals & some of the greatest cinematic events in Chicago. 
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New Abortion & Gender Care Resources

A new report from the Guttmacher Institute & the Task Force reveals how policymakers are weaponizing parental rights language, state surveillance & criminal penalties against providers. Kimya Forouzan, Guttmacher Institute Principal State Policy Advisor stated, “It is no surprise that attacks on gender-affirming care & abortion are coming from the same playbook—these are coordinated efforts to stigmatize & undercut essential health care & strip people of the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies & futures. Looking at both forms of care, young people & communities already facing systemic barriers are most impacted. In both cases, patients, providers & support organizations are being targeted by policies rooted in fear, surveillance & political ideology rather than standards of care or evidence. We cannot treat these as separate fights when the strategies & the harms are so deeply connected. Everyone deserves access to the abortion & gender-affirming care they need.” Rajput, National LGBTQ Task Force State Policy Analyst concluded, “The National LGBTQ Task Force has long advocated for abortion access & reproductive freedom as fundamental aspects of our struggle for bodily autonomy & queer liberation. In the current political climate, our work must connect the dots across communities to educate the public on the ways reproductive justice is directly connected to gender-affirming care.” The National LGBTQ Task Force builds power, takes action & creates change by organizing people & money in pursuit of liberation for all. The Guttmacher Institute is a leading research & policy org committed to advancing sexual & reproductive health & rights (SRHR) worldwide. 
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Creative Coalition Night Before Dinner

Kicking off the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend in DC the Creative Coalition's annual Night Before Dinner takes place on Friday Aril 24th at Penn Quarter’s PubKey at 7P. The event brings together a high-wattage mix of Hollywood talent, media leaders, policymakers, philanthropists & industry insiders hosted by The Creative Coalition’s 2026 Capitol Hill Delegation chaired by actor Michael Chiklis (The Shield, Fantastic Four) along with actor & President of The Creative Coalition Tim Daly (Leanne, Madam Secretary). Daly stated, “When we stop defending expression, we start accepting silence. That silence begins when we fail to protect both the First Amendment & the institutions that make creativity possible, including vital federal support for the National Endowment for the Arts. Defending the NEA means defending the artists, storytellers & cultural voices that help define who we are as a nation.” Chiklis concluded, “I was incredibly fortunate to be a part of the opening of the Merrimack Regional Theater at the age of 14 in my hometown. A grant from the NEA helped make the existence of that theater possible & it’s still thriving to this day! My career as an actor started that year when I appeared in the opening production of ‘Romeo & Juliet,’ & I have no idea what my life would have looked like had I not been given that glorious opportunity!" The stellar delegation also includes Wendie Malick (Shrinking, The Chicken Sisters), Pamela Adlon (Better Things, Californication), Zachary Levi (Shazam!, Chuck), Ian Armitage (Young Sheldon, Big Little Lies), William Stanford Davis (Abbott Elementary), Asher Grodman (Ghosts, Succession), Rob Morrow (Billions, Murdaugh: Death in the Family, Northern Exposure) Rebecca Wisocky (Ghosts), Jazz Raycole (The Lincoln Lawyer) & more.
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Night of a Thousand Judys NYC Event

The 14th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” to benefit The Ali Forney Center takes place at Joe’s Pub on Monday June 1st. This fabulous all-star concert honors Judy Garland with songs from her legendary career as movie star, recording artist & stage performer & is written & hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre. The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest agency dedicated to helping LGBTQ homeless youth. Justin Elizabeth Sayre stated, “For Pride this year, we are thrilled to bring you a fabulous lineup of talented singers to celebrate our beloved Judy Garland & raise funds for The Ali Forney Center.” In previous years the concert event has featured the musical talents of downtown stars Cole Escola & Bridget Everett, TV & theater stars Alan Cumming & Nathan Lee Graham, R&B legends Martha Wash & Sarah Dash, jazz vocalists Madeleine Peyroux & Jane Monheit, singer/songwriters Nellie McKay & Erin McKeown, Broadway divas Liz Callaway & Tonya Pinkins, leading men Howard McGillin & Daniel Reichard, nightlife fixtures Maude Maggart & Karen Akers & New York personalities Michael Musto & Austin Scarlett among many others. The show is directed by Peter James Cook & choreographed by Jason Wise featuring Drew Wutke as the event’s music director. “Night of a Thousand Judys” is produced by Dan Fortune & Adam J. Rosen with Dan Fortune serving as executive producer. “Night of a Thousand Judys” takes place at Joe’s Pub on Monday June 1st at 7P. Tickets run from $85 to $160. Joe’s Pub has a $12 food 2 drink minimum per person & is located at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street in NYC. 
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Day Of Silence Celebrating Thirty Years

The “Day of Silence" is Glisten's (formerly GLSEN) annual Day of Action that began in the mid-1990s as a student-led protest against the silencing & marginalization youth in schools. Each year on the 2nd Friday in April students & allies across the country take part to bring visibility to the bullying, discrimination & lack of affirmation that many LGBTQ young people still face in learning environments. “Day of Silence" has grown into a national movement uplifting student voices & calling for schools where every young person can learn safely & authentically. In Glisten’s most recent National School Climate Survey (NSCS) released last month reported that 2 in 3 students feel unsafe due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Glisten Chief Executive Officer stated, “Today’s administration in the U.S. wants us to stay silent, submit to their biased & hurtful conformity & stop fighting for our right to be authentically ourselves. We urge supporters to use their social platforms & check in with local chapters to be boots on the ground to help LGBTQ+ students feel seen, heard, supported & less alone. By participating in the ‘Day of Silence,’ you are showing solidarity with young people as they navigate identity, safety & belonging. Our voices matter.” K-12 students with more supportive educators, anti-bullying policies that address sexual orientation & gender identity with inclusive learning & GSA presence report a higher sense of belonging, higher GPAs & higher attendance. For over 35 years Glisten has been dedicated to establishing inclusive K-12 schools & learning environments. 
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Lambda Literary Awards 2026 Finalists

The 2026 Lammy Awards shortlist finalists have been announced marking 38 years of celebrating our community’s outstanding voices. The 38th Annual Lambda Literary Awards will take place Friday June 12th at the illustrious Sony Hall in the heart of NYC from 7P to 10P. With 1,371 submissions across 26 categories this is the highest submission volume year ever. J. Clapp, Lambda Literary Executive Director stated, “I am thrilled that we are yet again celebrating the works of so many talented authors & artists across our 26 categories. This is my first full cycle witnessing the magic & diligent work that goes into the Lammys. At this point in history, I am thankful we can joyously fellowship with our community at Sony Hall on June 12th. Congratulations to all the finalists featured on our shortlist!” Lambda Literary continues to proudly recognize works by self-published authors as well as independent & academic presses alongside works supported by traditional big 5 publishers. 76 judges reviewed so very many vibrant voices & histories reflected in the enormous amount of submissions confirming our stories are still being published, read & celebrated even in our dangerously chaotic times. Since 1989 Lambda Literary the fabulous non-profit org has been dedicated to developing writers & amplifying LGBTQ storytelling. For more than 30 years Lambda Literary has fought to uplift LGBTQ stories, nurture emerging voices, preserve our legacies & fought for our lives on a national level. The 38th Annual Lambda Literary Awards on Friday June at Sony Hall in the heart of NYC will honor the voices that have shaped the LGBTQ literary landscape. 
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New York African Film Festival 33rd Year

The 33rd New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) a month-long cinematic celebration that takes place across NYC throughout the month of May k...

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