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Against The Tide MBCC Benefit Events

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide fundraising events attracts participants from across the state & region to support MBCC’s mission of breast cancer prevention. Online registration is now open for their 34th Hopkinton Event on Saturday June 20th at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park & the 27th Cape Event on Saturday June 27th at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA with virtual events happening from June 20th to 27th. Athletic events include a USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational & competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, USATF-Certified 5K & 10K runs & a 3-mile fitness walk. Cheryl Osimo, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Executive Director stated, “I feel so honored to invite everyone to support MBCC's mission of breast cancer prevention. Funds raised for Against the Tide are used to continue & expand our unique programs to prevent breast cancer. We collaborate with research organizations, both local & national & academic professionals, to identify & educate about toxic chemicals in our environment that may cause breast & other cancers. We make our webinars & educational modules available free. We also advocate for changes to public policy in order to eliminate these chemicals from the places where we work & live. We strive to change the legacy of breast cancer for future generations. People from all over New England & the country come to support MBCC's work & the athletic components offered at Against the Tide & you can too!” Funds raised will support MBCC’s mission of changing the legacy of breast cancer for future generations & will support important community education programs including Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, the MBCC Webinar Series & their expanded student environmental health program. 
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National Endowment for the Arts Cuts

The House Interior, Environment & Related Agencies Subcommittee released its Fiscal 2027 appropriations bill proposing a $72 million cut in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). While the bill rejects the current administration’s call to totally eliminate the NEA it does impose a staggering 36% reduction from the current funding level of $207 million. If enacted this proposal would inflict the greatest harm on small cities, rural towns & underserved communities across America where the arts are not a luxury but an economic engine, a source of civic identity, a driver of tourism & local business & a critical lifeline for education, mental health & cultural connection. Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition stated, “The Creative Coalition strongly urges Congress to reject these damaging cuts & fully preserve funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. In communities across America, especially rural towns & small cities, the arts are often among the last remaining drivers of economic vitality, civic pride & cultural life. When federal arts funding is reduced, communities lose far more than performances or exhibitions — they lose jobs, tourism, educational opportunities & a sense of shared identity.” Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition concluded, “The National Endowment for the Arts has a unique ability to reach communities too often overlooked & underserved. These proposed cuts would deprive millions of Americans of access not only to artistic expression & cultural heritage, but also to the documented economic, educational & social benefits the arts deliver every day. At a time when our nation should be investing in unity, creativity & opportunity, we should be strengthening the NEA — not dismantling it." 
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Barney Frank Tells The Truth (AUDIO)

I was very sad to hear about Barney Frank’s passing. I first met Frank at the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston. We got into talking about the future of gay & lesbian civil rights in America. At that time we discussed the possibility of passing ENDA the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In 2011 at a movie premiere we continued our conversation on OUTTAKE VOICES when I asked Barney about the possibility of achieving federal LGBT civil rights. Congressman Frank stated, “None whatsoever with the Republicans in charge. The only chance you ever have to adopt pro LGBT legislation is if you have a Democratic President, House & Senate. I wish that wasn’t the case. In 1976 Jimmy Carter & Gerry Ford were equal on the LGBT issues. Since then the Democrats have gotten a lot better, not quite perfect & the Republicans have gotten a lot worse. So long as you have Republicans in power there simply is no chance. I do believe if we were to get a Democratic House, Senate & President we could move forward with some things but as long as the Republicans are in power we have to hold our own. In fact if you were to get a Republican President we would have to face the very real likelihood I think of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to be reinstated by that President.” So now in these challenging times 15 years later with the November primaries only 6 months away we ask that in Barney Frank’s memory please exercise your right to vote. Listen To Our Full Chat
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Herndon & Passons "Testify To Love"

Grammy nominated & Dove Award winning country artist & author Ty Herndon & Michael Passons founding member of the multi-platinum Christian pop group Avalon have released a powerful new reimagining of the 1997 anthem "Testify to Love." The single was produced by Grammy winner Wayne Haun for worldwide release by Herndon’s label home Club44 Records. Originally a career-defining hit for Avalon "Testify to Love" spent months atop the charts & became one of the most recognizable songs in the history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). This 2026 version strips away the barriers of the past reuniting Passons with fellow former Avalon member Melissa Greene who is featured on the track to deliver a vocal performance that celebrates authenticity, faith & inclusion. Herndon stated, "This song has always been about the power of love. By bringing these voices together, we’re sending a message that faith & identity can coexist in beautiful harmony.” Passons concluded, "For years, I sang these words while hiding who I truly was. To record this now with Ty, Melissa & this incredible group of artists—standing fully in my truth—is a full-circle moment I once thought was impossible. It’s a testimony to the fact that love doesn’t exclude." The track is elevated by an all-star chorus featuring a lineup of powerhouse emerging LGBTQ artists & advocates including Jada Cato, Andrew Mitch, Jessica Rose & Bryan Ruby who provide backing vocals on the track alongside Herndon, Passons & Greene. The track comes on the heels of Herndon’s latest triumph the release of his long awaited memoir What Mattered Most (Dey Street) which chronicles his personal struggles with religious trauma, drug addiction, mental health & coming out as the first major male artist in country music. 
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Massachusetts 22nd Anniversary (VIDEO)

As Massachusetts celebrates the 22nd anniversary of marriage equality we reflect on how far we have come & where we are today. It was a watershed moment in the history of American civil rights when the landmark Goodridge ruling designated the constitutional right of our community to marry in Massachusetts. At midnight on May 17th in 2004 Cambridge, MA became the first city in the United States to issue marriage licenses for gay & lesbian couples. Mary L. Bonauto GLAD’s Senior Director of Civil Rights stated, "When the SJC decided Goodridge, it forever changed the standards for how LGBTQ+ people must be treated under law & raised the bar for equality across the country. This momentous victory would not have happened without the courage, commitment & perseverance of the 14 Goodridge plaintiffs. Their willingness to repeatedly open themselves to public scrutiny, to share the truth of their lives with their neighbors & to face opposition from powerful leaders & institutions, ushered in legal & cultural shifts toward greater acceptance, protection & integration of LGBTQ+ people & families in our communities. We remain grateful for the powerful & empowering efforts of the Goodridge plaintiffs in making marriage equality a reality in Massachusetts & beyond.” I was there & directed & produced this historic award-winning short film “OUTTAKE: Gay Marriage 2004” shot from midnight on May 17th 2004 in Cambridge & throughout the day in Boston when marriage equality officially became the law in Massachusetts. The film became instrumental in the passage of marriage equality in this country & globally. It was shot by Kirsten Martin & narrated by Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus. WATCH
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Circus Bella Celebrating 19 Seasons

Circus Bella returns for its 19th year of Circus in the Parks with their new show AH HA! June 3rd to July 27th in San Francisco, CA. Step into the splendid silliness of AH HA! a high-spirited romp bursting with hijinks, hilarity & heart. This fast-paced 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus blending daring feats with playful mischief & Circus Bella’s signature sparkle. Audiences of all ages will be swept up in the magic as a vibrant troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers & clowns take the ring. Underscored by the live music of the Circus Bella All-Star Band AH HA! is a joyful, high-flying celebration of community, connection & pure circus delight. AH HA! is written & directed by Abigail Munn, music composed by Rob Reich & Ian Carey with costumes by Autumn Adamme & Dark Garden Unique Corsetry. New performers this year includes clown Tristian Cunningham a much sought after Hollywood actor working on such notable productions as “All Rise” on CBS, NCIS, 9-1-1, Mr. Mayor, Netflix’s comedy show “Family Reunion”, CSI Vegas, The Conners & Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt as Toni. Also joining the troupe this season are Garrett Allen & international award-winning acrobat Chloe Somers Walier. Returning performers include strongman Toni Cannon, clown Tristan Mia, aerial rope & duo acrobatics Mia Fan, acrobat Giusy Gentile, contortion Elise Hing, rola bola & trick bicyclist Ori Quesada, hula hoop Chloe Somers & Foot Juggling by Jack Weinstock. The 2026 Circus Bella season is funded in part by the Gerbode Foundation, San Francisco Grants for the Arts & the Svane Family Foundation. All shows are free with a suggested donation of $25. 
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Audre Lorde Wisdom Award Honorees

The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) will host the 6th annual Audre Lorde Wisdom Awards this Saturday May 16th at 1P EST virtually. This event honors Audre Lorde the late icon & writer & commemorates National LGBTQ Elders Day. Dr. David J. Johns, Executive Director & CEO of the National Black Justice Collective stated, “Black LGBTQ+/SGL elders are the keepers of our history & the architects of our freedom. The Audre Lorde Wisdom Awards are our opportunity to honor the lives & legacies that shape movements & sustain our communities. It is both a celebration & a commitment to ensure our elders are supported, protected & able to age with the dignity they have long fought to secure for all of us.” This year’s honorees include Reverend Irene Monroe an African American lesbian feminist theologian, preacher, columnist, speaker & public intellectual & the co-host of NPR’s All Revved Up!, Brendalynn Goodall the former Manager of the City of Oakland’s Aging & Adult Services Division in California, Carlene Cheatam who helped organize the world’s first Black Pride among other leadership roles & June Crenshaw the Chief Operating Officer of the Capital Pride Alliance among others. Victoria Kirby York, MPA, NBJC Director of Public Policy and Programs concluded, “This celebration is both a call to action & a chance to honor our elders & learn from their experiences. We honor their brilliance, sacrifice & leadership while also demanding the policies & investments necessary to ensure Black LGBTQ elders can live with dignity, stability & care. If we truly value their wisdom, we must also fight for the conditions that allow them to thrive.” 
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One Night Only REAF Benefit Cabaret

The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation is presenting a special One Night Only Benefit Cabaret with the Broadway touring cast of "The Phantom of the Opera" on Monday June 15th at Marines' Memorial Theatre in San Francisco, CA from 7:30P to 9:30P. It's led by one of REAF's favorite performers Lisa Vroman who's sang in many of REAF's Help is on the Way galas & who starred as Christine in the original San Francisco production of Phantom 30 years ago as well as on Broadway. Lisa is back in this version of Phantom but as Madam Giry & is also helping to put this show together for this special One Night Only benefit cabaret. Cast members will present a wonderful evening of exceptional songs completely different from what they do their regular show. This will be an original evening of song, dance & comedy that you will never see again for an intimate high-energy evening. This not to be missed fabulous cabaret event will raise funds for REAF & more. Kenneth Henderson, Executive Director of the Richmond/Ermet AID Foundation stated, “People think the AIDS epidemic is over & we don't need to pay attention to it anymore. Events like One Night Only Benefit Cabaret serve not only to raise funds for local AIDS services but to remind people that there's still a need for funding them. More people are living with HIV & AIDS than ever before in history.” While you won't hear the music from the " The Phantom of the Opera" touring show you can expect to hear some other fabulous songs as cast members will be paying tribute to & singing songs made famous by many of Broadway's biggest divas. Tickets start at $54. 
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Long Leaf Pine Award For Ian Palmquist

Ian Palmquist has been honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award one of the highest civilian honors awarded by the North Carolina Governor’s Office. Ian has devoted his career to advocating for equality across North Carolina & nationwide including serving as the Executive Director of Equality NC & the Deputy Executive Director of Equality Federation. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is granted by the Governor to individuals “for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina & their communities that is above & beyond the call of duty & which has made a significant impact & strengthened North Carolina.” Palmquist stated, “Thanks to Governor Stein for this wonderful honor. It was a joy to be surrounded by so many friends & incredible leaders.” Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality added, “Ian Palmquist’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community, in North Carolina & across the country, is profound. For decades, he has led with vision, integrity & a deep commitment to justice for all. Ian has changed so many people’s lives & he’s changed our state, too – all for the better.” This event also marked the official launch of the Ian Palmquist Leadership Fund advancing leadership opportunities for LGBTQ+ people. Fran “Hutch” Hutchins, Executive Director of Equality Federation concluded, “From his early days as a high school student organizer in Raleigh to his 12 years leading at Equality Federation & beyond, Ian has spent a lifetime dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy & I especially admire his history of paving the pathway for young & diverse future leaders. The Leadership Fund launched in his name will continue Ian’s legacy, ensuring that the most impactful, community-rooted leaders get the training and support they need to thrive.” 
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Massachusetts HIV Legislation Strategy

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has advanced legislation that will protect their residents from any reversal of federal policies critical to ending the HIV epidemic. The measure codifies into state statute current federal law & policy that requires insurance coverage for all FDA-approved HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications without co-pays, deductibles, or prior authorization. Kenneth Mayer, MD, Medical Research Director & Co-Chair of The Fenway Institute stated, "The Massachusetts House, with leadership from Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Leader Moran, and Chairman Lewis, has taken a critical step to protect public health & ensure access to one of the most powerful HIV prevention tools ever developed. PrEP can protect people against HIV infection, yet only about a third of eligible people in Massachusetts have a prescription. Cost, prior authorization & other barriers have long stood in the way, particularly for the communities most impacted by the epidemic. By codifying these protections in state law, Massachusetts is making clear that it prioritizes infectious disease prevention & reducing racial disparities in the HIV epidemic.” Ben Klein, Senior Director of Litigation & HIV Law at GLAD Law concluded, “We are grateful to Speaker Ron Mariano, House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz & Majority Leader Michael Moran for recognizing that we cannot rely on a federal government that has shown hostility to HIV prevention & public health. This legislation will ensure that Massachusetts does not slide backwards in efforts to end the epidemic. We also express our deep appreciation to the sponsor of the House bill, Representative Jack Lewis, for his steadfast dedication to HIV prevention.” 
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Provincetown Film Festival 28th Year

The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) celebrating its 28th year June 10th to 14th announced its lineup of narrative, documentary & short films as well as honorees for this year’s Filmmaker on the Edge & Festival Tribute. Ryan Murphy acclaimed director & producer has been named 2026’s Filmmaker on the Edge. Anne Hubbell PIFF Executive Director stated, “With a body of work that blurs the line between provocation & inspiration, Ryan Murphy embodies the spirit of Provincetown: daring, inclusive & vital to our cultural conversation.” It was also announced that notable choreographer & director  Adam Shankman will be honored with a Festival Tribute. Shankman’s STOP! THAT! TRAIN! is set to open the festival on June 10th. Andrew Peterson, PIFF Director of Programming added, Adam Shankman’s work has always been a joyful embrace of performance, spectacle & heart. Honoring him at this year’s festival is a celebration of an artist who has consistently brought audiences together through bold, entertaining storytelling.” Lisa Viola, PIFF Artistic Director concluded, “We are thrilled to present such a vibrant lineup that includes laugh-out-loud comedies, beginning with our fabulous opening night film STOP! THAT! TRAIN!, as well as innovative dramas, moving international features, compelling documentaries, & wildly creative short films that definitely speak to this moment. This year’s slate in particular represents bold new work from veteran filmmakers & first-time directors alike & we look forward to having our devoted community gather in Provincetown to engage with our filmmakers & experience these films together on the big screen." Special screenings include John Waters Presents: SICK OF MYSELF from filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli & the festival will close with FAMILY MOVIE from filmmakers Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick. 
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Lifetime Award Honoree Ann-Margret

The Chita Rivera Awards announced they'll be honoring stage & screen icon Ann-Margret with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards take place on May 18th at the NYU Skirball Center in NYC at 7:30P.  Also announced was that the hit off-Broadway show Gotta Dance! is this year’s recipient of The Douglas & Ethel Watt Critics’ Choice Award. This Award is bestowed by the journalists of the Chita Rivera Awards Broadway judging committee to recognize outstanding work that falls outside the framework of the original categories. It is named for the longtime Daily News theater critic Douglas Watt and his wife Ethel. Gotta Dance! is currently running at Stage 42. The Chita Rivera Awards celebrates dance & choreographic excellence, preserve notable dance history, recognize past, present & future talents while promoting high standards in dance education & investing in the next generation. The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation Scholarship Program & The Chita Rivera Training Grant are the beneficiaries of the event & since the inception of the Foundation over $5.4 million has been awarded to over 600 dancers attending 50 of the most prestigious college dance programs in the country. The Chita Rivera Training Grant consists of financial support plus one year of dance classes at Steps on Broadway in NYC. This year all funding & proceeds will support the creation of a new Chita Rivera Training Scholarship. The Chita Rivera Awards are produced by Joe Lanteri, Founder & Executive Director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation in conjunction with Patricia Watt. Tickets start at $125. 
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Cyndi Lauper Celebration of Courage

Cyndi Lauper will be honored at Celebration of Courage, Outright International’s annual awards & gala that takes place Monday June 1st at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers in NYC hosted by Laverne Cox. Levi Strauss & Co. & VoteLGBT will also be honored at this year’s event bringing together leaders, advocates, artists, & allies from around the world. Lauper will receive the 2026 Outspoken Award, Levi Strauss & Co. will be honored with the 2026 Outstanding Award & VoteLGBT is the 2026 Felipa de Souza Award Honoree. It’s an evening of inspiration & community in support of human rights for people everywhere. Celebration of Courage highlights Outright’s achievements & elevates & advances activists & our allies leading the charge to gain equality for people in their countries & around the world. Their annual awards & gala raises critical operating support for Outright & the global LGBTQ movement. This is a fabulous event including the “Courage Ball” a ballroom experience open to all with categories like Runway, Performance & Best Dressed. There will also be appearances from Avon Dorsey, Brita Filter, Claybourne Elder, Erik Ziemba, Jen Capra, Kal Penn, Randy Gardner, Wilson Cruz, members of the band BETTY, Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff & Elizabeth Ziff & many more. This year’s bold dress theme is Wear Your Courage which is so timely as our LGBTQ communities around the world are facing increasing challenges. This is a night more than a celebration it’s a powerful act of solidarity & support. There will also be Outright’s Live & Silent Auctions featuring exclusive items, providing contributors with unique brand elevation & engagement opportunities. 
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Against The Tide MBCC Benefit Events

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide fundraising events attracts participants from across the state & region to supp...

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