Sahara Revisited In New Florida Exhibit

Of all the fabulous places & people I’ve had the pleasure to meet in my life’s journey wandering into Sahara Nightclub in 1978 in NYC was definitely a highlight. There I established a lifelong ideal of what a chic vibrant lesbian/feminist community could be. Now the Stonewall National Museum’s Women’s Fund in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is presenting an exhibit entitled “Sahara: NYC’s Lesbian Legacy” with an opening night event on Saturday February 28th & runs until April 5th. In 2019 I talked to Leslie Cohen about the legendary Sahara nightclub that she established with 3 of her friends in May of 1976 that abruptly closed in December of 1979 at 1234 Second Avenue at East 65th Street on Manhattan’s fashionable Upper East Side. There Cohen, Michelle Florea, Linda Goldfarb & Barbara Russo created NYC’s first upscale women’s club that showcased women in art, politics & music. On Thursday night the line went around the block. There were also lots of fabulous events when both men & women were invited in for political fundraisers & cabaret. Celebrities such as Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, Patti Smith, Pat Benatar, Warren Beatty, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug & Elaine Noble the first openly gay state Representative from Massachusetts appeared or performed there. This led to Leslie & her partner Beth Suskin who both sadly passed in the last few years became the models for the iconic sculpture which commemorates the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village which was declared a national monument by Obama in 2016 but unfortunately is now under attack by the current administration. I talked to Leslie about Sahara & her spin on the future of our LGBTQ civil rights in this exclusive 2019 podcast. LISTEN  
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Michael Patrick King To Be Honored

HRC announced that it will honor Emmy & Golden Globe writer, director & producer Michael Patrick King at this year’s Los Angeles Dinner that takes place at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 28th. King’s iconic television shows include “Sex & the City”, “And Just Like That” as well as the co-creator director & producer of “The Comeback” which returns to HBO this March. King will be receiving HRC’s Visibility Award for his work uplifting LGBTQ stories on screen & bringing visibility of our community to the entertainment world. Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign President stated, “Michael Patrick King is an undeniable talent whose work has brought so much joy, laughter & heart to our community. Throughout his career, King has helped to expand our visibility, advance our representation & amplify our voices — exemplifying the power of LGBTQ+ storytelling & the depth of our contributions to the entertainment world. It’s an honor to recognize his accomplishments & to celebrate our community alongside Los Angeles’ advocates who are committed to fighting for the equality we all deserve.” Michael Patrick King concluded, “The inclusion of LGBTQ+ narratives is integral for meaningful storytelling. Our stories are an undeniable part of the human experience & they deserve to be told in every medium. As our community faces attempts to exclude us on & off screen, it is important that we continue to unapologetically make our voices heard. I’m thrilled to have my accomplishments recognized & to be joined in this work by advocates from Los Angeles & beyond.” The HRC Los Angeles Dinner raises crucial funds in the fight for LGBTQ equality. 
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Barkow & Garcia Take The Dinah Helm

After 35 legendary years The Dinah has been sold by founder & producer Mariah Hanson to event producer & longtime Dinah Operations Manager Bella Barkow & seasoned Dinah emcee reality TV star & real estate entrepreneur Rose Garcia. The acquisition ensures The Dinah will remain independently owned, community-led & deeply rooted in our LGBTQ culture now operating under the marquee of the duo’s newly founded company BellaRose Productions. Barkow stated, "The Dinah has been a cornerstone of queer culture for decades & being part of its future is an honor. Coming out at 13 in the late ’90s wasn’t easy, but seeing The Dinah on The L Word made it feel a little less scary. Working alongside Rose to carry forward Mariah’s legacy is deeply personal for me. This festival was my safe space & it’s my hope that we keep it alive for the next generation of young sapphics searching for the same sense of belonging." Garcia concluded, "I’ve been to over 20 Dinah events & each one has been unforgettable, a place to meet incredible women, build lifelong friendships & feel fully accepted. Keeping The Dinah in the family ensures Mariah’s legacy lives on. Bella & I share the same deep love & unwavering dedication for this festival & I know her vision is safe with us." This should be an extremely interesting transition of this iconic event. I’ve known Rose Gracia from our relationship as a media sponsor of The Dinah over the last 10 years. I’m looking forward to talking with them about what they have planned in the near future so stay tuned. The Dinah 2026 takes place September 30th through October 4th returning to the Hilton Hotel & The Zoso in Palm Springs, CA. 
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Women’s Media Awards 21st Honorees

The Women’s Media Center co-founders Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan & Gloria Steinem have announced the honorees for the 21st anniversary of the Women’s Media Center’s Media Awards to be held on Thursday March 5th at the Tribeca Rooftop in NYC. The WMC Awards are presented to outstanding leaders & champions for women in media. This year’s honorees are Chandra Childers, Julie F. Kay, Barbara Kopple, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Paola Ramos, Maribel Pérez Wadsworth & Margot Wallström. Julie Burton, Women’s Media Center President & CEO stated, “The Women’s Media Center’s call to action is simple: We want to see more diverse women, hear more diverse women & read articles from more diverse women across all media platforms. Our Women’s Media Awards honor champions for women who set the standard for what media should look like when it gives voice to the female half of the country. They are role models, history-makers & inspiring leaders.” The Women’s Media Awards Co-Chairs are Loreen Arbus, Donna Deitch, Kiehl Friedman Family, Mellody Hobson, Cindy Holland, Carlene C. Laughlin, Cynthia McFadden, Michelle Mercer & Bruce Golden, Pat Mitchell, Susan Pritzker, Sheryl Sandberg, Regina K. Scully, Alexandra Shiva & Mary & Steven Swig. Additional support for the WMC 2026 Women’s Media Awards includes the Cristensen Fund, Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Rockefeller Family Fund, Abigail Disney & Jenny Warburg. Founded by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan & Gloria Steinem the Women’s Media Center (WMC) is a feminist organization that works for gender & racial inclusion, representation & equality in media. The WMC mission is to make diverse women visible & powerful in the media. 
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Human Rights Campaign NYC Gala

HRC honored actress Jane Krakowski, fashion designer Daniella Kallmeyer & advocate Juli Grey-Owens at their annual gala event at New York Marriott Marquis in NYC February 7th. Jane Krakowski received HRC’s Ally for Equality Award, Daniella Kallmeyer was honored with HRC’s Visibility award & Juli Grey-Owens was honored with HRC’s Community Impact award. Kelley Robinson HRC President stated, “I believe this with everything in me: If we stand together, if we fight together, one day soon we will know more joy than grief. Our children will feel just as safe surrounded by the American flag as they do when surrounded by Pride flags. That one day our children won’t just dream about the promise of freedom–they will have it. The question is not whether or not we can win. The question is what are we willing to do. Are you willing to choose hope, to choose love, to choose courage, to choose joy.” Chuck Schumer U.S. Senate Minority Leader added, “America's march towards equality suffered a major setback in the last presidential election. We are reaping the ugly consequences, but I believe the tide has turned & let me just say, I believe, just as I believed a year ago when I was here, that if we keep the faith, if we remain alert & vigilant against the forces of bigotry, if we tap into the power of our numbers, then we can beat back this administration's equal agenda.” Journalist Don Lemon who made a surprise appearance concluded, “Tonight feels less like a gala & more like a gathering. A gathering of people who still believe that truth matters. That dignity is not optional. That freedom is not guaranteed.” 
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Broadway's "Some Like It Hot" In Boston

The national touring company’s fabulous production of “Some Like It Hot” is not to be missed currently playing at the Citizens Opera House in Boston for just 5 more performances now through February 8th. In these challenging times this is one of the most energizing theatre experiences for your heart & mind to regenerate especially in the deep freeze of winter. The cast is sensational presenting an over-the-top production of this winner of 4 Tony Awards. “Some Like It Hot” really delivers “A Super-Sized & All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!” Set in Chicago in 1933 when prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement it's the story about two male musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels they catch a gender bender opportunity to join an all-female band that takes them on a cross-country train ride for a life-chasing & life-changing trip of a lifetime. The touring cast brings immense energy to the show performing the songs by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman & Shaiman. The show also delivers jaw-dropping tap-dancing performances including a spectacular tap number finale. Since the Boston Opera House originally opened in 1928 & “Some Like It Hot” takes place in 1933 the Art Deco set design is beautifully complimentary with exquisite costumes & stage craft. As you know “Some Like It Hot” is based on the 1959 film directed by Billy Wilder starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon. This current production presents a more updated storyline but really reflects the genius of this breakthrough masterpiece. Limited tickets are still available for the remaining final performances this weekend. 
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New Bradbury Sullivan Health Survey

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health the Bradbury Sullivan Community Center is launching their 5th Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Survey at an event on February 5th in Allentown, PA from 5P to 6:30P. The Bradbury-Sullivan Center is leading a coalition of LGBTQ orgs across the state collecting data. The Health Survey assesses the state of health for the LGBTQ population across the state looking at issues such as tobacco use, access to affirming & affordable healthcare, vaccinations & preventative care, gender-affirming care & mental health issues. This data is then used by LGBTQ centers across the state to design programming & apply for grants. The data is also used by legislators & advocates to work on getting more inclusive policies passed. Chrystina Obleschuk, Director of Programs at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center stated, “We are hoping to have 5,000 respondents to the survey in 2026. It is more important than ever that the voices & needs of our community are not erased.” The Health Survey goal is to collect data from a large & diverse group of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. In 2024 data was collected from over 3,300 respondents from 65 out of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Any LGBTQ Pennsylvanian age 13+ is eligible to take the survey which is offered in both English & Spanish. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center creates a vibrant LGBTQ community in Pennsylvania through arts, health, youth, training & Pride programs. I talked to Chrystina Obleschuk about what she hoped to accomplish with Bradbury-Sullivan Health Summit last year & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Fort Lauderdale Film Festival 40th Year

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) is celebrating 40 years & takes place from Friday February 20th to Saturday February 28th showcasing a fabulous lineup of over 50 films & documentaries. This year’s festival will feature world premieres & U.S. premieres offering a wide array of parties & receptions, special presentations, film features, documentaries & short films. Attendees can look forward to red carpet appearances by directors, producers, actors & special guests who will participate in Q&A discussions & mingle with festival-goers. Actors attending throughout the festival include “Miami Nights” cast Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, Jeremy Sumpter, Danay Garcia & Sydelle Noel, Chevy Chase, “I’m Chevy Chase & You’re Not”, Paul Riser, “The Problem with People”, Guy Harvey with “Guy Harvey, The Documentary & Jamie Kennedy’s “Wingman”. Also attending are Will Yun Lee, Brooklyn Prince & Jon Huertas from “California Scenario” along with filmmakers from around the world. Lisa Grigorian FLIFF President & CEO stated, “We are thrilled to present the 40th year of the festival with a diverse line up for all of South Florida. The festival includes ‘something for everyone’ & will also host a series of curated events throughout the week.” Since 1986 the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) reels out more than 60 American Indie & international films during its annual film festival held each February. During the festival, celebrity & filmmaker guests from around the world create an aura of excitement as they arrive at their red carpet premieres, attend over-the-top parties & greet movie-goers. The 40th Annual FLIFF takes place February 20th to 28th at venues throughout Broward County. 
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Provincetown Film Society 6th Auction

The Provincetown Film Society (PFS) 6th annual winter auction takes place online now through February 8th featuring a variety of items, experiences & getaways. A couple highlight items are “Put a Ring on It with John Waters” & a private dinner for 2 with Emmy Award-winning actor Murray Bartlett from The White Lotus, Welcome to the Chippendales, Tales of the City & Looking. “Put a Ring on It with John Waters” is a once-in-a-life chance for you & your partner to be married or your vows renewed by Waters who will officiate an intimate, private ceremony for up to 10 guests. Additional auction items include a personal recorded voicemail greeting from Kathleen Turner, Luxury retreats to Costa Rica, Iceland, Portugal, private dinners with celebrity chefs & more. Anne Hubbell, Executive Director of the Provincetown Film Society stated, “Our annual online auction captures what Provincetown is all about—creativity, community & one-of-a-kind experiences. We’re grateful to our generous donors & partners & we look forward to getting the bidding started.” All proceeds of the auction will benefit the mission of Provincetown Film Society to present & advocate for gender, racial & LGBTQ representation on screen by providing year-round programming & platforms. PFS is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film & honoring the work of emerging as well as acclaimed directors, producers & actors including the upcoming 28th annual Provincetown International Film Festival that runs June 10-14, 2026. I talked with Murray Bartlett who was recipient of last year’s PIFF Excellence in Acting Award in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN  
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Aetna Settles California Fertility Suit

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has preliminarily approved a settlement between Aetna & the plaintiffs in Berton v. Aetna ensuring that Aetna's policy of guaranteeing equitable access to fertility treatments for LGBTQ policyholders is legally enforceable nationwide. The class action lawsuit was filed in April 2023 by plaintiff Mara Berton who was represented by the National Women's Law Center & law firms Katz Banks Kumin LLP & Altshuler Berzon LLP. Alison Tanner, senior litigation counsel for reproductive rights & health at the National Women’s Law Center stated “This settlement is a triumph for LGBTQ+ families, many of whom have faced significant obstacles when seeking access to fertility health benefits. Any affected class members should file their claim & receive the compensation they deserve.” Rebecca Peterson-Fisher, co-lead counsel from Katz Banks Kumin LLP added, “This is an excellent result for the class & for the LGBTQ+ community nationwide. The settlement provides virtually full compensation for LGBTQ+ couples who had to pay out of pocket for fertility treatment that should have been covered.” Connie Chan, co-lead counsel from Altshuler Berzon LLP concluded, “This landmark settlement ensures that LGBTQ+ couples nationwide will have equal access to fertility treatment under their Aetna health plans, setting a benchmark that we hope others in the health care coverage industry will follow.” Eligible LGBTQ California residents who were or would have been denied coverage for artificial insemination under Aetna's California commercial & student insurance plan can now file for compensation. If you believe you are in the class of individuals covered by this settlement please file a claim. 
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Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation Event

The Richmond / Ermet AID Foundation presents “If This Is Love A Musical Celebration of the Month of Love” for a one-night-only cabaret evening exploring the many shades of love on Monday February 23rd at Marines’ Memorial Theatre in San Francisco, CA. From romantic to joyful to deeply human this event will be headlined by cast members from the National Broadway Touring Company of The Notebook with special guests Dan Ashley, Jason Brock & Leanne Borghesi. There will be a blending of theatrical storytelling & intimate vocal performance offering the evening audience a chance to see celebrated touring artists perform material of their own choosing in a cabaret setting. (Note: Music from The Notebook will not be performed.) Kenneth Henderson, Executive Director of the Richmond/Ermet AID Foundation stated, “We’re very excited about “If This Is Love A Musical Celebration” a concert that will feature so many amazing voices from the Broadway touring cast of “The Notebook” in addition to Dan Ashley, Jason Brock & Leanne Borghesi for a labor of love as all our performers give their time & talent to support our cause.” For over 30 years REAF has partnered with national touring productions to present its signature “One Night Only” benefit cabaret series for an ongoing collaboration between visiting theatre artists & the local community. The initiative raises critical funds for AIDS services, hunger relief & programs serving homeless youth, distributing over $4.5 million to date while celebrating the creative spirit at the heart of live performance. VIP tickets include the VIP after party with the cast following the show & a limited silent auction will proceed the show starting at 6:30P in the theater lobby. 
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Massachusetts Faith Leaders Speak Out

More than 175 clergy & lay faith leaders from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House for a public action combining prayer, moral witness & civic engagement in response to growing federal threats to immigrant communities & other protected residents in the Commonwealth. The gathering organized by Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN) in collaboration with other partners including Massachusetts Board of Rabbis & Prayers for Liberty came in solidarity with fellow faith leaders of the Faith in Action network in Minnesota & other states which have stepped forward with public prayer & leadership amid escalating federal enforcement actions. MCAN faith leaders stress this moment of witnessing Minneapolis calls for preparation, not panic & for leadership. Mark A. Nilson, Pastor of Salem Covenant Church in Worcester stated, "Each (of us) has been given the gift of life. Thus, when hate is unleashed, each (of us) has a moral imperative to honor, protect & safeguard any life that is threatened, terrorized or taken. There is no other option; there are no bystanders. Humanity is in it together, or we perish together." Participating in solidarity with Minneapolis clergy were Rev. Rebecca Bryan, First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist in Newburyport, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Merrimack Valley Project (MVP), Pastor Emmanuel (Manny) Daphnis, Restoration Community Church & MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Rabbi David Jaffe, KIRVA, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Rev. Aaron Payson, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Worcester Interfaith (WI), Sister Melinda Pellerin, Sisters of St. Joseph, MCAN Clergy Leader from MCAN affiliate Pioneer Valley Project (PVP - Springfield) & others. 
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Federal Court Blocks DOJ Subpoena

In a significant ruling protecting the privacy rights of patients & families U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin granted a motion to quash a Department of Justice subpoena demanding the medical records of families whose children received trans health care at Children's National Hospital. In her opinion Judge Rubin found that the DOJ subpoena "lacks a proper investigative purpose" & "appears to have no purpose other than to intimidate & harass" the hospital & families seeking established essential medical care for their children. The court determined the subpoena was "a pretext to fulfill the Executive's well-publicized policy objective to terminate & block” trans health care. The subpoena issued in June 2025 demanded highly sensitive information including patient names, dates of birth, social security numbers, diagnoses, clinical assessments & parental authorization forms. The court found this sweeping demand bore "no credible connection to an investigation of any statutory violation" & was "utterly unclear" in its purported purpose. Judge Rubin stated, "The Government has made improper use of a §3486 administrative subpoena to out [families] for receiving & their Hospital for providing, healthcare." The ruling emphasizes that patients have a constitutionally protected right to privacy in their sensitive medical records, particularly when the government cannot demonstrate a legitimate investigative basis for demanding them. Jennifer Levi, Senior Director at GLAD Law concluded, “When families fear their private health information could be exposed or used against them, they may delay or avoid seeking necessary medical care – putting children's health & wellbeing at risk. The court's decision protects not only the families who brought the case, but reinforces fundamental principles of medical privacy & limitations on government power that benefit all Americans.” 
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Kelley Robinson Joins Kettering Board

Kelley Robinson, HRC president has joined the Kettering Foundation board of directors. Robinson previously served as a Kettering Foundation senior fellow from 2024–25. Founded in 1927 by the American inventor Charles F. Kettering the foundation is committed to advancing inclusive democracies by fostering citizen engagement, promoting government accountability & countering authoritarianism. Sharon L. Davies, president & CEO of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation stated, "Few Americans are as eloquent or inspiring in their advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community as is Kelley Robinson. Defending the rights of others is her life's work & we look forward to her contributions & continued leadership as she steps into a new role on the foundation board." Kelley Robinson concluded, "I'm proud to join the Kettering Foundation board at a critical moment for our democracy & the movement for equality. Kettering's commitment to inclusive democracy & civic power is exactly what this moment demands & I'm ready to help advance the bold, people-centered leadership our country needs." Before taking the helm at HRC Robinson served as the executive director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund where she fought tirelessly for reproductive rights & defended the rights of all individuals. Her dedication to fighting injustice for society's most underserved populations has been a driving force throughout her career. As HRC president Kelley is the first Black lesbian woman to lead the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the United States & as a mark of her influence she was named to the 2024 TIME100.  
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Stonewall National Museum (AUDIO)

This week I talked to Robert Kesten, President & CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Founded in 1973 the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library has grown into the largest lending library of its kind in America with more than 34,000 books & audio-visual materials. The archives also contain more than 6 million pages of documents & more than 2,000 objects of critical importance to our LGBTQ history. Rotating exhibitions, talks, lectures & films have attracted thousands to the Stonewall National Museum each year enriching the lives of countless others. Some of the upcoming events include their 4th annual Gala fundraiser where they will ceremoniously & historically induct architect, philanthropist & president of the Arcus Foundation Jon Stryker, retired Congressman Barney Frank & Grammy winning singer-songwriter Janis Ian into its nationally traveling “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibition on February 21st. This fabulous fundraising event takes place at The VENUE in Wilton Manors, FL from 6P to 9P for a fabulous night of celebration with cocktails, dinner, conversation & community. Other events include Amazon Rising: The Legacy of Wonder Woman that runs now through February 17th & Sahara: NYC’s Lesbian Legacy that will be on display February 28th to April 5th. Also the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in partnership with the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame will celebrate the 2026 class of inductees recognizing the achievements & contributions of LGBTQ athletes, coaches, advocates & sports enthusiasts. I talked to Kesten about what he would like to accomplish at the Stonewall National Museum & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

Since 1986 we’ve celebrated Martin Luther King Day as a federal holiday. Now in 2026 it’s a bit bittersweet as America becomes more unrecognizable with each passing day.  With the unrest in our cities as the midterm elections approach we still haven’t been able to pass the Freedom to Vote Act & the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. How this will all play out will be written in the history books which is all so fragile as truth seems to be under the scrutiny of misguided interpreters. On this day let’s also remember pioneer civil rights activist Bayard Rustin who taught Martin Luther King Jr. strategies of nonviolence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott & reached international notoriety in 1963 as the organizer of the March on Washington. As the racial unrest continues in this country & it feels like everything we have worked for keeps sliding in reverse let’s keep the memory strong of Martin Luther King Jr. & Bayard Rustin. In 2013 President Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor posthumously to Bayard Rustin. Walter Naegle who was Rustin's partner for the last decade of who died in 1987 stated, “Being black, being homosexual, being a political radical, that’s a combination that’s pretty volatile & it comes along like Halley’s Comet. Bayard’s life was complex, but at the same time I think it makes it a lot more interesting." I talked to Naegle in 2015 about what Bayard was really like, how they met & the importance of Rustin’s work especially in these challenging times. LISTEN    
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Save HIV Funding Campaign Update

BREAKING UPDATE: Reversal of SAMHSA Cuts, Potential Progress on Florida HIV Care & ADAP Crisis... With the unfolding public health crisis in Florida brought on by changes announced by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) & across America the Save HIV Funding Campaign has provided statements from its organizers & partner orgs addressing this crisis. Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director, PrEP4All & Co-Founder, Save HIV Funding Campaign stated, “Visibility on these interrelated & simultaneous attacks will be critical to preventing a catastrophic return to the darkest days of the AIDS crisis. Those working to undermine HIV funding are not only showing inhuman cruelty toward people living with or vulnerable to HIV, but they are also being fiscally reckless. For every dollar invested in HIV prevention, three to seven dollars are saved.” Maxx Boykin, Manager, Save HIV Funding Campaign added, “We spent all of 2025 fighting massive proposed funding cuts from the House majority & now, as 2026 begins, the cancer is spreading. After the White House’s unprecedented decision not to honor World AIDS Day last month, we’re seeing a major federal agency scrap critical preventive services that disproportionately benefit red states, alongside a direct attack on people living with HIV from Governor DeSantis’ Department of Health. We are also closely investigating reports of other major funding disruptions across the United States.” Paul Samuels, Director and President, Legal Action Center concluded, “The cancellation of $2 billion in SAMHSA grants will directly impact the ability of organizations all across the country to provide critical substance use prevention, treatment, HIV & hepatitis, harm reduction, education & support services to people who need it most. It is a bizarre & extraordinarily harmful move from an Administration that has claimed to want to end the HIV epidemic & support rural communities that have been hit hardest by the opioid crisis.” 
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