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Musical Film "Kiss of the Spider Woman"

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

New Welcoming Schools Book Series

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

NGLCC 2025 Global Business Conference

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

Florida Key West Womenfest Event

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

New Board Members Join CenterLink

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

Massachusetts New Health Shield Act

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

Carly Ozard Chain of Love Release Party

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

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Musical Film "Kiss of the Spider Woman"

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

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