GLAAD LGBT TV Ratings

GLAAD the LGBT media advocacy organization, for the first time in the same year rates 3 networks ABC Family, HBO & MTV as "Excellent" in its eighth annual Network Responsibility Index. GLAAD also finds 3.9% of regular characters in primetime scripted broadcast to be LGBT in their 19th Where We Are on TV report which is an increase from 3.3% last year. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO stated, "Television networks are playing a key role in promoting cultural understanding of LGBT lives around the world & are now producing some of the best LGBT-inclusive programming we've yet seen. As they move forward with new programs & storylines, networks must also keep an eye towards diversity & strive to include significant transgender content comparable to those efforts being made by their online competitors, such as Netflix's Orange is the New Black & Amazon's Transparent." Tom Ascheim, President of ABC Family added, "To be relevant to our audience, we must reflect the world as they experience it & we know that experience is based on valuing loving relationships, no matter the gender. This acknowledgment is especially gratifying because it means we are representing their view accurately. We will continue to deliver programming where differences are acknowledged & celebrated." GLAAD also counted 64 regular & 41 recurring LGBT characters on primetime scripted cable series.
For More Info: glad.org
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GLAD Happy Hour Event

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders are having their next GLAD Hour, a happy hour event for fans of equal justice for all this Wednesday October 1st from 6P to 8:30P at Club Café in Boston. This is an opportunity to mix & mingle with fellow supporters of LGBT equality including members of the Mass LGBT Bar Association. Janson Wu, GLAD Deputy Director & Senior Attorney, will be speaking about GLAD's vision of going beyond equality & making equal justice a lived reality for all. Recently GLAD filed suit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, charging SSA with wrongfully denying survivor benefits to 56-year-old Deborah Tevyaw after the death of her wife, Patricia Baker. Janson Wu, GLAD Senior Staff Attorney stated, “More than a year after the demise of the Defense of Marriage Act, Social Security’s misguided & mistaken application of the law is causing serious harm & distress to people like Deb.” Wu will be talking about this other cases GLAD is currently working on. There will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres & a cash bar. Club Café is located at 209 Columbus Avenue Boston in Boston. MA. The GLAD Hour Series is sponsored by Reproductive Science Center. While there is no fee to attend this event, RSVPs are greatly appreciated.
For More Info & RSVP: glad.org
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Global LGBT Rights Move Forward

The United Nations Human Rights Council, the UN's top human rights watchdog, has approved a resolution condemning & expressing "grave concern" about discrimination based on sexual orientation & gender identity. Brazil, Chile, Colombia & Uruguay were the countries that took leading roles in pushing for the resolution's passage. Jessica Stern, Executive Director of The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission stated, "The Human Rights Council has taken a fundamental step forward by reaffirming one of the United Nations' key principles--that everyone is equal in dignity & rights. This resolution puts the UN on a trajectory to address the discrimination & violence LGBT persons suffer daily across the world. The council is confirming that LGBT people have universal human rights. We know, of course, that the struggle is long, & that we will need the Council to focus on the violations we suffer for many years to come. But for now, we celebrate that the majority of States stood with us to declare, unequivocally, that human rights are for everyone, everywhere." The resolution passed on a vote of 25 to 14 with 7 abstentions. The votes largely broke down along geographic & religious lines, with most South American, European & North American nations voting in favor & most African & Middle Eastern countries, including homophobic U.S. allies like Pakistan & Saudi Arabia voting against.
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LGBT History Maker Awards

The History Project is celebrating Boston & Massachusetts’ LGBT history with its premier fundraising event presenting 2 awards to community members that make history every day on October 2nd. This year the History Maker Award will be presented to State Representative Byron Rushing a longtime ally to the LGBT communities of Massachusetts. The History Maker Award is presented to an individual whose lifetime achievements have had a significant & positive effect on Boston's LGBT communities. During his 32 years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, The Hon. Byron Rushing has been a fierce leader & ally to Massachusetts’ LGBT communities & diverse residents. From sponsoring the gay rights bill in the 1980s & the law to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in public schools in the 1990s, to his leadership during the constitutional convention to maintain marriage equality in Massachusetts, he has demonstrated a clear & powerful commitment to equality & to human & civil rights. The Lavender Rhino Award is presented to an emerging activist or organization whose impact on the local LGBT communities well deserves recognition. This year this award goes to Omar Thomas, Assistant Professor of Harmony at Berklee College of Music & award-winning composer of most recently “We Will Know: An LGBT Civil Rights Piece in Four Movements”. Robert B. Dimmick will emcee the event. The History Maker Awards take place on Thursday October 2nd from 6P to 9P at Club Cafe 209 Columbus Avenue in Boston, MA. Tickets are $75.
For Info & Tix: historyproject.org

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GLAD Sues Walmart

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), have filed a charge of discrimination against Walmart with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of Jacqueline Cote. Cote, a Walmart employee who was denied spousal health insurance for her wife, Diana Smithson, currently battling ovarian cancer. That refusal GLAD alleges violates both state & federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in employment. Cote works as an associate in the Swansea, MA Walmart store. Starting in 2006 & continuing through 2012 she attempted to add Smithson to her insurance during Walmart’s open enrollment periods, trying to access a benefit available to other Walmart employees. Cote was particularly concerned about health insurance because of her wife’s health history, Smithson had had a bout with breast cancer in 1995. Cote stated, “I felt like a second-class employee. I had to keep trying; I wouldn’t give up.” But when Cote entered her spouse’s gender as “female,” the online system would stop her from proceeding further. When she called Walmart’s home office to investigate further, she was told that Walmart did not offer health insurance coverage to same-gender spouses. Janson Wu, senior staff attorney at GLAD stated, “All that Jackie wanted was to be treated like all other Walmart employees & to take care of her spouse. Instead, Walmart chose to discriminate against its gay & lesbian employees.” By the time Walmart ultimately announced that it would change its policy in 2013, which went into effect on January 1, 2014, Cote & Smithson had racked up medical bills topping $100,000 & have been hounded by bill collectors. Cote & Smithson have been together for nearly 23 years & were married in May 2004 as soon as it was legally possible.
For More Info: glad.org
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LGBT Rosh Hashanah

This is the first full day of Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year that began at sundown last night. The year 5775 marks the celebration of the creation of the world & the human being. Rosh Hashanah begins a 10-day period of introspection & contemplation culminating in Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah is marked with a special rituals. Prior to the arrival of the day it is customary to send new years greetings to friends, to buy new clothing & to examine ones behavior. On Rosh Hashanah eve you eat apples dipped in honey signifying a sweet year. At Rosh Hashanah services the day is marked with a special liturgy in which we pray for the whole world. A highlight of the Rosh Hashanah service is the sounding of the Shofar a ram's horn which is meant to shock the listener into self-examination. Now there’s a LGBT inclusive prayer book for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur. The contemporary text for Conservative congregations acknowledges LGBT relationships by making references to "partners", faltering faith, depression, loneliness & financial difficulties has been hailed as "an extraordinary event" by the Rabbinical Assembly the New York-based organization of Conservative rabbis that is behind its creation. Rabbi Jacob Luski of Congregation B'nai Israel states that the new prayer book brings a sensitivity to "issues of the 21st century" with its gender-neutral language & practical approach. "Yom Kippur is a fast day, yet some of us have medical issues. There is a prayer for those unable to fast. There is a prayer for caregivers. It's a sensitivity we've always had, but here there is a prayer just for that. There is a prayer for remembering a hurtful parent during the Yizkor, or memorial service, on Yom Kippur.” This is a great step forward in our quest for LGBT Equality. 
L'shanah tovah ("for a good year") to all Our LGBT Jewish Families!
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Guitarist Sharon Isbin To Perform

Multiple Grammy Award winner Sharon Isbin who has been hailed as “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time” will be perform at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts on Sunday September 28th at 7P. As one of the most acclaimed classical guitarists in the world, Sharon Isbin has made an enormous musical impact. Isbin has forged a dazzling career over the last 30 years, releasing more than 25 recordings, winning 3 Grammy Awards & covering a wide range of styles, genres & composers. She’s played with more than 170 orchestras over the world, has commissioned more concerti than any guitarist in the modern era & has won numerous awards & accolades, including being the first guitarist to win the renowned Munich Competition. Isbin’s music has ranged from Baroque to Spanish/Latin to crossover jazz to contemporary new music. Sharon will also be presenting her hour documentary “Sharon Isbin: Troubadour” produced by Susan Dangel, that includes guest appearances from a wide array of luminaries including Michelle Obama, Joan Baez, Martina Navratilova & more. Sharon who’s been out since she was 18 has been featured in many gay & straight publications, as well as a guest appearance on Showtime's L Word playing herself alongside Jennifer Beals & Pam Grier. There will be an Artist Meet & Greet Reception with Sharon following the concert.
For Info & Tix: rockportmusic.org
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