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Carlos McMillan Fuentes To Be Honored

Carlos McMillan Fuentes currently serving as Keyboardist & Composer In Residence for Symphony d’Oro, Rancho Cordova will be the third recipient of the San Francisco Pride Band’s BIPOC Commission Program. Fuentes will premiere his composition “American Epic” at the band’s upcoming spring concerts “On a High Note” on Sunday June 8th at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco at 3P & 5P. Chris Hewes San Francisco Pride Band Board President stated, “We’re all so excited to bring the full scope of Carlos’s artistry to our San Francisco Pride Band audience. “American Epic” is a wonderful composition that we are proud to perform, as it vividly paints a picture of the Band through the decades, from the inception of the band in 1978 to present day.” Fuentes added, “Each section of music is inspired by a genre which shaped & defined American culture during that time. Disco, punk rock, hip-hop & even protest songs make an appearance, as well as stretches of music in-between which represent the band overcoming strife & its evolution & growth. The main themes represent the members of the band & their reappearance throughout symbolizes their resilience”. Fuentes will also be featured soloist for a separate & well-known piece as Pete Nowlen Artistic Director concluded, “It’s always a privilege to present “Rhapsody in Blue” - the beloved American masterpiece composed by George Gershwin - but even more so when featuring such a dynamic performer as Carlos.” Founded in 1978 the San Francisco Pride Band is the first openly-gay musical organization in the world inspiring the formation of LGBTQ bands, choruses & performing groups globally. 

National Equity Week In Washington DC

The 2nd annual National Equity Week bringing together civil rights organizations, Black entrepreneurs, ballroom houses, faith & political leaders takes place Wednesday June 11th to Saturday June 14th in in Washington, D.C. This year’s Equity Week comes at a critical moment for our country as attacks on civil rights, economic opportunity, LGBTQ & Black communities escalate across federal, state & local levels. With more than 100 local governments advancing reparations efforts & public demand growing for structural change Equity Week 2025 is a call to Congress & elected officials nationwide that the time for equity is now. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective stated, “The demand for equity is not a partisan issue—it’s a moral obligation. Equity Week exists because too many of our leaders still haven’t met the moment. Reparations, equity & equality, voting rights & economic justice are not fringe demands; they are the foundation for a functioning democracy. We are here to affirm: we will not be ignored & will not stop until our communities receive what is owed.” Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, Executive Director of United by Equity concluded, “You cannot spell equality without equity. Therefore, equity is essential & let us be undeterred & encouraged in our pursuit. National Equity Week is a time to celebrate our communities & to recommit ourselves to achieving equity, truth & repair for all of our children, communities & the generations to come.” There will be fabulous events happening all week long & will culminate on Saturday June 14th from 12P to 1P honoring the legacy of Bayard Rustin with a powerful gathering & ceremonial walk around the National Mall Reflecting Pool. 

Broadway Bares San Francisco Event

The 8th annual Broadway Bares SF fundraising event benefitting The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) & Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) takes place Sunday June 15th for a night of dazzling performances & jaw-dropping talent at 1015 Folsom in San Francisco. This year’s show “Hex Appeal” brings a spellbinding cast featuring RuPaul’s Lady Camden, illusionist Jack Alexander & cabaret star Leanne Borghesi. Ken Henderson, REAF Executive Director & CEO stated, “This will be our 8th edition of Broadway Bares SF & these shows just keep getting better & better. This year, we'll have our largest cast of dancers yet & they always knock my socks off at how great they are, how much fun they have & how dedicated they are to the cause.” When you attend Broadway Bares SF you're not just enjoying a spectacular show. This is a fundraising event that uplifts our community in these challenging times. Every dollar raised supports HIV/AIDS services, food pantries & meals programs as well as critical programs for unhoused youth locally & across the country. Since 2016 REAF has partnered with BCEFA to present the San Francisco version of this popular benefit show thanks to director Deb Leamy. The show is now co-directed by Stacey Printz & co-produced by Damien Beard. Broadway Bares was originally created by Jerry Mitchell the Tony Award–winning director & choreographer & has been one of NYC’s largest annual fundraising events for over 30 years. Whether you’re a theater lover, a dance enthusiast or simply looking for something different & meaningful to do this event promises an evening that entertains, uplifts & gives back. 

Amy Tee Returns To The Comedy Scene

Comedian Amy Tee with her fearless wit, raw honesty & sharp humor will bring her much needed comedic spin back to The Comedy Scene located at 200 Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA on Saturday June 7th at 8P. Amy stated, “I’m thrilled to be hitting the stage this weekend—there’s nothing like the electric vibe of a great comedy club crowd, especially during Pride Month. It’s an honor to celebrate authenticity, laughter & community all in one night!” As a fixture on the New England & National comedy circuit Amy’s been featured on Sirius XM Satellite Radio & appeared as a showcased comedian in the film “Laughing Matters-The Next Generation”. Known for her show "Humor With Humanity" her goal is to entertain in these challenging times through laughter while breaking down stigmas attached to a variety of issues currently facing our community. As a comedian, a philanthropist & an educational public speaker Amy presents her truth about her own metal health journey & how she has rediscovered the world in a whole new light after 14 years of sobriety. This led her to create Experimental Comedy Therapy (ECT) that reaches out to like-minded individuals with similar goals & aspirations. The Comedy Scene at Patriot Place has grabbed the spotlight in Foxboro showcasing the best in national & regional comic talent. Amy Tee exemplifies this identified by the Boston Globe as a rising star & in Curve Magazine as one of the "funniest lesbians in America" as she returns to The Comedy Scene for this must-see show Saturday June 7th at 8P with $30 tickets still available. 

Historic March Through Nation’s Capital

Emmy winner Laverne Cox, powerhouse performer Reneé Rapp & Deacon Maccubbin organizer of Washington DC’s first Pride event will serve as Grand Marshals for the WorldPride DC 2025 Parade on Saturday June 7th. Laverne Cox stated, “I am so honored to serve as one of the grand marshals for World Pride this year. This has been one of the most difficult times in recent history for queer & trans people globally but in the face of all the rhetorical, legislative & physical attacks, we continue to have the courage to embrace who we truly are, to celebrate our beauty, resilience & bravery as a community. We refuse to allow fear to keep us from ourselves & each other. We remain out loud & proud.” Reneé Rapp added, “Pride is everything. It is protection, it is visibility, it is intersectional but most importantly, it is a celebration of existence & protest." Ryan Bos, Executive Director of Capital Pride Alliance, host of WorldPride 2025 concluded, “Reneé, Laverne & Deacon each embody the authenticity, resilience & fearless advocacy at the heart of our movement. Having them lead this historic parade reminds us that Pride is both a celebration of how far we’ve come & a call to keep marching forward.” The historic procession starts this Saturday at 2P from the intersection of 14th Street & T Street NW in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood. From there the parade travels down 14th Street & turns on Pennsylvania Avenue transforming the route into a rainbow corridor of pride & joy. The parade culminates in front of the iconic backdrop of the U.S. Capitol as a powerful symbol of LGBTQ visibility & progress. 

Boston Portraits Of Pride Soirée Event

The Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture is kicking off their signature annual public art exhibition “Portraits Of Pride” with a fundraising event on Sunday June 1st at The Connector 250 Devonshire Street in Boston, MA from 5P to 9P. Arline Isaacson Museum Board Chair stated, “Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in the history and growth of the LGBTQ community. Our people deserve a museum that celebrates the art, culture & history of the LGBTQs In Massachusetts. The museum has already organized & sponsored numerous notable exhibits, events & presentations. With financial support from our friends, families & allies, we’ll continue to grow & move towards our plans for a large & permanent location.” This year’s portraits include Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Julie Chen Chancellor of UMass Lowell, Photographer Craig Bailey, Dr. Gary Bailey Simmons University Director for the School of Social Work, Abe Rybeck Founder of The Theater Offensive, Philip A. Nardone, Jr. President & CEO of PAN, Arnold Sapenter, Susu Wong Founder of Tomo 360, John Ward Founder of GLAD Law, Harold du Four-Anderson Founder Bayard Rustin Breakfast, Civil Rights Attorney Mary L Bonauto, John Lam Professor of Dance, LGBTQ Elders Activist David Aronstein, Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, Gretchen Van Ness Executive Director of Pryde Senior Housing, Activists Paul Glass & Charles Evans & more. In these challenging times “Portraits of Pride” serves as a beacon of hope, resilience & advocacy. The exhibition honors the past, uplifts the present & inspires a brighter future. Funds raised will go towards a permanent exhibit telling the history of the LGBTQ movement in Massachusetts. 

Connecticut Out Film Festival 38th Year

Since 1987 Out Film CT has presented a fabulous film festival bringing outstanding LGBTQ cinema to Connecticut. Organizers have announced the full lineup for their 38th film festival that runs June 20th to 28th that takes place at the festival's longtime home the historic & elegant Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, CT. In addition there are virtual-only exclusives for film fans to enjoy at home. Shane Engstrom Festival Director stated, “We are proud to be screening a total of 91 full-length features & short films this summer. Our volunteer committee viewed over 700 submissions from around the globe & the committee's final selections represent dramas, comedies, documentaries & more from over 28 different countries. The 38th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival will offer 3 world premieres, 6 North American premieres, 2 U.S. premieres & over 35 East Coast, Northeast U.S. & New England premieres. We are truly bringing the best of international queer cinema to Connecticut audiences." There will also be special events including the Opening Night after-party on Friday June 20th, a free post-film reception after Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot on Sunday June 24th at 4P, the Centerpiece film free pre-reception on Wednesday June 25th at 6:30P & the Closing Night celebration on Saturday June 28th where film fans & filmmakers can mix & mingle over cocktails & nibbles. Virtual exclusive features & shorts programs will be available for at-home enjoyment from Saturday June 21st through Sunday July 6th. All Access FestiPasses are now on sale & individual tickets are $13, $11 seniors & free for students with ID. The Opening & Closing Night films that include the after-party are $30 & $25 senior tix. 

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