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North Carolina Law Violates Title IX

In North Carolina S.B. 49 the law known as the "Don't Say LGBTQ" law is already impacting students & creating a hostile educational environment for students. Campaign for Southern Equality has released a memo detailing the ways that it violates Title IX & urging school districts to delay implementation of the law while the NC Department of Public Instruction navigates these Title IX complications. The memo prepared by Christopher A. Brook of Patterson Harkavy, LLP & Em Seawell consulting attorney for the Campaign for Southern Equality states, “Provisions [of S.B. 49,] especially when taken together, imperil the well-being and lives of LGBTQ students. In so doing, they foster a hostile educational environment for LGBTQ students in violation of Title IX. … Schools cannot comply with Title IX while following the portions of S.B. 49 gratuitously harming LGBTQ students. The choice between Title IX & S.B. 49 is no choice at all; schools must follow Title IX.” Craig White, Supportive Schools Director at the Campaign for Southern Equality concluded, “There is no question that S.B. 49 creates a hostile educational environment. The overall impact of the law is to single out LGBTQ+ students, students from LGBTQ+ families & LGBTQ-affirming content for differential & discriminatory treatment. Because federal law takes precedence over state law & because the safety & well-being of students take precedence over all else, it is important for schools to remain on the side of non-discrimination until these issues can be resolved.” Campaign for Southern Equality based in Asheville, North Carolina promotes full LGBTQ equality across the South. Their work is rooted in commitments to equity in race, gender & class. 
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San Diego LGBT Community Center Gala

Celebrating 50 Years of building community power the San Diego LGBT Community Center ushers in new era of dreaming big, fighting hard & loving fiercely at their milestone event. The Gala will take place on Saturday October 14th at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront celebrating 50 years of making an impact & creating safe spaces our LGBTQ+ people in the San Diego region. Cara Dessert, CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center stated, “Our 50th anniversary gala is a time for us to celebrate our history & the remarkable community that made this milestone possible. It is also an exciting opportunity for us all to look to the next 50 years & the ways we will continue to build community power for decades to come. I think back to the revolutionary vision of our founders who created one of the first spaces, 50 years ago, for LGBTQ people to gather & support one another. Over these next 50 years, we will expand on the incredible legacy of building community power, to create a world where every LGBTQ person can live their full lives & thrive in our strong, beautiful community.” The Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala will include a cocktail reception, dinner, a drag show with DJ Taj Altaji & live music by Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra. The Gala offers a chance for supporters of the org to see how through their support can join forces to create a world where everyone belongs & thrives regardless of background, sexuality or gender identity. 
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New York Stage & Film Annual Gala

New York Stage & Film has announced that Emmy, Tony & Grammy Award-winning artist & producer Billy Porter & GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis will be honored at their 2023 Annual Gala on Sunday November 5th at The Plaza Hotel in NYC. Liz Carlson Interim Artistic Director stated, “New York Stage & Film is honored to uplift the indelible impact Billy & Sarah Kate have had on countless lives through their accomplishments & advocacy. Both understand the important role art, entertainment & media can play in shaping individuals, policy & the course of human history. In a moment when the LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing increasing affronts on their collective humanity, we are proud to recognize Billy & Sarah Kate’s important work.” Proceeds from the 2023 Annual Gala will directly support NYSAF’s ongoing artistic development work including the annual Hudson Valley-based Summer Season, NYC-bsaed programming, Filmmakers’ Workshop, residencies for individual artist & small companies, awards & fellowships & other opportunities for artists. New York Stage & Film is a nonprofit company dedicated to artists developing new stories for theater, film & beyond by supporting responsive processes & by providing a home for artists free from critical & commercial pressures. Since 1985 New York Stage & Film has been a vital incubator for emerging & established artists & their work, a catalyst for stories that start with us & continue across the country & around the world. The Fall Gala will begin at 6:30P with a VIP reception for Gala Committee Chairs & Artists. The cocktail reception will open at 7P followed by a seated dinner & tribute performances. 
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Laphonza Butler Historic LGBTQ Choice

With California Governor Gavin Newsom historic appointment of Laphonza Butler to fill the Senate seat held by Dianne Feinstein Dr. David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) stated, “We are elated to celebrate the groundbreaking appointment of Laphonza Butler to the United States Senate. This historic decision not only shatters glass ceilings but also underscores the importance of continued progress in expanding representation for the Black & LGBTQ+/same-gender loving (SGL) community in our nation's capital. Butler's appointment as California's first openly Lesbian in the United States Senate is an extraordinary milestone. Her journey from being a trailblazing labor organizer to becoming the first Black lesbian to openly serve in Congress in American history is a testament to her unwavering dedication to justice, equality & the progress of our nation. This appointment sends a powerful message that the voices & experiences of Black LGBTQ+/SGL individuals matter & that our presence in leadership positions is not only warranted, but necessary, for our democracy to thrive. This appointment is a step towards a more representative government, reflecting the true diversity & richness of our nation. The National Black Justice Coalition stands proudly with Laphonza Butler & the Black LGBTQ+ community, applauding Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of Black women & Black queer, trans & gender expansive leaders shaping the future of our great nation. We look forward to seeing Laphonza make herstory and are confident she will champion causes that uplift the most marginalized among us. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let it serve as a reminder that our work to expand representation & advocate for justice is far from over. Together, we will continue to break barriers & ensure that all voices are heard in the halls of power. Laphonza Butler's appointment is not only a beacon of hope, but also a call to action for a more inclusive & equitable America." 
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Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ Film Festival

Fort Lauderdale’s OUTshine LGBTQ Film Festival returns for its 15th anniversary October 19th to 29th featuring 38 internationally acclaimed features, 26 shorts including premieres & documentaries. Mark Gilbert, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale interim Executive Director stated, “We are thrilled to announce this incredibly diverse title lineup with a variety of North American, East Coast & Florida premieres for our 40th LGBTQ+ film festival & our 15th Fort Lauderdale anniversary. With the uncertainty & mixed sentiments of all going on in our area today, it is important that our stories are told, our struggles & triumphs shown & that we come together to share the experience & this year most definitely promises our greatest film program to date.” This year’s opening night film is The Mattachine Family (USA, 2023) taking place Thursday October 19th at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (1 E Las Olas Blvd) at 7:30P directed by Andy Vallentine. An afterparty will follow at 10P at Rooftop @1WLO (1 W Las Olas Blvd #700). The suspenseful drama All Of Us Strangers (UK, 2023) will be the Closing Night Film commencing at 5:30P on Sunday October 29th at Savor Cinema directed by British director Andrew Haigh. Immediately following at 8P festivities, awards & a celebratory evening will take place at The Fitz (503 SW 2nd Ave). This year’s OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale edition is sponsored in part by Gilead, the State of Florida through the Division of Arts & Culture & the National Endowment for the Arts & the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council. 
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MBCC 26th Party For Prevention Event

The 26th Annual Lesbians & LGBTQ Friends Dance to benefit Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will take place in-person & virtually on Saturday October 21st from 6P to 9:30P EDT. The in-person event will be held at Club Café in Boston, MA & virtually via Zoom. MBCC will honor Jim Morgrage General Manager of Club Café & a longtime community leader. Cheryl Osimo MBCC’s Executive Director stated, “Jim Morgrage has been a mentor & friend to MBCC by volunteering his time to assist the Lesbians & Friends LGBTQIA+ Dance to help us succeed in both the in-person & virtual settings. Jim acts as a beacon for a sense of community -- his dedication to generosity & selflessness is extraordinary. Beyond his fervent support to MBCC & breast cancer prevention, Jim is a passionate & caring leader in the LGBTQIA+ community. We look forward to coming together on October 21st to dance the night away in the name of cancer prevention!” There will also be a dance lesson from OUT to Dance’s founder & director Liz Nania & DJ Christina will be spinning throughout the evening. Funds raised from the Lesbians & Friends LGBTQIA+ Dance helps support MBCC’s education programs & mission to provide vital health information on ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the products they use & in the environments in which they live, learn & work. Tickets to attend the in-person event at Club Café in Boston, MA are $40 in advance & $45 at the door. Students over the age of 21 tickets are $20 in advance & $25 at the door with a student ID. Tickets for the virtual Zoom event are $20 for all ages. 
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Equality Forum LGBT 2023 Icons (VIDEO)

Equality Forum has kicked off their 18th annual LGBT History Month celebration in October by acknowledging 31 LGBT icons. Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum Executive Director stated, “In its 18th year, LGBT History Month will have archived over 500 Icons in its database, making it the largest online resource for information on worldwide LGBT leaders. The Icons are searchable by a variety of means, including from a cloud of over 250 descriptive tags, such as Academy Award, Transgender & Politics.” The 2023 LGBTQ Icons are: Trailblazing Conductor Marin Alsop, LGBTQ Activist Chasten Buttigieg, LGBTQ Activist & Historian Madeline Davis, Author & Historian Elana Dykewomon, Trans German Politician Tessa Ganserer, Best selling Author Roxane Gay, Singer Composer Lesley Gore, Trans Activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, WNBA Superstar Brittney Griner, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey,Writer & Editor Jazmine Hughes, British Actor Eddie Izzard, Pulitzer-Winning Playwright Michael R. Jackson, Actor & Comedian Leslie Jordan, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Pulp Fiction Pioneer Marijane Meaker, Wall Street Innovator Scott Minerd, Writer, Producer, Dirctor Ryan Murphy, 1st Out NFL Player Carl Nassib, 1st Out Trans Mayor Stu Rasmussen, Slain Naval Officer Allen Schindler Jr., Psychologist & LGBTQ Activist Charles Silverstein, Writer Andrew Solomon, Rock Star Michael Stipe, Tech Journalist Kara Swisher, Fashion Journalist André Leon Talley, Medical Scientist Doris Taylor, U.S, Military Activist Evelyn Thomas, South African Anglican Priest Mpho Tutu van Furth, Emmy Winning Actor Samira Wiley & Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Each day of October a new Icon is featured with a video, biography, downloadable images & other resources. Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives & presents the largest annual national & international LGBT civil rights summit. WATCH 
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