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Pope Francis Evolves On Trans Catholics

Pope Francis has declared that transgender people can be baptized & act as godparents or witnesses to a wedding in the Roman Catholic Church. Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director of DignityUSA stated, “It is encouraging to see the Vatican making it clear that LGBTQ+ people are not automatically banned from our church’s sacraments. There have been too many bishops & priests who have made it difficult for members of our community to receive sacraments like baptism & even Communion, which are central to our lives as Catholics. We will continue our work to achieve full equality.” This advancement comes after Pope Francis recently stated “Being homosexual isn’t a crime” during an interaction with the media. Pope Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against our LGBTQ community & he himself referred to the issue in terms of ‘sin’ but he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds & said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of everyone. ‘It may be a sin, but not a crime,’ the Pope said. He even advised them to develop tenderness as “God has for each of us”. With over 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalizing consensual same-gender sexual activity & 11 can or do impose the death penalty according to The Human Dignity Trust this may help works to end such horrific outdated laws that contribute to harassment, stigmatization & violence against LGBTQ people. Last year I talked to Father James Martin & director Shannon Post about their documentary “Building a Bridge” that follows a priest on his mission to make the Catholic Church more accepting of our LGBTQ community. LISTEN  
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Black Trans Women Visual Artists Grant

Queer Art NYC’s home for the creative & professional development of LGBTQ artists announced Golden the winner of the 4th annual Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists. The Brooklyn-based visual artist will receive a $10,000 cash grant, professional development support & individual studio visits with members of the judges panel to support their practice. Jonathan Lyndon Chase, 2023 Illuminations Grant Judge stated, “Golden’s visual photography evokes power, vulnerability, beauty & glowing prowess. There are meditations on self reflection, communal embrace. The documentation on lived experiences in the Queer community & personal self expression are reminiscent of a home feeling.” Lauren Haynes 2023 Illuminations Grant Judge concluded, “Golden’s photographs stood out among this year’s very strong group of visual artists. Each image left me wanting to see more & to engage more deeply with their practice—I am excited to see how Golden’s work continues to evolve.” Golden’s art practice over the years has been centered around using photography, performance art & poetry to document, question & expand the archive of Black trans life in the USA. It is at the intersections of self documentation, family, queer imagination & Black love where they believe their work is most boundless & referential. Queer Art connects & empowers LGBTQ artists across generations & creative disciplines. Founded in 2009 they are an artist-led & community-centered organization united by shared values of collective care, creative resilience & the preservation & advancement of queer legacies & queer futures. Ongoing initiatives include the Queer Art Mentorship & a wide array of awards, grants & offerings that provide direct support to LGBTQ artists. 
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Democracy Continues To Win In America

It's such a relief after an election in this country to wake up & discover that your democratic candidates & ideals continue to rule. In Virginia all 9 of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund candidates won their races for the state legislature including Danica Roem who will become the first out transgender state senator in the South. Annise Parker LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President & CEO stated, “Voters across Virginia resoundingly rejected the politics of bigotry & fear directed at the LGBTQ+ community. In Virginia & around the country, tonight’s results show that hate is a losing issue at the ballot box. We’re proud that our LGBTQ+ Victory Fund candidates were key to delivering a pro-equality majority in the General Assembly that will stand up to Glenn Youngkin’s bigoted policies. With so much on the line, Virginia was a top priority for LGBTQ+ Victory Fund this cycle. We’re joining with LGBTQ+ Virginians in all corners of the Commonwealth who are celebrating a new chapter in Virginia politics, one that includes all Virginians.” Yesterday’s election added 148 LGBTQ candidates who won their races resulting in over 200 out LGBTQ candidates winning their elections in 2023 which is more than any other odd-numbered election year in U.S. history. The number of victories is expected to rise as more election results come in. The previous record was in 2021 when 184 out LGBTQ candidates won. In 2023 at least 514 LGBTQ candidates ran & 312 were on the ballot yesterday according to LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s Out on the Trail report. 
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RuPaul Drag Race Stars Holiday Show

RuPaul’s Drag Race stars BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to your town with The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents. The international tour features more cities, more shows & even bigger theaters including the iconic Dolby Theatre. The tour runs from November 8th to December 30th across the US, UK & Canada with a new show written by DeLa & Jinkx that proves they’re still the reigning the Queens of Christmas. BenDeLaCreme stated, “With all the hatred, darkness & misinformation flying around our world today, it is an honor & a privilege to spend the holidays with tens of thousands of audience members each year, creating joyous community spaces where we can gather strength through laughter & celebration. Whether you consider it the most wonderful time of year or the most troubling, we’re here to tell you… you’re right! So let’s make it our own.” Jinkx Monsoon concluded, “It’s been a wild year, so let’s end it wildly. DeLa & I strive to entertain while we enlighten & enliven. The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show is not only a moment of respite, but also of community, at a time where we need our chosen family & community most of all. So add us to your holiday plans, or let us BE your holiday plans— either way, you’re welcome to join us.” The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show & BenDeLaCreme Presents are reminders why authentic queer storytelling is not only necessary but should be widely celebrated. BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon are the sole writers of their holiday shows a major achievement for two drag artists who tour at such a large scale. 
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The Legend of Georgia McBride Returns

“The Legend of Georgia McBride” is being presented as the second production of the Center Repertory Company 55th Season of plays & musicals. It’s running now through November 26th at the Margaret Lesher Theatre at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek, California. “The Legend of Georgia McBride” is written by Matthew López who has had quite a successful few years with his play “The Inheritance”, his directional film debut of “Red, White, & Royal Blue” on Amazon Prime & his musical adaptation of the classic film “Some Like It Hot” on Broadway. The play directed by Elizabeth Carter is about Casey an Elvis impersonator with everything going for him including a flashy sequin jumpsuit but just like that he loses his gig with rent is overdue & his wife announces a baby on the way. So when Elvis leaves the building & a drag show moves in “The King” transforms into an all-out queen with the help of some new friends who become the chosen family Casey never saw coming. With snappy zingers & dance-worthy numbers this wildly entertaining story will challenge your assumptions with extraordinary humor & depth. Matt M. Morrow, Center REPertory Company Artistic Director stated, “When “The Legend of Georgia McBride” debuted in 2014 it was unthinkable that drag artists could be so hatefully targeted, banned & vilified. Almost a decade later, bringing Lopez’s affirming & joyous play back to the stage is an act of resilience & a testament to the inclusiveness, love & unity the queer community truly represents. These are the values we hold dear at Center REP, as well.” 
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New Documentary Show Her The Money

The producers of the new feature documentary Show Her The Money exposing the systemic funding gap for female entrepreneurs announced that multiple Emmy Award & Golden Globe winning actress & the  film's executive producer Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey, Queer as Folk, Burn Notice) will be attending the screening at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) on Friday November 10th at the Savor Cinema located at 503 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 3P. Producer Catherine Gray stated, “We are honored to have Show Her The Money screen at the FLIFF. South Florida is where I began my career as an entrepreneur decades over. Show Her The Money is a story that’s never been told. The film addresses women getting less than 2% of venture capital & demystifies what venture capital is.” The film’s director Ky Dickens concluded, “Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is a must-stop not only because of our ties to the community, but the festival’s steadfast commitment to indie filmmaking.” Show Her The Money made its world premiere at The Women’s Film Festival on September 21st in Philadelphia. It will open theatrically in New York & Los Angeles on December 1st. The film exposes the staggering gender gap in venture capital (VC) funding for women entrepreneurs with only 2% of $238.3 billion available goes to female entrepreneurs while heralding the determined women & men who are vigorously & successfully upending the deeply entrenched system. Sharon Gless serves as an executive producer along with Catherine Gray, Ky Dickens, Dawn LaFreeda, Diana Greshtchuk & Wendy Ryan. I talked to Sharon Gless in 2019 about her career & more. LISTEN  
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Over 500 LGBTQ Candidates Run In 2023

In a new report from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund at least 514 out LGBTQ people ran or are running for offices with elections in 2023 which is just under a 20% increase compared to the last odd-numbered election cycle in 2021 when 430 out candidates ran. Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund stated, “As politicians in state legislatures & on school boards levied unprecedented attacks on our community & our kids, LGBTQ+ leaders responded, running for office in record numbers. We saw more LGBTQ+ candidates of color, trans candidates, nonbinary candidates & bisexual candidates than in any other election year & in November voters in 41 states & the District of Columbia can reject the politics of hate & instead mark their ballot for an LGBTQ+ candidate.” Though this is very encouraging news there are many states under fire with anti-LGBTQ candidates on the fast track to destroy our democracy. For example in Virginia the only Southern state with laws explicitly prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people there is a crucial election taking place next week. Narissa Rahaman, Executive Director of Equality Virginia concluded, “This election comes at a critical time, following a legislative session in which the general assembly introduced the most anti-LGBTQ bills in its history. It’s an opportunity to build a pro-LGBTQ majority at the state & local level – one that sees us, respects us & fights for our dignity. With all legislative races taking place this year in redrawn districts, it’s more important than ever that Virginians take proactive measures to know where to vote on Election Day & to encourage their family & friends to vote, too. Our vote is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our future.” 
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