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New Book “Trans Kids Our Kids” (AUDIO)

This week I talked with writer Alexis Stratton about the new book “Trans Kids, Our Kids” co-authored with Adam Polaski & Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara from the Campaign for Southern Equality & released by Ig Publishing. In these unprecedented times “Trans Kids, Our Kids” provides a narrative look into the challenges facing our transgender young people. This is especially crucial after the recent GOP presidential campaign distorted & targeted transgender issues to regain control of the White House. The new book provides a truthful blueprint addressing trans youth issues by taking a storytelling approach in capturing how people all across the country are meeting the moment to support, protect & live in solidarity with transgender youth & their families. The book is based on more than 50 interviews with transgender youth, their parents & the medical providers, advocates & faith leaders who are leading the fight against the wave of discriminatory legislation that has flooded statehouses since 2022. One primary focus of “Trans Kids, Our Kids” is the attack on trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care. Less than 2 years ago there weren’t any states that had such bans in effect. Currently there are now 26 states that have bans or restricted transgender youth from accessing hormone therapy with the issue coming before the Supreme Court in the case United States v. Skrmetti with oral arguments on December 4th. Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) through their Trans Youth Emergency Project have supported more than 1,000 families of transgender youth in navigating healthcare bans. All royalties from book sales will benefit this project. I talked to Alexis about what they hope to accomplish with “Trans Kids, Our Kids” & their spin on our LGBTQ issues. (Design by Liz Williams) LISTEN  
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Celebrate Phyllis Lyon's 100th Birthday

Come celebrate what would have been Phyllis Lyon's milestone 100th birthday at El Rio! 3158 Mission Street in San Francisco, CA on Sunday Nov 24th. Doors open at 3P for a fun-filled event honoring this incredible woman. Especially during these challenging times with our LGBTQ rights in jeopardy it’s important to come together & celebrate community & dance the pain away & gather together to show our love & appreciation for Phyllis & Del 2 fabulous Lesbian Icons. There will be performances from The Red Hots Burlesque & legendary lesbian DJ's Page Hodel & Downtown Donna will be spinning. Pioneering lesbian & civil rights activist Phyllis Lyon died at age 95 in 2020 & her wife Del Martin who passed in 2008 cofounded the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in San Francisco in 1955 becoming the first social & political organization for lesbians in the United States. They both acted as president & editor of The Ladder until 1963 & remained involved in the DOB until joining the National Organization for Women (NOW) as the first lesbian couple to do so. Phyllis Lyon was not only a legendary pioneer in the fight for equality she was also founder of Lyon-Martin Health Services. This fabulous event is a fundraiser to support the documentary “The Day the Curtains Came Down” which tells the story of Phyllis' last years & her creative, loving & stealthy AF all-queer caregiving team. So don't miss out on this special fabulous occasion that happens at El Rio Sunday November 24th from 3P to 8P PST with tickets $20.20. 
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Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro Perform

Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro are performing their “Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret” tour at The Cabot in Beverly, MA on Saturday November 23rd at 8P. Both haver transported their audience to other worlds through their stories & now they’re joining forces in song with musical direction by Henry Koperski. Cumming stated, “I’ve got to know Ari over the last few years, both socially & when he interviewed me for a couple of events. The last time was an evening in D.C., & by the end of it I realized our chemistry & the unusual combo of us, as well as the fact that Ari has an amazing voice, would make for a really great cabaret show & kapow! We’re doing it! What I love most is it’s fresh and ever-changing.” Shapiro concluded, “When Alan first suggested that we create a show together, I didn’t quite believe him. Then as we started to dig in to this collaboration, I realized how much our professional lives actually complement each other. We’re both storytellers who try to help audiences better understand themselves & the world around them. This show lets us explore those shared ideals on stage together, through stories & songs.” They have performed together for a few seasons in Provincetown & now they’re performing at the historic Cabot Theatre a North Shore treasure & legacy of the visionary showmanship & architectural passion of the Ware Brothers. Their Westport, CT show has sold out so get your tickets while they last. Tickets run from $69.00 to $114.50. 
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International Human Rights Art Festival

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) returns to NYC for its 6th year & takes place December 9th to 15th at The Tank in midtown Manhattan. There will be 60 new shows presented including new short musicals, dance pieces, one act plays, solo shows, poetry, puppetry & musical acts. Over 200 local & international artists will showcase their work which revolves around pressing social issues such as climate change, religion, immigration, caregiving, identity, diversity, LGBTQ, women's empowerment & more. Tom Block, IHRAF’s Founder & Executive Director stated, “As an organization that highlights & supports activist artists around the world, we now become one of them, instead of simply innocent bystanders in the international struggle for justice & human rights. As America enters its most challenging era since the Civil War, we will stand not with or against one or the other political parties, but for our values: human rights, social justice & celebrating diversity, equally for all people. Our artists open space through their own sincerity & vulnerability (no anger or finger-pointing, justified though it may feel) for conversation, understanding & appreciation of the ‘other,’ however imagined. Our work is based on our common humanity & the talent, passion & creativity of our performers.” IHRAF was founded in 2017 with the mission to amplify the critical voices of artists who bring human rights issues to the forefront of conversation & to inspire social change around the world. IHRAF, a 501c3 non-profit believes in a world where artists are free to use their creativity to provide an engine for social change & their work is honored as a human right. 
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Trans Week of Remembrance Film Fest

Transgender Film Festivals are happening across the nation gearing up to the celebration of Trans Day of Remembrance that takes place Wednesday November 20th. In Massachusetts The Theater Offensive & Coolidge Corner Theatre at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA are bringing 3 evenings of film highlighting our Trans community with “Black Trans Women at the Center” on Monday November 18th at 7:15P, “Kokomo City” on Tuesday November 19th at 7P & “Paris is Burning” on Wednesday, November 20th also at 7P. All the screenings will be accompanied by introductions & panel discussions. “Black Trans Women at the Center” presents the next wave of new plays through this theatrical recording of the 5th annual Black Trans Women at the Center: Virtual New Play Festival. Witness the symphony of voice rising to claim their rightful place at the forefront of the theatrical landscape led by the visionary Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Ensemble member Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi. The festival will feature a staged streaming of her new work Shapeshifter. Then “Kokomo City” on Tuesday November 11th directed by D. Smith & featuring Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell, Dominique Silver will takes place at 7P with a post-film panel discussion with guests from The Theater Offensive. Concluding with the classic documentary “Paris Is Burning” directed by Jennie Livingston & featuring Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Venus Xtravaganza, Octavia St. Laurent with post-film panel discussion with guests from The Theater Offensive & moderated by Rev. Irene Monroe. Watch our nonpartisan VOTE PSA we produced with Rev. Irene Monroe.  
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John Waters Coolidge Award Honoree

The nonprofit Coolidge Corner Theatre that has been entertaining & building a vital community through film culture in greater Boston since 1933 is thrilled to announce legendary filmmaker, author & visual artist John Waters as the recipient of the 2024 Coolidge Award. This fabulous event takes Thursday November 21st at 8P at The Coolidge at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA. There will be an onstage conversation with Waters about his life & career conducted by Jared Bowen Emmy award-winning Executive Arts Editor & host of The Culture Show at GBH. The conversation will include a tribute clip reel & will be followed by the presentation of The Coolidge Award. Established in 2004 annual Coolidge Award celebrates a film artist whose work is consistently original & challenging. Past honorees have included Zhang Yimou, Meryl Streep, Thelma Schoonmaker, Jonathan Demme, Werner Herzog & more. John Waters has written & directed sixteen movies including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, Hairspray, Cry Baby, Serial Mom & A Dirty Shame. Both Pink Flamingos & Hairspray have been added to the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Waters is also the author of ten books including Shock Value, Crackpot, Pink Flamingos & Other Trash, Hairspray, Female Trouble & Multiple Maniacs, Art: A Sex Book co-written with Bruce Hainley, Role Models, Carsick, Make Trouble, Mr. Know-It-All & in May, 2022 his first novel, Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance. In 2022, Liarmouth was optioned by Village Roadshow Pictures for John to write & direct the movie. I’ve known John since the 1970’s & he’s always been true to character. Here’s my retro interview I did with John back in 2011. LISTEN  
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The Academy Legends A Night of Stars

The Academy will present their 2024 Legends Archive inductee Donna Sachet along with esteemed community honorees Dr. Dee Spencer with The Diane Jones Solidarity Award, Colm O'Brien with The Architect Award & Patrick Carney with The Exemplar Award. Enjoy a night of fabulous entertainment hosted by the one & only Sister Roma November 15th at the Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market St, San Francisco, CA from 6P to 11P. The Legends Archive was created to recognize those people in our own era that have shaped the LGBTQ community that we live in. The Legends of the past have included Sylvester, Harvey Milk & Divine & now it is time to hold up the Legends that continue to create in this dynamic epicenter that is San Francisco. Each year The Academy selects one individual who has truly become a Legend worthy of being remembered in the historical archive. They are invited to donate a personal artifact to represent themselves & their contribution to the community to be put on permanent display. The entire community is warmly invited to join in celebrating their 2024 Legends Archive inductee Donna Sachet along with their esteemed community honorees for a fabulous night hosted by Sister Roma with entertainment provided by Russell Deason, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus & Shün Kanazawa. While this event is open to all club members receive free or discounted admission to events with full club access & more. All tickets include access to the After Party at The Academy following the conclusion of the program. 
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