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Boston Lighting of Diwali Diya

The South Asian Arts Council announced on Tuesday Nov 13th at 2:30P coordinated with Governor Deval Patrick's Office to light the Diwali Diya on the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House in honor of the Hindu celebration of Diwali. Deval Patrick is the first sitting governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to publicly participate in this cultural event which is celebrated by the South Asian community around the world. Amit Dixit, who is the Director of Communications for the Boston LGBT Film Festival is also the Executive Director of the South Asian Arts Council stated, "Diwali is traditionally the known as "The Festival of Lights" which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. We light Diyas, or small oil lamps, to symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. We are honored to have Governor Patrick make history as the first sitting Governor of the Commonwealth to light the official Diwali Diya at the State House." This Diwali event coincides with the launch of the South Asian Arts Council Southasianartscouncil.org. The event will be recorded and accessible as a video news release.
For More Info & To Register…

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Gay Military On Veterans Day (Video)

On this Veterans Day we must acknowledge our gay & lesbian service members who risk their lives to protect ours while their families are denied the critical protections of marriage because of the Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA prevents the federal government from respecting the legal marriages of same-gender couples & forces the military to treat married gay & lesbian service members & veterans & their families differently than it treats all other service members & their families. DOMA unfairly denies married same-gender couples the 1,138+ federal protections & responsibilities that the government provides to other married people, dividing Americans into first-class & second-class citizens, with first-class & second-class marriages. Unlike all other married couples gay married couples are denied such important protections as Social Security survivor benefits, immigration rights, family & medical leave & the ability to pool resources as a family without unfair taxation. Army veteran & OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson stated, “Today, we remember all who have served our nation so honorably; but we reserve a special remembrance for all those who have provided the same service, taken the same risks & made the same sacrifices to keep us safe, yet are treated as second-class citizens by the country they are sworn to protect. The video we are releasing today depicts that stark reality painfully well.”

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Gay Country Star Drake Jensen (Video)

You must check out this fabulous camp video that gay country star Drake Jensen has premiered featuring superstar drag queen Willam Belli ("Nip/Tuck," "RuPaul's Drag Race") doing a cover of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man.” The video is directed by Michael Serrato. Born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, Drake Jensen has become a unique figure in the world of Country Music. He has become a voice for the LGBT Community speaking through his music. Gaining fans who are rediscovering the genre can now feel included in it as he touches the heart & soul of listeners through his rich, warm voice that tells not only the stories but conveys deep, sincere emotions. Drake is completely honest about who he is & part of that is being an openly gay man. Drake feels that as a public figure he needs to let people know who he is & understands that some people may not accept this facet of him & he wishes to give them the choice whether to remain fans or not & that this is a matter of respecting everyone’s beliefs. Drake will be performing at the following venues: Triangles Café Danbury, CT Saturday, Nov 10th at 10P, Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corp Port Dover, ON Nov 30th at 8P. Tia McGraff & Friends Christmas at Home Portion of proceeds of tickets sold to the Maureen Dodd Foundation, Ruthven Park, 243 Haldimand Hwy Cayuga, on Dec 2nd at 2P & Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Cumberland, on Dec 21st at 8P
For More Info: drakejensen.ca

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Washington State Gay Marriage Win

As you know we had a clean sweep of all four states where gay marriage appeared on the ballot. In Washington State the battle was so close it couldn’t be determined until the day after the election. We thought we’d share this statement from Washington United for Marriage campaign manager Zach Silk in response to the concession by opponents that R74 will be approved & the state's bipartisan marriage law protected. Silk stated, "This is an historic day for Washington, an historic day for our country & most of all, for families across the state who have dreamed of this day. From the beginning, this campaign told the stories of loving couples & their families who simply want to get married. All of us, from our volunteers, to our staff to the nearly 20,000 donors who invested in the freedom to marry, are enormously grateful to the voters of Washington State. Yes, we made history, but more importantly, we helped protect & defend thousands of families across the state. We have always understood that there are good people on the other side of this issue. Yet, we remain confident that once people see how much marriage matters to families, they will realize that the love & commitment that marriage embodies only strengthens families, neighborhoods and communities."Updates to Come...:)

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Gay Marriage Wins In Ballot States

There’s that timely quote "As Maine goes, so goes the Nation.” This couldn’t ring more true for this election. Not only did Maine go for Obama they also passed Gay Marriage. In all the other states Washington & Maryland where marriage equality appeared on the ballot, gay marriage also passed & in Minnesota the constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality was also defeated. This was a clean sweep for our LGBT people. GLAD the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders who are the architects of gay marriage in this country were instrumental in the Maine marriage victory. Lee Swislow, Executive Director of GLAD stated, “We are thrilled, grateful & humbled. We give our heartfelt congratulations & thanks to the people of Maine for listening with open hearts & minds & embracing equality for gay & lesbian citizens. Mainers United for Marriage ran a superb campaign & I can’t praise all of the campaign staff & volunteers enough.” Mary L. Bonauto, GLAD’s Civil Rights Project Director & a Maine resident stated, “Winning marriage in Maine is profoundly important to those of us living here, including me & my family. Now we can expect to see an outbreak of happiness, as couples – whether together for months or decades – can finally make that commitment to one another. I am very proud of Mainers for sharing their concerns, hearing our stories & finding the common ground to vote yes.” Now this initiative approved by the voters becomes effective 30 days after the Governor proclaims the results of the election. The Governor’s proclamation can come up to 10 days after the Secretary of State completes tabulating the election results. The Secretary has up to 20 days to complete those tabulations. So the earliest that marriage licenses will be available to gay couples will be 30-plus days & at most 60 days after the election. Updates to Come…:)

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Victory For Our LGBT Community

Our LGBT community celebrated an overwhelming victory in this crucial election. President Obama has been reelected, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has been elected the first Gay U.S. Senator & voters in Maine & Maryland passed marriage equality for gay & lesbian couples, which is the first time that voters in any state voted in favor of gay marriage. It also appears that gay marriage has passed in Washington State but still too close to call & in Minnesota the constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality appears to be defeated. Herndon Graddick President of GLAAD stated, "Visibility & progress for LGBT people have grown under President Obama & now that momentum must continue. LGBT people deserve full equality in every aspect of American life & President Obama, in his second term, should take every concrete step within his power to make it so." In his acceptance speech Obama stated, “America, I believe we can build on the progress we've made and continue to fight for new jobs & new opportunity & new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you're willing to work hard, it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or who you love. It doesn't matter whether you're black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you're willing to try….”
Updates to Come…:)

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Election Day For LGBT US Citizens

Update: OBAMA WINS!! :)

This is a crucial election for our LGBT community & for women in this country. Gay marriage is on the ballot in 4 states Maine, Maryland, Minnesota & Washington. If you believe in Democracy & the US Constitution that we are all created equal then you must vote for President Obama. The first votes have been counted in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire & it was a tie. Obama & Romney both received 5 votes. The result was surprising since the town has 2 registered Democrats, 3 Republicans & 5 independents. Dick Erwin Town Clerk of Dixville stated, "Considering the way things are polling around the country, we may have been the first tie of the day. Keep your eyes on the news reports because it's going to be a wild ride." This is just a heads-up on how important it is to get out & vote today. If you are eligible to vote make sure that you know where to find your polling place, the open/close times, who's running for office in your area & what ballot initiatives might be on your particular ballot. Google & the New Organizing Institute have created a really cool site to help us all do that, so we’re passing it on to you. All you have to do is enter your address on the left side & it will provide you where to vote, the hours & all the information about your particular ballot on the right. So there’s no excuse! If you’re a registered voter get OUT & VOTE!! Updates to Come…:)
For Voting Info: google.com/elections/vote

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About Me

Boston Lighting of Diwali Diya

Gay Military On Veterans Day (Video)

Gay Country Star Drake Jensen (Video)

Washington State Gay Marriage Win

Gay Marriage Wins In Ballot States

Victory For Our LGBT Community

Election Day For LGBT US Citizens

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