New York 25th GLAAD Awards

Actor George Takei received the Vito Russo Award named after one of GLAAD's co-founders & the author of The Celluloid Closet. The award is presented to an out media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. Takei stated, "I am so glad to be with all you GLAAD people to receive this important recognition. The Vito Russo Award is charged with meaning & potency. In the twenty-five years since its founding, GLAAD has dramatically changed American society for gays, lesbians, bisexuals & transgender people. I know, because as a closeted kid growing up in Los Angeles…all I saw of gays & lesbians in movies & television or heard on radio were caricatures of people who were mocked & laughed at, or pitied, or hated. The media stripped us of all humanity & made us into pathetic stereotypes. The media then was a soul-crushing monster. GLAAD took on this formidable beast with its media savvy, political acumen & the power of its advocacy & transformed the media into a powerful force for change. GLAAD inspired & galvanized others into action to join with in the great 21st century civil rights movement." We will have an exclusive interview with Takei on OUTTAKE VOICES later this week. We also interviewed Boy George Laverne Cox, Swoosie Kurtz, Candis Cayne, Robin Weigert, GLAAD National Spokespersons Wilson Cruz & Omar Sharif, Jr., as well as GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis & her wife rocker Kristen Ellis-Henderson among others from the Red Carpet.
For More Info & Winners: glad.org
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The History of LGBT Advertising

LGBT consumers represent an estimated $790 billion in spending power in today’s economy. Major brands including JC Penny, Ray Ban & Chevy have brought their marketing out of the closet to reach this important demographic. Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy & Mather is presenting an examination of LGBT communications at Creative Week 2014 on May 6th. Tham will explore the history of LGBT communications, examining the cultural & social forces by walking through the long journey toward LGBT inclusion in society & advertising. Punctuated by great work—classic & brand new—this speech & panel discussion will examine how mass culture has a long tradition of moving from exclusion to appropriation & why we may be seeing the birth of a new age: The Cross Cultural Era. Mary Warlick, CEO of The One Club, the nonprofit organization that produces Creative Week & The One Show stated, "For some time, brands & agencies have danced around LGBT advertising. This is the first comprehensive examination of LGBT advertising, presented by one of the leading creative minds of our time. It's fertile ground, rich in content & has many socio-cultural implications. We're proud & excited to be hosting such a session." The panel entitled LGBT: Let's Walk Together will take place on Tuesday May 6th at STAGE 37 from 3P to 4P which is part of the “Creativity for the Greater Good” theme at Creative Week 2014 taking place in NYC from May 5th to May 9th.
For More Info: creativeweek.com
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Gen Silent LGBT Film Screening

On Thursday May 8th from 5P to 7P at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center there will be a special screening of the award-winning documentary Gen Silent followed by a discussion with the filmmaker/director Stu Maddux, cast members & national leaders about how this amazing movie mobilized a world-wide movement. This event is part of AARP's semi-annual convention, Life@50+ that runs May 8th to May 10th at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Barrie Atkin AARP MA Executive Council & Executive Producer of Gen Silent stated, “Since 2010, this extraordinary & moving documentary has changed lives around the world – helping build awareness of the unique challenges that older lesbian, gay, transgender & bisexual adults face as they age. Gen Silent is not just about the challenges of LGBT aging; it is a very important & “real” documentary about aging, period. It’s an important film for all of us to see, no matter what our age. Filmed in Boston in 2009, this documentary has truly mobilized a movement. Gen Silent has inspired audiences around the world to take action & received many awards for best documentary.” AARP chose Gen Silent as one of only three documentaries to be screened on Thursday May 8th. The 3-day program is filled with lots of fun events, seminars, celebrities, films & much more. Come hear Whoopi Goldberg, Captain Phillips, attend lots of workshops. A light supper/reception will follow the film. Admission for the 3-day program including the May 8th Gen Silent screening, panel & reception is half-price - just $12.50 with the code “PRIDE”.
LISTEN: Director Stu Maddux Talks About Gen Silent & More:
 
For More Info: aarp.org
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LGBT Homeless Youth Summit

Windy City Times is hosting a summit May 2nd to May 5th on LGBTQ youth in the Chicago region to assess the current issues impacting homeless youth & new solutions to these complex issues. The title of the summit is "Owning Our Lives: Dream It. Speak It. Do It!!" Kim Hunt, Executive Director of Affinity Community Services is the summit's director. Summit host Tracy Baim, Windy City Times Publisher & Founder of the March stated, “Windy City Times wants to bring a public spotlight to these issues, inviting all major & smaller agencies & individuals addressing LGBTQ youth, including youth themselves, to participate in a new way of working together, similar to the diverse & transparent approach to the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality in 2013.” Confirmed speakers are Rep. Greg Harris of the 13th district; LZ Granderson ESPN commentator and CNN contributor; & Jama Shelton, a project director with True Colors Fund; Rev. Jamie Frazier, Lighthouse Church of Chicago; Juliana Harms, Dept. of Children & Family Services; James Cunningham, Housing & Urban Development & John Pfeiffer, Chicago Dept. of Family Support Services. The first two days of the summit will be broken down into general plenary sessions & facilitated workshops focused on areas including: Housing issues (shelters, DCFS, HUD, etc.), public policy (city, county, state, federal), legal issues (emancipation, public safety), education & job training, healthcare access, mental health & substance abuse. The summit has several goals, including: Looking at the complex causes of homelessness, Shining a light on existing work being done, Reporting on the gaps & needs, Listing short-term & long-term strategies & Creating action steps. Updates To Come...:)
For Info & Registration: chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness.com
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Puerto Vallarta Hosts LGBT Events

In Mexico the fabulous gay destination of Puerto Vallarta is ready for its annual LGBT event "Vallarta Pride" scheduled this year for May 22nd to 26th. The five-day cultural celebration of Puerto Vallarta & its international population includes music festivals, beach parties, fashion shows, mass commitment ceremony & activities in participating bars & clubs. New this years will be PINK&PROUD Women’s Party, a women´s only event, which aims to celebrate, promote & strengthen the identity of the lesbian community in Puerto Vallarta. Taking place on Friday, May 23rd starting at 10P at El Arrayán Restaurant owned by Carmen Porras & Claudia Victoria, will welcome both local women & visitors with live music by LIVE DJane, NatCate, Serena Lazcano, & Drag Kings "Boi Job" from Vancouver, Canada & local Go Go dancers. For More Info… 
Puerto Vallarta will also be hosting the International LGBT Business Expo, Latin America's leading lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender travel business conference & consumer expo from June 12th-14th with the host hotel being Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SPA. Over 400 international, Mexican & local business who are interested in targeting the LGBT market are expected to gather during the three-day B2B trade show & networking events, including representatives from airlines, hotels, tourism offices, tour operators, travel agents, international media, international organizations & governmental offices. For More Info: lgbtconfex.com
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GLAAD At UK Gay Oscars

As we gear up for the NYC GLAAD Media Awards on May 3rd, in London the Out in the City & G3 Magazine Awards known as the 'Gay Oscars' were presented on April 25th at the Landmark Hotel. This glitzy awards ceremony pays tribute to the individuals & organizations who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting equality & diversity. Gay celebrities & gay allies were recognized for their commitment to equality after a vote by readers of the popular UK gay magazines. 'Straight Ally of the Year' which was sponsored by GLAAD, went to Queens Park Ranger footballer Joey Barton who attended the awards with his openly gay uncle Tom Barton. In attendance at the event was Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO who stated, “Celebrating diversity & inclusion in the US & the UK manifest the need for global LGBT equality. Our May 3rd New York Media Awards will not only be a celebration but will also showcase the work that needs to be done.” Other winners included Olympic diver Tom Daley, who won the Sports Personality of the Year award, TV presenter Paul O'Grady & actress Heather Peace were jointly named Celebrity of the Year & Graham Norton & BBC’s Jane Hill secured the Broadcaster of the Year. For List of 2014 Winners… We will be covering the GLAAD Media Awards on the Red Carpet in NYC on May 3rd at the Waldorf Astoria. Updates To Come…:)
For More Info:glaad.org
Listen: OUTTAKE VOICES Red Carpet 2013 Coverage
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Massachusetts Anti Bullying Act

Governor Deval Patrick signed An Act Relative to Bullying in Schools into law in a special ceremony at the State House Thursday. This legislation will continue to provide strong safeguards to improve school climates for LGBT youth & other vulnerable populations in Massachusetts. Kara Coredini MassEquality Executive Director stated, “These enhancements to the existing anti-bullying law will not only provide a safer school environment for all students, they will send a message. Acceptance & respect for all youth in our Commonwealth’s schools is paramount to ensuring a productive learning environment in which all students can thrive." Attorney General Martha Coakley added, “This new law is the next step on our path to protect children from bullying. It will better protect students who we know are most vulnerable to bullying, including our LGBTQ students & those with disabilities. It will also allow us to better track the effectiveness of our bullying programs across the Commonwealth. I applaud Governor Patrick for his commitment to combating bullying in our schools. And I also would like to thank Senate President Murray, Speaker DeLeo, co-sponsors Senator Chang-Diaz and Representative Peisch, and MassEquality & the Anti-Defamation League for their leadership on this important issue.” At least 15 other states have implemented anti bullying laws that have explicit protections for LGBT youth in schools, which are necessary to ensure that harassment of LGBT students is not overlooked or disregarded.
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