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Yucatán Increases LGBTQ Protections

Yucatán has become the 22nd Mexican state to modify its constitution to make marriage “the free & voluntary legal union of two people with equal rights, duties & obligations.” The state’s congress also banned so-called conversion therapy which falsely claims to alter individuals’ sexual orientation. Although marriage equality has been legal in Mexico since 2015 when the country’s Supreme Court (SJCN) declared it unconstitutional to prohibit marriage between gay & lesbian couples before this new ruling couples had to apply for a pardon to be married in the state of Yucatán. Mexico’s status as a popular LGBTQ-friendly destination has been reaffirmed in the past three months with the approval of marriage equality not only in Yucatán but in Baja California & Sinaloa as well. State Minister of Tourism Michelle Fridman Hirsch stated, “Making the legal process for same-sex marriages opens up the state of Yucatán to the opportunity to attract even more weddings to our destination a source of economic impact that is welcomed particularly with the pandemic. We celebrate the steps taken by our congress & look forward to continuing our work to offer our visitors a destination that is rich with culture, history, modernity & above all, welcoming and safe to all.” This constitutional change strengthens Yucatán’s potential to evolve into Mexico’s newest LGBTQ+ destination. Yucatán is home to lots of professional wedding planners who can coordinate all details of a gay & lesbian couple’s special day. The international airport of capital city Mérida offers nonstop flights from Miami, Houston, Dallas, San Diego & Oakland/San Francisco.
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LGBTQ Equality Florida Smith & Wolf

Two Equality Florida staff members will serve on the United States Commission on Civil Rights’ Florida Advisory Committee for the next four years. The Commission announced the reappointment of Nadine Smith, Equality Florida Executive Director to her role as Chair of the committee & the appointment of Brandon Wolf, Equality Florida Media Relations Manager to the committee for the first time. The Florida Advisory Committee is one of 51 groups that advise the Commission on a range of issues impacting civil rights policy. Nadine Smith stated, “The work of safeguarding civil rights protections is critical to the future of democracy. It is an honor to be reappointed as Chair of this committee & to continue guiding these efforts over the next four years. The results of our in-depth investigation into voting rights exposed many areas that call out for leadership & action. We will continue sounding that alarm.” Brandon Wolf concluded, “It is an incredible honor to be called upon to serve the people of Florida in this capacity. Advancing civil rights protections for all Americans is a responsibility that falls on each of us. I look forward to giving voice to our community as we press forward on fulfilling the promise of our nation.” Established as an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding federal agency, the US Commission on Civil Rights’ mission is to inform the development of national civil rights policy & enhance enforcement of federal civil rights laws. They pursue this mission by studying alleged deprivations of voting rights & alleged discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice. For More Info…
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Susie Mosher Presents The Lineup

We caught The Lineup with Susie Mosher at Birdland in NYC & this spontaneous extravaganza every Tuesday is a must-see. On Tuesday August 31st The Lineup presents another unique nonstop musical performance that will deliver an unforgettable night of quintessential NYC entertainment from 8:30P to 10P. Actress/singer Mosher hosts this fabulous over the top LGBTQ friendly variety show event with musical director Brad Simmons, John Miller on bass & Clint De Ganon on drums at Birdland located at 315 West 44th Street in NYC. Mosher stated, “I am so lucky to be in a position to showcase a diverse & remarkable group of talented performers every Tuesday. Every week I feel like I’m throwing a party & I love picking the right collection of guests to make the evening special. Comedians, singers, dancers, it’s a recipe for a good time. This week we have JW’s Inspirational Singers of NYC, they were on America’s Got Talent and did quite well. Juson Williams puts this incredible group together & they are each amazing. So excited to have them. Then Farah Alvin is singing & she has a magical voice, she is a singers singer, well known to all in NYC. Also a young up & coming singer songwriter, Maddie Pizzarelli, who happens to be the daughter of Guitar Giant John Pizzarelli & Broadway star Jessica Molaskey, is a bright shining light who I am thrilled to have on the show. The whole Lineup is brilliant, if I do say so myself. Come see for yourself! Tuesday 8:30 at the world famous Birdland.” Tickets are $20 & there’s an additional $20 food or drink minimum per person so come for dinner which is a fabulous way to spend the evening & support this historic club which is a fully vaccinated venue. For Info & Tix...

 

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The Dinah Is Back On Track (AUDIO)


This week I talked with Mariah Hanson, founder & producer of the legendary Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend that’s celebrating its 30th anniversary & takes place September 29th through October 3rd in Palm Springs, CA. The Dinah is back on track for an exceptional 5-day event with an epic slate of Top Ten Billboard headliners, rising pop stars & celebrities in compliance with the City of Palm Springs COVID safety protocol. All attendees, entertainers & staff are required to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or proof of full vaccinations to attend the festival. That said headlining The Dinah is Grammy-award winner Macy Gray on Saturday October 2nd at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Gray’s unmistakable rasp, unshakable grasp on soul & funky spirit has ensured Macy her status as a 21st century icon since her arrival with the triple-platinum How Life Is in 1999. Selling over 25 million total albums globally she has collaborated with everyone from Ariana Grande to Galactic with her voice consistently resounding throughout pop culture. Sharing the stage with Gray is another Grammy-award winner Yung Baby Tate. Making a splash at the Girl Spot Pool Party on Friday October 1st is leading non-binary artist & actor Kat Cunning with a traffic-stopping voice & powerful presence. The Dinah has discovered so many emerging talents that it’s excited to present two bands to watch in 2021 including Boi Band & Smeared Lipstick who will respectively headline the opening & closing parties at AsiaSF Palm Springs. I talked to Hanson about what she hopes to accomplish with The Dinah in these difficult times and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  

For More Info & Tix: theDinah.com 

 

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New Southern LGBTQ Research Program

As I continue my road trip down to North Carolina for the week the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) has announced the launch of the Southern Equality Research & Policy Center (SERPC). This is a new program focused on conducting independent research & developing policy recommendations to promote the legal & lived equality of LGBTQ people in the U.S. South. Dr. Austin H. Johnson, Director of the SERPC at the Campaign for Southern Equality stated, “More than one-third of all LGBTQ+ people in the United States are Southerners – yet there has historically been a distinct lack of research on the population. Less than ten percent of social research on LGBTQ people has been focused on those in the South & these limited data underline significant disparities in key areas of life, including in families, workplaces, schools & public life. Through the Southern Equality Research & Policy Center, we aim to center these experiences through a data-driven lens that allows us to more fully understand & ultimately, better serve – LGBTQ Southerners.” Dr. Abigail Bowen, Deputy Director of the SERPC at the Campaign for Southern Equality concluded, “The South is home to sustained legislative efforts to undermine the dignity & equality of LGBTQ people. As we continue to push back against these attacks, one vital tool must be inclusive data collection & analysis to understand the lived experience of LGBTQ Southerners. We are honored that the Southern Equality Research & Policy Center will allow us to collect & explore data specific to our community so our movement can continue to refute myths, articulate the effects of policy & secure protections for LGBTQ people across the South.” Based in Asheville, NC, the Campaign for Southern Equality promotes full LGBTQ equality across the South. Their work is rooted in commitments to equity in race, gender & class. For More Info…

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New Short AIDS Film "Surviving Voices"

The National AIDS Memorial has released Surviving Voices Mini-Documentary "Substance Users, the Recovery Community & AIDS". The documentary focuses on the stories of people living with HIV overcoming addiction, fear, stigma & their triumphs, resilience & hopes featuring the voices of both AIDS survivors & advocates. The film tells the story of AIDS through the voices of survivors of the pandemic now in its 40th year. More than 700,000 U.S. lives have been lost since the first cases of AIDS were first reported in 1981. Today more than 1.2 million people are living with HIV with a disproportionate impact in communities of color & in southern U.S. states. Surviving Voices is screenings at several film festivals including Frameline45 & SF Queer Film Fest. John Cunningham National AIDS Memorial Chief Executive stated, "The National AIDS Memorial is honored to have our Surviving Voices mini-documentary featured at these influential film festivals. It speaks to the important work our organization is doing to share these powerful personal stories of hope, resilience & the journey of survivors around the issue of HIV/AIDS & addiction in an authentic and powerful way." The National AIDS Memorial's Surviving Voices mini-documentaries is produced & directed by Jörg Fockele & funded through a grant by Chevron a long-standing partner of the National AIDS Memorial. Community partners include the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, The Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network, Stonewall Project & the Castro Country Club. Jörg Fockele concluded, "I hope that these mini-documentaries will be as inspiring for current & future generations confronting their own challenges as they were for us when we filmed them." For More Info…
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San Francisco Divas & Drinks Event

Get your motor running for the 45th Anniversary of Dykes on Bikes® to be celebrated on Friday August 27th from 6P to 10P at Divas & Drinks @ The Academy in the San Francisco's Castro. The event is hosted by Donna Sachet & featuring DJ Rockaway of PLAY & Olivia Travel. The celebration will also include an introduction of local LGBTQ women leaders by NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon. San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Women's Motorcycle Contingent is an organization committed to creating a local, national & international community of women motorcyclists & friends of women motorcyclists. Their mission is to support philanthropic endeavors in the LGBTQ & women's communities & to reach out to empower a community of diverse women through rides, charity events, Pride events & education. The Academy is an LGBTQ+ social club open to all focusing on promoting genuine social interactions while offering engaging programming in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local businesses & leading community members. The indoor/outdoor venue features a private back garden & guests will receive the second in their collectible series of shot glasses honoring legendary SF lesbian bars. COVID-19 safety regulations requires masks indoors as well as proof of valid vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours for those who wish to remain indoors. So get your motor running on August 27th for Divas & Drinks at The Academy “Dykes on Bikes 45th Anniversary” celebration! For this special event Dykes on Bikes will roar down to 2166 Market Street to receive well-deserved commendations. Tickets are $10. For More Info…
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