StartOut Announces New Lesbian Entrepreneur Program

In keeping with StartOut's commitment to create wealth and opportunity in the LGBT community by supporting entrepreneurs, we're thrilled to announce our pilot Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentoring Program.  In speaking with lesbian entrepreneurs, it became clear that mentoring was high on the list of value-added things that StartOut could provide.  So we decided to pilot the program here in San Francisco.

They are excited to announce they are taking applications for their first Mentees now. Click here to apply - please note the application deadline is  March 31st . They are looking for 10 lesbian entrepreneurs who currently run their own business -- or plan to in the next year -- to be a part of our pilot program launching in June.

They are also looking for Mentors. As StartOut members, they invite you to be a mentor to these new lesbian entrepreneurs. They are looking for mentors from any industry, and with at least two years of experience with your own company. Whether you're well into your success or have only been doing it for a short time, you have valuable knowledge and experience that 'newbies' can benefit from. If you would like to learn more about being a mentor, please email Marie Trexler at Marie.Trexler@startout.org



www.startout.org

TONIGHT! Dan Savage hosts the "It Gets Better" special.

Video & Movies - Logo: Fierce TV

The viral phenomenon is coming to television in a special event you can't miss. "It Get's Better" follows the stories of three young people at the crossroads of acceptance. Join the creators of the "It Gets Better" project, Dan Savage and Terry Miller, as they offer hope and support to these young adults.

With special appearances by Adam Levine, Zachary Quinto, Margaret Cho, Chaz Bono and more.

More info

GLAAD and Director Brett Ratner Announce Video Initiative to Rally Support for LGBT Americans

Photo by Carell Augustus

GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced plans for a groundbreaking video campaign to be produced and directed by Brett Ratner. Ratner met with GLAAD's Board of Directors this weekend in a meeting that included producer of the 84th Annual Academy Awards Brian Grazer, as well as directors Adam Shankman and Bryan Singer, among others.

"Working together with GLAAD has been a very positive and enlightening experience for me, and I could not be more pleased to be developing this crucial campaign to help educate people that we all share the same humanity," said Ratner. "I am excited to get to work on this program and hope that minds and hearts are opened by what we create."

The upcoming video series will feature a diverse group of Hollywood celebrities, athletes, musicians and politicians 'coming out of the closet' as supporters of equality. Participants will share personal stories about why and how they support the LGBT community and call on Americans to do the same.

"Straight allies are crucial to creating a culture in which LGBT people are respected and supported," said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD. "We look forward to working with Brett and these other inspiring Americans who are speaking out and standing up for their LGBT friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers."

In 2011, GLAAD released the 'Amplify Your Voice' public service announcement (PSA) campaign which featured celebrity talent, athletes and LGBT young people speaking out against anti-LGBT bullying. The videos and anti-bullying resource kits are available here: www.glaad.org/amplifyyourvoice. Comcast served as a leading media partner for the PSA campaign, contributing $3 million in national airtime and bringing the campaign to more than 20 million homes.

Valentine's Day Singles Mixer at the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is proud to present a unique Valentine’s Day event just for singles when the Red Hot Singles Mix ‘N Mingle takes over the Queen’s Salon aboard the iconic ship next Tuesday, February 14th.

While traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations cater to couples, offering themed entertainment, prix-fixed menus and the requisite box of chocolates, the Queen Mary invites single ladies and gents, both straight and gay, to enjoy a night of live music and dancing where you might just meet your Valentine.  Whether you’re searching for that special someone or just out to enjoy a night with friends, the Mix ‘N Mingle event is the perfect opportunity to get away from the couples-only restaurant scene and enjoy a night of fun in one of the most romantic and historic venues in town.

Tickets to the event are $19.95 and can be purchased online at www.queenmary.com

GLAAD 'Stands Up For Ellen DeGeneres' after Designated Hate Group Demands J.C. Penney Fire Her

GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today called on community members and allies to stand up for Ellen DeGeneres and tell J.C. Penney that the company made the right choice in selecting her as its new spokesperson.



The call for support comes after a group known as "OneMillionMoms.com, a Project of the American Family Association" -- an organization designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) -- told its supporters to call J.C. Penney and demand that the company replace Ellen as its new spokesperson because she is openly gay. According to SPLC, hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics.

GLAAD launched an online action for fans and community members to stand up for Ellen and thank J.C. Penney: www.glaad.org/standupforellen