PHILADELPHIA MARKS 10 YEARS OF GAY MARKETING WITH NEW TV SPOT

 To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of its award-winning Philadelphia – Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay^® campaign, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is set to release its second commercial geared toward the LGBT traveler. In 2004, GPTMC produced the first TV commercial by a U.S. destination for the LGBT travel market.


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Pvt. Chelsea E. Manning Comes Out, Deserves Respectful Treatment by Media and Officials

Pvt. Chelsea E. Manning announced today that she is female and wishes to begin hormone treatment therapy.  Human Rights Campaign Vice President and Chief Foundation Officer Jeff Krehely released the following statement:

“Regardless of how she came to our attention, Pvt. Chelsea Manning’s transition deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.  As she requested in her letter, journalists and other officials should use her chosen name of Chelsea and refer to her with female pronouns.  Using the name Bradley or male pronouns is nothing short of an insult.  Media, having reported on her wishes, must respect them as is the standard followed by the AP Stylebook.

“As Pvt. Manning serves her sentence, she deserves the same thing that any incarcerated person does – appropriate and competent medical care and protection from discrimination and violence.  The care she receives should be something that she and her doctors – including professionals who understand transgender care – agree is best for her.  There is a clear legal consensus that it is the government’s responsibility to provide medically necessary care for transgender people and the military has an obligation to follow those guidelines.

“What should not be lost is that there are transgender servicemembers and veterans who serve and have served this nation with honor, distinction and great sacrifice.  We must not forget or dishonor those individuals. Pvt. Manning’s experience is not a proxy for any other transgender man or woman who wears the uniform of the United States.”



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Theatre Review: "In The Dining Room"

 Studio C Artists, the LGBT-owned theatre in Hollywood, CA, launched their second series of brand new one act plays this past weekend to a packed house.

"In The Dining Room" is a collection of 10 original works that delves into
 various themes, including homophobia, infidelity, apathy, family matters and robot love. Three of the stand-outs include: "20:30," "A Line is Drawn At Ruby Tuesdays" and "Far From The Tree."

"20:30," brilliantly directed by Amanda Hallman and eloquently performed by Yuki Sagara and Wes McGee is beautifully written by James Edward Quinn. The story centers on a loving couple's last 15 minutes together before one of them (who is a humanoid robot) is deactivated because they couldn't pay the bill.

"Far From The Tree" stars Lena Bouton, Max Lichtig and J.Richey Nash. Penned by Bouton, the drama focuses on the hidden passions between step mom and step son as fantasy turns into a bitter sweet reality. Also directed by Hallman, Bouton and Lichtig are stellar as the star-crossed lovers and deliver a beautiful tale of unrequited love.

"A Line is Drawn At Ruby Tuesdays" is hysterical and stars Pippa Hinchley, Jorge-Luis Pallo, Grace Serrano, & Ramona Young. Written by Dean Donofrio and directed by Jason Weiss, a young couple musters the nerve to tell their overbearing neighbor to leave them alone.

The theatre provides a refreshing venue for writers to be bring their new plays to life. Actors have to opportunity to originate roles and directors try their hand at new material.

The theatre showcases 5 plays per evening and runs through September 14, 2013.
Studio C Artists is located on Theatre Row, Hollywood, 6448 Santa Monica Blvd. (between Wilcox and Cole) Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Visit: http://www.oneact.studiocartists.com for more information.

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AT&T's LGBT Employee Group Releases "It Gets Better" Video

LEAGUE at AT&T, the resource group for AT&T’s LGBT and Allied employees, recently released an “It Gets Better” video.  The video encourages LGBT youth to come out to their parents, stresses the importance having open and honest dialogues about sexual identity, and features a moving testimonial from an AT&T executive about his relationship with his gay son.  It also highlights a variety of reasons why AT&T is an excellent place for openly LGBT people to work.

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Openly Gay Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir Urges No Olympic Boycott

Two-time Olympic figure skating competitor, openly gay Johnny Weir urged in his weekly column today that there be no boycott of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia next February to protest the recent escalation of Russian anti-gay measures.

Weir, a three-time U.S. men's figure skating champion who competed for the United States in the 2006 Winter games in Torino, Italy and again in the 2010 games in Vancouver, Canada, stated in his column published today exclusively in the Falls Church News-Press (fcnp.com):

"The fact that Russia is arresting my people, and openly hating a minority and violating human rights all over the place is heartbreaking and a travesty of international proportions...I respect the LGBT community full heartedly, but I implore the world not to boycott the Olympic Games because of Russia's stance on LGBT rights or lack thereof."

He added, "I beg the gay athletes not to forget their missions and fight for a chance to dazzle the world...Olympics are history, and they do not represent their host, they represent the world entire. People make their own futures, and should a government or sponsor steal that future, whether it be a Russian government or American government, it is, as an athlete, the death and total demolition of a lifetime of work. Support the athletes."

He said that he intends to compete, despite the risks involved with being openly gay in Russia, next February if he qualifies. "There isn't a police officer or a government that, should I qualify, could keep me from competing at the Olympics."


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Kenneth Cole's New LGBT Equality Tee

Fashion Designer and social activist Kenneth Cole has boldly supported marriage equality for over fifteen years.  Today's Supreme Court decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a step forward for all who wish to get married.

"Since our first gay rights advertisements in 1995 we have been firm believers in equal rights for all," says Kenneth Cole.  "Today's Supreme Court decision echoes what we have long believed, and validates 'for better or for worse,' the importance of every relationship and everyone's inherent right 'to have and to hold.'"

This June, Kenneth Cole Productions announced its fifth year collaborating with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), with the sale of a limited edition t-shirt encouraging Americans to show support for marriage equality.   

This year's t-shirt is inscribed with the message "Equality… Get Married to the Idea," and features a pink equal sign inspired by the HRC logo that took over social media in anticipation of today's decision.  AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation will donate 100% of the net-profits from the sale of each t-shirt to HRC.

Additionally, Kenneth Cole is hosting in-store events June 27 in New York City and San Francisco with local screen printers on-site to print customers' favorite Kenneth Cole and HRC graphic collaboration.   

To learn more about Kenneth Cole Productions longstanding support of equality visit http://www.awearness.com/#Page_IssuesArchiveCivilLibertiesPage

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Gay Wedding Guards!

Yesterday, gay marriage was legalized in California, the wedding business are going to see a great increase in weddings for the rest of the year. Although the great news may inspire people for equality, others are still against the proposition being passed.

To help our fellow friends in assuring a safe and pleasant wedding, guardNOW has already been named the “Gay Wedding” Private Security guard company by “Engayged Weddings.”

As a new security guard company we are assuring safety to all our California’s at their weddings. The press and the public will be interested in the many weddings that will be taking place starting next month in the gay community, security guards will be a tactic to use to keep unwanted guest and people against gay marriages out of the way. As the go to Security Guard Company we want you to help us inform the gay community that there is a national company catering to them specifically.

Gay marriages are not new to the country, but California is happy to finally be a part of the states that have passed the law. guardNOW services all of California and wants to reach out to as many newly engaged couples that are bow allowed to legally be married.

Our franchisee’s Nate Brown and Joe Luke service Northern and Southern California and are available for tips and insight on ways the gay community is going to need security help for their weddings. With there 15 years in law enforcement their tips to the public on wedding safety could help the newcomers.

Until the end of September guardNOW will be giving all newly engaged and soon to be married couples 15% off their entire wedding order.

(877) 482-7366 | www.guardnow.com

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“My Uncle Gloria” Inspires Life-Altering Change

Transformation of 62-Year-Old Tough Uncle Butch to Attractive Aunt Gloria at 66 in Memoir

At age 62, most people have accepted their life choices and are planning retirement from their fulfilled career to a more quiet and serene lifestyle. Bernard “Butch” Rosichan, however, decided to go through a life-altering change at age 66. Thus, the old-school gruff and surly auto wrecking & salvage owner underwent a transformation via male-to-female reassignment surgery. Today, she goes by the name of Gloria Stein and is a naturally feminine-looking Jewish grandma!

Gloria’s larger-than-life personality and inspiring story has entertained and captivated the hearts of thousands of South Floridians as well as changed the lives of her family members forever. Gloria’s nephew, Steven Shulman, is to release a memoir chronicling how his uncle’s road to self-rediscovery reflected his own rebirth, titled, “My Uncle Gloria.”

“I found in Gloria what I had always hoped to find in Butch, a loving, caring family member,” says Shulman. “Because of her unique journey, my family is now more complete than ever. This memoir is the first step in sharing her beautiful story with the world and helping others.”

This inspiring tale follows the life of Shulman, who battled troubles with drugs due to family turmoil and how the transition and metamorphosis of a gruff uncle to a fierce, funny and loving aunt marked the start of his reconciliation with a problematic past, into a life filled with promise and family love.

Gloria Stein, who founded the South Florida Gender Coalition, now has become a leading advocate to educate the general public regarding misconceptions of the transgendered community. 


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GEORGE TAKEI AND LA TOYA JACKSON TO JOIN SAN DIEGO PRIDE

San Diego Pride is thrilled to announce exciting new additions to our amazing Pride weekend! Actor, author, and activist George Takei will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally and Flag Raising.  He will champion Pride’s 2013 theme “Freedom to Love and Marry.”

Takei had this to say about his participation, "Freedom, love, and commitment are shared values across the spectrum of humanity, and I'm honored to celebrate and share that truth alongside my husband at this year's San Diego LGBT Pride.”

George Takei will be joined by his husband, Brad Takei, as San Diego Pride Parade Grand Marshals due to their extensive work as fearless advocates for marriage, anti-bullying efforts, and LGBT equality.

Singer-songwriter and philanthropist La Toya Jackson will also be a celebrity Grand Marshal for her efforts in continuing her late brother Michael’s mission to combat HIV and AIDS.  La Toya will then appear at the Festival main stage Sunday evening as an MC as we close out Pride weekend.

“I am so excited and I am absolutely honored to be a part of San Diego Pride. Love is hard for anyone to find and if you have someone who you love enough to marry, why not celebrate it,” said La Toya Jackson.


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MIKE RUIZ TO HOST “SHRED OF HOPE” FUNDRAISER

WHAT: This June 20th trailblazing menswear label Nasty Pig will launch Shred of Hope, a fundraiser for the Ali Forney Center (AFC), the nation’s largest services and advocacy organization working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) runaway and homeless youth.

Shred of Hope is an auction of one-of-a-kind “Shredder” t-shirts created by celebrities. The auction will take place entirely online from June 20th through June 27th at ShredofHope.com. 100% of the proceeds of Shred of Hope will support AFC’s work to protect and empower homeless LGBT youth, and to help them in becoming safe and independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood.

On June 20th Nasty Pig and the Ali Forney Center will host a launch party for Shred of Hope at the iconic Rootstein Gallery in New York City. Nasty Pig models will walk the floor selling opportunities to win one-of-a-kind Shred of Hope items and experiences to benefit the AFC.


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Mercy Debuts Special-Edition LGBT Pride Can with GLAAD

Mercy Nutraceuticals, Inc., the maker of functional products with proven results, today debuts its first-ever, special-edition rainbow can in support of LGBT Pride and will donate a portion of the proceeds to GLAAD. This limited-edition version of Mercy, a caffeine-free, non-alcoholic beverage that helps prevent hangovers, marks the company’s first charitable partnership, signifying its commitment to empowering the LGBT community.

Mercy, a citrus-flavored drink packed with vitamins and amino acids, has been involved with the LGBT community since the company’s inception. The rainbow can will be available during GLAAD’s 2013 Summer Pride, which includes parades and celebrations in New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Dallas.

Mercy, which helps fortify the body against damage caused by alcohol, launched in 2011 after eight years of research and development. Its therapeutic mix of vitamins, amino acids and botanical nutrients makes the drink the most effective product on the market at preventing hangovers. Recommended as the last drink of the night, Mercy allows you to have a pleasant and productive next day.

Mercy is sold at groceries, restaurants, hotels and bars in New York City, New Jersey and Florida and is expanding to the San Francisco Bay area, Massachusetts, Rhode Island as well as Southern New Hampshire. It’s also available online at www.drinkmercy.com. Mercy retails for $14 for a four-pack and $33 for a case of twelve.



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25 Great Gay Moments In Music

Equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is today’s defining civil rights issue, and the music industry is playing a significant part. In honor of LGBT Pride Month, Billboard looked back at some of the most important music-related moments in LGBT progress including:

• Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! comes out as transgender        
• Adam Lambert is the first out gay man to earn No. 1 album        Frank Ocean comes out
• “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
• Fun. establishes the Ally Coalition
• Sara Bareilles releases “Brave” written for her friend struggling to come out
• Jay-Z and Obama Support Same-Sex Marriage
• Lady Gaga Fights for Gay Rights
• Lance Bass Gets in Sync With His Sexuality

To see all the LGBT pride stories,  please check out this week’s issue of Billboard Magazine for the “Pride in Music” feature, along with the link below for the full list of “25 Great Gay Moments In Music.”

http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/513476/25-great-gay-moments-in-music?page=0%2C0

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