New Gay Slang Dictionary Launches

For all the gays traveling the globe this holiday season or in the New Year, and who want to find out if that hot guy who’s serving them breakfast is a dom, sub, kinky or vanilla …but aren’t quite sure what to say…well, we’ve got good news!

Thanks to SCRUFF’s newly created Gay Slang Dictionary, you will know exactly how to say who you are and what you're into in San Francisco, Sao Paulo or Shanghai.

SCRUFF knows that the opportunity to connect can strike at any moment. After collecting feedback from members around the globe, SCRUFF has created a website containing 23 gay terms that are translated into 41 languages.
Starting now, you can visit http://www.scruff.com/slang, and explore the various ways to foster genuine global connection with that special bjørn (bear), جوجویی (twink) or rowwe moffie (jock).



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Transgender, CrossDressing Shoppers Gain Access to Innovative New Fashion Website

 

 Suddenly Fem™ -- a dynamic force in crossdresser - transgender clothing and lingerie for over 20 years -- has launched an extraordinarily innovative new website that is as bold and exciting as the market it serves.

"Today's cross dresser or trans woman is not like her counterpart from 20 years ago," says Tyler DeSouza, designer and Vice President of the fashion line. "She is just as likely to be out on the town as home in the closet.  She demands fashion-forward styling, an excellent fit, and, perhaps most importantly, a convenient, effective way to shop online."

The visually stunning new Suddenly Fem™ website offers updated menus and categories that simplify shopping for customers who are new to cross dressing and trans fashion.  An easy-to-use interface enables shoppers to effortlessly navigate through the site's innovative features:

Exclusive Interactive Size Chart – Shoppers input their measurements and are quickly directed to the best size for their bodies.  (SuddenlyFem clothing is designed to fit cross dressers' slim hips, longer arms, wider shoulders, and longer torsos.) This feature makes the often-confusing transgender clothing conversion simple. It also provides optional metric conversions for the European trans fashionista.

"We are very excited to unveil this fantastic new platform," says DeSouza. "Our goal has always been to elevate fashion and style for cross dressers and trans women. This site clearly represents our vision. It highlights the beauty of our fashions while helping to raise the level of respect for the transgender and cross dressing community overall."  

Suddenly Fem™ has successfully merged fashion, style and beauty with ease, functionality and information.  They plan to add more specialized features with each coming season - keeping their site fresh while offering a shopping experience over and above their customer's (and the world's) expectations.


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Out In The Line-Up

Being gay in the line-up has always been something you don't mention. Ridicule, threats, bashing and ostracism were often what was at stake. For the first time, members of the surfing community, both professional and amateur, have spoken on camera about this hidden side of surf culture. Former world champions are among the many surfers who have participated in OUT in the line-up, a feature documentary uncovering the taboo of homosexuality in surfing.

The film has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $30,000 by 13 December 2013 to secure funds for its release in early 2014.

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DATA SHOW THAT EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBT PEOPLE IS PERSISTENT AND PERVASIVE

 Surveys, polls and wage data indicate that employment discrimination against LGBT people is persistent and pervasive, according to new research conducted by UCLA's Williams Institute. Research further indicates that enforcement of anti-discrimination protections is not overly burdensome and business generally support non-discrimination policies.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, now awaits consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives. Williams Institute research released earlier this week shows that a majority of Americans in every congressional district supports laws that protect against sexual orientation discrimination.

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Marquis Vodka Marks Unprecedented Commitment to Charitable Giving Donating 20% of Its Retail Revenue to Charitable Partners

 Marquis Vodka, the ultra-premium vodka that is among the fastest growing spirit brands in the world, is currently being launched at fine restaurants, nightclubs, bars, hotels and retail stores throughout the New York metropolitan market, Florida and California.

Marquis Vodka aims to creates a world where virtue and vice are not opposing forces; where the pursuit of pleasure is justified by quality, not quantity; and where passionate desire yields spiritual satisfaction.  Marquis Vodka believes in a world where a vice should be tempered by virtue. This is why the brand is proud to donate 20% of its retail revenue to its charitable partners.

By either scanning the QR code found on the bottle, downloading the charitable giving APP, or by following the web address provided on each bottle of Marquis Vodka, the retail consumer will be able to select 1 of 4 charities to direct the charitable giving and immediately see the value of their gift.  The charitable donations are as follows:
 
Meals on Wheels

1 bottle = 1 hot meal delivered to a Senior Citizen

Trevor Project
1 bottle = Anti-bullying outreach to 10 LGBT adolescents

Blacksmith Foundation
1 bottle = 5 lbs of Borax given to miners in the developing world to minimize the use of highly toxic mercury in gold extraction

Footprints
1 bottle = 1 maternity kit provided to a pregnant woman in the Congo

Should the consumer not participate, Marquis will instead take the amount of the donation and evenly distribute it among each of the 4 charities. In addition, Marquis provides the consumer with the ability to share their participation in Marquis Vodka’s charitable giving program through their social media accounts which, in turn, recognizes and incentivizes the retailer where the bottle was purchased and involves the charities as well.


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BRIDEGROOM: A Love Story Unequaled

BRIDEGROOM tells the emotional journey of Shane and Tom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship that was cut tragically short by a misstep off the side of a roof. The story of what happened after this accidental death– of how people without the legal protections of marriage can find themselves completely shut out and ostracized– is poignant, enraging and opens a window onto the issue of marriage equality and human rights like no speech or lecture ever will.

On the anniversary of Tom’s death, after a year of documenting his own grief, Shane decided to make a video tribute to his partner entitled “It Could Happen to You.” The video went viral and garnered over four million views to date.  Although it was a cathartic process for him and a tribute to the love of his life, more than anything, Shane wanted it to serve as a warning to other LGBT couples, and show the world what can happen when two people are legally barred from having equal rights and equal protections under the law to marry.

Director Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“Designing Women”) compiles a remarkably vast amount of personal footage and photographs, giving the movie an intensely personal edge.  BRIDEGROOM piercingly conveys the imperative of human and civil rights, and makes a plea to open hearts and minds that Tom and Shane’s love is no different than any others. It is a love story, unequaled.

BRIDEGROOM is directed, written and produced by Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“Designing Women”), and produced by Shane Bitney Crone. Virgil Films will release BRIDEGROOM in theatres in New York on October 4 and Los Angeles on October 18. OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will air it on Sunday, October 27 at 10:00PM EST/PST.

 

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NOW CASTING: TransAmerica - The 1st Trans Docu-Soap

Doron Ofir Casting, the legendary outfit behind such shows as RuPaul's Drag Race, A-List and the Emmy-nominated Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys.  Prolific Emmy-winning producer Gay Rosenthal (Little People Big World, Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Reality Series Push Girls, and Behind the Music) are proud to announce the official casting for a groundbreaking Docu-soap reality series "TransAmerica" (working title).

“I hope to revolutionize the perceptions of gender and sexuality, by finding and casting the most spectacularly interesting women with fabulous personalities, who are proudly unapologetic, living a life of beauty in every way.” – Doron Ofir, Casting Director

This once in a lifetime opportunity seeks to explore the lives and loves of a group of dynamic and fashionable transwomen.  Our ‘divine sisterhood’ is open to all women in the transitioning spectrum who are eager to share their stories, passions and friendships in an attempt to both educate and entertain.

From redefining stereotypes, exploring the complicated world of dating, to your chosen family: the sisters and misters who've been by your side during your journey, we want to hear the triumphs, joys, and struggles of the everyday trans career woman.

This could be your moment!

If you are interested, At least 18 years old and are trans please apply now at: www.transamericacasting.com


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Las Vegas City Hall To Be Lit In Rainbow Colors Tonight

Tonight, Las Vegas City Hall will be lit in rainbow colors to create the largest rainbow flag for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) pride in the history of Nevada. The lighting of City Hall coincides with Las Vegas' celebration of LGBTQ Pride -- an annual event that takes place at various times of the year across the country.

A coalition of LGBTQ groups, organized by GetEQUAL Nevada -- a statewide organization working toward the full equality of LGBTQ Nevadans -- was tasked with coming up with ideas that celebrate the unique identity of Las Vegas, while also recognizing the immense contributions of the LGBTQ community in Nevada and across the country.

"With its integrated lighting and location in the 18b Arts District, we felt that City Hall offered us a giant canvass on which to paint messages of community love and pride," said Derek Washington, lead organizer for GetEQUAL Nevada.

Christopher Preciado, chairman of Stonewall Democrats, said, "We thought it would be a great idea to say 'thank you' to the volunteers who make up the Pride board to wave a giant rainbow flag in their honor during the opening night of Pride."

WHAT: Lighting of Las Vegas City Hall

WHEN: Today -- Friday, September 6; organizers of the event will be available to speak with press from 6:30pm-7:15pm; the lighting will take place at 7:00pm (City Hall will remain lit overnight, until 7:00am tomorrow)

WHERE: 495 South Main St, Las Vegas

WHY: To celebrate the unique identity of Las Vegas and the contributions of the LGBTQ community in Nevada

Partners in this effort include: GetEQUAL Nevada, The Imperial Court, DREAM Big Vegas, Stonewall Democrats, Deb Browning, Derek Washington, Nathan Say, Christopher Preciado, and Rafael Lopez.



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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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Devotion Project Features Couple’s Bittersweet Journey Through More Than 50 Years

With decisions expected this month in the two marriage cases before the Supreme Court, Freedom to Marry and the Devotion Project released an online video featuring Bill Campbell and John Hilton, a New York couple together 54 years. Hilton worked for Otis Elevator Company for 23 years and later moved into the nonprofit sector, including work for the International Planned Parenthood Federation, while Campbell used his knowledge of over five foreign languages to oversee the production of language textbooks for 25 years and teach ESL to students both in America and abroad.

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Sports Leaders Gather to Tackle Anti-LGBT Bias in Athletics

An alliance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) sports leaders from across the country has announced the second annual Nike LGBT Sports Summit, set for June 12-15 in Portland, Ore. The Sports Summit will bring together college and professional athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, political figures, LGBT advocates and sports organizations to combat anti-LGBT bias in sports.

Over three days, attendees will develop a strategy that embraces LGBT diversity on the courts and playing fields. They will examine best practices, troubleshoot common problems, and develop projects to tackle anti-LGBT bias in kindergarten through professional sports.

The group will also formalize the creation of the LGBT Sports Coalition, a framework to unite the movement toward equality in sports with one goal: End anti-LGBT bias in sports by 2016. Last year’s summit, held at Nike World Headquarters, brought together 25 leading organizations and individuals who began working together toward that goal.

The summit was founded by Outsports.com’s Cyd Zeigler, National Center for Lesbian Rights Sports Project Director Helen Carroll, and LGBT sports pioneer Pat Griffin.

The sports world has experienced a dramatic shift since the first summit, with professional athletes coming out, scores of universities forming LGBT/Straight Athletic Alliances, national and local sports bodies implementing LGBT-inclusive policies, and the sports media focusing more attention on this issue.

More people than ever before now understand that the acceptance of anti-LGBT attitudes is destructive to team development as well as harmful to athletes. Core to the mission of the coalition is the goal of empowering LGBT athletes and coaches to be true to themselves and reach their full potential.


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Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!

“Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!” a completed indie comedy film is seeking the public’s help to fund distribution through  www.oyveymovie.com “Oy Vey” has partnered with Freestyle Releasing to start an Indigogo campaign to help finance the distribution dollars to take the movie theaters in the U.S. and beyond.

“Oy Vey” is the heartwarming story about the journey a Jewish mother goes through after finding out her son is not only gay, but that he is dating a Roman Catholic boy. The film stars Golden Globe, Emmy & Tony nominee Lainie Kazan, Emmy winner Jai Rodriguez, Vincent Pastore, Carmen Electra and Saul Rubinek.

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Esurance Donating $100,000 To LGBT Charities

Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal car insurance company, has kicked off its third annual charitable giving campaign supporting LGBT equality.

This year, however, Esurance is increasing its support by donating a total of $100,000 to three very important causes GLAAD, PFLAG, and The Trevor Project. Friends and fans can steer Esurance's donation to these organizations by visiting Esurance's Facebook page, "Liking" Esurance, and voting for their favorite cause. Each organization will earn a percentage of the donation based on the number of votes they receive. The voting campaign will run through June 30.

"As a company rooted in the principles of diversity and inclusion, Esurance recognizes the importance of raising awareness for LGBT issues. We hope that LGBT supporters will cast a vote to help these three deserving causes make a difference in the community," said Esurance Vice President of Marketing Darren Howard.

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Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring "Harvey Milk Day"

 Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued a proclamation declaring May 22, 2013 as "Harvey Milk Day" in the State of California.

The text of the proclamation is below:

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Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) Hosts Second Annual Voice Awards

  Honors Leaders Who Use Their Voices for Equality

Omar Sharif Jr.

The Globe Theatre at Universal Studios was brought to life on Sunday, May 19, 2013 where the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) hosted its second annual Voice Awards, honoring organizations and activists who have helped lead the charge in support of equality for the LGBT Community.

This year’s honorees included pioneers American Idol and AT&T, which have set precedents for national recognition of equality, activists Fred Arens and Jason Duguay who have helped to raise more than one million dollars for LGBT organizations nationwide, and writer/director Liesel Reinhart, the board member and creator of GMCLA’s national tour of it gets better, which visits schools and communities across America’s heartland with a message of acceptance and anti-bullying. Performances at the Voice Awards were held by the more than 200-member chorus, “Glee” actor Alex Newell and “The Voice” contestant De’Borah.

GMCLA Executive Director, Chris Verdugo, spoke to the crowd of more than 500 attendees, and said that the Chorus was an outlet that saved his life. His was not a story unique to him, he said to the attentive audience. But rather the story of many GMCLA members.

Proud sponsors of GMCLA’s Voice Awards included State Farm, Brian Pendleton & Chad Goldman, Geffen Foundation, Macias Media Group, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Athens Services, Combined Properties, HBO, IAC, Outlook Amusements, Inc. and JimmyWin.com. Hilton Los Angeles/Universal served as the Voice Awards Official Host Hotel, and Southwest Airlines was the Official Airline.

The Chorus will soon conclude its 34th Season, which was sponsored by Wells Fargo, on June 22nd and June 23rd at the Saban Theatre with two performances of “Not Entirely Wicked,” which will feature the music and an appearance of Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz along with the voice of Emmy Award winning singer Liz Callaway. For more information about the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, or to buy tickets for “Not Entirely Wicked,” please visit www.gmcla.org.

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Nordstrom Continues Support Of Same Sex Marriage With New Video

Nordstrom’s has continued its history of support for the LGBT community, this time including two same-sex couples in a commercial for its wedding suite.
The commercial, titled “Ultimate Dance Party,” features both a lesbian couple and a gay couple, along with heterosexual couples and their party guests, dancing to music by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, the musical duo whose hit 2011 Same Love celebrates LGBT equality

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METRO AREAS WITH HIGHEST PERCENTAGES OF SAME-SEX COUPLES RAISING CHILDREN ARE IN STATES WITH CONSTITUTIONAL BANS ON MARRIAGE

Salt Lake City, Memphis and San Antonio among top 5 metro areas over 1 million.

 The metro areas with the highest percentages of same-sex couples raising children are in states that have a constitutional ban on marriage, according to a new infographic created by the Williams Institute.

"Research consistently shows that same-sex couples raise children all across the country," said Williams Institute public policy research fellow, Angeliki Kastanis. "This analysis underscores the fact that recognition of LGBT families is a consequential policy question in every state."

Mississippi has the highest percentage of same-sex couples raising children at 26 percent.

http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/research/census-lgbt-demographics-studies/infographic-msas-may-2013/



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Matthew Morrison & Human Rights Campaign Announce Partnership in Support of LGBT Equality

EMMY, TONY, and Golden Globe-nominated star Matthew Morrison is proud to announce that he is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in support of LGBT equality. Partial proceeds from the pre-sale of his new studio album, Where It All Began, will benefit HRC. The album, which will be released on June 4, 2013, features an assortment of classic standards, many of which were first made famous in Broadway musicals. Morrison turned to legendary producer Phil Ramone, along with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Gregg Field, to create the 12 songs featured on Where It All Began. The record marks the first release from 222 Records, the newly formed label from Adam Levine. Place your pre-order of Where It All Began now, on Amazon.com, and 222 Records in partnership with Matthew Morrison will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign.

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More than 1 in 5 same-sex couples live in states where they can marry; Compared to 1 in 20 in 2009

Today, with the passage of marriage equality legislation in Minnesota, 18% of the entire U.S. population and 22% of same-sex couples now live in the 12 states, and the District of Columbia, where same-sex couples can legally marry. In 2009, only 3% of the U.S. population and 5% of same-sex couples lived in marriage equality states.

If Illinois extended marriage to same-sex couples, and the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Prop. 8 in California, more than 4 in 10 same-sex couples (or 41%) would live in the 14 states and the District of Columbia where they could legally get married. Thirty-four percent of the entire U.S. population would also live in marriage equality states.



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Minnesota Governor Signs Law Legalizing Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed a law legalizing marriage for same-sex couples today. Dayton signed the bill shortly after its passage by the state legislature.

Minnesota is now the twelfth state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to recognize marriage for same-sex couples. It joins Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Washington, New York, Iowa, Rhode Island, and as of last week, Delaware.

"It has been 40 years since the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed Baker v. Nelson, the first marriage equality case in the country," said Charles Samuelson, executive director of the ACLU of Minnesota. "We are pleased that after 40 years of fighting for the freedom to marry, equality has finally been realized for all Minnesotans. We are glad to join the 11 other states and the District of Columbia in recognizing marriage for all loving committed couples."

"We congratulate the people of Minnesota and all those who worked so hard to allow loving and committed couples the freedom to marry," said James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. "It is thrilling to see Minnesota become the third state in just two weeks to grant same-sex couples the recognition and protection that only marriage can provide."

This statement is available at:
aclu.org/lgbt-rights/minnesota-governor-signs-law-legalizing-marriage-same-sex-couples



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SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVER STORY EXCLUSIVE: JASON COLLINS, 12-YEAR NBA VETERAN ANNOUNCES HE IS GAY

 “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black and I’m gay,” begins Jason Collins the 7-foot, 12-year NBA veteran who sat down with Sports Illustrated contributor Franz Lidz and Executive Editor L. Jon Wertheim to openly discuss his sexuality and why he is now making it public.  Collins’s exclusive story is part of a Sports Illustrated cross-platform editorial package on the gay athlete. The issue hits newsstands this week and Collins’ poignant thoughts can be found here now on SI.com.

Collins’s essay takes us through his decision as well as reaction from family members and close friends. “I realized I needed to go public when Massachusetts congressman Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford, told me he had just marched in Boston’s 2012 Gay Pride Parade.  I’m seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy,” Collins explains. “I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, “me, too.”

Also from the piece: “The strain of hiding my sexuality became almost unbearable in March, when the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments for and against same-sex marriage. Less than three miles from my apartment, nine jurists argued about my happiness and my future. Here was my chance to be heard and I couldn’t say a thing. I didn’t want to answer questions and draw attention to myself. Not while I was still playing.”

Collins's decision to go public causes his family trepidation. “My maternal grandmother was apprehensive about my plans to come out publicly," he says. "She grew up in rural Louisiana and witnessed the horrors of segregation. During the civil rights movement she saw great bravery play out amid the ugliest side of humanity. She worries that I am opening myself u up to prejudice and hatred. I explained to her that in a way, my coming out is preemptive. I shouldn’t have to live under the threat of being outed. The announcement should be mine to make, not TMZ’s.”

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Full-Page Ad in Politico Declares that “Reagan’s Big Tent Isn’t What it Used to Be”

Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) has a full-page ad in Politico tomorrow calling on the Republican Party to grow the proverbial “big tent” by dropping its opposition to granting equal rights to the LGBT community. The ad is a part of LCR’s relaunch efforts, which will more aggressively challenge the GOP to not be beholden to the vocal minority within the party that oppose rights for gays and lesbians.

View the ad here: http://www.logcabin.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/lcr-big-tent.pdf

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GLAAD Launches PSA Campaign Created by Brett Ratner Asking for Straight Allies to 'Come Out For Equality'

 GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today officially launched a new public service announcement campaign helmed by director Brett Ratner. The GLAAD 'Coming Out for Equality' PSA series features a diverse group of straight celebrities and athletes "coming out of the closet" as supporters of equality and calling for other Americans to speak out.  Viewers are directed to www.glaad.org/ally to pledge to be an ally and sign up for the GLAAD Ally Network.





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GAY DIET & FITNESS EXPERT, JORGE CRUISE

JORGE CRUISE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 15 weight loss books. His mission is to guarantee weight loss for busy people. Science has proven that fitness begins in the kitchen, not in the gym. By merging breakthrough dietary science with great taste he produces delicious fat melting menus. He has appeared on numerous television shows like Anderson Cooper, The Today Show, Dr OZ, The Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning America, The View, The Talk, LIVE with Kelly and Michael.

For more on his current methods, please visit http://jorgecruise.com/the-method/

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Human Rights Campaign Turns the Internet Red for Marriage Equality

As Supreme Court hears arguments on marriage, HRC equality logo goes viral

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, yesterday released a modified red version of its logo in anticipation of arguments at the Supreme Court on two marriage equality cases.  The logo, which ordinarily features a yellow equal sign in front of a blue background, has gone viral on social media pages across the world.

As part of HRC’s robust social media efforts around the two cases before the Supreme Court, the red logo launched on the HRC Facebook page at 1:00pm ET Monday and the original image has been shared more than 100,000 times and created upwards of 10 million impressions in all 50 states – not including countless user-created versions.  Additionally HRC.org has seen a 600% increase in normal traffic.

In addition to the logo being a constant presence on social media, HRC conducted highly targeted online marketing to provide supporters on the ground with digital support. This included promoted tweets on search terms and trends related to the Supreme Court cases. Geo-targeted mobile banner advertising was also targeted to users within a quarter mile of the U.S. Supreme Court building to inform them of the bipartisan support for marriage equality and how they could get updates on the cases.

Frontiers Announces Launch of MarriageEqualityFrontiers.org

Frontiers Media, the multi-platform company responsible for Southern California's LGBT publication of record, Frontiers, as well as FrontiersLA.com and LACityScoop.com, today introduces its latest web property, MarriageEqualityFrontiers.org, the very first undertaking of the recently created Frontiers Awareness & Education Foundation. This new website, made possible by the generosity of the Evelyn and Walter Jr. Haas Foundation, aims to provide comprehensive coverage of the fight for gay and lesbian marriage equality.

Timed with this week's Proposition 8 and DOMA oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court, MarriageEqualityFrontiers.org documents the LGBT community's road to achieving equal marriage rights, a hard-fought battle that began nearly a decade ago. This new site utilizes the trusted, hard-hitting reporting and analysis that Frontiers magazine has become known for over the last 30 years.

Components of the new website include a blog that will keep visitors up-to-date on the movement's latest advances, a resource page providing visitors with resources to get involved and take action and a comprehensive archive of Frontiers' coverage of DOMA and Proposition 8 through the years. MarriageEqualityFrontiers.org will also offer a live chat component, for which a tentative schedule of moderators has been set.

Frontiers urges all those interested in following the current political movement toward LGBT marriage equality to visit MarriageEqualityFrontiers.org today.


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Allure Includes LGBT In Anti-Aging Survey

Allure’s first-ever anti-aging survey reveals that LGBT respondents are more attracted to people 10 years older than them.

This result and more is part of a national anti-aging poll commissioned by Allure magazine. The leading beauty publication questioned a sampling of 2,000 men and women to take the current pulse on the inevitable topic of anti-aging. The study examines how aging impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from relationships to the workplace, as well as, aging perceptions in pop culture.

Key findings from Allure’s Anti-Aging Survey:

·         LGBT respondents are more likely to be attracted to people older than them by more than 10 years compared to straight respondents
·         LGBT respondents think they attract people younger than them by more than 10 years more so than straight respondents do
·         73% of LGBT respondents think that women have more pressure to look young now than they did 10 years ago versus only  46% of LGBT respondents think that men have that same pressure

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Hillary Clinton Joins Human Rights Campaign’s Americans for Marriage Equality Series

 Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality series, a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married.

A hallmark of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights movement is the fight to have our relationships recognized as equal under the law. Full marriage equality is an important measure of our success in this area.

The Americans for Marriage Equality series has included political and civil rights leaders, professional athletes, film and music celebrities, and business leaders: www.hrc.org/americansformarriageequality

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Razoo Will Host First National LGBT Day of Giving

On May 9th, Razoo.com will host the first national day of giving for the LGBT community, Give OUT Day.

Give OUT Day is a new national initiative that will engage hundreds of organizations and mobilize thousands of people on a single day across the country to give in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer community.

Razoo is the leader in online Giving Days, which are unique 24 hour giving competitions. The most successful Giving Day was GiveMN, which raised over $16 million for Minnesota charities!

As the fastest growing crowdfunding site for causes, Razoo.com makes it easy for anyone to donate to their favorite charity or even set up their own fundraiser. To date, Razoo has raised over $136 million for nonprofits, with over half of that raised in the last year alone.

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I STAND CORRECTED

 

Film Screening and Jazz Concert

StandOut Productions and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center present a screening of the award-winning documentary I Stand Corrected, followed by a hosted reception and a concert by the film’s subject, transgender jazz bass virtuoso Jennifer Leitham. This special event celebrates the one-year anniversary of the film’s premiere and is a rare opportunity to see the film and Ms. Leitham’s acclaimed trio in one evening.

More information is available at istandcorrectedmovie.com.

WHAT:           I Stand Corrected  

WHEN:          Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:         L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre (200-seat capacity)

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza

1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood

(one block east of Highland, north of Santa Monica Blvd. Free parking)

COST:         $25: General Admission
Proceeds benefit the free & low-cost services provided by the Center.

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Amazon Scores With Commerical Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

Hats off to Amazon for their latest commercial of Kindle Paperwhite and their support for Gay marriage.

The spot shows a man on the beach having trouble reading his iPad due to the glare. The woman next to him discusses how great the Kindle Paperwhite it. He buys it online and offers to celebrate. She tells him that her husband is bringing  her a drink, and he says "So is mine!"

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Gay Rights Supporters ‘Break Up’ with Beverly Hills Hotel in New Video

 Gay rights activists pledged a boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel today, citing the hotel owner’s state-sponsored homophobia. The hotel is owned by the nation of Brunei, a country in South East Asia where male homosexuality is a crime.

A video made by the group calls on supporters to “break up” with the hotel and to not stay there again until Brunei changes its laws. It asks viewers who “wouldn’t eat at Chik-Fil-A,” why they would “dine at the Beverly Hills hotel.” Last year, gay-rights groups launched a successful boycott of Chik-Fil-A because of contributions the owner made to anti-gay groups.

The video appears on a website maintained by UNITE HERE, a labor union that has fought for equal treatment of LGBT people. It includes an appearance by Derek Lloyd Saathof, a cast-member of the Logo Network show, A-List: New York.


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Capturing Love: The Art of Lesbian & Gay Wedding Photography

Veteran photographer Thea Dodds and wedding innovator Kathryn Hamm, authors of the groundbreaking guide Capturing Love: The Art of Lesbian & Gay Wedding Photography (Authentic Weddings, $32.95), will celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a new appreciation of what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to creating spectacular engagement and wedding portraits for gay and lesbian couples.

Together, the two authors, one a New Hampshire-based wedding photographer and the other a Virginia-based same-sex wedding expert and educator, spent countless hours last fall exploring the notion that the current mainstream wedding photography resources available to photographers are insufficient in a changing marketplace, which now includes increasing numbers of same-sex couples.

Their conversation and realization led to the consummation of their own publishing firm, Authentic Weddings, and their first book, Capturing Love, designed to help photographers understand how photographing same-sex couples can be different from heterosexual couples even though they now share the same legal marriage rights in nine states (MA, IA, CT, NH, VT, ME, MD, WA) and the District of Columbia.

More information about Capturing Love is available at www.capturingloveguide.com. 

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