BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA CONSIDERS ENDING THE NATIONAL BAN ON GAY SCOUTS AND SCOUT LEADERS

BSA considers new policy that would allow local Councils to accept gay Scouts, leaders after GLAAD, Scouts for Equality and more than 1.2 million Americans sign Change.org petitions

GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, and Scouts for Equality today responded to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announcement that it is considering a new policy that would allow gay members to participate in Scouting. The decision follows a nearly yearlong campaign by GLAAD and Scouts for Equality, as well as Change.org petitions signed by more than 1.2 million people calling for an end to the BSA's ban on gay Scouts and Scout leaders.

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Union Bank Seeking LGBT Heroes

Union Bank, recently announced that they are seeking nominations for outstanding men and women of the LGBT community for the 2013 LGBT Local Heroes Award.

Union Bank and KCET are looking for unsung heroes who have demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to improving and enriching the lives of others. Honorees will be recognized at our Local Heroes Awards ceremony taking place in October 2013.

Individuals looking to submit a nomination for a LGBT Los Angeles hero can download the nomination form from the KCET website at http://www.kcet.org/socal/local_heroes/lgbt-2013-nomination-form.html.

All nominations are due by Tuesday, April 9th, 2013. 

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Gwissues: Chely Wright & Lauren Blitzer-Wright

Country singer Chely Wright and her wife, Lauren Blitzer-Wright, shared the news that they are expecting identical twins this summer. The pair broke the news with host Howard Bragman on his show "Gwissues," a Youtube.com show which airs on "Gwist.tv" network.  Chely will be carrying the twins. The couple was married in Connecticut in August of 2011.

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GLEH Los Angeles Corporation expands LGBT friendly affordable housing

The nation's first LGBT friendly affordable senior housing provider announced its latest 40 unit development, Argyle Apartments. Located at Hollywood and Western just one metro stop from GLEH's Triangle Square, the new development will provide affordable housing to Hollywood's rapidly developing neighborhood.


The $17.5 million project is a partnership of GLEH Los Angeles Corporation and AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc.The project will be funded through California Redevelopment Agency (CRA), JP Morgan Chase and low-income housing tax credits. "Seeing Triangle Square become a reality in 2007 was a dream come true for those of us who stand up for tolerance, understanding and equality," said Council Member Eric Garcetti. "I applaud the partnership between the Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing Los Angeles Corporation and AMCAL for expanding LGBT friendly affordable housing in Los Angeles and revitalizing the community." Replacing an underutilized site, Argyle will feature a community room with kitchenette and lounge, landscaped common area with barbeque grills, children's play structure and an outdoor seating. Argyle Apartments is scheduled to open in Spring 2014.

 www.gleh.org



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HRC Statement on Efforts to Name San Francisco International Airport after Harvey Milk

Historic move would make Harvey Milk-San Francisco International Airport the first airport to honor an openly gay person

San Francisco supervisors are advancing legislation aimed at commemorating LGBT civil rights leader Harvey Milk by renaming the city’s airport in his honor. Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin released the following statement in support:

“Harvey Milk made it his life’s mission to ensure that everyone - regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, or socioeconomic status - was treated with the dignity and respect that all human beings deserve. Harvey Milk-San Francisco International Airport would serve as a powerful testament to the importance of Harvey’s pioneering work and selfless dedication to advancing equality for all.

“Harvey Milk fought tirelessly to raise the visibility of LGBT people, and placing his name on San Francisco’s airport would bring awareness of his work to the 40 million travelers from around the world who pass through SFO annually. Harvey Milk’s legacy is what guides our work as we continue the fight for full equality, and HRC is proud to support this effort to honor his memory.”

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Warm Up at THE OUT NYC this Winter with Hot Deals!

Urban Resort steps from Times Square offering up to a 25% discount for January and February

To kick-off 2013, THE OUT NYC is offering guests discounts of 15%, 20%, or 25% through February 2013. Now is the perfect time to visit THE OUT NYC and Manhattan to get the New York experience without the crowds of the holiday season.

Valid through February, THE OUT NYC’s discount includes:
·         15% discount off a one and two nights stay
·         20% discount off a three and four nights stay
·         25% discount off a five (or more) night stay

*Pre-discount rates for THE OUT NYC start at $179 per night and are based on availability, exclusive of taxes. Blackout dates apply. This offer is not combinable with other promotions or packages.

Guests can experience some of the THE OUT NYC’s key amenities that helped distinguish it has a 2012 Fodor’s 100 Hotel Award winner. Some highlights include the just-opened Spa at THE OUT NYC that features a 5,000-square foot wellness center with luxury treatment rooms, hot tubs, cabanas and a private gym; a Winter Wonderland alpine snow lodge complete with ice skating rink, seasonal cocktails and fondue; KTCHN Restaurant where Executive Chef Dale Schnell serves modern American cuisine, fixed in tradition and inspired by the seasons; and XL Nightclub which has featured performances by the likes of Cher Lloyd and Carmen Electra.

Conveniently located within walking distance of “must-see” NYC landmarks including Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park, THE OUT NYC also serves as a great home base for sightseeing in Manhattan.

For further information or to make a reservation, contact the hotel at (212) 947-2999 or visit www.theoutnyc.com.
 
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StartOut Is Looking For Lesbian Entrepreneurs

In keeping with StartOut's commitment to support entrepreneurs in the LGBT community, they are thrilled to announce our 2nd Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentoring Program.

Applications are now open, and they are looking for mentors and entrepreneurs!

StartOut's Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentoring Program pairs new lesbian entrepreneurs with mentors: seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and senior level executives who can provide advice, resources and knowledge to help grow young businesses. To see the 2012 entrepreneurs and mentors, click here.

They are looking for new entrepreneurs

They will accept 10 lesbian entrepreneurs who currently run their own business - or plan to in the next year. The application deadline is February 10.

Click here to apply or forward it to a friend.


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Why does FAGGOT continue to be an acceptable hate word?

New television commercial confronts use of casual homophobia

Faggot, dyke and homo are just a few slandering words still casually used in
everyday speech. In response, a new television commercial has just hit the airwaves asking why we continue to tolerate homophobic language. The commercial is the next phase of a “No Homophobes” campaign developed by the University of Albertaʼs Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (iSMSS).

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ÉGALITÉ: A TOAST TO EQUALITY

First Sparkling Wine Created in Support of Equality for Gay Americans

 Gay Americans can raise their glasses higher in 2013 as Égalité came out today as the first wine created in support of Equality.

“With same-sex marriage now legal in states from Maine to New York and Iowa to Washington, this is a time to recognize the hard-earned progress that has been made in pursuit of Equality,” said Darren Restivo, one of the principals of Biagio Cru & Estate Wines, the creator and importer of Égalité. “There is no better way to celebrate love, marriage and now Equality than with this spectacular sparkling wine.”

The name Égalité, which is French for “Equality,” is both a reflection of the wine’s origin and a celebration of Equality for gay Americans.

A Crémant from the Burgundy region of France, Égalité offers hints of peach and honey blossom on the palate, with a clean, dry finish found in only the finest Champagnes.

“Égalité is an exceptional, elegant wine that will appeal not only to gay Americans, but to all supporters of Equality with discerning taste,” added Restivo.

No celebration is complete without a great sparkling wine. And as the first wine specially created as a tribute to Equality, Égalité is the perfect touch for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, galas, and all celebrations.

The Égalité concept is a product of exhaustive research by Biagio Cru, as well as input from the gay community. Its name and label were developed through a focus group that brought together gay and straight participants with diverse backgrounds, including leaders in the fight for same-sex marriage.

Égalité will be available nationwide beginning this month and has a suggested retail price of $23.99.

In celebration of its launch, Égalité will make a contribution of $1000 each to The Trevor Project, The Ali Forney Center, Equality Maine, Center on Halsted and the GLSEN. Additionally, for every bottle of Égalité sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth conquer life's challenges. 

Connect with Égalité at www.egalitewines.com

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