Washington, D.C. - The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA), the leading group for LGTB journalists, media professionals, educators and students throughout North America, drew together nearly 200 journalists and allies at its recent National Convention and LBGT Media Summit. The convention ran Sept. 10-13 in Montreal, Canada. The event offered a broad range of workshops to develop and enhance participants' journalism skills, and also hosted thought-provoking discussions of LBGT issues and more.
"This important gathering of LGBT journalists was an unqualified success, attracting attendees from all corners of the Unites States and Canada," said Michael Tune, NLGJA's managing director. "Our convention offered a great chance for learning and networking, but it also served as an opportunity to those leading the organization to reconnect with and reenergize our membership. This meeting strengthened our work to foster fair coverage of LBGT issues and fair treatment of LBGT journalists."
Gay Business Magazine Blog Hosted By Echelon Magazine
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"Greek" Comes Out
Here is a clip from the 9/21 episode of “Greek” (#3004 -“High and Dry”). In it you will find Calvin (Paul James) and Rebecca (Dilshad Vadsaria) discussing Calvin’s love life, specifically his boyfriend’s inability to come out to his “girlfriend.” While this is a humorous take on a serious moment, the clip addresses issues of coming out on one’s own time, as well as the importance of trusting others with this announcement.
It appears on ABC Family. Mmmm!
It appears on ABC Family. Mmmm!
Emmy Award-winning entertainer joins Out and Equal Summit speaker lineup
Famed entertainer Leslie Jordan—known for his roles in "Sordid Lives" and "Will & Grace"—is the latest to join the lineup at the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit, the world's premier conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace equality.
Register to secure your opportunity to take part in more than 120 innovative workshops and inspirational discussions during the conference, which will be held Oct. 6-9 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Florida.
TODAY is the last day of guaranteed Out & Equal negotiated hotel rates of $153 a night for the Summit. Book your rooms now to save money and to potentially win Disney's Dream Incentive, two nights at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Regular registration rates end on September 30, with higher rate packages available on-site each day.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Social Architect Cleo Manago Breaks Down "Fear of a Gay Planet" In Video Clip from Recent Panel Discussion
Atlanta - The Black community has often been held accountable for its lack of acknowledgement and resistance to its own same gender loving community. In what could be described as a 'fear of a gay planet,' issues addressing homosexuality are still considered taboo in large sectors of the black community, including the church.
An insightful video clip from a presentation given by social architect Cleo Manago has been circulating the Internet and stimulating increased dialogue within the Black as well as gay identified communities. Manago recently participated in a candid debate on homosexuality in Black communities, civil rights and attitudes behind Black resistance to homosexuals at Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Networks 2009 Summer Conference held in Atlanta, GA.
Manago was joined by author/activist Kevin Alexander Gray and National Action Networks Director of Health & Wellness, Tony Wafford. The recent legislation on gay marriage and domestic partnerships sparked the presentation which addressed the question." Are same gender relationships a civil rights issue?"
Manago, known for his outspoken and no holds barred opinions, eloquently expresses in the video presentation, "Often when I have these discussions in the Black community, someone gets up talking about reproduction. To reproduce or to not reproduce being the measure of who deserves the most rights or respect. This is not logical because most sex that people have, including heterosexual sex, is not to reproduce."
Manago further goes on to discuss that "While HIV is killing us, the Black community, its difficult getting heterosexual men involved in part based on myths, judgments and under-discussed issues around manhood in the Black community."
Recognized as one of the "Leading Men in 2008" and titled "The Uniter" by Instinct Magazine, Manago has been at the forefront of the movement to liberate the masses from stereotypes and ingrained cultural perceptions since 1989. His message and vision of love and acceptance is ensconced in the context of cultural affirmation and transformation.
Cleo Manago is the founder the AmASSI Health & Cultural Centers based in the Inglewood area of South Los Angeles, with additional projects in Harlem, Atlanta and the Baltimore/DC area. The acronym 'AmASSI' stands for the African American Advocacy, Support-Services & Survival Institute. Uniquely, AmASSI combines counseling, skills building and educational programs regarding the prevention of HIV disease, substance abuse and various health threats; with cultural affirmation, critical thinking and self-concept enrichment.
The approach confronts many of the psycho-social, mental health, contemporary and historical factors that impact Black well-being and constructive behavior, with technical assistance also provided to other organizations on how to improve their capacity to attract, affirm and serve diverse Black people.
This videotaped discussion between the panel and audience is a rare documented example of the topic of homosexuality publicly addressed among a diverse group of African Americans.
For more information on Cleo Manago and AmASSI Group go to http://www.amassigroup.com.
CLEVE JONES: “WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY AND OUR MOVEMENT”
Thousands to Descend on Washington for the National Equality March on October 11
Hear the latest updates and details about the National Equality March in Washington D.C. on October 11th from prominent gay activist Cleve Jones. A Q&A opportunity will follow.
What: Conference Call Regarding the National Equality March
When: Monday, September 14th
11:00 a.m. Pacific / 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Who: Cleve Jones, National Co-Chair
Washington DC — Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender grassroots activists and straight allies will be in Washington D.C. on October 10th and 11th to demand full and equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“This March will be the first step toward a larger goal of bridging the gap between the national LGBT organizations and grassroots community organizers and creating a national movement in all 435 congressional districts to demand of our elected representatives full equality under the law,” said Cleve Jones, national co-chair of the March.
The National Equality March started with a call to action by David Mixner, who urged Jones and Torie Osborn to work with new and emerging leaders to plan this event and bring diverse communities together in support of equality.
“We will come to Washington with new strategies and new messages to build our movement,” said Jones.
# # #
THOSE WISHING TO JOIN IN THE PHONE CONFERENCE WITH CLEVE JONES MUST EMAIL ROBERT@NATIONALEQUALITYMARCH.COM FOR CALL IN INFORMATION.
Hear the latest updates and details about the National Equality March in Washington D.C. on October 11th from prominent gay activist Cleve Jones. A Q&A opportunity will follow.
What: Conference Call Regarding the National Equality March
When: Monday, September 14th
11:00 a.m. Pacific / 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Who: Cleve Jones, National Co-Chair
Washington DC — Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender grassroots activists and straight allies will be in Washington D.C. on October 10th and 11th to demand full and equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“This March will be the first step toward a larger goal of bridging the gap between the national LGBT organizations and grassroots community organizers and creating a national movement in all 435 congressional districts to demand of our elected representatives full equality under the law,” said Cleve Jones, national co-chair of the March.
The National Equality March started with a call to action by David Mixner, who urged Jones and Torie Osborn to work with new and emerging leaders to plan this event and bring diverse communities together in support of equality.
“We will come to Washington with new strategies and new messages to build our movement,” said Jones.
# # #
THOSE WISHING TO JOIN IN THE PHONE CONFERENCE WITH CLEVE JONES MUST EMAIL ROBERT@NATIONALEQUALITYMARCH.COM FOR CALL IN INFORMATION.
Friday, September 11, 2009
California Senate stands up for equal rights
DeSaulnier non-discrimination resolution passes
SACRAMENTO – The California Senate this week stood up for equal rights by passing a resolution calling for Congress to pass and the president to sign the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009.
Senate Resolution 27 by Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, supports a federal act that would prohibit workplace discrimination based on an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act is about fairness in the workplace,” DeSaulnier said after the resolution passed Thursday. “Sexual orientation and gender identity shouldn’t factor into a job evaluation any more than race or military service.”
Federal law already protects people from discrimination due to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, military service and genetic information.
While California law protects against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, 19 other states have no employment protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender employees.
SR 27 is sponsored by Equality California and co-authored by the Chair of the Legislative LGBT Caucus Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco.
Read the resolution: http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/sr_27_bill_20090818_introduced.html
SACRAMENTO – The California Senate this week stood up for equal rights by passing a resolution calling for Congress to pass and the president to sign the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009.
Senate Resolution 27 by Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, supports a federal act that would prohibit workplace discrimination based on an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act is about fairness in the workplace,” DeSaulnier said after the resolution passed Thursday. “Sexual orientation and gender identity shouldn’t factor into a job evaluation any more than race or military service.”
Federal law already protects people from discrimination due to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, military service and genetic information.
While California law protects against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, 19 other states have no employment protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender employees.
SR 27 is sponsored by Equality California and co-authored by the Chair of the Legislative LGBT Caucus Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco.
Read the resolution: http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/sr_27_bill_20090818_introduced.html
Thursday, September 10, 2009
CLEVE JONES: “WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY AND OUR MOVEMENT”
Thousands to Descend on Washington for the National Equality March on October 11
Hear the latest updates and details about the National Equality March in Washington D.C. on October 11th from prominent gay activist Cleve Jones. A Q&A opportunity will follow.
What: Conference Call Regarding the National Equality March
When: Monday, September 14th
11:00 a.m. Pacific / 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Who: Cleve Jones, National Co-Chair
Washington DC — Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender grassroots activists and straight allies will be in Washington D.C. on October 10th and 11th to demand full and equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“This March will be the first step toward a larger goal of bridging the gap between the national LGBT organizations and grassroots community organizers and creating a national movement in all 435 congressional districts to demand of our elected representatives full equality under the law,” said Cleve Jones, national co-chair of the March.
The National Equality March started with a call to action by David Mixner, who urged Jones and Torie Osborn to work with new and emerging leaders to plan this event and bring diverse communities together in support of equality.
“We will come to Washington with new strategies and new messages to build our movement,” said Jones.
Hear the latest updates and details about the National Equality March in Washington D.C. on October 11th from prominent gay activist Cleve Jones. A Q&A opportunity will follow.
What: Conference Call Regarding the National Equality March
When: Monday, September 14th
11:00 a.m. Pacific / 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Who: Cleve Jones, National Co-Chair
Washington DC — Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender grassroots activists and straight allies will be in Washington D.C. on October 10th and 11th to demand full and equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“This March will be the first step toward a larger goal of bridging the gap between the national LGBT organizations and grassroots community organizers and creating a national movement in all 435 congressional districts to demand of our elected representatives full equality under the law,” said Cleve Jones, national co-chair of the March.
The National Equality March started with a call to action by David Mixner, who urged Jones and Torie Osborn to work with new and emerging leaders to plan this event and bring diverse communities together in support of equality.
“We will come to Washington with new strategies and new messages to build our movement,” said Jones.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fall into The Abbey: Nominated for BEST GAY BAR IN THE WORLD by LOGO-TV
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--As West Hollywood hotspot The Abbey Food & Bar celebrates its nomination for “Best Gay Bar in the World” by MTV’s LOGO, preparation also moves into high gear for “Christmas in September,” the Abbey’s annual Children’s Hospital L.A. toy drive, set for September 24, 2009.
The WeHo landmark is currently in the running to be named “BEST GAY BAR IN THE WORLD” as part of LOGO TV’s first ever TripOutGayTravel.com Travel Awards, honoring the world’s favorite LGBT travel destinations. The Abbey is one of only two nominees located in all of North America. Online voting at www.TripOutGayTravel.com happens now through September 28, with winners announced November 2, 2009.
According to Abbey President and Founder David Cooley, “The nomination of course is an honor, but giving back is so important to us and our yearly holiday themed event aiding Children’s Hospital L.A. taps into the generosity of the West Hollywood community.” Adding, “We look forward to everyone celebrating in our ‘Winter Wonderland Christmas in September’ on Thursday the 24th.”
The toys will be delivered the following day to the children at the hospital.
The Abbey Food & Bar, located at: 692 N Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, is part of the SBE Collection of Restaurants & Nightlife. For information or reservations, call: 310.289.8410. Or visit The Abbey online at: www.sbe.com/abbey
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
American Legacy Foundation awards $100,000 for national tobacco working group targeting LGBTQI young adult
WASHINGTON – The National Youth Advocacy Coalition has received a one-year award of $100,000 from the American Legacy Foundation through its Legacy Innovative Grants program to create a national tobacco working group, the agency announced today. The working group will target young adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or intersex (LGBTQI).
The National LGBTQI Young Adult Tobacco Working Group will develop a tobacco needs assessment that will be administered to young adults (ages 18-24) across the country this fall and winter. Results from the survey will be compiled in the spring of 2010 and will be released along with policy and programmatic recommendations that are based on the findings.
“Tobacco use continues to be extraordinarily high among LGBTQI young adults and this is happening, in part, because tobacco companies continue to target them,” said Isaiah Webster III, director of communications and special projects for NYAC. “There are sufficient indications that tobacco use is a huge problem within the LGBTQI community, but organizations have always looked for better data. The working group will be able to help organizations tailor tobacco prevention and cessation programs to met the challenges in their communities.”
Organizations that are interested in participating in either the working group or in administering the survey to young adults, should contact Jennie Beeson, program associate for NAYC, at jennie@nyacyouth.org.
The working group will also be bringing together tools, trends, and best practices related to tobacco prevention and cessation for LGBTQI young adults. According to Webster, links to those resources will be announced later through NYAC’s Web site at www.nyacyouth.org .
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC), founded in 1993, is a social justice organization that advocates for and with young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) in an effort to end discrimination against these youth and to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
The National LGBTQI Young Adult Tobacco Working Group will develop a tobacco needs assessment that will be administered to young adults (ages 18-24) across the country this fall and winter. Results from the survey will be compiled in the spring of 2010 and will be released along with policy and programmatic recommendations that are based on the findings.
“Tobacco use continues to be extraordinarily high among LGBTQI young adults and this is happening, in part, because tobacco companies continue to target them,” said Isaiah Webster III, director of communications and special projects for NYAC. “There are sufficient indications that tobacco use is a huge problem within the LGBTQI community, but organizations have always looked for better data. The working group will be able to help organizations tailor tobacco prevention and cessation programs to met the challenges in their communities.”
Organizations that are interested in participating in either the working group or in administering the survey to young adults, should contact Jennie Beeson, program associate for NAYC, at jennie@nyacyouth.org.
The working group will also be bringing together tools, trends, and best practices related to tobacco prevention and cessation for LGBTQI young adults. According to Webster, links to those resources will be announced later through NYAC’s Web site at www.nyacyouth.org .
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC), founded in 1993, is a social justice organization that advocates for and with young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) in an effort to end discrimination against these youth and to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
CAPE TOWN OFFERS FIRST GAY FAMILY SWEEPSTAKES
Los Angeles, CA September 3, 2009 – Cape Town Tourism announces an exciting new sweepstakes for gay and lesbian families in the United States. From now through December 31, 2009 you can enter to win a family vacation of a lifetime to Cape Town, South Africa, voted one of the top gay-friendly cities in the world. Visit www.gayfamilysweepstakes.com.
The grand prize includes roundtrip flights for a family of three from New York or Washington DC to Cape Town on South African Airways, an award-winning airline for safety and service, 5 nights' hotel accommodation in a luxury suite at the Winchester Mansions Hotel, and hotel/airport transfers.
"Cape Town prides itself on being the perfect place for a family holiday – with so many activities and attractions, we promise to banish boredom!" said Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold, CEO, Cape Town Tourism. "There are plenty of nature-based activities, as well as exciting outings and kid-friendly restaurants available. We are thrilled to give away the first gay family vacation to our wonderful city."
To enter and for official sweepstakes rules, visit www.gayfamilysweepstakes.com.
Corporate Equality Index 2010: Key Findings
On September 14, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation will release a nationwide report – the Corporate Equality Index 2010 (CEI) – which rates the businesses on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. In the absence of federal protections, the CEI, in its seventh year, shows the private sector is leading the way in working to reduce discrimination.
Key findings:
• 305 businesses achieved the top rating of 100 percent this year, compared with 260 with top ratings in the previous year. Collectively, these businesses employ 9,328,085 full-time U.S. workers. When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation launched the Corporate Equality Index in 2002, only 13 companies received 100 percent.
• Eleven of the top 20 Fortune-ranked companies received 100 percent ratings. McKesson Corp. added gender identity this year to reach 83 percent.
• More than a decade after rescinding partner benefits in 1997, Perot Systems Corp. will reinstate partner benefits beginning in January of 2010. Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil Corp. still refuses to reinstate the policies and benefits that Mobil Corp. had implemented prior to its acquisition by Exxon Corp. in 1999.
• Nearly three-quarters of all rated businesses prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, compared to just 5 percent of rated businesses in 2002.
www.HRC.org/CEI
Key findings:
• 305 businesses achieved the top rating of 100 percent this year, compared with 260 with top ratings in the previous year. Collectively, these businesses employ 9,328,085 full-time U.S. workers. When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation launched the Corporate Equality Index in 2002, only 13 companies received 100 percent.
• Eleven of the top 20 Fortune-ranked companies received 100 percent ratings. McKesson Corp. added gender identity this year to reach 83 percent.
• More than a decade after rescinding partner benefits in 1997, Perot Systems Corp. will reinstate partner benefits beginning in January of 2010. Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil Corp. still refuses to reinstate the policies and benefits that Mobil Corp. had implemented prior to its acquisition by Exxon Corp. in 1999.
• Nearly three-quarters of all rated businesses prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, compared to just 5 percent of rated businesses in 2002.
www.HRC.org/CEI
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
GLAAD Receives Apology from Lil Mama Following Comments Regarding Transgender Contestant on “America’s Best Dance Crew”
September 2, 2009, New York, NY – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, received the following apology this morning from rapper and judge on MTV’s “Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew” Lil Mama.
Lil Mama: "
GLAAD reached out to Lil Mama and MTV after receiving numerous calls and e-mails from community members and allies regarding comments made to transgender contestant Leiomy Maldonado during a critique on the August 30, 2009 episode of “Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew.” GLAAD asked Lil Mama and MTV to publicly address the concerns raised after Lil Mama stated:
"While we thank Lil Mama for her apology, this incident demonstrates the need for more education around the lives and experiences of transgender people. Lil Mama’s comments during her critique attempted to impose standards of conformity for gender identity and expression -- a mistake that many people make,” said Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD.
“Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, become targets of discrimination and violence when inaccuracies and acts of insult like this are advanced. Contrary to what was said on the program, as an openly transgender woman and dance contestant, Leiomy is living her truth,” Robinson continued.
“It was surprising that MTV, a network that has shown a strong commitment to fair and accurate inclusion of transgender and gay people, would choose to air a clip that includes such disrespectful comments,” said Robinson. MTV has not yet publicly addressed the comments made by Lil Mama in the episode.
About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org
Lil Mama: "
I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday's show. My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy's gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution."
GLAAD reached out to Lil Mama and MTV after receiving numerous calls and e-mails from community members and allies regarding comments made to transgender contestant Leiomy Maldonado during a critique on the August 30, 2009 episode of “Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew.” GLAAD asked Lil Mama and MTV to publicly address the concerns raised after Lil Mama stated:
“Leiomy, come on. Your behavior…it’s unacceptable. I just feel that you always have to remember your truth. You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you’re going to become a woman, act like a lady. Don’t be a bird, like ‘Oh my god, I’m not doing this!’ You know what I’m saying? It gets too crazy and it gets confusing. You’re doing this for America. Even though you’re the face for transgenders, you’re the face of America right now with this group and it’s not about anybody else. It’s about y’all. You know what I’m saying? So do it for the team. Do it for the team.”
"While we thank Lil Mama for her apology, this incident demonstrates the need for more education around the lives and experiences of transgender people. Lil Mama’s comments during her critique attempted to impose standards of conformity for gender identity and expression -- a mistake that many people make,” said Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD.
“Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, become targets of discrimination and violence when inaccuracies and acts of insult like this are advanced. Contrary to what was said on the program, as an openly transgender woman and dance contestant, Leiomy is living her truth,” Robinson continued.
“It was surprising that MTV, a network that has shown a strong commitment to fair and accurate inclusion of transgender and gay people, would choose to air a clip that includes such disrespectful comments,” said Robinson. MTV has not yet publicly addressed the comments made by Lil Mama in the episode.
About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org
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