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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