Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Debt Free Guys: 5 Ways to Change Your Life

 

Check out this video from the Debt Free Guys and learn the five daily exercises they do to change their lives from mediocre to fabulous.

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Be A Voice for Civil Rights in Colorado

For the second straight year, the ACLU is bringing members and supporters from around the state to the Capitol to talk to their lawmakers about the need to protect civil rights and civil liberties. Join them on Wednesday, March 14 for Lobby Day, People Power at The Capitol.


 

Funeral Home: Discrimination Like This Shouldn't Happen, But It Does


In December 2017, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission was argued in front of the Supreme Court. The case involves a business—one that is open to the public—that refused to sell a cake to a same-sex couple. A loss in Masterpiece would open the door to not only much wider ranging forms of discrimination, but also a much wider array of people facing discrimination—including people of color, women, LGBT people, minority faiths, people with disabilities, and more. As we near the Court’s decision—expected between now and June—we are elevating additional examples of how hurtful this kind of discrimination can be. Even Jimmy Kimmel is helping us out! 

Movement Advancement Project has released an ad called Funeral Home that depicts a devastating scenario in which a grieving widow and her family are turned away from a funeral home and refused burial services for her wife. Discrimination like this shouldn’t happen, but it does. In 2016, a funeral home in Mississippi refused service to Jack Zawadski, after learning his deceased spouse was a man. The couple had been together for more than 50 years and were legally married in 2015. And while Jack recently passed away, Lambda Legal is representing his family in court in Mississippi.

Businesses that are open to the public should be open to EVERYone. Join the Open To All coalition and receive breaking news in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. Sign the ACLU's People's Petition and ask your friends to do the same. Together we CAN make a difference.

Frances McDormand Calls for Full Inclusion at the Academy Awards

In a historic call for more information, Academy Award winner Frances McDormand called for an inclusion rider in contracts – a provision that ensures diversity and inclusion in not only the cast of a Hollywood project, but also the crew. The result can lead to a Hollywood A-lister ensuring gender, racial, LGBTQ and disability equality via his or her contracts.
“For those of you asking about the #InclusionRider, it's designed to ensure equitable hiring in supportive roles for women, POC [people of color], the LGBT community, & people w/disabilities,” the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative tweeted. Stacy Smith, its Founder and Director, previously talked about this concept during a 2016 TED Talk.

An inclusion rider “has always been available to all – everybody who does a negotiation on a film – which means you can ask for or demand at least 50 percent diversity in not only the casting but the crew.” McDormand, who won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role, told The Hollywood Reporter backstage after the Oscars. “The fact that I just learned that after 35 years in the film business – we aren’t going back.”

Authentic Representation of Disability Wins Best Live Action Short

A big winner in the field of disability inclusion is The Silent Child, which won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short. The film is about Libby (Maisie Sly), a four-year-old girl who is deaf. Sly is deaf herself, which is important to note as the majority of films winning for portrayal of disability often feature actors without the disability.

“It is most likely no coincidence that the performance in sign language that won is the one that involved an authentic ‘signer,’” said Delbert Whetter, a filmmaker who is deaf. “To learn to express oneself in sign language requires the use of facial expressions and gestures that take years, if not a lifetime, to learn to do. Rendering sign language performances by non-native signing actors that focuses solely on mimicking hand movements is at best a two dimensional representation of a four-dimensional linguistic experience.”

In accepting the award, Rachel Shenton, who wrote the script, signed her speech in British Sign Language in addition to speaking.

Best Picture Winner Goes to Film with Actor Playing a Disability She Doesn’t Have

The Oscar for Best Picture went to The Shape of Water, which stars Sally Hawkins as a janitor without speech who falls in love with an amphibian held captive at the laboratory where she works. Hawkins herself does not have a speech disability, which is common when it comes to casting actors portraying people with disabilities. In fact, nondisabled actors on television play more than 95 percent of characters with disabilities. When an actor mimics someone from any minority group, whether it be racial or disability, he takes a job from an actor who genuinely has that characteristic and perpetuates that group’s under-representation in the industry. Yet it is important to note that Hawkins does have a chronic illness, an invisible disability.

A common misconception is that including actors with disabilities will be too costly. According to a study conducted by the Job Accommodation Network, a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, a majority (59 percent) of accommodations do not cost a single cent, while the rest typically cost only $500.

People with Disabilities Make Exceptional Behind-the-Scenes Talent

Three of the films nominated for Best Visual Effects – Star Wars: The Last Jedi, War for the Planet of the Apes and Guardians of the Galaxy – included team members with Autism working for Exceptional Minds’ studio that employs young adults on the autism spectrum in digital animation and visual effects.

“We are looking to change hearts and minds,” Co-Founder and Vice Chairperson Yudi Bennett said of the importance of people with disabilities working both in front of and behind the camera. “We need people in the film industry who are not all the same; diversity is a blessing.”

Diversity and Inclusion Segment Omits People with Disabilities

It was a night of firsts for women, people of color (Jordan Peele, first black screenwriter to win best original screenplay) and the LGBTQ community (A Fantastic Woman features a transgender storyline with an openly trans actor in the lead role), among others. Ashley Judd, Anabella Sciorra and Salma Hayek Pinault specifically drew attention to the #TimesUp and #MeToo movements during a special segment.

"We work together to make sure the next 90 years empower these limitless possibilities of equality, diversity, inclusion, intersectionality,” Judd said. “That's what this year has promised us."

Following their speech, a video outlined how the Academy is working to increase its diversity and inclusion efforts – from gender and race to those who are transgender. However, people with disabilities, the largest minority group in the U.S. that also cuts across every demographic, were left out of this segment.

“Hollywood has to catch up with its audience,” RespectAbility President Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi said. “Diversity must really mean diversity – and that includes the one-in-five Americans who has a disability. Disability needs to be a part of every conversation on diversity. When films and television shows lack the inclusion of disability in their diversity efforts, Hollywood is disenfranchising the 56 million Americans who have a disability.”

30th Annual Lambda Literary Award Finalists Announced

Lambda Literary, the nation's oldest and largest literary arts organization advancing LGBTQ literature, has announced the finalists of the 30th Annual Lambda Literary Awards - or the "Lammys," as they are affectionately known.

The finalists were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions and over 300 publishers. Submissions came from major mainstream publishers and from independent presses, from both long-established and new LGBTQ publishers, as well as from emerging publish-on-demand technologies. Visionary and Trustee Award honorees, the master of ceremonies, and celebrity presenters will be announced in April. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Monday, June 4th in New York City.

"Celebrating our 30th year of Lambda Literary Award finalists is to recognize that this organization has been at the center of contemporary queer literature for decades," said Lambda Literary Executive Director Tony Valenzuela. "This year is no different with another stellar list of authors demonstrating through their work that LGBTQ books tell richly textured stories about who we are in all our incredible diversity."

Now in their thirtieth year, the Lambda Literary Awards celebrate achievement in LGBTQ writing for books published in 2017. 67 literary professionals, including booksellers, book reviewers, librarians, authors, academics and previous Lammy winners and finalists volunteered countless hours of reading, critical thinking, and invigorating discussion to select the finalists in 23 categories.

Half Waif: Torches

 

Today, Half Waif has released "Torches," a new track from their anticipated upcoming album, Lavender. Of the song, Nandi Rose Plunkett says: "'Torches' opens with the terror of a world that burns, tempered by the cool reminder of an undying coast somewhere nearby. It then imagines what happens when that lit darkness reaches you before you can reach the water's edge - when you come to feed off it, called by the scream of the open, endless road. It's probably not surprising that I wrote this song in the days immediately after Trump's election, driving through Texas on a stretch of highway."

Lavender was announced last month with a video for its lead single "Keep It Out," which NPR said "tackles the relationship - between the self and others - with compelling introspection and striking emotional honesty."

Lavender is available for pre-order now and due out on April 27th via Cascine. Limited edition LPs of Lavender will include a special photobook, featuring exclusive photographs corresponding to each song on the album. Pages are perforated and can double as photo prints, with song lyrics on the reverse.

Additionally, Half Waif has expanded their spring tour to include co-headline dates with Hovvdy and support dates with Mitski including a stop at Larimer Lounge on May 6

Thursday, March 1, 2018

“Drag Babies” Delivers Bob the Drag Queen, Max Emerson, Miss Peppermint & Chi Chi DeVayne



Are you ready for 'Drag Babies'? The first episode of the ten part series, produced in partnership with MAC Cosmetics, will be released on Tuesday, March 13 and follows three Instagram influencers as they learn what it takes to be a drag superstar. Guided by a MAC pro artist and their “Drag Mother”, each participant tucks, plucks and struts their way to discovering the glamorous queen inside each of them.
                       
The video series features Bob the Drag Queen as the host; Miss Peppermint, Chi Chi DeVayne and Shuga Cain as the Drag Mothers; and Emerson, Pablo Hernandez and Johnny Sibilly as the “Drag Babies."

GayTravel.com's St. Patrick's Day Gay Travel Guide



Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! This adopted seasonal feast brings lots of joy to multiple cities across the states, having parades and festivities all revolving around St. Patrick and our beloved Irish brothers and sisters. If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, check out these destinations filled with attractions and parades awaiting for you to have a great St. Patrick's Day!

BOSTON

One of Boston’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day traditions is the Parade through Southie. That’s South Boston to you.  Because March 17 is a Saturday this year, many of the events are happening over the weekend, and the Parade is on Sunday March 18. It begins at 1pm at the Broadway T Stop, continues down Broadway and around to Andrews Square and ends there. Best bet is to stake out a spot on Broadway and enjoy! 
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY?
Boston Harbor Hotel - Book the "Just for Two" package and receive complimentary breakfast, 2 monogrammed bathrobes restaurant credit and more!
XV Beacon - Enjoy a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries with the Preferred Pride Offer.
Taylor House B&B - Get 5% OFF your stay when you mention Gay Travel!

MIAMI


St. Patrick's Day 2018 in Miami has a lot to offer for the week. There are several parades, concerts and events going on in the Miami area. Be sure to check out the local Miami Florida nightlife guide to find the perfect plans for St. Patrick's Day weekend.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY?
Element Miami Doral - Receive discounted rates, complimentary breakfast and more!
Aloft Miami Doral  - Enjoy 10% off your room night, complimentary drink passes and free WiFi.

NEW YORK

The New York festivities surrounding St. Patrick's Day specifically commemorate Saint Patrick, and the subsequent arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The most iconic event is the Parade that starts at 11am at 44th Street, marching up Fifth Avenue—past St. Patrick's Cathedral at 50th Street—all the way to 79th Street. It finishes around 5:00pm at the American Irish Historical Society at East 80th Street.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY?
11 Howard - Book their Work Late Play Early package and recieve $50 food and beverage credit, free WiFi and access to the gym.

DALLAS

The Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival (formerly known as the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Parade) is a Dallas tradition that began in 1979 with a few vehicles and a quick trip down lower Greenville. Now the parade hosts 90+ floats, draws close to 125,000 people, and is said to offer something for everyone's taste, be it bad or good. The parade is traditionally held on the Saturday preceding St. Patrick's Day at around 11:00 AM. You should absolutely arrive early for a good viewing spot.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY?
Fairmont Dallas - Treat you and a loved one to pampering with the Bed & Breakfast Package.

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is full of fun things to do on St. Patrick's Day, including the annual parade, festival, pub crawls, and live performances. The city is also home to more than a dozen Irish bars and restaurants. This year, the holiday is on Saturday, March 17 and most festivities will take place this weekend. Every year, the United Irish Societies of San Francisco hosts a large St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival. The 2018 celebration is set for Saturday, March 17.

The highlight of the event is the St. Patrick's Day parade which starts at 11:30 am.
The parade route begins at 2nd and Market streets and heads straight down Market all the way to Civic Center Plaza near San Francisco City Hall where the festival will be taking place.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY?
King George Hotel - Enjoy convenient 24-hour valet parking with their Special Parking Package.

Shopping: Suddenly Gone

 

Shopping's “Suddenly Gone” video, directed by LA-based director and animator Lessa Millet, “talks about labour and resources,” says band member Rachel Aggs. “It’s about feeling used and undervalued in a relationship or, more generally, as a queer and/or a person of colour making music or art in the UK and how that can feel very draining.” She adds, “you can feel overlooked for years and then suddenly tokenized when your identity becomes buzz-worthy or fashionable.

So much of the guitar music we love originates from roots and blues music made by and for people of colour and the same goes for dance and disco that has its roots so firmly in queer culture. We are asking people to reflect on what our cultural landscape would really look like if it weren’t for those pioneering but marginalized artists and in particular what our cities will eventually look like if queer spaces and independent gig venues continue to be forced to close.”

In creating the video, Millet says, “I went off of the energy of the song and the feeling behind it - this feeling of ‘I see what you're doing, and I'm done being used.’ It's optimistic and angry at the same time. In looking for images I just thought about all the instances a small group of people profit from everyone else, which way the money river flows, where does it pool. I think the magic tricks and hand shadows were a good metaphor for all the distractions that prevent us from seeing what is going on underneath.”

“It also suggests a parallel between this kind of emotional, creative draining and the terrifying environmental consequences of reckless money-grabbing corporations,” Aggs continues, “undervaluing and exploiting our natural resources and the impact of that on people living and working in more precarious parts of the world.”

Lambda LitFest LA Presents Spring Writes: Celebrating LGBTQ Literature

Lambda Literary LitFest LA presents Spring Writes, is a free weekend of literary happenings featuring an evening with presidential inaugural poet Richard Blanco, a submission workshop for LGBTQ writers, and a panel discussion on queer representation on the screen, April 14-15, 2018.

Spring Writes kicks off with acclaimed poet and memoirist Richard Blanco in conversation with fellow Cuban-American author Eduardo Santiago at Emerson College LA. A reading by Blanco will be followed by a discussion of his work, life, and the vital importance of LGBTQ voices in our current cultural climate.

"Queers Who Submit" demystifies the publication process while fostering community in a supportive and encouraging space. Participants are asked to bring work they are ready to submit. The workshop, presented in partnership with "Women Who Submit," will cover best practices for submitting work to literary journals and other publications.

Spring Writes closes at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre with a screening and panel discussion. Jen Richards (Her Story), Brittani Nichols (Transparent and Suicide Kale), and Michelle Badillo (One Day at a Time) will discuss the joys and challenges of bringing LGBTQ representation to television, cinema, and the web. Short clips of each writer's work will be interspersed with a lively panel discussion that explores craft, politics, and what it means to be queer in the writer's room (and on the screen). Moderated by Trish Bendix, managing editor at INTO.

Spring Writes, a production of Lambda LitFest LA, brings curated and community-driven literary programming to the Southland. "Spring Writes showcases the incredible literary talent of queer LA," said Dan Lopez, Event Producer. "Freedom of expression, queer rights and social justice persevere when we create spaces for the free flow of ideas."

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Jazz & Jumper

Celebrity Artist, LGBTQ Activist & Humanitarian Ben Workman aka Jumper Maybach has a new fan, transgender personality, Jazz Jennings. Jumper recently gifted Jennings a one-of-a-kind work of art titled “From Darkness to Light #5.” Jazz Jennings is an LGBTQ rights activist and television personality, notable for being one of the youngest publicly documented people to be identified as transgender, and for being the youngest person to become a national transgender figure.

“I am now officially Jumper’s #1 fan,” states Jennings. “Jumper is so talented and his story really touched my heart. I believe that we all have a destined calling. I love his motto! I’m certainly on the same page. I know I’m only a teenager, but it’s my mission to spread my message of acceptance, tolerance and unconditional love.”

Jennings received national attention in 2007 when an interview with Barbara Walters aired on 20/20, which led to other high-profile interviews and appearances. Jennings stars in the TLC reality TV series, I Am Jazz, which focuses on her life with her family as a teenager and as a transgender youth.
“Jazz Jennings is truly an inspiration and I am honored to call Jazz my new friend,” states Maybach. “Jazz has given transgender youth a voice and her courage continues to motivate me in the battle for LGBTQ equality.”

Throughout his flourishing artistic career, Jumper has taken the time to give back to multiple LGBT organizations including GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, Matthew Shepard Foundation, the Trevor Project and the Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBT community center.

OutServe-SLDN makes key expansions to uniquely support LGBT military and veteran communities

The nation’s oldest and largest LGBT military organization today is announcing its continued expansion and growth with the addition of a new staff member and expanded programming services. This follows the organization’s merger with the Military Partners & Families Coalition, which was finalized in December 2017.

Today, OutServe-SLDN announces the hiring of Kai River Blevins as Director of Education, Chapter & Veteran’s services. Kai’s biography can be found below.

“I am thrilled to have Kai joining the OutServe-SLDN team as our Director of Education, Chapter & Veteran’s Services,” Matt Thorn, President & CEO of OutServe-SLDN stated. “Continued development in all three of the key areas Kai will have oversight to is a logical next step for us as an organization, as we continue to push-back against the Trump-Pence administration and ensure our LGBT military and veteran communities are receiving due care, services, and representation. The coupling of Kai’s background as a service member, their extensive education portfolio, and their passion and commitment to the cause will be an essential asset to our future growth and accomplishments. In the coming months, we are going to be aggressive in our expansion with our advocacy, our programming and support systems. Kai is an integral piece to the future of the organization and we couldn’t be happier to have them on board.”

“I am thrilled to be part of the OutServe-SLDN team” said Kai Blevins, Director of Education, Chapter & Veteran Services. “This position reflects OutServe-SLDN’s commitment to our service members, veterans, and their families. Through providing direct services and advocacy, revitalizing our chapters, and delivering educational programming to our members and those who serve the LGBT military community, we are ensuring that our community has the tools and resources they need to thrive, particularly at this political moment. It is an honor to be able to serve my community in this role.”

In addition to the hiring of Kai, OutServe-SLDN marks further expansion with Legal Director Peter Perkwoski becoming a certified Veterans Services Officer. This addition will allow OutServe-SLDN to engage more expansively with our LGBT veteran community; ensuring they get the necessary and vital services due to them.

“The addition of Peter’s status as a Veteran Service Officer is critical to the expansion of our work” said Matt Thorn, President & CEO of OutServe-SLDN. “This growth is a reaffirmation of the work still left to do and the commitment that OutServe-SLDN has to our LGBT military community.”

Monday, February 26, 2018

#DecriminalizeLGBT: Standing Up to LGBT Criminalization Around the Globe

Hornet recently announced the launch of the #DecriminalizeLGBT campaign, in an effort to raise awareness of global LGBT criminalization laws that must be abolished. With this social media campaign, Hornet will give voice to those impacted by these inhumane and unjust laws elevating stories through editorial content, conducting interviews, multli-media visuals and more. This is a major step in holding governments accountable in an ongoing effort to ensure that the rights of LGBT people are protected and the laws and policies that criminalize the community are eliminated.

"The expansion of anti-LGBT policies and government-sanctioned violence has intensified over the past year and we must put an end to this," said Hornet president and co-founder Sean Howell. "It is our duty to ensure LGBT lives are protected around the world. With the #DecriminalizeLGBT campaign, we are holding public officials accountable and lending a voice to those that have been silenced for too long."

Hornet is calling on the LGBT community and its allies to use social media to amplify the initiative’s message. Once signed up, participants will have the same automated message posted on their social channels (Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr) simultaneously on March 20, 2018, at 3:00pm ET. To join the social movement, take the three actions below:

• Leverage social media to share the #DecriminalizeLGBT message, with one click
• Learn about the issues LGBT people face around the globe with special reporting on Hornet here
• Take action against the ant-LGBT crackdown in Egypt here

Hornet is joined by NGOs (non-governmental organizations such as, Pan Africa International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (Pan Africa ILGA) and The Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) to build a coalition of activists, civil societies and corporations to confront hostile governments and force change.

Homosexuality is criminalized in over 70 countries across the globe and in at least eight countries is punishable by death. As long as homosexuality is criminalized LGBT people will continue to face violence, harassment, and discrimination. LGBT people cannot fully participate in their communities or enjoy access to public services when they are seen as criminals. Action must be taken, and governments must be held accountable. Through grassroots organizing, social media engagement, and leadership from non-profits, governments, and corporations these laws can be done away with.

In Indonesia the police have publicly beaten and humiliated LGBT people. Egypt continues to harass and arrest gay men. In Chechnya gay men have been tortured, imprisoned, and murdered at the hands of the government, the same government that doesn’t acknowledge the existence of gay people. This is but a sample of actions by anti-LGBT governments. The violence and harassment continues, but it is no longer front-page news. This campaign intends to change that.

The criminalization of LGBT people also has a profound impact on the HIV epidemic. Such laws prevent people from accessing testing, treatment and prevention. We can never get an accurate picture of the epidemic and how gay men are impacted if it is illegal for men to admit to having sex with other men. MSMGF has been a critical organization fighting for the rights of LGBT people and supporting access to treatment and prevention. They recently supported a paper that demonstrates how global programs can have an impact on anti-gay laws. Programs and institutions with money and power can influence policy if they decide to prioritize LGBT people.

“Discriminatory laws continue to create barriers for gay and bisexual men in accessing the care and support that they need. We are proud of our partnership with Hornet and their campaign, which calls for an end to the criminalization of LGBT people. There is still much work to be done to ensure the human rights of LGBT people in countries around the world,” said Greg Tartaglione, Senior Communications Officer at MSMGF.

Pan Africa ILGA is on the frontlines building a unified African movement while advocating for the protection of LGBT rights. An anti-LGBT sentiment is sweeping across Africa, and American Christian fundamentalists are often leading the charge. Local African activists have the very difficult task of confronting hostile governments, as well as contending with the influence of powerful outside forces.

“Criminalization of same-sex conduct is not only discrimination of a group of people directly sponsored by the state, but also a license for the rest of society to stigmatize this section of the citizenry that according to most constitutions, ought to be protected by the law. These criminalizing laws do not protect the society at all because everybody deserves equal treatment before the law,” asserted Anthony Oluoch, Program Manager Pan Africa ILGA.

OUT on DVD/VOD: The Breeding

Breaking Glass Pictures has acquired North American rights to the LGBT erotic-thriller The Breeding. Breaking Glass acquired rights to the film in February in a deal negotiated between Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff and Dane Joseph, Founder and Executive Producer at Novo Novus Productions. The film will begin festival screenings in Q2 and a DVD/VOD release will follow in late 2018.

“We're thrilled to be working with Breaking Glass Pictures again on another scintillating and complex project after our wonderful experience collaborating on BWOY” said Dane Joseph, Founder and Executive Producer of Novo Novus Productions. “The Breeding pushes the envelope in how we think of sex and culture in the LGBTQ community, and it's amazing to have an awesome partner in BGP who supports our company's mission to explore controversial and risqué stories."

The story centers on discontented, sex-positive queer cartoonist Thomas, whose artistic inspiration comes from erotic escapades that are unbeknownst to his loving boyfriend, Amadi. A chance restroom encounter with a recently divorced financier named Lee leaves Thomas curious about exploring the taboo fetish of “race play.” But when the game gets too real, chilling actions are taken that will forever change the trajectory of these men’s lives.