Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Exile 5: Call for Performers, Vendors, Artists, and Event Photographers
Divine Feline Looking for Foster Families
Why Foster? Divine Feline currently does not have space to house the feral kittens that are trapped by colony caretakers and the community. That’s why they need to rely on foster families to provide the support needed to socialize, feed, and simply love on these kittens until they are old enough to be spayed/neutered and ready for adoption. Divine Feline is beginning this program as a way to extend their mission and provide a resource for stray and feral kittens to find forever homes.
If fostering isn't in your cards right now, you can support the program by donating food, kitty litter, toys, kitty litter boxes, and/or monetary support to assist foster families and help grow our program.
Through TNR efforts, Divine Feline often gets dozens of kittens in the clinic, especially during "Kitten Season." Instead of returning potentially adoptable kittens to their colonies or surrendering them to local shelters that are already overflowing, they started the Foster Program to socialize the kittens and find them homes. Once the kittens are of age, they will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and given a 1 year rabies shot (4 months and older). Then, they’re ready for adoption! If you would like to become a foster for Divine Feline, please contact Carrie at carrie@thefelinefix.org.
50 Years of Gay History in Five Minutes, Updated to Remember Orlando
The Fortune Teller: 50 Yrs of Faggotry in 5 Mins, By Leo Herrera from Herrera Images on Vimeo.
Leo Herrera, a NYC-based visual artist, filmmaker, writer and advocate with a focus on cataloging and presenting gay history, has released an update to his viral video the “The Fortune Teller” in response to it being circulated widely in the wake of the Orlando LGBTQ hate crime, that killed 49. This new version also includes footage to reflect the positive impact Truvada, also known as PrEP, has had in reducing the risk of HIV infection.
First released in 2013, to celebrate gay history and pride, the widely viewed video gained new momentum as the news of Orlando spread over social media. It became clear that a time capsule of gay history would need to include recent events, as the impact on the community is immense. Unlike other marginalized minority groups, gay history isn’t shared widely in schools or at home by parents with their children; it’s one the community must tell.
“As more people started to share the video online, updating it became a priority to honor our fallen brothers and sisters in Orlando,” explained Herrera. “The goal of the Fortune Teller has always been to document and remember where we came from, recognize the struggles and attacks we have overcome, and also celebrate the progress gained through the fight and sacrifices of those that came before us. While the Orlando tragedy is a terrible reminder that there is still much progress to be made, there is also good news to be shared such as the availability of PrEP.”
The Fortune Teller does not attempt to be an all-encompassing history; the clips in the Fortune Teller were curated based on icons and moments personally selected by Leo as they defined him as a gay man and the gay community world over.
To add your story, post the video link with something you remember or would like others to recognize that tells a unique story of struggle or pride, along with the hashtag: #futurepresentpastgay
Leo Herrera, a NYC-based visual artist, filmmaker, writer and advocate with a focus on cataloging and presenting gay history, has released an update to his viral video the “The Fortune Teller” in response to it being circulated widely in the wake of the Orlando LGBTQ hate crime, that killed 49. This new version also includes footage to reflect the positive impact Truvada, also known as PrEP, has had in reducing the risk of HIV infection.
First released in 2013, to celebrate gay history and pride, the widely viewed video gained new momentum as the news of Orlando spread over social media. It became clear that a time capsule of gay history would need to include recent events, as the impact on the community is immense. Unlike other marginalized minority groups, gay history isn’t shared widely in schools or at home by parents with their children; it’s one the community must tell.
“As more people started to share the video online, updating it became a priority to honor our fallen brothers and sisters in Orlando,” explained Herrera. “The goal of the Fortune Teller has always been to document and remember where we came from, recognize the struggles and attacks we have overcome, and also celebrate the progress gained through the fight and sacrifices of those that came before us. While the Orlando tragedy is a terrible reminder that there is still much progress to be made, there is also good news to be shared such as the availability of PrEP.”
The Fortune Teller does not attempt to be an all-encompassing history; the clips in the Fortune Teller were curated based on icons and moments personally selected by Leo as they defined him as a gay man and the gay community world over.
To add your story, post the video link with something you remember or would like others to recognize that tells a unique story of struggle or pride, along with the hashtag: #futurepresentpastgay
New Docuseries celebrates Untold stories of transgender Pioneers in History
We've Been Around, created by Ernst and up for Emmy consideration, is a six-episode docuseries. Each episode is approximately five minutes.
With a dynamic mixture of archival footage, live action, and animation tailored to each particular story, the series moves through history from Civil War battlefields to prohibition era brothels, from the East Village to San Francisco at the height of the AIDS epidemic, telling stories of pioneers who lived authentically - long before the world knew the word "transgender."
To research, produce, and create these six important films, Ernst teamed up with producer Christine Beebe and a number of creative collaborators from the transgender community. "All films take a village but this one took many villages. It was a very collaborative process where I really tried to engage the community. We brought on trans collaborators for all kinds of different roles and involved numerous people of color to make sure the storytelling and perspectives were as diverse as possible," Ernst says. From the narrators to the composer to the animator, the series was made with a breadth of talent from the trans community. The creative team includes Transparent actress Alexandra Billings; writer and filmmaker Susan Stryker; activist Riki Wilchins, trans historian Monica Roberts, animator Clyde Petersen and composer Jules Gimbrone.
"The series couldn't be more timely," Ernst continues. "The issue of trans inclusion is now more relevant than ever with the fervor of anti-trans laws such as HB2 and several other bills popping up across the country. American culture and politics owe a huge, often overlooked debt to trailblazers who paved the way."
AIDS Walk Colorado - Thank You, Walgreens
Equality Forum Sends Letter to Trump Seeking His Position on the Equality Act
Equality Forum 2016, the nation’s premier lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights summit, released a letter sent to the Donald Trump campaign requesting the candidate’s position on the Equality Act. The Trump campaign was requested to respond by Monday, June 27th.
In the letter, Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum’s Executive Director, wrote:
In the letter, Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum’s Executive Director, wrote:
“On November 8th, voters will elect the 45th President of the United States. Millions of those voters will be members, allies and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We noted Mr. Trump’s statement in response to the Orlando massacre that he is a “real friend” of the LGBT community.
“Equality Forum is a nonprofit and 501(c)(3) national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Part of the mission is to inform the public on the position of candidates for public office on LGBT civil rights issues. Equality Forum neither endorses a party nor a candidate for public elective office.
“In 28 states, LGBT employees lack workplace protections. Likewise, there is no workplace protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity pursuant to the federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA).
“The Equality Act, a bipartisan bill was introduced last year in the Senate and United State House of Representatives. The legislation would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections that ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit and the judicial system.
“Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has publicly pledged her support of the Equality Act.
“Does Mr. Trump support or oppose the passage of the Equality Act?”
Click here to download a PDF copy of the letter sent to the Trump campaign
As of Monday’s
deadline the Trump campaign had yet to respond to the Equality Forum’s
request. Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin responded by
stating:
“With a deadline of Monday, June 27, we
continue to wait to hear back from the campaign as to whether Mr. Trump
supports or opposes this monumental LGBT legislation. Mr. Trump states
that he is a friend of the LGBT community. His silence on the Equality
Act is deafening to LGBT Americans, our families and allies. We continue
to hope that he will provide bipartisan leadership on the passage of
the Equality Act."
Equality Forum 2016 recently announced that this year’s summit will be held July 25th through July 28th
during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
Equality Forum 2016 will bring together elected officials, newsmakers
and LGBT experts for content-rich panel discussions on the state and
future of the LGBT movement, as well as two historic marker dedications
and two award ceremonies.
Auditions announced for world premiere musical, "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
Details at https://arvadacenter.org/on-stage/theater/auditions.
Thank President Obama for making the Stonewall Inn a national monument!
Click to sign One Colorado's letter to thank President Obama.
New York City to Host 2019 International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's Annual Global Convention
2019 marks a pivotal moment in the City’s history, with the 50th anniversary of the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising, widely considered the catalyst of the modern LGBT rights movement. In celebration of the milestone, New York City will also be home to WorldPride 2019, an expanded two-month series of events and programs alongside NYC Pride’s annual events.
“In 2019, New York City will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and IGLTA has chosen to share this celebration with the global LGBT travel industry,” said IGLTA Board Chair Juan Julia. “Our members will be able to attend a great conference and also experience New York City's incredibly vibrant LGBT community. Rich with history and the cachet of being the city that never sleeps, there’s never a shortage of things to do in New York City, whether you're looking for theater, film screenings, museums, restaurants or world-class gay bars and clubs.”
The announcement comes on the heels of New York City’s annual Pride celebration, which took place June 19-26 and is among the most popular in the world. Each year, millions of people participate in events including The March, PrideFest, Dance on the Pier, and The Rally.
“We are thrilled that in 2019, just months before the 50th anniversary of the historic events at Stonewall, New York City will be home to IGLTA’s Annual Global Convention,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “We look forward to showing IGLTA’s membership exactly what makes New York City the most vibrant and welcoming LGBT destination in the world.”
According to Community Marketing, Inc., New York City is the #1 LGBT destination in the United States.
Monday, June 27, 2016
#RestInPRIDE
Recently the #RestInPRIDE movement launched a new video campaign honoring the 49 innocent lives lost at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. By sharing uplifting video messages with heart, #RestInPRIDE furthers the important conversation that needs to continue about the victims.
The campaign launch video encourages the LGBT community and allies to record and post their most PRIDEFUL memory to the #RestInPRIDE Facebook page. The initial video features numerous celebrities including Rumer Willis, Wilson Cruz, Greg Louganis, Candis Cayne and other LGBT advocates and allies all sharing their stories.
DNC Celebrates LGBT Progress
Sunday, June 26 one year since the Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land nationwide in its Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. June 26th is also the anniversary of three other landmark pro-LGBT Supreme Court decisions: U.S. v. Windsor (2013), Hollingsworth v. Perry (2013), and Lawrence v. Texas (2003).
As we celebrate this important day, the Democratic National Committee has produced a video reflecting on eight years of progress for LGBT Americans during President Obama’s administration.
As we celebrate this important day, the Democratic National Committee has produced a video reflecting on eight years of progress for LGBT Americans during President Obama’s administration.
The Freedom to Marry
Winning the freedom to marry here in the United States brought
happiness, security, and dignity to so many – more than a million gay
people have married in the US; just multiply that by loved ones,
families, friends, co-worker, kids, and other lives touched – and proved
that the right combination of a movement, a strategy, a campaign, hard
work, and persistence can transform hearts, minds, and, then the law.
The inspiration and lessons from this epic triumph are in big demand for
the causes and challenges that remain unfinished on so many fronts here
in the US and around the world.
As we celebrate the anniversary of the victory, we can relive this emotional story and enduring lessons through award-winning filmmaker Eddie Rosenstein’s new documentary – aptly titled “The Freedom to Marry.” It’s a “War Room” style film full of exclusive behind-the-scenes portraits of the campaign, strategy, and battles that ended marriage discrimination nationwide.
The film officially premiered yesterday in San Francisco – to rave reviews from critics, calling it “This summer’s hot new documentary” that “will stand as the record of the LGBT community’s struggle for marriage equality.”
As we celebrate the anniversary of the victory, we can relive this emotional story and enduring lessons through award-winning filmmaker Eddie Rosenstein’s new documentary – aptly titled “The Freedom to Marry.” It’s a “War Room” style film full of exclusive behind-the-scenes portraits of the campaign, strategy, and battles that ended marriage discrimination nationwide.
The film officially premiered yesterday in San Francisco – to rave reviews from critics, calling it “This summer’s hot new documentary” that “will stand as the record of the LGBT community’s struggle for marriage equality.”
Prague Pride Announces “LGB and a full day for ’T‘ ” Travel Symposium August 11 and 12
“The importance that tourism plays in the Czech ecoonomy is huge and growing“, said Czeslaw Walek, Prague Pride’s Board Chair. “Our goal for the two days is to help the Central and Eastern Europe tourism sector learn from global experts how to grow this important market.“
Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications added “Prague Pride is quickly cementing its reputation as a vital crossroads for LGBT travel and cross-cultural marketing. I am honored to celebrate our Czech hosts and global partners who are opening doors for LGBT visitors, families, entrepreneurs and leaders.”
Experts from China, Germany and the Czech Republic will present current data on LGBT travel trends.
The Thursday program revolves around LGBT tourism in the private sector as well as marketing support for LGBT tourism by public tourism authorities. Global panelists include Richard Gray, Managing Director, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications, a leading LGBT communications strategist, and Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market Management, Visit Berlin.
Friday’s focus will be on transgender tourism. Panelists will discuss how the travel and tourism industry can best offer a great vacation with no compromises about personal identity. The topic will be introduced by Lexi Dee, the president of Southern Comfort Conference, the biggest transgender travel conference in the United States. “What an incredible honor it is to participate in Prague Pride this year and experience all this festival offers, while sharing with attendees how diversity and the LGBTQ community is an integral part of the personality and vibe for a destination to be truly inclusive, said Richard Gray,” Managing Director, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our historic transgender campaign has positioned Greater Fort Lauderdale as a global visionary and accepting leader. With a new all Families Rule advertising campaign featuring the modern definition of family, we are once again leading the way in North America for LGBTQ marketing.” Added Lexi Dee, President of the Southern Comfort Transgender Conference “Having been an advocate for the transgender community for many years, one of my most important goals is to help ensure that all people of the LGBTQ community, that traveling can be safe and fun! Many places throughout the world now welcome our people and Pride events are being held in most countries.”
Both days offer exceptional networking opportunities and the ability to have one-on-one conversations with the experts. Panels will be moderated by 30 year LGBT travel Industry veteran, Charlie Rounds and will be held at the Marriott Hotel Prague.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
M·A·C AIDS Fund Awards Grant to National LGBTQ Task Force
“Work on HIV/AIDS has always been a vitally important priority for the National LGBTQ Task Force,” said Russell Roybal, National LGBTQ Task Force Deputy Executive Director. “Today our focus is on those most impacted by the epidemic: people of color, people who inject drugs, transgender people who lack access to trans-inclusive health care, and people in the criminal justice system.
In 1990, former National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director Urvashi Vaid interrupted President George H.W. Bush’s first and only AIDS policy speech. For decades, the organization has been advocating for support, resources, and access to health care for the most vulnerable affected by HIV/AIDS.
The M·A·C AIDS Fund works to support people of all ages, races, and sexes affected by HIV/AIDS. MAF partners with organizations who confront the epidemic in countries and communities where people are most neglected, off the radar, and at highest risk.
Barbra Streisand to release 'Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway' album August 26th
The inspired new musical pairings on "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway" include Alec Baldwin, Antonio Banderas, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Seth MacFarlane, Melissa McCarthy, Chris Pine, Daisy Ridley, Patrick Wilson, and a spectacular virtual duet with Anthony Newley.
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