What You Need to Know About

Aspen Gay Ski Week (AGSW) is eight months away and they are moving full steam ahead with planning efforts. AGSW will be celebrating their 44th year in January 2021. AGSW is the world’s largest and only non-profit gay ski week. Last year AspenOUT gave approximately $100,000 back to the LGBTQ community via grants and scholarships. AGSW is essential to fundraising, without it they would not be able to fund programs and grantees. In the coming months AGSW will be keeping a close watch on the C-19 Pandemic and the success of abatement measures. Stay tuned to the website and social media and be sure to check out the following virtual events.

• QuaranTEA Virtual Dance Parties

• Live from PTown Virtual Piano Bar (Fundraiser for Lift Up)

• Virtual Downhill Photo Competition (Win Black Diamond Passes)

• Memory Lane Mondays

• Virtual Drag Queen Bingo
 (Date Coming Soon)
• New Text Messaging Club for Real Time Updates


National Black Justice Coalition Calls for Justice in the Murder of McKinsley LaKeith Lincoln

On the morning of May 15, 2020, in Alexandria, Louisiana, the family of McKinsley LaKeith Lincoln filed a missing person report after McKinsley had been missing from the family home for more than 24 hours. Within hours of filing the missing persons report the Alexandria Police Department discovered the body of a “deceased male with visible gunshot wound,” as reported by the local news. The Lincoln family learned that the body reported by the news may have been McKinsley through phone calls from neighbors. The Lincoln family has been forced to make sense of the murder of McKinsley Lincoln with little, proactive, communication with the Alexandria Police Department. The family of McKinsley Lincoln engaged the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) because they felt frustrated with the lack of communication with and from the Alexandria Police Department.

“McKinsley is an openly gay man and was the target of harassment and discrimination,” said Pamela Lincoln, McKinsley’s mother. “The police have a responsibility to ensure justice for the people of this parish. They have not done enough to fulfill their oath. They haven’t protected and served us.”

NBJC contacted civil rights attorneys Benjamin Crump and Jasmine Rand and Louisiana State Representative and attorney Edward C. “Ted” James to raise awareness, ask questions, and ensure that there is a full and complete investigation into the murder of McKinsley Lincoln. Within 24 hours Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall confirmed the Alexandria Police Department has agreed to act diligently to investigate surrounding facts and circumstances and is investigating the murder of McKinsley Lincoln as a hate crime. Members of traditional civil rights and progressive LGBTQ+ equality communities are actively monitoring the progress of the investigation to ensure that it is complete, fair, and impartial.

In response to the tragedy, David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), released the following statement:

“This tragic incident should be a reminder that hate crimes against Black LGBTQ and same gender loving people happen too frequently--often without the national public outcry that our heterosexual brothers and sisters receive. In 2018 alone, over 1,500 hate crimes based on bias against someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity were reported. And the violence is escalating.

There was more than a 18 percent increase in these hate crimes from 2016 to 2018 and the FBI reports an 11 percent increase in anti-Black hate crimes during the same period.

“We should all be clear about the fact that hate crimes against people of every racial and ethnic category increased across the board after the 2016 election. Trump has escalated the violence with racist rhetoric and destructive policies designed to divide and keep some of us locked out of access to opportunity. The clearest consequences of these deleterious actions are evident in these examples of vitriol, violence, and death.

“The National Black Justice Coalition stands with the family of McKinsley LaKeith Lincoln in calling upon Jeffrey W. Hall (318-449-5000) and the Alexandria Police Department (318-449-5099) to conduct a complete and full investigation into the murder of McKinsley LaKeith Lincoln. Not one member of our beautifully diverse community should experience violence, discrimination, or be murdered as a result of who we are or how we show up in the world. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that we create a strong and inclusive community.”

CAMPUS PRIDE HONORS LGBTQ+ GRADS WITH NATIONAL LAVENDER GRADUATION

On Saturday, May 23 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, Campus Pride in partnership with PFLAG National will host a national “Lavender Graduation” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) and ally graduates of the Class of 2020 to celebrate and honor their achievements. This free, live streaming event will feature commencement remarks from openly LGBTQ+ U.S. Congressmembers Sharice Davids and Chris Pappas along with Billy Bean, Major League Baseball’s Vice President of Social Responsibility and Inclusion, and Ronni Sanlo, founder of the Lavender Graduation movement. Over a dozen LGBTQ-inclusive colleges & universities will be spotlighted during the program alongside the aspirations of the Class of 2020 LGBTQ+ and ally college graduates. Viewers can tune in at CampusPride.org/2020, on Campus Pride’s social media channels, and on PFLAG National’s Facebook page.

“Everyone deserves access to higher education and a welcoming, safe space to learn, live and thrive. It is most appropriate, in this time, to honor the Class of 2020 who deserve to be celebrated for their achievement,” said Shane Windmeyer, the Executive Director of Campus Pride. “This virtual Lavender Graduation is one way we can tell LGBTQ+ and ally graduates of the Class of 2020 that we see you - and that you matter, your achievements matter.”

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the very first Lavender Graduation organized at the University of Michigan. Sanlo, who created the program, is a pioneer of campus organizing for LGBTQ+ people within higher education. Since 1995, Lavender Graduation has been a commencement tradition for LGBTQ+ and ally college students that is now included in many universities across the United States.

"Graduation is not a given. It takes drive, tenacity, and support from family and friends to achieve, which is doubly true for LGBTQ+ students. To members of the Lavender Class of 2020, PFLAG families across the country swell with pride in you," said Diego Sanchez, who, in addition to serving as Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Partnerships for PFLAG National, was the first in his family to have attended college, first to graduate, and was the first openly transgender person to serve as senior legislative staff on Capitol Hill.

Campus Pride’s Lavender Graduation digital event is being made possible with support of the Palette Fund.

Tracee Ellis Ross - Love Myself

Emmy Nominated and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross releases the official music video to “Love Myself” today. “Love Myself” is the first single to the upcoming film The High Note in which Tracee Ellis Ross stars in as recording artist “Grace Davis.”

Last week, Tracee Ellis Ross debuted “Love Myself” on Instagram Live to fans and friends like, Michelle Obama, Janelle Monáe, Lena Waithe, Sarah Paulson, Kerry Washington, her incredible mother Diana Ross, and more. 

Watch the premiere HERE and listen to “Love Myself” HERE.

Written by Sarah Aarons [Alessia Cara, John Legend, Khalid] and Greg Kurstin [Paul McCartney, P!nk, Céline Dion], “Love Myself” is a pivotal song in the movie performed by Tracee Ellis Ross as “Grace Davis.” This notably marks the first time the actress has released a song, which highlights her dynamic voice as “Grace Davis” and sets the stage for both the record and the film.

The video will make its broadcast debut on BET Thursday 5/21 at noon Eastern via their cable TV music platforms BET Soul and BET Her.

Republic Records and Focus Features recently announced the release of The High Note Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on May 29, 2020. The soundtrack will arrive the same day as the film, which will be available on at home on demand.

THE HARRIS POLL: LGBT AMERICANS REPORT STRONG TRAVEL NEEDS AND DEFINITE PLANS DESPITE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Not surprising to observe, most American adults surveyed this month by The Harris Poll, express reservations and go-slow attitudes towards reviving their leisure and business travel habits. Acknowledging serious public health concerns as well as new limits promoting safe travel and accommodations practices, even the most frequent travelers cite caution in making their next plans in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
In many ways, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults appear to mirror their non-LGBT counterparts, yet depart in key ways including their past frequency of travel. LGBT adults, for example, reported taking an average of 3.6 leisure trips in the past year (compared to 2.3 leisure trips for non-LGBT adults) as well as 2.1 business trips, on average, compared to 1.2 trips by non-LGBT adults.

Other key differences also surfaced in this study:

• LGBT adults are twice as likely to plan travel over Memorial Day weekend vs. non-LGBT adults (8% vs. 4%).
• Asked when they anticipate their next leisure trip, 28% of LGBT adults responded it would take place in the next four months (May-August) when contrasted with 21% of non-LGBT adults.  Just over half (51%) of LGBT adults vs. 46% of non-LGBT adults expect to travel for vacation in 2020.
• 46% of LGBT adults (when compared with 37% of non-LGBT counterparts) expect the pandemic situation will be resolved before this year’s summer travel season.

These are some of the results of an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll® among 2,508 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+ between May 6 and 8, 2020. 284 adult respondents self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) including an oversample. Complete results of this study can be found at https://theharrispoll.com/travel/.

“Americans so often feel travel is their lifeblood,” said Erica Parker, Managing Director of The Harris Poll. “Our newest benchmark reveals how conflicted, uncertain or confused many of us feel balancing our need to travel with health risks and cautions. It’s especially enlightening to contrast similarities and differences among us, including LGBT travelers.”

Whether traveling or not in the near-term, LGBT respondents reported feeling more comfortable than others making these specific travel choices today:

• Traveling to a US destination: 64% LGBT vs. 58% non-LGBT adults.
• Staying in a hotel: 59% LGBT vs. 50% non-LGBT adults.
• Staying at an Airbnb: 43% LGBT vs. 35% non-LGBT adults.
• Flying commercial aircraft: 43% LGBT vs. 35% non-LGBT adults.
• Traveling to Europe: 35% LGBT vs. 28% non-LGBT adults.
• Attending a crowded event, concert, theme park or beach: 33% LGBT vs. 25% non-LGBT.
• Taking a cruise: 31% LGBT vs. 23% non-LGBT.

Finally, when asked what conditions or arguments will have the greatest impact on their personal decisions favoring leisure travel in 2020, LGBT travelers disproportionately favored several:

• Significantly reduced public health risks: 60% LGBT vs. 54% non-LGBT.
• Strong need for travel/change of scenery: 54% LGBT vs. 43% non-LGBT.
• Compelling travel bargains and promotions: 47% LGBT vs. 36% non-LGBT.
• Personal desire to support a destination and local economy: 48% LGBT vs. 33% non-LGBT.

“Past research tells us travel remains a high priority for LGBT consumers – even when overcoming setbacks,” said Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications, an LGBT market expert. “We witnessed this in 2001 following 9/11, as well as post-recession in 2009, when LGBT adults showed strong personal appetite to travel once again. As conditions permit, and the economy reopens, we anticipate LGBT travelers again will be found towards the front of many lines at airports, hotels and desirable destinations.”

"All of us working in LGBTQ+ tourism have witnessed the resilience and loyalty of our travel community, yet having data to back this up is essential to ensure that LGBTQ+ travelers are valued as the tourism industry at large begins its recovery," said John Tanzella, President/CEO of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (www.iglta.org). "We are pleased to see that The Harris Poll places LGBTQ+ travelers at the forefront and that these findings among the U.S. LGBT community align with our recent survey of LGBTQ+ travel sentiment around the world."

Take the 14th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey

Please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 14th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey!

For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. The report will be published on the CMI.info website for free download on approximately June 30. Previous surveys have had over 45,000 participants from 150 countries!

Also, participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBTQ community media and organizations, and provides data to companies interested in serving our community, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBTQ employees.

Everyone who completes the survey by May 31, 2020 may enter into a drawing to win one of twenty US $50 cash or gift certificate prizes or donate your prize to an LGBTQ charity of your choice. The survey should take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete.

NEA and Human Rights Campaign release resource for educators to support LGBTQ students during COVID-19

The National Education Association, in conjunction with the Human Rights Campaign, released a new resource for educators to support LGBTQ students during COVID-19 and online distance learning. 

The two organizations released a checklist for teachers who want to support their LGBTQ students.

“NEA is proud to partner with the Human Rights Campaign to promote this valuable and timely checklist to support LGBTQ student during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia. “School buildings are closed for now, but the work of educators continues. And during these challenging times, we need to make sure that we continue to provide a safe and affirming learning experience for LGBTQ students during distance learning.”

• By using a free HRC Zoom background or by visibly displaying LGBTQ-affirming posters when speaking on screen, educators can quickly send the message that the learning environment repects and affirms LGBTQ identities.
• Educators can also normalize pronoun use by adding their own pronouns to virtual platforms and allowing space for students to share their own. It is important to note that not all students will have access to private connections. This may impact the name or pronouns they use as parents/guardians could potentially listen in.
• Educators should also talk to their students about internet safety and suggest affirming online options where they can connect with their LGBTQ peers and can receive support from trained professionals.

New Music and Daily Videos from Rufus Wainwright

GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has unveiled the latest single from his eagerly anticipated new pop album, UNFOLLOW THE RULES. “Alone Time” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services; an official companion video, created by award-winning animator Josh Shaffner and featuring illustrations by Wainwright and Shaffner, is streaming HERE. UNFOLLOW THE RULES arrives via BMG on Friday, July 10; pre-orders are available now HERE.

“‘Alone Time’ is the end title of my upcoming album, UNFOLLOW THE RULES,” says Wainwright, “an old school record that attempts to take the listener on a rich journey through the myriad of experiences of this thing we call ‘life.’ It is my belief that with everyone and everything, ultimately, all conclusions are about solitude and the acceptance of that fact, and that often this is a very beautiful realization. But today, in these dark times, I’m thinking a lot about the thousands of people who, due to COVID-19, are forced to experience intense isolation at the end of their days in order to save others, and the incredible fear that that must entail. This track is humbly dedicated to them; it is a wish of hope and a prayer for grace that they feel some sense of joy and comfort in knowing they are performing such an incredible act of sacrifice for humanity.”

Wainwright is offering fans further solace with his ongoing #Quarantunes series of #MusicalEverydays and #RobeRecitals, presented each day via his official Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE. The daily videos see the singer-songwriter supreme performing new songs from UNFOLLOW THE RULES alongside classic catalog favorites, surprising rarities, and beloved cover versions.

Revry Selected for Inaugural Goldman Sachs Launch With GS Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) has selected Revry to participate in the first Launch With GS Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort. This eight-week virtual experience will provide high-touch access and resources to a select group of U.S.-based Black and Latinx founders to fast-track their companies’ growth and build relationships with investors and industry experts.

Revry’s 4 founders (75% People of Color) will participate in virtual, customized 1-on-1 and sector specific workshops with Goldman Sachs leaders and will meet with industry-leading startup experts on topics ranging from legal considerations to cap table structure to marketing and branding.

Revry is the first LGBTQ+ virtual cable network offering free live TV channels and On-Demand viewing of its global library featuring LGBTQ+ movies, shows, music, podcasts, news, and exclusive originals all in one place. Named to the prestigious Southern California Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers for six years in a row, Alia J. Daniels has found her niche at the intersection of entrepreneurship, digital media and law as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer for Revry, where she is dedicated to create avenues for authentic representation in media. Revry’s co-founder and Latinx Chief Business Officer, Christopher J. Rodriguez is a producer and entertainment attorney with a background in reality television and digital media including acting as legal counsel on a myriad of award-winning shows including Shark Tank, Deadliest Catch, Jay Leno’s Garage, The People’s Choice Awards, and Storage Wars. And veteran LaShawn McGhee, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Revry, supported her country as an army nurse years before committing to her film career with a masters in film from AFI and working on film, television, and documentary projects as both Editor, Assistant Editor and Executive Producer. The company is rounded out with their 4th Co-Founder and CEO, Damian Pelliccione.

"It's wonderful to see such a high profile company like Goldman Sach recognize the value that our diverse perspectives have contributed to the unique way we approach business and think outside the box " said Christopher J. Rodriguez, Latinx Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer.

"Being selected to be part of the cohort is such an honor! Goldman Sachs is really leading the way in showing the investment world that supporting entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds is not only the right thing to do, it's just good business." said Alia J. Daniel, Esq., African American Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer.

“We are excited about Revry’s LGBTQ global streaming platform and reach,” said Jemma Wolfe, Head of Launch With GS. “We are very impressed with the founding team, Damian Pelliccone, Christopher Rodriguez, Alia J. Daniels and LaShawn McGhee, and are excited to collaborate with them in our first cohort as they continue to scale Revry.”

The Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort is a part of Launch With GS, Goldman Sachs’ $500 million investment strategy grounded in the belief that diverse teams drive strong returns. Through Launch With GS, Goldman Sachs aims to increase access to capital and facilitate connections for women, Black, Latinx and other diverse entrepreneurs and investors.

Logo TV's Youtube/Facebook channels set to premiere pilot episode of "Mélange"

Logo TV’s YouTube and Facebook channels will premiere the pilot episode of the serialized drama “Mélange” on Wednesday, May 20th.

Executive produced by award-winning theatrical producer and political activist Tom D’Angora, the series centers around the fight of ownership for a historic gay watering hole, Mélange. After the bar’s founder, Dorian Sydney “Syd” Winchester (“Guiding Light’s” Robert Newman), mysteriously and suddenly dies, his strikingly handsome protege ́ Ryann Parker (Evans) and estranged ex-wife Vivian King (Fairchild) battle for control. As the stakes rise and tensions mount, Mélange becomes infested with betrayal, corruption, and revenge while exploring modern themes of sexuality, immigration, addiction, power, and inclusion.

(G)I-DLE - LATATA

On the heels of their critically acclaimed mini album I trust and sustained worldwide success, K-Pop sensation (G)I-DLE present the English Version of their international smash “LATATA” via Republic Records today. Get it HERE.
 
They add another dimension to the track as the English lyrics take flight over the instantly recognizable production and irresistible bounce. The original, released in 2018, impressively clocked over 69 million Spotify streams and 153 million YouTube views to date.
 
Recently (G)I-DLE made their official U.S. debut with the release of I trust. The mini album reached the #1 position at the iTunes Overall Album Charts in 61 markets.  The group continue to receive tastemaker praise across the board. In the wake of I trust, MTV observed, “It's that tenacity that solidifies (G)I-DLE as a formidable group eager to claim the global throne.” Meanwhile, Just Jared proclaimed, “(G)I-DLE is ready to take over!” Billboard described the music video for “Oh My God” as “Stunning.” The visual alone has racked up an astonishing 82 million YouTube views since its release last month.  Get I trust HERE.

This Will Put a Little Wind in Your Sails

The beautiful Caribbean Sea beckons, and it's hard to resist her siren call.

But no worries matey, you don't have to hold yourself back from planning for the upcoming holidays. After all, you need something to look forward to, and besides, yacht charters are the original social distancing!

Sail out of the doldrums of lockdown with GayTravel's "Top 10 Reasons To Charter a Private Yacht in the Caribbean."

2020 MMAA National Gala Canceled

By Jennifer Dane, Interim Executive Director, Modern Military Association of America

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s no way to sugar coat this.

Because the health and safety of our members and supporters are the most important thing right now, we must cancel the 2020 MMAA National Gala that was planned for September.

This is deeply disappointing to all of us. The MMAA National Gala is our one big opportunity each year to gather with friends, celebrate the LGBTQ military and veteran community, and raise crucial funds in our fight for equality.

This year was going to be an especially important event as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and focus on the battles we have yet to win. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we simply don’t anticipate being able to safely bring together hundreds of people in September.

Unfortunately, this also places us in a difficult position financially. The MMAA National Gala is our one big annual fundraising event. Without the corporate sponsorships and individual donations from the event, we will fall short of what we need to continue our mission.

So today, if you're able, I’m asking you to help us fill the gap caused by cancelling the event. I know many of you are not in a position to be able to contribute. But if you have the ability, we'd be so very grateful. Every little bit counts.

If you make a tax-deductible donation now, we will be able to continue our incredibly important mission in education, advocacy and support for the LGBTQ military and veteran community.

Real-life couple FAB THE DUO release new track "Stubborn"

Fab The Duo, a biracial glam pop-rock duo and real-life couple, today release a brand new track “Stubborn” from their forthcoming EP. Listen to “Stubborn” HERE.

Of “Stubborn,” Fab The Duo says: “‘Stubborn’ is our most personal song, and the first song we’re releasing where we really open up about our relationship. Sometimes it can be hard being two people with strong personalities and opinions in a relationship, but at the end of the day we’re too stubborn to give up on each other. We wanted to release a stripped down track that shares who are.”

Fab The Duo, who met each other on Tinder, are aiming to change the cultural narrative about love in the LGBTQ space. The duo’s most recent single, “No Prince Charming (feat. MariahLynn),” was released in February exclusively through Billboard Pride. Watch the video HERE. Other previously released tracks include “I Want A Man” and “American Icon.” Their forthcoming EP titled Our Love Is Resistance will be released later this year.

Join today's online Door-to-Door campaign to show that LGBTQ+ households count!

Spread the word on International Day of Families* by snapping a photo of your gorgeous family and sharing it with us online today, Friday, May 15. We want to flood the Internet with these images to raise awareness and show the world what LGBTQ families look like and that we matter.

1. Make a sign and write the number of people that were living or staying at your address on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Use paper and a pen, crayon, marker, etc or you can also display it on your computer monitor or a mobile device.

2. Snap a photo. Strike a pose with everyone in your household in front of the door of your house, apartment, or mobile home. Hold the sign in front of you, or display it another way, and snap a photo – or have a friend or family member that might be staying with you but isn’t included in the number take the photo for you! Make sure that there’s light in front of you, rather than behind you.

3. Post your photo today, May 15, using the hashtags #LGBTQFamiliesCount & #QueertheCensus. Let the world know you’re committed to queering the Census! Post your selfie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and any of your other favorite social networks.

It’s essential that all of our households are counted in the 2020 Census, and we want you to join us virtually door-to-door across the United States.

*In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided in a resolution (A/RES/47/237) that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.