PASSPORT Magazine Releases Post-Vaccine 2021 Travel Forecast

With the arrival and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine, PASSPORT Magazine teamed with IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) to discover traveler's confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and assess their travel plans for 2021.

A survey was sent out to over 94,000 travelers subscribed to PASSPORT Magazine along with IGLTA subscribers and asked when they plan to travel, where they plan to go, how they plan to get there, and more.

Key findings from the survey include:
~ 79% of travelers plan to get vaccinated before the summer
~ 58% of travelers plan to make their first trips before the fall of 2021
~ 38% of travelers plan to visit Europe for their next vacation
~ 52% of travelers plan to visit urban/cultural destinations

PGA REACH Announces the Paul Millsap PGA WORKS Fellowship

On the heels of naming four-time NBA All-Star and Denver Nuggets Power Forward Paul Millsap as the first-ever PGA WORKS Ambassador, PGA REACH, the 501(c)3 charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced the Paul Millsap PGA WORKS Fellowship.

The 12-month paid Fellowship, which will be based at the Georgia PGA Section office in Atlanta, will deliver an experience that provides valuable insight for pursuing a career in the golf industry.

Focused on engaging a broad demographic of participants—with consideration to gender, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability and Veteran status—the Paul Millsap PGA WORKS Fellowship is designed to prepare an individual from a diverse background to pursue a career within the golf industry.

The Fellowship made possible by the Paul Millsap Foundation is named for one of the NBA’s most passionate contributors to underrepresented communities. Millsap was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft (47th overall) out of Louisiana Tech, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He played for both the Jazz and Atlanta Hawks, prior to joining the Denver Nuggets in 2017.

The primary responsibilities of the Paul Millsap PGA WORKS Fellow will be to support and execute philanthropic activities for the Georgia PGA Section and Foundation, including PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and junior golf programming, such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt. Additionally, the Fellow will play an integral role assisting with marketing and communications and special event coordination related to philanthropic programs.

“As a PGA WORKS Ambassador, I am excited to partner with PGA REACH to provide this wonderful opportunity for a paid fellowship for someone that may not have otherwise realized the opportunities available within the golf industry,” said Millsap.

Millsap and CORE4, a state-of-the-art, Atlanta-based facility, which the NBA star co-founded with his three brothers, is committed to an exceptional training protocol for athletes of all ages and skill levels. CORE4’s mantra, “The Power of 4: Character, Community, Commitment and Competition” and how it leads to life success both on and off the court, aligns with the PGA WORKS platform.

PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry.

“PGA WORKS strives to inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities in the golf industry and serves as the backbone of our inclusion initiatives in PGA REACH,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “Paul Millsap and CORE4 are equally passionate about providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and we are so pleased to offer this Fellowship, which will open doors to a career in the golf industry.”

APA Salutes Actions by Biden Administration to Elevate Science, Promote Health and Mental Health

As the new administration completed its first week, the American Psychological Association voiced approval of policies President Joe Biden has adopted to address the COVID-19 pandemic, racism, immigration, climate change, LGBTQ rights and access to health care, among others. Yet APA noted that work still remains for the White House and Congress to work together to permanently address this host of important issues that face the nation.

“We are gratified to see the immediate steps taken by the new administration that will ultimately benefit the health and mental health of our nation,” said APA President Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD. “We applaud President Biden’s application of science to public policy and salute his elevating the job of director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to a Cabinet-level position. The president’s day one efforts to accelerate the manufacture and equitable distribution of vaccines, tests and protective equipment are crucial to our nation’s response to COVID-19. We look forward to working together to apply psychological science to this important work.”

The policy positions of the new administration, as reflected in the executive orders that Biden has issued and revoked, align with APA’s key priorities, Kelly said.

“We appreciate the White House’s actions to help ensure the humane treatment of immigrants to the United States, and particularly for the reunification of children who were separated from their parents,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, PhD. “We also support the administration’s actions to reinstate the policy allowing transgender people to serve in the military, since scientific research shows not only the deleterious effects of discrimination but that gender identity is irrelevant to the ability to serve our nation. We are also pleased that this White House has made curbing global warming a priority, especially given growing anxiety and concern about the environment documented by psychological research,” said Evans.

Racial equity is another area where APA and the field of psychology have much to offer and where the White House is moving in a positive direction, Kelly said. “We wholeheartedly applaud the administration’s actions aimed at advancing racial equity and creating a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. The White House is also taking important steps toward ending systemic racism in housing and criminal justice,” she said. “And we support the administration’s plan to end the ban on certain diversity training and direct federal agencies to take action to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and root out workplace discrimination.” Evans noted that issuing executive orders and policy statements may not immediately change how federal agencies act in some cases because rules may have already been finalized by the prior administration. “In addition, Congress should enact laws to make permanent many of these new policies,” he said. “Legislative action is necessary to address lingering uncertainty and ensure that America is focused on grappling with the many crises we face in a thoughtful, research-based way.”

National Plan for Vacation Day Unlocks Summer Travel Booking Deals in Colorado

National Plan for Vacation Day is today, Jan. 26, and now is the perfect time to start planning a summertime getaway to colorful Colorado. The Colorado Tourism Office and the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association have teamed up to provide travelers with an exclusive lineup of irresistible summertime lodging deals to book now for travel this summer. This three-week promotion, running Jan. 26 to Feb. 15, 2021, highlights deals and packages from across the state, all compiled into a traveler-friendly landing page on www.COLORADO.com.

Below is a sampling of the limited-time offers now available to travelers in search of a summertime adventure. Most offers encourage booking now for summer travel through Labor Day and provide flexible cancellation policies. To view the Colorado travel deals in this promotion, please visit www.Colorado.com/National-Plan-Vacation-Day. Travelers can look forward to an incredible summer adventure amidst Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and wide open spaces.

$200 Resort Credit at Garden of the Gods Resort, Colorado Springs: Guests get more when booking a summer vacation right now. This offer, which includes daily breakfast and a $200 resort credit for spa, dining, golf, tennis and more, gives guests a chance to escape to Colorado’s premier wellness resort set amidst the iconic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods Park this summer.  

15% Off at The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block, Denver: The Maven delivers an industrial hotel experience with an energetic lobby highlighting an eclectic mix of local art and handmade products, now at 15 percent off its best available rate. The Maven anchors Dairy Block, Denver’s micro-district that celebrates the maker – a vibrant community of inspired retailers, chefs, creators and cocktail crafters.

Mountain Bike Like A Girl Experience at The Gant, Aspen: To celebrate the Roaring Fork Valley’s designation as an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Gold-Level Ride Center, one of only seven locations in the world and the first in Colorado, this experience is geared toward females seeking to learn or perfect their mountain biking skills. Beyond biking, the experience highlights offerings from female entrepreneurs with ties to the Roaring Fork Valley including SHREDLY, Osmia Organic and O2 Life and includes 20 percent off lodging reservations.

25% Off at Monarch Casino Resort Spa, Black Hawk: Test Lady Luck at the newly renovated Monarch Casino Resort Spa and save 25 percent off a premier room to retreat to after some heart-pounding gaming action.

30% Off at Beaver Run Resort, Breckenridge: When booking a six-night stay, guests receive 30 percent off their stay plus a $60 gift card that can be used at any onsite restaurant or at The Spa at Beaver Run.

Save 25% On 7 Nights at The Limelight Hotel, Snowmass: Guests save 25 percent when booking seven nights or more on their summer vacation at this stylish basecamp located in the heart of Snowmass Base Village, a destination that has an all-but endless supply of adventure and cultural activities to keep visitors excited and inspired.

Book 2 Nights, Get 3 Free at Kinship Landing, Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs’ newest downtown hotel offers guests the chance to book two nights and get the third for free. This friendly boutique hotel is located in downtown Colorado Springs and is in walking distance from the new U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame.

Save 15% On A Two-Night Stay at Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge, Telluride: Guests save 15 percent when booking a stay of two nights or more in these luxury Telluride residences. Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge offers superbly appointed two and three bedroom residences and attentive, personalized service in the San Juan Mountains.

Save 20% On a Two-Night Stay + $50 Resort Credit at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek presents the Colorado Getaway, a package that includes 20 percent off a two-night stay and $50 resort credit. With sweeping views from the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa offers guests a luxurious escape in Colorado’s Vail Valley. 

Discounted Stay and Hotel Credit at The St. Julien Hotel and Spa, Boulder:  Experience beautiful Boulder, Colorado and enjoy a discounted rate on a three-night stay at St. Julien Hotel & Spa, as well as a $25 hotel credit that may be used anywhere on property, including Jill’s Restaurant, T-Zero Lounge, toward in-room dining or Spa at St. Julien and a bottle of selected wine upon arrival.

15% Off Any Cabin or Glamping Tent Rental at Royal Gorge Cabins: Royal Gorge Cabins offers 15 percent off any glamping tent or cabin rental with first class amenities, outstanding guest services to help you plan your activities, close proximity to an abundance of outdoor adventures, and incredible mountain views – all just an hour from Colorado Springs.

The FoCo Beer Experience from the Elizabeth Hotel, Fort Collins: The Elizabeth Hotel FoCo Beer Experience includes an assortment of two local craft beers, one Elizabeth Hotel beer growler and assorted souvenirs from local breweries. Located in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, The Elizabeth Hotel is a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary featuring luxe amenities like an Instrument Lending Library and in-room record players, local artwork and central location to FoCo’s famed breweries.

Deals also include offerings from Colorado’s dude and guest ranches and renowned properties such as the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, the Gaylord Rockies Resort, the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, JW Marriott in Cherry Creek, The Cliff House at Pikes Peak and more.

2021 VinCO Awards of Excellence Announced

The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) just finished their annual VinCO Conference, which took place January 18-22 virtually for the first time ever, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. VinCO is the region's premier grape growing and winemaking conference and brings together top experts in enology, viticulture, and marketing.

This year's conference brought together over 20 speakers virtually from around the country to speak specifically to the wine and grape growing industry about topics ranging from tasting room best practices and Covid-era marketing tips to wine chemistry and vineyard management. VinCO also featured panel discussions, virtual wine tastings and almost 20 educational seminars.

"We felt it was incredibly important to find a way to host VinCO this January after the year our industry experienced in 2020. This unique conference brings together winemakers and grape growers from all over the country. It gives attendees the opportunity to learn and collaborate towards improving and expanding Colorado's growing industry," says Cassidee Shull, CAVE Executive Director.

The highlight of the conference are the Awards of Excellence, in which the CAVE members nominate the Grape Grower of the Year, Winery of the Year, and Friend of the Colorado Wine Industry. This year's awards were presented to:

Bennett Price
2020 Grape Grower of the Year 

Price is one of the original pioneers of Colorado wines and is responsible for many of the wineries here today. Over the past 40 years, Bennett Price through his vineyard management company, installed vineyards, managed vineyards and sold vineyard supplies, making grape growing a reality in the Grand Valley. Bennett is one of the trailblazers of the Colorado wine industry starting in the 1980's planting the first commercial vineyard on East Orchard Mesa, the Danny Bracken Vineyard. Bennett helped many people get their start in the wine industry by installing their vineyards in the Grand Valley, such as Plum Creek Cellars, Grande River Vineyards and Canyon Wind Cellars. He worked tirelessly planting thousands of vines driven by his enthusiasm to see the wine industry grow in Colorado. Bennett is also proof that hard work in the vineyard and drinking a glass of wine leads to longtime health!

Maison La Belle Vie Winery
2020 Winery of the Year 

Maison La Belle Vie means "House of the Beautiful Life" and owner John Barbier's smile is known for brightening up a room, making his guests feel right at home. Mr Barbier is also known for saying "life is too short for cheap wine" so to that end he makes sure his wines are high quality and come from quality grapes. The winery has grown since it first opened and has expanded into an event center and food establishment. Friday Burger nights are very popular! The winery has an atmosphere that embodies both country funk and french elegance. Mr. Barbier has always promoted Colorado wine along with his wines at farmers markets, festivals and events. During the shutdown, he took virtual wine tastings one step further with his cooking demos and pairings.

Monty Haltiner
2020 Friend of the Colorado Wine Industry

Monty is a true friend of all aspects of the Colorado wine industry. Throughout his six years as a CAVE Board Member and three years as a Colorado Wine Industry Development Board member, Monty has worked furiously to assist and support various committees and the activities of these organizations. As president of CAVE, he diligently pursued all items and actions benefiting CAVE and the industry. Haltiner has devoted his time as the Coordinator of the CAVE Amateur Winemaker Competition, growing the program over the years. He also served on the Winefest Committee, bringing many new and inventive seminars to the organization's largest fundraiser, including the Wine Aroma Wheel and blind tastings.

The 2021 VinCO Conference also featured the Awards Presentation of the Amateur Winemaker Competition that took place last fall. With over 110 entries, medal winners were recognized for their exceptional wines over the new virtual platform. Kathleen Ondrus took home the Best of Show award with her 2019 Peach Blueberry wine making her a back to back Best of Show winner in the CAVE Amateur Winemaker Competition.
Click here to view the full 2020 Competition Results.

Why We All Need the Equality Act Now

Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed a rise in discrimination and acts of violence directed towards those most marginalized in society. However, with the new Biden administration comes a renewed commitment to the work of civil rights in the United States. At this critical moment, Congress has the opportunity to recommit our country and our elected officials in securing fairness and equality for all by passing the Equality Act.

A new report released today, Why We All Need the Equality Act Now, outlines the ways in which the Equality Act is vital legislation not just for LGBTQ people, but also for women, people of color, and immigrants.

Why We All Need the Equality Act Now highlights the urgency of adding such protections now—especially given the number of public places in which people of color experience discrimination, such as in retail shops and taxi cabs. Authored by the Movement Advancement Project, the report is released in partnership with the Center for American Progress, Lawyers for Civil Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Partnership for Women and Families, and National Women’s Law Center.

Colorado’s LGBTQ Laws Rated in Human Rights Campaign’s Annual State Equality Index

Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, and the Equality Federation Institute released their 7th annual State Equality Index (SEI). The SEI is a comprehensive report that details statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families and assesses how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination. Colorado falls into the category, “Working Toward Innovative Equality”.

“The 2020 legislative session was one of the most unusual in recent memory, given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the shortened sessions in many states, we saw multiple states pass pro-equality laws to protect the LGBTQ community,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. “Although there were anti-LGBTQ laws passed – most notably in Idaho, where the legislature and Governor refused to immediately respond to the pandemic and instead spent time passing legislation expressly targeting transgender people – we also saw great progess. For example, the landmark Virginia Values Act passed and signed into law, making Virginia the first state in the South to adopt non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. The Human Rights Campaign’s 2020 State Equality Index (SEI) covers what we saw last year and looks ahead to this year, highlighting the importance of proactive non-discrimination protections and other pro-equality legislation as LGBTQ people continue to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Despite the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision Bostock v. Clayton County, which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people, explicit and comprehensive civil rights protections still do not exist at for LGBTQ people at the federal level. As a result, the rights of millions of LGBTQ people and their families vary depending on which state they live in. In 27 states, LGBTQ people remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services because of who they are. There are 18 states and Washington, D.C., that have robust LGBTQ non-discrimination laws covering employment, housing and public accommodations.

The SEI’s assessment of statewide LGBTQ-related legislation and policies in the areas of parenting laws and policies, religious refusal and relationship recognition laws, non-discrimination laws and policies, hate crime and criminal justice laws, youth-related laws and policies and health and safety laws and policies has placed each state in one of four distinct categories:

• Nineteen states and the District of Columbia are in the highest-rated category, “Working Toward Innovative Equality”: California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; District of Columbia; Hawaii; Illinois; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Minnesota; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; Oregon; Rhode Island; Vermont; and Washington.
• Two states are in the category “Solidifying Equality”: Iowa; and Virginia.
• Four states are in the category “Building Equality”: Kansas; Pennsylvania; Utah; and Wisconsin.
• Twenty-Five states are in the lowest-rated category “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality”: Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; Florida; Georgia; Idaho; Indiana; Kentucky; Louisiana; Michigan; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; West Virginia; and Wyoming.

“The State Equality Index tells the story of how advocates on the ground, in states across the country, achieved wins and battled tough opposition to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community. In a year of fighting the triple pandemics of coronavirus, police brutality and racism, state-based advocates continued to push back against anti-LGBTQ attacks and even secured some huge advancements for LGBTQ people,” said Fran Hutchins, Executive Director of Equality Federation Institute. “As a Southerner, I was particularly pleased to see Virginia become the first southern state to pass a law that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination. From the Northeast to the Southwest, LGBTQ advocates are securing protections that allow our community to thrive in all the places we call home. As we face the upcoming attacks by equality opponents, we know the state-based movement is stronger than ever and ready to fight for the millions of LGBTQ Americans who need us.”

In 2020, 379 pro-equality bills were introduced by 38 states and the District of Columbia, while 47 were passed into law. Most notably, Virginia passed the landmark Virginia Values Act, which expanded the state’s existing protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity and created all-new protections for Virginians in private employment and places of public accommodation. Virginia also became the first state to jump two categories in one year, from “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality” to “Solidifying Equality.” Additional key new laws include bans on the use of the so-called “LGBTQ panic defense,” laws easing the process for adoption and obtaining fertility services, required training on LGBTQ cultural competence for government employees, updating sex education curricula to be more LGBTQ-inclusive, expanding access to PrEP and collecting sexual orientation and gender identity information in COVID-19 data collection.

Also in 2020, 185 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced by 35 states, while four were passed into law. These included two bills in Idaho that directly attacked transgender people -- one bill prohibiting transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports, and another barring transgender people from updating the gender marker on their birth certificates. Tennessee passed on its first day of session a license to discriminate in child welfare services bill, which the Governor quickly signed into law.

This SEI report comes as more than 40 state legislatures and the District of Columbia have opened their sessions. So far, we are tracking more than 60 potentially LGBTQ-related pieces of legislation that have been introduced. While this year’s legislative sessions will undoubtedly be shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election, we also anticipate continued attacks on transgender youth, particularly in relation to athletic participation and access to best-practice, affirming medical care, to continue across the country. We also anticipate seeing a resurgence in passing religious refusal legislation, including legislation to create novel religious exemptions to non-discrimination laws.

Advancing LGBTQ non-discrimination protections at the state and federal levels is supported by a wide swath of Americans. A recent PRRI survey found that 83% of Americans support LGBTQ non-discrimination laws like the Equality Act. A map of this patchwork of laws can be found here.

HRC’s full State Equality Index report, including detailed scorecards for every state, and a preview of the 2021 state legislative session is available online at www.hrc.org/sei.

PEOPLE Exclusive: Broadway Legend Joel Grey on Why He Got Vaccinated: ‘Hope is Everything’

Broadway Legend Joel Grey, 88, got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week in New York City. Later that day, the actor and director shared how, amid the pandemic, he's finding hope.

"I got the vaccine because I want to be safe. We've lost so many people to COVID. I've lost a few friends. It's heartbreaking. Frightening. Like boxing with the enemy. What's been helping me is a solid belief that there is an end. I want to live. I love life."

"Quarantining has been lonely at times, but somehow you get a night's sleep, wake up and the sun is shining and you see a flower. Life is fragile, but the flower is still here, and I'm still here."

"I remember during the AIDS crisis, so many people were getting sick and dying quickly. It was terrifying. All these nice people, ordinary folks, suffered and died. Somehow we lived through it. And today people are still loving each other and living."

"We have an unknown source of belief in life and love and humanity that saves us from all quitting. We must not quit. As theater people, one of our aims is to enlighten and tell the story and open a person's heart. Hopefully we can do just that when the theater returns."

"I've been in Manhattan since March. I didn't want to leave. I'm hopeful that somewhere in the darkness there's still a light shining, and I want to be a part of it. As soon as it's safe, I can't wait to have a hamburger and a malt with my dear friends. I'll be there on Feb. 9 for my second shot of the vaccine. It's a good feeling to know you've got the first and you're on your way."

Until then, Grey continues photographing flowers, as seen in his 2019 photo book The Flower Whisperer, and finding solace in their beauty. In honor of today's Presidential Inauguration, he along with the troupe from his recent award winning production of Fiddler on The Roof have posted their rendition of God Bless America in Yiddish, a song which Grey reminds us is "a message of peace."

DNC LGBTQ Caucus on Historic Appointment of Dr. Rachel Levine

DNC LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes released the following statement on the historic nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine as Assistant Secretary for Health:

“For the LGBTQ community and its allies who have long fought for the promise of true equality and representation, today is a day to celebrate as we mark the historic nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. She would be the first openly transgender Senate-confirmed federal official in our nation’s history. Currently serving as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health, Dr. Levine brings with her a wealth of experience and exemplary record of leadership as she spearheads the state’s efforts to reign in the COVID-19 pandemic. The LGBTQ community is proud that the Biden administration has chosen Dr. Levine to play such a critical role at such an important time for our country.”

LGBT Near-Death Experiencers Wanted for Online Survey and New Book

Clinical psychologist and author Liz Dale is asking anyone, but especially those in the LGBT community, who has had a near-death experience (NDE) to participate in an online survey regarding their experience. Survey results will be part of a groundbreaking study and a new book to be published by Balboa Press, a division of Hay House. The survey is live now at .

Dale's website has become an important resource for those with academic or personal interests in the NDE phenomenon. It provides access to five free NDE ebooks as well as access to LGBT-focused articles on Amazon, Wikipedia and Google, among other information repositories. Dale anticipates that her new survey will make important contributions to the literature, as well as pave the way for future investigations.

Liz Dale, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist whose expertise is near-death experience (NDE) research within the LGBT community. Upon learning that no such research existed, she contacted the LGBT community over a two-year period and published her findings in a groundbreaking book entitled, Crossing Over and Coming Home: Twenty-One Authors Discuss the Gay Near-Death Experience as Spiritual Transformation (Emerald Ink Publications, 2000).

An excerpt from Dale's book captures the essence of this research and the intensely personal and profound nature of the stories people have shared with her:

The International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) is sponsoring a complementary NDE study. Interested parties can learn more at IANDS.org.

JustFor.fans Raises $25,000 for Black Lives Matter

JustFor.fans (JFF) has announced that the adult social platform has raised more than $25,000 in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement over the past year.

Through the company’s Charitable Giving Program, many of the site’s models and influencers have raised funding on their pages since July in order to raise social awareness while prioritizing philanthropy and the power of generosity.

“By raising over $25,000 for Black Lives Matter, our models have shown that their successes on JFF translate directly to the success of those members of our community in need,” said JFF company founder Dominic Ford.

“The JFF model community is one of compassion and giving, and this milestone marks just how important it is that we and our models use our voices to affect change in society, and keep important issues like BLM on the forefront of peoples’ minds and conversations.”

The JustFor.fans Giving Program prioritizes the concept of equality for all while highlighting the importance of social good; the company continues in its quest in 2021 to create and maintain a strong, powerful social standing both within and outside of the JFF community.

Since its launch in 2018, the online fan site has grown into a compassionate community that brings together studios, agents, photographers and affiliates in order to generate more revenue for its patrons, with charitable activities that support JFF users.

PFLAG National Celebrates the Inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris

Today PFLAG, representing hundreds of thousands of parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ+ people, celebrates the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala D. Harris as the 49th Vice President of the United States.

Statement by Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National:

“Across the country, PFLAG families and allies celebrate the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as President of the United States and Kamala D. Harris, a child of immigrants and the first woman and first Black and South Asian person in history to serve as Vice President of the United States. President Biden and Vice President Harris have each demonstrated a strong commitment to public service in the interest of marginalized people, inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, throughout their careers. This work promises to continue through the leadership of the new administration’s Cabinet, whose nominees would make it among the most racially, ethnically, and gender diverse in our nation’s history.

“For PFLAGers and LGBTQ+ people around the country, the nomination of the first openly gay member of the Cabinet, Pete Buttigieg as Sec. of Transportation represents an historic milestone. More importantly, public servants like Buttigieg come prepared with the skills and plans to help our cities, suburbs, and rural communities build back better as the nation turns to address the crises of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Following four years of administrative assaults that targeted LGBTQ+ people, and transgender people in particular, PFLAG is working with the Biden-Harris Administration and our elected leaders in Congress to prioritize fixing the effects of these harmful policies. We are heartened that executive actions in the short term include undoing Trump’s final actions before leaving office to eliminate LGBTQ+ discrimination protections; reversing the the transgender military ban and the Muslim ban; curbing ICE and working to reunite families separated at our borders; enforcing protections for LGBTQ+ people from workplace discrimination; and ensuring a fair and complete Census in which everybody counts.

“Together with the White House and Congress, PFLAG supports passing HR5, the federal Equality Act, to extend equal protection from discrimination to include LGBTQ+ people; passing HR1, the For the People Act of 2021, which will expand Americans’ access to the ballot box; and supporting the historic confirmations of Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation and Dr. Rachel Levine, who is openly transgender, as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services.

“There is much work that lies ahead of us, and PFLAG National looks forward to uniting with the Biden-Harris Administration to do our part and achieve equality and justice for LGBTQ+ people and their families.”

Applications Are Now Open for Four Cash Prize Opportunities for LGBTQ Writers

Announcing the Randall Kenan Prize

for Black LGBTQ Fiction

The Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction, in memory of the celebrated author Randall Kenan, honors Black LGBTQ writers whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. The award includes a cash prize of $3,000. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work.  This award is made possible by founding sponsor Cedric Brown, Darnell Moore, and Dr. L. Lamar Wilson.

APPLY NOW

Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists' Prize

The Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize honors LGBTQ-identified novelists of demonstrated ability who show promise for growth in their writing. Two winners will receive a cash prize of $5,000. The winner must have published at least three novels, or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, or essays). This award is made possible by the James Duggins, PhD Fund for Outstanding Mid-Career LGBTQ Novelists, a fund of the Horizons Foundation.

APPLY NOW

Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction

Granted in memory of the beloved activist and author, the Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction honors lesbian/queer-identified women and trans/gender non-conforming nonfiction authors who are committed to nonfiction work that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history.  The award includes a cash prize of $2,500. The winner must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking and challenging work.

APPLY NOW

Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers

The Judith A. Markowitz Award honors two LGBTQ-identified, emerging writers whose work demonstrates their strong potential for promising careers. Each award comes with a cash prize of $1,000.  By emerging writer, we mean those who have published at least one, but no more than two, books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.    - Via Lambda Literary

APPLY NOW

Need health insurance? Today is the last day Open Enrollment in Colorado!

Today is the last day for Colorado's Open Enrollment Period! This is your last chance to purchase health insurance on the marketplace for 2021,

barring specific
unforeseen life events.

Not quite sure where to start? You can talk to a navigator and purchase health insurance online from Connect for Health Colorado.

Are you seeking insurance coverage for transition-related care or a person living with HIV who needs specific prescription drug coverage? Check out One Colorado's updated Health Insurance Buyer's Guides!

• 2021 Transgender Health Insurance Buyer's Guide
• 2021 Hormone Therapy Prescription Coverage Guide
• 2021 PrEP and HIV Prescription Coverage Guide

These guides not only look at whether the plans on Colorado's marketplace cover behavioral health services, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery, but also review the availability of an LGBTQ health navigator, coverage of puberty blockers for minors, quality of hormone therapy coverage, and HIV prescription coverage.

Celebrating LGBTQ Visual Arts in New York City

The LaGuardia and Wagner Archives (“the Archives”) at LaGuardia Community College, which collects and preserves materials illuminating the social and political history of New York City, has published a 2021 calendar focused on LGBTQ Visual Arts in New York City from the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 to today.

A free download of the calendar is available on the Archives’ website.

The calendar draws inspiration from the Archives' LGBTQ Collection, which explores the LGBTQ community’s struggle for social equality in New York with a special emphasis on Queens. Representatives from Visual AIDS [visualaids.org] and Queer|Art|Mentorship [queer-art.org] provided input on the calendar.

The theme, LGBTQ Visual Arts in NYC, reflects LaGuardia’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Several CUNY faculty have their work featured in the calendar, including LaGuardia’s own Liena Vayzman, York College’s Margaret Rose Vendryes, and Brooklyn College’s Patricia Cronin. Work from Brooklyn College alum Felicita Maynard is featured as well.

“Pieces were selected not just for their beautiful artistry, but to explore the impact of art on the decades-long advocacy work of New York’s LGBTQ community to come out of the shadows and gain social acceptance and protections under the law,” said the Archives’ Stephen Weinstein, Ph.D.

As example, Patricia Cronin’s sculpture of a loving embrace between her and her partner was unveiled in 2002 at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx as a statement against laws that prevented same-sex couples from being legally allowed to marry. Her work and the work of other LGBTQ artists are credited with helping to pave the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, and for other milestones in the fight for LGBTQ rights.

Weinstein, along with Chelsea Del Rio, Steven Hitt, Arianna Martinez, Liena Vayzman, and Natalie Willens, selected the works featured in the calendar, which was designed by artist Tuesday Smillie.