PFLAG Kicks Off 50 Years of Leading With Love

This March marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of PFLAG, the premier parent, family, and ally organization of the LGBTQ+ movement. In celebration of this historic anniversary, the iconic organization has launched a new, bold, vibrant look to reflect the courageous love that has driven PFLAG’s every action since 1973.

“For 50 years, when parents like me—people who love our children—have navigated a journey to support them as LGBTQ+ people, we have found help and support in PFLAG,” said Susan Thronson, PFLAG National Board President. “PFLAG has been together with the LGBTQ+ community we serve, at kitchen tables and the President’s desk, to help make historic progress toward an equitable and inclusive world for LGBTQ+ people. PFLAG continues the work to grow and maintain these gains by leading with love, just as we have since 1973."

In moments when it has been socially and politically unpopular, and even unsafe, to show support for LGBTQ+ people, PFLAG families and allies have shared the stories of their love to soften hearts and change minds. 

In the 1970s, PFLAG’s founding mother and son broke convention by marching together in protest for rights for LGBTQ+ people. In the 1980s, PFLAG parents appealed to lawmakers and their spouses as fellow parents to help turn the tide of the AIDS epidemic. When it was still the “gay rights movement,” PFLAG was the first LGBTQ+ organization to include and center transgender people in the fight for justice. It was a PFLAG family who fought for and won Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students in the 1990s. And in 2022, when the governor of Texas threatened families who affirmed their transgender kids, the unified families of PFLAG took that governor to court.

PFLAG enters its golden anniversary year at a time when major media outlets and elected officials are once again giving a platform to politically motivated agendas intended to harm LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender youth and their families. Brian Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National said, “We knew we had to celebrate 50 by unequivocally reaffirming PFLAG as a dynamic and unifying force that will not back down to threats against LGBTQ+ people and our loved ones. PFLAG’s new look asserts that this iconic organization will not stop until every LGBTQ+ person has the freedom to thrive—and we’ll do it by leading with love.”

To develop the new look and feel, PFLAG worked with creative design firm Teal Media, based in Washington, D.C. “We are very proud to work with PFLAG and are excited to deliver an updated look and message that embraces PFLAG’s iconic legacy,” said CEO Jessica Teal.

“Our new logo puts love at the heart of PFLAG, as it always has been. It is confident and proud, and embraces our legacy of inclusion by asserting PFLAG as a single word that cannot be broken apart,” said Liz Owen, PFLAG National’s Communications Director. “We also were intentional in our color palette, because in the LGBTQ+ movement, colors have meaning. PFLAG’s color palette draws inspiration from this history to signal growth and evolution, to embrace our legacy, and to reflect spirit, life, energy, empowerment, and unity. At the same time, our colors are fresh and sophisticated to meet a 21st century moment.”

PFLAG has begun rolling out its new brand identity to hundreds of chapters nationwide, and has launched new websites at PFLAG.org and StraightForEquality.org. More announcements about PFLAG’s 50th anniversary celebrations and programming will be made in the coming days and throughout this golden anniversary year. 

“In 2023, there continues to be a need for PFLAG—for LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies to work together, to hold officials accountable, and to lead with love. As we begin the next 50 years, PFLAG remains as vibrant and committed to this work as we were on day one, and we will be here for as long as it takes for every LGBTQ+ person to be safe, celebrated, empowered and loved, ” said Bond. 

'Magic Mike's Last Dance' in Theaters February 10

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes the third installment of the blockbuster Magic Mike film franchise, the musical comedy Magic Mike’s Last Dance. The creative team behind the first film, which garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, has reunited to create the magic again: Channing Tatum reprises his role as Mike Lane and Steven Soderbergh returns to the helm with a script from Reid Carolin, who also wrote the first two films. And starring alongside Tatum is Salma Hayek Pinault (“House of Gucci,” “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”).

“Magic” Mike Lane (Tatum) takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida. For what he hopes will be one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite (Hayek Pinault) who lures him with an offer he can’t refuse…and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, once Mike discovers what she truly has in mind, will he—and the roster of hot new dancers he’ll have to whip into shape—be able to pull it off?

Lakewood Cultural Center presents The Takács Quartet

The world-renowned Takács Quartet performs its irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and innovative programming at the Lakewood Cultural Center (LCC) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4.

 

Boulder-based, Grammy-winning ensemble, Takács Quartet is hailed as “chamber music royalty” by Bachtrack and continues to move audiences with a compelling dynamic and supreme artistry. The evening program at LCC will include notable compositions for strings by Haydn, Schubert and Britten.

Human Rights Campaign President Opens a New Chapter for HRC

On Saturday evening, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hosted its Greater New York Dinner. The event featured remarks from HRC’s president Kelley Robinson, who used her platform to give a rally cry to inspire change, hope, equality and liberation for all.

“In this new chapter, HRC will center on equality and liberation for all. Period. Without exception. Yes, I’m talking about trans justice, racial justice, reproductive justice, and a whole lot more…In this new chapter, HRC will have the audacity to build a world where LGBTQ+ people can be safe, celebrated, and joyful in all aspects of our lives. We’re gonna keep building workplaces that work for all of us. We’re gonna keep building schools where all kids are welcome. We’re gonna build a health care system grounded in equity and inclusion. We’re gonna keep fighting to defeat stigma and end the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. We’re gonna keep lifting up artists and actors and changemakers, so we can show the world what queer lives look like, what queer brilliance is.” Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said in her remarks.

View Kelley’s full speech here.

The event also featured speeches by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose was honored with the HRC Visibility Award, presented by actress Cecily Strong and artist Kehinde Wiley was honored with the HRC National Equality Award.

You can view photos from the Blue Carpet – featuring Ariana DeBose, Kehinde Wiley, Dana Goldberg, Caitlin Kinnunen and others here. Photos from the event, which additionally feature Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Brita Filter, Catalina Cruz, Cecily Strong, Karine Jean-Pierre, Jackie Cox, Jan Sport and Milan Garcon and Robin de Jesus can be found here.

Click here for videos of HRC President Kelley Robinson, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Ariana Debose and Kehinde Wiley.

Super Bowl LVII By The Numbers & 2023’s Best & Worst Cities for Football Fans

Source: WalletHub

With Super Bowl LVII just days away, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its Super Bowl LVII By The Numbers infographic together with its report on 2023’s Best & Worst Cities for Football Fans, as well as expert commentary.

To determine the best places for loving on America’s favorite sport, WalletHub compared more than 240 U.S. cities with at least one college or professional football team based on 21 key metrics. The data set ranges from the number of NFL and college football teams to stadium capacity to fan engagement.

Make sure to check out the infographic for cool stats about the biggest sporting event of the year. Here are some highlights from each report:
 

Best Cities for Football Fans	Worst Cities for Football Fans
1. Pittsburgh, PA	240. Boulder, CO
2. Green Bay, WI	241. Davidson, NC
3. Dallas, TX	242. Columbia, SC
4. Boston, MA	243. Knoxville, TN
5. Los Angeles, CA	244. Waco, TX
6. New York, NY	245. Lawrence, KS
7. Miami, FL	246. Louisville, KY
8. Cincinnati, OH	247. Fort Collins, CO
9. New Orleans, LA	248. Easton, MA
10. Kansas City, MO	249. Valparaiso, IN

NMAC Statement on FDA Changes to Blood Donation Restrictions for Men Who Have Sex With Men

The following is a statement from NMAC Executive Director Paul Kawata on the FDA’s announced changes to blood donation restrictions for men who have sex with men:

“This change by the FDA is a welcome step towards eliminating the outdated and discriminatory ban on men who have sex with men donating blood. It moves away from broad bans on large groups to a science-based approach based on the circumstances of each individual potential donor. But it’s just a step. There is much more that needs to change, including focusing on a potential donor’s new sexual partners, not total number. And the ban on those who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition is also troublesome and could lead to potential donors ending or suspending their use of PrEP. We hope that the FDA will revisit these issues and, ultimately, completely eliminate the ban on all men who have sex with men from donating blood.”

NMAC leads with race to urgently fight for health equity and racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced their mission through a variety of programs and services, including: a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous electronic and print materials, and a website: www.nmac.org. NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the HIV epidemic.

SYML unveils new video for "Believer"

SYML—the solo project of singer, songwriter and producer Brian Fennell—unveils the new video for his previously-shared single, “Believer,” directed by Crusoe Weston—watch/share here. The track is taken from his forthcoming album, The Day My Father Died, out this Friday, February 3, on Nettwerk—pre-save/pre-order here. 

Alongside “Believer,” The Day My Father Died features his latest, “Chariot,” “Better Part of Me” featuring Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek, I’m With her), “Howling” featuring Lucius, “Lost Myself” featuring Elbow’s Guy Garvey, “You and I” featuring Charlotte Lawrence and “Sweet Home.” Recorded and produced in Fennell’s hometown with fellow Seattle-native Phil Ek (Band of Horses, Father John Misty, Fleet Foxes), the new LP is his first album to feature a full band. 

Most recently, SYML performed four songs live on KEXP ahead of the album—watch/share the full session here. Later this spring, SYML will feature on Lana Del Rey’s forthcoming Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard. 

Furthermore, SYML will embark on an international tour this spring, headlining venues across Europe. The dates will bring him to Amsterdam, Milan, Barcelona, Paris, London and more. Ahead of the tour, SYML will be in the U.K. for a run of select in-store performances to celebrate the new album—see full details below.

The Day My Father Died finds Fennell telling a story of interpersonal connection and chosen kinship following the death of his adoptive father in 2021. More a document of growth and healing than of loss, the album charts Fennell’s journey to figure out how to move forward after a fundamental and intractable shift in his life. 

“The ever-expanding universe will always frighten and delight me, but the truly unbelievable shit happens down here at our human level,” Fennell says. “Losing my dad felt like running out of air. I still feel it in my gut. But this record is not about losing him, it’s about what happens after we have lost.”

The 35th Annual LAMMYS Are Coming!

Please mark your calendars for the return of The LAMMY Awards to NYC for its 35th Anniversary!

Join the celebration virtually or live and in-person at the LAMMYs new home: New York's Art Deco classic, The Edison Ballroom for a special evening of food, drinks, dancing, and celebration. Come for the ceremony, and stay for the Rooftop Over Broadway After Party.

OUT in Theaters & On-Demand: Lonesome

Lonesome is a new feature film by Award Winning Australian director, Craig Boreham, exploring sexuality, loneliness, and isolation in a world that has never been more connected.

Casey, a country lad running from a small-town scandal, finds himself down and out in the big smoke of Sydney. When he meets Tib, a young city lad, struggling with his own scars of isolation, both men find something they have been missing but neither of them knows quite how to negotiate it.

Written and directed by Craig Boreham, and starring Josh Lavery, Daniel Gabriel, Anni Finsterer, and Ian Roberts, Lonesome is in theaters February 17, 2023 from Dark Star Pictures. On-demand and digital releases will follow March 7, 2023.

The OFFICIAL Oral History of RuPaul’s Drag Race is Hitting Shelves June 6

When RuPaul’s Drag Race first premiered in 2009, the series was classic counterculture, providing a groundbreaking platform for queer artists and entertainers. Thirteen years, over 400 drag queen contestants, and 27 Emmys later, the series has become a cultural phenomenon and instantly recognizable fixture of the zeitgeist.  

“AND DON’T F&%K IT UP” will follow RuPaul’s Drag Race over its first ten years, encompassing the show's first 14 seasons and its rise from industry outsider to award-winning, international franchise. Through the narrative of Drag Race, “AND DON’T F&%K IT UP” tells a unique social history by way of stories from the people who lived it: the creators of the show, the contestants, the crew, the judges, and even some key (famous) fans. 

Written by seasoned entertainment reporter Maria Elena Fernandez in collaboration with World of Wonder, the story begins with RuPaul's 34-year friendship and business relationship with Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato and their production company World of Wonder. Together, Bailey, Barbato and World of Wonder helped to launch RuPaul into superstardom, and later talked him into giving a drag reality show a chance. From there,  “AND DON’T F&%K IT UP” traces the evolution of the show—and its queens—through a decade of gag-worthy seasons, serving up behind-the-scenes realness rangingfrom Ongina's decision to reveal her HIV+ status to the story behind Asia O'Hara's butterfly finale fiasco. 

"One thing that has always been true about RuPaul's Drag Race is that it takes a village, people.” Said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.  “We are so excited that those people have shared their stories and anecdotes, and cannot wait to take readers behind the curtain of Drag Race. The result of all these voices is a tale that is every bit as fascinating as the show itself; joyous, uplifting, honest.  We hope readers will both laugh and cry - and laugh again."

““Before Drag Race premiered, I was drawn to the artistry and entertainment value of drag but I had never considered the bravery behind the transformation process or spent much time thinking about the person behind the makeup and wig,” shared author Maria Elena Fernandez.  “Drag Race opened me up and made me a better human, so when I was approached about working on an oral history of this cultural juggernaut’s first decade, the answer was a resounding Yas, Queen! Come for the tea, stay for the shade.””

With a history as shady and funny as it is dramatic and inspiring, RuPaul's Drag Race serves as a mirror reflecting the cultural and political shifts of our time. Its meteoric rise as an once-in-a-generation success story is explored here as never before, in intimate, exuberant, unfettered detail.

 “AND DON’T F&%K IT UP” is being published by Grand Central Publishing and releases in hardback, Audiobook and ebook on June 6, 2023 in the US. Pre-ordering is now available HERE and wherever books are sold.

OUT Now: Meghan Trainor Collabs with Kim Petras for "Made You Look (Feat. Kim Petras)"

Today, GRAMMY Award-winning popstar Meghan Trainor recharges, re-energizes, and revamps her global smash “Made You Look” with a brand new Official Remix featuring Kim Petras. Listen to “Made You Look (Feat. Kim Petras)” HERE. The original highlighted her acclaimed new album, Takin’ It Back, out now. Listen to Takin’ It Back HERE.

About the track, Petras commented, “I had ‘Made You Look’ stuck in my head for months. It's just so catchy and I felt like the song was like a warm hug. So I loved it right away, and then when I got asked to jump on it, I was really, really excited. I think Meghan is such a great pop songwriter, so it was an incredible experience. I've never worked with an artist who wanted to track me and comp my vocals and do it all together. She really is like a little angel and such a treasure and deserves everything that's coming her way with the song and I just feel so excited and honored to be a part of it. We collaborated in a really special way that I won't forget.”

This notably marks the first collaboration between Trainor and rising pop powerhouse Petras. Together, they lock into a bouncy call-and-response as Petras urges “Don’t be shy, just put your hands on me,” as Trainor’s towering runs ring out. It adds a whole new dimension to the fan favorite.

On the collaboration, Trainor gushes, “Kim is an icon. I have been a fan for a very long time and I am so excited to have her on ‘Made You Look.’ We had such a fun time in the studio together and she added the perfect energy to the song. She is a queen and I cannot wait for everyone to hear her voice on this song! She really brought it to a whole new level.”

“Made You Look” has exploded as a runaway hit and a major moment for Trainor. It has tallied over 353 million global streams. Simultaneously, the music video has clocked north of 87 million YouTube views. At radio, it continues to hold strong in the Top 5 at Pop.

OUT Now: Ava Max's 'Diamonds & Dancefloors'

 

RIAA multi-platinum certified global pop sensation Ava Max has unveiled her eagerly awaited sophomore album Diamonds & Dancefloors. Following RIAA Certified Platinum debut album Heaven & Hell, the disco-powered new album features standout single “Million Dollar Baby,” which garnered 10M streams and 8M music video views in just two weeks after release and has now amassed 108M global streams. Hailed by PAPER as “a euphoric euro dance number,” “Million Dollar Baby” is joined by an official music video, directed by Andrew Donoho (Khalid, Janelle Monae, Paul McCartney), currently boasting over 25M views. The sophomore album also includes recent releases “Cold As Ice” and “One of Us,” 80s disco track “Dancing’s Done,” powerful “Weapons” and passionately self-assured “Maybe You’re The Problem.”

OUT in Theaters: Of An Age

 

Focus Features will release OF AN AGE in select theaters on February 10, 2023. OF AN AGE is set in the summer of 1999 as a 17-year-old Serbian born, Australian amateur ballroom dancer experiences an unexpected and intense 24-hour romance with a friend’s older brother.

MMAA's Year in Review: Highlights from 2022

By Jennifer Dane, MMAA CEO and Executive Director 

You know the MMAA team is out there doing good work, and you see our updates in email newsletters and social media posts. But we recognize that our members like you don’t usually get to see the day-to-day work we do behind the scenes to advocate for our community. 

With over 200 anti-LGBTQIA bills introduced in 2022 across our country, many Americans are feeling overwhelmed, saddened, and scared, but we refuse to go down without a fight. The MMAA team worked tirelessly in 2022 to stand up for LGBTQIA service members, military families, and veterans.

To give our community a peek into our advocacy work — and to remind everyone there is still good news out there — we wanted to share some of our accomplishments in 2022. We put together a long list in a brand new blog post, but here are a few of the highlights:

• Our CEO Jennifer Dane was named among The Mighty 25.
• Our Editorial Director, Emily Starbuck Gerson, won a national journalism award for her cover story for an MMAA magazine issue (published the prior year).
• We finally had our first official MMAA gala after pandemic delays! It was a huge success with major speakers, including Hon. Gina Ortiz-Jones (pictured below at the gala) and Hon. Shawn Skelly. 

 

• MMAA held the first LGBTQ-focused diversity training at the Virginia Military Institute.
• Our team assisted over 100 veterans in the process of correcting their records from being discharged before or during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. 
• We brought on a full-time Director of MilPride, Cathy Marcello (pictured below, right, with Editorial Director Emily Starbuck Gerson, left), thanks to the Hiring our Heroes Fellowship in their Military Spouse Employment Program. As a military spouse and mom of a trans teen, Cathy has already assisted over 20 MilPride families. 

• Our MilPride program partnered with PFLAG to create the monthly virtual support group PFLAG Connects: Military Communities Meeting with MMAA. The first meeting had the most sign-ups in PFLAG Connects history!
• Our team participated in over 10 webinars, conferences, or events to create visibility for MMAA/MilPride.
• MMAA, IAVA, and SPARTA’s Lobby Day on Capitol Hill (pictured below) was a great success, with over 40 meetings held and copies of our magazine left all over the building. 

• MMAA had a booth and marched at DC’s Capital Pride (and we’re already planning for 2023!)
• Jennifer was invited to The White House many times in 2022, not just for social or LGBTQ+ events like the one for Pride Month, but also for the signing of important legislation such as The PACT Act and announcement of healthcare changes (she's pictured below with President Biden at one such event).

Make sure to read the full blog post on our website for even more highlights from 2022. MMAA’s small but mighty team, our supporters, and fellow advocates have a lot to be proud of.

We continue to be dedicated to our mission as we kick off big plans for 2023, and we’re grateful for your continued support. Onward and upward! 

Sincerely,  
Jennifer Dane, CEO and Executive Director, and the MMAA team

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Quartet presents the Music of Nat King Cole with Robert Johnson

The legendary Nat King Cole recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts and his trio was the model for small jazz ensembles that followed. The talented CJRO musicians will create an evening of Cole’s music with audience favorite, Robert Johnson and his smooth as silk voice. Familiar songs will include “Unforgettable,” “Route 66,” “Nature Boy” and more. A long-time Denver resident, Robert continues to display his talents not only as a vocalist, but as a songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer. His latest recording, “So the Story Goes” was released in 2021 featuring all original music. 

Join the CJRO Quartet on Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. as we continue our jazz series at the Parsons Theatre in Northglenn by presenting an evening of the legendary Nat King Cole with Denver favorite Robert Johnson. A second concert will be performed at Lakewood Cultural Center on February 26 at 3:00 p.m. In addition to vocalist, Robert Johnson, both concerts feature some of the finest jazz musicians in the area including Eric Gunnison (piano), Mike Marlier (drums), Bijoux Barbosa (bass), and Mike Abbott (guitar). For concert details and purchase go to the CJRO website, www.coloradojazz.org/concerts.