Friday, May 19, 2023

Billy Porter Unveils Empowering New Single "Fashion" and Exciting Updates

Billy Porter, singer, actor, and fashion trailblazer, has just released his highly anticipated new single, "Fashion," today via Republic Records/Island UK. This captivating track is the third release from his forthcoming album, The Black Mona Lisa, set to be released this Fall. You can listen to "Fashion" here.

"Fashion" struts onto the scene with an undeniable runway-ready energy, paying homage to Porter's status as a fashion powerhouse. However, beneath the surface, the song carries a profound message of love, hope, and joy, reminding us that these timeless elements are always in fashion.

Speaking about the new single, Porter shares, "You know I can turn a lewk, honey, but this song is not actually about fashion. It's about trusting in the vision for your life, no matter what anyone else says. The things that are timeless - love, joy, peace - those are the things that are always in fashion."

Following the success of his buzzing single "Baby Was A Dancer," which has been making waves on BBC's Radio 2 and Gaydio, Billy Porter continues to captivate audiences. Billboard urges fans to put on their dancing shoes, while GRAMMY.com highlights the infectiously catchy nature of the disco-infused single. Porter even wowed viewers with a show-stopping performance of "Baby Was A Dancer" on The Late Late Show with James Corden, which you can watch [here](insert link).

In addition to his musical endeavors, Billy Porter remains at the forefront of fashion-related activations. The bespoke exhibition "Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter" is currently being showcased at Pittsburgh's Phipps Conservatory until June 25. Moreover, Porter's unforgettable "Sun God" ensemble from the 2019 Met Gala is part of the Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace until October 29. Fans can also catch him as a guest judge on the upcoming Season 20 of Bravo's Project Runway, starting June 15.

Celebrate Pride Month with the Pride Film Fest: A Diverse Showcase of LGBT Films

As Pride Month approaches, it's time to mark your calendars for an event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through the art of cinema. The Pride Film Fest is back with a stellar lineup of films from around the world, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse stories, experiences, and perspectives. Taking place from June 14 to July 16, this festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of queer cinema.

The festival kicks off with "BEST OF THE FEST 1," a captivating compilation of short films that will leave you entertained and inspired. Featuring two films from France, a heartwarming Irish comedy exploring the journey of coming out and family secrets, a poignant family drama set in China by an American filmmaker, a thought-provoking political drama from Colombia, a delightful comedy from the UK, and a touching story from Slovakia about found gay families, this program is a must-watch. You can stream "BEST OF THE FEST 1" from June 14 to June 25, allowing you to enjoy these remarkable stories from the comfort of your own home.

Following this program, the festival presents "BEST OF THE FEST 2," shining a spotlight on four women-focused films from the US and the UK. These films delve into unique experiences and narratives that will resonate with audiences. Additionally, an Australian drama will explore the struggle for societal acceptance among a group of gay men in post-gay marriage Australia. "BEST OF THE FEST 2" will be available for streaming from June 21 to July 2, providing a chance to delve into these powerful stories.

For those seeking an immersive cinema experience, the festival offers a special one-night-only, in-person screening of the homoerotic Argentine feature, HORSEPLAY. This screening will take place at Facets, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, on Thursday, June 22 at 7 pm. HORSEPLAY invites you into the scorching Argentine Summer, where a group of friends indulges in holiday festivities, drinks, parties, and the creation of provocative videos. However, beneath the surface, a rare mix of homophobia, jealousy, and violence begins to emerge. Don't miss this powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex human dynamics.

As June comes to a close, the festival will conclude with "BEST OF PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL." This program will showcase shorts from the US that touch upon aging and family issues, as well as a Vietnamese film exploring health concerns and the world of dating apps. Two additional films, yet to be announced, will further enrich this selection. You can stream "BEST OF PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL" from June 28 to July 10, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in stories that highlight various facets of the LGBTQ+ experience.

To wrap up the summer program, the festival presents the 2022 feature film MINI-DV from Israel. Directed by Shauly Melamed, this film expands upon the filmmaker's 2019 short. Through the use of home videos shot when he was only 14 years old, Melamed takes us on a nostalgic journey, revisiting his childhood and weaving a compelling narrative. Catch MINI-DV on the streaming platform from July 5 to July 16, and discover the power of personal stories brought to life on the silver screen.

To ensure accessibility, the festival offers various options for film screenings. Individual film tickets for both streamed and in-person screenings are available for $12. Alternatively, you can opt for a monthly membership pass, priced at $10, granting you access to short and mid-length programs at no additional cost. Members can also enjoy feature-length films for only $7 per film. Don't miss your chance to witness these extraordinary cinematic experiences!

Tickets for individual programs are now on sale at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search, while membership passes can be purchased at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/Membership/Sale.

For more information about the festival, including the full lineup and updates, visit www.pridefilm.org. Join the Pride Film Fest and embark on a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of LGBTQ+ cinema this Pride Month!

THE DARE’S 'THE SEX' EP OUT TODAY

The Sex EP, the first release from emerging New York superstar The Dare, is out today on Republic Records. Listen to the EP—which features his ubiquitous “Girls” and “Good Time” plus two new songs, “Sex” and “Bloodwork,”—here.

“I just wanted to write something funny and true about my relationship to sex,” says The Dare. “It’s also the most time-honored and classic theme of rock and roll, so I had to do it. The other, less horny songs are coming later.”

The Dare—the solo project of vocalist, songwriter and producer Harrison Patrick Smith—will make his headline debuts in New York and Los Angeles with four sold out shows: tonight, May 19 at Manhattan Artspace and SaturdayMay 20 at Baby’s All Right in New York and June 8 and 9 at El Cid in Los Angeles. Additionally, The Dare will play FWB Fest and Portola later this year.
The Sex EP follows rapturous praise of The Dare’s first releases from 
GQThe New York TimesDazedThe FADERNYLON and more and nods from Matty HealyCharli XCXPhoebe Bridgers and others.

In recent months, The Dare has continued to throw Freakquencies at the Lower East Side’s beloved Home Sweet Home (with a bonus installment in L.A. this winter) and DJed for Gucci in Milan and Celine in Los Angeles.

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Lambda Legal Responds after Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Four Anti-LGBTQ Bills into Law

Yesterday, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law four anti-LGBTQ+ bills at a signing ceremony at a private Christian school. The bills signed into law included: The “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” expansion (HB 1069), extending last year’s legislation from K-3 to 8th grade; a gender-affirming care ban (SB 254) with sweeping impacts on transgender youth and adults; an anti-drag bill (SB 1438) seeking to censor art; and a bill restricting transgender students from accessing bathrooms aligned with their gender identity in K-12 schools and public facilities (HB 1521).

Lambda Legal released the following statement from Kristine Kippins, Deputy Legal Director for Policy:

“By signing these four anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia no less, Governor Ron DeSantis is demonstrating an intentional, callous disregard for LGBTQ+ Floridians and, in particular, trans youth by facilitating homophobia and transphobia and exposing this most vulnerable population to discrimination, harassment, and abuse. This heinous and horrific move is but the latest step in a sweeping campaign of hate and discrimination by the DeSantis administration against LGBTQ+ people for crass political gain. Let’s be clear, these laws will deny transgender people access to health care, will criminalize and put LGBTQ+ lives in danger, will suppress or cancel LGBTQ+ events such as Pride parades and festivals, will censor LGBTQ+ content in schools, and will invite violence and abuse across the state. By signing these bills on this day, Gov. DeSantis is enshrining his hateful motives into law at the cost of the needs, lives, and futures of Florida’s children.”

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Save the Date for Denver's Second Annual Rainbow Market!

Denver’s LGBTQIA+ community is gearing up for the second annual Rainbow Market! Hosted by Denver Queer Art Club and Wolf Den Custom Tattoo Studio & Gallery, this event is a celebration of queer joy, featuring 50+ queer creatives, flash tattoos, tarot readings, music, food, and much more.

This market is 100% QUEER, and its mission is to give a platform for queer makers to showcase their work during Pride month. It's a chance to support local queer creatives and celebrate their incredible talent and hard work.

The event will take place on Sunday, June 11th, 2023. The Rainbow Market is one of the most anticipated events of Pride month, offering an excellent opportunity to meet other queer creatives, share ideas, and empower Denver's LGBTQIA+ community.

The Rainbow Market is a fantastic way to support the local queer community and have a fun day out. See you there!

Win a Sliding Patio Door with Installation Included from Evergreen Exterior Enhancements!

This post is sponsored by Evergreen Exterior Enhancements


Are you looking to enhance the exterior of your home? Look no further! Evergreen Exterior Enhancements, a local family-owned and operated company with over 20 years of experience, is offering you a fantastic opportunity to win a sliding patio door along with professional installation.

The patio door measures 70.875 inches in width and 79.5 inches in height, and it comes in a sleek white color. Please note that certain restrictions apply, ensuring that you have all the details before entering.

Evergreen Exterior Enhancements takes pride in providing affordable prices, top-notch customer service, and professional installation. They understand the importance of meeting your home's needs while staying within your budget. With their extensive partnerships, they offer a wide range of windows and doors that are not only beautiful but also energy-efficient, perfect for Colorado's unique climate.

As a company that specializes in window and glass replacement, new windows and doors, vinyl siding, folding doors, and window washing services, Evergreen Exterior Enhancements goes above and beyond to upgrade and maintain the exterior of your home or business. Their dedication to excellence sets them apart from the competition.

What truly sets Evergreen Exterior Enhancements apart is their exceptional team. With over two decades of experience, they understand that their success hinges on ensuring every customer is delighted and satisfied from start to finish. It's their commitment to your complete satisfaction that has made them a trusted name in the industry.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Click the link below to learn more about patio doors from Evergreen Exterior Enhancements and enter for your chance to win. Upgrade your home's exterior and create a more beautiful and energy-efficient space with the help of their expert team.

Click here to learn more about patio doors from Evergreen Exterior Enhancements and enter the giveaway today!

WalletHub: 2023’s Best Summer Travel Destinations

Source: WalletHub
With nearly 85% of Americans planning summer trips in 2023, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023's Best Summer Travel Destinations, as well as expert commentary, to supplement its Best Travel Credit Cards and Currency Exchange studies.

To help travelers plan the perfect summer getaway, WalletHub compared 100 metro areas across 41 key indicators of budget- and fun-friendliness. The data set ranges from the cost of the cheapest flight to the number of attractions to the average price of a two-person meal.
 
Top 20 Summer Travel Destinations
1. Atlanta, GA11. San Antonio, TX
2. Honolulu, HI12. Salt Lake City, UT
3. Washington, DC13. Greenville, SC
4. Wichita, KS14. Austin, TX
5. New York, NY15. Philadelphia, PA
6. Chicago, IL16. Oklahoma City, OK
7. Tampa, FL17. Grand Rapids, MI
8. Orlando, FL18. El Paso, TX
9. Richmond, VA19. Los Angeles, CA
10. Springfield, MO20. Minneapolis, MN

Best vs. Worst
  • The average flight to a popular summer destination costs $413, lasts 4 hours and 13 minutes and has 0.4 connections.
     
  • The Los Angeles metro area is the most attractive destination on the West Coast and the Washington, D.C. metro area is the most attractive destination on the East Coast.
     
  • Florida and Texas are home to the most top summer destinations in the U.S., each with at least two metro areas in the top 15. Oppositely, California has among the largest number of the unpopular summer destinations, with at least two metro areas.
     
  • The Houston metro area has the lowest nightly rate for a three-star hotel room, $28, which is 9.1 times less expensive than in Portland, the metro area with the highest at $254. 

Director Pasquale Marrazzo's Highly-Anticipated Fifth Film, 'The Neighbor,' Set for Theatrical, Digital, and DVD Release in June

 

Director Pasquale Marrazzo's fifth film, THE NEIGHBOR, is set to release in theaters on June 2, and on digital and DVD on June 6 through Dark Star Pictures and Uncork'd Entertainment. The highly anticipated film has already garnered strong reviews from festivals such as OUTshine Miami FF and Out At the Movies.

Starring Michelle Costabile and Jacopo Costantini, the film is an intense love story between two young men whose relationship is challenged by the hate and intolerance of Luca's parents. The film features a score by award-winning Italian composer Teho Teardo, who has worked on films such as "House of Gucci" and "Il Divo".

Marrazzo's previous work, "South of the Sun," premiered in Toronto's Discovery section in 2001, and he is known for his ability to tell compelling and emotional stories. "The Neighbor" promises to be no different, with its powerful portrayal of love in the face of adversity. Be sure to catch it in theaters, on digital, or on DVD this June.

Human Rights Campaign Honors International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by Highlighting Impacts of Global Small Grants Program


Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by celebrating the innovative outcomes of the third year of HRC Foundation’s Global Small Grants Program, which supported 20 initiatives to advance LGBTQ+ equality in 18 different countries. 

“Around the world, there are countless activists who  risk their lives every day to create a better world for LGBTQ+ people in their country,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “This is especially important to remember as advocates in Uganda are fighting a battle against a draconian law that criminalizes their very existence. On this IDAHOBIT, we are reminded yet again that progress can only be achieved when we all work together."

“Every May 17, as we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we are reminded of the importance of global action to fight against global inequality,” said Jean Freedberg, HRC’s Director of Global Partnerships. “Advocates around the world do incredible work fighting for LGBTQ+ people in their own communities, and HRC is honored to support their work through our Small Grants Program. IDAHOBIT serves as a reminder that countless LGBTQ+ people across the globe experience discrimination for being who they are on a daily basis – and provides  an opportunity to do real, meaningful work to uplift our partners around the world.”

HRC’s Global Small Grants Program builds upon the principles of IDAHOBIT and its 2023 theme, “Together Always: United in Diversity,” by supporting efforts to advance equality around the world. Each grant recipient received up to $5,000 to fund programs that fostered innovative movement-strengthening projects focused on engaging employers or people of faith as allies, strengthening racial equality for LGBTQ+ people, and building up trans leadership and advocacy.

The grants support alumni of HRC’s global programs - a growing network of 200 LGBTQ+ advocates from nearly 100 countries. This year’s grant recipients included five from Africa, four from Asia/Central Asia, six from Europe, and five from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Some examples of the innovative programs conducted with the small grants include:

In Uganda, HRC Global Innovator Tom Twongyeirwe through Universal Coalition of Affirming Africans (UCAA) Uganda engaged faith leaders and people and communities of faith as allies for equality through a workshop to change hearts and minds. During this thought-provoking dialogue, they discussed faith-related issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. focusing on debunking the lies and the myths that are especially prevalent following the recent passage of the draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

In Slovenia, HRC Global partner Legebitra organized a program to promote inclusive workspaces for transgender employees. Building on their previous efforts supported by HRC to recognize inclusive companies, Legebitra developed innovative educational materials focussed on creating inclusive workplaces for transgender employees. They convened a workshop with 16 participants from eight companies to present these materials, and through the connections formed there they were able to identify further participants in this program.

In Panama, HRC Global Innovator Pau Gonzalez through his organization Hombres Trans Panamá in collaboration with PFLAG Panamá developed a project with six faith leaders to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in religion. Titled, "Faith Leaders and Families, Building Bridges of Love, Respect and Inclusion, for Discriminated People in Panama," the project developed a video campaign that featured faith leaders across different faiths emphasizing the values of love, respect, and inclusion. This video reached thousands of people on social media. They also conducted a workshop for lay advocates on how to engage people of faith  as allies for equality. The participants came together at the end to present about their faiths and values of inclusion.

This year’s full list of recipients are: Alliance Against Discrimination of LGBT People (Albania), OMSA (Albania) Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO (Armenia), Pink Coconuts (Barbados), Fundación Sergio Urrego (Colombia), Diálogo Diverso (Ecuador), The Mediators Foundation (Ghana), Kyrgyz Indigo (Kyrgyzstan), LGBT Forum Progress (Montenegro), Bisi Alimi Foundation (Nigeria), Track-T (Pakistan), Hombres Trans PanamáPFLAG Panama (Panama), Legebitra (Slovenia), ECADE (St. Lucia), Queer Media (Sweden), NGO "LighT" (Central Asia), Equal Asia Foundation (Thailand), Bridge Initiative Organization (Tanzania/Zanzibar), Tanzania Trans Initiative (Tanzania) and Universal Coalition of Affirming Africans Uganda (Uganda).

The HRC Global Small Grants program is made possible with generous support from ADM and we are grateful for their partnership. You can read updates from more of the organizations here and learn more about the Global Small Grants program here.

Around the world, there has been tremendous progress in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, yet in virtually every country, countless numbers still lack fundamental rights and protections, and are at risk of violence, and in some cases, death. In particular, transgender people face an epidemic of violence, in the U.S. and around the world.

IDAHOBIT marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. The move followed a similar decision by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973. Each year, advocates and allies around the world commemorate the day by focusing on efforts to end violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.

Ron Pope Collaborates with MusiCares to Shine a Light on Mental Health Awareness Month - Release of Empowering New Single and Video 'You're OK' Today!


Today, Nashville-based, platinum recording artist Ron Pope has released “You’re OK,” the latest single and video from his forthcoming LP, Inside Voices, due June 2nd via Brooklyn Basement Records. The video was created by Nashville-based animator and illustrator Stephanie O’Byrne. "When my daughter stumbles and falls, I'll often pick her up, dust her off, look at her, and say 'You're OK!' Then she'll take off running again," Pope explains. "The fear that I won't always be around to pick her up when she's in trouble is one of the central forces guiding me as I teach her; I want to help her become strong and confident so that she can always dust herself off and keep going."
 
With the release of “You’re OK,” Pope has partnered with MusiCares® to raise funds for their efforts towards assisting with the mental health needs of the music community.  Listeners can donate to support MusiCares using this special link: https://www.musicares.org/about?form=FUNYCEBKVPH
 
MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based, independent 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information please visit: www.musicares.org

Monday, May 15, 2023

Experience LGBTQ+ Pride in Paradise: Costa Sur Resort & Spa Welcomes Guests for Puerto Vallarta's Annual Pride Celebrations!

Puerto Vallarta is gearing up for its annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and empowerment with multiple weeks of activities that embrace Puerto Vallarta's family-focused activities, outdoor adventures, and nightlife. To accommodate visitors during the Pride festivities, Costa Sur Resort & Spa offers a Pride package that includes four nights in an oceanfront room, an upgrade to a Grand Deluxe Suite, daily breakfast, 15% off on spa services, and a welcome amenity.

Located in the southern zone, just 10 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta's Gayborhood, Costa Sur Resort & Spa is the first hotel in Puerto Vallarta to become a member of IGLTA and a "Proud Certified" property by Booking.com. The property offers wonderful views of the bay and has a beautiful private beach cove built with large rocks to form a sea lagoon full of marine life.

Puerto Vallarta's Pride celebrations, themed "Be Proud of Your Nature," will take place from May 17 to 28th, culminating in an impressive Pride parade that showcases the creativity of different companies and individuals dressed in rainbow colors. This annual event has placed Puerto Vallarta in the spotlight as one of the main places in the world to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.

LGBTQ+ Film "DADDY ISSUES" Selected for World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival

 

Co-Directors Matt Campanella and Stephanie Chloé Hepner’s DADDY ISSUES follows a young man who, when trying to impress his new boss, gets more than he bargained for. The live-action short film has been selected for the world premiere in contention at the prestigious OSCAR-qualifying Tribeca Film Festival this June. DADDY ISSUES was selected from 8,096 submissions, with its four screenings selling out in just thirty minutes.

LGBTQ+ New Yorker Matt Campanella wrote, directed, produced, and starred in DADDY ISSUES. He recently guest-starred in the Tubi series, GREAT KILLS, and wrote, directed, and produced the upcoming film, YOUR CALL US IMPORTANT TO US. He’s a recipient of the Screencraft Quarterfinalist Award. As an actor, Matt has garnered training from the world-renowned London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and NYU Tisch.

Latinx immigrant director and producer Stephanie Chloé Hepner is also a writer and actress, having starred in LAW AND ORDER, NEW AMSTERDAM, THE EQUALIZER and more. She’s currently developing an LGBTQ+ comedy pilot, MAYBE THIS TIME, and producing THE 22, a film about PTSD and veteran suicide. In 2018, she produced her first feature, A BOY LIKE THAT. A 2022 Kino Guarimba Film Fellow in Italy, she’s trained in Argentina, her home country, Villa La Pietra in Florence, and is an NYU Tisch graduate.

DADDY ISSUES was produced by Anthony Campanella and Hardy Awadjie. The stunning cinematography was created by Nicholas Kalajdzic. This comedy is currently being adapted into a feature-length film.

This eye-opening film will premiere on Friday 9th of June at 8:15 pm, followed by screenings on June 14th and June 17th.

Kim Petras Unveils Debut Album "Feed The Beast" and Makes Waves on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover

Kim Petras, the international pop sensation and critically acclaimed songwriter, has announced the release of her highly anticipated debut album "Feed The Beast," which is set to drop on June 23. Fans can now pre-save the album on Republic Records/Amigo Records.

In an exciting announcement, it was revealed on TODAY that Kim Petras will be gracing the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The magazine is a symbol of pop culture that champions body confidence and self-expression, and Kim's appearance will continue to spark important discussions about beauty standards on a global scale. Fans can check out the cover, featuring Kim in a swimsuit by Natalia Fedner and earrings by Alexis Bittar, photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles, by clicking here. To celebrate this iconic moment, Kim will be performing at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, FL on Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m, presented by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

Furthermore, Kim Petras will also be appearing on the cover of OUT's May/June Pride Issue, celebrating the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

Kim recently released her buzzy single "Alone" featuring diamond-selling hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj, which has already racked up millions of streams. Fans can watch the steamy video featuring Kim and Nicki here.

Kim's fans can catch her playing at Governor's Ball on June 9th in NYC. And on June 23, she will be celebrating the release of her album Feed The Beast on NBC's TODAY, performing live on the TODAY Plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series.

With all these exciting developments, it's no wonder that Kim Petras is making waves in the pop music industry. Fans of the singer are eagerly anticipating the release of her first full-length album, and her upcoming performances and appearances are sure to be unforgettable.

Fenway Health's 2023 Gala: An Unforgettable Evening of Fashion, Fine Dining, and Solidarity!


Get ready for a night of glamour and style as Fenway Health’s 2023 Gala returns to the Omni Boston Seaport on May 20, 2023. This year's Gala, the latest evolution of Fenway's historic fundraisers, The Dinner Party and The Men's Event, promises to be an unforgettable evening of fashion, fine dining, and entertainment.

The event will be hosted by WCVB Channel 5's Jessica Brown and will feature two parts: the Main Event from 6-9 PM and the After Party from 9 PM-12 AM. The Main Event includes red-carpet photo-ops, a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, and a live auction. It will also recognize and honor those working to ensure a healthier future for the communities Fenway serves.

The After Party promises an unforgettable night of high-energy music and dancing featuring local talent, special guest appearances, and other highlights. With a deejay, live entertainment, refreshments, and a whole lot of dancing, it's the perfect way to end the night.

According to Fenway Health's CEO, Ellen LaPointe, "The Fenway Gala is a once-a-year opportunity for our community and allies to come together in celebration and solidarity." She continued, "The Gala also helps support our research, education, and advocacy efforts to defend LGBTQIA+ rights and expand access to high quality, compassionate LGBTQIA+ care in the face of a rising tide of discriminatory legislation throughout the nation.”

During the dinner portion of the event, Fenway Health will be honoring individuals and organizations who embody their mission by helping pave the way for equitable and accessible healthcare. Kevin Churchwell, CEO of Boston Children's Hospital, will present two Fenway Leadership Awards. The first will be given to Karen and Rob Hale and the Hale Family, who demonstrate extraordinary allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community through their generous support of youth experiencing homelessness.

The second Fenway Leadership Award will be presented to Boston Pride For The People, a group of community members who have come together to reimagine Boston’s LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration to be more inclusive.

Corporate sponsors for the event include Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Moderna, Point32 Health, Eastern Bank, Gilead, Takeda, PTC, PWC, and Vertex.

The Fenway Health Gala is a can't-miss event for New England’s LGBTQIA+ community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate wins, recommit to the work that still needs to be done, and appreciate and enjoy one another. All the while, funds raised will support vital programs and services to address health disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC people, and those living with HIV in Massachusetts.

For more information about the Fenway Health Gala, visit celebratefenway.org.

Hulu Expands Live Offerings in Fifth Year of 'Pride Never Stops' Campaign


Since 2019, Hulu’s “Pride Never Stops” campaign has continued to find new and unique ways to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices as part of its ongoing commitment to celebrating these artists and their stories year-round.  

In 2022, for the first time ever, the platform livestreamed both the Los Angeles and New York City Pride marches to all Hulu subscribers.  Now, as it continues to diversify its live content offerings, Hulu will add Houston, Chicago, and San Francisco marches to that line-up.  All five will be available via the “Pride Never Stops” hub.

  • Sunday, June 11: The 53rd annual Los Angeles Pride Parade is back, live from Hollywood! With 150,000 spectators, the parade features hundreds of marchers, colorful floats, surprise celebrity guests and special presentations alongside KABC’s Ellen Leyva, Karl Schmid, Christiane Cordero and Eric Resendiz. (11am - 1pm PT, via KABC)
  • Saturday, June 24: Houston Pride will celebrate its 45th anniversary on Saturday, June 24 in Downtown Houston. The parade, which draws 750,000 spectators annually, will feature more than 150 entries, boasting the color, pageantry and culture of America’s most diverse city.  ABC13 Houston’s Erica Simon, Mayra Moreno, Pooja Lodhia and Bob Slovak will host. (7 - 9pm CT, via KTRK)
  • Sunday, June 25: ABC News Live celebrates Pride like never before with “Pride Across America,” hosted by Gio Benitez and Alex Perez. This unprecedented streaming event will feature live anchored coverage from Pride marches across the country in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. (11am - 4pm ET, via ABCNL)

 Hulu’s “Pride Never Stops” hub will continue to showcase a robust content slate including the highly-anticipated Drag Me To Dinner, Original favorites Fire Island, Love, Victor, Crush, Planet Sex, and Welcome to Chippendales, and library hits including Pose, Schitt’s Creek, Good Trouble, Will & Grace, and more. New series and upcoming content include:

 May 31 (Pride Eve!): Drag Me to Dinner (Hulu Original) - “Drag Me To Dinner” is a riotous, format-busting, fourth-wall-breaking, unapologetic sendup of traditional reality competition shows! In each episode, two teams of successful drag queens go head-to-head to throw the most fabulous, awe-inspiring, drag-tastical dinner parties of all time, and be crowned champion by our three judgers: the multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris, drag superstar Bianca Del Rio, and the funny and fabulous Haneefah Wood. Hosted by the hardest-working middle-aged man in show business: dapper NYC legend Murray Hill, each episode has its own unique theme, as revealed by resident expert, life of the party, and show producer David Burtka. Teams will focus on multiple criteria: Food & Drink, Design & Decor, and Entertainment & Overall Vibe ­– let the comedic culinary costumed chaos commence!

 June 1:  Queen Sugar (The Seventh and Final Season) - Season 7 picks up six months after the end of last season, with the Bordelons celebrating new beginnings as they continue to leave their mark on the community and honor the legacy of their family. Ralph Angel vows to get the black farmers co-op up and running while Darla, Vi, and Hollywood tend to Tru, the newest Bordelon baby. Meanwhile, Nova continues to fight the Landrys’ development project by exposing the historical significance of the Bordelon land. Elsewhere, Micah finds his footing in photography, Prosper pursues his relationship with Sandy, and Billie navigates her future with Vince.

 June 1: Vida (Season 3) - “Vida” returns with Hernandez sisters, Emma and Lyn, riding on the heels of success. The bar is booming, and their love lives are actually flourishing — until they discover a long-buried family secret that ruins their hard-won peace. They find themselves face-to-face with old ghosts and new enemies, all while deciding if they can continue together as a family or if they should each move on alone — for good this time.

 June 1: Skin Wars (Seasons 1 - 3) - Rebecca Romijn hosts television’s first-ever body painting competition show, which seeks to find the most skillful, accomplished, and versatile body painter in America. The body artists will compete in elaborate body painting challenges to avoid elimination and win over the approval of judges, including legendary entertainer RuPaul Charles and body painting icons Craig Tracy and Robin Slonin

June 1: Skin Wars Fresh Paint (Season 1) - Six artists specializing in other areas, including food art and illustration, compete in body painting for the first time; with the help of their Skin Wars mentors they must paint clothes on their naked models and win the approval of judges, including Emma Cammack and Mat Gleason. Hosted by RuPaul Charles.

 June 14: FX’s The Full Monty - Twenty-five years later, we join our original band of Monty men and women in Sheffield for a funny and uplifting story of friendship and community triumphing over adversity. Gaz, Dave and our Northern heroes have settled into a new way of living. Gaz is navigating relationships and escapades with his grown-up police officer son, Nathan, and rebel-teenage daughter, Destiny. Dave and his wife Jean now work at the same school and are dealing with some big issues both in and out of the classroom. Lomper and Dennis are married and trying to keep their dwindling, cheekily named Big Baps café afloat. And Horse is simply struggling to make ends meet amidst a crumbling welfare system. Meanwhile our gentlemanly Gerald plows on in his job at a construction firm. With an entourage of exciting new characters, reconnect and follow the gang in the heart-warming, all-new “The Full Monty.”

June 15: Jagged Mind (Hulu Original Film) - When Billie (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) starts dating a mysterious new girlfriend (Shannon Woodward), she suffers blackouts and strange visions that feel like she’s living the same moments of her life over and over.

 

June 24: Linoleum (2022) - Cameron Edwin (Jim Gaffigan), the host of a failing children's science TV show called "Above & Beyond", has always had aspirations of being an astronaut. After a mysterious space-race era satellite coincidentally falls from space and lands in his backyard, his midlife crisis manifests in a plan to rebuild the machine into his dream rocket. As his relationship with his wife (Rhea Seehorn) and gay teenage daughter (Katelyn Nacon) start to strain, surreal events begin unfolding around him -- a doppelgänger moving into the house next door, a car falling from the sky, and an unusual teenage boy forging a friendship with him. He slowly starts to piece these events together to ultimately reveal that there's more to his life story than he once thought.