Lambda Legal Celebrates Pride Month with Nationwide Events, Honoring 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Advancing Legal Rights

Lambda Legal, the renowned organization dedicated to advancing legal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, is gearing up to celebrate Pride Month with a series of exciting events and activities across the country. With a steadfast commitment to diversity, resilience, and equality, Lambda Legal aims to honor its 50-year history of advocacy while looking ahead to a future of continued progress.

Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, emphasizes the significance of Pride Month, stating, "Pride Month is a reminder of our unprecedented past, unwavering present, and unstoppable future." He expresses excitement about the events planned throughout June, which will unite allies and supporters nationwide to amplify the fight for justice and equality. Lambda Legal's steadfast presence since its establishment in 1973 ensures that discrimination is confronted and the LGBTQ+ community, along with individuals living with HIV, are fiercely advocated for.

Lambda Legal's participation in local pride events will serve as a platform to inform, motivate, and inspire attendees. They will showcase ongoing case work, combating discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals. Booth sponsorships and selfie stations at certain locations will enable Pride march and festival attendees to engage with Lambda Legal's mission. Social media will play a crucial role through the use of the hashtag #UnstoppablePride. Lambda Legal has also partnered with NASCAR driver Zach Herrin, representing the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community. Some locations will even feature a Lambda Legal parade contingent, including Herrin's actual race car.

As Lambda Legal commemorates the Stonewall uprising of 1969 and reflects on its own journey over the past 50 years, the organization recognizes the power of community and the importance of unity in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Throughout Pride Month, Lambda Legal will collaborate with allies and community organizations in various cities nationwide. Their involvement will encompass parades, events, educational forums, and amplification of LGBTQ+ voices and those living with HIV.

Join the MileHighGayGuy Team: Seeking LGBTQ+ Writers and Bloggers for Colorado's Best Gay Blog!

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Pride Live Announces Exciting Lineup for Stonewall Day 2023

 

Pride Live, a social advocacy and community engagement organization for the LGBTQ+ community, has revealed additional names to its star-studded lineup for Stonewall Day 2023. The event will take place at Hudson Yards on Manhattan's West Side on Friday, June 23, and promises to be a day filled with celebration and empowerment.

Among the performers joining the event are Johnny Manuel and Kellen Stancil, who will share the stage with headliner Christina Aguilera, host Angelica Ross, and resident DJ Lina Bradford, along with other talented individuals. The program will also feature special remarks from notable figures such as writer and health advocate Chelsea Clinton, poet and comedian Alok Vaid-Menon, activist and author Raquel Willis, actress Dale Soules, model and activist Valentina Sampaio, and drag artist Julie J. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to view the inaugural Stonewall Day 2023 Visual Campaign presented by art director and producer Mike Ruiz.

Stonewall Day will be livestreamed on YouTube, thanks to the support of its partners Google, Hudson Yards, and Equinox Hotel NY. Notably, Hudson Yards will serve as the home for Stonewall Day 2023 and 2024, allowing for a larger audience and the continuation of the Stonewall legacy across generations.

"We're honored to welcome such incredible talent and organizations to this historic event," said Ann Marie Gothard, President of the Pride Live Board. "As we approach the one-year mark for the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center on June 28, 2024, their support helps us achieve our goal of raising funds and visibility while creating a space for a more inclusive future, where everyone can find inspiration and a sense of belonging."

William Floyd, Senior Director of Public Policy at Google, expressed excitement about their role as a presenting and streaming sponsor. "We want to ensure that Stonewall Day is accessible globally for all audiences to enjoy," Floyd stated. "That's why this incredible lineup of performers and speakers will be aired on our exclusive YouTube livestream."

The concert, which will be free to stream, will take place from 6-8 PM ET on the Pride Live YouTube channel. To encourage a diverse and inclusive crowd, Pride Live has set aside 200 tickets to be donated to local LGBTQ+ youth groups.

Stonewall Day, launched in 2018, is a national day of awareness commemorating the anniversary of the historic 1969 Stonewall Rebellion. This significant event also serves as an official fundraiser for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC), set to be the first LGBTQ+ visitor center within the National Park System.

With its theme of celebrating everyday heroes within the LGBTQ+ community, Stonewall Day 2023 shines a spotlight on trailblazers, trendsetters, and fierce advocates who make history each day, simply by showing up. Pride Live aims to gather a large and diverse crowd, ensuring that the event serves as a platform for empowerment and unity.

Save the date and join in the excitement of Stonewall Day 2023, a day dedicated to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and envisioning a more inclusive future for all.

Human Rights Campaign Declares 'State of Emergency' for LGBTQ+ Americans: National Warning and Safety Guidebook Released

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time in its more than 40-year history, following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year. A new report released by HRC today — LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack — details more than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record.  

The sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ measures has spawned a dizzying patchwork of discriminatory state laws that have created increasingly hostile and dangerous environments for LGBTQ+ people, prompting HRC today to also issue a national warning and downloadable guidebook for the LGBTQ+ community — including health and safety resources, a summary of state-by-state laws, “know your rights” information, and resources designed to support LGBTQ+ travelers as well as those already living in hostile states. This guidebook will arm LGBTQ+ people with resources and information to help ensure safety in all 50 states. 

Kelley Robinson, the President of the Human Rights Campaign, issued the following  statement:  

“LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency. The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous. In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of each and every one of us at risk. As we kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month, HRC will be working tirelessly to educate and arm the LGBTQ+ community with information and resources to ensure their safety — whether they’re planning summer travel through regions that are becoming increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ people, or whether they already live in a state where legislative assaults and political extremism are continuing to put a target on our backs.  

“There is an imminent threat to the health and safety of millions of LGBTQ+ people and families, who are living every day in uncertainty and fear. Our number one priority will always be ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are safe and have the tools they need to defend and protect themselves against acts of hostility, discrimination and — in the most extreme cases — violence. It’s also incumbent on our allies across the country to stand with us and make it clear that they won’t sit idly by while extremists attack and malign LGBTQ+ people and our families. We’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure the safety and dignity of every LGBTQ+ person is respected and protected — without exception.” 

Nadine Smith, the CEO of Equality Florida, stood alongside HRC issuing the following statement:  

“Florida stands at the forefront of the fight against these oppressive laws now proliferating throughout the nation. It is heartbreaking to witness families uproot themselves in search of access to healthcare and inclusive classrooms, free from book bans and censorship. Our universities, once renowned for their talent and innovation, are witnessing a drain of exceptional educators and students who now seek refuge in places where academic freedom and excellence prevail over political indoctrination. Our state’s economy has lost over $1 billion as businesses and conferences withdraw their investment in our state. The assault on freedom is not limited to one state but permeates across America. The erosion of civil liberties by extremists to further their own political ambitions poses a direct threat to the health and safety of LGBTQ individuals. It is imperative for all of us to recognize the gravity of this moment and commit ourselves to being on the frontlines, unwavering in our fight for freedom.”  

An Escalating Crisis for LGBTQ+ People Across the Country 

Extremist politicians and their allies have ushered in an unprecedented climate of fear, hostility, and discrimination that’s already rippling consequences across the LGBTQ+ community. As detailed in HRC’s legislative impact report, there has been a steady increase in anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures over the last several years — from 115 bills introduced in 2015 to more than 500 in 2023. This year, more than 75 bills have been signed into law — more than doubling last year’s number.  

George Platt Lynes: A "Hidden Master" of Male Nude Photography

From visionary art director Sam Shahid, HIDDEN MASTER features a stunning collection of photography from the 1930s-50s, uncovering the life of Lynes less known: his gifted eye for the male form, his long-term friendships with Gertrude Stein and Alfred Kinsey, and his lasting influence as one of the first openly gay American artists.

George Platt Lynes began his career photographing celebrities, and it’s those portraits along with his extravagant fashion work that he’s best remembered for today. However, George’s heart, his passion, and his greatest talent lay elsewhere, in his work with the male nude. This work, sensuous and radically explicit for its time, has only recently begun being fully discovered and appreciated for the revolution that it represents — a man capturing his fantasies as a gift, a window to a future his camera saw coming before anyone else.

Cinephobia Releasing Presents "Sublime": A Remarkable Queer Film Set for North American Release

Cinephobia Releasing is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of their inaugural film, "Sublime." This exceptional queer film has received critical acclaim during its successful journey through the global festival circuit, and now, audiences across North America can experience its magic. Starting June 20, the film will be available on various platforms, including DVD, Cable, and Digital VOD services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.

"Sublime," set in Argentina, marks the remarkable feature-length debut of writer/director Mariano Biasin and takes audiences on a poignant journey as shy 16-year-old Manuel, portrayed by Martín Miller, discovers his passion for music in a garage rock band alongside his best friend Felipe, played by Teo Inama Chiabrando. Their close bond becomes more intense with their musical pursuits, but strains arise when Felipe starts dating a girl. Meanwhile, Manuel navigates his own romantic experiences with a female classmate, all the while grappling with suppressed feelings for Felipe. Confusion and fear of unreciprocated emotions push Manuel to confront his true feelings head-on, leading to a transformative self-discovery.

Pride Week Celebration: Indulge in the Sweet Creations of Chocolatina Q Dessert aka The Pie Queen

There's an exciting event in store for all dessert enthusiasts and lovers of extravagant entertainment. Join The Pie Queen and her NYC partner in song, Lavinia Draper, for the Pie Queen Pride Party at Bruz Midtown. This vibrant occasion will showcase the extraordinary talents of pastry chef Martin Howard, better known as Chocolatina Q Dessert.

For Martin, pastry has always been a lifelong passion. Growing up in Columbia, Maryland, he was immersed in a world of homemade cookies and cakes thanks to his mother's baking skills. Martin couldn't resist joining in the fun, transitioning from his role as his mom's helpful assistant to becoming an ambitious young experimenter with an EasyBake oven. As he honed his skills and developed a love for cooking, pastry emerged as his true calling.

To enhance the Pride Week celebration, grab a slice of pie and a brew as you prepare to be dazzled by the outrageous entertainment provided by The Pie Queen and Lavinia Draper. This joyful event is made even more special by the venue, Bruz Beers, Denver's beloved artisanal Belgian-style brewery. Known for their hand-crafted, small-batch traditional and Belgian-inspired brews, Bruz Beers offers the perfect backdrop for this unique and flavorful experience.

One Colorado Joins Forces with 100+ LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations and Allies, Urging Target and Business Community to Reject Coordinated Extremist Assaults on LGBTQ+ Rights

Going into Pride Month One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families, is proud to join GLAAD, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the National Black Justice Coalition and over 100 leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations across the US in calling on the business community to stand up against anti-LGBTQ+ extremists and hate – and we’re asking Target to take the lead.

Additionally, the coalition stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ employees at companies like Target, as well as the designers of Pride merchandise, who have experienced horrendous, unhinged attacks while simply showing up to work. Harassment and threats of violence, anywhere and at any time, against good people just doing their jobs to make a living is completely unacceptable and irrational. As highlighted in the statement below, the coalition has communicated expectations that Target provide necessary security measures for employees’ safety while also showing support for the LGBTQ+ community by denouncing extremists.

The coalition statement continues:

Recent pushback against businesses such as Anheuser-Busch and Target, blatantly organized by extremist groups, serves as a wake up call for all businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve seen this extremist playbook of attacks before. Their goal is clear: to prevent LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation, silence our allies and make our community invisible. These attacks fuel hate against LGBTQ+ people, just as we’ve seen this year with more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that restrict basic freedoms and aim to erase LGBTQ+ people.

Extremist attacks and harassment of businesses for standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and values of diversity, equity and inclusion have challenged Target, and businesses more broadly, to lead – to demonstrate they mean what they say when investing in and standing with LGBTQ+ people, creatives, and organizations. Businesses must continue to lead and respond with unwavering support for LGBTQ+ employees, shareholders, customers, allies – and the broader community. When values of diversity, equity and inclusion are tested, business must defend them unequivocally.

Doubling down on your values is not only the right thing to do, it’s good for business. Research shows that if a brand publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, Americans are 2x more likely to buy or use the brand. Americans ages 18-34 are 5.5x more likely to want to work at a company if it publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

It isn’t just LGBTQ+ consumers and communities: 70% of non-LGBTQ+ people believe companies should publicly support and include the LGBTQ+ community through practices like hiring, advertising and sponsorships (Accelerating Acceptance, 2023).

At this moment, it’s critical that Target champions equity and inclusion as it has for over a decade. Target consistently tops the list for brands that show genuine, authentic support of the LGBTQ+ community through outreach and policies. Target received recognition for outstanding commitment to DEI from the Executive Leadership Council in 2022. It’s time to prove the recognition was earned.

When it comes to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, there is no such thing as neutrality.

Christopher Tradowsky Wins 2023 J. Michael Samuel Prize: Celebrating Late-Blooming LGBTQ Writers Over 50

Lambda Literary is thrilled to share the exciting news that Christopher Tradowsky has been named the winner of the 2023 J. Michael Samuel Prize for Emerging Writers Over 50. This highly acclaimed award recognizes the exceptional talent of LGBTQ writers who begin their literary journeys later in life, and Tradowsky's achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance and artistic expression.

The J. Michael Samuel Prize was established with the generous support of writer and philanthropist Chuck Forester, who firmly believes that the age at which writers start their creative endeavors does not diminish their skill or potential. Forester's conviction that late-blooming writers have stories worth telling led to the creation of this prize, which aims to break down barriers and celebrate the diverse voices within the LGBTQ literary community.

The prize is open to unpublished LGBTQ writers over the age of 50, working in any genre. It includes a substantial cash prize of $5,000, providing valuable support and recognition to writers who have overcome obstacles and pursued their passions later in life.

Christopher Tradowsky emerged as the winner from a pool of 79 applicants, thanks to the impressive submission of excerpted chapters from his novel-in-progress, "Requiem for the Cinema Palace." The judging panel, consisting of Jobert Abueva and Larry Benjamin, were captivated by Tradowsky's writing, finding it both haunting and remarkable. His work stood out for its unique voice and promising storytelling, demonstrating the caliber of talent present in late-blooming writers within the LGBTQ community.

To delve deeper into Tradowsky's creative process and inspirations, Lambda Literary encourages readers to explore his interview with Emmanuel Henderson. This conversation sheds light on the journey of an emerging writer who found their calling later in life, navigating the challenges and triumphs along the way.

The J. Michael Samuel Prize for Emerging Writers Over 50 not only recognizes the achievements of Christopher Tradowsky but also serves as a reminder that creativity knows no age limits. It celebrates the resilience, dedication, and artistic brilliance of LGBTQ writers who defy societal expectations and prove that it is never too late to share one's voice with the world.

Over 200 LGBTQ+ and Allied Organizations Call on Business Community to Speak Out Against Extremist Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, in partnership with over 200 LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, called for Target and the business community to reject and speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ extremism this Pride Month. Recent pushback against businesses such as Anheuser-Busch and Target, blatantly organized by extremist groups, serves as a wake up call for all businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community. The coalition statement can be read in full HERE.

President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Kelley Robinson released the following statement:

“Extremist backlash to LGBTQ+ inclusion is not new. It’s an old, stale playbook that’s now hastily being labeled as ‘anti-woke’ from folks who want us back in the closet. These extremist groups and individuals continue to employ hate and intimidation.

But today, 200 plus organizations are here to tell our corporate allies not to bow to the bullies.

Allyship is sometimes uncomfortable, especially when your values are tested. Businesses that retreat from their own values of diversity, equity, and inclusion when anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, from statehouses to social media platforms, are at an all time high are making a short-term gamble that won’t just backfire now, it will backfire years into the future. We’ve seen it again and again: Businesses that stand up for the values they espouse send a powerful message to their employees, shareholders and customers that equality is not up for debate. It’s time for businesses to act on their values – stand up and speak out for LGBTQ+ equality.”

From Kelley Robinson’s USA Today opinion piece, June 5th: “It is in this atmosphere that companies are entering Pride Month – a timely reminder that inclusion is not selective nor half-hearted. Being an LGBTQ+ ally this Pride means moving beyond the seasonal rainbow logo to taking meaningful action – speaking out against hate-filled legislation, providing relocation benefits for workers who have to flee their states, and standing by the community when the water gets hot.”

Equality is good for business:

• The Gen Z consumer and workforce is not the future, they are the right now, and more than 1 in 5 of them identify as LGBTQ+.
• Research shows that if a brand publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, Americans are 2x more likely to buy or use the brand. Americans ages 18-34 are 5.5x more likely to want to work at a company if it publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
• Seven in ten (71%) of U.S. LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to purchase from a company that “outreaches and advertises to the LGTBQ+ community” (Community Marketing Insights [CMI]).
• Internally, 68% of employees surveyed in 2021 would consider quitting their current job and working with an organization with a stronger viewpoint on the social issues that matter most to them (Gartner Inc.)
  • Employees whose employer has taken a strong stance on current societal and cultural issues are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction.

For over 20 years, the Human Rights Campaign has worked with companies on how to center values of diversity, equity and inclusion in policy and practice through the Corporate Equality Index and Workplace Equality program. HRC encourages businesses to sign the Count Us In pledge as a way to proactively demonstrate their unequivocal support for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Human Rights Campaign Accuses Pentagon of Yielding to Bigoted Pressure, Cancels Drag Performance on First Day of Pride Month

Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — responded to the Department of Defense’s decision to cancel a drag performance at Nellis Air Force Base, a discriminatory move that comes on the first day of Pride month. Despite the fact that previous drag events have been held at the Nevada base at least twice before, and with the military’s long history of supporting drag entertainment, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other officials called for today’s performance to be canceled following pressure from Congressman Matt Gaetz and other extremist lawmakers.

HRC President Kelley Robinson released the following statement:
“Before today, Secretary Austin has been unwavering in his support for LGBTQ+ Americans who proudly serve in uniform. However, instead of truly standing up for our community on the first day of Pride, he chose to side with the politics of fear and discrimination peddled by extreme members of Congress. For decades, our community has fought for our right to exist without shame or exception, yet the Secretary’s decision to ban an event that has happened in prior years reinforces false tropes about LGBTQ+ culture. At a time when we are under attack, the Pentagon is ceding to extremist forces focused on taking away our rights -- leaders responsible for national defense ought to do better. Our people deserve better, the United States military deserves better, and all Americans deserve better.”

This Pride Month, NAMI's 'Mental Health Without Conditions' Campaign Gives Voice to the LGBTQ+ Community

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, today launched "Mental Health Without Conditions," a compassionate Pride Month campaign for LGBTQ+ dignity and equality.

NAMI is accentuating its commitment to unconditional support for the LGBTQ+ community, calling for increased awareness and action to address that community's mental health disparities and unique needs — not just in June, but every month.

"NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone navigating mental health conditions, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, who disproportionately experience obstacles to equal care," said NAMI Chief Innovation Officer Darcy Gruttadaro. "Our campaign's core theme, 'I Am NAMI Pride,' isn't merely a slogan — it's a powerful affirmation that underlines our identity. The 'I AM' within 'NAMI' reflects our collective dedication to mental health equity for every individual."

Bearing the inspiring hashtag #IAmNAMIPride, the campaign and a new landing page at nami.org/Pride offer a platform for people to share and express their solidarity and support. The page includes disturbing statistics about LGBTQ+ mental health, but it also tells individual stories that humanize the realities many LGBTQ+ people encounter in their mental health journeys.

Throughout June, NAMI encourages everyone to amplify their voices, share their stories and show their pride by tagging NAMI's social media accounts (linked at the bottom of this release) and using the hashtag #IAmNAMIPride. The campaign website provides shareable social media resources, including educational graphics, a special #IAmNAMIPride Facebook profile frame and ways to share personal experiences related to LGBTQ+ mental health.

The website also offers resources for people seeking support, including a directory of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health providers and information about NAMI's LGBTQ+ policy positions. These services are a part of NAMI's wider push to provide comprehensive support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The latest of those policies, adopted recently by the NAMI Board of Directors, addresses the timely issue of access to gender-affirming care, emphasizing its critical importance to the mental health of transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse individuals. It also opposes any public policies or laws, which have been proliferating nationwide, that limit, ban or criminalize such care.

Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely to experience a mental health condition, compared to cisgender individuals. For transgender and nonbinary youth, these risks increase dramatically, including a higher likelihood of serious consideration of suicide and actual suicide attempts. Rather than limiting or banning life-saving care, NAMI urges the availability of evidence-based practices that improve mental health outcomes for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

LGBTQ+ people face higher risks of mental health conditions and suicide. Bullying, hate crimes, discrimination and lack of access to mental health care contribute to these disparities.

"Mental Health Without Conditions" is a step toward changing this narrative, creating a safer, fairer and more supportive environment for everybody regardless of their gender identity or sexuality.

PEOPLE Cover Story: Elliot Page on 'the Ease I Feel' as a Trans Man Today: 'I Used to Never Feel Like My Skin Was My Own'

Elliot Page is ready to talk about his life story, which he’s just put down on paper in his much-anticipated new memoir, Pageboy.

His is a remarkable one: how a Canadian child star overcame his fears to become an Oscar nominee (for 2007’s Juno), superhero (the X-Men franchise and he’s starring in the final season of Netflix's The Umbrella Academy), and, now, perhaps the most famous trans person on the planet, since coming out in 2020.

“When I’m walking down the street, and young people come up to me, it means the world to me,” Page, 36, who graces the cover of this week's PEOPLE, says. “Them being themselves, having the courage to say, ‘This is who I am, and I’m gonna live authentically.’”

“The privilege I have, does not represent the reality of most trans lives," adds Page. "The reality is trans people disproportionately are unemployed, disproportionately experience homelessness. Trans women of color are being murdered. People are losing their healthcare.”

Not that his journey has been without difficulty. “I do feel like I barely made it in many ways,” Page says.

He opens up about those challenges — and the joy he’s found on the other side.

Jake Shears new album 'Last Man Dancing' out today!

Today Jake Shears has released his new record, Last Man Dancing via Mute.The project features the new single and title track, a brand new collaboration with Kylie Minogue (“Voices”), plus acclaimed recent singles “Too Much Music” and “I Used To be In Love”. Following a recent run of explosive support sets in the UK with Duran Duran, Shears will take Last Man Dancing out on the road this summer, with a sold-out date in London, international festivals including Mighty Hoopla and Glastonbury and in-store events for week of release. All dates are listed below.

Those who RSVP to the Last Man Dancing party will quickly realize there is more going on than may first meet the eye. The record was introduced in immersive style earlier this year with the reborn disco groove of “Too Much Music”, and followed by “I Used To Be In Love”, a symphonic blast of house, hedonism and finding yourself right at home in a crowd of strangers. Like any great night out, things take a stranger turn: funk workout “Do The Television”, says Jake, “is about language and the loss of meaning, changing symbols and forgotten history”, while there’s a scathingly funny portrait of modern narcissism on the electro-clash of “Really Big Deal”. The record reaches its floor-filling crescendo on what Shears loosely calls “The Suite”: an instrumental-led mix (“Mess Of Me”, “Doses”, “Radio Eyes”) that sees the party reach almost dystopian depths in a room that also features the unlikely collective voices of Big Freedia, Jane Fonda, Iggy Pop and Amber Martin. Closing on the cinematic, breakbeat glam of “Diamonds Don’t Burn”, Last Man Dancing is ultimately a reminder to keep moving through whatever life throws at you, a theme rendered memorably through the title track’s video in which Jake earns his trophy not just as the “Last Man Dancing” but, without doubt, as one of this generation’s most trailblazing, positive pop stars.

Even amidst its high-octane energy, Jake Shears’ new album offers Scissor Sisters’ front-man the opportunity to reflect on how he got to where he is today. In his own words, Last Man Dancing is “a journey through the ultimate house party. The first half gives you those singalong moments that get everyone into it at the top of night. As the hours turn, you can go a little deeper and darker, more where the second half of the record goes. It’s inspired by all the over-the-top house parties I’ve thrown throughout my life. I was born to host, I love to DJ and my favorite hours of a party are from 4-6am. There’s nothing more luxurious than being as loud as you want in the early hours. Not everyone might make it to the end, but the last ones dancing are possibly rewarded with the most magical moments of the evening.”