The Supreme Court of the United States voted 6 to 3 today to allow discrimination against LGBTQ people based on religous beliefs and the right to “free speech.” According to USA Today: In a case that could have profound implications for when businesses may turn away customers, a Colorado website designer argued a state anti-discrimination law couldn’t be used to compel her to develop same-sex wedding sites. It is the latest in a series of cases to reach the court pitting business owners against LGBTQ customers. In a scathing dissent that she read from the bench, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the case…
Author: Robert
The Campaign for Southern Equality has released a statement about the latest attack on LGBTQ rights in Texas. Read it, them make sure to vote in the upcoming elections. Today U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled in Braidwood Management v. Becerra against a provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires employers to provide insurance coverage for PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication that prevents the transmission of HIV. The judge ruled that the ACA mandate violates employers’ rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Read the ruling in the case (courtesy of Chris Geidner) here. Ivy Hill (they/them pronouns), Community…
The Democratic National Convention has featured many moving and memorable speaches and performances. One of our favorites was Billy Porter performing “For What It’s Worth” with Stephen Stills. This powerful song was written in 1966, and it is still very relevant to the struggle for equality today in the USA.
The 2019 Tony Awards was one of the best shows we have seen all year. The talented Broadway performers who appeared on the broadcast made us laugh, and cry, and rise to our feet in appreciation for their passion, love, and enthusiasm. One of the highlights of the night, however, occurred offscreen. Here is an amazing video, courtesy of James Corden, of Billy Porter singing “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” https://youtu.be/JCbJwsl-vts
Join us as we travel from the East Coast to the West Coast and Hawaii to Alaska in search of the best cocktails in the USA. Each of this country’s 50 states is home to amazing art, culture, history, and libations. So join us in a drink or two, and then feel to create these signature cocktails at home for your family and friends. Happy World Cocktail Day! THE BLUE HAWAIIAN What is better to drink in the beautiful state of Hawaii than a Blue Hawaiian? The answer is nothing. It was first created at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki by…
Virgin Atlantic is leading the way as a progressive company with its new gender identity policy. From now on all flight attendants, pilots, and ground workers will be able to dress however they identify. According to the Washington Post: Starting immediately, employees will be able to “wear the clothing that expresses how they identify or present themselves.” The airline also started offering optional pronoun badges for staff members and customers, and updated its ticketing system to better accommodate people who have selected gender-neutral options on their passports. “At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no…
Great news from Norwegian today! In partnership with Norwegian, Harvey Milk’s legacy will travel the world, his name and likeness adorning the tail of a state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft is more than a flying tribute, it is fitted with custom art that depicts the brave life Harvey led so that customers on board will not only see his name, but truly understand and connect to his life’s work. Norwegian will also support the Harvey Milk Foundation’s annual diversity and inclusion efforts and collaborate to identify how Norwegian can become an even stronger advocate for equality, understanding, and inclusion through…
A Taste of the Past: Revisiting the Titanic’s Food and Drink at Delmonico’s It was snow, not an iceberg, that nearly sunk a special event dedicated to a new book about the Titanic. On Monday, we congregated at NYC’s iconic Delmonico’s restaurant, birthplace of Eggs Benedict and Baked Alaska, for the launch of food writer Veronica Hinke’s “The Last Night On The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style.” Alas, an historic mid-April Chicago snowstorm forced the cancellation of Hinke’s flight from her Windy City home to New York, but that didn’t stop guests in Delmonico’s Twain Room from enjoying a…
France and Germany have joined 13 other countries in the European Union that are suing Hungary over a 2021 anti-LGBTQ+ law. The suit, brought by the European Commission, challenges the Hungarian law which discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “We stand by the side of the #LGBTQI community. The common values of the EU are the DNA of our free & open society. Diversity is our strength.” Pierre Karleskind, a French member of the European Parliament said: France and Germany join the Commission, together with about…
In the most reprehensible manner possible, the United States Senate has voted to cover-up the high crimes and misdemeanors of Donald Trump as outlined in the articles of impeachment. In a blatant disregard of the American Constitution and the will of the people, no witnesses will be called to testify before the senate. Make no mistake, these sentors will do anything to retain their power, regardless of the consequences for the American people. It is time to hold them accountable for their actions. The senators responsible for this miscarriage of justice can be contacted here.
All American’s need to speak out and show their support for the people of Florida. Parents and their children in that state are now under attack by Governor DeSantis and extreme anti-American republicans who will pass any law, no matter how harmful, or unconstitutional, to promote their authoritarian agenda. According to Crooks & Liars, “Instead of making sure Florida kids have more health insurance or are safe from gun violence, Gov. DeSantis just made them subject to legal kidnapping.” They went on to report: The new law will allow the state to take custody of a child if they have been “subjected…
Pope Francis called laws that criminalize same-sex relationships “unjust,” stating that “being homosexual is not a crime.” In an interview with the Associated Press today, the Pope also called for the Roman Catholic Church to play an active role in opposing and repealing those laws. He emphasized that some bishops who advocate for laws that criminalize LGBTQ people and discriminate against the LGBTQ community must undergo “a process of conversion,” and welcome LGBTQ people into the church. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO, said Pope Francis’ declaration is an explicit call to keep the momentum for LGBTQ decriminalization and…
At a time when hateful Republicans around the country are demonizing trans people, and passing laws that put their fellow citizens’ lives at risk, a brave woman in Nebraska is saying enough is enough. That heroic woman is democratic State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who is determined to stop a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for trans youth. According to LGBTQ Nation: When the bill advanced out of committee, she vowed to filibuster every bill proposed in the unicameral legislature this year until the anti-trans bill is off the table. “If this Legislature collectively decides that legislating hate against children…
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has released a virtual performance featuring 150 members singing together, each from their own homes. The group performs “Truly Brave,” a brilliant and moving mashup of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Sara Bareilles’ “Brave.” “SFGMC’s first virtual chorus performance is dedicated to the ‘Truly Brave’ healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines of COVID-19,” the chorus posted with the video. “You are our heroes.” Thank you San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for honoring the people who are helping others during this pandemic. https://youtu.be/ZZLAaCZVV2g
In an historic vote today, the people of Switzerland overwhelmingly approved marriage equality! Nearly two-thirds of voters supported the measure in a national referendum, and it won a majority in each of Switzerland’s 26 cantons. The measure will also allow same-sex couples to adopt unrelated children and married lesbian couples to access sperm donation. Congratuations to the people Switzerland!
So you’re shippin’ off to Boston, eh? Well, Boston is easily one of America’s most dynamic cities. With numerous world-class Universities, history dating back to pre-revolutionary America, a beautiful skyline, and an emerging coffee scene dominating by local roasters, Boston is the perfect mix of new and old. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out these exciting activities and attractions! By Keith David Langston TAKE IN A RED SOX GAME For starters, if you’re visiting Boston during baseball season, you must attend a Red Sox game. Even if you know nothing about sports, you probably still know…
President Biden issued a proclamation today in honor of trans people on Transgender Day of Visibility. Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know — people who have too often had to put their jobs, relationships, and lives on the line just to be their true selves. Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect. Their courage has given countless others strength, but no one should have to be brave just…
Congratulations to Lori Lightfoot on being elected the next Mayor of Chicago! According to the Chicago Tribune: Lori Lightfoot won a resounding victory Tuesday night to become both the first African-American woman and openly gay person elected mayor of Chicago, dealing a stinging defeat to a political establishment that has reigned over City Hall for decades. After waging a campaign focused on upending the vaunted Chicago political machine, Lightfoot dismantled one of its major cogs by dispatching Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, whose candidacy had been hobbled in part by an anti-incumbent mood among voters and an ongoing federal corruption investigation…
The National Center for Transgender Equality has released its 2022 Remembrance Report to honor the 47 known transgender people killed since November 2021. The information in this report has been compiled from a variety of sources, including national and local news outlets; national, state, and local LGBTQ+ organizations; and social media posts. “Transgender Day of Remembrance is a difficult day for our community as we continue to experience violence and discrimination,” said Alexis Vida Rangel, policy counsel for the National Center for Transgender Equality. “This report honors the vibrant lives of our trans siblings. We are not just statistics. We matter.” This report is,…
If you want to know what make’s Sullivan Catskills such a special place to visit, ask a local—and that’s just what we did. Join us as we explore this beautiful and exciting part of New York State with three LGBTQ individuals who live, work, play, and create here. The Sullivan Catskills are filled with many wonderful things just waiting to be experienced and enjoyed. From unique local business to art galleries, museums, theatre, scenic tours, farm to fork restaurants, and spectacular adventures in nature, there is truly something for everyone in this fascinating part of the USA. Claire Marin Tell…
Legendary playwright Terrence McNally has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. He was 81 years old and living in Sarasota, Florida, at the time. McNally was a lung cancer survivor and lived with chronic inflammatory lung disease. McNally’s first Broadway credit was the short-lived adaptation of The Lady of Camellias, which lasted 15 performances in 1963, but the prolific writer went on to win five Tony Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Other Tony Award-winning productions include Kiss of the Spider Woman (Best Book of a Musical, 1993), Love! Valour! Compassion! (Best Play, 1995), Master Class (Best Play, 1996), Ragtime (Best Book…
Lil Nas X shares a letter to his younger, closeted self below that looks at the challenging process of coming out, and what he is now trying to express about being gay in his just released new single, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” Read the letter, watch the provocative video, and congratulate Lil Nas X for coming out and sharing his thoughts and feelings with others. https://youtu.be/6swmTBVI83k
Kenneth Anger, the visionary filmaker and author of Hollywood Babylon, inspired, outraged, and entertained generations of people around the world. According to the Sprueth Magers gallery that represented him: Through his kaleidoscopic films, which combine sumptuous visuals, popular music soundtracks, and a focus on queer themes and narratives, Anger laid the groundwork for the avant-garde art scenes of the later twentieth century, as well as for the visual languages of contemporary queer and youth culture. His earliest works, such as the 1947 black-and-white ecstatic short, Fireworks, established Anger as an enfant terrible of the filmmaking underground. In his works of…
According to Harpers Bazaar, while accepting the final award of the night for Emilia Pérez as Best Musical, the entire cast, including star Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez, came together onstage and encouraged Gascón to speak on behalf of the cast to acknowledge their win. Karla Sofía Gascón, who is the first openly trans performer to be nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards, gave a poignant speech that brought attention to the trans community. “The light always wins over darkness,” she said. You can…
According to Dictionary.com the definition of Fascism is: a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. Individuals and corporations have been calling for extreme measures that seem to move in the direction of fascism in the USA. Today, nbcnews.com reported: “Meta will allow its billions of social media users to accuse people of being mentally ill based on their sexuality or gender identity, among broader changes it made to its moderation policies and practices. The company’s new guidelines prohibit insults about…
Cafes have become more than just a place to enjoy coffee and treats. They are hubs where colleagues meet, couples date, and friends talk. Whether you’re looking for cool iced coffee, a warm latte, or a tasty treat, there are thousands of coffee emporiums across the USA that are worthy of your next social media post. Here are a few of the best themed cafes that you and your friends should check out. By Jenna Leis Remi Flower and Coffee Remi Flower and Coffee can be found in the middle of the bustling Midtown East of New York City. What…
Chicago is one of the most exciting and fascinating cities in the USA. People from around the world come here to experience and enjoy the food, arts and culture, architecture, sports, and Midwestern hospitality. As someone who has lived in Chicago, I’m here to tell you about some of the best things to do during your next trip. By Keith David Langston EXPLORE LINCOLN PARK Lincoln Park is the neighborhood located directly above downtown Chicago. To get there, hop on the Red, Brown, or Purple lines to any station from Fullerton to Belmont. The neighborhood is awesome because it’s…
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that federal law prohibits discrimination against workers for being LGBTQ. The ruling affirms long-sought federal protections for LGBTQ people in the workplace. The 6-3 decision, states that anti-LGBTQ discrimination is a form of sex discrimination, thus prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex,” Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch stated. “Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what…
Film lovers everywhere are mourning the death of director Joel Schumacher who died in New York on Monday at the age of 80. Schumacher’s films included The Lost Boys (1987), The Client (1994), A Time to Kill (1996), Flatliners (1990) and Dying Young (1991), both starring Julia Roberts, and Falling Down (1993), with Michael Douglas. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Schumacher had an uncanny ability to recognize young talent, and he cast members of “The Brat Pack” — including Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy — in St. Elmo’s Fire (1985). He also boosted the careers of other young actors like Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, Matthew…
Our choice for Cocktail Music this week is the song “Gonna Be You” from 80 FOR BRADY. An all-star cast of iconic singers including Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, and Gloria Estefan release the new single “Gonna Be You” from the Paramount Pictures film 80 FOR BRADY. The song “Gonna Be You” (R.A.F/BMG) is written by Honorary Oscar®, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren and produced by Damon Elliott. Stream, download and share the song by clicking HERE. https://youtu.be/AeNkqcgfjMg