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Tag: lgbt

  • Florida Republicans Move To Ban 'Pride' and Other Ideological Flags from Government Buildings

    Florida Republicans Move To Ban 'Pride' and Other Ideological Flags from Government Buildings

    Opinion

    Stock Catalog, via Wikimedia Commons

    This week, the Florida House of Representatives passed legislation along party lines that would ban ideologically-based flags from flying in government buildings. This legislation allows for the traditional flying of the American, state, and POW/MIA flags.

    It didn’t take long for the Floridian liberals to claim the legislation is rooted in homophobia and transphobia, alleging that the goal of the bill is to ban the rainbow pride flag from flying in public schools and other government buildings. As usual, the Florida legislation does not pinpoint homosexuals or the pride flag specifically, but that never stops the pride movement from making any Republican effort solely about them.

    Common sense

    The Florida House Republican legislation states that:

    “a government entity may not erect or display a flag that represents a political viewpoint, including, but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint.”

    The language pertains to more than just the pride flag, although it would be included. The legislation would also relate to political campaign flags, Black Lives Matter flags, Blue Lives Matter flags, and quite literally any flag that isn’t the American flag, state flag, or POW/MIA flag.

    Republican Representative Doug Bankson explained:

    “This is something that literally is bringing us back to the focus of education and not indoctrination.”

    RELATED: Joy Reid’s Racist Rant On MLK Day – White Christians Are ‘Overrepresented’ In Iowa

    Illustrating the ironic inclusiveness of this legislation, Republican Representative Randy Fine said:

    “I don’t want the Hamas flag flying in this room. I don’t want the Black Lives Matter flag flying in this room, and I don’t want the Trump for president flag flying in this room. Those aren’t appropriate. They’re not appropriate in this room, they’re not appropriate in our schools, they’re not appropriate in our government buildings.”

    Despite these seemingly sound arguments, the liberals still had plenty to say in opposition.

    Unifying by separating

    A nonbinary college student named Matthew Grocholske complained:

    “I’m tired of telling our government that I have a right to exist. A pride flag isn’t just a flag, it is a symbol to me that my very existence means something – it’s a flag that unites my community, like how the American flag unites us all.”

    Setting aside the obvious fact that not having a pride flag displayed in City Hall or his public school’s classroom doesn’t cause him to disappear from the realm of existence, Mr. Grocholske can still display his symbol of segregated unity on his person as the legislation doesn’t apply to students. Mr. Grocholske can even hang the symbol that anchors his psychological existence in his bedroom in his private residence or even outside his private residence.

    RELATED: World Health Organization Hires Transgender Activist With ‘Be Gay, Do Crimes’ Tattoo

    The point behind making sure government buildings and, in particular, public schools only fly the American flag is to ensure everyone is included. Flying the pride flag alienates heterosexuals and could also alienate Christians, and those of other faiths who believe homosexuality and any other deviations from heterosexuality is a sin.

    But inclusivity only seems to matter for anyone other than those of faith or heterosexuals.

    The hidden dangers

    Republican Representative David Borrero argued:

    “Public classrooms should not be the place where our kids go to be radicalized and evangelized into accepting these partisan, radical ideologies.”

    His argument touches not just on the pride flag but other flags, such as the Black Lives Matter flag. Democrat Representative Dotie Joseph countered:

    “Affirming that Black Lives Matter is not ideology, displaying a pride flag does not hurt anyone.”

    And yet it was under the banner of Black Lives Matter that major cities across the United States endured the worst property damage in history, with dozens of innocent lives lost. All in the name of an organization dripping with the trappings of Marxism and consistently neck deep in financial controversy.

    Public classrooms should be where American students of all flavors learn arithmetic, reading, writing, history, and science. American students should learn these crucial subjects under the nationally unifying American flag.

    Instead, they aren’t learning how to do math, read, write, participate in a meaningful way with their government, or discover new things, as evidenced by recent national report cards. But they sure are good at siloing themselves into racial and sexualized camps under flags meant to build revenue, not unity.

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    Kathleen J. Anderson

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  • Does Diplo Smoke Weed

    Does Diplo Smoke Weed

    Creating music, running triathlons and being a dad to three sons, Diplo is news. To show off his street cred, he hotfooted Burning Man by slogging through 6 miles of mud, hitchhiking, and walking barefoot to a jet which flew him to DC for a 3-hour set where he rocked it with the crowd.  Born in Tupelo, Mississippi (the birthplace of Elvis), he parlayed hard work, talent, a cheeky personality and good looks into a $50 million fortune. Now we want to know, does Diplo smoke weed.

    The influence of home-grown rap played a key role in helping shape Diplo’s production style. When attending the University of Central Florida he started DJing. Moving to Philadelphia he starting drawing attention. By 20, Diplo moved to India. Returning he met up with fellow DJ Low Budget. The two began throwing parties under the “Hooked on Hollertronix” Philadelphia.The success of these parties allowed the two to release mixtapes, which brought him national fame.

    RELATED: Marijuana And The Creative/Programmer Set

    He is an American DJ, songwriter, and record producer based in Los Angeles, California. He is the co-founder and lead member of the electronic dancehall music project Major Lazer and a member of the supergroup LSD. And he is entering the cannabis industry.

    When sharing he ran the Los Angeles Marathon in under four hours, he revealed he had more than water, he had a bit of LSD in his water bottle.

    “Yeah, I did acid. I didn’t trip out while I was running. I put it in my water bottle,” Diplo shared “I’ll put it like this: I take acid a lot when I’m working, and when I’m waking up. I don’t want to do too much caffeine, and I don’t want to drink alcohol, so I put a little bit, a little drop sometimes.”

    Diplo is a fan of psychedelic and marijuana. Living unabashedly, he shares his drug use with no judgement and no shame. He is a fame of the cannabis to the point he started a new company to add to his various business interests.

    “I dig the low-dose weed drinks, it’s something new and different,” says says Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known for his artistic name, Diplo, talking about his new THC-infused selzers. “I can drink a few and just chill.”

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    Demonstrating he marching to his own beat, Diplo revealed that he has had sexual encounters with men before, but that he doesn’t categorize these experiences as automatically making him gay.

    “I’m sure I’ve gotten a blowjob from a guy before… For sure,” he said to actress and model Emily Ratajkowski on her podcast High Low. “I don’t know if it’s gay unless you like may eye contact while there’s the blowjob happening.”

    Anthony Washington

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  • The contradictions of ‘Queers for Palestine’

    The contradictions of ‘Queers for Palestine’

    The Israel-Hamas war has made political allies out of some unusual bedfellows. But the strangest pairing on display thus far is probably “Queers for Palestine,” most notably because those protesters would risk summary execution should they take their demonstration to the Gaza Strip.

    The movement isn’t new. But following the terrorist attacks launched against Israel by Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls Gaza, it has seen a sort of reemergence at various protests. “Queer rights! Trans rights!” protesters are heard chanting in a video taken in New York City. “We say no to genocide!”

    That protesters appear to be blaming Israel for those attacks—which have included, among other things, Hamas militants murdering people, filming it, and putting the video on social media for the deceased’s family and friends to see—is perverse. But to marry that cause to LGBT rights is simply unhinged from reality.

    Indeed, gay and transgender people—both in Gaza and the West Bank—face an extraordinary level of persecution, persecution that may result in a yearslong prison sentence or even death.

    In 2016, Hamas militants executed one of their own commanders, Mahmoud Ishtiwi, for allegedly having sex with another man. Ishtiwi’s allegiance to the group was clear: Just two years prior, he had overseen 1,000 soldiers and an assortment of attack tunnels. But not even his loyalty could save him after they lodged accusations he had engaged in homosexual activity. Prior to executing him with three bullets to the chest, Hamas reportedly tortured him by whipping him, hanging him from a ceiling for hours, and cranking loud music into his cell in order to deprive him of sleep.

    Last year, in the West Bank, 25-year-old Ahmed Abu Marhia’s severed head was found on the side of the road after he was murdered for being gay. The killer videoed the execution and shared it on social media. 

    When it comes to “Queers for Palestine,” what’s richly ironic is that many LGBT Palestinians seek asylum in Israel—the same country these stateside protesters are rallying against. 

    At the heart of this contradiction is the tendency in social justice movements to pick a clear protagonist and antagonist, the oppressed and the oppressor, and to proceed from there in one-size-fits-all fashion. Some progressives decided long ago that Palestine is the former and Israel is the latter, which is the seed from which everything must grow. Palestine, then, stands not only for anti-colonialism but also LGBT rights and reproductive rights, despite that those rights, in any meaningful sense of the word, do not actually exist there.

    Meanwhile, this orthodoxy requires that Israel symbolize a weed and everything that comes with it. The country, then, must typify genocide, regardless of the fact that it has been the victim of relentless terror attacks this month. And it has to represent a hostility toward minorities, including gay and transgender people, notwithstanding that it is one of the most tolerant societies for those very people.

    To be sure, Israel’s government isn’t perfect. There are aspects of the Israel-Palestine debate, and the territorial disputes, that are more complex than many would probably like to admit. This aspect? Not so much, because “Queers for Palestine” is about as convincing as “minks for fur coats.”

    The post The Contradictions of 'Queers for Palestine' appeared first on Reason.com.

    Billy Binion

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  • Starbucks union says workers at more than 150 stores will strike over Pride decor

    Starbucks union says workers at more than 150 stores will strike over Pride decor

    Marchers with Starbucks pass through the landmark intersection of Hollywood and Highland during the annual Pride Parade in Los Angeles, June 12, 2022.

    David Mcnew | Getty Images

    Strikes at some organized U.S. Starbucks stores started Friday in Seattle, after the coffee giant and the union representing baristas publicly clashed over claims that the company was not allowing Pride month decor in cafes.

    The union, Starbucks Workers United, said more than 150 stores representing nearly 3,500 workers have pledged to join the strikes, which will take place over the next week. More than two dozen additional stores are voting on strike authorizations and the count could rise to nearly 200 stores by the end of the week, the union said.

    Last week, the union alleged dozens of U.S. stores were not allowing employees to decorate for Pride month, accusations that suggested a wave of backlash against LGBTQ+ inclusion had reached a perceived liberal bastion in corporate America. Starbucks said it had not revised its guidelines for store decorations.

    “We want to be crystal clear – Starbucks has been and will continue to be at the forefront of supporting the LGBTQIA2+ community, and we will not waver in that commitment!” Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan and Executive Vice President and President for North America Sara Trilling said in a statement Friday.

    “Despite today’s public commentary, there has been no change to any of our policies as it relates to our inclusive store environments, our company culture and the benefits we offer our partners. We continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities including for U.S. Pride month in June, as we always have,” they added. The executives said they “strongly disapprove of any person or group, seeking to use our partners’ cultural and heritage celebrations to create harm or flagrantly advance misinformation for self-interested goals.”

    In response to the strike pledges, the company earlier said, “Workers United continues to spread false information about our benefits, policies and negotiation efforts—a tactic used to seemingly divide our partners and deflect from their failure to respond to bargaining sessions for more than 200 stores.” 

    In a post on its website, Starbucks shared a June 14 letter from its VP of Partner Resources, May Jensen, to Workers United President Lynne Fox demanding the union “cease from knowingly misleading partners.”

    Protesters in Seattle join a Starbucks Workers United strike over what the union alleges is a change in policy over Pride décor in stores. Starbucks maintains it has not changed its policies and encourages stores to celebrate within the company’s security and safety guidelines, while the union alleges workers in 22 states where workers have not been able to decorate.

    Rob Weller | CNBC

    Workers United has alleged instances in at least 22 states when workers have not been able to decorate, pointing to social media accounts where workers have documented their claims. The union said it has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Starbucks over what it alleges is a change in policy. Some of the strikes in the coming days are tied to that claim.

    Not all of the stores that will strike had issues related to Pride decor.

    Parker Davis, a 21-year-old barista in San Antonio, Texas, works at a store that has not had a dispute around Pride decor but will be a part of the strikes.

    “There’s a large percentage of partners at my store who are part of the LGBTQ community, and who feel that Starbucks’ continued actions with trying to limit or take down pride decorations just doesn’t make sense with what the company has done in the past,” Davis said.

    Davis told CNBC he expects several picketers, but said it was unclear if the store would be able to open during the strike.

    The public back-and-forth over decorations to celebrate Pride month comes as major brands including Target and Bud Light have been targeted for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. In both of those cases, the companies faced opposition from conservative consumers to partnerships with or merchandise for transgender people — and then saw backlash from more liberal customers for perceived deference to the critics.

    In Oklahoma, workers were told restrictions on decorating were out of a concern for safety after recent attacks at Target stores, the union said.

    Protesters in Seattle join a Starbucks Workers United strike over what the union alleges is a change in policy over Pride décor in stores. Starbucks maintains it has not changed its policies and encourages stores to celebrate within the company’s security and safety guidelines, while the union alleges workers in 22 states where workers have not been able to decorate.

    Rob Weller | CNBC

    The Starbucks workers are also striking over claims that the coffee chain is dragging its feet on negotiating contracts. 

    “Good faith bargaining looks like both sides providing proposals and trying to meet in the middle — Starbucks is not willing to do that,” Workers United said in a statement. “Despite having our non-economic proposals for over 8 months and our economic proposals for over a month now, Starbucks has failed to tentatively agree to a single line of a single proposal or provide a single counter proposal. What Starbucks is doing is not bargaining, it’s stalling.”

    The strike “is important to me because it sends the message that we are not going to stand idly by while Starbucks continues to delay contract negotiations and continues to participate in union busting,” Davis said.

    For its part, Starbucks maintains Workers United has responded to only a quarter of the more than 450 bargaining sessions Starbucks has proposed for individual stores nationally, to date, and said it is committed to progressing negotiations toward a first contract.

    Protesters in Seattle join a Starbucks Workers United strike over what the union alleges is a change in policy over Pride décor in stores. Starbucks maintains it has not changed its policies and encourages stores to celebrate within the company’s security and safety guidelines, while the union alleges workers in 22 states where workers have not been able to decorate.

    Rob Weller | CNBC

    The roastery where the strikes started Friday has not had any disputes over Pride decorations, but is also striking in solidarity. About two dozen unionized employees protested outside the store during the day. The location was closed after it briefly opened, a Starbucks spokesperson said.

    “The roastery wants to show solidarity with all workers that have been discriminated against in the company,” Mari Cosgrove, a 28-year-old barista at the Seattle location, told CNBC.

    “Frankly, it feels like an attack when these flags are taken down,” Cosgrove said. “The partners in these stores really appreciate being able to be seen and feel like this is a community space for them. Starbucks has really prided itself on being a third place, including for its workers.”

    More than 300 company-owned stores have voted to unionize since the first filing took place in August of 2021, but Starbucks and Workers United have yet to agree to a contract.

    Starbucks has more than 9,000 company-owned locations in the U.S.

    — CNBC’s Amelia Lucas contributed to this report.

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  • U-Haul Truck Carrying Nazi Flag ‘Intentionally’ Crashes Near White House

    U-Haul Truck Carrying Nazi Flag ‘Intentionally’ Crashes Near White House

    A driver has been arrested on charges of threatening to kill or harm the president, vice president, or their family members after he allegedly plowed a U-Haul truck into security barriers near the White House while carrying a Nazi flag. What do you think?

    “I just hope this doesn’t perpetuate the stereotype that all Nazis are bad drivers.”

    Lance Boor, Unemployed

    “Weirdly, that’s the only thing fully covered under U-Haul’s insurance.”

    Debbie Harkonnen, Freelance Folder

    “So now anyone with a Nazi flag trying to kill the president is automatically a Nazi?”

    Jonas Rangel, Pet Haberdasher

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  • A Sweeping Anti-Trans Bill Was All But Dead In Kentucky. Then It Passed The Very Next Day.

    A Sweeping Anti-Trans Bill Was All But Dead In Kentucky. Then It Passed The Very Next Day.

    By Wednesday night, a sweeping anti-trans bill appeared dead in Kentucky as lawmakers debated whether it went too far. So it surprised Democrats, transgender activists, and their allies when Republicans managed to hold a committee vote, then rush the bill through approvals in both the state House and Senate the following day.

    Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear isn’t expected to sign the bill, which passed mostly along party lines, into law, but the GOP has enough of a majority to override his veto.

    People in the gallery were furious when the measure passed and yelled, “You’re all fucking pieces of shit!” at lawmakers on the floor, according to Courier Journal reporter Joe Sonka.

    Democratic state Sen. Karen Berg, whose transgender son died by suicide in December, cried after the vote, Sonka reported. Berg had delivered powerful testimony as the bill was being debated.

    “[This bill] is viewed as the single worst anti-LGBTQ legislation that has come out of a statehouse in this country,” she said during a floor debate.

    “This is absolutely willful hate for a small group of people that are the weakest and most vulnerable,” she added.

    The bill that passed this week expanded upon one that Republicans in Kentucky first introduced in February, which would have allowed students to misgender transgender students despite the detrimental impact it would have on trans youth.

    The new version of the bill still allows trans students to be misgendered. But it goes much further: It also bans gender-affirming care, like puberty blockers or hormone therapy, for trans kids and requires doctors to begin detransitioning any of their trans patients who are children. It mandates that schools create policies that will not allow trans students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. It does not allow educators to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity in any grade and forbids discussion of human sexuality until sixth grade. After that, parental consent is required.

    The Kentucky GOP’s last-minute push to advance the bill is following a disturbing nationwide trend. Hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced just this year in states dominated by Republicans as part of the broader culture war on trans Americans and the push for “parental rights” — a catchall term that centers the wishes of conservative white parents when shaping policies in public schools.

    Gender-affirming care for minors is appropriate and not dangerous, according to the American Medical Association. And genuine mental health risks come with widespread discrimination and health care bans: Transgender youth are at higher risk for depression and suicide.

    Instead of serving the most vulnerable among us, Berg said her fellow lawmakers ignored the science behind gender-affirming care for trans children and only rushed this bill for one reason.

    “My child came up here 10 years ago,” she said on Thursday, referring to her son’s 2015 testimony against a bathroom bill in the Kentucky statehouse. “You had time to understand the science… this is absolute, willful, intentional hate.”

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  • Feds Open Investigation Into Texas Schools After Removal Of LGBTQ Books

    Feds Open Investigation Into Texas Schools After Removal Of LGBTQ Books

    A Texas school district is facing an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) civil rights office after its superintendent was accused of discriminating against LGBTQIA+ students while ordering the removal of certain books from its libraries.

    The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights is looking into the Granbury Independent School District, located southwest of Fort Worth, under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which bars discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, a DOE spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.

    The DOE declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

    News of the investigation, first reported by NBC, ProPublica and the Texas Tribune, follows the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) requesting a federal review of the district, under Title IX, back in July after it reportedly removed more than 125 books pending review for inappropriate content. Nearly 75% of these books are related to LGBTQIA+ characters or themes, the ACLU said.

    The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights said it has opened an investigation into Texas’ Granbury Independent School District. This follows the ACLU requesting a probe over the district’s removal of LGBTQ books and comments made by the superintendent earlier this year.

    STEFANI REYNOLDS via Getty Images

    The ACLU also cited comments made by the schools’ superintendent to his schools’ librarians in January that reportedly denied the existence of transgender and non-binary individuals. A recording of the remarks was obtained by NBC News.

    “There are two genders. There’s male, and there’s female. And I acknowledge that there are men that think they’re women, and there are women that think they’re men,” Granbury Superintendent Jeremy Glenn told librarians at a district meeting, according to NBC News. “I don’t have any issues with what people want to believe, but there’s no place for it in our libraries.”

    Glenn reportedly cited Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s demand in November 2021 that state education officials develop statewide standards that prevent “pornography” and “other obscene content” from entering libraries. In addition, Abbott specified two memoirs that feature LGBTQIA+ characters and graphic images and descriptions of sex.

    “I think specifically what we’re getting at, let’s call it what it is. And I’m cutting to the chase on a lot of this. It’s the, it’s the transgender, LGBTQ, and the sex — sexuality in books,” Glenn told school officials. He added that Granbury is a “very, very conservative community,” and those who don’t confirm should “hide it.”

    The Granbury School District later announced that its committee of educators and community members tasked with reviewing the books ultimately found eight books that were “sexually explicit and not age-appropriate.”

    “Two of the eight books did have LGBTQ+ themes, however, all of the books that were removed had sexually explicit and/or pervasively vulgar content,” it said back in March.

    A representative for the school district did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.

    Efforts to ban books have proliferated nationwide over the past two years, along with threats to librarians.

    The American Library Association (ALA) reported in September that the number of book challenges seen during the first eight months of this year nearly matched 2021′s total, which was the highest in decades.

    “It used to be a parent had learned about a given book and had an issue with it. Now we see campaigns where organizations are compiling lists of books, without necessarily reading or even looking at them,” Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, told The Associated Press.

    ALA President Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada said the censoring isn’t about kids — it’s about politics.

    “Efforts to censor entire categories of books reflecting certain voices and views shows that the moral panic isn’t about kids: it’s about politics,” she said in a past statement. “Organizations with a political agenda are spreading lists of books they don’t like.”

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  • Democrats seek vote reform, gay marriage, debt ceiling in ‘lame duck’ Congress

    Democrats seek vote reform, gay marriage, debt ceiling in ‘lame duck’ Congress

    WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) – Democrats in the U.S. Congress aim to pass bills protecting same-sex marriage, clarifying lawmakers’ role in certifying presidential elections and raising the nation’s debt ceiling when they return from the campaign trail on Monday.

    President Joe Biden’s party got a boost over the weekend when it learned it would keep control of the Senate for the next two years, while control of the House of Representatives is still up in the air as votes are counted after Tuesday’s midterm election.

    But Democrats escaped a feared midterm drubbing and will look to make the most they can of their current thin majorities in both chambers before the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3, a period known as the ‘lame duck’ session.

    House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen both signaled that addressing the nations’ looming debt ceiling would be a priority during the session.

    Some Republicans have threatened to use the next hike in the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, expected in the first quarter of 2023, as leverage to force concessions from Biden. Yellen in a Saturday interview with Reuters warned that a failure to act would pose a “huge threat” to America’s credit rating and the functioning of financial markets.

    Pelosi, who would lose her position as speaker if Republicans win a majority in the House, told ABC News on Sunday that the best way to address the debt ceiling was “to do it now.”

    “My hope would be that we could get it done in the lame duck,” Pelosi said. “We’ll have to, again, lift the debt ceiling so that the full faith and credit of the United States is respected.”

    Biden told reporters over the weekend he would wait to speak to Republican leadership before deciding any priorities, adding he planned to “take it slow.”

    Congress has a long to-do list in the coming weeks. It faces a Dec. 16 deadline to passing either a temporary funding bill to keep government agencies operating at full steam until early next year, or a measure that keeps the lights on through Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year. Failure to enact one of those would result in partial government shutdowns.

    The House already has passed legislation legalizing gay marriage and the Senate was poised, as soon as this week, to approve its slightly different version of the “Respect for Marriage Act.” The bill is intended to ensure that the U.S. Supreme Court does not end gay marriage rights, which conservative Justice Clarence Thomas mused was possible when the court in June ended the national right to abortion.

    Another high-priority item is a bipartisan bill reforming the way Congress certifies presidential elections, intended to avoid a repeat of the violence of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump who wanted to stop lawmakers from certifying Biden’s win.

    Democratic leaders also aim to pass legislation speeding permits for energy projects and provide more financial and military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.

    Some Republicans have expressed reluctance to provide more financial support for Ukraine.

    Progressive Democrats have bridled at the prospect of the government stepping up the energy permitting process, thus encouraging the flow of fossil fuels to market even as Biden attempts to meet stringent goals to reduce the impact of climate change.

    Biden has suggested permitting reform could be included in the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual bill funding the military that usually gets strong bipartisan support.

    But keeping the Senate majority for the next two years means that there will be less pressure on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to confirm as many of Biden’s nominees for federal judgeships as possible before the end of the year.

    There are 57 judicial nominees pending before the Senate, with 25 already approved by the Judiciary Committee and awaiting action by the full chamber.

    The Senate has already confirmed 84 of Biden’s judicial nominees, allowing him to essentially keep pace with the near-record number of appointments Trump made during four years as he worked to move the judiciary rightward.

    Reporting by Moira Warburton and Richard Cowan; Additional reporting by David Lawder in New Delhi, Nandita Bose in Phnom Penh and Trevor Hunnicutt, Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone, Alistair Bell and Daniel Wallis

    Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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  • The Boulet Brothers Host 20th Annual Los Angeles Halloween Ball Saturday, Oct. 30, at The Globe Theater (DTLA)

    The Boulet Brothers Host 20th Annual Los Angeles Halloween Ball Saturday, Oct. 30, at The Globe Theater (DTLA)

    The Boulet Brothers are bringing a mansion full of entertainment, stars, and true horror to Los Angeles this Halloween season to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their legendary Halloween Ball

    Press Release


    Oct 6, 2021

    The Boulet Brothers are bringing a mansion full of entertainment, stars, and true horror to DTLA this Halloween season to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their legendary Halloween Party. Los Angeles’ Largest “Haunted Mansion Halloween Ball” returns on Saturday, Oct. 30, with three levels of music, horror and performances, and the event is expected to sell out quickly. The now infamous annual soiree is back after taking a year off due to the city’s COVID-related club closures last season, and the Boulets are bringing enough entertainment this year to more than make up for it.

    The Boulet Brothers are most recently recognized as modern-day horror hosts and are the creators of the hit horror-themed reality show “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” (currently airing on Netflix), but the duo originally made a name for themselves throwing infamous, underground theatrical parties in Los Angeles over the past 20 years. This year marks a momentous period for the Boulets as (in addition to celebrating their 20thanniversary as event promoters) they are also releasing a new season of their TV show on AMC’s Shudder on Oct. 19, and are also gracing both the covers of “Heavy Metal” Magazine and “Fangoria” Magazine, respectively, this October in honor of the Halloween season.

    The Ball marks the Boulet’s 20th anniversary as event promoters and they plan on bringing a huge lineup of entertainment in honor of this special night. Details on the headliners and entertainment planned are provided below, as well as where party-goers can secure tickets.

    HEADLINING ENTERTAINMENT: 

    • Trixie Mattel & Katya (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
    • Jamari Balmian Jacobs & The Stars of Legendary (HBO Max)
    • Stars of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 4 (AMC’s Shudder)
    • DJs Mateo Segade (Main Ballroom) and Barbeau & Banjela (Basement Haunted House Party)

    ENVIRONMENTAL ENTERTAINMENT:

    • Three levels of music, DJs, dancers, live performances and environmental actors
    • Cavalcade of legendary nightlife hosts, icons and clubland royalty
    • $1,000 Cash Costume Contest at Midnight
    • Massive Ballroom Dancefloor featuring state-of-the-art sound, light and laser show
    • Harem of Halloween Dancers
    • Interactive Horror Rooms & Live Performance Stages
    • Basement Halloween House Party
    • Demonic Puppet Theater
    • Pumpkin Carving Lounge
    • Fortune Tellers

    EVENT DETAILS:
    Saturday, Oct. 30
    at The Globe Theater
    740 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
    9 p.m. to 4 a.m. / 21 & OVER
    (VACCINATION CARDS MUST BE SHOWN FOR ENTRY)
    More Info & Tickets: https://lahalloweenball.bpt.me

    EVENT SPONSORS:
    Shudder
    Dread
    Midsummer Scream
    Horror Buzz

    For additional information, please email production@bouletbrothersproductions.com.

    Source: Boulet Brothers Productions

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  • 7 Cosas Ridículas que no hay que decir a gente Bisexual

    7 Cosas Ridículas que no hay que decir a gente Bisexual

    A lo largo de los años he sido objeto de muchas observaciones bifóbicas.

    La bifobia no es solo una expresión específica de homofobia para las personas que son “parcialmente” gays. La bifobia viene de la comunidad queer y heterosexual, y en mi experiencia, es una expresión del pensamiento y/o binario que puede ser muy destructivo para nuestro mundo en muchas maneras. Las que voy a exponer a continuación ni siquiera son las peores, solo son las más reveladoras de los perjuicios escondidos que hay contra las personas bi.

    Algunas personas dicen que “pansexual” es la identidad de elección si te atraen personas sin que te importe el sexo o el género, y por lo tanto rechazan el género binario. Abordo esta cuestión más adelante, y afirmo por qué me defino todavía como bisexual y no pansexual, mientras desafío el género binario. “Queer” puede ser también en término paraguas para la comunidad LGBTQ+, o puede ser un término más radical para una posición que desafía la heteronormatividad.  

    1. “Yo también fui bisexual una vez”

    A lo mejor para algunas personas su identidad se siente más estable en una categoría diferente a “bisexual” y pertenecer a una etiqueta diferente es ahora su preferida. Pero decir algo así es muy condescendiente e inválido. Una mujer identificada como lesbiana actualmente me lo dijo en el Club Lexington hace unos diez años. Estoy seguro de que la gente lo sigue diciendo, y hay que pararlo.  Sé que he sido bisexual desde los 16 años, y todavía soy bisexual. Me honra cómo me identifico. Punto final.

    1. “¿Pero qué pasa con la monogamia?”

    Nada en contra del poliamor, que es una identidad legítima también. Pero la bisexualidad no significa no-monógamo. Bisexual significa muchas cosas diferentes para muchas personas diferentes, algunos de los cuales son monógamos, y otros son poli. Enfrentar bi y poli es simplemente inadecuado.

    More Radical Reads: Los 4 modos in los que la ‘no-monogamia’ me ha ayudado ha sentirme mas segura y comoda en las relaciones romanticas

    3.“¿No refuerza la palabra bisexual el género binario?”

    Este asunto ha tenido mucha cola en el blog. Un gran artículo para releer para una exploración más profunda de este tópico tan complejo es:  Words, Binary, and Biphobia: Or Why “Bi” is Binary but “FTM” is Not.  Por ahora, me gustaría aprovechar la oportunidad para salir como un bisexual de género queer, y por lo tanto detonar todos sus contraargumentos por el mero hecho de mi existencia.  

    1. “Me da miedo salir con bisexuales porque creo que me dejarán por otro con un cuerpo diferente al mío.”

    No dejes que tu inseguridad arruine una relación potencialmente fabulosa con algo tan bisexual.  ¡Sabes que la bifobia es tan maliciosa que yo mismo que soy un orgulloso bisexual y lo he sido durante años, pero ahora tengo una relación con otro bisexual y estos miedo afloran en mi cerebro! La gente tiene un montón de prejuicios contra los bisexuales por cómo son tratados en el mundo de la cultura y los medios, el mayor de ellos es el mito de que somos incapaces de satisfacer sexualmente con una pareja o que negamos nuestra actual sexualidad.  Esto es específicamente bifobia y no homofobia porque el miedo de las “dos” realidades de existencia bisexual y viene de gente gay y hetero, y como he mencionado ¡de bisexuales también! Así que no te sientas mal si tienes inseguridad o miedo. Nuestra cultura es bifóbica, así que asimilarlo tiene sentido, justo como asimilar el sexismo u otro ismo tiene sentido.

    Incluso yo, que he estado reuniéndome en contra de la mierda durante años, sucumbo a veces. Estate vigilante y deshace tu bifobia interiorizada. Míralo como un acto de resistencia contra una parte fea de una cultura dominante, justo como deberías deshacer otras varias internalizaciones.

    5.“¿Pero a quién prefieres realmente? ¿Con quién crees que acabarás?”

    Un hombre gay me preguntó una vez esto, curioseando en varios niveles de mi atracción física contra la afinidad emocional hacia hombres y mujeres, por último intentando adivinar con su bola de cristal la respuesta de con quién acabaré, como si mi futura felicidad fuera más incierta que la suya y necesitara su consejo. Me preguntó por quién me sentía más sexualmente atraído, si a hombres o a mujeres. ¿Mi respuesta? Depende. ¿Con quién tengo más magnetismo? Si con hombres o mujeres. ¿Mi respuesta? Depende. El hecho de que mi deseo y vínculo emocional tenga alguna complejidad no significa que sea menos válido y sus capas no significan soledad para mi u otra persona con mi particular clase de atracción.

    6.“Intuyo que le das a todos los palos ¿no?”

    Argggg.  Todo lo que mueve el argumento. Me siento atraído por la personalidad de las personas más que por su apariencia física, aunque sienta lujuria. Hay mucha gente con la que nunca querría liarme por su comportamiento, actitud, creencias, etc. Siento que mis preferencias sexuales y románticas están muy discriminadas, pero yo no discrimino. Con esto quiero decir que distingo de quien quiero ser con ciertos estándares de compatibilidad y deseo, pero también que no corro a juzgar sobre con quién debería emparejarme basándome en su sexo asignado de nacimiento o su género.

    More Radical Reads: Four Terrible Bisexuality Tropes on TV, and Four Portrayals That Defy Them

    7.“Si te van todos los géneros, ¿por qué no dices que eres pansexual o queer?”

    Escribí un artículo: “Queer vs. Bi: Why I’m Coming Back Around to Bisexual” . Brevemente—pansexual y queer son probablemente más precisos para mí en sus estrictas definiciones, pero me gusta usar “bisexual” porque es una palabra con una importancia histórica y también actual en el mundo hetero, en el cual puede ser usada. También creo que la gente puede alejarse de “bi” dentro de la comunidad LGBTQ por la bifobia, y esto tiene que parar.

    [Imagen de portada: una foto con dos personas sentadas en una cama. La persona de la izquierda tiene el pelo corto y lleva gafas, un top azul encima de una camiseta blanca y pantalones rojos oscuros. La persona de la derecha tiene el pelo oscuro, gafas, un collar naranja, un top gris y pantalones verdes. Están sonriendo y sus cabezas se inclinan a la izquierda. Fuente: Mushpa Y Mensa]


    TBINAA is an independent, queer, Black woman run digital media and education organization promoting radical self love as the foundation for a more just, equitable and compassionate world. If you believe in our mission, please contribute to this necessary work at PRESSPATRON.com/TBINAA 

    We can’t do this work without you!

    As a thank you gift, supporters who contribute $10+ (monthly) will receive a copy of our ebook, Shed Every Lie: Black and Brown Femmes on Healing As Liberation. Supporters contributing $20+ (monthly) will receive a copy of founder Sonya Renee Taylor’s book, The Body is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love delivered to your home. 

    Need some help growing into your own self love? Sign up for our 10 Tools for Radical Self Love Intensive!

    Liz Green

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  • The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Moves to Netflix

    The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Moves to Netflix

    Following a massively successful third season, the groundbreaking drag horror reality TV competition finds a new home on Netflix

    Press Release



    updated: Nov 6, 2019

    ​​Drag, Filth, Horror & Glamour! These are the tenants of the Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, the hit underground reality competition show that (following a hugely successful third season) just found its new home on the world’s top streaming platform: Netflix.

    The show is taking both queer and horror audiences by storm, as the third season of the series broke viewer records all over the world. After trending on Amazon Prime for several weeks, it was the #1 purchased reality show on iTunes in the U.S. & U.K. for several weeks in September, and accounted for the top five viewed shows on OUTtv overall, outperforming the previous season by 196%.

    The show is created and hosted by drag horror icons the Boulet Brothers who (each season) challenge eleven drag artists from around the world to compete in a wild, no holds barred drag competition to win $25,000.00 and the crown of Dragula – the World’s Next Drag Supermonster. The show has the cast competing in all things required of a drag superstar – costume creation, special effects makeup, live performance and acting abilities, but it also takes these traditional challenges one step further. For the contestants who end up on the bottom each week, they must face terrifying and gruesome physical and mental challenges to prove they have the guts and glamour to remain in the competition. From jumping out of airplanes to eating live spiders, getting terrible tattoos and taking lie detector tests, the show presents drag in a way that has never been seen on television before and audiences can’t get enough. 

    This season the Boulet Brothers were also joined by an all-star lineup of celebrity judges from the worlds of horror, entertainment and music including Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Bonnie Aarons (The Nun), Millie Shapiro (Hereditary), Rachel True (The Craft), Danielle Harris (Halloween 4, 5), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Michael Varrati (Dead for Filth) and Darren Stein (Jawbreaker).  

    Netflix and Boulet Brothers Productions announced the show’s move to Netflix on Halloween night at midnight, ushering in a new audience and era for the show. 

    The following day Fangoria Magazine dubbed The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula “Required Horror Viewing,” adding “Nothing about Dragula feels safe, and that’s because it’s a reminder that much like horror, drag is as political and unsafe as it gets.‍”

    Billboard Magazine added “The Boulet Brothers already made history with the casting of the latest season of their competition reality series Dragula when they cast Landon Cider,” adding “now they’re making history again by crowning him the winner.”

    The “Boulet Brothers Dragula” is now streaming on Netflix in the United States. For more information or for interview requests with the hosts or cast of the Boulet Brothers Dragula, contact Ian Devoglaer at ian@bouletbrothersdragula.com

    ​Press Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sufpjm225b6lme5/AACnenOFRmaVaqB1dV7WJdMoa?dl=0​

    Source: Boulet Brothers Productions

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  • ‘The Boulet Brothers Dragula’ Season 3 to Launch on Amazon Prime Tuesday, August 27

    ‘The Boulet Brothers Dragula’ Season 3 to Launch on Amazon Prime Tuesday, August 27

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 7, 2019

    ​The hit underground show The Boulet Brothers Dragula is making the jump from web series to one of the world’s largest streaming platforms for the third season of the show. The highly anticipated new season will launch exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the United States and 63 countries around the world. The show will also air on cable channels OutTv in Canada and TVNZ in New Zealand. 

    This season of the show will break new ground by being the first drag reality competition show to feature both a “Drag King” and a female drag artist competing on a reality series in North America.

    The show is hosted by modern-day horror hosts the Boulet Brothers who will be joined by a rotating panel of celebrity guest judges from the worlds of horror and music. These guest judges include Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Bonnie Aarons (The Nun), Millie Shapiro (Hereditary), Rachel True (The Craft), Danielle Harris (Halloween 4, 5), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) and Darren Stein (Jawbreaker), along with surprise guest judges featuring queer icons and nightlife legends to be revealed during the season. 

    The Boulet Brothers Dragula is a drag competition show that features 11 monster drag artists from around the world competing to win a $25,000.00 grand prize, the crown and the title of Dragula – the world’s next drag supermonster. Each episode the competitors are given challenges to prove their skills at costume design, special effects makeup, acting, and performance art. The weakest monsters of each episode must face extreme fear-based challenges to prove they deserve to remain in the competition or they will face extermination. From being buried alive to eating maggots, jumping out of a plane or getting tattooed, the extermination challenges are thrilling, shocking and truly must-see tv.

    The Boulet Brothers Dragula also shines a light on a corner of queer life that is rarely depicted on television, including the harsh reality some gay men, lesbians, and trans people face while living and performing as underground queer artists in their respective communities.

    “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula is different, dramatic and daring. The Boulet Brothers have created a series that is unlike anything viewers have seen before and we are thrilled to be working with them on a new season of the show.” – Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv Network.

    The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula will air on Amazon Prime Video every Tuesday beginning Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.

    Boulet Brothers Dragula is produced by the Boulet Brothers in association with OutTv. 

    For publicity photos of the cast and hosts visit us at:
    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sufpjm225b6lme5/AACnenOFRmaVaqB1dV7WJdMoa?dl=0

    For more information, press inquiries or interview requests please contact Ian DeVoglaer at ian@bouletbrothersdragula.com or (512) 771-4951. 

    Source: Boulet Brothers Productions

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  • Ashby & Graff® Real Estate Releases ‘Holding Hands, Holding Dreams’ Video to Support Pride Month and LGBTQ Community

    Ashby & Graff® Real Estate Releases ‘Holding Hands, Holding Dreams’ Video to Support Pride Month and LGBTQ Community

    Press Release



    updated: Jun 4, 2019

    ​To support LGBTQ Pride Month, Ashby & Graff® Real Estate is raising awareness around diversity and inclusion with the release of its “Holding Hands, Holding Dreams” video that highlights the familiar feelings of thrill that come with first holding hands and first seeing the perfect home for sale. (Watch the video: https://bit.ly/2XkWa7a)​

    The video promotes Ashby & Graff’s belief that its strength comes from a diversity of people, thoughts and ideas. Emphasizing and connecting the joy of holding hands with the joy of finding that perfect home delivers a message that relates to all people.

    However, despite the similar emotions experienced during hand holding, the effects of doing so publicly as an LGBTQ person are anything but similar to members of the majority. Hand holding by LGBTQ people can cause ridicule and in over 1/2 the states in the country, denial of housing or jobs because of failure to include LGBTQ people in anti-discrimination statutes. A recent study found same-sex couples are denied mortgages 73 percent more frequently than opposite-sex couples of similar financial worthiness. A separate study by Freddie Mac and the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals found 46 percent of LGBT renters fear discrimination in the home buying process.

    John Graff, CEO of Ashby & Graff Real Estate, stated, “In 2019 – 50 years after the uprising at Stonewall – the LGBTQ community has taken incredible strides toward true equality but there is still progress to be made. We celebrate the gains but recommit to fighting for a better and more equal future on behalf of our employees, clients and their families.”

    Graff continued, “At Ashby & Graff, we embrace and value our differences because it is diversity of thought that strengthens us. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just a corporate policy, they are the fibers that weave the durable fabric of our organization. We are proud to celebrate diversity and the contributions of the LGBTQ community during Pride Month and throughout the entire year.”

    About Ashby & Graff® Real Estate: 

    Ashby & Graff Real Estate is among the fastest-growing independent real estate brokerages in the United States. With agents across Southern California, Ashby & Graff services clients of all budgets, lifestyles and backgrounds. Ashby & Graff is part of the Graff Real Estate Inc. brand collection.

    www.ashbygraff.com

    www.graffre.com​​

    For more information, contact:

    John Graff, CEO
    Ashby & Graff Real Estate
    info@ashbygraff.com
    310-856-9153 ext. 502

    Source: Ashby & Graff® Real Estate

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  • New CEO, New Logo for the Nashville LGBT Chamber

    New CEO, New Logo for the Nashville LGBT Chamber

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 13, 2018

    Following an extensive search and candidate review process, the Nashville LGBT Chamber today named Joe Woolley as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Representing more than 325 businesses and individuals in Nashville and the surrounding area, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the premier advocate of the Greater Nashville Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender business community. Woolley succeeds Lisa Howe who served as the Chamber’s CEO for the past six years. Howe resigned her position earlier this year to return to her home state of Texas where her wife Wendy accepted a position at the Episcopal School of Dallas.

    “Joe has outstanding qualifications to continue our fast-moving, upward trajectory,” said Ron Snitker, President and Board Chair of the Nashville LGBT Chamber. “The Chamber has a lot of momentum right now with a 34% average annual membership growth since 2012, the creation of our foundation which provides scholarships for LGBT business owners to grow their businesses, receiving an appropriation to assist in getting more minority-owned businesses registered with our metro government, expansion of our programs and events and numerous local and national accolades.”

    “It is a huge honor and privilege to be named CEO of the Chamber,” Woolley said. “I have dedicated the last four years in service to this organization and the mission I believe so strongly in, and I am excited to continue working on that in a new and different leadership role. The Chamber has come so far in 20 years and has had huge growth and successes in the last few; I am ready to work with our members, the board, and the broader Nashville community to keep our growth and success going.”

    Woolley is a Chamber veteran, having served four years on the board of directors; one year as chair of the marketing committee, one year as vice-president and two years as President. Additionally, he has extensive nonprofit experience from serving on numerous boards and commissions and operating a nonprofit consulting business working with numerous local and national organizations. Woolley was recently named to the 2018-19 Leadership Nashville class.

    Woolley holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Belmont University where he was the first graduate of the New Century Journalism Program in 2006. He worked in several media organizations in New York City after graduating, including two years as a foreign news producer for CBS News. After returning to Nashville in 2008, he worked in communications and marketing in a study abroad program and in education policy.

    Woolley has a long history with LGBT and political advocacy in Nashville. He was one of the founders of the Tennessee Equality Project in 2004. He has worked on multiple political campaigns supporting candidates with pro-LGBT platforms and has been active in raising funds for out candidates through the Victory Fund.

    The Nashville LGBT Chamber’s Board of Directors established a Search Committee that conducted a thorough process to locate and vet the best possible candidate. “We had qualified applicants apply from around the country. We put them through a rigorous selection process that included an introductory video, two 90-minute panel interviews with our search committee, and a presentation to our entire board on their vision and onboarding priorities along with a meeting simulation for a potential corporate-level member,” Snitker said. “The board felt it was important for us to continue building on our successes quickly.”

    New Logo Unveiled

    The Nashville LGBT Chamber also launched a new logo, marking the next era for the organization.

    “Our new logo communicates who we are today and builds on the past 20 years of experience to represent us through the next phase,” said marketing committee chair and board member Christopher Lester. “It was important for us to create a logo that included an easily identifiable icon the represents the LGBT community, Nashville, and our work as a connector within the business and diversity communities.”

    The creative concept was developed by DVL Seigenthaler, Finn Partners company, whose team included Ryan Witherell, Partner; Peter Honsberger, Associate Creative Director; and Noelle Grimes, Associate Art Director.

    Click here to download The Nashville LGBT Chamber’s new logo. To see the history of the Nashville LGBT Chamber and the evolution of the Nashville LGBT Chamber mark since its inception, click here.

    About the LGBT Chamber

    The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic development, and equality in the workplace for its LGBT members, businesses, and allies by providing networking, educational, and community building opportunities. 

    Contact: Ron Snitker, Board President

    president@nashvillelgbtchamber.org

    615-507-5185

    Source: Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce

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  • Blockchain With Pride: LGBT Foundation and OST Announce Partnership to Launch Global LGBT+ Ecosystem

    Blockchain With Pride: LGBT Foundation and OST Announce Partnership to Launch Global LGBT+ Ecosystem

    OST and the LGBT Foundation, backed by Hornet Networks, are pleased to announce a new partnership to launch an ecosystem powered by OST blockchain technology, to empower, connect and support LGBT+ people all over the world.

    The LGBT Foundation will launch the LGBT Token in cooperation with Hornet Networks, one of the largest social networks for gay men with more than 25 million members globally, and Revry, the LGBT answer to Netflix, reaching 70 million homes in more than 100 countries. These two and other launch partners already reach 100 million people worldwide.

    LGBT Token will activate the $4.6 trillion global LGBT+ economy, enabling members to assert and protect their LGBT+ identity, creating a new medium of exchange and loyalty for LGBT+ persons and businesses, and making a global social impact by allocating resources to projects that the LGBT+ community cares about, including tackling oppression, discrimination and inequality, education and healthcare.

    The LGBT Foundation chose to launch the LGBT Token on OST technology following several months exploring their own ICO, and publishing the LGBT Token “ Pink Paper ” and “ White Paper. ” It aims for the Token to be a method of payment and loyalty for physical and digital businesses, as well as a decentralized system for LGBT+ people to verify and protect their identities, especially in countries where they face repercussions.

    “We’re saving a ton of time, money and technical resources by teaming up with OST rather than pursuing our own ICO; allowing us to go to market faster, safer and fully compliant with financial regulations,” says Christof Wittig, President of the LGBT Foundation and CEO of Hornet Networks . “The fact that Jason has a stellar track record in tech, Blockchain and the LGBT+ community was something we definitely considered when looking for a partner to kickstart our project.”

    The OST utility token enables any website, app, or marketplace to easily launch a branded token and integrate it into their businesses and communities.

    “We’re thrilled to announce our support for LGBT Token during Pride Month 2018. We are humbled and excited to support the LGBT Foundation’s mission to make our world a better place for all members of the LGBT+ community. Blockchain technology is a perfect fit for the LGBT Foundation’s mission,” says Jason Goldberg, founder and CEO of OST and an advocate for equality himself. “The LGBT Token facilitates near-instant transactions between businesses, causes and members of the community; thus establishing a flourishing, Pink Economy. It also empowers people in countries where it’s illegal to be LGBT to safely and, if need be, anonymously connect with fellow LGBT people.”

    Goldberg will join the LGBT Foundation as an advisor to the project.

    Sean Howell, CEO of the LGBT Foundation, concludes: “ Partnering with OST is based on their state-of-the-art technology to launch and manage the LGBT Token rapidly, safely, and securely. Working with OST gives us the confidence and ability to go-to-market and to develop a blockchain-powered network of LGBT-friendly businesses, to activate a global, Pink Economy.” Howell continues: “We’ll be driving major, global adoption of the LGBT Token by making it available to the 100 million audience of our launch partners, incl. Hornet Networks and Revry.”

    About the LGBT Foundation

    The LGBT Foundation is an organization that aims to deliver equality for the global LGBT community through technology and non-profit uses of its tokens. By harnessing the power and potential of blockchain technology and other technological innovations, the Foundation aims to foster greater acceptance of the LGBT community, drive positive social change for the benefit of its members, and protect vulnerable community members. The aim is that the LGBT Foundation will evolve to become a self-governing body run by and for members of the LGBT community, and which directs its activities, resources and members to the benefit of the international LGBT-community. For more information, please visit: https://lgbt-token.org/

    About Hornet Networks

    Hornet is the world’s premier gay social network. Founded in 2011 with the mission to build the digital home for the gay community, Hornet has grown to 25 million total users by utilizing cutting-edge technology for its dating platform and producing original editorial content to connect a community around common interests. Hornet provides a superior user experience and is number one in the key markets of France, Russia, Brazil, Turkey and Taiwan, and is consistently expanding its sizable user base in the United States. For more information, please visit: https://hornet.com

    About OST

    OST is building the complete blockchain toolkit for business. The company strives to be the blockchain technology partner of choice for businesses of all sizes and levels of technical sophistication, enabling any business to create, launch, and manage their own branded digital token economy powered by OpenST protocols and OST blockchain management software. The OpenST protocol enables companies to launch branded token economies on highly scalable, open, cryptographically auditable side blockchains. OST has offices in Berlin, New York, Hong Kong, and Pune India. For more information, please visit: https://ost.com/

    Sean Howell for Hornet Networks and the LGBT Foundation

    sean@hornet.com

    Wouter Verhoog for OST

    wouter@ost.com / @wouterverhoog 

    Source: OST

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  • GayTravel.com Hires LGBT Dream Team

    GayTravel.com Hires LGBT Dream Team

    Press Release



    updated: May 8, 2018

    Gay Travel the world’s leading site dedicated to LGBT Travel announced the appointment of the Mossier Social Action and Innovation Center’s LGBT Travel experts Don Ofstedal, Charlie Rounds, and Nick Alm to lead Gay Travel’s editorial team.

    “ The team at Mossier truly understands who we are as a company but more importantly brings a new perspective as to what we all can achieve together,” said Steve Rohrlick, Gay Travel Founder, and Chief Visionary Officer. “Their mission and extensive network of trusted travel professionals and seasoned travelers will help Gay Travel bring consistent, authentic and timely information to our members and site visitors and also provide new ways for our community to make a difference in the lives of LGBT entrepreneurs around the globe”

    Our goal is to help Gay Travel members have a more meaningful travel experience – no matter where their destination may be.

    Charlie Rounds, Editor

    Charlie Rounds is the former co-owner of RSVP Vacations, co-founder of Brand g Vacations, and managed a $30 million-plus retail and business travel agency. Rounds wrote the business plan for the IGLTA Foundation and was the 2011 recipient of IGLTA’s Hanns Ebensten Hall of Fame Award.

    Don Ofstedal is also a former co-owner of RSVP Vacations. Before that Ofstedal was the President of the Travel Company of Minnesota where his 20-year career covered every aspect of the travel agency industry.

    Nick Alm is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Alm completed his first international flight just two years ago for a 10-day business exchange in Cuba.  Since then he has become an avid traveler. Nick co-founded The Carlson School’s first undergraduate LGBT organization where he developed a deep passion for advancing conversations about LGBT issues within the travel industry.

    “We are very excited to share our 50-plus years’ experience in the travel industry with the Gay Travel community, said Rounds, Program Manager at Mossier. “The three of us have visited 74 countries, some of which did not even exist 30 years ago. Our goal is to help Gay Travel members have a more meaningful travel experience – no matter where their destination may be.”

    “Kevin Mossier was not only our boss, he was our mentor. He started three successful travel companies including RSVP Vacations and Sea Spirit Cruise Lines. We very much want to bring so much of the LGBT travel history we experienced to life,” added Don Ofstedal. Alm will lead efforts to connect with and offer unique options to younger travelers.

    Media Contact: Charlie Rounds
    charlie.rounds@gaytravel.com
    +1.800.429.8728 x 716

    About Gay Travel
    The GayTravel brand is widely considered the equivalent of the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” among LGBT travelers and their allies. – a trust that has been forged over 20 years.  GayTravel provides their audience with valuable resources to help inspire, plan and book memorable travel experiences. For more information visit www.gaytravel.com or call 1-800-GAY-TRAVEL

    About Mossier

    The Mossier Social Action and Innovation Center is investing in LGBT entrepreneurs across generations and borders. We are dedicated to launching LGBT-owned businesses in countries where homosexuality is illegal. A list that includes over 70 countries. Mossier is driven by an intergenerational team of 15 individuals in Minnesota. With an age range between 18-69, and a roster comprised primarily of women and people of color, Mossier is committed to advancing the global LGBT movement by working across generations, identity, and geography to economically empower our community. For more information: mossier.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MossierMN.

    Source: GayTravel.com

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  • Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative Launches MOBIfest This May in NYC

    Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative Launches MOBIfest This May in NYC

    Citywide Festival Celebrates Black Queer Contributions to Art, Film, Fashion and Culture

    Press Release



    updated: Mar 2, 2018

    ​​This May, New York City is set to become immersed in a colorful celebration of Black queer art, film, music, fashion and culture as Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) launches “MOBIfest” – the only free curated festival focused on seeing its attendees in their holistic selves.

    Following the success of MOBItalks, the three-part series featuring compelling conversations with LGBTQ+ thought leaders such as DeRay McKesson, Emil Wilbekin, Ty Hunter, and Karamo Brown, MOBI continues to keep its finger on the pulse of Black queer culture with its latest experience.

    Each MOBIfest event will celebrate Black queer trailblazer’s contributions in the arts and media. The festival launches with a community art exhibition and reception showcasing artwork submitted by Black queer artists and a panel discussing the impact of Black queer art. Contributions in popular music, house & ballroom scene, and fashion will be recognized through a party themed day with performances by artists from the community. MOBIfest will conclude with Black gay men from the media and entertainment industries that will share their insights with festival goers during a brunch party.

    What all these events and experiences have in common is that they’re all peer-led and produced by queer people of color. Everyone from the event producers to the volunteers are Black gay and queer individuals working with the overall goal of creating a community that will empower each other at no cost to attendees. This isn’t by chance. It was the main objective that Founder and OUT 100 honoree DaShawn Usher had in mind when developing MOBI.

    “The festival will be primarily centered around increasing health and wellness for the Black queer community,” says Usher. “The events will be free to attend by visiting our community partners and wellness events to gain entry into this celebratory weekend experience. The goal is to link our community with various health and wellness activities, while participants can select how they would like to best take ownership of their health. MOBIfest will continue on the success of MOBItalks in building community and inclusive spaces for the Black gay and queer community.”

    Follow “MOBINYC” on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: @MOBI_NYC, and visit www.mobi-nyc.com for festival updates.

    ABOUT MOBILIZING OUR BROTHERS INITIATIVE (MOBI)

    Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) exists to create experiences that celebrate the diversity of Black gay and queer men while building community, wellness and personal development. The MOBI network features our signature events: MOBItalks, a personal and professional development series for Black gay men and MOBIfest, a citywide interactive wellness festival that celebrates Black queer voices in fashion, music, visual arts and media. With a focus on wellness, MOBI connects individuals to opportunities to better themselves before and during events.

    For press inquiries, please contact:

    Kenneth Courtney

    Kenneth@mobi-nyc.com

    Source: MOBI

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  • Charles Josef Brings His Retreat Collection for Men to New York

    Charles Josef Brings His Retreat Collection for Men to New York

    Press Release



    updated: Feb 8, 2018

    Asheville, North Carolina based designer Charles Josef brings his Retreat Collection for Men to New York.  This 2018 Collection will feature an expanded group of menswear in his growing Swim and Resort line of clothing.  The Charles Josef brand focuses on luxury attire for people who are confident, fun loving and young at heart.  For the destination driven and contemporary man on the go, the collection will deliver new exclusive prints, effortless resort wear, and alternative evening and wedding attire. 

    The main inspirations for the collection are travel and a thriving lifestyle, with the intention of offering the modern man clothing that keeps him stylish as he navigates through life wherever it may take him. Charles Josef focused on Caribbean bright colors to capitalize on the seasons emerging Summer trends and many of the swimsuits are made from custom designed eye-catching fabrics. Dinner jackets are designed to showcase these exclusive prints with playful and bold themes that make men feel as though they are the only man in the room. The collection also includes bags and hats to make travel fun and easy.  Attendees will experience creative, playful and sexy styling in underwear, swimsuits, printed dress shirts, and evening attire that is versatile and fun to wear. 

    Charles Josef’s collections are manufactured in Asheville, N.C. The collection will be offered to retailers and sold on the website charlesjosef.com where the limited products are scheduled to sell out by the end of the season.

    Charles Josef started designing swimwear after he was faced with a very real problem. Swimsuits that did not fit properly.  After many years of creating swimsuits by hand, Charles Josef developed a custom line of products and following of clients that appreciate fit, style and quality in swim and menswear.

    The Charles Josef New York Runway Show is scheduled for 5:15 pm on Thursday, February 15th at the PLITZS New York City Fashion Week Designer Showcase.  This fashion event will be privately held at the Hotel Pennsylvania (401 7th Ave between 32nd and 33rd Street) in New York City.  Limited tickets available upon request.

    Contact Info

    For more information about The Retreat Collection or for an interview with Charles Josef, please write to cjosefswim@gmail.com.  Media high-res photos available upon request.

    About The Charles Josef Company

    Josef began to sew at the age of five with his grandmother, a sample seamstress in the New York Garment district, as his teacher. In addition to menswear, Josef also designs evening and bridal attire for women at his Asheville, N.C. atelier.

    Source: Charles Josef

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