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15 Holiday Gifts that Give Back to the LGBTQ+ Community

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David Mariner Holiday Gift Guide

It’s time to start thinking about your holiday shopping.  If you’re looking for some gift ideas, here are 15 items you may want to consider. The best part of these gifts is that a portion of the proceeds benefit worthy causes and organizations in the LGBTQ+ community.

Williams Sonoma Trevor Project Collection
Supporting the Trevor Project LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Efforts

Oven Mitt & Pottholder, – $24.95, Apron – $29.95, Kitchen Towels – $24.95

Williams Sonoma has a number of products for sale on their website in support of the Trevor Project. 50% of the purchase price of each item supports the world’s largest provider of crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young people. There are plenty of items to choose from, but I love these colorful kitchen mitts, pottholders, aprons, and towels.
Purchase Oven Mitt & Potholder | Purchase Apron | Purchase Kitchen Towels

Keith Haring Polaroid Camera
Benefitting the Keith Haring Foundation

Limited Edition Keith Haring Polaroid Camera – $139.99

The Keith Haring Foundation continues the amazing legacy of artist and activist Keith Haring by continuing to fund HIV/AIDS and Children’s organizations including GMHC, SAGE, and the New York LGBT Center.  I am a big Keith Haring fan and I’m obsessed with this polaroid camera.
Purchase the Keith Haring Polaroid Camera

Lush Charity Pot
Supporting Local Grassroots Organizations

Lush Charity Pot – 1.58 oz. for $9 or 8.4 oz. for $30

Lush donates 100% of its purchase price (minus the taxes) to small grassroots groups. Lush has been a big supporter of the transgender community, and many local transgender organizations have benefited from this program. The smaller size is just $9!
Purchase the Lush Charity Pot

Human Rights Campaign ‘You Are’ Candle
In Support of the Human Rights Campaign

Human Rights Campaign ‘You Are’ Candle – $24

The Human Rights Campaign has a number of products on available on their online store supporting their important work. This candle makes a perfect present.
Purchase the ‘You Are’ Candle

Product (Red) Anova Precision Cooker
Supporting the Fight Against HIV/AIDS and Supporting Global Public Health Efforts

Product (Red) Anova Precision Cooker – $186.27

Project (Red) has partnered with some of the biggest brands to raise money and donate millions to HIV/AIDS charities and global public health efforts. You can search the entire Project Red collection on Amazon. I’m a fan of this Anova Precision Cooker. Follow the step-by-step recipes in the Anova Culinary app and make perfectly cooked meals with the touch of a button. What you do while it’s cooking to perfection is totally up to you.
Purchase the Precision Cooker | See the Project (Red) Collection on Amazon

Protect Trans Kids Tee
Supporting the Trans Justice Project

Protect Trans Kids Tee – $29

This shirt from the Okra Project is available on Etsy. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Trans Justice Project. The Trans Justice Funding Project is a community-led funding initiative founded in 2012 to support grassroots, trans justice groups run by and for trans people in the United States, including U.S. territories.
Purchase the shirt here.

Spiceology Love is Love Collection
Fighting Food Scarcity in the LGBTQ+ Community

Spiceology Love is Love Collection – $42.95

I absolutly love this collection of spices and rubs. I especially like the Chile Margarita Mexican rub and the Rasberry Chipotle Rub, but you’ll want to try them all. Sadly, this collection is currently out of stock, but you can enter your email on the website to be notified when it is available again. Spiceology donates 10% of the proceeds from this collection to address food scarcity in the LGBTQ+ community.
find out more on the spicology website

Happy Socks Pride Stripe Sock
Supporting InterPride

Pride Stripe Sock – $16

These socks are inspired by the Progress Pride Flag design by Daniel Quasar. 10% of the proceeds from the Happy Socks Pride collection are donated to InterPride, the the international association of all Pride event organizers worldwide.
Get the Pride Stripe Sock

Pottery Barn Kids Giveback Bear Ornament
In Support of the Trevor Project

Giveback Bear Ornament, $11

This affordable Christmas Tree ornament makes a perfect stocking stuffer. 50% of the purchase price supports The Trevor Project’s life-saving suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ young people.
Purchase the Giveback Bear

Levi’s Pride Collection
In Support of OutRight International

Levi’s Pride Collection – Various Prices

Levi’s has a number of items in their annual Pride Collection. In support of this collection, Levi’s® makes an annual $100,000 USD donation to OutRight Action International, a global organization working to advance human rights for LGBTQ+ people all over the world. I love this shirt! Visit the website to see the entire colleciton.
Shop the Levi’s Pride Collection

Pantone Pride Coffee Mug
Supporting Copenhagen Pride

Pantone Pride Coffee Mug – $30

Your graphic designer friend will love this mug. The Pantone Color System, or PMS, is a standardized color matching system, which is widely used around the world.  Your purchase supports Copenhagen Pride.
Buy the Pantone Pride Coffee Mug

Task Force Action Fund Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Supporting the National LGBTQ Task Force

National LGBTQ Task Force Crew Neck Sweatshirt – $35.95

The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund has a number of great items available on their website. This design is also available in black, or as a tee or hoodie.
Get the ‘Be You’ Shirt

Underdog ‘Big Gay Energy’ Candle
Supporting LGBTQ Rights

Big Gay Energy Candle – $22

This queer and woman owned company donates 5% of all their candle sales to LGBTQ+ nonprofits. This month they are supporting the Portland, Maine Chapter of PFLAG. There are many candles to choose from but this combination of basil, sage, and mint caught my eye.
Get the Candle | Shop the Collection

Enby Bucket Hat
Supporting Queer and Trans POC Organization

Enby Hat – $25

Enby is an online shop with a wide variety of products, several of which are NSFW. Enby takes it’s name from the acronym for Non-Binary (NB). I love this bucket hat celebrating nonbinary people! 2% of the sales from the Enby shop go to support a rotating list of trans and queer POC organizations.
Get the Hat | Visit the Enby Shop

West Elm Rainbow Heart Ornament
In Support of the Trevor Project

Rainbow Heart Ornament – $9.60

This beautiful blown glass ornament makes a wonderful present. I bought a few of these last year to have on hand for last minute gifts. The highlighted orange stripe in the rainbow is a subtle reference to the signature color of the Trevor Project. 50% of the sales price benefits the Trevor Projects LGBTQ suicide prevention work.
Purchase the ornament here

Black Trans Filmmakers Declare Transphobia Is a Sin

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Transphobia is a sin

SEATTLE, Jan. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — When Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi and J Mase III began co-editing the Black Trans Prayer Book a few years ago, they had no idea how much the idea of dismantling toxic religious practices would resonate around the globe. In January of 2019, they hosted the first of what would become an annual event called the #TransphobiaIsASin Campaign. This social media event’s purpose is to bring attention to religious violence impacting Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive people globally (especially those that are Black, Brown and/or Indigenous.)

On Saturday, January 15th, Dane and Mase will launch the fourth iteration of this campaign which has had thousands of participants from countries all over the world, and they want to invite anyone to participate that is “invested in ending religious (ie: all) violence against Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Peoples.” Dane and Mase go on to say, “Anti-Trans religious violence does not just look like demonizing Trans people within worship spaces. It is the theology that finds its way to the tongues of politicians who create anti-Trans policies. It manifests as the framework that blooms violence against Trans people on the street, in their families, and in community at large.”

The two say one of their ultimate goals is to make theologies of liberation more accessible than theologies of violence. For them, this campaign gives people from all over, looking to share in that vision, a space to connect and build. Currently working on adapting their text, the Black Trans Prayer Book into a documentary, they have outlined ways for people everywhere to participate in this weekend’s #TransphobiaIsASin event:

  1. Take a photo of yourself with a sign saying one of the following lines: “Transphobia is a Sin,” “Transphobia is Haram,” “Trans People are Divine,” or “Trans People Exist Because Our Ancestors Existed”
  2. Use the hashtag #TransphobiaIsASin
  3. Post to social media on or close to Jan 15th

To close out the campaign, Lady Dane and J Mase will be holding a workshop to delve deeper into healing from religious trauma on Tuesday January 18th at 4pm PST/7pm EST. Follow along by checking out the hashtag #TransphobiaIsASin on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and all social media platforms. Learn more about their work at www.TheBlackTransPrayerBook.org.

JoJo Siwa Dancing Fearlessly into the Spotlight

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Teen dance sensation JoJo Siwa on coming out, making history on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and being a role model for queer youth

By Chris Azzopardi

This year, JoJo Siwa made history as the first “Dancing with the Stars” contestant to compete with a same-sex partner. With Jenna Johnson, she performed the Argentine tango to Britney Spears, did the cha-cha to Lady Gaga and busted out her best moves for a sexy queer rumba to Janet Jackson.

And maybe, somehow, you’ve missed all the JoJo buzz, which means you probably also missed her “Grease” foxtrot, but you should know this: JoJo is everywhere right now. That’s great because she’s queer, and we love to see LGBTQ+ visibility on TV, especially on shows like “Dancing with the Stars” where you least expect it.

But JoJo, who made Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020, has actually been dancing for years — which is a strange thing to say about someone who’s only 18. JoJo, however, got her start at 9 when she competed on the “Dance Moms” spinoff “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition” during its second season in 2013.

JoJo is as beloved on “Dancing with the Stars” as she is on YouTube, where she has amassed over 12 million followers (that number, she tells me, “exploded” after she came out earlier this year, in January). Now she’s teamed up with her mom, Jessalynn Siwa, who’s also her manager (hence, “momager”), for their own Peacock show, “Siwas Dance Pop Revolution.” Over eight episodes, JoJo mentors and choreographs 11 tweens, some of her biggest fans, as they compete to be a part of XOMG Pop, a new pop group. The crowned group will open for JoJo on her 2022 tour.

Recently, JoJo, alongside Jessalynn, spoke about being fearlessly queer, going through a public romance and breakup with ex-girlfriend Kylie Prew, and what it feels like to inspire other LGBTQ+ youth to come out.

How are you bringing diversity and inclusion to “Siwas Dance Pop Revolution”?

JoJo: You know, we wanted to create a girl group that was for everybody and for everybody in the world to be like, “That one’s like me.” And I think that we have made sure that the kids who are in the girl group, and even the kids on the show, have all been able to have their say and make this exactly what they want it to be.

As a queer person yourself, who was the person that made you say, “I see me in you”?

JoJo: I looked up a lot to Freddie Mercury and Lady Gaga. I like what they stand for. I mean, “Born This Way” is literally a gay anthem for everybody in the world and the most genius song ever and, for me, that song hits so home that it’s literally my life.

Did you ever hear from Gaga after lip-syncing “Born This Way” on TikTok?

JoJo: No. [Whimpers.] Don’t mention it, it makes me sad.

Jessalynn: One day, one day.

As somebody who’s representing the queer community on “Dancing with the Stars,” and now with your own dance show, why do you think LGBTQ+ representation is important in shows like these?

JoJo: I think that something that’s really great about today’s day and age is, being gay or being a part of the LGBTQ community is not only accepted, but it’s also celebrated. And I think that every single day it’s less weird and less not typical. Every day it’s becoming a little bit more normal for everybody, and, I mean, being normal is boring. Nobody wants to be normal; everybody wants to be a little different. So I think that it’s something to be celebrated, not scared of.

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, which in some people’s mind might be more conservative, was it ever weird for you? What was your experience growing up as a queer person there?

JoJo: Growing up I didn’t know many gay people. I knew a few people on my mom’s side of the family. Her godson is gay, and he was probably one of the first people that I ever knew to be gay. I think being in the dance community, I know of a lot of people there who were gay. It never, ever once for me was wrong. And I think that’s something that you always told me; you were never like, “Oh, that’s weird.”

Jessalynn: No, it’s not.

JoJo: Like, it doesn’t matter. I love the person [who’s like], “If my kid comes out to me as gay, the next thing I’ll do is ask him what he wants for dinner.” I started dating my first girlfriend on January 8th. So what is the difference between January 7th and January 8th for me? There’s none. One, I’m happily in love and dating and have a girlfriend and the other, I’m halfway in love and she’s just not my girlfriend yet. So it’s like, there’s no difference. Nothing changes inside the person that wasn’t already there.

I am so happy to see you live so unabashedly bold as somebody who is in the queer community, but I also wanna shout out to your mom and say it’s equally as important to see a parent be as supportive as you are.

Jessalynn: Thank you. I think kids just wanna feel love from their parents and be accepted and unconditionally able to be themselves no matter what, and that’s what I always tell JoJo: “I love you no matter what.” And I’ve been saying it for 18 years, and I’ll say it for a hundred more.

Jess, what has it been like for you to see her live so boldly, just completely unabashedly out, loud and proud in such a public way?

Jessalynn: You know, I’m so proud of her. I’m so proud of her because she’s so brave. And the world is crazy, and sometimes I’m sure it’s hard to be brave — and it’s hard to be out there and put yourself out there — but she just does it and she loves it, and she’s happy. And it’s really cool, and even as someone that’s older than her, it’s inspiring. To look at somebody so young and so brave… well, we only have one life to live, you know? “Live your best life” is something else we say a lot, and I truly love to see JoJo just living her best life.

JoJo: Thank you.

Jessalynn: You’re welcome.

That’s so sweet. JoJo, what’s your life been like since coming out? You have over 12 million YouTube followers, and I imagine that number surged as soon as you made that statement.

JoJo: Right away it did — it exploded. And I think it’s a thing that a lot of people may’ve been scared of for me, and I was never scared of it myself. I kind of just did [it] and then, if anything, went bad then it went bad and I didn’t care because I was happy, and if I lost everything because of who I love, then so be it.

How aware have you become of the influence that you’re having on LGBTQ+ youth who may not be comfortable with who they are?

JoJo: I think that every kid has a feeling when they’re little and you know how you feel, and you don’t really know how to make what you’re feeling OK. And I think that having somebody to look to, to be like, “Oh, I’m like they are,” is really special, and I love that I get to be that person for a lot of kids.

What advice might you give to a young queer person who’s really struggling with their sexuality?

JoJo: I would say, if you did it a month ago, would you regret it? And depending on the answer, I hope the answer would be no. Because I think sometimes just in the moment it’s scary, but think if you would’ve done it a month ago, would you be OK with it today? And hopefully that answer will be yes. And then I would just say, “So that’s how you’ll feel in one month.”

When it came to coming out publicly, what was the scariest part for you, JoJo, but also for you, Jess?

JoJo: Honestly, there was nothing scary about it for me. I had zero fear of coming out.

Jessalynn: For me, just the unknown. I didn’t ever want to say the wrong thing to JoJo. I don’t mean to say anything wrong or bad; just tell me if I do. And with the pronouns, I’m trying to learn, I’m trying to figure it out.

JoJo: Even somebody like Demi Lovato — there’s somebody who I looked up to since I was a baby, and Demi came out as non-binary this year. Sometimes when we’re talking about Demi, you’ll accidentally say “she.” But Demi actually said, “It’s OK as long as you’re trying.”

This can be personal for a lot of people, but in hopes that maybe this will help other queer youth come out to their parents, would you mind sharing how you came out to your mom?

JoJo: Honestly, I got in the car and my mom said, “You really like her, don’t you?” And this [was] after Ky and I had spent a few nights together. My whole family was there, and it was our last night together, and we kissed. And I said, “Yeah.” And my mom goes, “As a friend or as more than a friend?” And I just said, “As more than a friend.” And my mom then said, “I figured.” [Laughs.]

Jessalynn: [Laughs.] That was like a one-minute conversation.

JoJo: Yeah. It lasted one minute. It was easy. She made it easy on me, and truthfully, I knew my feelings for Ky, but if we didn’t kiss I would’ve just said, “Just as a friend.” Like, it was only because it was so real to me that I was comfortable with fully telling everybody.

What do you remember from that moment, Jess?

Jessalynn: I remember sitting on the Sprinter [Camper] waiting for JoJo to come back and then when she came back and she was crying ’cause she had said goodbye, I knew. And I just remember thinking, “I really need to know.” Like, I just wanted the scoop, but I was afraid. But then before I even knew what I was saying —

JoJo: You were saying it.

Jessalynn: I was saying it. And then it was just simple, and we just carried on. And then you were sad because you were separating and I was like, “Tell her to come to California for the weekend.”

JoJo, you’ve gone through both a public romance and a public breakup. What has that been like for you?

JoJo: Honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster. The good news about it is, I am still best friends with Ky, and she will forever be the first girl that I was ever in love with and the person who made me realize that I was gay and the person who made me so happy, that I was so in love with, that I was head over heels for. And I’m so lucky that even though a romantic relationship ended, our platonic relationship is still there, and our friendship is still there and she’s still one of my best friends.

We talk almost every day still, and she is awesome. So supportive of “Dancing with the Stars” and “Dance Pop.” She loves [the] little kiddos on the show, so they all love her. It’s tricky to navigate because the world always has their own view on things and their own opinion on things, so when the world started speculating [about] things between the two of us, I was checking in with Ky being like, “Hey, you good? You want me to say anything?” So it’s tricky. But one day at a time, and you just keep moving forward.

Dancing with another female partner, Jenna Johnson, on “Dancing with the Stars,” has meant a lot to a lot of queer youth. What has it meant to you?

JoJo: It has meant a lot to me. I think that being paired with another female for the first time ever, first-ever same-sex couple, is such an honor. And I wanna use the word brilliant — it’s so brilliant because love is so accepted and so celebrated that it’s not weird; it’s cool, it’s nice, it’s awesome. And every week Jenna and I are faced with the new challenge of figuring out how to do a new style with two females. But we always get through it, and we always make it out on the other side.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity

Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

Las Vegas Gay Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants

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Las Vegas Gay Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants

Badlands Las Vegas
Easygoing, country-themed, gay watering hole with pool tables & darts in funky, neon-lit space.
badlandsbarlv.com

The Phoenix Bar & Lounge
Easygoing gay bar with a loungey feel offering karaoke, pool & a dance floor in a low-key setting.
facebook.com/thephoenixlv

Don’t Tell Mama
Cozy lounge featuring singing servers & live piano accompaniment for open-mike opportunities.
www.donttellmama.com

The Las Vegas Eagle
Lively, kink-friendly gay-friendly bar in a strip-mall locale with themed events, drink specials & karaoke nights.
facebook.com/thelasvegaseagle

Piranha Nightclub
Compact-but-lush gay nightclub offering theme nights, drag shows, VIP skyboxes & cozy outdoor patio.
piranhavegas.com

Charlie’s Las Vegas
Country-style watering hole featuring line dancing, live bingo, drag revues, DJs & drink specials.
charlieslasvegas.com

The Royal Canadian Mint Marks 50 Years of Progress for LGBTQ2 Canadians with Equality Coin

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candian equality coin

This week the Royal Canadian Mint launched a one-dollar circulation coin commemorating 50 years of progress in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians. It was a 1969 Act of Parliament that marked the initial milestone on the journey to equality for LGBTQ2 communities by decriminalizing homosexual acts between two consenting people of 21 years or older. The new coin, combining the words “EQUALITY-ÉGALITÉ” with the signature work of Vancouver artist Joe Average, starts circulating as of April 23rd. It was also launched through an official unveiling at the 519 Community Centre, in Toronto, Ontario.

“For the past 50 years and beyond, Canadians have fought for their right to love, marry, start a family and live openly as their most authentic selves,” said Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre. “The Equality coin recognizes their triumphs and encourages all of us to build a better, more inclusive Canada – because like the coin itself, the more equality we have in Canada, the richer we all are.”

“Today is an important day for the LGBTQ2 community, and for all Canadians, as this commemorative coin enters circulation,” said Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues. “It is an opportunity to reflect on a landmark event in our country’s history, and a reminder of the progress still to be made as we work toward inclusion and equality for all LGBTQ2 Canadians.”

“The Mint plays a significant role in celebrating Canada’s culture, history and values through coins. Marking 50 years since a landmark decision that began a process of legal reforms to recognize the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians is a powerful way to recognize Canada’s profound belief in equality and inclusion,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The Mint constantly strives to live these values, and our employees are proud to share the message of equality through this new commemorative circulation coin.”

Joe Average is a Vancouver-based artist whose early interest in drawing and photography led him to dedicate his life to his art when he was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1984. The design he created for the reverse of this coin is a stylized celebration of equality viewed through an LGBTQ2 perspective. The image of two intertwined faces reflects gender fluidity and the spectrum of genders and is left open to interpretation: they may belong to two individuals or they may represent different aspects of one’s identity.

The reverse includes the words “EQUALITY” and “ÉGALITÉ” on two curved bands, as well as the double dates “1969” and “2019” to mark 50 years since the process of decriminalizing homosexual acts was initiated in Canada. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, in use on Canadian coins since 2003.

Limited to a mintage of three million, the one-dollar “Equality” circulation coin is now entering general circulation and will be available through several public coin exchanges to be announced soon (limited to Canada only).

This coin can also be collected in a special wrap roll of 25 uncirculated coins, retailing for $54.95 and limited to a mintage of 15,000 rolls. Joe Average’s artwork is also celebrated on a full colour, 99.99% pure silver collector version of the “Equality” coin, which retails for $49.95 and is limited to a mintage of 15,000.

These collectibles can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca/equality. They can also be found at the Royal Canadian Mint’s boutiques, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001 certified corporation, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

For images of the “Equality” circulation coin, click:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ozg81gpgxrqvvgx/AACVnYx__2Aq1vhXDcS5ZwKQa?dl=0

Judge Preliminarily Green-Lights Lawsuit Against Conversion Therapy Ban

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Florida GLBT Equality

Equality Florida Press Release — This week a Florida federal Magistrate Judge recommended that the City of Tampa be barred from enforcing part of its Conversion Therapy Ban Ordinance during a pending legal challenge. The federal Magistrate Judge also recommended that the case could proceed on limited grounds while recommending other claims should be dismissed. There is no timeline for the federal District Court Judge to act on the Magistrate Judge’s recommendations.

The City of Tampa is one of twenty local governments in Florida that has banned so-called “conversion therapy” on minors. Conversion therapy, a widely debunked practice, seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Nearly every mainstream​ ​medical and mental health association has spoken against this practice. Previously, the federal Ninth and Third Circuit courts have refused to block conversion therapy bans.

“The fact remains that LGBTQ minors are at risk of fraudulent and dangerous so-called ‘conversion therapy,’” said Equality Florida Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer. “This lawsuit is being driven by Liberty Counsel, the same far-right extremists who recently attacked a bipartisan, anti-lynching bill that unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate just because it includes LGBTQ people. Equality Florida will not be deterred from protecting LGBTQ youth, and we applaud the City of Tampa’s leadership for taking a stand to do the same.”

Jose Vega, a Floridian who endured almost six years of conversion therapy, responded to the news:

“As a conversion therapy survivor, I know just how critical it is to protect minors from this dangerous practice. Conversion therapy is life-altering. It almost shattered my life. We cannot allow anti-LGBTQ forces to roll back the progress we have made in protecting young people from the horrors of conversion therapy.”

For more information, visit www.eqfl.org.

2017 Guide to LGBT and HIV Awareness Days

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2017 Queer Event Calendar

Awareness Days are a great way to call attention issues the LGBT community faces.  As a local activist, planning an educational event or demonstration on one of these days is a great way to get the word out about your event or action and even raise the visibility and effectiveness of your event.  Consider how these LGBT and HIV/AIDS awareness days intersect with the work you are doing at the local level and how you can use them as tools to highlight and strengthen your local work.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Black LGBT
February 7th, 2017

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is an HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative for Blacks in the United States and across the Diaspora. There are five specific focal points: Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, Get Treated, and Get Talking.

www.nationalblackaidsday.org
For more information for the Black LGBTQ & SGL Community visit: davidmariner.com/black

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Queer YouthApril 10th, 2017

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day is an annual observance that takes place on April 10. The first ever National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day took place on April 10, 2015.

Today’s young people are the first generation who have never known a world without HIV and AIDS. In the United States, one in four new HIV infections is among youth ages 13 to 24. Every month 1,000 young people are infected with HIV and over 76,400 young people are currently living with HIV across the country. While there has been much talk about an AIDS-Free Generation, we know that is not possible without our nation’s youth. Young people and their allies are determined to end this epidemic once and for all and this day is a way to acknowledge the great work young people are already engaging in to do so.

www.youthaidsday.org
For more information on LGBTQ Youth visit davidmariner.com/youth

National Day of Silence

April (Date TBD), 2017

The National Day of Silence is a day of action in which students across the country vow to take a form of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.

Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2008, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.

www.dayofsilence.org
For more information on LGBTQ Youth visit davidmariner.com/youth

International Family Equality Day

May 7th, 2017

Regardless of different legal, political and social circumstances around the world, the dramatic increase in the numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people choosing to raise children is a global phenomenon. International Family Equality Day is designed to  to increase the international visibility of LGBTQ families.

www.internationalfamilyequalityday.org
For more information about LGBT families visit: davidmariner.com/family

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT)Global LGBTQ

May 17th, 2017

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (marked on May 17) was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media, and the public in general to these issues, and to promote a world of tolerance, respect and freedom regardless of people’s sexual orientations or gender identities.

As much as May 17 is a day against violence and oppression, it is also a day to promote freedom, diversity and acceptance. The date of May 17 was chosen to commemorate the decision taken by the World Health organization in 1990 to take homosexuality out of the list of mental disorders.

www.dayagainsthomophobia.org
For more information about Global LGBT issues visit: davidmariner.com/global

National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness DayAsian and Pacific Islander LGBTQ Community

May 19th, 2017

One of the key achievements of the Banyan Tree Project to date is the establishment of National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on May 19th. This day is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The first National Awareness Day was held in 2005. Each year, this day is commemorated with events around the country designed to promote the Banyan Tree Project goals. On this day, organizations around the country dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services to A&PIs host events in their communities to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma.

www.banyantreeproject.org
For more information about the API LGBTQ Community visit: www.davidmariner.com/api

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness DayLGBTQ Aging

September 18th, 2017

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness day focuses on the challenging issues facing the aging population with regards to HIV prevention, testing, care and treatment. In addition, there is an increased need for prevention, research, and data targeting the aging population, medical understanding of the aging process and its impact on HIV/AIDS.

www.theaidsinstitute.org
For more information about LGBTQ Older Adults, visit davidmariner.com/aging.

Celebrate Bisexuality DayBisexual

September 23rd, 2017

Celebrate Bisexuality Day is observed worldwide on September 23rd  by members of the bisexual community and their supporters. The day, which is celebrated annually, is a call for the bisexual community, their friends and supporters to recognize and celebrate bisexuality, bisexual history, bisexual community and culture, and the bi- and pansexual people in their lives.

First observed in 1999, Celebrate Bisexuality Day is the brainchild of three United States bisexual rights activists: Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur. This celebration of bisexuality in particular, as opposed to general LGBT events, was conceived as a response to the prejudice and marginalization of the bisexual persons by some in both the straight and greater LGBT communities.

www.facebook.com/bivisibility
For more information about the bisexual community, visit: davidmariner.com/bisexual

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness DayGBT Men

September 27th, 2017

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed every year on September 27th. In 2008 the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) Launched this observance to recognize the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on gay men. While NAPWA no longer exists as an organization, the observance continues.

For more information about gay, bi, and trans (GBT) Men, visit www.davidmariner.com/men

LGBT History Month

October, 2017

LGBT History Month is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.

www.lgbthistorymonth.com

National Coming Out Day

October 11th, 2017

Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally.

NCOD marks the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, and reminds us that in the fight for LGBTQ equality one of our most basic and important tools is the power of coming out.

Coming out still matters. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law.

www.hrc.org/resources/entry/national-coming-out-day

National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness DayLatino Gay and Lesbian

October 15th, 2017

The last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15th, has been designated as National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD).

In 2003, NLAAD was established in response to the impact of HIV and AIDS on Hispanic/Latino communities nationwide, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. NLAAD is a national community mobilization and social marketing campaign that unites the Hispanic/Latino community in efforts to raise HIV awareness, promotion of HIV testing, prevention and education.

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day has demonstrated to be a successful AIDS Awareness Day. NLAAD has solidified support from 450 partners who together, organized 350 events in 45 states across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

www.nlaad.org
For more information on the Latinx LGBTQ Community visit: davidmariner.com/latinx

Spirit Day

October 16th, 2017

Millions go purple on Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Observed annually since 2010, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes ‘spirit’ on the rainbow flag.

www.glaad.org/spiritday

Asexual Awareness WeekAsexual Awareness Week

TBD October, 2017

Asexual Awareness Week is an international week organized by the Asexual Awareness Week (AWW) organisation to help increase people’s understanding of the sexualities and romantic spectrum that fall under the ‘Ace Umbrella’. These can include asexual, aromantic, demisexual, and grey-asexual among them. It is designed to help promote understanding of what these sexualities are and the current issues people face. Asexual Awareness Week typically takes places towards the end of October.

www.asexualawarenessweek.com
For more info on the asexual community visit davidmariner.com/asexual

National LGBT Community Center Awareness Day

October 19th, 2017

Centers continue to build, unite, and empower the LGBT community by offering services including; social services, mental health counseling, cultural programs, recreational activities, libraries, educational programs, support groups, youth support, elder support, computer access, and care and treatment (just to name a few).

Created by CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Center Awareness Day is an annual day of awareness promoting the vital services offered by community centers and the central role they play in local communities.

www.centerawarenessday.org

Intersex Awareness DayIntersex

October 26th, 2017

Intersex Awareness Day is an international day of grass-roots action to end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital cosmetic surgeries on intersex children.  Between October 26 and November 8, intersex organizations try to bring attention to the challenges intersex individuals face.

The event marks the first public demonstration by intersex people in North America. On October 26, 1996, intersex activists from Intersex Society of North America (carrying the sign “Hermaphrodites With Attitude”) and allies from Transexual Menace demonstrated in Boston, outside the venue where the American Academy of Pediatrics was holding its annual conference.

www.intersexday.org
For more information about the intersex community visit davidmariner.com/intersex

Transgender Day of RemembranceTrans Discuss

November 20th, 2017

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose was murdered on November 28th, 1998.  Her murder, like many anti-transgender murder cases, remains unsolved.

www.tdor.info
For more information on the transgender community visit www.davidmariner.com/trans

World AIDS DayWorld AIDS Day

December 1st, 2017

World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1st each year. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

UNAIDS took the lead on campaigning for World AIDS Day from its creation until 2004. From 2004 onwards the World AIDS Campaign’s Global Steering Committee began selecting a theme for World AIDS Day in consultation with civil society, organisations and government agencies involved in the AIDS response.

Themes run for one or two years and are not just specific to World AIDS Day. Campaigning slogans such as ‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise’ have been used year-round to hold governments accountable for their HIV and AIDS related commitments.

www.un.org/en/events/aidsday
For more information about HIV/AIDS visit: davidmariner.com/hiv

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

December 17th, 2017

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on December 17 by sex workers, their advocates, friends, families and allies. Originally conceived as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington, United States (US), it has evolved into an annual international event. The day calls attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers worldwide, as well as the need to remove the social stigma and discrimination that have contributed to violence against sex workers and indifference from the communities they are part of.

www.december17.org

gay, lesbian, bisexual and transngender awareness days
LGBTQ Awareness Days

Intersex Information and Resources

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Intersex

“Intersex” is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.

Intersex Resources

Intersex Resource Facebook Page: Intersex Resource

Intersex Discuss Twitter Page: twitter.com/intersexdiscuss

Intersex Awareness Day: www.intersexday.org

 

 

 

 

Eight Latinx LGBT Activists to Watch

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Latinx LGBT Activists

Meet eight amazing Latinx LGBT activists who are changing the world.  This is not meant to be a complete list, nor do I claim to be an expert on who would even be on the complete list.  I can say withought hesitation, however, that these are eight amazing people who I find inspiring, and I believe you will as well.

Daniel Hernandez

Daniel Hernandez Arizona
Daniel Hernandez

Follow Daniel on Twitter: @djblp

Follow Daniel on Instagram: @djblp

Daniel Hernandez is a Victory Fund candidate for the Arizona State Legislature.  You may know him better, however, as the intern for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on the life-changing day she was shot at a campaign event in Tucson.  At the young age of twenty, Daniel’s quick thinking and courageous action is is credited by many for saving Rep. Giffords life.

Now as a candidate he is an outspoken advocate both for LGBT Equality and for sensible gun control.  While this may make Hernandez seem unlikely to be a rising start in a state like Arizona, many locals would describe him as exactly that.  Visit his campaign website at: www.danielforarizona.org.

Joanna Maria Cifredo

Joanna Cifredo
Joanna Cifredo

Follow Joanna on Twitter: @JoannaCifredo

Follow Joanna on Instagram @JoannaCifredo

Joanna Cifredo is the Racial and Economic Justice Policy Analyst at the National Center for Transgender Equality, the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.

Joanna serves on the Board of Directors to Whitman Walker Health and the DC Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs Advisory Board.  She is the recipient of the 2015 Visionary Voice Award by National Sexual Violence Resource Center for her work Health Equity and Trans-Inclusive Healthcare, she was also honored by Mujeres en el Movimiento as one of DC’s Rising Stars.  She can sometimes be found blogging at joannacifredo.com.

Marco Quiroga

Marco Quiroga
Marco Quiroga

Follow Marco Quiroga on Twitter: @DREAMarcoAble

Follow Marco on Instagram: @maquirog

Marco Quiroga describes himself on twitter as “Gay, Undocumented and Unafraid,” Marco is known by many for three amazing years of work at Immigration Equality working on the front lines of our movement’s struggle for LGBTQ immigrant justice.

This year Marco began a new chapter as Director of Public Policy at the True Colors Fund, as he turns his attention to ending LGBT Youth Homelessness.  Find out more at truecolorsfund.org.

Lisbeth Melendez Rivera

Lisbeth Melendez Rivera
Lisbeth Melendez Rivera

Follow Lisbeth on Twitter at @buchadc

Lisbeth Melendez Rivera is the Religion and Faith Program’s Director of Latino and Catholic Initiatives at the Human Rights Campaign where she has worked on the A La Familia project.

Over the years Lisbeth has worked at many organizations in the movement including Freedom to Marry, NARAL, Family Equality Council and Now. And of course, Lisbeth did groundbreaking work at LLEGO the The National Latino/a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization where she served as Director of Community Education and Training.

Christopher Soto

Christopher Soto
Christopher Soto

Follow Christopher on twitter at @loma_poetry

Christoppher Soto (aka Loma) is an nationally recognized poet and activist. Their first chapbook “Sad Girl Poems” was published by Sibling Rivalry Press and tackles some tough topics like LGBTQ youth homelessness, Intimate Partner Violence, and suicide. Their work has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese.

They are currently working on a full-length poetry manuscript about police violence and mass incarceration. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Christopher now now resides in Brooklyn.  Visit Christopher’s website at christophersoto-poet.com.

Ruby Corado

Ruby Corado
Ruby Corado

Follow Ruby/Casa Ruby on twitter at: @CasaRubyDC

I’ve known Ruby Corado much longer than anyone on the list and if you’ve ever met Ruby, I’m sure you would agree with me when I say what I love most about her is her heart. Ruby was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. She fled a civil war when she was 16 years old.  Washington DC has been her home since then where she has been a tireless advocate for the entire LGBT community, but especially Trans, Genderqueer, and Gender Non-Conforming People and the Latino community.

The Casa Ruby community center opened it’s doors in June 2012 and has has met an important need in the community since that day. open to everyone but primarily serving the Latino LGBT community.  Find out more and learn how you can support Ruby at www.casaruby.org

Jack Harrison-Quintana

Jack Harrison Quintana
Jack Harrison Quintana

Follow Jack on twitter at: @jchq59

Follow Jack on instagram at: @jchq59

Jack Harrison-Quintana, M.A., is a queer Latino activist, demographer, and researcher currently serving as the director of Grindr for Equality. Prior to his current position, Jack worked for the National LGBTQ Task Force, the Global Trans Research and Advocacy Project (GTRAP), the National Center for Transgender Equality, and Khmera.

In 2010, he was a contributing author for Outing Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders, and in 2011, he was a co-author of Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. His other work has addressed issues of sexual liberation, racial justice, post-colonial movement building, diaspora activism, and anti-genderqueer discrimination.

Ignacio Rivera

Ignacio Rivera
Ignacio Rivera

Follow Ignacio on twitter: @Papi_Coxxx

Much like Christopher Soto, the work of Ignacio Rivera blurs the lines between art and activism. Ignacio identifies as “Brooklyn, New York City born and raised Queer, Two-spirit, Black Boricua Taíno” who uses the gender-neutral pronoun they.

Ignacio is also one of the founding board member of Queers for Economic Justice; a progressive non-profit organization committed to promoting economic justice in a context of sexual and gender liberation.  And while this organization is no longer around, it had a profound impact on our movement, highlighting how LGBT folks living in poverty are affected by issues like welfare reform, homelessness and the shelter system.

These days Ignacio wears many, many hats.  They are a performance artist, activist, lecturer, and most recently a filmaker.  Learn more about Ignacio at their website, www.ignaciogrivera.com.

Latinx LGBT Activists to Watch
Latinx LGBT Activists to Watch

 

 

Strict Voter ID Laws Impose Added Costs for Transgender Voters

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Transgender Voting Rights

Transgender people may experience barriers to voting at the polls in states with strict voter identification laws if there are inconsistencies between their ID, voter registration information, and appearance, according to a new report by Taylor N.T. Brown, Policy Analyst, and Jody Herman, Scholar of Public Policy, from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.

To help ensure the ability to vote on a regular ballot at the polls, transgender people who have transitioned to live in a gender different from their sex assigned at birth must update their gender marker and photo on their photo ID. However, these updates cost time and money, and transgender people uniquely bear the costs.

The study, “Voter ID Laws and Their Added Costs for Transgender Voters,” examined the additional costs of strict voter ID laws for transgender people in 10 states and described the procedures transgender people must follow to update their photo ID to help ensure their ability to vote on a regular ballot at the polls.

“These strict photo ID laws are onerous burdens for many  groups of individuals who may not have acceptable photo identification,” Brown said. “Yet, there are additional costs and burdens of these strict laws that specifically impact transgender people’s ability to vote at the polls.”

Key findings from the report include:

• Fees associated with updating photo ID with a change of gender can range from $8 to $358. There are additional costs connected with obtaining court orders, proof of identity and citizenship, documentation of medical treatment, and other required documents.

• Some states only allow individuals to update their IDs after receiving transition-related surgery, regardless of whether they need any surgery as part of their transition.

• Among transgender people who have transitioned from their sex assigned at birth, an estimated 27 percent have not updated any ID to accurately reflect their gender.

Click here for the full report.

Transgender Voting RIghts