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MNEK, in his 'Language'
Singer MNEK is performing in his first ever headline tour and he's heading to Chicago for the first time. Born Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike—later known as MNEK—signed his first publishing deal at 14. His duet with Zara ...
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Navratilova dropped for anti-trans op-ed
Pro-LGBTQ organization Athlete Ally has dropped lesbian tennis icon Martina Navratilova from its advisory board after the 18-time Grand Slam champion wrote an anti-trans op-ed in London's Sunday Times, Sports Illustrated reported. Navratilova criticized the rules ...
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SHOWBIZ Sean Hayes, drag wedding show, Jennifer Lopez, Colton Underwood
GLAAD plans to honor Emmy-winning actor/producer/author/comedian Sean Hayes with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 28, a press release noted. The organization also announced stage ...
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NATIONAL Gay-club owner, HIV/AIDS news, Nashville feat, Roxane Gay
The proprietor of a gay nightclub in El Paso, Texas, is under fire for attending a rally in support of President Trump, then posting photographic evidence on his Instagram page, Yahoo! News noted. Johnny Alcantar—one of ...
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Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld dies
Iconic German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld—who was the fashion visionary and creative director of Chanel—has died at age 85, CNN.com related. Lagerfeld, who started leading Chanel in 1983, was typically seen with his dark glasses, a ...
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Sanders announces presidential run
On Feb. 19, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, 77, announced that he is running for U.S. president for a second time, after losing to Hillary Clinton in 2016. "I am asking you to join me today ...
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Pro-LGBT leaders viewing new Trump effort with suspicion
The Trump administration announced it will lead a global campaign aimed at decriminalizing homosexuality worldwide—but many are eyeing the move with suspicion, LGBTQ Nation reported. The move is seen as an effort to shame Iran for ...
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Sharon Bottoms Mattes, known for '90s child-custody case, dies at 48
Sharon Bottoms Mattes—a central figure in a closely watched 1990s LGBT-related child-custody case—has died at 48, according to The Washington Post. Mattes ended up losing custody of her son to her mother, Kay Bottoms, after the ...
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After landmark decision, ABA issues guidance for judges performing same-sex marriages
CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2019 — The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility released today a formal opinion giving judges guidance related to their options for performing same-sex marriages under the Model Code ...
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HRC and UConn release Black LGBTQ youth survey
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation, in partnership with the University of Connecticut ( UConn ), released the Black & African American LGBTQ Youth Report, a groundbreaking resource detailing the experiences of Black LGBTQ ...
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TELEVISION Who is John Presloid? Gay Jeopardy! champ makes waves
Telegenic research assistant John Presloid opened eyes last month when he appeared on the game show Jeopardy!—and won $94,200 in five appearances. However, he also garnered the attention of the LGBT community when he subtly indicated ...
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HRC urges Congress to pass FAMILY Act
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) called on Congress to advance the FAMILY Act—a measure the organization called critically important legislation that would establish the nation's first-ever federal insurance program for paid family and medical ...
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NATIONAL Trans military ban, Black icons, Edie Windsor, trans art exhibit
A high-ranking officer in the California National Guard said that the group will not comply with Donald Trump's transgender military ban, LGBTQ Nation noted. "As long as you fight, we don't care what gender you identify ...
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SHOWBIZ Troye Sivan, 'Perfectionists,' Janelle Monae, Oprah
SHOWBIZ Troye Sivan, 'Perfectionists,' Janelle Monae, Oprah COMPILED BY ANDREW DAVIS Troye Sivan candidly discussed the correlation between his sexuality and his commercial success in a recent interview, NewNowNext.com reported. On Pop Idol winner Will Young's ...
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Billy Masters
"I don't know why. I just ... I always feel like I know him. I mean, maybe I have a little crush on him."—Carrie Ann Inaba on David Muir. OK, which of us is gonna tell ...
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10 questions with Vic: Ashlee Marie Preston
Ashlee Marie Preston is an award-winning Media Personality, Producer and Civil Rights Activist. She is historically the first trans woman to become Editor in Chief of a national publication and the first openly trans person to ...
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Before Stonewall, The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community restoration out in June
( February 14, 2019 ) — First Run Features is proud to announce the theatrical re-release of the legendary documentary Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community on June 21 in New York ...
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Women rule Grammys
It may have been a man ( Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover ) who won for Song and Record of the Year for "This Is America"—the first time a rap tune accomplished the feat—but women were ...
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PASSAGES Writer Patricia Nell Warren dies at 82
Best-selling novelist Patricia Nell Warren has died at 82, several outlets reported. Warren's 1974 novel, The Front Runner, told the story of an affair between a closeted coach and his out star athlete. LGBTQ running groups ...
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Congressional resolution for open trans military service put forward, groups comment
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joe Kennedy III ( D-MA,4 ) led efforts for a resolution opposing President Trump's ban on openly transgender service members from serving in our nation's military and urging the Department of Defense ...
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New Network of Black HIV Policy Advocates Tackle HIV in Black Communities in the South
Dallas, Texas - Today, the Southern Black Policy & Advocacy Network, a non-profit focused on improving health outcomes and reducing social and economic disparities impacting Black communities living in the U.S. South, launched the Southern Black ...
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DNC on Trump's Promise to Help Discriminate Against LGBTQ Families
Today, President Trump vowed to "always protect our country's long and proud tradition of faith-based adoption" and praised a Michigan adoption charity for discriminating against qualified LGBTQ families. In response, DNC LGBTQ Media Director Lucas Acosta ...
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Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Support Trans Military Service, Groups Respond
( Washington, D.C., Feb. 7, 2019 ) — Earlier today, in a joint and bipartisan effort, the Senate and the House of Representatives introduced parallel Bills to protect the service of our transgender service members and ...
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SHOWBIZ 'The L Word,' 'The Babadook,' Ben Platt, Ellen Page
Fifteen years after it first aired, Showtime plans to revive the lesbian drama The L Word, LGBTQ Nation noted. Original cast members Jennifer Beals, Kate Moennig, and Leisha Hailey will be returning as their iconic characters ...
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NATIONAL Anti-LGBT attacks, N.J. education law, Gen. Pulaski a woman?
A violent attack outside a bar in Center City Philadelphia is under investigation, and police are trying to figure out if the victim was specifically targeted, 6ABC.com reported. Bartender Josh Schonewolf said he witnessed "a car ...
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LGBTs analyze Trump State of the Union address
President's Trump second state of the union address painted a rosy picture of the United States on Feb. 5: the picture of a country on the brink of an "economic miracle," peace, and helpful legislation for ...
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LGBTQ Military Organizations Respond to Trump State of the Union Address
From OutServe-SLDN, the American Military Partner Association ( AMPA ), and SPARTA: ( Washington, D.C., Feb. 5, 2019 ) — Earlier tonight, President Trump delivered a State of the Union Address in which he failed to ...
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LGBTQ Congressman Invites Transgender Former Servicemember to State of the Union
Washington, DC — Newly elected U.S. Representative Chris Pappas — the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from New Hampshire — will bring transgender former servicemember Tavion Dignard as his guest to the State of the ...
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Legislators invite trans service members to State of the Union, groups respond
( Washington, D.C., Feb. 5, 2019 ) — In preparation for President Trump's State of the Union Address, several Members of Congress have chosen to invite actively-serving and veteran transgender service members to attend the event ...
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GLAAD to honor Madonna May 4
GLAAD is set to honor the musical icon Madonna with the Advocate for Change Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on May 4, Deadline noted. "From the HIV crisis to ...
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AHF Applauds President's Commitment to End HIV Epidemic in US
WASHINGTON ( February 5, 2019 ) AIDS Healthcare Foundation ( AHF ) applauded President Trump for his commitment to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S., made this evening in his State of the Union address: ...
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PASSAGES Transgender activist 'Babs' Siperstein dies
Barbra "Babs" Siperstein—the first openly transgender member of the Democratic National Committee ( DNC )—has died at 76, according to PIX11.com. Siperstein served on the DNC's Executive Committee from 2011 to 2017. Also importantly, Siperstein was ...
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NUNN ON ONE, FILM Taraji P. Henson on newest film, LGBT storylines
Actress Taraji P. Henson has slowly climbed her way to the top of the heap, now headlining movies and taking home awards. Her breakthrough roles came with Baby Boy and Hustle & Flow. Awards-voters started to ...
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BOOKS Chicago writer explores feminist accountability
One of the biggest struggles within activist movements is that they tend to emulate the institutions and power structures they are trying to change. For instance, within the feminist movement, organizations tend to be led by ...
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Poll Says 70% of Americans Oppose Trump-Pence Transgender Military Ban
WASHINGTON — Today, the American Military Partner Association ( AMPA ), the nation's largest organization of LGBTQ military families, responded to a new Quinnipiac University National Poll showing that an overwhelming majority of Americans oppose Donald ...
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Billy Masters
"Kevin, you're not being attacked. You have to acknowledge what went on and acknowledge the pain of other people. That's all anybody's asking for. That's it."—Terry Crews on Kevin Hart's assertion that he's being attacked. As ...
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Nunn on One, TV Kelly Price discusses new series, musical roots
American Soul is a new BET television series dramatizing the rise and fall of Don Cornelius, who created the iconic dance show Soul Train. Singer Kelly Price plays Brianne Clarke, mother of two of the Soul ...
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Gay 'Empire' actor attacked in Chicago (UPDATE)
Chicago police have opened a hate-crime investigation after openly gay actor Jussie Smollett—from the television show Empire—alleged he was attacked by men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him and physically attacked him, according to ...
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Jussie Smollett of Empire attacked, community groups respond
From the National Black Justice Coalition: WASHINGTON, DC— This morning, news broke that Tuesday night, Jussie Smollett, a cast member of 'Empire,' was brutally attacked in an apparent hate crime. In response to the news David ...
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American Bar Association adopts pro-LGBT Resolution 113
The American Bar Association ( ABA ), headquartered in Chicago, recently adopted Resolution 113. According to the ABA's website, the historic resolution "opposes laws, regulations, and rules or practices that discriminate against LGBT individuals in the ...
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SHOWBIZ Lilly Wachowski, Greg Berlanti, Audra McDonald, Pink
Transgender Matrix franchise/Sense8 co-creator Lilly Wachowski has come on board to produce, co-write and co-direct a series to be based on Abby McEnany and Tim Mason's pilot, Work in Progress, which premiered in the Indie Episodic ...
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NATIONAL Conversion therapy, E.J. Johnson, anti-LGBT attacks
Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the "Conversion Therapy for Consumers under a Conservatorship or Guardianship Amendment Act of 2018," also known as ACT 22-573—a bill that extends Washington, D.C.'s conversion therapy protections for LGBTQ youth to also ...
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SAG Awards, the usual winners plus one surprise
The productions and performers who have been winning most of the awards this season pretty much stayed true to form at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild ( SAG ) Awards, which honors excellence in film ...
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One in fifty students identifies as trans according to report
A first-of-its-kind U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) study has revealed that nearly one in 50 ( 1.8 percent ) U.S. high school students considers themself transgender—and more than a third of ...
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'Drag Race' reveals 11th-season cast
VH1 has unveiled the cast of the 11th season of the Emmy-winning show RuPaul's Drag Race. The newest queens vying for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" were introduced via a VH1 YouTube Live hosted ...
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SHOWBIZ Show renewals, Lee Daniels, Lady Gaga, 'Avengers'
Just a week into the show's second season, NBC has renewed top-rated alternative series Ellen's Game of Games, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, for a third season, Deadline.com noted. Ellen's Game of Games returned to the NBC ...
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NATIONAL Kansas guv, PFLAG leadership, activist dies, gay chorus
GLAAD hailed Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly for issuing an executive order that adds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as a protected class under state law, reinstating an executive order once issued by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius ...
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NUNN ON ONE TV Valentina, 'Rent' and rave
The drag world is seeing an angel get his wings this January, with Valentina playing Angel Dumott Schunard in Rent: Live, the upcoming television production of the rock musical loosely based on the opera La boheme. ...
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Gaga, 'The Favourite' receive Oscar nods
For those who have been following awards season ( the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Critics Choice Awards and more ), the 91st Academy Award nominations, announced Jan. 22, did not surprise them—for ...
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Supreme Court allows trans military ban to go into effect
On Jan. 22, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump's transgender military ban to go into effect—prompting swift critiques from pro-LGBT activists and organizations. By a vote of five to four, the justices did not ...
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Trump's trans military ban to be enforced while challenges proceed, groups respond
From press releases
SCOTUS Allows Challenges to Trump's Transgender Military Ban to Continue in Lower Courts WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court today denied the Trump administration's request that it hear legal challenges to Trump's transgender military ban this ...
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Biden Foundation releases "As You Are" animated educational acceptance video
Video below
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of its family and community acceptance campaign, As You Are, and in partnership with the Institute for Innovation and Implementation at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, the ...
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SCOTUS ruling could impact 15,000+ trans adults now in military
The Supreme Court announced today that it would temporarily allow the Trump administration's ban on transgender people serving in the military to go into effect while legal challenges are decided in federal courts. According to research ...
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Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver dies
Poet Mary Oliver—who wrote of nature and won a Pulitzer Prize—died at her home in Hobe Sound, Florida, from lymphoma, according to Deadline.com. She was 83. Oliver authored more than 15 poetry and essay collections, focused ...
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Brian Bond Named New Executive Director of PFLAG National
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, PFLAG National—the nation's first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ+ ) people, their families, and allies—announced that Brian Bond will join the organization as its new Executive Director, ...
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Billy Masters
"You can't just proclaim yourself a female and be able to compete against women. There must be some standards, and having a penis and competing as a woman would not fit that standard."—Martina Navratilova expresses her ...
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NUNN ON ONE Kristina Valada-Viars: Out actress discusses lengthy career
Out actress Kristina Valada-Viars continues to expand her life in theater. A big part of this is thanks to the Steppenwolf and the Princess Grace Foundation. The foundation was started 36 years ago by Prince Rainier ...
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10 questions with Vic: Jan Luis Castellanos
Jan Luis Castellanos seems to have it all-former model turned actor who won the jackpot, playing "Topher" in Marvel's Runaways. But winning the lotto has not made him jaded or caused him to take anything for ...
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BOOK REVIEW Growing Up Queer
Growing up is hard. Most sentient adults would agree, and decline a chance to 'teen again; between changing bodies, mean girls, bullies and facing adulthood, it's enough to have endured it once. But for kids who ...
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DiFranco book out May 7
On May 7, Viking will publish No Walls and the Recurring Dream, a memoir from longtime singer/songwriter/poet/activist Ani DiFranco. According to a press release, "DiFranco is one of the most prolific indie artists of the last ...
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SHOWBIZ Deborah Cox, awards events, gay singer killed, 'Family Guy'
The Sin City Classic Sports Festival presented by Toyota—the world's largest annual LGBTQ sporting event—announced that Grammy-nominated, multi award-winning singer and LGBTQ advocate Deborah Cox will perform during the Festival's Toyota Sin City Classic Closing Party, ...
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LGBT groups sign letter calling Barr's civil rights record disqualifying
( Washington, DC, January 15, 2019 ) — Ahead of today's hearing, Lambda Legal sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein urging them to oppose President Trump's nominee ...
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Anti-bullying laws including sexual orientation associated with fewer suicides
Sexual minority youth have a higher prevalence of bullying and attempted suicide than non-sexual minority youth. New research from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( ...
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LPAC endorses Lori Lightfoot for Mayor
Washington, DC ( January 15, 2019 ) — LPAC, the only organization devoted to building the political power of LGBTQ women, announced the first two endorsements for the 2019 cycle: Jolie Justus for Mayor of Kansas ...
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Carol Channing dies at 97
Broadway legend Carol Channing—who was known for her signature lead role in the Jerry Herman musical Hello, Dolly! and who continued performing into her 90s—died of natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, at ...
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Pro-LGBT groups laud N.Y. measures
On Jan. 15, the New York legislature passed two pro-LGBTQ bills—the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act ( GENDA ) and a law banning so-called "conversion therapy"—and pro-LGBT groups were quick to respond. Lambda Legal expresses great appreciation ...
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NATIONAL Trans murder, U.S. House rules, N.C. loses business
The first transgender death of 2019 has occurred, as Dana Martin, 31, was fatally shot in Montgomery, Alabama, on Jan. 6, The Advocate reported. The newspaper did not mention her gender, and some other media outlets ...
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GALECA names Dorian winners
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics—composed of more than 200 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally entertainment journalists in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom—has announced its 10th Dorian Award winners ...
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Gaga, 'Versace' among Critics' Choice winners
Lady Gaga and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story were among those who prevailed at the 24th Critics' Choice Awards that honor achievements in film and television. The event—which the Broadcast Film Critics Association ...
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LGBTQ, allied groups urge investigation after second death at home of Ed Buck
Today, 41 LGBTQ and allied organizations ( listed below ) released the following statement to demand a thorough investigation by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's Office of the second death of a Black ...
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Billy Masters
"I think she just has really tiny hands!"—Pete Davidson at his New Year's Eve show at Chevalier Auditorium in Medford, Massachusetts, while discussing Ariana Grande's quip about him having a "big dick." Welcome to 2019—officially. And ...
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The Rest of It, Hustlers, Cocaine... 1976-1988
Parts of your life are missing. Maybe you've forgotten, purposefully or by accident. You were overwhelmed and didn't look, too influenced by love, anger, or adult beverages to take full notice. Sometimes, you wonder what's missing ...
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Camper van Beethoven members on coming out, performing
Alternative rock band Camper Van Beethoven broke into the music scene with "Take the Skinheads Bowling" and enjoyed major success with a cover of "Pictures of Matchstick Men." After disbanding, lead singer David Lowery formed the ...
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LGBTQ officials call on Congress to act on equality goals
More than 150 openly LGBTQ elected officials and newly elected officials from across the nation recently called on the incoming U.S. Congress to act on four key initiatives related to LGBTQ equality. A letter was drafted ...
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'San Antonio Four' have records cleared
Four Texas women who were imprisoned almost 15 years after being wrongfully convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls have finally had their criminal records expunged, by state District Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl, NBC News reported. Elizabeth ...
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