Sultan of Brunei cancels annual ‘Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize’

In the wake of intense criticism of  Brunei’s planned implementation of new laws that could lead to women and LGBT Bruneians being stoned to death, the Dorchester made public this morning its decision to cancel its annual fashion competition and gala, known as the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. The decision by the hotel company was made…

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Presidential proclamation on LGBT Pride Month, 2014

Below is a proclamation signed by the president  regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2014: As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect — our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During Lesbian, Gay,…

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SPARTA statement on HHS policy change

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) ruled today that “sex reassignment surgery” and other transition-related medical care should no longer be automatically excluded from coverage. “As HHS appropriately points out, excluding coverage for transition-related surgery is unreasonable as viewed by the standards of the medical profession today – incomplete, unfair, and…

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Colo. Civil Rights Commission upholds ruling forbidding bakery from discriminating against gay couple

Today, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission upheld administrative law judge Robert N. Spencer’s ruling that Masterpiece Bakery in suburban Denver could not turn away lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people seeking to purchase goods.  Judge Spencer ruled in December of 2013 that the bakery would face fines if they continue to discriminate against customers…

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‘What’s the T?’ – documentary explores lives of five transgender women (VIDEO)

http://youtu.be/YPgoLY7KmCE On the Heels of Laverne Cox’s Time magazine cover comes What’s the T? a documentary that explores the lives of five transgender women. What Paris is Burning was to drag balls – What’s the T? is to transgender life – a documentary that explores the challenges, successes and lives of five transgender women; a…

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William Mason named artistic advisor to San Diego Opera

SAN DIEGO – San Diego Opera has announced the engagement of William Mason as artistic advisor, effective immediately. Mason will work closely with the production department on repertoire and casting, and work with the administrative staff exploring economies and efficiencies while setting the Company’s budget. Additionally, he will offer guidance in fundraising and corporate governance. Mason…

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‘Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of Gays in Hollywood’ exhibition opens June 6 at The Hollywood Museum

LOS ANGELES — The Hollywood Museum presents an exclusive new exhibition –Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of Gays in Hollywood – an entertaining and informative retrospective of LGBT images in film and television throughout the decades. The showcase will run from June 6 to July 21, coinciding with LGBT Heritage Month and Outfest LA (July 10-20). Featuring photos, costumes, props…

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About the ‘transgender umbrella’

When I nominated six-year-old Ryland Whittington and his wonderful parents for this year’s Harvey Milk Inspirational Award, I knew the 1,000+ people attending the Sixth Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast would react in the same way as I did when first meeting the Whittington family … I cried, getting emotional over this beautiful story of…

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