Chuck Renslow, founder of International Mr. Leather, dies

CHICAGO — Chuck Renslow, 87, a longtime pillar of the LGBTQ community in Chicago and around the world, has died after multiple long-term health issues, Windy City Times reports. Renslow reigned over a seven-decade empire, starting more than two dozen businesses—bars, discos, photo studios, health clubs, bathhouses, gay magazines and newspapers, hotels, restaurants and bookstores. He fostered organizations and dealt with Mafia…

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Pride Month celebrated by veterans who fight for equality

NEW YORK. N.Y. — Thursday, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading post-9/11 veterans empowerment organization, issued the following statement in recognition of national LGBT Pride Month, celebrating and supporting LGBT Americans: “Diversity is a force multiplier for our armed forces as well as for our nation. Equality and inclusion are good for…

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Rhode Island legislature sends bill to protect youth from conversion therapy to governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. –  The Rhode Island legislature has passed a bill protecting minors from the harmful and discredited practice of “conversion therapy.” After clearing the House, House Bill (HB) 5277 passed through the Senate today and will now head to Gov. Gina Raimondo’s desk. Rhode Island may become the eleventh jurisdiction — and the fourth…

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White House contacts fringe alt-right LGBTQ group banned from Charlotte Pride parade

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina-based newspaper The News & Observer has reported that the White House Office of Political Affairs proactively contacted conservative LGBTQ organization Deplorable Pride, which was previously banned from participating in Charlotte’s LGBTQ Pride parade. The group is led by Brian Talbert, who has used or promoted inflammatory language against Muslims, women,…

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New survey reveals nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that LGBT-inclusive brands are good for the economy

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Findings from a new Ogilvy survey released Wednesday of over 1,000 Americans including over 400 LGBT allies revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) believe that LGBT-inclusive brands/businesses are good for the economy and similarly (64%) believe that these initiatives reflect our country’s diversity. However, the majority (68%) report that in…

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US Senator Tammy Baldwin sponsors Senate’s first ever resolution recognizing June as Pride Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and several of their colleagues in introducing the first-ever Senate Resolution recognizing June as “LGBTQ Pride Month”. The resolution notes major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBT Americans and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality for LGBT individuals….

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Activists from across the US arrested at key senate offices to protest Republican efforts to destroy health care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wednesday, people from across the country converged on the offices of Sens. Toomey, (PA – Russell 248), Cotton (AR – Russell 124), Portman (OH – Russell 448), Murkowski (AK – Hart 522), and Gardner (CO – Russell 354) in a desperate attempt to convince them to vote no on the “Better Care…

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