Author: Randy Slovacek

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Judge Dismisses Challenge To Trans-Inclusive Bathrooms + More News

(image via Depositphotos)
Some news items of interest: • The Advocate: A federal judge in Ohio has dismissed a challenge to a school district’s trans-inclusive restroom policy, saying there is not a legal right to “transgender-free bathrooms.” Continue reading “Judge Dismisses Challenge To Trans-Inclusive Bathrooms + More News”

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LGBTQ Veterans Sue To Update ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Discharges

Several LGBTQ veterans who received less than honorable discharges due to their sexual orientation during the U.S. military's "don't ask don't tell" policy are suing the Defense Department. Several LGBTQ veterans who received less than honorable discharges due to their sexual orientation during the U.S. military’s “don’t ask don’t tell” policy are suing the Defense Department. The group says in its lawsuit that their constitutional rights were violated when the government failed to update them to honorable discharges when the discriminatory policy was repealed in 2010. Continue reading “LGBTQ Veterans Sue To Update ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Discharges”

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Lawyer: Suspect In Stabbing Case Is A “Good Christian Boy”

O’Shea Sibley (photo: Kemar Jewel)
Dmitriy Popov, 17, of Brooklyn, has been arraigned on several charges, including murder and a hate crime, in connection with the stabbing death of professional dancer O’Shea Sibley. Continue reading “Lawyer: Suspect In Stabbing Case Is A “Good Christian Boy””

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Podcast: Remembering Olivia

Olivia Newton-John with MIchael and I
Michael and I with Olivia
As some readers of The Randy Report may know, my husband Michael is a world class entertainment publicist. And for nearly 25 years, he worked closely with 4-time Grammy Award winner, international pop star and actress, Olivia Newton-John. Over the years, Olivia became a very dear part of our family. In fact, in 2019, she officiated the renewal of our wedding vows on our 25th anniversary.
Olivia Newton-John officiates renewing our wedding vows
Olivia officiating the renewal of our marriage vows in 2019
Laughing with Olivia Newton-John
And yes, she was funny even while officiating wedding vows…
As we all know, sadly, Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022. In the months since, Michael and I haven’t said much publicly about our time with Olivia because in part – as Michael taught me years ago – the publicist never “becomes” the story. As we reach the anniversary of her passing today, Michael and I wanted to take a moment to answer some questions we’ve received from fans about our time with Olivia, life behind the scenes, and more. And so, with that…say hello Michael. To sponsor Michael’s steps at Olivia’s Walk for Wellness: www.walkforwellness.com.au/michael-caprio https://soundcloud.com/randyslovacek/remembering-olivia-newton-john?si=192e2e2092b24005804c2ee1fe9582b7&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

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Wayne Brady Comes Out As Pansexual + More News

Wayne Brady (via Depositphotos)
Some news items you might have missed: • PEOPLE: Actor and TV host Wayne Brady came out as pansexual in an interview with PEOPLE Magazine. https://twitter.com/huffpostqueer/status/1688682600234098688 • The Advocate: The Florida Department of Education has now U-turned and earlier decision and will allow the full curriculum for an Advanced Placement Psychology Class to be taught to high school students including information about sexuality and gender-identity. • Reuters: Pope Francis said on Sunday that the Catholic Church is open to everyone, including the gay community, and that it has a duty to accompany them on a personal path of spirituality – but within “the framework of its rules.” https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1688558110951010304 • Kenneth-in-the-212: By now you’ve probably heard that filmmaker William Friedkin has died at the age of 87. Some thoughts about the acclaimed director of The Boys in the Band, Cruising, The French Connection and The Exorcist. • Axios: A mint condition, first-generation iPod — originally purchased for $399 in 2001 — sold for $29,000 at an auction. https://twitter.com/axios/status/1688603037512749056

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Red Cross Lifts Gay/Bi Blood Donation Restrictions

France has lifted its ban on blood donations by gay and/or bisexual men which has been in place since the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Beginning today, more gay and bisexual men will be able to donate blood as the Red Cross will now use a more inclusive, individual risk-based assessment to determine if someone is eligible to give blood. This replaces the decades-old policy which prohibited men who have sex with men from donating. Continue reading “Red Cross Lifts Gay/Bi Blood Donation Restrictions”