Tag: Gay Pride

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National Guard marches in LA Gay Pride parade

National Guard marches in Los Angeles Gay Pride parade
National Guard marches in Los Angeles Gay Pride parade

In a series of firsts, a delegation from the California National Guard, led by its Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, took part in L.A. Pride, joining Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), the first openly gay person elected Speaker, in yesterday’s Pride Parade. This marks the first time a U.S. National Guard force has directly outreached to the LGBT community at Pride.

The California National Guard also had its first-ever recruiting booth at the Pride Festival following the parade. Several of the Guardsmen marching alongside Speaker Pérez and Maj. Gen. Baldwin are gay and were marching openly for the first time as members of the Armed Forces.

“The overwhelmingly positive response to the California National Guard from Pride participants today was matched only by the respect and enthusiasm the Guard showed toward our community,” Speaker Pérez said. “Today makes it absolutely clear the Guard is committed to including and reflecting all the people they serve.”

“We are a performance-based force, and one’s sexual orientation shouldn’t affect their ability to serve and excel,” said Maj. Gen. Baldwin. “Duty to one’s state and nation – not sexual orientation – is the defining trait of our soldiers and airmen.”

(Via press release from John Perez, openly gay Speaker of the California Assembly)

National Guard marches in Los Angeles Gay Pride parade

(h/t JMG)

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Video: Jonny McGovern “The Gayest Of All Time”

“What if every single gay in all of the world got together for a day on the biggest, gayest dance floor…”

So, there was a time when I think I might not have gotten the over-the-top fabulousness of this video. The drag queens, the hopping gay boys… But now I smile at this (and bounce in my chair) because the whole point of Pride is owning who we are in our “every single gay in all the world-ness.” Otherwise, we’d lose our minds and go batshit crazy with the crap that comes our way sometimes.

We’re fun and irreverent and not judging. Too busy for all that, cause, we’re dancing.

Keep dancing, ya’ll.

Happy Pride.

(You can buy Jonny McGovern’s song on iTunes here.)

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Pride flag to be flown on Canadian Armed Forces Base

The Canadian Press reports the rainbow flag, a symbol for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, is to be flown at CFB Edmonton for a week to coincide with the city’s Pride festival.

CP says the move came following a request from Master Warrant Officer John McDougall, a 23-year veteran of the armed forces.

“This is a huge turnaround from what used to be,” he told CP. “When I first joined, I would never even consider telling anyone that I was gay. It just wasn’t macho.

“To be at the stage now where it is not only recognized and accepted and tolerated, but the base commander of the one of the largest bases of Canada is willing to have that flag put up, it is just an amazing feeling.”

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NBA’s Jason Collins marches in Boston Pride Parade

Openly gay NBA player Jason Collins marched in Boston’s pride parade yesterday.

From Sports Illustrated:

Delivering on a promise he made in an essay for Sports Illustrated in which he revealed that he was gay, Wizards free-agent center Jason Collins marched in Boston’s annual pride parade on Saturday.

Wearing a black Nike shirt with rainbow lettering that read “#BETRUE”, Collins joined his former college roommate and current Massachusetts congressman Joe Kennedy at the event, which drew thousands of attendees and is in its 43rd year.

WCBV.com reported that Boston’s parade drew 230 groups this year, making it the second-largest such event, trailing only New York City.

(via JMG)

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Nike unveils Gay Pride sneaker – the #BeTrue Free Run 5.0

Nike goes a step further in it’s support for the LGBT community. Presenting the Gay Pride Sneaker – the #BeTrue Free Run 5.0 – inspired by and supporting the LGBT community, released in time for gay pride season.

From the Advocate:

Profits of #BeTrue sales will go to the LGBT Sports Coalition, which has set the goal to end the practice of anti-LGBT discrimination in sport by 2016.

The sneaker promises a glove-like fit, with a barefoot running feel.

In addition to the shoe, the collection includes sandals, graphic t’s and tanks, and an iPhone 5 case.

Check out the entire #BeTrue Collection by clicking here.

Nike is the sponsor of the second annual LGBT Sports Summit next week in Portland, Ore., which brings together leaders from across the LGBT sports movement to figure out how we can all work together toward common goals.

Nike, in addition to its 15-year relationship with LGBT organizations and supporting equality in sport, sponsors top WNBA draft pick and out athlete Brittney Griner and out NBA veteran Jason Collins.

Nike releases the #BeTrue Free Run 5.0 inspired by the LGBT community and Gay Pride
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Gay Pride 2013 in full swing this weekend

Pride Month is ON!  So make sure you get out and show your pride in the LGBT community!

Just some of the festivals and parades happening this weekend:
 

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Florida: Hillsborough County Commission repeals 8 year ban on Pride recognition

Openly gay Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner

Florida’s Hillsborough County Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to repeal an 8 year ban on recognizing gay pride or supporting related events last night.

Before Wednesday’s vote, no other group of residents had its activities similarly deemed unrecognizable by county government.

A supermajority of at least five of the seven commissioners was needed to undo the ban.
Prior to the decision, Commissioner Les Miller called on his colleagues to end the ban.

“It’s is time to repeal this ugly ordinance that hangs over the head of this county,” he said.

I think it shows the distinct change in how the LGBT community is regarded today by the fact that 8 years ago this “ban” passed, and today it’s repealed unanimously.

Before the vote, Terry Kemple, of the Hillsborough-based Community Issues Council, spoke out against the repeal saying it was a “crusade to push for county government recognition of homosexual behavior.”

Watch Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith “thank” the anti-gay forces whose bigotry actually makes the case for repealing the law for the good guys.

(via JMG)

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Las Vegas Men of Pride Calendar Release Party tonight

Click pic to view larger

The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (SNAPI) and the Las Vegas Conventions and Visitors Authority, (LVCVA) have combined efforts to produce a 2013 Men of Las Vegas PRIDE Calendar to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Las Vegas PRIDE.

Don’t miss the official launch party for the calendar tonight at Fashion Show Mall Runway.  The event begins at 6pm with no cover charge.  There will be a full bar – MORE WINE! – and appetizers.  AND the Men of Las Vegas Pride!

The calendar features many different locations throughout the wonderful city of Las Vegas, Nevada. “We wanted to feature local casinos and other destination locations. The calendar will highlight some of the city’s entertainment, great restaurants, relaxing pools and tourist attractions. We also plan to showcase many of our local nonprofit organizations and their events. It will truly be a community calendar,” says Ernie Yuen, President of SNAPI.

Not your typical “male” calendar, participants were selected because of involvement in the community. The models truly enjoy serving their community and helping to make a difference. The seventeen models that were photographed for the calendar will all be part of the launch and ongoing calendar sales efforts.

Yuen stated, “All of the men have been supportive of local charities, community oriented, have an amazing personality, and a beautiful smile. We chose a very diverse group to represent Las Vegas PRIDE. We have men of every nationality, age group, and affiliation within our community (i.e. bear, leather, twink, cowboy, etc). We hope that everyone will be happy with the results.”

(via press release)

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2012 Las Vegas Pride Festival

GREAT time at Las Vegas Pride Festival yesterday.

Michael and I spent time browsing the booths with our friends Alex and Gordon, watched a LOT of the entertainment on the big stage (including best bro Matt Zarley singing his opening song above).  The big stage was hosted by Las Vegas’ favorite news anchor Chris Saldana from Channel 8 News and then Jaymes Vaughan of the Chippendales (and soon to be on The Amazing Race).

Vegas Pride continues to get better and better each year.  Better entertainment, better management of a huge event, and great fun.  You see soooo many people you miss throughout the year, and it’s a really healthy, friendly environment.

I love the folks dancing in the Matt Zarley video above.  I tried to get a bit of the crowd to show how full the lawn was in front of the big stage.  And this was early in the evening – about 6:30. 

Round of applause to everyone at Southern Nevada Association of Pride Inc.

(btw – sorry for the weird camera work.  YouTube said it would “fix” my shaky camera work, and it’s kinda funky…  But you get the idea).

Me, Gordon, Jaymes, Michael, Chris, Alex at 2012 Las Vegas Pride Festival

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Las Vegas 2012 Pride Parade

Had a great time at the Las Vegas 2012 Pride Parade last night.

Started out the evening watching LGBT idols/allies Kathy Griffin, Joan Rivers and Margaret Cho make an appearance TOGETHER to officially start the parade. Since all three also love hunky men, they took pics with two of the world famous Chippendales.

Then headed down to watch the parade from the telecast booth mid-parade. For several years, Cox Cable has generously broadcast the parade on their channel 96. If you missed the parade, it will be available online at www.cox96.net. Or catch one of many rebroadcasts on Cox Channel 96 in Las Vegas at 8pm on September 17, 20, 23, 30 and October 4 or 6.

And what’s Pride without friends? Our ‘partners in crime’ Gordon & Alex joined us for the festivities.

Off today for the Pride Festival. Great day in Vegas – get your Pride on!

Chippendales Gavin McHale and Bryan Cheatham with Kathy Griffin,
Joan Rivers and Margaret Cho at the start of the Las Vegas Pride Parade 2012

Billboard recording artist Matt Zarley and Las Vegas news anchor Chris Saldana
prepare to host the telecast of the Las Vegas 2012 Pride Parade

Enjoying the parade with friends Gordon (L) and Alex (R)

Matt Zarley and Chris hosting the parade telecast