Tag: LGBT Pride

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Department of Defense authorizes color guard to march in Capital Pride parade

There will be more than the rainbow flag flying at this year’s Capital Pride parade in Washington, DC, this Saturday.

The Department of Defense has approved, for the first time, a color guard presenting the American flag as well as each flag of the military, to march in the Capital Pride parade.

From the Washington Post:

The eight-member team is scheduled to help lead off the 11 / 2-mile parade, immediately preceding the Capital Pride lead banner and grand marshal Chris Kluwe, a former National Football League punter and the author of the book “Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies.”

While no policy has precluded a U.S. Armed Forces color guard from participating in gay rights events since the 2011 repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, gay rights organizations from D.C. to Hawaii say they have routinely faced rejection from local military offices, saying the color guards were otherwise occupied on the days of pride parades.

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First Lady of Japan supports LGBT pride

Akie Abe, the First Lady of Japan, spoke today in support of same-sex marriage at a gay pride event sponsored by the US embassy in Tokyo:

“There is no difference to importance of love from sexual orientation. There should not be any discrimination because who you love. I am going to raise my voice. If my raised voice could contribute to the pride of LGBT people, there is no greater joy.”

Star Trek star and LGBT activist George Takei, also in attendance,  had this to say:

“They have to have courage to come out and share their lives honestly,” Takei said. Once they get a ball rolling, more movement would follow, like “a ripple effect” that spreads, he added.

“So I’m optimistic. I do think that Japan will be one of the nations that have equality and that too will serve as an example for other Asian nations.”

(source)

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General Mills celebrates LGBT Pride month with #LuckyToBe campaign

Just in time for LGBT Pride Month, Lucky Charms is launching its second #LuckyToBe campaign, celebrating individuality, diversity and inclusiveness and encouraging fans everywhere to share why they are #LuckyToBe.

Post your photos with the #LuckyToBe hashtag and let your pride flag wave.

(Expect a boycott from those Million Moms folks in 3, 2, 1…)

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Miss Coco Peru’s new pride anthem “Show Me Your Pride”

On her quest to save the world, Miss Coco Peru releases “Show Me Your Pride”, a dance anthem brought to colorful life by the legendary entertainer that the press has called “a heavenly hoot” and “a dragster with real talent and heart”!

From the song:

“There was a time when even I lived in the shadows.

But those queens who came before me called out from the past, and our rich history was revealed to me.

They taught me that we create the life we want to live.

A life lived free of shame.

A life lived loud, proud and just a little bit ridiculous.”

This is the first music video Miss Coco Peru has released of an original song.

I’ve seen Peru’s solo shows and she absolutely kills. Make sure you make the effort to see her if she comes to town.

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President Obama proclaims June LGBT Pride Month

Via WhiteHouse.gov:

“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, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains.

“Last year, supporters of equality celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, a ruling which, at long last, gave loving, committed families the respect and legal protections they deserve. In keeping with this decision, my Administration is extending family and spousal benefits — from immigration benefits to military family benefits — to legally married same-sex couples.

“My Administration proudly stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights. Here at home, we have strengthened laws against violence toward LGBT Americans, taken action to prevent bullying and harassment, and prohibited discrimination in housing and hospitals. Despite this progress, LGBT workers in too many States can be fired just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; I continue to call on the Congress to correct this injustice by passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. And in the years ahead, we will remain dedicated to addressing health disparities within the LGBT community by implementing the Affordable Care Act and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy — which focuses on improving care while decreasing HIV transmission rates among communities most at risk.

“Our commitment to advancing equality for the LGBT community extends far beyond our borders. In many places around the globe, LGBT people face persecution, arrest, or even state-sponsored execution. This is unacceptable. The United States calls on every nation to join us in defending
the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.

“This month, as we mark 45 years since the patrons of the Stonewall Inn defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement, let us honor every brave leader who stood up, sat in, and came out, as well as the allies who supported them along the way. Following their example, let each of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity — because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2014 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

“IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.”

BARACK OBAMA
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2014 Pride Queen – Demi Lovato

Popster Demi Lovato will be making major gay pride appearances on both sides of the country this summer.

The “Heart Attack” singer will serve as a Grand Marshal at the 2014 L.A. Pride parade on June 8 (and sing later that night), plus will perform at the Dance on the Pier at NYC Pride on June 29.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of both LA and NYC Pride celebrations this year,” says Lovato. “I have been an active advocate of the LGBT community and am wholly committed to supporting individuality and being comfortable in one’s own skin. I am thrilled to be a part of both events as they are a wonderful celebration of independence and self-confidence.”

Past performers at the Pier Dance have included Cher, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson.

I know the name, but will fully admit I couldn’t hum one of her songs to save my life.

The song below, “Heart Attack,” has over 208 million views…  So, there you go.

(via NewNowNext)

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California: Woman fights the anti-gay with gayest holiday lights ever

Last April, Dr. Mary Pham of Irvine, California, flew a rainbow flag above her house in support of gay pride.  However, soon after she became the target of anti-gay rhetoric and hate mail from her neighbors.  One friend told her “Not in Irvine, Mary.”

Mary’s response?    “Look, either you know what it is or you don’t,” Pham said in response. “Either it’s a pride flag, or it’s just a rainbow flag. And if it’s a pride flag, and you notice, either you like it or you hate it. And if you hate it then you’re just a jerk.”

This Christmas,  Pham told the OC Weekly  that she had decided to fight hate with love (and thousands of sparkly rainbow lights).

Here’s what Pham and her son did to make the biggest statement she could think to make!

Mary Pham FTW!

(h/t SheWired)

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South Carolina: Columbia police officers defy orders to march in Pride parade

Based on “religious beliefs,” two Columbia, SC, police officers defied orders and went over their police chief’s head:

Santiago had ordered a lieutenant and sergeant to join eight other officers in last Saturday’s parade even though they cited religious beliefs in their opposition. On the day of the parade, City Manager Teresa Wilson and her assistant met with Santiago and reached an agreement to make participation in the parade voluntary since there were then enough officers to march.

The police chief says not following direct orders and going around the chief sets bad precedent.

“An officer cannot choose their assignments based on their religious beliefs. When you have a police department that really values strict discipline and adherence and obedience to directives, the Chief of Police is the person they look toward for that direction. Any department that expects to instill public trust, must demonstrate that by being visible to the public.”

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott agrees:

“A chief or sheriff has to be able to make the decisions, a person that works underneath him are not going to respect them if they don’t have the ability to make decisions, and I think that’s a problem with the Columbia Police Department, not just now but for many many years/”

wistv.com – Columbia, South Carolina |

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2013 Las Vegas Pride Festival recap and photos

Michael, me, Don Turner and award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley

Kudos to SNAPI (Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc.) for a great 2013 LGBT Pride Festival yesterday. Special shout-out to SNAPI President Ernie Yuen for making the entire day fun, fab and a big success.

Great thing about Pride in Vegas is we get to see tons of friends in one day, plus take in all the booths from LGBT and LGBT ally groups & businesses. Huge corporations, small business owners, churches that welcome LGBT community members in their faith, social groups – many, many take part in sharing what they have to offer to the Las Vegas community.

One example I will list is LGBT owned and operated N2N Bodywear, based in Los Angeles but comes to Las Vegas every year to take part.  Out and proud owner/designer Andrew Makay is a business success story that makes me proud to know him.  And his energy at Pride events across the country is infectious to all who stop by to check out the sexy clothes (and models) on hand.

And the entertainment was terrific. I have to say my favorite act, who had the entire festival on it’s feet had to be God Des And She. A pop/rap act, they did original and cover songs that completely rocked the place. Pride organizers take note – book these two talented women and your crowd will thank you.There were also many other terrific performances, too long a list to name, of LGBT favorites from Las Vegas and around the world.  Just know that Entertainment Director Brandon Johnson did a terrific job bringing something for everyone, and the crowd had a great time all day long.

The headliner for this year’s festival was Bleona, known as the “Madonna of Albania.” Very talented and brought four terrific back-up dancers who knocked the choreography out. I hope to see Bleona do more as she’s breaking into the US market. And she’ll definitely have a big audience with the LGBT folks.  There were some production delays with her crew setting up that caused Bleona to take to the stage 15 minutes late.  With an already factored in 20 minute break from the previous act, there was a 35 minute lull in the entertainment for the crowd. I watched dozens of attendees leave after a while, and I also felt some of the momentum in the crowd diminish due to the delay. My unsolicited but constructive advice to Bleona – I appreciate you want to put on a big show for the crowd, but I’d scale back a bit so you can hit the stage on time and keep the energy of the crowd on your side.  A talented performer, I look forward to seeing what’s next for Bleona in the US.

I have to mention the amazing Chris Saldana, one of Las Vegas’ favorite news anchors/reporters. Chris never fails to show up, support and do whatever needs to be done for the LGBT community. Whether it’s hosting the Pride Parade telecast, hosting throughout the day on the Festival stage or jumping in to help Bleona’s crew get set-up, this Emmy Award-winning journalist does the gays proud. Las Vegas is lucky to have someone who gives so much throughout the year.

Here are a few pics from throughout the day at the 2013 Las Vegas Pride Festival:

Chippendales’ Ryan Stuart (L)  & Chris Saldana (R) hosted the Pride Parade Awards ceremony.  Pictured here with the winners of this year’s Parade Director’s Award for Best Float – MGM Resorts.

Michael, Chippendales’ Ryan Stuart, Festival Host Chris Saldana and me

The fashion at Pride can sometimes be “surprising”

Chippendales’ Ryan Stuart (L) & Chris Saldana (R) with Pride organizers Ernie Yuen and Brandon Johnson

You run into everyone at Pride in Las Vegas.  Las Vegas Strip headliner Frank Marino and fiance Alex Schecter

Like I would pass up a photo opp with Chippendales and a Jubilee Showgirl? No chance!

God-Des And She rock the festival as the sun begins to set.

Pride Festival headliner Bleona and dancers

Because when I think LGBT Pride, I think “teriyaki bowl”…

At the N2N Bodywear booth, you get this hunky guy to model the clothes for you 🙂

Just one more of the hunky N2N model…

Ok, I lied.  One more…

Shopping at the N2N booth.  No comment.

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Las Vegas: Come out today to the 2013 Pride Festival!

Hey Las Vegas – get out to the 2013 Las Vegas Pride Festival today at the The Clark County Amphitheater.

The location features a terrific outdoor main stage surrounded by comfy grass, plus a food court and convenient drink stations.

There will be more than 100 exhibitors on site. You can relax on the lawn as you are entertained by the festival’s featured performers, as well as great local talent.

This year’s headliner is Bleona.  Dubbed the “Madonna of Albania,” Bleona is the first southeastern European recording artist to sell over 800,000 albums, setting a record that has yet to be broken. She is proud to have been the first Albanian artist on iTunes, and all of her albums and singles in that region have consistently gone to #1, while her tours throughout the world have resulted in over 2.5 million international concert fans. Bleona has worked with some of the mostly highly sought after producers, including her first US single “Pass Out” which was produced by legendary hit maker Timbaland.

Families are always welcome, especially as the festival organizers announce the expansion of the Family Activity Zone filled with fun activities for parents and children 12 and under.

The PRIDE Festival is open to the public from noon to 10pm on Saturday, September 7th.   Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youths, and those under 5 get in free.

Visit the 2013 FESTIVAL PAGE for details!

Afterwards, join Las Vegas PRIDE at SHARE Nightclub for Wet & Wild, the official PRIDE After-Festival Party.

SHARE Nightclub is located at 4636 Wynn Rd. The party starts as soon as the PRIDE Festival ends at 10pm. Text “iSHARE” to 313131 for special offers!