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Rapinoe, Biles among Medal of Freedom honorees
Out lesbian soccer player Megan Rapinoe and famed gymnast Simone Biles are among 17 people who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, media outlets noted. Some of the other honorees include ...
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LPAC endorses Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot for re-election
-- From a press release
LPWashington, DC — LPAC, the national political organization dedicated to electing more LGBTQ women to public office, announced today it has endorsed Lori Lightfoot as she seeks re-election as Mayor of Chicago. LPAC is committed to ...
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The group Stud 4 Life celebrates Pride
Local social club Stud 4 Life celebrated Pride on Chicago's South Side. On June 25, members held their Saturday Car Parade. A celebration followed at the Wild Blossom Winery, 9030 S. Hermitage Ave. Wanda B. started ...
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HRC on how the end of Roe v. Wade impacts the LGBTQ+ community
-- From a press release. Video below.
WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in light of the dangerous Supreme Court decision in Dobbs ...
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Russian trial for Brittney Griner to begin July 1
More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for alleged cannabis possession, a Russian court has set the start date for the trial of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for Friday, July ...
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Back Lot Bash attendees party during Pride weekend in Chicago
The inclusive music fest known as the Back Lot Bash took place June 25-26 at 5238 N. Clark St., in Andersonville. Back Lot Bash started in 2004 in response to the lack of women's events and the limited presence of ...
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U.S. House passes resolution urging Griner's release
The U.S. House passed a bipartisan resolution calling on the Russian government to immediately release WNBA star Brittney Griner, CNN reported. "Not a day goes by that we aren't thinking of Brittney and working to get ...
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How Coming Out in the 1970s Helped Me Make Brave, Life-changing Decisions
By Edith Forbes, author of Tracking A Shadow: My Lived Experiment With MS
As a child growing up in Wyoming in the 1960's, I did not know any actual person who was gay. I knew exactly one fact about gay people, a fact universally accepted but never talked about: Gay people were strange. Even ...
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Maggie Trevor among latest group of Victory Fund-endorsed candidates
Cook County Board of Commissioners candidate Maggie Trevor is included in the most recent group of political incumbents and candidates with the backing of LGBTQ Victory Fund. LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed 23 more out LGBTQ candidates, ...
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ELECTIONS 2022 Activist Rick Garcia talks about MWRD race
Longtime LGBTQ+-rights activist Rick Garcia is among those who entered the June 28 primary to win a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's (MWRD) board of commissioners. Longtime Commissioner Debra Shore, who is a lesbian, ...
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HRC report: Wage for LGBTQ+ women is 79 cents to the average man's dollar
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released new data outlining ...
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Back Lot Bash taking place June 25-26
The inclusive music fest known as the Back Lot Bash will take place June 25-26 at 5238 N. Clark St., in Andersonville. Back Lot Bash started in 2004 in response to the lack of women's events and the limited presence of ...
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Clela Rorex, first County Clerk to issue same-sex marriage licences, has died
-- From a press release
BOULDER, CO - Out Boulder County and the family of Clela Rorex are saddened to announce the death of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pioneering ally, Clela Rorex. On March 27,1975 Clela issued the first ...
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ELECTIONS Guide to the LGBTQ+s
This year's primary elections—taking place Tuesday, June 28, although people can vote now—will feature many openly LGBTQ+ candidates throughout Illinois. (However, one notable name will be missing as longtime state ...
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WNBA player and lesbian icon Sue Bird to retire
WNBA legend Sue Bird, who's with the Seattle Storm, will retire after this season, NPR noted. "I've decided this will be my final year," Bird said in a post on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. "I ...
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34th annual Lambda Literary award winners announced
-- From a press release
New York, NY, June 11, 2022 — Lambda Literary, the nation's premier LGBTQ literary organization, announced the winners of the 34th Annual Lambda Literary Awards (a.k.a. the "Lammys") at a live virtual award ceremony hosted by ...
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Rebel Wilson comes out as LGBTQ+ [UPDATE]
It's fitting that, during Pride Month, actress Rebel Wilson has seemingly come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. On June 9, Wilson shared an Instagram post beside her new love, with the caption: "I ...
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BOOKS Artist Sam Kirk talks 'The Meaning of Pride'
In the children's book The Meaning of Pride, Rosiee Thor pens an ode to LGBTQ+ culture and identity by celebrating the beauty, significance and many dimensions of the concept of Pride—and showing that the word can ...
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Lightfoot officially announces re-election bid
On June 7, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot confirmed rumors and officially announced her re-election bid. In an open announcement, she said, "Since I was sworn into office three years ago, I've led our city through a ...
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NATIONAL Mysterious death, Tennesee law, lesbians of color, Guam
Gay bilingual mental-health counselor Julio Ramirez died in April after he fell unconscious in a taxi following a night out at gay bars in Hell's Kitchenand then his bank accounts were allegedly drained days later, leaving ...
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HRC, Showtime launch third year of QUEER TO STAY, an LGBTQ+ small business initiative
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SHOWTIME announced the third consecutive year of "QUEER ...
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Theater Wit to run 'Hurricane Diane' starting June 17
Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., will run Hurricane Diane on June 17-July 31. Hurricane Diane is described as "a hilarious whirlwind of a play about a butch lesbian gardener who just might be the Greek ...
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Scores of LGBTQI+ groups call on policymakers to protect abortion rights
-- From a NCLR press release
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights released an open letter signed by 91 organizations representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community voicing ...
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'Leaping Lesbians': Artemis Singers returns with its first performance since pandemic began
The members of Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, Artemis Singers, are preparing for their first concert in nearly three years. The show, "Leaping Lesbians! A Celebration of Lesbian Life," features music created by women that expresses themes ...
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Affinity to hold 'Family Reunion BBQ Picnic' on June 18
Affinity Community Services will hold a "Family Reunion BBQ Picnic" on Saturday, June 18, 1-4 p.m., at the Dan Ryan Woods at 83rd Street and Western Avenue. Hosted by Trina TruLuv, this event (with all Black ...
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President Biden issues LGBTQI+ proclamation
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation for the LGBTQI+ community. In "A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, And Intersex Pride Month, 2022," Biden said, in part, "I often say that America can be defined ...
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GLAAD: True LGBTQ allyship extends to all aspects of business, including political giving
-- From a press release
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 (New York, NY)—GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announces GLAAD's Recommendations for Corporate Allies to educate corpo ...
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THEATER REVIEW Seven Days at Sea
Title: Seven Days at Sea. Playwright: Martha Hansen At: Light and Sound Productions at the Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway. Tickets: $20-$40. Runs through: June 5 A story set aboard a lesbian cruise ship in 1995 ...
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WNBPA renews calls for Brittney Griner's release
The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) marked the 100th day of Brittney Griner's detention in Russia by renewing calls for her release, CNN reported. "Brittney Griner is our teammate, our friend, and our sister. She ...
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Jodie Foster to star in fourth season of 'True Detective'
The Silence of the Lambs star Jodie Foster is to lead the fourth iteration of HBO's True Detective franchise, True Detective: Night Country, Deadline reported. Foster, who will also executive-produce, will play Detective Liz Danvers in ...
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THEATER Lesbian-cruise drama 'Seven Days at Sea' running thru June 5
Light and Sound Productions is running the world premiere of Seven Days at Sea, written by Martha Hansen and directed by Margaret Knapp, through Sunday, June 5, at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway. The performance ...
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Gayla Turner talks new book uncovering her grandmother's secret queer identity
In Gayla Turner's debut book, Don't You Dare: Uncovering Lost Love (BookBaby, May 24), she reveals her Grandmother Ruby's (1896-1977) century-old secret queer identity that she hid from the wider world. This revelation became c ...
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TELEVISION Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson and others to exit 'SNL'
In a major shake-up on the long-running hit Saturday Night Live (or SNL), several of the main stars are leavingincluding out cast member Kate McKinnon, Deadline reported. McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney and Pete Davidson (who's ...
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For International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia HRC highlights grants
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is commemorating International Day Against ...
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Five Worth Finding: Chocolate festival, lesbian sci-fi film, 'Smahtguy'
—The Long Grove Chocolate Festival: The beloved Chocolate Festival will return to the historic streets and parkways of downtown Long Grove for the first time in three years, May 20-22. Chocolate lovers can experience so much—including ...
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Los Angeles LGBT Center mourns passing of legendary LGBT activist, leader Urvashi Vaid
-- From a press release
LOS ANGELES, May 14, 2022—"The world has lost a giant in the movement for LGBTQ freedom, justice and equality. After a valiant battle with cancer, Urvashi Vaid died today," said Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri ...
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PASSAGES Urvashi Vaid dies, The National LGBTQ Task Force releases statement
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON, DC……Legendary attorney, LGBTQ activist, and author Urvashi Vaid, known for her extensive career an advocate for LGBTQ rights, women's rights, anti-war efforts, immigration justice and many other social causes ...
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Griner's detention in Russia extended by a month
The lawyer for Brittney Griner said May 13 that the WNBA star's pretrial detention in Russia has been extended by one month, ESPN reported. Alexander Boykov told The Associated Press he believed the relatively short extension ...
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HRC calls for passage of the Women's Health Protection Act
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, joined a growing number of organizations calling for the ...
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All WNBA courts to honor Brittney Griner
The WNBA announced plans to acknowledge the importance of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner to the league, according to a press release. During the 2022 season that tips off Friday, May 6, Griner's initials and jersey ...
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VIEWS Dignity/Chicago celebrates 50 years of ministry
It was 1972 and it was dangerous to be gay or lesbian. One could be arrested, publicly humiliated or fired from one's job. Even finding safety in the emerging bar scene was hazardous. Added to that ...
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LGBTQ+ woman appointed as White House press secretary; GLAAD comments
On May 5, President Biden announced Karine Jean-Pierre has been promoted to be assistant to the president and White House press secretary, according to a White House media release. Jean-Pierre will step into the press secretary ...
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Brittney Griner gets new designation; Black LGBTQ+ group responds
The United States is now saying lesbian WNBA player Brittney Griner is wrongfully detained in Russia, NPR reported. The shift in language indicates the United States will work more aggressively to secure her release. The State ...
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DeGeneres shares message after taping final talk-show episode
An era has ended as The Ellen Show has officially wrapped its last episode. According to Variety, Ellen DeGeneres announced on an April 29 Twitter thread that her daytime talk show concluded filming its final episode. ...
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TV The CW cancels 'Batwoman,' 'Legends of Tomorrow'
The CW has axed the LGBTQ+-inclusive DC Arrowverse shows Batwoman and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. According to Out Magazine, Batwoman—canceled after just three seasons—introduced the world to lesbian superhero Ryan ...
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Biden-Harris administration reports on efforts to support global LGBTQ+ rights, HRC applauds result
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, has commended the release of a report from the Biden-Harris ...
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Rape, murder of Kenyan lesbian spark outrage
Kenyan authorities said six men who raped and murdered Sheila Adhiambo Lumumba, 25, on April 19 in her home in Karatina actually targeted her because of her sexual orientation, The Washington Blade reported. The body of ...
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Equality Illinois endorses 95 pro-equality candidates for June 28 primaries
-- From a press release
"Equality Illinois is excited to announce our primary election endorsements today as we continue to make our state fairer and more just for LGBTQ+ people," said Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. "In recent years, ...
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Calls to free Brittney Griner increase after prisoner release
As some people celebrate the April 27 announcement that Texas Marine veteran Trevor Reed would be released from a Russian prison, there were others urging the U.S. government to continue working behind the scenesparticularly regarding the ...
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WORLD Soldiers, Everywhere Is Queer, soccer items
Video below
The South Korean Supreme Court ruled that soldiers of the same sex who have consensual sex in a private space cannot be charged with assault under the Military Criminal Act, The Hankyoreh reported. Previously, the court ...
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SHOWBIZ Lily Tomlin, 'The Color Purple,' Walter Mercado, Janelle Monae, Loki
Video below
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, legendary actress/comedian Lily Tomlin discussed a variety of topics, including comedy and the Oscars. About the Academy Awards, she said, "I sometimes think they shouldn't be able to tread ...
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HRC condemns Florida Gov. DeSantis for signing 'Stop WOKE' Act
-- From a press release
Washington, D.C. Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization condemned Governor Ron DeSantis for signing ...
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ONE Archives running exhibit of vintage LGBTQ+ activist posters
Los Angeles-based ONE Archives Foundation announced "Days of Rage, a web-based multimedia exhibit featuring newly digitized LGBTQ+ activist posters from the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries. The exhibit, which has launched ...
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Black LGBTQ+ community leaders honored at Art & Soul Salon and Sneaker Gala
Social-justice agency Lorde, Rustin & Bates and Fahrenheit Chicago hosted the Art & Soul Salon and Sneaker Gala April 13 at Theater on the Lake (2401 N Lake Shore Dr.). The event featured performances from singer ...
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Out LondonHouse Executive Chef Liz Sweeney talks industry, personal journey
During a recent conversation with Windy City Times, LondonHouse Executive Chef Liz Sweeney revealed several aspects of herselfall coming together to show a complex and open individual. For example, she was quick to flash a smile ...
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HRC Foundation launches inaugural 'LGBTQ+ School Inclusion Efforts' report
-- From a press release. Video below
WASHINGTON, DCToday, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization released the 2021 Annual Report from ...
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Hard Rock's upcoming acts: Trevor Noah, Daughtry, Wanda Sykes and more
Trevor Noah and rock band Daughtry (headed by former American Idol winner Chris Daughtry) are among the upcoming acts at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana's new Hard Rock Live venue. The Trevor Noah "Back to Abnormal" ...
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WORLD Conference canceled, Catholic event, India bills, Gertrude Stein
The United Kingdom canceled its first-ever international LGBTQ+ conference after a boycott by more than 100 organizations, the BBC reported. "Safe To Be Me" was scheduled to take place in London in June to promote LGBTQ+ ...
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Artemis Singers presents outdoor Pride Concert June 4 "Leaping Lesbians!"
-- From a press release
CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, www.artemissingers.org, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will present its Pride Concert, "Leaping Lesbians! A Celebration of Lesbian Life," at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 4, outdoors at Forest Glen Woods ...
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HRC, NCLR applaud confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court
-- From press releases
WASHINGTON, DC — On April 7, by a bipartisan vote of 53-47 the United States Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as an Associate Justice on the United State Supreme Court. She will take her place ...
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LBQ girls, women of color overrepresented in child welfare and criminalization systems
-- From a press release
A new review of studies by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds that lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) girls, particularly girls of color, are overrepresented in foster care and the carceral system. The ...
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Go Girl! Saugatuck set to return after COVID pandemic-related hiatus
"Come pre-game your summer at Go Girl! SaugatuckJune 3-5 at The Dunes Resort in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan," said veteran LGBTQ comedian and Go Girl! Saugatuck founder Mimi Gonzalez. Gonzalez told Windy City Times she is looking forward ...
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Kim Hunt reflects on leadership, her life and the state of HIV/AIDS
Kim Hunt has served many leadership roles in Chicago LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizations since moving to the city in 1985. The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee was the first executive director of Affinity Community Services. ...
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Human Rights Campaign celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility 2022
-- From a press release
WASHINGTONToday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, honors the International Transgender Day of Visibility ...
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GLAAD responds to State Dept.'s announcement about availability of gender-neutral passports
-- From a press release
Thursday, March 31, 2022 - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to the Biden administration's announcement implementing updates to identity ...
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Pres. Biden announces steps to make it easier for LGBTQ+ Ukrainians to enter U.S.
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization has welcomed the announcement from President Joe Biden ...
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National LGBTQ Task Force honors 45th anniversary of historic Carter White House meeting with LGBTQ activists
-- From a press release
Washington, DC……On March 26th, 1977, a group of gay and lesbian activists met with members of the Carter administration in a historic first. President Carter's Assistant Margaret "Midge" Costanza coordinated ...
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Go Girl! Saugatuck returns to The Dunes June 3-5
-- From a press release
Go Girl! Saugatuck, the premier women's weekend in the Midwest returns to the largest gay resort in the nation - The Dunes in Douglas, Michigan. Veteran LGBTQ comedian Mimi Gonzalez is the founder of the event ...
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HRC marks Affordable Care Act's 12th anniversary, noting impact on LGBTQ+s, POCs
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON — Marking the 12th anniversary this week of the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ...
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New HRC Foundation data: LGBTQ+s continue to have high vaccination rates
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization released new data finding ...
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U.S. embassy finds WNBA player Brittney Griner 'in good condition'
An official from the U.S. embassy in Moscow found out lesbian WNBA player Brittney Griner to be "in good condition" after they were recently granted consular access to the athlete who is being detained in Russia, ...
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HRC praises Indiana Gov. Holcomb for vetoing anti-trans sports legislation
-- From a press release
INDIANAPOLIS — Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — praised Republican Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for ...
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A Historic Nomination: Human Rights Campaign releases report on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON—Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a 12-page report detailing the pragmatic ...
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SPORTS Griner's detention extended; Raiders releasing gay player Carl Nassib
According to NBC News, Russian state news agency TASS reported that U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner's detention in Russia has been extended until May 19. TASS cited the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region. Griner, a ...
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Top UK court upholds Cayman Islands marriage-equality ban
On March 14, the UK Privy Council ruled that the Cayman Islands Constitution does not provide a right for same-sex marriage and ruled in favor of the Cayman Islands government by dismissing the case of lesbian ...
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