Wednesday, July 16, 2014

JULY EVENTS

CONTRIBUTED BY: RAINBOW DEE


Wednesday July 16, A PEDDLERS TALE, a woman playwright re-thinks the fairy tale and what is delivered is another kind of story….a fable with a modern disposition, where sex, death, and magic intertwine—and “happily ever after” starts to lose its meaning.,  All theater pieces will be at Wild Project, 195 E 3 St. NYC  Tickets are $18 a piece but are reduced for groups of 10 or more. For group sales email: Louis@artzine.org.   Tickets and details about the Festival are available at www.FreshFruitFestival.com 6:30pm

 

 

Wednesday July 16, THE CONVERSION OF ALICE B. TOKLAS, Alice and Gertrude Stein the famous 20th century experimental writer lived together for nearly four decades. Alice who had lived in Gertrude shadow rarely spoke for herself, she does now in a poignant one woman show featuring two time Obie Award winning actress Rosina Fernhoff.,  6:30 pm, theater pieces will be at Wild Project, 195 E 3 St. NYC Tickets are $18 a piece but are reduced for groups of 10 or more. For group sales email: Louis@artzine.org.   Tickets and details about the Festival are available at www.FreshFruitFestival.com

 

WED JULY  16 SLAPHAPS       12:30p  SLAPHAPS MEETING.  Join us for a BYO lunch.  Business meeting follows promptly at 1:15.  Bring your ideas for future events.  Stay and socialize after the meeting.  Margaret Egan Center (Room 155) 35 Matthew St Milford CT  SLAPHAPS is a social group for lesbians 55 & over and their younger friends, generating adventure, cultural and athletic activities since the year 2000.Schedule is subject to change.  Please contact one of the following at least 3 days prior to an activity you are planning on attending or an activity you have questions about.Kathy Lewis:      203-929-8113;Robbye: slaphaps.ct@gmail.com

 

Every Thursday  , Lydia will be performing at the Top of the Bay in Cherry Grove  10pm (then switch to Thursdays for July 3,10,17,24, 31,  and August, 7,14,21, 28  )!!!   The food is fantastic as always!!!  Call (631) 597-6028 for reservations

 

Friday, July 18th LYDIA and Carol  @  Holbrook Country Club 700 Pathchogue-Holbrook RdHolbrook Exit 61 (get off for Exit 60 to have time to get to right lane for your turn )  LIE. Entering  parking lot go straight ahead see building directly opposite entrance. Park  - enter lobby and see stairs to the right – go downstairs see door marked TRIO   -Open and enter hallway with photos and you are THERE .  Reservations recommended  -  631-467-3417 . SAVE THE DATE:

 

Friday, July 18th 2014   “Digging Up Da Sistah Roots 3” Hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams  .  A Tribute to LGBT Women Legends & Icons of African Descent & their allies An event created to recognize the contributions of proud LGBTQ women of African Descent & their allies who lived and celebrated their sexuality from the 70’s and beyond. Sharing their "herstory" as they reflect on their many challenges, and how the LGBTQ community has progressed. Brooklyn Borough Hall  5:30-8pm  FREE EVENT  209 Joralemon Street @Court Street Community Room Brooklyn, New York 11201.  Roberta “Oloyade” Stokes, Chereographer & Dancer  In Loving Memory of Edwene Bey Shawn Smith-Cruz, Archivist & Librarian  Richard E. Pelzer II, Global Network of Black Pride  Circle of Voices (COVI) is a non-profit Womyn of African Descent  and WOC organization that provides multi-cultural events of an artistic nature as nourishment for the human spirit.  We provide a creative arts environment where Womyn of all orientations can exchange information, her stories, knowledge & skills amongst each other & the community at large through performances, workshops, music festivals, and seminars that express issues that affect our environment.   www.circleofvoicesinc.org        info@covinc.org         718-975-0141          

After the fundraising gala, celebrate with the honorees, friends, and family after Circle of Voices Inc. 's annual tribute. You don't have to go home from Borough Hall. Come join us for a some fun! Refreshments & Raffle.  COVI-Digging Up Da Sistah Roots 3 After Event Gala  The Commons 9:00pm-12:00am   388 Atlantic Avenue @ Bond St.  Brooklyn, NY 11217 , RSVP:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/covi-digging-up-da-sistah-roots-3-after-event-gala-tickets-11866118881

 

Friday  July 18, A PEDDLERS TALE, a woman playwright re-thinks the fairy tale and what is delivered is another kind of story….a fable with a modern disposition, where sex, death, and magic intertwine—and “happily ever after” starts to lose its meaning 7pm.  All theater pieces will be at Wild Project, 195 E 3 St. NYC  Tickets are $18 a piece but are reduced for groups of 10 or more. For group sales email: Louis@artzine.org.   Tickets and details about the Festival are available at www.FreshFruitFestival.com

 .

Saturday July 19 MARY) TODD, Hilarious and heartbreaking, (MARY) TODD is a first-person account of the events leading up to and following the murder of (Mary) Todd’s partner. It's a full-frontal assault on how we think about people and relationships with the expected, necessary full frontal nudity,9pm.  All theater pieces will be at Wild Project, 195 E 3 St. NYC Tickets are $18 a piece but are reduced for groups of 10 or more. For group sales email: Louis@artzine.org.   Tickets and details about the Festival are available at www.FreshFruitFestival.com

 

Saturday, July 19, 2014  Queens Pride Lions Club Clothing Drive Benefit Positive Health Project and Fashion On Gender   Donations can be dropped off at 10:30 AM in front of Queens Pride House, 37th Av between 76-77th Sts., Jackson Hts  Volunteers welcomed  Text or call 929-228-8368 for info 

 

Saturday, July 19th,  12-6pm, 2014 Bronx LGBTQ Pride & Health Fair, Amphitheatre @ Crotona Park, Bronx, NY

 

Saturday, July 19th SAVE THE DATE: The 2014 Bronx Pride & Health Fair will be held on at Crotona Park in the Bronx (at the amphitheatre) from 12-6pm! Stay tuned to http://bronxpride2014.eventbrite.com/ -- details will be released as they become available.

 

Sunday, July 20-  Sunday, August 10 –Lincoln Center Out of  Doors Another amazing summer of free Out of Doors performances is coming!  Lincoln Center's summer programming spills onto our plazas for three weeks of world class music, dance, and spoken word. There's more to be seen than can be contained in one email! Enjoy your favorites and discover something new when Out of Doors begins on Sunday, July 20th.  And as always, every performance is free. See you this summer! http://lcoutofdoors.org/general-information

 

Sunday, July 20, 2014, 1:00-5:00pm ~ Dancing at the B Lounge ~An LPSS Fundraiser @ B Lounge (4 Broadway, Valhalla, N.Y. 10595) There will also be a 50/50 Raffle and door prizes. Come join in the fun with DJ, Mimi. Cost $15.00.Dancing, Food and Cash bar

 

Sunday July 20 , THE CONVERSION OF ALICE B. TOKLAS, Alice and Gertrude Stein the famous 20th century experimental writer lived together for nearly four decades. Alice who had lived in Gertrude shadow rarely spoke for herself, she does now in a poignant one woman show featuring two time Obie Award winning actress Rosina Fernhoff.,   2pm.  All theater pieces will be at Wild Project, 195 E 3 St. NYC Tickets are $18 a piece but are reduced for groups of 10 or more. For group sales email: Louis@artzine.org.   Tickets and details about the Festival are available at www.FreshFruitFestival.com

 

 Sunday, July 20 at 3 PM - 4:20 PM; Monday, July 21 at 8 PM - 9:20 PM  Privileged Life of Cats  A Powerhouse Theatre Apprentice Company Performance  Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center  Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY    Vassar College's Powerhouse Apprentice Company presents a workshop performance and panel discussion of Ugandan playwright Margaret Namulyanga's new play, Privileged Life of Cats.  The play follows the lives of a lesbian couple in Uganda after they are outed in a local tabloid and work to find their own truth in the landscape of fear provoked by Uganda's recent anti-gay legislation.   After each presentation, Powerhouse students and a panel of experts on the LGBTQ community in the Hudson Valley and central Uganda will discuss the issues each community faces, and how we might support and learn from each other.  Sunday's panel will feature JoAnne Myers, who is a founding member of the Center and currently serves as Vice President on the Center's Board of Directors. An Associate Professor of Political Science and co-director of the Women's Studies Program at Marist College, JoAnne recently completed her third reference book about the lesbian and gay liberation movement.     The performances and discussions are free and no reservations are needed. For more details, contact Associate Education Director Emily Mendelsohn (powerhouseemily@gmail.com) or visit the Powerhouse website. Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center    300 Wall Street | PO Box 3994 | Kingston, NY 12402

845.331.5300 | www.lgbtqcenter.org

 

MON JULY 21 SLAPHAPS        11:30a  LENNY & JOE'S/WALK.  Start with a wonderful lunch at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale 1301 Boston Post Rd. Madison.  203-245-7289.  Casual restaurant with all sorts of good seafood.  Then down the street to Hammonasset Beach State Park at 1288 Boston Post Rd. Madison.  203-245-2785.  We will try to work off some of that lunch with a nice walk.  REMEMBER: Bring your Charter Oak Pass or Season pass to avoid park fees.

SLAPHAPS is a social group for lesbians 55 & over and their younger friends, generating adventure, cultural and athletic activities since the year 2000.Schedule is subject to change.  Please contact one of the following at least 3 days prior to an activity you are planning on attending or an activity you have questions about.Kathy Lewis:         203-929-8113;Robbye: slaphaps.ct@gmail.com

 

Monday July 21  Huntington Cinema Arts Centre for the screening of Shampoo with Lee Grant in person (book signing), Lydia playing for this reception.  Please check out their website at www.cinemaartscentre.org

 

Monday, July 21 at 8 PM - 9:20 PM  Privileged Life of Cats  A Powerhouse Theatre Apprentice Company Performance  Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center  Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY    Vassar College's Powerhouse Apprentice Company presents a workshop performance and panel discussion of Ugandan playwright Margaret Namulyanga's new play, Privileged Life of Cats.  The play follows the lives of a lesbian couple in Uganda after they are outed in a local tabloid and work to find their own truth in the landscape of fear provoked by Uganda's recent anti-gay legislation.   After each presentation, Powerhouse students and a panel of experts on the LGBTQ community in the Hudson Valley and central Uganda will discuss the issues each community faces, and how we might support and learn from each other.  Sunday's panel will feature JoAnne Myers, who is a founding member of the Center and currently serves as Vice President on the Center's Board of Directors. An Associate Professor of Political Science and co-director of the Women's Studies Program at Marist College, JoAnne recently completed her third reference book about the lesbian and gay liberation movement.     The performances and discussions are free and no reservations are needed. For more details, contact Associate Education Director Emily Mendelsohn (powerhouseemily@gmail.com) or visit the Powerhouse website. Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center    300 Wall Street | PO Box 3994 | Kingston, NY 12402

845.331.5300 | www.lgbtqcenter.org

 

Tuesdays  Women to Women Women to Women aims to gather and connect Long Island women across generations to have open dialogue about what it means to be a lesbian, bisexual, transgender woman, or an ally to the community. Join us and share your experiences, difficulties, triumphs, and life stories. This discussion is open to ALL women across the lifespan. Every Tuesday from 7:15pm-8:45pm at The Center at Bay Shore. - See more at:  http://liglbtnetwork.org/content/women-women-0#sthash.9NsvMMIv.dpuf  

Wednesdays  SWAN is a discussion group held in a supportive atmosphere for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women as well as women questioning their identity. SWAN is a place where women can come and make friends, talk about women’s issues, get support from other women, feel safe, laugh, and have fun. If you would like to recommend a topic, there will be a suggestion box where you can "drop your topic".Please note that SWAN is a program of SAGE-LI, which is an organization that serves older adults 50+, but adult women of all ages are welcome to attend!​We meet Wednesdays from 7:30-8:45pm at our Woodbury Center located at 20 Crossways Park Dr. North Suite 110, Woodbury NY. We provide light refreshments and snacks.  There is no fee but we do appreciate any sort of donation.

WEDNESDAYs    - LICF Women's talk, share and listen group  open to the LGBT and Allied Community  discussions will center around concerns  pertaining to women issues and/or life issues good news is a must  confidentiality is a must  suggested donation $10.00.  more if you can less if you can't  411A LEXINGTON Ave  Babylon, NY

 

Thursday, July 24th, 2014 -   Fundraiser  The Long Island Gay & Lesbian Film Festival  "Out at the Movies"LIGLFF.Org  @ 7:30  P.M.Cinema Arts Centre 423 Park Ave, Huntington Members $15/ General Admission $20Reception to follow the film+++++++++++++++\Live Performance of  Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart"Long Island Gay & Lesbian Film Festival "Out at the Movies"LIGLFF.OrgSunday, July 27th, 2014 @ 3 PMCinema Arts Centre 423 Park Ave, HuntingtonTicket Prices: T.B.A.Complimentary Dinner reception for ticket holders to follow the filmSynopsis: Stagelight Entertainment brings to life this timeless masterpiece. This semi-autobiographical play by Larry Kramer,  focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City  as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks, the gay Jewish-American founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. Ned prefers loud public confrontations to the calmer, more private strategies favored by his associates, friends, and closeted lover Felix Turner, none of whom are prepared to throw themselves into the media spotlight. Their differences of opinion lead to frequent arguments that threaten to undermine their mutual goal.website: www.Stagelightent.com

 

Every Thursday  , Lydia will be performing at the Top of the Bay in Cherry Grove  10pm (then switch to Thursdays for July 3,10,17,24, 31,  and August, 7,14,21, 28  )!!!   The food is fantastic as always!!!  Call (631) 597-6028 for reservations

 

Saturday, July 26         Lincoln Center Out of Doors Presents Deep Roots of Rock and Roll.  Toshi Reagan and Nona Hendryx are just two of a large roster of singers and performers paying tribute to the trailblazers and pioneers of rock and roll music.  This show is the brainchild of Toshi Reagan, who is the musical director, and features the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra.  Join Women About and be transported back in time with performances that promise to both entertain and excite.  This event is free.  For more information call Miriam at (718) 388 8140.

 

Sunday, July 27th  Live Performance of  Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart"  Long Island Gay & Lesbian Film Festival "Out at the Movies" LIGLFF.Org @ 3 PM  Cinema Arts Centre  423 Park Ave, Huntington  Ticket Prices: T.B.A.  . Complimentary Dinner reception for ticket holders to follow the film . Synopsis: Stagelight Entertainment brings to life this timeless masterpiece. This semi-autobiographical play by Larry Kramer,  focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City  as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks, the gay Jewish-American founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. Ned prefers loud public confrontations to the calmer, more private strategies favored by his associates, friends, and closeted lover Felix Turner, none of whom are prepared to throw themselves into the media spotlight. Their differences of opinion lead to frequent arguments that threaten to undermine their mutual goal.   website: www.Stagelightent.com

 

Sunday, July 27 2014  NYC Butch Femme Outings  Brunch & LGBT movie - 11:30 AM brunch @ the Smith Lincoln Center, 1900 Broadway NYC (at the corner of 63rd)- 1:30 PM short films program #2 @ The Film Society of Lincoln Center, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6595.  Meeting Time: 11:30 AM for brunch/1:20 PM for the movie  Meeting Location: Smith Lincoln Center/Lincoln Center (Walter Reade Theater)  ABOUT SHORTS PROGRAM #2   "Disaster Preparedness" (USA, 2014, 15 min) Directed By: Melissa Finell. Hunkered down in their apartment when a hurricane hits, a couple deals with the crossroads of commitment, disaster, and the art of being prepared.  "A last farewell" (Sweden, 2013, 13 min) In Swedish with English subtitles, Directed By: Casper Andreas.  Haunted by visions of his late husband, and in conflict with his daughter who is trying to renew ties between them, an aging author tackles the impossible task of moving on and finding peace in the wake of a devastating loss.   "Flying solo: a transgender widow fight discrimination" (USA, 2013, 8 min) Directed By: Leslie Von Pless  At 92, Robina Asti, a WWII veteran and pilot, tells her story of living as a transgender woman since 1976 and her fight to be treated like any other widow.  "Best" (United Kingdom, 2013, 3 min) Directed By: William Oldroyd With a man’s wedding just minutes away, he and his best friend confront their future.   "A one year lease" (USA, 2014, 11 min) Directed By: Brian Bolster.  Told almost entirely through voice mail messages, a couple must endure a year-long sentence with their overbearing cat-loving landlady.  "Aban + Khorshid"  (USA, 2013, 15 min) In Farsi with English subtitles, Directed By: Darwin Serink Inspired by true events, Aban & Khorshid is an intimate portrait of two lovers, glimpsing into the world in which they met, moments before they face the ultimate punishment for being gay.  "Alone with people" (USA, 2014, 29 min) Directed By: Drew Van Steenbergen A high school girl from the South seeks the help of a therapist to come out to her family and friends in this hilarious and touching coming-of-age tale. BRUNCH INFORMATION  No RSVP required. Please be at the restaurant at 11:30 AM sharp and know that we'll be heading towards Linlcoln Center around 1:00 PM-1:15 PM.  Lincoln Center  1900 Broadway NYC  (at the corner of 63rd)  212.496.5700.  Menus: http://www.thesmithnyc.com/menus/ Questions on the day of the event: nycbutchfemmeoutings@gmail.com ; Directions: use Mapquest :D.  Upcoming outings: 8/17 Brunch & Motown on Broadway https://www.facebook.com/events/1954030718070377

 

Monday, July 28           Bryant Park Summer Film Festival.  Join us for “Key Largo,” the film noir Hollywood classic featuring Bacall and Bogie in their last Hollywood pairing.   Women About will be there We get there early for the VIP section.  Bring a blanket (there are no seats) and food to share for a picnic or just your own, if you prefer.  We’ll meet at 5 p.m. because the park fills up early.  Movie starts at sunset.  Call Linda at (718) 375 3290.

 

Tuesdays  Women to Women aims to gather and connect Long Island women across generations to have open dialogue about what it means to be a lesbian, bisexual, transgender woman, or an ally to the community. Join us and share your experiences, difficulties, triumphs, and life stories. This discussion is open to ALL women across the lifespan. Every Tuesday from 7:15pm-8:45pm at The Center at Bay Shore. - See more at: http://liglbtnetwork.org/content/women-women-0#sthash.9NsvMMIv.dpuf

 

Tuesday, July 29Patrizia Scascitelli’s Sextet  at 55 Bar (55 Christopher Street next door to Stonewall off 7th Avenue) No cover and I don't think is 2 drink minimum ether. There is a donation( bucket ) for musicians. The show start at 7 pm end at 9pm

Wednesdays  SWAN is a discussion group held in a supportive atmosphere for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women as well as women questioning their identity. SWAN is a place where women can come and make friends, talk about women’s issues, get support from other women, feel safe, laugh, and have fun. If you would like to recommend a topic, there will be a suggestion box where you can "drop your topic".Please note that SWAN is a program of SAGE-LI, which is an organization that serves older adults 50+, but adult women of all ages are welcome to attend!​We meet Wednesdays from 7:30-8:45pm at our Woodbury Center located at 20 Crossways Park Dr. North Suite 110, Woodbury NY. We provide light refreshments and snacks.  There is no fee but we do appreciate any sort of donation.

WEDNESDAYs    - LICF Women's talk, share and listen group  open to the LGBT and Allied Community  discussions will center around concerns  pertaining to women issues and/or life issues good news is a must  confidentiality is a must  suggested donation $10.00.  more if you can less if you can't  411A LEXINGTON Ave  Babylon, NY

 

Every Thursday, July 31   , Lydia will be performing at the Top of the Bay in Cherry Grove  10pm August, 7,14,21, 28  )!!!   The food is fantastic as always!!!  Call (631) 597-6028 for reservations

 

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Elton John believes Jesus would support gay marriage

Elton John said Jesus would support gay marriage.
Elton John said Jesus would support gay marriage.Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

  
Elton John believes Jesus would support gay marriage according to a Sky News interview with the megastar on Sunday. Sir Elton John praised Pope Francis for his “tolerance,” as those around the world in support of the LGBT movement celebrated the anniversary of gay pride.
Elton John’s admiration for the leader of the Catholic Church comes as no surprise. The “Your Song” singer/songwriter sang Pope Francis’ praises in Vanity Fair when the Pontiff was declared Vanity Fair Italia’s Man of the Year 2103 stating, “Francis is a miracle of humility in an era of vanity.” Elton expounded upon his opinion of the Holy Father and provided his thoughts about Jesus and gay marriage during an exclusive interview with Dermot Murnaghan of Sky News at the Concert for SportsAid at Stoke Park.

The 67-year-old discussed his future wedding plans with longtime partner David Furnish, which could occur within the next year, but would surprisingly be a “low-key affair” for the notoriously flamboyant Elton John. In his gay rights conversation, John declared Pope Francis could teach “the Church of England humility and tolerance.” The Holy Father’s broadminded speech last year about judgment “excited” the “Tiny Dancer” singer and said, “The new Pope has been wonderful, he stripped it (the Catholic Church) down to the bare bones and said it’s all basically about love.”
Elton John expanded his thoughts to what Jesus would think and the views Christians have on gay rights. He labels Jesus a Christian, and although the sentiment works towards proving his point, Jesus was in fact a Jew, yet he did teach the “Christian” way, which by definition is to follow and believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, but he didn't follow himself.
These are old and stupid things. If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that he was, saying this could not happen. He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together and that's what the church should be about.
Sir Elton John didn’t stop with his thoughts about Jesus and gay marriage. He had a little advice for the Church and suggested, “gay clergy should be allowed to marry and the celibacy vow for Catholic priests should be abolished.”



Contributed by:

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Joan Rivers officiates impromptu gay marriage


    Joan Rivers officiated an impromptu gay marriage on Monday during a book signing in New York City. The 81-year-old comedienne is an ordained minister and conducted the ceremony during her signing of Diary Of A Mad Diva at a Barnes & Noble bookstore.
    Her fans Jed Ryan and Joe Aiello asked her to marry them right there and then.




    Wedding ceremony: Joan Rivers shared a photo via Twitter on Tuesday showing her officiating an impromptu gay marriage at a book signing in New York City

    Wedding ceremony: Joan Rivers shared a photo via Twitter on Tuesday showing her officiating an impromptu gay marriage at a book signing in New York City

    Joe told Entertainment Tonight that he and Jed were reading her book and saw that she mentioned being an ordained minister.

    'And I jokingly asked [Jed], ''Do you think it's true? Maybe she'll marry us.'' And he goes, ''Ask her.'' So I did, Joe said. 'I don't think he really thought I would, and neither one of us thought she'd say yes!,' he added.

    Book signing: Joan was book on the promotional tour on Tuesday at Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey
    The funny lady then had the pair hold hands as she read out some on-the-spot vows, before declaring them as married.



    She said: 'The power that is granted to me as an ordained minister of New York City, I now pronounce you - and it's wonderful because you're my second marriage - husband and husband,' Joan said to the happy couple.
    Fun event: Joan had a drink her hand on Monday night at her New York book signing where she officiated over a gay marriage
    Fun event: Joan had a drink her hand on Monday night at her New York book signing where she officiated over a gay marriage After the short ceremony Joan rushed to hug the newlyweds before the couple shared a passionate kiss.
    Joan proudly posted about her officiating on Tuesday in a tweet to her more than two million followers. 'Performed a gay wedding at my book signing of DIARY OF A MAD DIVA. How great was that?!?,' she tweeted along with a photo showing her placing her hand over the clasped hands of Joe and Jed.


    Fan favourite: Fans lined up to see Joan on Tuesday at the New Jersey signing  
            


    Monday, June 30, 2014

    One million strong: NYC gay pride commemorates Stonewall anniversary

    Revelers march in the New York Gay Pride Parade on June 30, 2013 in New York City.New York City’s annual gay pride parade not only represented a celebration of pride on Sunday, it also marked the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969, which are credited as the triggering point of the modern gay rights movement. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio were in attendance as parade participants marched to the beat of more than 1 million observers cheering and applauding.


    According to CBS 2, the parade route kicked off at noon starting at 36th street and Fifth Avenue and ending at Greenwich Village and Christopher streets at the Stonewall Inn. Ending at Stonewall was symbolic as New York marchers commemorated the 45th anniversary of the riots. The NYC pride parade was also just one of many parades kicking off around the world on Sunday.
    Celebrations took place in big cities like Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco. Globally, festivities were held Saturday in France, Spain, Mexico and Peru. Pride events have been going on throughout the nation and the world in the month of June. This year has been extra special with the sticking down of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8 last June that has served as a catalyst of the marriage equality victories that have been taken place in many U.S. states. Not only have there been victories in the progression of marriage equality and gay rights, there have been a series of firsts in the fields of politics, sports and entertainment.
    As New York’s Fifth Avenue became decorated in rainbow colors and music, many onlookers celebrated the freedom of expression. Lola, who attended the parade after moving here from Puerto Rico told the Associated Press, “Back home this is not acceptable. I still haven’t come out to my parents. I plan on coming out to them by showing them a picture. I’m gonna send them a picture.”
    In recognizing that there are nations with strict anti-gay laws and places like where Lola came from where homosexuality is not acceptable, the pride events taking place in major cities like NYC show a since of belonging and support as well as remembrance to those who fought for the voices of the gay community to be heard 45 years ago and a realization that there is still a ways to go. But to march forward, there needs to be a sense of pride and that pride is being heard loud and clear.



    Contributed by: examiner.com





    Ian McKellen ‘Vicious’ TV Show PBS Season '1'

    Watch Online PBS Season 1 Episode 1: Best Way To Celebrate Pride NYC 2014

    Sir Ian McKellen

    Contributed by: By Sophia Steele | June 29, 2014 10:47 AM EDT


    Tonight is the premiere of Ian McKellen's Brit TV show 'Vicious'! Click here to watch online season 1 episode 1. If you ask me, watching Ian McKellen in a TV show about a gay couple is the best way to celebrate Pride NYC 2014. Even if you aren't in NYC this year, make sure to catch the episode 1 of 'Viscious' when PBS airs it for the first time in the United States.

    Click here to watch 'Vicious' season 1 episode 1 online.
    Major networks in the U.S. refused to pick up 'Vicious'. It's not that it's about a gay couple (which 'Modern Family' and 'The New Normal' already portrays), it's about an old gay couple who has been together for 50+ years. Ever wondered why there isn't any show about older people in American networks? The TV executives seems to think that there is no market for shows starring 65-year-olds.
    PBS is hoping that 'Vicious', another Brit import since 'Downton Abbey',  is looking to tap into that unused market of TV watchers. And Ian McKellen definitely is the man for the job!
    It looks like 'Vicious' always wanted to cross the pond! The TV show is co-created by Gary Janetti of 'Family Guy' and 'Will & Grace' and British playwright Mark Ravenhill.
    According to Variety, "the shamelessly broad comedy centers around the busy living room of egomaniacal small-time actor Freddie (McKellen) and his partner of nearly 50 years, Stuart (Jacobi, also featured in PBS' "Last Tango in Halifax").  They're frequently visited by randy best pal Violet (Frances de la Tour) and the happy-go-lucky young hunk from upstairs, Ash (Iwan Rheon, 180 degrees from playing vile villain Ramsay Snow on "Game of Thrones"), the perpetual target of misguided flirting from Freddie and Violet alike".
    So why the name 'Vicious'? Turns out Freddie and Stuart aren't some sedated calm cold couple that likes to just play cards. According to Variety, "Freddie and Stuart prove unrelenting in their bitchy barbs about age, appearance, intellect and background, directed both at each other and their friends. The mean-spirited (if ultimately loving) nature of the series could easily be a turn-off for some."
    Watch online PBS's new Brit import 'Vicious' to celebrate Pride NYC 2014. When you are done with this short 20-minute episode, jump on a float in the Pride parade. Who knows, maybe you'll see the man Ian Mckellen himself taking in the revelries!
     
    SET YOUR DVR/VCR/DVD PLAYERS

    Sunday, June 29, 2014

    NYC gay-pride parade draws grassroots crowd

    EMILY NGO  emily.ngo@newsday.com
    Members of the Sirens women's motorcycle club ride
    Members of the Sirens women's motorcycle club ride toward the start of the New York City gay pride parade on Sunday, June 29, 2014, in Manhattan. The parade this year marks 45 years since the raid on the Stonewall Inn, and the riots that followed, starting the American gay-rights movement. 

    About a million celebrants -- some wearing elaborately sequined or feathered costumes, many waving rainbow-print flags exuberantly -- turned out Sunday for the New York City gay pride march marking the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village.
    The 1969 riots sparked the American gay rights movement, and the parade has since blossomed from a grassroots demonstration into a national affair.
    Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo used Sunday to introduce an initiative to increase AIDS and HIV awareness. Before stepping off in the parade, he said the state's goal was to ensure HIV was no longer an epidemic by 2020.
    New York State was "in many ways was ground zero of the HIV and AIDS crisis when it started about 30 years ago," Cuomo said. "I think it's fitting that New York should then be the state that is the most aggressive in eradicating this disease and actually ending this disease."
    The "Bending the Curve" program would attempt to identify people with HIV who are undiagnosed and link them to health care, get diagnosed people on anti-HIV therapy to keep them in good health and prevent further transmission, and provide access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PREP, to high-risk people to keep them HIV-negative.
    Yesterday's gay pride parade was the third citywide since the state legalized same-sex marriage. Some spectators wore shirts that read, "Love is love." Many celebrated the milestone, but said there is more to be done in the realms of workplace discrimination, permitting openly gay Boy Scouts troop leaders and beyond.
    "We're not going to be united until everything is done," said Efrain Kilfoyle-Blocker, 28, of Lindenhurst, who attended with his husband of one year, Michael.
    Marni Halasa, 48, of Chelsea, wearing a bride's veil and in-line skates, brandished a sign that read, "Everyone deserves the freedom to marry."
    New York was among just 19 states to legalize same-sex marriage, she pointed out. "We have a long way to go," she said. "The whole nation has to get on board."
    Openly gay City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Queens) said he's been attending the parade for 41 years, since he was 18.
    "Every time I come just reinvigorates me . . . and it's enough energy to last me the whole year," he said.








    Contributed By EMILY NGO




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    Orange Is The New Black...Is Back!

    The smash-hit Netflix series returns June 6 with a 13-episode second season.
    To say that the upcoming sophomore season of Orange Is the New Black is highly anticipated would be an understatement. Fans of this dramatic prison series have been on pins and needles, anxiously awaiting the next batch of episodes. Well, as they say, good things come to those who wait. Plan your viewing parties now and make sure you’re stocked up on beer, cocktail mixers and snacks. Oh, and above all, make sure your PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, laptop, tablet or other streaming device is in working order.

    The second season doesn’t disappoint. We get a closer look at those darkly amusing prisoners in a baker’s dozen of new episodes. Jodie Foster directed at least one of them.

    The ensemble cast includes Lea DeLaria, Taylor Schilling, Jason Biggs, Laura Prepon, Kate Mulgrew, Danielle Brooks, Uzo Aduba, Natasha Lyonne, Taryn Manning, Laverne Cox, Michael Harney and many more talented actors. Lorraine Toussaint joins the cast in the second season as Yvonne "Vee" Parker.

    To refresh your memory on the first season’s episodes, check out the Orange Is the New Black page on Netflix.com. You can get summaries, read cast bios and watch trailers. There’s also a comments section for your opinions, reactions and thoughtful analysis.

    And to get exclusive access to sneak previews and clips, like OITNB on Facebook!




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