Chicago Tribune - “I wanted to open that door for those people that are fighting for their dreams,” Comás said during a videoconference call Friday. “I feel like they cannot do it because of people’s opinions, so I wanted to share a little bit to help, to open that door and to inspire all of them to keep fighting.” … [Read more...]
“Pieces of Me: Samira Wiley’s Radiant LEGO Self-Portrait”
Rolling Stone - "I didn’t see a lot of characters that looked like me and loved like me. If I did, they weren’t fully realized, three-dimensional people or played by people who identified the same way the characters did. That was a big moment for me to realize —wow, these things which didn’t exist when I was younger—not only do they exist now, but I’m a part of them." … [Read more...]
“Alex Newell & J. Harrison Ghee Become First Nonbinary Tony Winners”
Out - Newell won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for their performance in Shucked. Newell said in their acceptance speech: “Thank you for seeing me, Broadway! I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, black little baby from Massachusetts. To anyone that thinks they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face [and tell you] that you can do anything you put your mind to.” … [Read more...]
“‘Everybody assumes that it’s like the rest of California and it’s not’: Rural LGBTQ students and administrators describe campus strife.”
All across California, but especially in rural areas and small cities scattered across the Central Coast, the Central Valley, and the Far North, community college leaders push back at the notion that California is an easy place to be queer. Cecil Dexter, a member of the Lavender Initiative at Bakersfield College, stands at the entrance of the Campus Center on June 14, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local … [Read more...]
Reminders
Camp OUT! August 4 - 6, Watsonville The Diversity Center is housing a Camp OUT for LGBTQ+ youth. The Camp Out is an LGBTQ+ inclusive and accessible camping experience for campers ages 14-18 at Mt. Madonna County Park. The Camp Out is free and we have space for 20 campers. When: Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6 Where: Mt. Madonna County Park Campers can reserve their space at camp by filling out this form: tinyurl.com/TDCcampout2023 … [Read more...]
Happy Pride Month from the Six California Members of the LGBT Caucus!
Petition for an AIDS Memorial at San Lorenzo Park in Downtown Santa Cruz
Back in the early 80’s the Santa Cruz Queer community was shaken to the core with the large number of gay men who were becoming ill and beginning to die from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Our community’s response to this moment was extraordinary. The City of Santa Cruz is currently in the planning stages to upgrade San Lorenzo Park in downtown Santa Cruz. With the help of Cheryl Fraenzl, Jerry Solomon, Jo Kenny, and John Laird a petition has been drafted to present to the City Council. We are asking for a permanent memorial … [Read more...]
PRIDE Santa Cruz 2023 Video by Chelsea George
Every June the queer community and their allies come together in a safe and inclusive space. Parade participants include organizations and businesses, allies, supportive groups, churches, candidates, ensembles, performers, parents, children and dogs, sharing their pride, activism, enthusiasm and love. … [Read more...]
Congratulations Adam Spickler for being named a CA LGBTQ Caucus Pride Month honoree!
Each year during Pride month, the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus recognizes LGBTQ+ community leaders who have devoted time and effort to uplifting their local communities and LGBTQ+ people as a whole. Senator John Laird has chosen Adam Spickler as the 2023 honoree. Adam Spickler, Trustee, Cabrillo College, Adam is the first openly transgender man elected to public office in California and is currently a Senior Analyst and Public Information Officer for the County of Santa Cruz’s Human Services Department. Find Adam in the 2023 CA … [Read more...]
PFLAG Parent Day – Tune in to celebrate parents of all kinds who show up for LGBTQ+ People!, July 23
PFLAG Parent Day, now in its third year, is a special event to celebrate LGBTQ+ affirming parents and all the people who fill a parenting role for LGBTQ+ kids of all ages. Follow the stories of families, advocates, educators, artists, and communities across the country who show up each day to fight for love and justice in their own backyards. The PFLAG Parent Day presentation will premiere on PFLAG National social media and ABC Owned Television Station streaming platforms … [Read more...]