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The Best Thrift Store in Pennsylvania Gives Back

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Philly AIDS Thrift

Philly AIDS Thrift, recently voted the best thrift shop in Pennsyvania by the readers of Apartment Therapy Magazine, has a long history of giving back to the LGBTQ+ community.

Philly AIDS Thrift, founded in 2005, is located at 710 S. 5th St. It began as a small thrift store and has always given back to support HIV prevention, care, and support. In it’s most recent 2022 grant cycle, Philly AIDS Thrift distributed $300,035 in grants to 27 Delaware Valley organizations. Since it’s inception, it has distributed more than 3.6 million.

In addition to our cash contributions, Philly AIDS Thrift provides free store vouchers to Philly area HIV/AIDS service providers for distribution to clients in need of clothing assistance and household necessities. 

Find out more about Philly AIDS Thrift at: https://www.phillyaidsthrift.com/

Governor Newsom Signs Legislation Strengthening Protections for LGBTQ+ Californians

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Equality California

Equality California Press Release

SACRAMENTO —  Governor Newsom signed SB 107, legislation co-sponsored by Equality California and Planned Parenthood on gender affirming health care, today. In addition, Governor Newsom signed the following Equality California sponsored bills, SB 923 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Gender-affirming care, AB 1041 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Leave for Chosen Families, AB 2417 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Juveniles: Youth Bill of Rights and SB 1194 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – All Gender Public Restrooms.

“While small minded men like Greg Abbot and Ron Desantis attack trans children and their families, Governor Newsom ensures that they are protected and receive the necessary life saving health care they need. SB 107 officially makes California a state of refuge for trans kids and their families,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “SB 107 will continue California’s legacy of leadership in protecting and advancing the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ communities in a time when we cannot take our rights and protections for granted.”

“Extreme politicians across the country are openly attacking trans youth and their families like never before, but thanks to today’s action by Governor Newsom and the leadership by Senator Scott Weiner, SB 107 provides reassurance that California will be a place where people can get the care they need,” said Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “We stand in solidarity with our friends and colleagues at EQCA and LGBTQ+ communities across the country. California Planned Parenthood health centers are committed to providing care, including gender-affirming care and LBGTQ+ services, to all who come through their doors – regardless of where they call home.”

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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org

Pride Outside Las Vegas Hiking Events

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Pride Outside

With PRIDE OUTside, Las Vegas Pride invites you to join them each month as we meet in the great outdoors for fun activities.

The meeting place may change each month. These events will provide free participation to all and will be inclusive of all ages. Please bring your own snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated for this event. Participate at your own pace and risk.

To find out about the latest PRIDE OUTside hiking event, visit:
https://lasvegaspride.org/las-vegas-pride-outside/

Greater Boston PFLAG Support Groups

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Boston PFLAG Support Groups

No matter where you are with supporting your child, there’s a support group ready to welcome you.

Greater PFLAG Boston support groups are safe and welcoming spaces where you can meet with other community members with LGBTQ+ people in their lives, including families whose children have come out to them, friends and significant others, or those who are interested in learning how to become a better ally to LGBTQ+ people. These groups meet once or twice a month, are run by trained volunteers, most of whom are parents, and are filled with people who can offer support, answer questions, and link you to resources. These meetings are free of charge to attend and all information you share is confidential.

Click here to find out more about current groups and meeting times.

Raleigh Gay Bars and Restaurants

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LGBTQ Raleigh

Ruby Deluxe
http://rubydeluxeraleigh.com
415 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Underground bar featuring playful decor, theme nights & a snug stage for live bands & DJs.

Flex Nightclub
http://www.flex-club.com/
119 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Gay club in a basement setting with karaoke, drag shows, country dancing & more.

Legends Nightclub
https://legends-club.com/
330 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
LGBT club with a dance floor, video bar, game room, patio & performance theater.

Fox Liquor Bar
https://ac-restaurants.com/fox/
237 South Wilmington Street Entrance on, E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Taproom serving cocktails plus meat & cheese boards in sophisticated, upscale environs.



Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Congratulates Endorsed Candidates

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Florida LGBTQ+ Caucus

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus congratulates its endorsed candidates who won their primaries on August 23rd. The Caucus endorsed in specific races, and echoed several endorsements that came from our chapters. Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement:

“Florida Democrats are on the offensive this cycle. We’re taking on the Republicans for their poor management of state government, neglect of key economic issues like the property insurance crisis, support for anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and fealty to authoritarians like Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump. 2022 will be a Democratic success.”

Caucus Campaign Director Dave Cutler congratulated the candidates:

“Congratulations to our endorsed candidates who won their primaries yesterday. These candidates have demonstrated their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and have earned voters’ trust. We look forward to helping ensure their victories in November.”

Among our victorious endorsed candidates with primaries are:

Statewide Candidates

Val Demings, US Senate
Aramis Ayala, Attorney General

Congressional Incumbents

Rep. Kathy Castor
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Rep. Frederica Wilson
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Congressional Challengers/Open Seats

CD-3 Danielle Hawk
CD-10 Maxwell Frost
CD-23 Jared Moskowitz
CD-27 Annette Taddeo
CD-28 Robert Asencio

Florida Senate Candidates

SD-5 Tracie Davis
SD-34 Shevrin Jones
SD-35 Lauren Book

Florida House Candidates

HD-13 Angie Nixon
HD-22 Brandon Peters
HD-36 Deborah Poulalion
HD-38 Sarah Henry
HD-40 LaVon Bracy Davi
HD-58 Bernard Fensterwald
HD-62 Michele Rayner
HD-92 Kelly Skidmore
HD-98 Paula Hawkins-Williams
HD-105 Marie Woodson
HD-106 Jordan Leonard
HD-109 Ashley Gantt
HD-113 AJ D’Amico
HD-119 Gabriel Gonzalez

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The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Floridians to the Florida Democratic Party. The Caucus is a statewide organization with chapters in 25 counties across Florida from Pensacola to Orlando to Miami – including most major metropolitan areas and many rural counties in between.

LGBT Center of Raleigh Appoints Patricia R. Corbett

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Patricia R. Corbett

The LGBT Center of Raleigh is announced the appointment of Patricia R. Corbett (she/her) following an extensive national search. Corbett has over 20 years professional nonprofit leadership experience and most recently served as Deputy Director of District and School Partnerships with Citizen Schools. She has led teams, organizations, projects in and around LGBTQ+ and BIPOC movements, including at Metro DC PFLAG and Richmond Organization of Sexual Minority Youth (now known as Side by Side).

Corbett is uniquely qualified to lead the Center into its next decade. Corbett, who is a natural collaborator with experience strengthening and growing community based nonprofit organizations, has a strong connection and commitment to the LGBTQ+ communities we serve. Additionally, she also brings the managerial and professional expertise the Center sought in its next chief executive.

“As I think about this position, I am eager to amplify my work for the LGBTQ community. I believe that the sum of who we are as a community is not strictly defined by our sexuality or how we identify. We must consider the entire being of our constituents and strengthen the Center’s core by providing services that reflect the needs of the most vulnerable of our community while celebrating the strength we have collectively,” notes Patricia R. Corbett, “I am honored to serve as the Executive Director and to support, affirm, empower, and provide positive experiences that are reinforced by internal and external communities.”

Board Chair Kaye Vassey noted, “The Center board unanimously appointed Patricia R. Corbett as our next chief executive because she has the experience and vision necessary to expand our programs and services in new and more inclusive directions.”

Patricia R. Corbett, who currently lives in North Carolina and will relocate to Raleigh for this position, will start on July 25. When asked about Corbett’s appointment, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin shared that “ The LGBT Center of Raleigh has been a critical partner in supporting our LGBTQ+ community, providing programs and services to our diverse residents. We welcome Patricia Corbett as the new executive director and look forward to working with her to ensure that Raleigh is a welcoming and thriving community for all.

Find out more about the LGBT Center of Raleigh at: www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com

Statement by Secretary Granholm on President Biden’s Nomination of Jeff Marootian

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Jeff Marootian

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on President Biden’s intent to nominate Jeff Marootian for Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy: 

“Jeff Marootian has spent the last year and a half helping to build our team at the Department of Energy, and I am pleased that President Biden has now nominated him to serve as our new Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Throughout his impressive career in public service, Jeff has directed big teams executing challenging missions, making him a natural fit to lead the Department’s largest applied energy office. His experience developing and implementing sustainable transportation policy at the federal and local level will be particularly invaluable in our ongoing effort to decarbonize America’s transportation sector and meet our bold clean energy goals.” 

About Jeff Marootian 

Jeff Marootian currently serves as a Special Assistant to the President in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. Prior to his service in the Biden-Harris Administration, he was a member of the Biden-Harris Transition Team. Marootian previously served in Washington D.C. government as the Director of the District Department of Transportation, where he piloted sustainable transportation technologies, oversaw the effort to electrify the city’s Circulator bus fleet, and led the city’s early adoption of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Marootian oversaw the modernization of hundreds of miles of roads and sidewalks and advanced critical infrastructure projects, such as the reconstruction of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and expansion of dedicated bus and bike lanes.  

Marootian previously served in the Obama-Biden Administration as the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Chief Sustainability Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation. He is an alumnus of The George Washington University where he has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Administration. 

Philadelphia takes action to support Trans & GNC youth

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Trans and Nonbinary Youth in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Effective July 11, 2022, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) has enacted regulations that expand legal protections for transgender and gender nonconforming youth. The regulations create affirmative obligations for institutions serving youth to ensure that their environments are free of discrimination. The legislation requiring these regulations was introduced by Councilmember Helen Gym (At-Large) and passed by City Council in 2019 in conjunction with two other bills designed to promote dignity, safety, and inclusion in the City of Philadelphia.

The regulations also:

  • Require that all institutions serving youth use the name and pronouns that correspond to a youth’s identity.
  • Require institutions to take reasonable steps to prevent and promptly correct any derogatory or offensive langue used in communication with or in reference to a transgender or gender nonconforming youth.
  • Ensure privacy and confidentiality of the transgender or gender nonconforming youth’s identity.
  • Require institutions provide access to restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms that correspond to a transgender or gender nonconforming youth’s identity.
  • Require institutions post a written policy of non-discrimination and conduct regular training to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying, harassment, and discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming youth.


“I am extremely proud of this work because these regulations demonstrate the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to ensuring supportive and inclusive environments for all children,” said Kia Ghee, Executive Director for Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. “At a time when constitutional protections feel less certain, these regulations build upon the antidiscrimination protections provided in the Fair Practices Ordinance and emphasize the City’s commitment to protecting children and youth who are much more likely to be subject to unlawful harassment in school and other institutional settings.”

“With the disturbing and increasing amount of anti-trans legislation that targets trans youth, these reforms represent welcome, needed progress and are just one of the many reasons that Philadelphia is consistently recognized as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country,” said Celena Morrison, Executive Director of the Office of LGBT Affairs. “We will continue to support our trans and gender nonconforming communities in every possible way.”

“Our City is deeply committed to ensuring all trans and non-binary youth thrive, flourish, and feel valued,” said Councilmember Helen Gym. “These protections were informed and championed by Philadelphia’s young people themselves. By centering their voices, we are shaping a more just, accessible, and welcoming city for all. In the absence of federal and state protections, and especially amidst increasing and vile attacks against trans youth, these reforms prove that Philadelphia will always stand with our trans and non-binary communities and advance bold policies to protect them.”

PCHR is Philadelphia’s official civil rights agency ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all. The agency investigates complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information and domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe that you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination or have any questions, please contact PCHR at 215-686-4670 or visit our website at www.phila.gov/pchr.

Kids chicken fingers. Three vodka sodas.

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Gay Rehoboth Beach, LGBT Rehoboth Beach Delaware

By Robert Dominic

The summer season is in full swing. Share houses in gay enclaves like Provincetown, Fire Island, Asbury Park, and yes, Rehoboth Beach are open for business. The new
rom-com “Fire Island” on Hulu perfectly captures the joy of spending time in a house on the beach with your chosen family. Or a bunch of randoms you are just meeting for the first time.

For the past three summers, I have had the joy to spend three months living at the beach in Rehoboth. I likened Rehoboth Beach to my summer boyfriend. I was single and gloriously in love with RB. We were very happy together!

Mornings I biked to Rise gym, to get my sweat on – or to sweat out the two or six spiked seltzers consumed during afternoons at Poodle Beach. Nights we usually chilled at home netflixing. (This was in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown so things were very different, as you probably remember.)

On a rare night out in town (ok, maybe not so rare), I enjoyed Aqua, The Pines, Arenas, Diegos. Drag Bingo at the Moon was fun and I know the theme was “old lady” but the energy was too low for me. Drag Brunch at 251? Yes! I do love me a drag show. Brunch was OFF THE CHARTS fun. Performances were amaze: “Escapade,” “Part of Your World.” YES! The drinks were flowing, the food was – well, let’s just say I left hungry. Then again, who goes to drag brunch for the food?

As happy as my new BF and I were, it was time to get back “out there”. Riding out a pandemic, single, in NYC? We need a new word for celibacy. As the country moved into new phases of opening up, it was time for Robby to move into phase two. Hooking up!

A major impediment to this hooking up is cockblock Covid. I am not great at the apps, even though I did set up a Scruff account once the bars and clubs shut down. I’m old school. I prefer to go to a gay bar, meet someone, flirt, pick them up, take them home. No muss no fuss. Covid made that impossible. Once the bars opened back up, there was still no way to socialize and mingle. It was all stay at your table, no mingling, no socializing with strangers. F U COVID.

I wasn’t even able to use my new pick up line. “My name is Robert, I have the antibodies.” Yes, that is true. Back in February 2020 I was pretty sick for a weekend. Felt fluish, in bed for two days, unable to read a book or watch a movie. But it was only two days. The cough did linger for a week. I think I was exposed at a Super Bowl party. When my friend Mike and I were poolside I loved to shout, “Don’t worry I have the antibodies,” he loved to counter it with, “The antibodies don’t last forever.” Buzzkill! (He was right, my antibodies disappeared a few months later.)

Back to the apps, as mentioned, not great on them. It’s hard for me to pull the trigger. I wind up telling people they’re hot and never meeting face-to-face. So, conundrum! Can’t pick up a stranger in a bar, can’t pick them up online. What is Robby to do? I’m youngish, not a troll, I should be hooking up! One night, a housemate k!ocked on my door asking to borrow lube. I didn’t even have any to give him. And not because I ran out. Because I had no reason to buy any. If that is not the saddest sentence I ever wrote.

Enough was enough. It was beyond time to get back on the horse.

Leaving Poodle beach one afternoon, I decided to bike through town and walk around. Bought a book and decided I was thirsty and hungry. I sat in the Biergarten at Purple Parrot and discovered it’s their happy hour! My favorite hours! I ordered a drink and my bartender asked if I wanted food. I was craving chicken fingers (a Robby fave), so I asked for them and he said they aren’t on the menu but they have them. I then notice another bartender, very cute – well, cute with a mask on – mask cute.

While the other bartender was taking care of me, the “new hot bartender” asked how my day was. He was being nice, personable – a bartender. I, living in my own rom-com, wondered if this was flirting. Throughout my meal, I needed to get some water so I went up to the bar and he asked me what I was reading. Did I need to go buy lube?

At the end of my meal, with some liquid courage, I felt like I could ask him his name, and maybe exchange social media info. As I asked for my check. “Which table are you at again?” he asked. I point to the table, he brings up my check. “Kid’s chicken fingers, three vodka sodas? Is this you?”

Yep, that is me. Kid’s chicken fingers. Three vodka sodas. Good title for my memoir.

“Dude. Best check ever,” Hot Bartender laughed and smiled, “Have a good one.”

And with that, dude (me) I paid the bill and biked home. No one is hooking up with kid’s chicken fingers. Biking home I took the long way around and spent some time adoring the scenery and sights of Rehoboth Beach…I mean he was my summer boyfriend!

Robert is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. He loves visiting Rehoboth Beach as often as he can. Follow him on Instagram at robb_dedo.