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New Jersey Student’s Pride Mural Painted Over By Church Kissing & Rimming Key Factor In Gonorrhea Gillette Features Dad Teaching Trans Son To Shave
Alabama To Stop Issuing Marriage Licenses In Gay Wedding Workaround Marsha P. Johnson & Stonewall Riots Is Provincetown ‘Too Gay’? Ellen’s Show Got Signed For 3 More Years
Stoli® Vodka Introduces "Spirit of Stonewall" Trump To Allow Medical Discrimination Against Transgender
Nina West’s Children Song ‘Drag Is Magic’
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New Jersey Student’s Pride Mural Painted Over By Church By Chris Williamson
A Pride mural created by a student was painted over by the church who owns the building of the school. The LGBT Pride mural at Bergen Arts & Science Charter School (BASCS) in Hackensack, New Jersey, featured a love heart designed with the colors of the rainbow. According to Garden State Equality, an advocacy and education organization for the LGBT community in New Jersey, the mural was created by a 16-year-old student at the school and had been painted over after Holy Trinity Church, the school’s landlord, considered the rainbow heart to be ‘offensive’. “It is offensive, unconscionable, and flatly unconstitutional for this church acting as a for-profit landlord to restrict a public school’s curriculum or censor
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student speech within those walls,” said Garden State Equality executive director Christian Fuscarino.
figures, including many prominent LGBT figures during Pride Month. They said the church had also “This type of hate-fueled made the school’s psychologist bigotry is precisely why New remove posters Jersey needs LGBTQ-inclusive declaring their office a “safe curriculum to promote space” for LGBT students. acceptance and “The school’s actions in understanding.” destroying a student’s artwork The organization called for the is rank censorship and out of school to restore the mural to step with New Jersey values show that hate and censorship and our laws,” added Garden were not welcome in New State Equality board member Jersey’s public schools. and former state bar president New Jersey School Previously Thomas Prol, Esq. Told Teachers To Remove “Decades ago, the United State LGBT ‘Safe Space’ Posters Supreme Court held that Garden State Equality also said students ‘do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom that a student informed them that the school had previously of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. restricted free speech and education. “It is sadly ironic that an The organization said that the educational institution is now delivering a lesson in school censorship to these students abolished a during their tender years.” daily educational In January 2019, the state of program in New Jersey passed an ‘LGBTQ 2018 after -Inclusive Curriculum Law’, complaints from which will come into effect in the landlord. the 2020-21 school year. The program The law will require Boards of taught Education to include students about instructions and materials that different accurately portray LGBT historical individuals.
STD & Oral HIV Testing Every Second Tuesday of Each Month By The AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Kissing & Rimming Key Factor In Gonorrhea By Denny Smith
A new study concludes the throat is a major route of transmission of gonorrhea in gay and bisexual men.
of gonorrhea transmission between men. ‘Instead, our data are The study looked at 60 male consistent with a new couples in Melbourne, paradigm of gonorrhea Australia, in which one partner transmission in which the had tested positive for gonor- throat plays a central role in rhea. It found a high incidence transmission to the partner’s of gonorrhea in the throat and throat, anus and urethra, anus of partners but not in presumably through infected their urethra. saliva.’ This suggests gonorrhea Of the 120 men (60 couples) transmission takes place studied, 85 tested positive for through kissing and rimming. gonorrhea. The most common Transmission can also occur if site of infection was the throat saliva is used as a lubricant (63), followed by the anus (48) for anal sex. and urethra (25). Some men had the infection in multiple ‘Throat Plays A Central sites. Role’ Saliva Transmission Of ‘Our key finding was that in Gonorrhea the absence of urethral infection, when one man in a In eleven couples (23%), both couple had throat gonorrhea, partners had gonorrhea in the his partner commonly had throat but not elsewhere. This throat gonorrhea (23%), and strongly suggests saliva as when one man in a couple the route of transmission. had anal gonorrhea his The authors want to see more partner commonly had throat men warned more about the gonorrhea (34%).’ risk of passing on gonorrhea They say this was a much via saliva. Most safe sex higher incidence than pure campaigns focuss largely on chance would suggest. It also the use of condoms for anal contradicts the previously held sex. belief that urethra infection Sexually-active gay and bi accounts for most incidences men should attend STI clinics for regular check-ups. Experts 08 www.cityxtramagazine.com
suggest at least once a year, even if men present with no symptoms, and every 3-6 months if they have multiple partners. Gonorrhea infection in the urethra often prompts a pus-like discharge, but it can sometimes present with no symptoms. A gonorrhea throat infection can cause a sore throat, but again, can often present no symptoms. The same with an anal infection – potential discomfort but often no clear warning signs.
Mouthwash ‘Our data support a new paradigm of gonorrhea transmission which suggests that the throat is a major source of gonorrhoea transmission between men,’ say the authors, before highlighting one potential method to reduce risk. ‘A novel gonorrhea prevention strategy is currently under investigation is the use of an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the prevalence of throat gonorrhea.’ A 2016 study suggested gargling for 1-minute daily with a commercial brand of mouthwash could help reduce
gonorrhea infection in the throat. However, that study’s authors called for further research.
Rise In Incidence Of Gonorrhea Gonorrhea transmission rates have increased significantly in several countries in recent years, including the US, UK and Australia. Experts are also very concerned about the emergence of so-called ‘super gonorrhea’ : bacteria resistant to antibiotics. So far, there have only been a handful of such cases. Matthew Hodson of HIVinformation service NAM told GSN: ‘Earlier studies found high rates of gonorrhoea in the throat but this is the first study to find strong evidence of gonorrhea transmission via kissing, rimming or using saliva as a lubricant. ‘The study demonstrates once again that when it comes to STIs you can reduce risk but eliminating all risk will be impractical for most people who are sexually active. Gonorrhea in the throat is likely to have no noticeable symptoms so regular testing is recommended.’ Many recommend a full STI panel at least twice a year for those that are sexual active. Many gay men has just been taking an oral HIV test which does not detect other STIs that can effect the body and one’s over health. Know your status of all STIs.
Gillette Features Dad Teaching Trans Son To Shave By Becky Donaldson
A new Gillette advert shows the moment a loving dad teaches his transgender son how to shave for the first time.
underneath the new advert. For allowing me to share such an important ‘Thank you for your courage moment in a man’s life with my and confidence in sharing your The global shaving brand father.’ journey to becoming your best casually dropped the video on self!’ they wrote. Thursday (23 May) featuring He then added: ‘I look forward Samson Brown and his dad. Gillette Highlighting to the great things you’re going ‘Whenever, wherever, however to continue doing to encourage Diversity it happens – your first shave is us all to be our best selves.’ Gillette made international special,’ they wrote in the headlines earlier this year Samson also used the hash caption. when it released a short film on tag: ‘My best self’. toxic masculinity. Samson says in the video: ‘I’m ‘Thank you for sharing your at the point in my manhood The global shaving brand made story, Samson!’ Gillette where I’m actually happy. It’s a big statement about the rise not just myself transitioning, it’s responded. ‘We’re honored of the Me Too movement. to showcase this special everybody around me moment between you and your ‘Bullying. transitioning.’ Harassment,’ Gillette wrote in father and are proud to have ‘Thank you so much Gillette,’ the caption to the YouTube you as a partner. Samson commented video. ‘Is this the best a man can get?’ They then added: ‘It’s only by challenging ourselves to do more, that we can get closer to our best. To say the right thing, to act the right way.’
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Many praised the initiative, but it also caused many to boycott the brand for being too political. These people began using the hashtag #BoycottGillette and proclaiming they’ll never buy the product again. At the time of writing, the video has 790,000 thumbs up but 1.4 million thumbs down.
by a
Alabama To Stop Issuing Marriage Licenses In Gay Wedding Workaround By Richard Rowling
Alabama is to stop issuing marriage licenses to circumvent conservative judges opposed to same-sex unions. The Alabama House of Representatives voted for the change in response to a handful of probate judges who have refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. About six of Alabama’s 68 probate judges made the decision after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality in 2015. Under state law, they “may” issue marriage licenses, but are not obligated to do so. Under the bill passed by the house on Thursday (May 23), couples wishing to get wed would no longer require a license. Instead, they would submit a form which would then become a marriage certificate. Under the bill passed by the house on Thursday (May 23), couples wishing to get wed would no longer require a license. Instead, they would submit a form which would then become a marriage certificate. Crucially, probate judges would be legally required to accept and record the documents. It also removes the requirement for a couple to be “solemnized” 14 www.cityxtramagazine.com
minster or other qualified person, separating marriage from religion. The House passed the bill 67-26. It will now go before Governor Kay Ivey to be signed Support For Same-Sex Marriage Stagnant In The into law. U.S. Gay Alabama Rep Voted Against Same-Sex Marriage While same-sex marriage has been legal in the US for four Workaround years, support for such unions Rep Neil Rafferty, the only has stalled in the past two openly LGBT member of the years. house, did not vote for the A survey from the Pew Reproposal, which he said was search Center published on “born out of prejudice.” May 15 found that 61 percent “It accommodates a handful of of Americans approved of judges that couldn’t get their marriage equality, with 31 perpersonal feelings, couldn’t cent opposed. check them those at the door A 2017 survey found 62 and couldn’t do their jobs,” he percent in favor and 32 percent told NBC News. against. Wes Allen was one representative who did vote in Alabama has recently made international headlines by favor of the bill. Allen is a voting to outlaw abortion in former probate judge who almost all circumstances, a himself stopped issuing move which activists have said marriage licenses in 2015. is likely to impact the state’s “I believe marriage is between LGBT+ community. a man and a woman, as do a lot of Alabamians,” he told local The conservative state also refused to air an episode of the news site AL.com. children’s cartoon show Arthur “By your signature going on because it showed two male that marriage license, basically rats getting married. in my opinion, you’re endorsing it.”
Marsha P. Johnson & Stonewall Riots By Lindsey Davis
Marsha P. Johnson was not well known during her life. But in death, her legacy is stamped indelibly onto the rainbow pride flag.
At the time, New York refused to grant licenses to bars that served gays, which allowed police to enter Stonewall with a warrant. They arrested 13 people. The transgender activist was among a group of blacks who “The majority of people at in the 1960s stood on the front Stonewall were either drag lines of the LGBT liberation queens or gay men of color,” movement and is now receiving Titus Montalvo, a hairdresser overdue credit for her and makeup artist who was 16 trailblazing role. at the time, told USA TODAY. Johnson, who founded one of The incident became a rallying the first organizations to protect cry for the nascent gay rights transgender youth, was an movement. outspoken figure in New York’s Many in the LGBT community Greenwich Village. credit Johnson for throwing the “For so long, the role that first brick or shot glass that people like Marsha played was sparked the riots. Johnson said dismissed,” says Marisa she didn’t arrive at the bar until Richmond, a trans scholar who rioting was underway. teaches history at Middle Nevertheless, her role is hailed. Tennessee State University. “There are lots of different “The world is more open, accounts of what she did welcoming and inclusive than it during the riots,” says Michael was 50 years ago. Her efforts Boucai, associate professor of helped make that happen.” law at the University at Buffalo Johnson was part of the School of Law who studies “vanguard” that resisted police LGBTQ rights and history. “The during the Stonewall riots — consensus is that she did climb demonstrations that followed a a lamppost and throw a very raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay heavy object that was in a bag bar in the Village, on June 28, and shattered a police (car) 1969, according to the 2010 window.” book "Stonewall", written by The following year, Johnson LGBT historian David Carter. and a close friend, Sylvia Rivera, founded the trans-youth organization STAR — Street 16 www.cityxtramagazine.com
Transvestite (now Transgender) Action Revolutionaries — that housed and fed homeless youths. Donald Bell of Chicago, a former dean of students at several colleges, says Stonewall called attention to a group of people who lacked basic civil rights. “That’s why Marsha’s visibility and advocacy remain important,” he says. “She and a number of others who lived at the intersection between racism and homophobia were political agitators that helped advance the mindset of society.” Marsha P. Johnson was born Malcolm Michaels in Elizabeth, N.J., in 1945. She said the “P” in her name stood for “Pay-itno-mind.” Often draped in shimmering robes, red plastic high heels and floral headdresses, she was a muse of pop artist Andy Warhol and has been the subject of several films, including a 2017 Netflix documentary, "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson." “When he got off the bus, everyone would notice,” says Al Michaels, Johnson’s nephew, who grew up calling Johnson “Uncle Mikey.”
“We’d be playing football in the streets as kids,” Michaels recalls. “Soon as he turned the corner, he’d have on fruit, a big hat with flowers.” After Stonewall, Johnson joined the gay liberation front. In the 1980s, she became an outspoken activist with the AIDS charity ACT UP. She died in 1992 at age 46. Her body was found in the Hudson River six days after she was reported missing. Police ruled Johnson’s death a suicide, which members of the local gay community disputed. In 2012, authorities reopened the investigation into her death, which remains unsolved, according to her nephew. Johnson’s death attracted scant media attention at the time, but her life and contributions have been celebrated in recent years. In 2018, The New York Times published a full obituary on her significance in the LGBT liberation movement. “The 50th anniversary of Stonewall is coming up this June. I’m hoping that this time, trans people and people of color are front and center in the local pride celebrations,” Richmond says. “After all, we were there from the very beginning.”
Is Provincetown ‘Too Gay’? By Jennifer Wilson
Is Provincetown too gay? Are the local drag queens too aggressive in accosting unsuspecting tourists? Is the Pilgrim Monument an appropriate town symbol? Those are a few of the questions raised by one of Provincetown’s most famous seasonal residents, gay filmmaker and writer John Waters. In a new book of essays, Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Filth Elder, Waters devotes a chapter to the town where he’s spent his summer vacations for 55 years. He extols many of the charming and quirky qualities that keep him coming back, such as the “cinematic” views at his “favorite beach in the whole world,” Longnook, and bodysurfing in the ocean there (“complete bliss.”) But he also doesn’t hold back in listing what he calls his “summer gripes.” One of them, and perhaps the most surprising one considering the source, is a concern that the town, which has become known as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ vacationers, may be too gay. “Here’s what’s really 18 www.cityxtramagazine.com
going to get me in trouble,” he writes. “Sometimes it’s overly gay here.”
and ill-fitting tacky gowns.” Waters focuses on the Waters noted one time when abundance of drag queens who he was “minding my own gay can be seen on Commercial business on the street” and “a Street and other parts of town. big lug of a queen” addressed “There are many great drag him with: ‘Hi, girl.’ queens appearing here (Dina “I’m not the butchest thing in Martini is my favorite), but I’m the world, but I’m pretty still scarred from the awful obviously a man,” he wrote. ones from the past that “Too familiar or too gay? You seemed like the Amos and be the judge.” Andy of gay culture in Waters’ observations about Provincetown when I first got drag queens are surprising here,” he writes. because he has played a key “Would any gay man really role in introducing drag queens want to be Arthur Blake, the to mainstream America, by insult comic who had been in featuring the transvestite actor Bette Davis movies but spent Divine in Pink Flamingos, his later years in Provincetown Female Trouble and Hairspray, drinking and giving all gay among other films he made. In people bad reputations by addition, Waters has a large performing in hideous Tallulah and devoted gay following, and Bankhead drag? business owners in “Worse was potbellied drag Provincetown promote the town queen Sylvia Sidney, who as a gay mecca. played here for years and But that’s not Waters’ only horrified passing tourists every gripe about Provincetown. He’s afternoon when he’d ‘bark’ his also not a fan of dogs on the act out front of the club as drag beach. queens are still contractually obliged to do today. ‘You ugly “Provincetown has been c*suckers,’ he’d yell to families named the Most Dog-Friendly Town in America and I’m afraid through his missing teeth, dressed in a Clarabell red wig to tell you it’s true,” he writes. “I live on the beach, and every
day while I’m trying to write, I hear, ‘Fluffy, stop it!’ “Fluffy, stop barking.’ ‘Heel! I want to shout about a hundred times a day – that’s the only word a dog understands.” He dislikes the trolley tour buses that are “too wide for our little streets and block foot traffic every time they stop to announce obvious facts.” And he points out that Provincetown isn’t easy to get to, especially by water. “You can take the ferry, but a lot of times the whole boat is filled with pukers,” he warns. “It can be rough out there in that two-hour ocean ride from Boston. Once I picked up a friend who had taken it and the whole side of the boat was covered in vomit.” Then there’s the 252-foot-tall Pilgrim Monument, the tallest building in town. “All these years in Provincetown, I can’t decide if I love it or hate it,” Waters confesses. He writes that a “smart art-collector friend” of his once visited and called it ridiculous.
After weighing the pros and cons, Waters says, “I guess I’ll agree with all the locals today and love the Pilgrim Monument, too…The gift shop is pretty great, and right outside is a popular spot for gay weddings and receptions…It may be ‘ridiculous’ as my friend innocently commented, but it’s ours.”
book at the same time.”
The chapter that critiques Provincetown is actually one of two that feature the town at the tip of Cape Cod. The second is Published by Farrar, Straus a chapter in which Waters, 73, and Giroux, Mr. Know-It-All is took LSD with two friends in Water’s ninth book and came Provincetown, to see what it’s out on May 21. like to take LSD after 70. (Spoiler: it was “f-ing fun.”) The book is part memoir, part advice book and part celebrity Given the positive reaction and tell-all, with anecdotes about lack of any mental meltdowns, many of the actors with whom “You are going to reinvent the Waters has worked over the market for LSD,” he quotes one years, including Kathleen of his dealers as saying. Turner, Tracey Ullman, Johnny Waters, who lives in Baltimore, Depp, Tab Hunter and Divine. has launched a national tour to There are also chapters on a promote Mr. Know-It-All, with wide range of non-cinematic stops in New York, subjects, from Yippie protests Philadelphia, Baltimore, “She wasn’t being snarky,” he to Brutalist architecture. Washington, Chicago, Seattle, writes. “I guess unlike most Provincetown is one of many San Francisco, Los Angeles tourists here she had seen the subjects that come under fire in and New England. original Torre del Mangia, in Siena, Italy, from which ours is Waters’ book. He’s also critical Despite his critical of the Catholic church, completely copied. Neither observations in the book, monument has anything to do pretentious restaurants, Waters plans to spend the first-class accommodations on summer in Provincetown again with the Pilgrims or certain airlines, and other Provincetown. It is kind of this year. In fact, according to targets. In a recent interview, ridiculous. A Boston architect his representative at FSG, complained, ‘If all they want [in he said he’s isn’t writing to be Lottchen Shivers, he asked to ironic or to mess with readers. move up the publication date in Provincetown] is an architectural curiosity, why not “It’s not really told ironically,” large part so he could finish his select the Leaning Tower of he said of the book. “I believe book tour in time for his annual Pisa and be done with it?”’ everything I say in it. But I getaway. hoped to write a humorous www.cityxtramagazine.com 17
Ellen’s Show Got Signed For 3 More Years By David Vandygriff
Ellen announced that her show has been renewed for another three years. On The Ellen Degeneres Show yesterday, Ellen said that she has been doing her daytime talkshow for 16 years now, or 3000 episodes. “I don’t remember them but I’m told it was enjoyable,” she quipped. She said that her show is like a relationship and sometimes you need to take a break after 16 years.
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“But I don’t, you’re stuck with me, because I just signed for three more years,” Ellen said as the audience cheered. She then played a clip from Game of Thrones that really cemented the announcement. Ellen has been openly discussing ending her show this past year, saying that she was ready to move on to something else.
She talked with the New York Times about her ambivalence
this past December while promoting her comedy special Relatable. “The talk show is me, but I’m also playing a character of a talk-show host,” Ellen said at the time. “There’s a tiny, tiny bit of difference.” So three cheers for the Ellen Show. A true LGBT+ leader and excellent role model for our children. Thank you Ellen.
Stoli® Vodka Introduces "Spirit of Stonewall" By David Vandygriff
Stoli® Vodka, the original premium vodka with uncompromising quality since 1938, announced today the launch of the Stoli® "Spirit of Stonewall" limited edition bottle, which will be behind the bar and at participating retail outlets beginning later this month. Designed to honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a seminal moment in the modern LGBTQ rights movement, the Stoli Spirit of Stonewall bottle continues the Stoli® brand's long-standing support of the LGBTQ community. The limited edition will help raise funds for the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative in support of its mission to eliminate the social intolerances that profoundly impact the lives of LGBTQ citizens in America and abroad, through awareness campaigns, educational programming, fundraising and public dialogue. The bottle was designed by Lisa Marie Thalhammer, an award-winning visual artist and member of the LGBTQ community, who is best known for her iconic 13-color rainbow "LOVE" mural located on 22 www.cityxtramagazine.com
Blagden Alley in Washington, D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood. For the Spirit of Stonewall bottle, Thalhammer used a mural theme and incorporated emblematic LGBTQ imagery, including five hands and three protest signs at the corner of Gay and Christopher Streets outside of the Stonewall Inn, a high heel to represent the transgender activists who initiated the 1969 uprising, a sign spelling out "LIBERATION" as a reference to the Gay Liberation Front that includes three gender symbols, as well as a peace sign and protest fist holding a rainbow energy ribbon that swirls between fingers and brings the community together. The brand will be hosting two private, invitation-only launch events for consumers to celebrate the Spirit of Stonewall bottle. The first will be a special artist's release party in Thalhammer's hometown of Washington, D.C., during which she'll create a canvas featuring the label artwork. A second event is scheduled to take place on
June 25th during World Pride in New York City. Additionally, a piece of art commemorating the Spirit of Stonewall is planned for an unveiling ahead of the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, the world's largest annual LGBTQ bartending competition, beginning on June 4th. "We are thrilled that Stoli is continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting the LGBTQ community by working with the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative," said Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative President, CEO & Co-Founder, Stacy Lentz. "These much-needed funds will help continue the Stonewall legacy especially in places where equality has been slow to arrive, and full legal protections are not in place." "Pride is all about sticking up for something you believe in – just as the brave patrons of the Stonewall Inn did 50 years ago – that all good people deserve
to love freely and stand proudly in the bright spotlight of the beauty of their diversity without the expectation that one needs to hide in the shadows, or in the closet," said Stoli LGBTQ National Brand Manager and Ambassador, Patrik Gallineaux. "Stoli celebrates the legacy of our gay bars, such as Stonewall, as the original community centers and safe spaces. It is a privilege to utilize our bottle as a platform for purposeful visibility and education via our second LGBTQ tribute bottle, the Stoli 'Spirit of Stonewall' limited edition." The Stoli Spirit of Stonewall Limited Edition bottle is 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), and a suggested retail price of $22.99 for 1L. To learn how you can join in supporting global equality and acceptance, please visit www.stoli.com or follow Stoli on Instagram @Stoli, on Facebook @Stoli and on Twitter @Stoli.
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Trump To Allow Medical Discrimination Against Transgender By Drew Williams
The Trump administration has proposed a rule that would allow that healthcare providers to discriminate against over 1.4 million transgender adults. Over 150,000 trans teens would also be affected.
personnel as well as moves within other departments to roll back transgender affirming language and rules. “This is not about free health care or special treatment. It’s about the right of every The proposed change under American to be treated with the Department of Health and dignity when they walk into an Human Services (HHS) could emergency room, meet a new remove transgender health doctor, or find the right protections from the Affordable insurance plan,” Mara Keisling, Care Act. It would also give Executive Director for the medical professionals and National Center for other healthcare providers the Transgender Equality, said. right to refuse to treat any “If permitted, this rule will transgender person for any promote ignorance and hate condition if they cite their that no American should have religious beliefs. to face while seeking care, and Under the Obama we are ready to fight it with Administration, transgender everything we’ve got.” rights expanded in large part “This proposed rule is yet due to an interpretation of “sex another outright attack from the discrimination” as being Trump administration on the inclusive of gender identity, health, well-being, and survival which many faith-based health of transgender people. care providers feared would Everyone should be able to go mean they’d end up required to to the doctor when we need provide medical care, including help without being turned away gender confirming surgery, for or denied treatment because of transgender people. who we are,” Kris Hayashi, The move comes amongst Executive Director for similar moves by the Transgender Law Center, said. administration, including the The proposed rule now goes to ban on transgender military a 60-day public comment period. When the original rule 24 www.cityxtramagazine.com
was written, it also went through public comment periods in 2013 and 2015, getting almost 25,000 statements in support of the protections. “Like every bully, this president attacks those he perceives as weak and least able to defend themselves,” Pride at Work Executive Director Jerame Davis said in an emailed statement. “What this bully misunderstands is that trans people aren’t facing this administration alone. Pride at Work and countless other organizations and institutions are here to stand with, for, and beside our transgender siblings in the face of these unrelenting attacks from this administration.” “Healthcare is not a luxury or a privilege, it is a necessity.”
Nina West’s Children Song ‘Drag Is Magic’ By James Manning
Season 11 RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Nina West just released a music video… for kids.
“Drag is an opportunity for anyone – including and especially children – to In the video, Nina is taking care reconsider the masks we are of some kids when they ask her all forced to wear daily,” Nina to put on a video. The video is told the Huffington Post. Nina again, singing “Drag is “Children are inundated with Magic.” implicit imagery from media about what is ‘boy’ and what is “What is drag?” Nina sings. “Drag is a vacation from a bor- ‘girl.’ And I believe that almost ing day. Use your own imagina- all kids are really less concerned about playing with a tion, all you gotta do is close toy that’s supposedly aligned to your eyes and see who you their gender, and more wanna be.” concerned with playing with
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toys that speak to them.” “To all the little boys and little girls who don’t always see their unique selves reflected in other forms of media, or who are being told they are too feminine, or who are told they shouldn’t want to play with that toy – I want this album to be where they feel silly, goofy, loved and seen.”
God Bless The Queens!