Latest news with #PrideDay
USA Today
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
As WorldPride comes to DC, queer community vows to be 'louder than ever'
As WorldPride comes to DC, queer community vows to be 'louder than ever' Show Caption Hide Caption Organizers say political pressure is motivation to continue celebrating Pride Organizers say political pressure is motivation to continue organizing and celebrating Pride, although some corporate support dwindles. WASHINGTON − In 1975, Deacon Maccubbin was chatting with buddies at a party in the nation's capital about attending New York City's Pride Day when a friend tossed out a novel idea: 'Why don't we just do one here?' Maccubbin had taken a 'gamble' a year earlier, founding the LGBTQ+ bookstore Lambda Rising in the city's Dupont Circle neighborhood, determined to find a home for 'stories that needed to be told.' Business roared, and the bookstore soon become a haven for the city's gay community. So with similar gusto − and a little trepidation − Maccubbin took another revolutionary step: launching the District of Columbia's first Pride celebration. 'We didn't know whether anyone would show up or not. It was something that had never been done before,' he told USA TODAY. When start time ticked closer that inaugural Pride Day, only a handful of people milled around the bookstore. Maccubbin fretted. 'One of the organizers I had hired said: 'Don't worry. They are just on gay time,'' he recalled. 'And about 15 minutes later there were 2,000 people on the street.' Now 50 years later, DC's Capital Pride Alliance is hosting WorldPride − a global festival that promotes LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness − at another historic juncture: when the queer community's rights are increasingly in hostile crosshairs. With more than five decades of activism under his belt, Maccubbin remains undaunted. 'The fight goes on. There will always be people who try to push you back. But you stand up and keep going forward all the time.' A global festival takes on a bigger meaning WorldPride, which began May 17, is brimming with events and celebrations – musical performances, fashion shows, discussion groups and subcommunity gatherings such as Trans Pride, Latinx Pride, Youth Pride and beyond. The festival culminates with the city's Pride Parade on June 7 and a massive rally and march from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol on June 8. Ryan Bos, who has been executive director of DC's Capital Pride Alliance since 2011, was thrilled when the group's bid to host WorldPride was accepted in 2022. Bos couldn't wait to showcase the city's rich culture on the world stage. But as threats to LGBTQ+ freedoms began to spiral in recent months, the festival took on a new sense of urgency, he said. 'People have begun to see this as much more of a historic moment – one that is necessary to galvanize our community.' 'Who believes in human dignity and decency these days?' President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to dimantle diversity, equity and inclusion practices − which can offer protections for LGBTQ+ people − in the federal government. As more directives rolled out, the transgender community has been particularly targeted: The administration moved to halt gender-affirming care for minors, revived a ban on transgender people in the military, removed references to the community from the Stonewall National Monument website, and directed that federal agencies recognize only two sexes, male and female − affecting the ability of transgender people to identify on items such as passports and sowing fear and anxiety among travelers. The actions have fueled a backlash, leading some corporate sponsors to yank support of Pride parades and even prompting safety concerns for LGBTQ+ people traveling internationally to the WorldPride festival. But the climate has also cemented a gritty resolve around WorldPride that the queer community is not going anywhere, Bos said. 'People see … the world closing in and feel: Who has our back? Who truly believes in human dignity and decency these days? We don't want to be steered back into the closet. And we won't,' he said. 'We will remain visible. We are a resilient community. We've been through challenges like this before.' Historian brings city's queer history to life Katherine Fisher is the founder and lead guide for DC PrideWalks, the city's first tourism company dedicated to highlighting the queer history of the nation's capital from its monuments to its neighborhoods. Fisher, a historian, started PrideWalks in 2021 after a former LGBTQ+ student who had dealt with addiction and other struggles 'lost his community' during COVID-19 − and died of an overdose. Fisher, who had studied queer history in grad school, said the tragedy 'lit a fire in me.' She has been intent on bringing Washington's LGBTQ+ history out of scholarly books into the public discourse, and through the walks she hopes to encourage engagement and activism, even among allies. As WorldPride takes the stage in DC in a challenging time, Fisher says friends in the LGBTQ+ community have decided to 'fight back with joy and celebration.' Fear often drives erroneous assumptions about LGBTQ+ people, she said. Fisher hopes her tours help educate people − and thwart those misconceptions. 'When I take people out on the street and I tell them about someone called Evelyn Hooker, no one has ever heard of her,' she said. 'But she is as important to the queer rights movement as Rosa Parks to civil rights or Eleanor Roosevelt to women's rights.' 'Oh no no no! You can't take this away from us' Brooke Eden, a country singer/songwriter who will be performing at WorldPride, recalls being warned to 'stay in the closet; otherwise I'd lose my career' when she met her soulmate. She found solace and therapy in songwriting, and after five years she was able to come out. Eden married wife Hilary in 2022 in Nashville, and the couple welcomed their first child in November. Her music has helped share her journey, and she hopes her words touch and uplift others who might be struggling with acceptance. Eden has been flooded with messages from people 'who never saw their story in country music. And then one of my videos was playing on CMT or YouTube or TikTok, and now people are saying, 'Oh my gosh, I'm not alone; I'm not the only Southern person who has also found queer joy and queer love.' One of Eden's hit songs is 'Outlaw Love,' which she thinks resonates perfectly with WorldPride as an 'outlaw movement, a kind of rebellion,' she said. 'The WorldPride stage is in front of the Capitol building at a time when they are trying to silence us, put us back in the closet, make us feel ashamed, take away so many of our freedoms, pull back DEI,' she said. 'And we are like: 'Oh no no no! We are going to the nation's capital; we are going to be louder than ever. You can't take this away from us. We are going to be ourselves.''
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Latavius Murray announces new timeline for Jon Diaz Community Center opening, addresses multi-year delay
NEDROW, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Former NFL running back and Central New Yorker Latavius Murray announced on Monday plans for when his community center will finally be built. This comes after years of waiting, along with fundraisers being held for the project. In 2022, he set his sights on building the Jon Diaz Community Center in Nedrow, with the groundbreaking scheduled for 2023. Halfway through 2025, only the floor plan has been completed. 'We're about 99% done with the floor plan, which is a huge step, something a long time coming,' Murray said at a community meeting Monday night. Latavius Murray announces new timeline for Jon Diaz Community Center opening, addresses multi-year delay Destiny USA owner, Pyramid Management Group, defaults on loans owed for Buffalo-area mall Pride Day musical line-up announced for NYS Fair Syracuse teen charged for attempted armed robbery in Clay Local bottle redemption center hoping state bottle bill will pass The center has raised $9 million, with $500,000 coming from State Senator Rachel May after Murray told her about the project. 'We got excited about it, too and I was able to get some funding. Sometimes, I get capital funding that I can allocate around,' May said. 'I was able to get some funding for it. $500,000 for it.' Murray said the reason for the delay was having to wait for grant funds and more donors. 'When you have to apply for grants and get donors, it's a process. It's not easy, but it's something we signed up for and we're gaining momentum now,' he said. 'We're excited about where we are heading.' Now he says the plan is to have the groundbreaking in 2026 and the center open in 2027. 'While we have some goals in mind and things we want to accomplish with timelines, sometimes things change. What's important is keeping the main thing, the main thing, keep progressing, keep focus,' Murray said. 'We've been able to do that and that's why I feel confident in where we're going.' Murray partnered with the Integrated Community Alternatives Network to open an office space in Syracuse. The space will provide social and emotional services to families and children. The space is located at 1010 James Street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pride Day musical line-up announced for NYS Fair
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The New York State Fair has announced four musical acts to perform at the tenth annual Pride Day at the Fair event on Friday, August 22. Country star Lily Rose will take the Chevy Court stage at 1 p.m. Known for her viral hit 'Villian,' Rose has toured with big name country artists, including Sam Hunt and Shania Twain. Popular 2010s American alternative rock group, Neon Trees, will perform at 6 p.m. at Chevy Court. The band has rocked major festivals and continues to showcase their multi-genre talent since their debut album release in 2010. After the Pride Parade, 20-year-old Jessie Murph will showcase her singer-songwriter talent at Suburban Park at 8 p.m. Murph's stop at the NYS Fair is part of her North American headline tour, where she has been lighting up the stage with hits from her debut album 'That Aint No Man It's the Devil.' To close out the night, the Lady Gaga Tribute band will perform Gaga's iconic hits at Chevy Court beginning at 9 p.m. LGT stars Erika Moul as Lady Gaga and reps many awards alongside her elaborate costumes that showcase every era of Gaga. Other events scheduled to take place on Pride Day include a flag-raising ceremony shortly after gates open, a comedy show and a Resource Fair, where attendees can socialize with members of various organizations to learn about different groups in the community. 'The Fair is a celebration of New York agriculture, food, and fun and it's also a celebration of all our communities that, together, make up the great state of New York. There is beauty in diversity, and we work hard, alongside our partners, to shine the spotlight on all New Yorkers. As we highlight our tenth anniversary of Pride Day at the Fair, I can't think of a better concert lineup and programming to bring together and uplift our LGBTQ+ community,' said State Fair Director Julie LaFave. Artist: Place: Time: Date: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA Chevy Court 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 Nate Smith Suburban Park 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 Cheap Trick Chevy Court 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 Steve Miller Band Suburban Park 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 Lily Rose Chevy Court 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 Neon Trees Chevy Court 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 Jessie Murph Suburban Park 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 The Lady Gaga Tribute Chevy Court 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 Kidz Bop Chevy Court 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 Kameron Marlowe Chevy Court 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 O.A.R Suburban Park 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 Los Lonely Boys Chevy Court 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 Busta Rhymes Suburban Park 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Chevy Court 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25 98 Degrees Suburban Park 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25 Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone Chevy Court 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 Sister Hazel Chevy Court 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 Red Hot Chilli Pipers Chevy Court 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 Maddie & Tae Chevy Court 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 DJ Pauly D Chevy Court 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 Shaggy Suburban Park 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 Dionne Warwick Chevy Court 12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 24K Magic – The Ultimate Bruno Mars Tribute Experience Chevy Court 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 +LIVE+ Suburban Park 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gorsuch and Maryland school district lawyer have wild exchange over children's LGBTQ storybook: 'Not bondage'
The lawyer for a Maryland school district and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch had a wild exchange this week about a children's book amid an ongoing case brought by parents who want to be able to opt their children out of reading LGBTQ storybooks in their public school. Gorsuch was asking Alan Schoenfeld, the attorney representing Montgomery County Public Schools, about "Pride Puppy!" a 32-page book that tells the story of a family celebrating Pride Day when their dog gets lost in the parade and the effort to reunite the pup with his loved ones. The rhyming alphabet book, which was described as "affirming and inclusive" by its publisher, allows readers to spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet while offering "a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year." The book was previously used in the district's pre-kindergarten curriculum. The Supreme Court Appears To Side With Parents In Religious Liberty Dispute Over Storybooks "And they're being used in English language instruction at age 3?" Gorsuch asked. Read On The Fox News App "'Pride Puppy!' was the book that was used for the pre-kindergarten curriculum. That's no longer in the curriculum," replied Schoenfeld. "That's the one where they're supposed to look for the leather and things - and bondage – things like that," Gorsuch responded. "It's not bondage. It's a woman in a leather..." A "Sex worker?" asked Gorsuch. "No. That's not correct. No," replied Schoenfeld. Parents Tell Scotus: Lgbtq Storybooks In Classrooms Clash With Our Faith "Gosh, I read queen?" said Gorsuch. Schoenfeld said the leather is actually a woman in a leather jacket and that "one of the words is drag queen." The high court was hearing arguments in the case brought by religious parents who say young children can't be expected to separate a teacher's moral messages from their family's beliefs. Eric Baxter, the attorney representing Maryland parents in Mahmoud v. Taylor, told the justices that the school district violated the First Amendment by denying opt-out requests for books that "contradict their religious beliefs," even while allowing exemptions for other religious objections – such as books depicting the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. Lawsuit Tracker: New Resistance Battling Trump's Second Term Through Onslaught Of Lawsuits Taking Aim At Eos Baxter said teachers were required to use the materials in class after the district approved certain LGBTQ-themed curriculum books in 2022. "When the books were first introduced in August of 2022, the board suggested they be used five times before the end of the year," he said. "One of the schools, Sherwood School, in June for Pride Month said that they were going to read one book each day." The district initially allowed parents to opt out their children for religious concerns but reversed course by March 2023, citing concerns about absenteeism and administrative burdens. Among the other storybooks at the center of the case is "Prince & Knight," a modern fairy tale aimed at children ages 4 to 8, which tells the story of two men who fall in love after joining forces to defeat a dragon and later marry. Another book frequently referenced during oral arguments was "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," which follows a young girl processing her favorite uncle's decision to marry another man. Click To Get The Fox News App The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the case by late June. Fox News Digital's Jamie Joseph contributed to this report. Original article source: Gorsuch and Maryland school district lawyer have wild exchange over children's LGBTQ storybook: 'Not bondage'
Fox News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Gorsuch and Maryland school district lawyer have wild exchange over children's LGBTQ storybook: 'Not bondage'
The lawyer for a Maryland school district and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch had a wild exchange this week about a children's book amid an ongoing case brought by parents who want to be able to opt their children out of reading LGBTQ storybooks in their public school. Gorsuch was asking Alan Schoenfeld, the attorney representing Montgomery County Public Schools, about "Pride Puppy!" a 32-page book that tells the story of a family celebrating Pride Day when their dog gets lost in the parade and the effort to reunite the pup with his loved ones. The rhyming alphabet book, which was described as "affirming and inclusive" by its publisher, allows readers to spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet while offering "a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year." The book was previously used in the district's pre-kindergarten curriculum. "And they're being used in English language instruction at age 3?" Gorsuch asked. "'Pride Puppy!' was the book that was used for the pre-kindergarten curriculum. That's no longer in the curriculum," replied Schoenfeld. "That's the one where they're supposed to look for the leather and things - and bondage – things like that," Gorsuch responded. "It's not bondage. It's a woman in a leather..." A "Sex worker?" asked Gorsuch. "No. That's not correct. No," replied Schoenfeld. "Gosh, I read queen?" said Gorsuch. Schoenfeld said the leather is actually a woman in a leather jacket and that "one of the words is drag queen." The high court was hearing arguments in the case brought by religious parents who say young children can't be expected to separate a teacher's moral messages from their family's beliefs. Eric Baxter, the attorney representing Maryland parents in Mahmoud v. Taylor, told the justices that the school district violated the First Amendment by denying opt-out requests for books that "contradict their religious beliefs," even while allowing exemptions for other religious objections – such as books depicting the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. Baxter said teachers were required to use the materials in class after the district approved certain LGBTQ-themed curriculum books in 2022. "When the books were first introduced in August of 2022, the board suggested they be used five times before the end of the year," he said. "One of the schools, Sherwood School, in June for Pride Month said that they were going to read one book each day." The district initially allowed parents to opt out their children for religious concerns but reversed course by March 2023, citing concerns about absenteeism and administrative burdens. Among the other storybooks at the center of the case is "Prince & Knight," a modern fairy tale aimed at children ages 4 to 8, which tells the story of two men who fall in love after joining forces to defeat a dragon and later marry. Another book frequently referenced during oral arguments was "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," which follows a young girl processing her favorite uncle's decision to marry another man. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the case by late June.
