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Ed note: As we went to publish this last episode and commentar we got great news about the Don't Say Gay Law: Roberta Kaplan for another Extraordinary Win The settlement over Florida's contentious “Don't Say Gay” law, officially termed the Parental Rights in Education Act, has garnered attention for clarifying the scope of discussions allowed within educational settings regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. This settlement, the result of legal challenges led by organizationg across the state and negotiated ultimately by Roberta Kaplan, a renowned advocate for LGBTQ+ rights with a history of significant legal victories, including the landmark United States v. Windsor case and the recent win against Donald Trump. Teachers can say “gay” but can't “teach” gay…. or something like that The agreement allows teachers in Florida to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, thereby addressing concerns about the law's perceived restrictions on such conversations, while maintaining the prohibition on explicit instruction about gender identity and sexuality that the law initially set out to enforce. Famous Island House Both proponents of the law and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have declared the settlement a victory. Advocates for the law argue that it retains its core principles by keeping explicit discussions on sexuality and gender identity out of the curriculum, but LGBTQ+ advocates view the settlement as a win for inclusivity and freedom of speech, sends something of a message to young people about their right to exist and to be seen as it does for LGBTQ teachers and staff. The broader reaction to the settlement has been mixed, reflecting the deeply polarized views on how sexuality and gender identity should be addressed in schools. And the good queer folks of Key West have been part of that resistance and are not likely to back down… Supporting Our Communities Behind Florida Lines The Keys, particularly Key West, defy the conventional norms of Florida. It's a place where you can say “gay” as freely as the ocean breeze that sweeps through its streets and listen to drag queens spin tales in the heart of town. From its rebellious beginnings to its present-day celebration of life on the fringe, Key West has always welcomed individuality. Going One Better. Keep Key West Gay is a Movement While this island paradise may seem off the beaten path, its off-center and off-color charm only adds to its allure. Tennessee Williams, who once remarked, ” we have all kinds in these parts,” encapsulating the diverse and inclusive nature of his community. It remains true today. And we're here to support that spirit. Join us? Be Yourself. All of You. In Public ICYMI, no visit would be complete without indulging in some key lime pie, enjoying brunch at any hour, losing your swimsuit for a few hours, or sipping on drinks as the sun dips below the horizon. But in Key West, it's not just about escaping reality; it's about embracing a lifestyle where the only rule is to be yourself. Whether you're seeking adventure, a little romance, a little less than romance, the perfect place to chill, or a little bit of everything, come experience the magic of Key West and maybe leave as a convert We hope that you've enjoyed our podcast series Gay Key West Uncovered, exploring and exposing some of the island's many charms. You can listen to the whole series on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Stitcher and more. View the full article

Published by AFP New York (AFP) – Beyonce's new country album features a long-rumored cover of Dolly Parton's beloved “Jolene,” as well as a number of country legend features including Willie Nelson. “Cowboy Carter” — the honkified second act of Queen Bey's “Renaissance” trilogy — was already out in parts of the world where the calendar had flipped to Friday, and will continue its global drop as the clock strikes midnight in each time zone. The 42-year-old megastar also covers Paul McCartney's “White Album” classic “Blackbiird,” which she stylizes with a double-i spelling. McCartney wrote the 1968 song about… Read More View the full article

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Published by DPA Investigators have arrested 1,357 suspected dealers and criminals within a few days during extensive drug raids in numerous French cities. As Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said in the eastern city of Dijon on Thursday, 751 of the suspects were already wanted by the judiciary. According to the information provided, many of them are now in custody. “We are taking dealers out of circulation in the long term,” the minister said, countering the accusation that the police actions had no long-term impact in neighbourhoods plagued by drug dealing. The police raids, dubbed “Tidy Place” in French, a… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP Washington (AFP) – The US administration of President Joe Biden on Thursday announced further protections for endangered species and their habitats, restoring a set of regulations weakened by Donald Trump. The new rules were touted as evidence of Biden's commitment to tackling climate change, though some environmental groups said the changes fell short of fully resurrecting necessary protections. “These revisions underscore our commitment to using all of the tools available to help halt declines and stabilize populations of the species most at-risk,” Martha Williams, director of the US Fish a… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story In the wake of his early departure from the U.S. House, a panel of Colorado Republicans will pick a candidate to serve out the final months of Rep. Ken Buck's term Thursday — a move that could threaten Lauren Boebert's bid to serve another term in Congress. Boebert, who formerly represented Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, announced last year that she would run to replace Buck in the more conservative 4th Congressional District. According to the Associated Press, whoever the panel of Republicans pick to contend a special election for the remainder of Buck's term “would be running in two … Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell explained his eviction from a Minnesota warehouse by suggesting he didn't pay rent as a favor to his landlord. A judge this week said Lindell would be evicted for owing First Industrial, L.P. more than $217,000. “All I'm hearing is Mike Lindell's in bankruptcy,” podcaster Steve Bannon told the pillow executive Thursday. “Are you going bankrupt? Are they seizing all the buildings over at, over at MyPillow?” Want more breaking political news? Click for the latest headlines at Raw Story. Lindell, who was wearing a bathrobe for the interview, called the story of his evict… Read More View the full article

Published by The Center Square (The Center Square) – In response to a lawsuit by a parent activist group who placed a ballot measure to change statewide educational policies for transgender minors, California Attorney General Rob Bonta backed his office's naming of the controversial initiative. Parent activist group Protect Kids California is currently collecting signatures for what it calls the Protect Kids of California Act of 2024, which would require schools to notify parents if children request to be treated as a different gender, block transgender females from participating in female sports, and mandate that students … Read More View the full article

Published by Global Voices Image by Arzu Geybullayeva This article was first published on OC Media. An edited version is republished here under a content partnership agreement. Azerbaijan's LGBTQI+ community was rocked by the news of yet another murder of a trans woman whose body was found on March 12 on the outskirts of the capital Baku. The news of the murder as well the victim's photos were circulated among the #LGBTQI+ community. Minority Azerbaijan, an LGBTQI+ rights organisation in a statement asked anyone with additional information to come forward in an attempt to aid the investigation. Meanwhile, LGBTQI+ activ… Read More View the full article

Published by AmoMama In a touching moment that beautifully captures the bond between a mother and her son, Barbra Streisand recently took to social media to share a proud maternal moment. Fans quickly responded to her Facebook post praising both the iconic songstress and her son. Barbara Streisand recently posted a photo of her son, Jason Gould, on what appears to be his new album cover. The photo elegantly showcases Gould standing against a wall, his leg bent in a relaxed pose, as he offers a warm smile towards the camera. Overlaid on the image are the words “Sacred Days.” Streisand accompanied the photo with a h… Read More View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Kathy Griffin said years after she posted a severed head photo of Donald Trump on social media, the ex-president's supporters are still coming for her. Luckily, she's learned to laugh about it. “They're crazed over me!” the comedian, 63, said on ABC's The View. “So there was an actual parade Sunday night at my show in Huntington, New York, and they had all these Trumpers, organize an anti-Kathy Griffin parade. It was kind of funny because they did have a bobbing redhead of me, an effigy, and they had — they were shouting ‘I'm a traitor' and all this other stuff. But the audience came and saw i… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP Nashville (AFP) – “Twenty-three in Music City / With dreams and high-heeled boots / Singin' for a crowd of blue eyes / Will they want me too?” croons Julie Williams at the Blue Room venue in Nashville. The 26-year-old, who is biracial, is one of many Black female artists carving out space in country music's capital, where predominantly white, male gatekeepers dictate who makes it — and who doesn't. Megastar Beyonce's highly anticipated country album, out Friday, has cast a spotlight on efforts by Black performers — a vital part of the genre's history — to create a more inclusive Nashville. … Read More View the full article

Sailing on the BluQ Key West's attractions don't stop at its shores, and this tropical paradise is just as friendly, and sometimes just as frisky, outdoors. Join us as we navigate some serene to sensational tropical highlights, exploring more of the island's captivating natural attractions in the upcoming episode of Gay Key West Uncovered. Butterflies Let's take a tip from Mother Nature and follow the sun. The Butterfly Conservatory may seem an unlikely outdoor destination, but it holds a special allure and enthusiast group of fans. Founded two decades ago by a gay couple following their dreams, this sanctuary offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the world of butterflies, who magically use the sun for their migration patterns. Whether you're drawn to the saucer-sized blue morpho butterflies, resident flamingos Rhett and Scarlet, or seeing newborn wings emerge from their cocoon, we highly recommend a walk through this fairytale world. Flamingos Rhett and Scarlett, at the Butterfly Conservatory Tennessee Williams found inspiration in Key West's setting sun, inspiring a nightly celebration on Mallory Square. Here, street performers, artists, and fortune tellers gather to showcase their talents against the backdrop of the island's famed sunsets. From knife and whip juggling to explanations of the island's “energy vortex,” it should be on every itinerary. But a beautiful way to get the inside story is by reading Drawn to Key West, by artist Theresa Chiechi, who has been attracted to its charms since she was a child. Sunset Celebration, Mallory Square Of course, the very best way we found to enjoy the sun was to expose ourselves to its full, unabashed, glory. While veteran sailor Nance Frank, and Captain Karen, from Venus Charters, describe getting out on the water as a reverent meditation, our somewhat less-introspective energies skew to BluQ. Clothing-optional all-male day trips have you sailing free as the breeze, snorkeling and swimming in nothing but Key West's bath temperature water, enjoying hors d'oeuvres and letting it all hang out on a beautiful sandbar with like-minded souls. As our host Bobby Hankinson reminds us, a truly memorable vacation lies in the unexpected. Key West consistently serves as a catalyst for a wide range of transformative experiences we never even knew we needed. Thank you again for tuning in to Gay Key West Uncovered, our six-part miniseries podcast showcasing Key West's locals telling their own story. Whether you seek romance, camaraderie, culinary delights, artistic inspiration, or simply a moment of relaxation in perfect weather, Key West offers an unforgettable and authentically gay getaway. And above all, it's the island's vibrant community that makes it truly special. Gay Key West Uncovered Transcript Transcript of Gay Key West Uncovered We've covered the bars, the restaurants, the gay guest houses, and the arts in Key West, but that's still just scratching the surface of what makes the island so special. On our final episode, we experience some of the wild and wonderful things you could only find in Key West. Welcome again to Gay Key West Uncovered, a miniseries exploring Key West, produced by towleroad. com in partnership with Key West Tourism. I'm your host. Bobby Hankinson, and after sticking with me for five episodes, I'm finally ready to share my number one favorite thing in all of Key West. And no, I'm not talking about the Jacuzzi at the Island House, though that's definitely up there. The one place I always make sure to visit is also the most recommended spot we heard from locals. Butterfly Observatory is so unique. Butterfly Museum. The Butterfly Observatory is so pretty. Butterfly Conservatory. They have flamingos. Uh, the Butterfly Conservatory. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is more than just a nature habitat. It's a passage into a fairy tale world. Birds and butterflies flap and flutter all around, some feeling classically Key West tipsy fermenting fruit scattered around in saucers. Two vibrant flamingos, appropriately named Red and Scarlet, splash and honk just in time. inches away from mesmerized guests. The only word to describe slowly stepping through into the glass domed enclosure is enchanting. When a shimmering, saucer sized blue morpho butterfly lands atop your arm or shoulder, it's hard not to want to break out into a Cinderella song. But even for those of us who are devoutly not Disney gays, the immersive habitat is such a radical departure from the din of our daily digital lives. Getting this close to Earth's wonders feels downright alien. Of course, the most interesting living creature on the grounds doesn't have wings at all. It's co founder and co owner George Fernandez. If you're really lucky, he'll personally and passionately take you on a tour. Here he is explaining why, when people describe butterflies as magical, they may just be right. Using the sun and the earth's magnetic field, they fly back up north, and that'll be the fourth and fifth generation. So what's coming back home are the great grandkids of the great grandparents that flew there earlier the year before. For 20 years, the Butterfly Conservatory has been more than just a must see, all ages attraction at the end of Duval Street. It's also an important part of the LGBTQ community's history and impact on the island. George founded the conservatory with his then romantic partner, who remains his business partner to this day. It was his vision. It was his dream of someday opening up a Butterfly Conservatory, but as I like to say, in reality, be careful what you wish for sometimes, because you're This will own you, and it has owned us for 20 years, but very proud to say that, uh, this is what I enjoy doing. It's my passion. The Butterfly Conservatory is an easy addition to any vacation agenda, and it's conveniently located steps away from the famed southernmost point buoy photo op. No trip to Key West is complete with at least one southernmost pick, just like you can't leave the island without catching at least one sunset at Mallory Square. The sky lights up in pinks and oranges as the sun dips below the horizon line just behind the cruise ships and sunset sails. Legend has it, Tennessee Williams started the island's first sunset celebration when he got caught applauding the sun's disappearance one day. Mallory Square is where the sunset celebration takes place and it's a nightly art festival. There's street performers, artists, food vendors, musicians, all different types of creative people. It's And they just kinda like, you know, perform, do their thing about two hours before sunset and two hours after sunset. That's Teresa Kiecki, an artist, illustrator, and an official expert on the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. While the Suns Disappearing Act may be the main event, it's hardly the only daily draw. It's here that Key West creatives put their talents on display to the delight of tourists and locals alike. It's a dazzling combination of stunt performers, comedians, musicians, and vendors who've made Mallory Square a meeting place for the island's artistic community. It kind of culminated at Mallory Square in like the 70s and the 80s, so that was just kind of like the natural space. for all of these cool creative minds to just like, enjoy the sunset. It wasn't about making money, it wasn't about, there was no agenda, it was just they were there to enjoy the sunset, play their music, do tricks. do all sorts of things. So, um, I think it was just kind of like the natural evolution of that spot. The Sunset Celebration is a big part of what brought Teresa down to Key West in the first place. After years visiting the island as a child, her fascination with the Sunset Performers inspired her to create Drawn to Key West, a lovingly crafted graphic novel that tells the history of the Sunset Celebration and includes interviews with some of the artists you'll see performing regularly today. Performers like Reed Ridiculous Conklin. I'm Ridiculous. I'm a whip and knife juggler at Mallory Square. And sometimes a comedian, and sometimes just a bum with a whip. Reed and the other artists stagger their performances, so you don't have to choose between watching someone balancing on a unicycle or juggling knives or swallowing fire. Each feat is impressive on its own, but the performers at Mallory Square are so much more than tricksters and stunt people. Their pop up shows are punctuated with lots of humor, as the performers do their most difficult juggling act, capturing and keeping the attention of crowds that drift in for sunset. According to Mayor Terry Johnston, the island's sunset celebrations are about to get even better and bigger. We're getting ready to do a, um, a renovation of Mallory Square because, you know, right now, you've seen it, it's an incredible venue, but we only use it three hours a day during sunset celebration because it's too hot. But we're putting sun sails, we're putting more greenery, you know, we're bringing some more activity, outdoor plays down there out of the back of the waterfront playhouse. But what You're not going to see change is our sunset celebration, which is going to be still the anchor of Mallory Square. At Mallory Square, you can feel the creative energy in the air. Then again, maybe it's not in the air. Maybe it's in the water. At least that's what Ron Augustine thinks. He's a tarot reader at Mallory Square and another one of the performers featured in Drawn to Key West. This is what no one will tell you, but this is only somebody that really knows this place. I've lived here a long time. This place is an energy vortex. It is. And what makes it so is there is a current that runs from the Bermuda Triangle around us into the Gulf of Mexico. It runs at a different speed and different temperature than the other water. That is the electrical thing. Even if you don't buy into the energetic power of the water surrounding Key West, it does have an undeniable allure. It's difficult to describe just how breathtaking the water in Key West can be. If only I knew a few experienced sailors who could put it all in perspective. Oh, wait. Remember Nance Frank? Champion sailor, global adventurer, and owner of Gallery on Green? Well, I learned how to swim before I could walk, and I've been in the water all my life. Um, I can't live without the water. I just can't. And on every Sunday I go boating. And it's just this peace, peace that comes over you when you're in the water. Peace when you're in the mangroves. It, it's just something that I never think about work or woes or worries when I'm in the water. It's just all so tranquil and beautiful. So you could be out there and there's nobody else around and there's no, you know, you don't have the TV, you don't have the radio. It's like quiet and the colors are just a magnificent turquoise and You know, blues and greens, and a lot of times the water's crystal clear. You can look down from the boat and see everything down there, and then you get in, it's a whole different world down there. You know, things you couldn't even imagine unless you do it. Of course, we had to ask Captain Karen. Lesbians love to fish. I take a lot of lesbians fishing here. Uh, snorkeling with dolphins, sunset. There are plenty of ways to get on the water. You can charter a trip with Captain Karen in Venus Charters, a great way to see North America's only living coral barrier reef. While Adrenaline Junkies can ride jet skis or go parasailing with businesses like Fury, Key West. Our personal favorite way to see the water is aboard a catamaran offering male only clothing optional excursions as well as LGBTQ plus sunset sails. When he's not working as a digital nomad and quoting Bob Dylan, Greg C. Slick, whom we first met in our premiere episode, is a first mate aboard the Blue Q. During the day trip you set sail and you go out for a four hour Sail and then you snorkel. One of our snorkel spots are out at a reef closer to Key West. Um, after doing that, if the weather is good, we head out to a sandbar and you just hang out there and you know, have some drinks and socialize and some snacks. Um, with the folks in the water around the boat, um, and then in the evening we watch a beautiful sunset for two hours and sail around. In my experience, the Blue Q has been a great way to meet other guys staying at different guest houses. The captain, first mate, and majority of guests drop their speedos once the boat gets comfortably away from shore. Like most things in Key West, it's a casual, friendly, go at your own pace sort of vibe. Though, sometimes, the ship isn't the only thing at half mast. Sometimes the guys can get a little frisky. Um, that can be entertaining as well. It's a fun vibe, you know, it's more of a party vibe. Treating your swimsuit for your birthday suit may be the best way to let the island's magic wash over you. I would argue at least one naked swim is an equally necessary item on your Key West bucket list. Don't just take it from me. Take it from Key West's most fabulous spokesman, Pony Charvette. You know, if I'm going swimming, the board shorts come off and there is nothing as magical as jumping into this crystal clear water that's 80 degrees. and you're truly free in every sense of the word. There is nothing like swimming naked in the waters of Key West. Having experienced it myself, it's tough to deny the transformative power of the waters of Key West. Lots of places can claim to have excellent food, wild nightlife, and ample art. But Key West proves the difference between merely a good vacation and a great one. A good vacation gives you a break from your everyday life, and Key West certainly does that. But a great vacation sends you back changed. And Key West has certainly changed me. Gay Key West Uncovered is produced by Towleroad and sponsored by Key West. For more information on LGBTQ travel to the Keys, go to FLA Keys. com View the full article

Published by ANI News Karachi [Pakistan], March 24 (ANI): The transgender or Khwajasira community organised a protest outside the Karachi Press Club on Saturday in response to a recent mob attack on transgender women in Gulistan-i-Jauhar on March 18, reported Dawn. One after the other, the transpersons shared their grievances during the demonstrations amid chants of “Jaagi jaagi moorat jaagi [the transpersons have awakened]”, “Hum pe afat tooti hai, ye azaadi jhoooti hai [we have been made miserable, this freedom is debatable] “, “Jab tak moorat tang rahe gi, jang rahe gi, jang rahe gi [till the time we are not at … Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Ricky Martin's dad urged him to come out as gay so he wouldn't teach his children to “lie”. The 52-year-old singer – who had twin sons Matteo and Valentino in 2008 via gestational surrogacy, as well as daughter Lucia, five, and son Renn, four, during his relationship with ex-husband Jwan Yosef – admitted he may not have come out in 2010 if it had not been for his former psychologist father Enrique Morales' advice. He told SiriusXM's ‘Andy Cohen Live' about how his professional team had warned him to hide his sexuality by telling him if he came out it “is gonna be the end of your career”. Ricky… Read More View the full article

Published by Euronews (English) Oh feebee Margot lay dag dag wabadebadoo chum cha turkey nurbler! Pardon me. For those not fluent in “Simlish” allow me to translate: To the delight of fans around the world, The Sims franchise is making its way to the big screen, with Margot Robbie's production company leading the charge. WooHoo! (If you know, you know.) Following the huge triumph of last year's Barbie, Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment is teaming up with Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment to bring the wildly ambitious live-action feature to life. The movie will be directed by Kate Herron, known for her work in ste… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP Washington (AFP) – Tucked in the massive funding bill signed Saturday by President Joe Biden is a provision banning the flying of LGBTQ Pride flags over US embassies, but the White House has vowed to work toward its repeal. The prohibition was one of many side issues included in the mammoth $1.2 trillion package to fund the government through September, which passed early Saturday shortly after a midnight deadline. As Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a conservative Christian, scrambled for votes to get the bill passed in his chamber, he “boasted” of the Pride flag ban as a reason his par… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Luke Evans felt “free” in London as a gay man. The 44-year-old actor left his hometown at 16, moving to Cardiff, then London to study acting, and Luke admits that he relished the anonymity that comes with living in a big city. Speaking to The Independent, Luke shared: “You could almost disappear. “That's the reason London appealed to me when I was a young man. You want to find your community, and often where [gay people] are brought up, there isn't one, or there's shame, or there's secrets. “To feel free, and to feel part of something, you go to a big city where you'll find people like you. It… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Robbie Williams worried he was “ugly” when people stopped questioning his sexuality. The ‘Angels' hitmaker – who has four children with wife Ayda Field – reflected on how the “top search” for his name was people asking if he was gay, but now that “no one seems to mention it”, he was left wondering if it was because men had stopped finding him attractive. Robbie shared a self-portrait on Instagram, in which he had coloured himself in rainbow stripes, and it bore the words: “For the longest time the top internet search for me was ‘Is Robbie Williams Gay?' No one seems to mention it these days. S… Read More View the full article

Published by Mirror By Liam Gilliver Sir Elton John turns 76 today – and the star looks more fabulous than ever. It's safe to say the award-winning musician has had an unrivalled career – picking up endless gongs for his chart-topping hits since the early 90s. The celeb's fearless dedication to ending the Aids epidemic has also earned him swathes of adoration from the queer community. Also, his daring outfits and eclectic sunglasses collection have made him a true fashion icon. But last year, Sir Elton John gutted the nation after announcing he would be retiring from touring to focus on his family. His husband Da… Read More View the full article

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Published by The Moscow Times Two teenage girls in Siberia were hospitalized after a young man assaulted them over their unconventional hairstyles, local media in the Krasnoyarsk region reported Monday. Security camera footage in the town of Minusinsk showed the young man approaching and punching one of the girls seated at a cafeteria table. Her friend, who is then seen attempting to stop him from leaving, is also punched in the face. According to the Vzglyad Info news outlet, the conflict broke out when the 16-year-old boy and his older friend confronted the girls, both students at a nearby art school, over their short ha… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story From legal analysts to political strategists, social media erupted on Sunday with people eager to pin Donald Trump with a new nickname. Trump, who has long been considered the king of political nicknames, has previously dubbed President Joe Biden “Sleepy Joe” and then, ultimately, “Crooked Joe.” Now, the internet would like to bestow a name upon the former president as he faces a crucial deadline to pay get a bond for hundreds of millions of dollars a court ordered him to pay for fraud. The name is Don “Poorleone.” The name appears to reference Trump's recent financial woes, as well as allegat… Read More View the full article