This annual fundraiser has become a hot ticket for snagging some great art for cheap. All 9 x 12 pieces are by local artists and each cost $50. Original art at that price, heck, buy a few. The event helps to keep the gallery running and celebrates art on the more edgy and quirky side. Or give the chocolates and roses a break and consider a piece as a unique Valentine’s gift. See? We got your back. Just get there early.
DEETS: Kettle Art, 2714 Elm St. 7 p.m. KettleArt.org.
Photos by David Taffet/Dallas Voice
“This rock musical adaptation of an 1891 German play is set against the backdrop of a progressive and provincial late 19th century Germany. Spring Awakening tells the timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality through the eyes of three teenagers. Haunting and provocative, Spring Awakening celebrates an unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood. The musical won multiple Tony Awards (8 awards including Best Musical).”
— from WaterTowerTheatre.org
DEETS: WaterTower Theatre, 15650 Addison Road, Addison. 7:30 p.m. $20–$50. WaterTowerTheatre.org.
The legendary venue Sons of Hermann Hall celebrates a century this weekend and as part of the vast music lineup, LGBT faves Patrice Pike and Kathy & Bella join in on the celebration. Two days of Texas music in this Dallas gem is pretty much the equivalent to heaven.
DEETS: SOHH, 3414 Elm St. $25–$45. SonsOfHermann.org.
The following is from HRC’s Editorial and Web Content Manager, Carolyn Simon:
African-American leaders are some of the strongest voices advocating for equality. And no wonder. The civil rights victories during the 1960s, led by the black civil rights movement, helped propel civil rights advancements for many communities, including the LGBT community.
There’s U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who gave an impassioned speech on the House floor, urging his fellow representatives to “vote yes” on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” There’s Whoopi Goldberg, a comedian, actor and a New Yorker for Marriage Equality. There’s Bishop John Selders, a founding member of HRC’s Religion Council, who speaks eloquently about the role of sexuality-based stigma in contributing to the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic – especially within communities of color. There are Drs. Johnnetta Cole and Michael Lomax, black educators and scholars who are unafraid to raise the issue of LGBT inclusion in black higher education. And there are Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale and Lee Daniels, who are showing our black LGBT youth that being black and being out as LGBT is a powerful way to walk in this world.
We salute and celebrate these and countless other African-American leaders – straight allies and LGBT people – each February as part of Black History Month. HRC is thankful each and every day that we can draw strength from the diversity of the LGBT community and our allies.
Some of HRC’s most important initiatives – such as the Historically Black Colleges and Universities program – demonstrate that African-American LGBT people and straight allies are critical to winning the fight for equality.
“Our sisterhood and our brotherhood – black, gay and straight alike – are found in the common hopes and dreams that we all share for full equality and freedom,” said Cuc Vu, HRC’s Chief Diversity Officer.
She sent out two tweets acknowledging the victory as well as the above photo.
"Can't hold back the tears+pride. We did it!i Our voice was heard + today the Senate REPEALED DADT. A triumph for equality after 17 YEARS" and "Today I am so proud to be American. I wish I was home so I could throw a Parade. We are on the way…to full equality."
Other celebrity reactions:
Neil Patrick Harris tweeted: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell REPEALED! So proud of Congress for making the right decision. Now all soldiers can serve with integrity. A great day.
Ricky Martin wrote: "One step closer to #equality!! #DADT is gone!Historical!"
Ellen DeGeneres: "Thank you Senators for pushing us one step closer towards full equality."
OH SNAP — Chaz Bono attends GLAAD's 25th anniversary party in Los Angeles on Friday night, where guests "hissed at mentions of Anita Bryant, Laura Schlessinger, John McCain and Mel Gibson."
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Tagged: Celebs, gay inc., GLAAD, Los Angeles, Oh Snap, Parties, Photos
Earlier this week, HRC teamed up with The Boys Home of Jacksonville, and JASMYN (Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network) to celebrate National Adoption Month with a forum for the LGBT community. The Boys Home was the first agency in Florida to participate in All Children—All Families (ACAF), and is working toward implementing our recommended “best practices” for working with the LGBT community. The Boys Home prepares foster parents and does the pre-adoptive education and licensing, and they are eager to welcome all qualified families, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
JASMYN provides direct support and services to LGBTQ youth, many of whom are in foster care after being rejected by their parents. We were joined by Maria Bates, Director of Patchwork Project, the second Florida agency to participate in ACAF. Maria not only has vast experience as an adoption attorney, but is an adoptive parent of two children.
With the recent decision by the Florida Department of Child and Family Services to stop enforcing the “gay adoption” ban, there are new and exciting opportunities for LGBT individuals and couples to expand their families through adoption. Jacksonville is no exception—100 people packed the room to view the film Gay Parents Speak* and to hear from experts in the field about the pathways to adoption.
Men and women, both single and partnered, joined us to explore opportunities to adopt in Florida. In addition to these prospective adoptive parents, a number of local attorneys and community leaders were there showing their support and answering questions. The questions ranged from “nuts and bolts” of the process, costs associated with adoption, what to expect from the home study, and what it is like to adopt older youth from foster c
are. There was great energy in the room and deep appreciation to HRC and the local organizations for providing this important forum in Jacksonville. At the end of the evening, Jerry Walters, Director of The Boys Home, shared that six people had signed up to attend their next orientation session, moving ever closer to finding permanent families for Florida’s waiting children.
*You can join HRC on November 30 at 4 PM EST for a live online showing of the film Gay Parents Speak. After the film, we are hosting a virtual panel during which experts will answer your questions on adoption. RSVP Today!
