Dignity and Pride

History was made on May 9, 2012, when President Obama announced that he supports same-sex marriage. It was a huge win for the LGBT community and all who believe in marriage equality.

LIKEME Lighthouse founder Chely Wright summed it up well in her official statement:

“President Obama’s public affirmation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is an historic moment in American history. Our president has made a bold statement about leadership and equality – and his statement will have a profound effect on the lives of LGBT Americans, young and old. President Obama’s powerful words will echo all over the nation– galvanizing the message that all Americans deserve dignity and that their equality matters.”

The word dignity is one of the salient words in her statement. Isn’t that really what all people ultimately want in their personal lives?

We’ve recently seen an example of legislation that does not promote dignity in any way: Missouri House Bill 2051, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, would prevent teachers from discussing homosexuality and LGBT issues in high schools unless they are talking scientifically about reproduction. This is a dangerous bill that, if passed, could have significant negative repercussions for high school students at a critical period of self-esteem development. The bill is not now on the House calendar, and the next few weeks will determine whether it moves out of committee or stands a chance of making it to a vote.

This bill inspired another act of courage when on May 2, 2012, Missouri Rep. Zach Wyatt (R-Kirksville) came out as a gay man and the only openly gay Republican in the Missouri House. He spoke out against HB 2051 by saying, “Stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids by addressing bullying in our schools.”
We applaud Rep. Wyatt and our other legislators who show courage when such blatant discrimination is introduced into legislation. And in June, when we celebrate gay pride festivals around the world, it’s good to know that some politicians, including the leader of the free world, will still stand up for the dignity of others.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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