Some big name evangelicals were in the mid-state Monday night to reinforce the conventional meaning of family.
Early voting begins Wednesday, and Christian conservatives are taking advantage of a final chance to sway a vote.
Christian conservatives are pulling out the big guns, calling on the likes of Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson and Richard Land with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Two different family functions at two different churches expressed two sides over one very divisive amendment.
Those on the no side said changing the state constitution is not only dangerous, it's unnecessary.
"We have a law that defines marriage. There is no need to put this in our constitution," Randy Tarkington, with the Tennessee Equality Project said.
But even the prospect is drawing some evangelical heavy hitters, like Dobson. The group Stand For The Family said it's politics at play.
Its three-stop tour touches states with neck and neck races, and the option to amend the meaning of marriage.
"There's a very important senate race. There's an open seat in the US Senate. That doesn't happen very often," Tom Minnery with Focus On The Family said.
Their opposition was at the Glendale Baptist Church, where a couple hundred people celebrated all families, not just ones with moms and dads.
Partners Debrina and Sherry are mothers of two.
"We're concerned about the same things that others are concerned about - the health, the care, the education of our children," Debrina Dills said.
In a debate that pits church against church, party against party, the answer ultimately rests with voters.
If the yet votes win, the constitution will define marriage between a man and a woman. Of the no votes win, the constitution remains as it is, leaving the marriage debate up for discussion. It does not mean a green light for same sex marriage.
Pride Travel Guide
Pride Month is a time of celebration and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community, and what better way to immerse yourself in the festivities than by visiting some of the best destinations for Pride events? These cities offer vibrant parades, festivals, and a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism. In this Pride travel guide, we'll explore the nine best places to visit for Pride Month and links to pride organizations in each city.
New York City Pride
NYC Pride
Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash
New York City is known for its lively Pride celebrations, attracting millions each year. The city has a rich LGBTQ+ history, including the famous Stonewall Riots in 1969, which marked a turning point in the fight for gay rights. Neighborhoods like Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, Greenwich Village, and the Lower East Side are hubs of LGBTQ+ culture. Take advantage of the iconic New York City Pride March, one of the largest Pride parades in the world.
Learn More NYC Pride
Chicago Pride
Chicago Pride Parade
Photo by Meg on Unsplash
Chicago has a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and is home to vibrant queer neighborhoods like Andersonville and Boystown. The city's Pride festivities include the Pride in the Park festival, featuring renowned artists and local favorites, and the Chicago Pride Parade, a colorful procession celebrating diversity and equality. Explore the local nightlife and visit LGBTQ+ landmarks to immerse yourself in Chicago's queer culture.
Learn More Chicago Pride
San Francisco Pride
San Francisco Pride
Photo by Joseph Barrientos on Unsplash
Known as the "Gay Capital of the World," San Francisco is a must-visit destination for Pride Month. The city has a strong LGBTQ+ community and a history of activism. The Castro, The Mission, and SoMa are vibrant neighborhoods that offer a range of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments. Don't miss the annual Trans March, a significant event for transgender visibility, and join in the festivities during San Francisco Pride.
Learn More San Francisco Pride
Amsterdam, Netherlands Pride
Amsterdam Pride
Photo by Mario Gogh on Unsplash
Amsterdam has long been a haven for the LGBTQ+ community and is famous for its tolerant and inclusive atmosphere. The city hosts a lively Pride festival known as Amsterdam Gay Pride, which includes the world-renowned Canal Parade. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, visit the Homomonument, and explore the many LGBTQ+-friendly venues Amsterdam offers.
Learn More Amsterdam Gay Pride
Berlin, Germany Pride
Berlin Pride
Photo by Anastasia Nelen on Unsplash
Berlin is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene and vibrant and inclusive Pride events. The city hosts the Christopher Street Day (CSD) festival, a week-long celebration of diversity and equality. Enjoy the city's colorful parade, street parties, and cultural events. Berlin's LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, such as Schöneberg and Kreuzberg, offer a wide range of queer-friendly venues.
Learn More Berlin CSD
Tel Aviv, Israel Pride
Tel Aviv Pride
Photo by Guy Tsror on Unsplash
Tel Aviv has gained a reputation as one of the most gay-friendly cities worldwide. The city's Pride events are known for their energetic atmosphere, including a massive Pride Parade along the beachfront promenade. Tel Aviv's LGBTQ+ scene is thriving, with various bars, clubs, and cultural events catering to all interests. Experience the vibrant nightlife and enjoy the city's beautiful beaches during Pride Month.
Learn More Tel Aviv Pride
Mexico City, Mexico Pride
Mexico City Pride
Photo by Ana Moreno on Unsplash
Mexico City has emerged as a vibrant and inclusive destination for the LGBTQ+ community. The city's Pride celebrations, known as Marcha del Orgullo LGBTTTI, attract thousands of participants worldwide. Enjoy the colorful parade, live performances, and cultural events that showcase Mexico City's diverse queer community. Explore the LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods of Zona Rosa and Condesa, where you'll find a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Learn More Marcha del Orgullo LGBTTTI
Montreal, Canada Pride
Montreal Pride
Photo by Martin Reisch on Unsplash
Montreal is known for its lively arts and cultural scene, and its Pride celebrations are no exception. The city hosts Canada's largest Pride festival, Fierté Montréal, attracting visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Pride Parade and immerse yourself in the diverse events, including drag shows, film screenings, and concerts. Explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ village in the heart of a city that offers a variety of bars, clubs, and shops.
Learn More Fierté Montréal
Brighton, United Kingdom Pride
Brighton, located on the southern coast of England, is renowned for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. The city hosts Brighton Pride, one of the UK's biggest Pride events, attracting diverse participants. Enjoy the Pride Parade, colorful street parties, and live performances across the city. Brighton's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene can be found in the Kemptown neighborhood, where you'll discover a variety of queer-friendly establishments.
Learn More Brighton Pride
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HIV progress with treatment plans.
By Dr. Thanes Vanig, Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Spectrum Medical Care Center
I saw my first case of HIV when I was a medical student in Bangkok, and it was incredibly sad. I compare the beginning of the HIV epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic when the disease was an alarming mystery. Patients were locked up in their rooms. We had to wear gowns, gloves, masks, a suit, and full personal protective equipment, just to see them. We were afraid of what we didn’t know.
In 1996, just one year before I opened Spectrum Medical Care Center, a major medical breakthrough changed everything for people with an HIV-positive diagnosis. You could now survive HIV, thanks to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. I went from regularly losing patients to seeing my patients live full lives. We now have the tools and medicine to treat people living with HIV as well as those who are at risk of acquiring HIV.
I think the end of the HIV epidemic is possible but only attainable through testing. This is why reducing the stigma around HIV is so important. Stigma is rooted in fear and prevents people from not just getting tested but seeking medical care and medications so their viral load is undetectable. When a person’s viral load is undetectable, they cannot transmit the virus to others (undetectable equals untransmittable). Knowing your status helps you choose options to stay healthy and protect others. For National HIV Testing Day on June 27 and beyond, join the effort to end the HIV epidemic by doing the following:
- Get Tested. HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting HIV, not just certain groups of people. HIV testing is the pathway to getting the care needed to stay healthy, regardless of your test result, and there are free testing resources available in your community. For instance, our “Testing After Dark” program provides free HIV and STI testing from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at our clinic. And this year, Walgreens, a household name, is organizing a national effort to end HIV by delivering free HIV testing and information through partnerships with health departments and community organizations across the country. We’ll be teaming up with one of the Walgreens locations in Phoenix to provide free HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day, and you can find a participating store near you by searching this interactive map.
- Self Reflection. Take time to self-reflect on whether you hold negative attitudes or beliefs about people living with HIV. Believing that only a certain group of people can get HIV, making moral judgments about people who take steps to prevent HIV transmission, or feeling that people deserve to get HIV because of their choices, all contribute to stigma.
- Talk Openly. When you talk openly about HIV, it can help normalize the subject. It also provides the space to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV. But be mindful of how you talk about HIV and people with HIV. Learn which words have negative meanings for people at risk for or living with HIV and which are empowering. Be intentional when you choose your words and mindful of how they can affect those around you.
- Take Action. You can make a difference in stopping HIV stigma by learning more about HIV and sharing that knowledge with others- in person or on social media. I encourage you to get out and meet people who are living with HIV at community events and rallies. Connect with them, hear their stories, and perhaps you’ll find they’re not so different from you after all.
Dr. Thanes Vanig is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Spectrum Medical Care Center, a Phoenix-based clinic that specializes in state-of-the-art, competent, and compassionate primary care for LGBTQ+ patients. Vanig, who is internationally recognized in HIV Medicine, speaks, publishes, and advises regularly. Dr. Vanig serves on the City of Phoenix Fast Track Cities Initiative and is a leader for the Maricopa START (State of Arizona Rapid Treatment) Program, immediately linking newly diagnosed HIV patients to care.)
National Pride Grant money
The LGBTQIA+ National Grant allows eligible small businesses to receive one of 25 grants totaling $25,000. Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led companies generating over $1 million in revenue and creating premium-wage jobs. To be eligible, the company's founder must identify as LGBTQIA+, have an active U.S.-based business, be the CEO, President, or owner, and employ between 2 and 50 employees
SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) May 06, 2023 -- Founders First CDC (Founders First), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers the expansion of diverse founder-led, revenue-generating businesses alongside TurningPoint Executive Search, is pleased to announce that the inaugural National Pride Grant, a grant fund to support U.S. based LGBTQIA+ small business owners, is now open for pre-registration.
The LGBTQIA+ National Grant allows eligible small businesses to receive one of 25 grants totaling $25,000. Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led companies generating over $1 million in revenue and creating premium-wage jobs. To be eligible, the company's founder must identify as LGBTQIA+, have an active U.S.-based business, be the CEO, President, or owner, and employ between 2 and 50 employees. In addition, annual business revenue should be at most $5M. Pre-registration for the grant has begun, and full registration begins on May 6, 2023. June 6, 2023, is the application deadline, and semi-finalists will be notified by June 18, 2023, with finalists being announced later that month.
Since launching, Founders First CDC has awarded more than $620,000 to minority and underserved business owners throughout the United States, focusing on Texas, Chicago, Southern California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey regions.
“Receiving a grant through Founders First CDC was a turning point for my law firm. With their support, I was able to participate in an accelerator course that provided me with essential business skills and transformed my mindset, enabling me to take on the role of CEO. The program culminated in a pitch contest that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and I’m grateful for the experience.” ... Daniel Hernandez CEO/Principal Attorney NextLevel Law
"Given the current state of our economy, small business owners are feeling the brunt of the rising cost of living, inflation, and the challenges to provide goods and services for their customers," says Shaylon Scott, executive director of Founders First CDC. “This is our first year hosting the Pride Grant, and we are so excited. Our mission at Founders First is to support the needs of diverse communities.” ...Kim Folsom, founder, chairperson, and CEO of Founders First adds, “The LGBTQIA+ is one of many underserved and under-resourced groups we look to support through our small business grants and accelerator programs. By providing recognition and representation, this grant also brings inspiration to other LGBTQ+ business owners.”
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the United States alone. Of this group, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) estimated in 2017 that its 900+ members have created 33,000 jobs and have contributed $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy.
Shaylon Scott adds, “LGBTQ-owned small businesses are essential for a thriving LGBTQ+ community and an inclusive economy. These businesses create local jobs and provide needed goods and services. U.S.-based LGBTQ+ businesses can apply for the National Pride Grant. Twenty-five businesses will receive $1,000 each, and they can use those funds for anything to support their business, whether it's marketing, technology, or something else to support their business growth.”
These types ofLGBTQIA+ grants are essential. According to the Federal Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS), of those LGBTQIA+ businesses denied financing, they were more likely than non-LGBTQ businesses to explain that weak sales led to their denial (35% vs. 26%). They added that lenders did not approve financing for “businesses like theirs” (33% vs. 24%) or that lack of documentation contributed to their rejection for funding (15% vs. 6%). Also, from this survey, 85% of LGBTQIA+ firms reported the pandemic negatively affected their business, compared to only 76% of non-LGBTQ firms.
Besides applying for this grant starting May 6, 2023, how can folks help now? Shaylon Scott explains, “everyone can be a force for change by supporting this grant, sharing it with their friends and family, and business owners in their communities. You can also support our cause by donating to the grant fund, which allows us to continue to help more diverse small businesses across the country.”
For more information and to pre-register, go to National Pride Grant.
About Founders First CDC
Founders First CDC is a non-profit 501c3 that was founded in 2015 and has received significant support from the regional community reinvestment banks to empower diverse founder-led, revenue-generating small businesses through three primary programs: (1) Founders Challenge; (2) Founders Bootcamp; and (3) Founders FastPath. By building recurring revenues, tech-enablement, and essential solution focus, Founders First is a catalyst for positive change for underserved entrepreneurs and founders to become leading employers in their communities. Learn more at www.foundersfirstcdc.org.
About TurningPoint Executive Search
Businesses rely on TurningPoint to hire top-notch, ethical, and thoroughly screened professionals in a timely manner and at a fair price. Our executive search firm provides a personalized and collaborative approach to executive recruiting, delivering more than just a simple resume or bio. Our process leverages in-depth research, direct recruiting, and comprehensive in-person screening to produce a well-rounded slate of candidates for each search. We source and present candidates with the technical skills, business acumen, and communication style that will impact our client’s top and bottom lines. Our clients expect this type of engagement from their executive recruitment partner.