Savor the Supreme Court Rulings, Then Press On

The June 26 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage, makes permanent the landmark federal District Court ruling that found the ban unconstitutional.
Although this is a great moment for California couples and families, 37 states still treat gay and lesbian citizens and their children as unequal and second-class. Today, we celebrate with those who now have the freedom to marry, but we know that there are millions of others across the country who will still be treated as second-class. Tomorrow, our community will continue the work to achieve the freedom to marry for ALL lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
Soon, same-sex couples will be able to legally marry in 13 states and Washington, D.C. More than 93 million Americans – nearly a third of the population – live in a jurisdiction where they have the freedom to marry. Contrary to the opposition’s scary predictions, when gay people share in the freedom to marry, that makes families stronger, which makes communities, states, and our nation stronger — and no one is hurt. The Supreme Court itself has stated 14 times that marriage is a fundamental right.
The Supreme Court’s same-day ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is an enormous victory and a joyous day for loving, married couples and for American families – and for equal justice under the law. DOMA, a 1996 federal law, barred the U.S. government from recognizing the marriages of same sex couples. Section 3 of the law denied federal benefits to same-sex married couples. In striking Section 3 down, the Supreme Court affirmed that all loving and committed couples who marry deserve equal legal respect and treatment.
Ironically, the downfall of DOMA now becomes one of the best arguments for nationwide marriage equality.  The patchwork of protections that differ between the states and the federal government is in itself a reason for one national standard, and that’s marriage.
With Section 3 of DOMA gone, the Obama administration must take every possible step to ensure that every lawfully married couple across the country is treated with the equality that our Constitution guarantees.
This ruling means that thousands of married lesbian and gay couples can better protect one another and their children because they will no longer be discriminated against in federal policies intended to support families, like inheritance laws.
With the goal of nationwide protections from discrimination and marriage equality in all 50 states, we will build from the ground up – passing local and state laws, expanding our work with institutions like corporations and hospitals and schools, and overturning the state constitutional amendments that remain roadblocks to full equality.
You shouldn’t have to live in one of just a few states to be treated with respect. And we won’t stop fighting until full equality reaches every single person in every corner of this vast country.
Caleb-Michael Files is a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

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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