Official video released for Taron Egerton’s version of Elton John’s “Rocket Man”
Will you see “Rocket Man”?

www.queerty.com/official-video-released-taron-egertons-version-elton-johns-rocket-man-20190502?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Be a Part of History By Volunteering for WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50

This summer, get ready to celebrate Pride like never before. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, NYC Pride is hosting WorldPride, the first time the massive international celebration has come to America in the event’s nearly 20 year history.

Iconic events like the NYC Pride March and PrideFest will be bigger and better than ever before, while the entire month of June will boast an array of events and activities in the city where the contemporary LGBTQ+ liberation movement began.

All that’s missing is you.

“I grew up in the midwest, not necessarily the most welcoming place for people who were different,” said Brian Heck, a fifth year Pride volunteer. “When I first came to New York and saw the march, I was really inspired by all the diversity I saw; I knew then that I wanted to save up money so I could move to New York.”

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From cosplay to cinema, there are activities awaiting to please every stripe in the LGBTQ+ rainbow. In fact, WorldPride 2019 is themed “Millions of moments of Pride” celebrating the countless diverse experiences of our unique community.

“My first Pride was in 1998,” said 20-year Pride volunteer, Diana. “Other people have told me, ‘Diva, you did Pride in 1998, and you’re still doing it?’ I say ‘Well, it’s something that I like and I enjoy, so I’m going to continue doing it.’”

There are so many ways to be a part of WorldPride, but the most important way is to volunteer. This movement was started by LGBTQ+ people, and it’s the community that will continue this fight for acceptance, equality and dignity. With such a massive non-profit event coming together, volunteers are crucial part of WorldPride’s success.

“I wanted to be a volunteer, because this is how we bring that to the next generation,” said second-year volunteer Hannah Simpson. “To say this didn’t end 50 years ago, this just began.”

When volunteering with NYC Pride, there’s a chance to make real, significant input to the planning and execution of the largest Pride celebration in New York City’s history. Organizers work with volunteers to find a suitable assignment that leverages their temperament, experience and personal preference.

In addition to the satisfaction of being part of the history-making affair, volunteers have the chance to forge connections and support other members of the community. Long-lasting friendships are created between volunteers, and the experience is designed to re-energize the community. Volunteers are motivated by helping others, and they inspire the people they work with.

“It’s necessary for me to stand up and speak out and volunteer and inspire,” said first-year volunteer Keith Young. “It’s my purpose to help people.”

Volunteers have a unique opportunity to especially affect change with the younger generation.

If you’re interested in volunteering at WorldPride this summer visit nycpride.org/volunteer.

“People who want to help out and volunteer who are under 21, a lot of them do not have the support from their family, they’re not out, they’re looking for that sense of community,” Heck said. “We’re here to let them know that it’s ok, and they don’t have to go through this alone.”

The post Be a Part of History By Volunteering for WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50 appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Be a Part of History By Volunteering for WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50

Trump-Pence Admin Allows Medical Providers to Deny Lifesaving Care to LGBTQ People

HRC responded to the Trump-Pence administration’s latest attempt to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a final version of a regulation that would allow medical providers to cite their personal beliefs in refusing to provide a broad spectrum of services — including lifesaving care for LGBTQ patients.

“The Trump-Pence administration’s latest attack threatens LGBTQ people by permitting medical providers to deny critical care based on personal beliefs,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. “The administration’s decision puts LGBTQ people at greater risk of being denied necessary and appropriate health care solely based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone deserves access to medically necessary care and should never be turned away because of who they are or who they love.”

HHS announced today the issuance of the final rule that will sanction discrimination by healthcare providers who believe their personal beliefs should determine the care a patient receives. The rule could allow virtually any individual or entity involved in a patient’s care — from a hospital’s board of directors to the receptionist that schedules procedures — to put personal beliefs ahead of a patient’s health. This regulation will undoubtedly empower health care providers to deny necessary care to LGBTQ people and women.

This regulation will deter health care organizations and providers from taking necessary action to guarantee that all patients have access to the care they not only deserve but also are legally entitled to. In practice, the broad reach of the rule could allow health care providers to refuse to provide not only abortion and sterilization procedures, but also to deny treatment or preventative care for AIDS or HIV, hormone therapy treatment and transition related care and in-vitro fertilization for lesbians, single women or interfaith couples. The rule is especially dangerous for those already facing barriers to care, particularly LGBTQ patients, patients of color and those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Fear of discrimination causes many LGBTQ people to avoid seeking health care, and when they do enter care, studies indicate that LGBTQ people are not consistently treated with the respect that all patients deserve. Studies show that 56% of LGB people and 70% of transgender and gender non-conforming people reported experiencing discrimination by health care providers — including refusal of care, harsh language and physical roughness because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, 23% of transgender respondents did not see a doctor when they needed to because of fear of being mistreated as a transgender person and a startling 55% of transgender respondents who sought coverage for transition-related surgery were denied. Delay and avoidance of care due to fear of discrimination compounds the significant health disparities experienced by LGBTQ people.

www.hrc.org/blog/trump-pence-admin-allows-medical-providers-to-deny-care-to-lgbtq-people?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s long-standing support for the LGBTQ community is highlighted in ‘Ask Dr. Ruth’

www.glaad.org/blog/dr-ruth-westheimers-long-standing-support-lgbtq-community-highlighted-ask-dr-ruth

Trump Announces ‘Conscience Rule’ That Threatens LGBTQ Health Care

The Department of Health and Human Services released the final version of a rule excusing health care providers from procedures they object to.

www.advocate.com/politics/2019/5/02/trump-announces-conscience-rule-threatens-lgbtq-health-care

Far-right group tries making viral meme, becomes laughingstock instead
Fail.

www.queerty.com/far-right-group-tries-making-viral-meme-becomes-laughingstock-instead-20190502?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Taron Egerton Releases Updated Version of ‘Rocket Man’ Ahead of Elton Biopic Release: WATCH

Taron Egerton released a new version of Elton John’s classic “Rocket Man” ahead of the release of the biopic of the same name. Egerton sings all the tracks in Rocketman and the soundtrack is available for pre-order.

An official video featuring new footage from the film was released alongside the track.

Said Elton in a press release about the soundtrack: “It was so important that the music I composed and recorded had to be sung by Taron. I wanted his interpretation of me, through Bernie’s lyrics & my music – not just acting. I didn’t want to be in Taron’s shadows, watching over the process, I trusted them to do what they needed to do, artistically, and listening back I’ve been astonished with the results. Getting the music right was the most important thing, as the songs in the film are integral to the story.”

Added Egerton: “The beauty of having Elton involved with the film is we’ve been able to work with him to see how far we can take these classic songs. Giles Martin has impeccable taste and massive skills to bring the songs to a place where they are faithful and daring as well.”

The post Taron Egerton Releases Updated Version of ‘Rocket Man’ Ahead of Elton Biopic Release: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad Gay News.

Taron Egerton Releases Updated Version of ‘Rocket Man’ Ahead of Elton Biopic Release: WATCH