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LGBTQ

District Man Convicted Of Hate Crime After Violent Attack At Taylor Swift Dance Party: Feds District Man Convicted Of Hate Crime After Violent Attack At Taylor Swift Dance Party: Feds
District Man Convicted Of Hate Crime After Violent Attack At Taylor Swift Dance Party: Feds A District man has been convicted of a hate crime after a shocking attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Northwest DC, authorities announced. The conviction stems from an incident in August, when the man verbally and physically accosted attendees at the event, presumably because of their perceived LGBTQ+ status, officials said, then went a woman in charge of security at the event held at the 9:30 Club on U Street NW. According to prosecutors, on Saturday, Aug. 3, Siate verbally and then physically accosted multiple people outside of the 9:30 Club. First, he approached a line …
Three More Frat Boys In MD Targeting Man For Sexual Preferences Charged For Hate Crime: Police Three More Frat Boys In MD Targeting Man For Sexual Preferences Charged For Hate Crime: Police
Three More Frat Boys In MD Targeting Man For Sexual Preferences Charged For Hate Crime: Police There have now been 15 arrested reported in connection to an off-campus assault and hate crime reported near Salisbury University that resulted in a frat suffering sanctions. Three more teens have been identified and will face charges for their role in an assault after an incident last month when members and associates of a frat used a social media account to lure their victim to an area residence and targeted him "due to his sexual preference."  The latest to be charged:  Sean Antone, 19, of West Friendship; Benjamin Brandenburg, 18, of Glyndon; Logan Clark, 19, of Sever…
Meet Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw: NJ Politicians Vying For Menendez's Former Seat Meet Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw: NJ Politicians Vying For Menendez's Former Seat
Meet Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw: NJ Politicians Vying For Menendez's Former Seat Rep. Andy Kim, D-NJ and Curtis Bashaw, a business owner, are running for Sen. Bob Menendez's old senate seat after the disgraced senator resigned following his conviction on felony corruption charges. Here's a little bit about the two candidates: Kim has represented New Jersey's 3rd congressional district since 2019. He jumped into the race upon Menendez's indictment and fended off a challenge from First Lady Tammy Murphy, whose campaign struggled, forcing her to drop out before the primary. Kim's lasting impact in the race may be upending New Jersey's controversial "line" system. A j…
Hoboken Council Erupts In Celebration Honoring Local Music Legend Steve Fallon Hoboken Council Erupts In Celebration Honoring Local Music Legend Steve Fallon
Hoboken Council Erupts In Celebration Honoring Local Music Legend Steve Fallon Steve Fallon helped put the Hoboken music scene on the map. The owner of Maxwell's, the legendary music venue that played host to everyone from REM to Nirvana, was feted at the Hoboken City Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, receiving a standing ovation from the council and those at the meeting. "No one has ever accused the Hoboken city council of being cool but tonight we're kinda cool, because we're honoring Steve Fallon," Councilman Phil Cohen said. Fallon opened Maxwell's at 1039 Washington St. in 1978 and it quickly became the place to hear the hottest indie music. He also formed …
PA School Board Member Asked To Resign After Lewd Remarks About VP Harris PA School Board Member Asked To Resign After Lewd Remarks About VP Harris
PA School Board Member Asked To Resign After Lewd Remarks About VP Harris A school board member in Montgomery County is being asked by some parents to resign after making disparaging remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris. Souderton Area School Board Member William Formica is accused of writing on social media that Kamala Harris performed a sex act in response to a question about the vice president's political accomplishments. Parents and teachers have criticized Formica’s post as sexist and misogynistic, and say the Republican has a history of making offensive comments, including around LGBTQ issues. A petition is circulating asking Formica to resign. …
Anti-Gay Candidate Whose Brother Was Fired From NJ Job For Supporting Her Loses Big Anti-Gay Candidate Whose Brother Was Fired From NJ Job For Supporting Her Loses Big
Anti-Gay Candidate Whose Brother Was Fired From NJ Job For Supporting Her Loses Big It has not been a good week for the Gomez family. Valentina Gomez, who had been running in the Republican primary for Missouri Secretary of State, finished in sixth place on Tuesday, Aug. 6, receiving just 7.4% of  the vote, after a campaign filled with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.  Her brother, Jonathan Gomez-Noriega was fired from his job as an aide to Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop after donating $1,250 to Valentina's campaign. He apparently shared a recording of his phone call with the mayor with his sister, who promptly posted it on social media. Gomez-Noriega also resigned fr…
Jersey City Mayoral Aide Fired After Supporting Sister's Anti-Gay Political Campaign Jersey City Mayoral Aide Fired After Supporting Sister's Anti-Gay Political Campaign
Jersey City Mayoral Aide Fired After Supporting Sister's Anti-Gay Political Campaign An aide to Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop was fired after a show of support for his sister's political campaign known for its anti-gay rhetoric. Local political leaders, including Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Rep. Rob Menendez, D-NJ, also called for Jonathan Gomez-Noriega's resignation from the city's LGBTQ+ task force after it was revealed he made four donations to his sister, Valentina Gomez. Valentina is running for the Republican nomination for Missouri Secretary of State. Her brother's donations totaled $1,200. Last week, Valentina shared a video attacking transgender athletes…
Grindr Meetup Ends With Dismemberment Of PA 14-Year-Old: Affidavit Grindr Meetup Ends With Dismemberment Of PA 14-Year-Old: Affidavit
Grindr Meetup Ends With Dismemberment Of PA 14-Year-Old: Affidavit A 14-year-old transgender teenager from Western Pennsylvania met their alleged killer through the dating app Grindr, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by Daily Voice.  Dashawn Dale Depree Watkins, 29 of Sharon, is in the Mercer County Prison after bloody clothes and surveillance videos linked him to the brutal dismembering of 14-year-old Pauly Likens, the Pennsylvania State Police explained in a press release and court documents.  Likens was reported missing by "his" father (who does not acknowledge his son's transition to become a girl, the police explained in the affida…
Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says
Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says A restaurant in Asbury Park was fined after it was accused of having a dress code that discriminated against a nonbinary person, officials said. Brando’s Citi Cucina agreed to several punishments, including a $5,000 payment to the customer, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a news release on Friday, June 28. The restaurant was found to have violated the state's Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Investigators said Brando's refused to serve the customer because staff believed they weren't following the restaurant's dress code, banning men from wearing sleeveless shirts while …
'Hate Has No Home' Here: Bomb Threat Didn't Stop Drag Queen Story Hour In Newton 'Hate Has No Home' Here: Bomb Threat Didn't Stop Drag Queen Story Hour In Newton
'Hate Has No Home' Here: Bomb Threat Didn't Stop Drag Queen Story Hour In Newton The New Art Center said it would not be bullied into changing its mission after receiving a bomb threat shortly before its planned Drag Queen Story Hour over the weekend.  The call came in just after 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, claiming that bombs placed on the roof of the 61 Washington Park building would "go boom" at 11 a.m., said New Art Executive Director Emily O’Neil in a news release.  The caller did not mention the event by name, but the Drag Queen Story Hour was set to begin at 11 a.m. And events like it have also been the target of protests and threats in the past.  …
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Cyclists Ride For Popular LGBTQ+ Advocate Killed In Maryland Bicycle Crash Cyclists Ride For Popular LGBTQ+ Advocate Killed In Maryland Bicycle Crash
Cyclists Ride For Popular LGBTQ+ Advocate Killed In Maryland Bicycle Crash If it weren't for Scott Binde, the Resplendent Rappahannock Ride, Bike Berryville, and Prince William County Ride may not have happened. Now, those who knew and loved him are organizing two special rides just for him. Binde, 63, of Alexandria, VA, was struck by a Toyota 4Runner while trying to cross US Route 15 and Catoctin Furnace Road in Frederick, MD on Saturday, June 1, officials said. He was pronounced dead by first responders. Google Maps street view Binde's untimely death prompted an outpouring of support from the cycling and LGBTQ+ communities. Click here for details on the rid…
Popular CT Eatery Closes Suddenly Popular CT Eatery Closes Suddenly
Popular CT Eatery Closes Suddenly A popular Connecticut eatery known for its LBGQ+ events and drag shows has closed suddenly. Tisane Euro-Asian Café, Hartford's iconic tea house and cocktail bar for over 24 years, closed for good on Monday, May 13, with a note on Instagram making the announcement. Owned by Locals 8 Hospitality Group, the group's founder and CEO, Allie Gamble, said Locals 8 is making every effort to relocate Tisane’s staff to positions at other Locals 8 restaurants in the Greater Hartford area.  Gift cards will be honored at all other Locals 8 locations. Any tickets purchased for upcoming events will b…
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter 'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter A New Jersey bakery has received an influx of sweet support after receiving a bitter anti-Pride letter in the mail. Sweet n' Fancy Emporium on South Avenue East in Cranford a letter in the mail earlier this month, signed by the Citizens of Cranford. "As a concerned citizen that was about to shop at your site… I noticed the rainbow flag hanging in your window," the typed letter reads "I have notified all of my girlfriends who in turn have decided to boycott your store. It is not that we despise the flag… it is just we do not want to be associated with crazy left wingers who hate America." O…
Bomb Threat Disrupts Drag Queen Storybook Hour At Arlington Bar, Owner Fights Back With Love Bomb Threat Disrupts Drag Queen Storybook Hour At Arlington Bar, Owner Fights Back With Love
Bomb Threat Disrupts Drag Queen Storybook Hour At Arlington Bar, Owner Fights Back With Love Freddie Lutz calls his Arlington bar the only one that's straight-friendly LGBTQ+ in Northern Virginia. Adorned with gay flags and pink trim, Freddie's Beach Bar & Grill attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community, families with children, and people of all races, religions, and colors.  "We do karaoke, brunch, and we have drag shows," Lutz, 73, told Daily Voice. "It's kind of like the gay 'Cheers.'" On Saturday, April 7, two things happened for the first time at Freddie's:  The first, Drag Show Storybook Hour, an event where drag queens read books to children. The sec…
Coloring Books NOT Bomb Cancel Drag Queen Story Hour In Lancaster, Officials Coloring Books NOT Bomb Cancel Drag Queen Story Hour In Lancaster, Officials
Coloring Books NOT Bomb Cancel Drag Queen Story Hour In Lancaster, Officials An unmarked box of coloring books led the Lancaster Public Library to cancel a story hour scheduled for Saturday with a "professional drag entertainer" city officials told Daily Voice.  Christopher Paul Paolini known by the stage name of Miss Amie Vanité had been facing pushback from the Lancaster County commissioners about the children's Drag Queen Story Hour scheduled at the library.  A GoFundMe was launched to help the library after the commissioners threatened to pull public funding.  View this post on Instagram …
Drag Queen Story Hour Returns To Lancaster, County Commissioner NOT Happy Drag Queen Story Hour Returns To Lancaster, County Commissioner NOT Happy
Drag Queen Story Hour Returns To Lancaster, County Commissioner NOT Happy A Reading man who's a "professional drag entertainer" will be dressing up as a woman to read children's stories at the Lancaster Public Library — and a public official is speaking out against it.  Christopher Paul Paolini has been dressing up as Miss Amie Vanité for professional events for over 20 years and began including children's story hours in 2018, according to social media and the library.  Another Reading Pride 2022 Photo Dump!! 📸: Keeb Photography LLC Posted by Amie Vanité on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 Paolini has been a trustee at the West Read…
Founder Of LGBTQ+ Non-Profit In DC Charged For Fraud After 'Unexpected Return' To US: Feds Founder Of LGBTQ+ Non-Profit In DC Charged For Fraud After 'Unexpected Return' To US: Feds
Founder Of LGBTQ+ Non-Profit In DC Charged For Fraud After 'Unexpected Return' To US: Feds The trailblazing founder of Casa Ruby, a DC-based non-profit that provided services to the LGBTQ+ community is facing charges for alleged fraud and money laundering, according to prosecutors. Ruby Corado, 53, made her initial court appearance in DC on Wednesday to face charges for allegedly defrauding Paycheck Protection and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, and money laundering after fleeing the country, authorities announced. Specifically, Corado is accused of diverting at least $150,000 of $1.3 million in taxpayer-backed emergency relief funds, intended for the organi…
Transgender Virginia Senator Misgendered By Lt. Governor (VIDEO) Transgender Virginia Senator Misgendered By Lt. Governor (VIDEO)
Transgender Virginia Senator Misgendered By Lt. Governor (Video) Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears issued a public statement after misgendering a transgender senator from Prince William County. The exchange between Earle-Sears and Danica Roem, of Manassas, happened on the Senate floor Monday, Feb. 26. Daily Voice Roem, a Democrat who worked in local news for the better part of a decade, asked a question about a piece of legislation, and was addressed by Earle-Sears as "sir" in her response, footage shows. Roem then left the chamber. After a recess requested by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), Earle-Sears addressed the exchange, saying: "Let…
Devoted Maryland Nursing Educator Jane Solberg Dies, 33 Devoted Maryland Nursing Educator Jane Solberg Dies, 33
Devoted Maryland Nursing Educator Jane Solberg Dies, 33 Tributes are pouring in for Jane Jordan Solberg, a devoted nursing educator from Howard County who died Sunday, Dec. 31 at the age of 33. Born in Georgia, Jane graduated from the McDonogh School with honors in 2008, discovering her passion for theater, singing, and dancing along the way, her obituary says. She went on to pursue a career in nursing and eventually earned an advanced degree during the COVID pandemic. Upon graduating, Jane taught nursing at several different institutions and was incredibly dedicated to her work. “She loved her students, and they loved her,” reads her obituar…
Man Admits To Hate Crime For Damaging 'BLM' Signs And Pride Flags At Maryland Church Man Admits To Hate Crime For Damaging 'BLM' Signs And Pride Flags At Maryland Church
Man Admits To Hate Crime For Damaging 'BLM' Signs And Pride Flags At Maryland Church A masked man who was caught on camera vandalizing a "Black Lives Matter" sign posted at an Anne Arundel Church will likely avoid time behind bars, authorities announced. Michael Billups, 29, pleaded guilty this week to defacing religious property in connection to a hate crime committed earlier this year when he destroyed Pride and other symbolic flags at the Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church in Odenton. The Anne Arundel State's Attorney's Office announced on Friday that Billups received a three-year suspended sentence with one year of supervised probation, during which he must complete …
Sussex County Native Claire Fendt Dies, 34 Sussex County Native Claire Fendt Dies, 34
Sussex County Native Claire Fendt Dies, 34 Sussex County native Claire Marie Fendt died Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the age of 34, prompting an outpour of condolences and support. Born in Newton, Claire was raised in Sparta, her obituary says. She attended Sparta Middle School before graduating from Sparta High School and attending Sussex County College. Claire was known as a skilled and creative artist with a fierce love of animals. She had adopted several shelter cats throughout the years and had dreams of opening a cat sanctuary. Claire spent time in Bayonne, and lived in Brighton, England for a year before settling in Philadelphia, whe…
Beyonce Posts Tribute To Philadelphia Dancer Stabbed Dead Beyonce Posts Tribute To Philadelphia Dancer Stabbed Dead
Beyonce Posts Tribute To Philadelphia Dancer Stabbed Dead After Philadelphia native and dancer O'Shae Sibley was stabbed to death in New York City while dancing to Beyonce's music, the artist posted a tribute in his honor to her personal website.  Sibley, a 28-year-old trained dancer who studied with the Philadelphia Dance Company, was killed while dancing and vogueing in what police are describing as a possible hate crime at a Brooklyn gas station, CBS News reports. In response, Beyonce's team updated her homepage to read "Rest In Power O'Shae Sibley."  In a statement posted to Facebook, the Philadelphia Dance Company said Sibley had trained th…
GOP Presidential Hopeful Ron DeSantis Cancels Hudson Valley Fundraiser GOP Presidential Hopeful Ron DeSantis Cancels Hudson Valley Fundraiser
GOP Presidential Hopeful Ron DeSantis Cancels Hudson Valley Fundraiser Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, canceled a planned upscale fundraiser in the Hudson Valley after failing to notify the local party leader, according to Politico. The $6,600-a-person event was slated to be held in Rockland County at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern on Thursday, June 29. LBGTQ groups and local Democrats were planning protests during the event. But earlier in the week, DeSantis moved the fundraiser to a more remote location, reportedly in New Jersey, officials familiar with the event said. DeSantis' office did not return phone calls regarding the cha…
Man Assaults Lesbian Couple, Urinates On Car At Long Island Beach Over Sexual Orientation: DA Man Assaults Lesbian Couple, Urinates On Car At Long Island Beach Over Sexual Orientation: DA
Man Assaults Lesbian Couple, Urinates On Car At Long Island Beach Over Sexual Orientation: DA An unprovoked attack on a lesbian couple at a Long Island beach has resulted in hate crime charges against one of two men believed responsible. Joseph Kess, age 40, of Patchogue, was indicted for assault and criminal mischief in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, June 28, in connection with the Mother’s Day attack at Patchogue’s Mascot Dock. According to prosecutors, two young women were at the beach on May 14, 2023, watching the sunset and taking photos together, when Kess and another man began making derogatory comments about their sexual orientation. The incident escalated when Kess uri…
'BLM' Sign Vandalized At Same MD Church Weeks After LGBTQ+ Hearts Were Stolen: Police 'BLM' Sign Vandalized At Same MD Church Weeks After LGBTQ+ Hearts Were Stolen: Police
'BLM' Sign Vandalized At Same MD Church Weeks After LGBTQ+ Hearts Were Stolen: Police The Anne Arundel County Police Department is attempting to locate three masked men who were caught on camera vandalizing a “Black Lives Matter” sign that was posted at an area church. Photos have been released by the police of vandals who targeted the Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church on Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton earlier this week. It is the same church where LGBTQ+ signage was stolen last month. Police say that the BLM sign was vandalized at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.  In the photos, one suspect can be seen wearing a shirt saying “AMERICAN” with a reverse American …
DC Among 'Safest' For LGBTQ+ Pride, Study Says DC Among 'Safest' For LGBTQ+ Pride, Study Says
DC Among 'Safest' For LGBTQ+ Pride, Study Says When protests against LGBTQ+ are on the rise, community members (and allies) may want to look for not only the best place to celebrate during Pride month but also the safest place to live.  Washington DC came in at No. 2 on LawnStarter's "2023's Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities" list. The study ranked America's "200 biggest U.S. cities based on 20 indicators of an ideal LGBTQ city, such as anti-discrimination policies, the share of same-sex households, and LGBTQ support resources," the organization said. Affordability, LGBTQ-friendly healthcare access, and "Pride-readiness," were also …
PA Cities Among 'Safest' For LGBTQ+ Pride, Study Says PA Cities Among 'Safest' For LGBTQ+ Pride, Study Says
PA Cities Among 'Safest' For LGBTQ+ Pride, Study Says When protests against LGBTQ+ are on the rise, community members (and allies) may want to look for not only the best place to celebrate during Pride month but also the safest place to live.  Two Pennsylvania cities made LawnStarter's "2023's Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities" list. The study ranked America's "200 biggest U.S. cities based on 20 indicators of an ideal LGBTQ city, such as anti-discrimination policies, the share of same-sex households, and LGBTQ support resources," the organization said. Affordability, LGBTQ-friendly healthcare access, and "Pride-readiness," were also factored i…
District Man Gets Prison Time For Recording Hate Crime Of LGBTQ+ Community Member District Man Gets Prison Time For Recording Hate Crime Of LGBTQ+ Community Member
District Man Gets Prison Time For Recording Hate Crime Of LGBTQ+ Community Member A man who assaulted a member of the LGBTQ+ and recorded it on his phone in Washington, DC, will spend more than a year behind bars after being convicted of the crime earlier this year, federal officials announced. Anthony Duncan, of Washington, DC, was sentenced on Tuesday, May 9 to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of assault with significant bodily injury on Monday, Feb. 27, for assaulting a pedestrian in May 2022. He was convicted in February following a trial in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. Prosecutors say that on May 21, 2022, the victim was walkin…
First LGBTQ+ Friendly Affordable Housing Development Approved In Westchester First LGBTQ+ Friendly Affordable Housing Development Approved In Westchester
First LGBTQ+ Friendly Affordable Housing Development Approved In Westchester An all-new affordable housing complex meant to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ Westchester residents has been approved by the county's government, officials said.  Court Street Residences, a new affordable senior housing development that will be located in White Plains at 143 Grand St., was approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators in a 17-0 vote on Monday, April 17.  The project, which will consist of at least 140 residential units for people aged 55 and older and will be built by a corporation formed by HANAC, Inc. and Monadnock Development LLC, had …
NJ Man Sets Fire To Jack Daniel's Collection Since Company 'Went Woke' NJ Man Sets Fire To Jack Daniel's Collection Since Company 'Went Woke'
NJ Man Sets Fire To Jack Daniel's Collection Since Company 'Went Woke' Pauly Michaelis said he was the biggest fan of Jack Daniel's whiskey for more than 40 years. The operative word being "was." Wearing denim overalls and a frown, Michaelis set fire to his collection of Jack Daniel's merchandise in the backyard of what appears to be his Ocean County home, over complaints the company has gone too "woke." Among the items Michaelis torched in the viral Facebook video include a mirror, every Jack Daniel's glass he owned, a wooden sign, and numerous bottles of whiskey.  To cap it off, Michaelis torched a $250 bottle of Jack Daniel's and a $100 bottle of the fame…