• Exclusive interviews with The Clash—Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon—plus managers, road crew, producers, and other insiders.
• A vivid, behind the scenes chronicle of the band’s meteoric rise.
• The cultural and political forces that shaped The Clash and defined their uncompromising vision.
• Fresh insights and newly added material from surviving members of the band and other major figures close to them, appearing for the first time in this new edition.

Packed with the energy of punk’s golden age, Passion Is a Fashion takes you inside the real story of The Clash, capturing not only their brilliance but also the chaos and heartbreak that forged their enduring legend. This is the indispensable Clash book, now more essential than ever.

Available from Aurum/Quatro Publishing

Pat Gilbert is a former editor of MOJO, the best-selling and internationally acclaimed music magazine. He has also contributed to Q magazine, the Guardian, The Times, and the Sunday Times, and produced radio programs for the BBC. He has written two books for Aurum: the definitive biography of the Clash, Passion is a Fashion—hailed by Uncut magazine as “a great book”—and Shut It! The Inside Story of The Sweeney.

The post Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash – Revised and Updated 50th Anniversary Edition appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Founded in 1986, at a pivotal moment when equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms were coming into force, Egale Canada was created to ensure that queer and trans people were not left out of Canada’s emerging human rights framework. From the beginning, Egale existed to make sure that Canada’s promise of equality truly included everyone.

Over four decades, Egale has helped move Canada forward:

• from recognition under the Charter,
• to legal equality in human rights and family law,
• to lived safety and belonging in schools, communities, and public systems, and
• to resilience and defense in the face of rising backlash and hate.

Through landmark court decisions and legislative change, as well as education, research, and frontline advocacy, Egale’s work has helped shape the rights, protections, and recognition many people experience today. Click here for a comprehensive timeline of our story, from laying the groundwork to defending our progress.

“As Egale marks 40 years in 2026, we’re reflecting on both how far we’ve come and how much more there is to do. The rights and protections that exist for 2SLGBTQI people today were not inevitable, but were fought for through decades of advocacy, research, legal action, and community leadership. This anniversary is a celebration of progress, but it’s also a reminder that equality and inclusion must be continually defended, especially as we face rising anti‑2SLGBTQI hate across the country and beyond. Egale was founded to move Canada forward, and that remains our purpose today, by building a future where everyone can live with safety, dignity, and belonging,” stated Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada

PinkPlayMags had and opportunity to interview the organization to find our more about this significant milestone, and all the exciting programming that will be happening during Pride Month and throughout the remainder of the year.

How has the organization stuck to its main goals since its inception, and how has it adapted and modified its mission to remain current in today’s world?

Since Egale’s founding in 1986, our mandate has remained remarkably consistent. What has evolved over 40 years is not the core mission, but the strategies needed to achieve it.

Egale began at a time when the most urgent work was securing basic legal recognition, such as being included in the Charter and human rights law. As those foundational protections were won, our work shifted into new areas where equality needed to be lived, not just written into law. Aspects like national research, policy and training within institutions, and supporting trans, intersex, Two Spirit, and racialized communities.

Today, Egale continues to adapt by responding to the rise of misinformation and anti-2SLGBTQI hate, particularly targeting trans and gender diverse people. Our mandate has stayed the same, but the work required to fulfill it has grown more complex. We’ve evolved into a rights defender, educator, researcher, and solutions hub, grounded in community realities.

What have been some of the organization’s greatest accomplishments over the years, and some of the more challenging aspects?

 Across four decades, Egale has played a central role in many of Canada’s most significant human rights advancements. Highlights include:

• Securing Charter recognition for sexual orientation through our intervention in Egan v. Canada (1995).
• Helping advance equal marriage nationwide through coalition advocacy and litigation support leading up to the Civil Marriage Act (2005).
• Adding gender expression and gender identity as protected grounds to the Canadian Human Rights Act and also to the Criminal Code through Bill C-16 (2017).
• Leading national school climate research that reframed school safety and inclusion for 2SLGBTQI students.
• Contributing to the federal apology and redress for the LGBT Purge.
• Expanding research, education, and training to improve safety and inclusion across public institutions and workplaces.
• Defending rights through strategic litigation in recent years as provinces introduce harmful policies targeting trans and gender diverse young people.

The biggest challenges have often come from the same place as the wins: the gap between legal rights and daily lived experience. Even with strong legal protections, many 2SLGBTQI people still face discrimination in schools, healthcare, workplaces, and community spaces. And in recent years, rising anti‑2SLGBTQI hate and misinformation have created new obstacles and threats. One of the most persistent challenges is ensuring that progress is felt equally across the country, including in rural, remote, and underserved communities. Another is sustaining the resources needed for long‑term systems change – because meaningful inclusion requires ongoing investment.

What are the most pressing issues today that are top priority on your agenda?

Right now, Egale is focused on several top priorities: responding to rising anti-2SLGBTQI hate and misinformation, defending and maintaining hard-won rights through strategic litigation and policy advocacy, and strengthening inclusion in public systems.  As we mark Egale’s 40^th anniversary, we’re also acutely aware that progress is not guaranteed. With 2SLGBTQI rights increasingly being questioned across Canada and beyond, remaining vigilant and proactive in protecting those gains is more important than ever.

What ways can interested individuals get involved and help the organization continue its valued work?

 People can support Egale in several meaningful ways:

• Become a monthly donor, especially through our anniversary campaign, inviting supporters to pledge $40 a month in honour of 40 years of progress.
• Partner with us: schools, workplaces, and public institutions can access training, workshops, and resources to strengthen their inclusion practices.
• Use our public tools, including the Rainbow Action Hub, to counter misinformation and help create safer communities.
• Share our campaigns online to help amplify reliable information and support community resilience.
• Advocate locally by sharing evidence-based information, standing up against hate, and supporting inclusive policies in your community.

What’s the best way individuals can stay up to date on your work and upcoming events?

 To follow along Egale’s journey, and reflect on our history, visit our website and follow us on social media! We also have our newsletter The Acronym, where you can get monthly updates all in one place.

The post Egale Canada celebrates 40 years of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in Canada (includes interview) appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

PinkPlayMags had and opportunity to interview the organization to find our more about this significant milestone, and all the exciting programming that will be happening during Pride Month and throughout the remainder of the year.

You’re celebrating a major milestone this year. Can you share some of the special events and activities you have planned throughout the year, including during Pride Month?

We’ve approached this milestone anniversary as a full year of celebrations. All our signature events, like our iconic Green Space Festival, will be back over Pride with a 50th anniversary twist.

We’re also hosting special events to commemorate five decades of serving 2SLGBTQ+ communities, including an exhibition in August, a panel discussion, and Doors Open Toronto in May, when we’ll welcome people into our newly renovated lobby.

We’re also getting started on a community art project called Postcards to the Future, inviting people to share a message with future communities of The 519. In addition, we’ve commissioned a new public art project that will bring a creative landmark to the Church–Wellesley neighbourhood for Nuit Blanche 2026 and beyond.

People can learn more about what’s in store at www.the519.org/50th.

How has the organization’s mandate stuck to its main goals since its inception, and how has it adapted and modified its mission to remain current in today’s world?

The 519’s mandate has grown and evolved with the neighbourhood around it. We often talk about the Huntley Youth Services group, a queer youth group that started meeting at The 519 in the 1970s and was the subject of some controversy at the time, as one of the early moments of queer programming at the centre.

Two years after The 519 opened, a resolution was passed recognizing the rights of unhoused people to use the centre, and Sunday Drop-In, which still runs today, followed not long after. From the beginning, The 519 has also been a place where community-led initiatives take root. In the 1980s the Right to Privacy Committee met here to support those arrested in the bathhouse raids, Hassle Free Clinic had its earliest iterations here, and groups like Zami created space for Black queer communities..

The 1990s saw the AIDS Memorial installed in Barbara Hall Park, the equal marriage movement gather at The 519, and the first trans-focused programs begin to take shape. In the early 2000s we expanded work supporting LGBTQ refugees and newcomers, Pride beer gardens evolved into Starry Night, and what we now know as the Green Space Festival.

So the programming people associate with The 519 today has really grown organically as community needs have evolved. Many of those programs are still going strong decades later. From our perspective, we’re continuing the same core work we’ve been doing from the beginning: creating space, support, and community where it’s needed.

Who is currently your longest standing employee and/or volunteer? When did they start, and what role do they currently hold?

We’re fortunate to have many long-standing staff members and volunteers who have contributed to The 519 over the years. Rather than single out one individual, we tend to recognize the collective dedication of the people who help make the centre work every day.

What have been some of the organization’s greatest accomplishments over the years, and some of the more challenging aspects?

It’s difficult to sum up 50 years of accomplishments because so many were driven by community members themselves – sometimes through programs at The 519, and sometimes through groups who simply used the space to organize.

We’re proud that The 519 has been present for many important moments in the history of this city, whether that’s community organizing after the bathhouse raids, memorializing lives lost during the AIDS crisis, building trans-led programs, or supporting LGBTQ refugees and newcomers in Toronto.

At the same time, community work is rarely simple. Some of the most meaningful decisions The 519 has made – about who has access to space, who is welcomed, and how the centre responds to urgent needs – have also brought difficult conversations and public debate. Community spaces often sit right where social change is happening, which means they reflect both progress and tension.

What are the most pressing issues today that are top priority on your agenda?

In community work, what feels “most pressing” can depend on who you ask. We’re part of people’s everyday lives, which means we share both their best moments and their most difficult ones.

Across our programs we’re seeing the impacts of housing insecurity, barriers to healthcare and mental health supports, and rising hostility toward trans and queer communities, alongside the challenges faced by people arriving in Canada seeking refuge because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The 519 was created because community spaces were needed when systems weren’t working for everyone, and that’s still true today. Our focus continues to be making sure people have accessible programs, supportive community spaces, and practical help navigating systems that can sometimes feel difficult or unwelcoming.

What organizations do you work closely with in terms of partnerships and sponsorship?

The 519 works with a wide range of community organizations, public institutions, and local partners. These relationships help us deliver programming, provide referrals, and support community initiatives.

Because our partnerships vary depending on the program or project, it would be difficult to list them all here. People interested in learning more can explore the programs section of The519.org, where many of our collaborators are highlighted.

Can you tell us a bit about your current projects, and possible future initiatives?

Certainly. The 519 runs daily programming across many areas of community life.

For example, EarlyON 2SLGBTQ+ child and family programming runs Tuesday to Fridaymornings. 2SLGBTQ+ Older Adults programming takes place on Mondays and Thursdays. Queer and trans youth art programming happens on weekends. Meal Trans, the Trans People of Colour Project, and Sunday Drop-In each run weekly, while our Community Wellbeing team supports neighbourhood outreach and programming.

Classes like self-defense and yoga run seasonally, and our Education and Training team works year-round with businesses and organizations to build more inclusive workplaces through programs like the Pride Speaker Series.

Our legal and health clinics continue to operate regularly, and our New to Canada programs support thousands of LGBTQ refugee claimants each year.

We’ve also launched new initiatives recently, including a BIPOC 2SLGBTQ+ Older Adults group, an Older Adults Digital Literacy program, and an Intergenerational Climate Justice project. Another ongoing initiative is the AIDS Memorial Storytelling Project, which connects with loved ones of people whose names are on the memorial to help document and share their stories.

And of course, alongside all of that, we’re preparing the many projects connected to our 50th anniversary celebrations.

What ways can interested individuals get involved and help the organization continue its valued work?

There are many ways people can get involved. Some volunteer their time at programs or events, others participate in community initiatives, attend gatherings, or support the organization through donations.

One of the most important ways people support The 519 is simply by participating in the community spaces we create – coming to programs, sharing experiences, and helping build connections across the many communities who gather here.

What’s the best way individuals can stay up to date on your work, and upcoming events?

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and visit The519.org, where people can find more information about programs and events and sign up for our newsletters.

If you were granted any wish to improve the organization, and help achieve its goals, what would that be?

If we had one wish, it would be for a future where LGBTQ communities could spend more time celebrating and less time responding to violence, exclusion, and crisis.

Community centres like The 519 exist because people need places where they can gather safely, be themselves, and support one another. Our hope is for a world where spaces like this are defined more by joy and connection than by the need to respond to harm.

The post The 519 celebrates 50 years of being the pillar of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community (includes interview) appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

After 35 groundbreaking years, the longest-running and most influential queer women’s music festival in the world, has entered a historic new chapter. Founder Mariah Hanson has passed the torch to two longtime members of the Dinah family: Bella Barkow, who rose through the ranks as the festival’s Operations Manager, and Los Angeles-based trailblazer Rose Garcia, the real-life inspiration for Papi on The L Word and a cast member of The Real L Word.

For more than three decades, The Dinah has been far more than a festival, it is a global cultural phenomenon. It has helped launch the careers of queer artists, drawn international audiences, and hosted major pop stars including Doechii, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha, Lizzo, and Meghan Trainor. Notably, The Dinah has been running longer than Coachella, while consistently delivering world-class talent and cultural impact.

Its longevity is especially remarkable in today’s political and cultural climate, where women-centered and LGBTQ+ events face increasing challenges and closures. That The Dinah remains independently owned, community-led, and centered on queer women’s visibility speaks to the strength of its leadership and legacy.

The acquisition ensures The Dinah remains independently owned, community-led, and deeply rooted in LGBTQ+ culture, now operating under the marquee of the duo’s newly founded company, BellaRose Productions. The transition signals not only continuity, but a powerful evolution of an institution that has shaped queer women’s space for more than three decades. Few LGBTQ+ events, particularly those centered on queer women, have ever achieved this level of cultural impact, longevity, and commercial success. This sale stands as a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history and culture.

With this historic transition, The Dinah remains firmly in the LGBTQ+ community and Dinah family’s hands. Garcia and Barkow bring complementary strengths to the role, along with an insider’s understanding of what has made The Dinah a trusted and transformative platform for queer women and allies.

The Dinah returns to Palm Springs, California September 30–October 4, 2026

Rose Garcia, the real-life inspiration for the iconic “Papi” on The L Word, combines star power with authenticity and a steadfast commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. A fan favorite on The Real L Word, she has expertly balanced leading Garcia Real Estate Group with devotion to her family and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. As a prominent Latina lesbian entrepreneur, her real estate success has brought her features in Newsweek, BuzzFeed, Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and HGTV’s House Hunters. Garcia has also emceed The Dinah and other major queer events, further amplifying her influence. A Stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor now in remission, she steps into this chapter with renewed purpose as co-owner of The Dinah alongside Bella Barkow under their new venture, BellaRose Productions.

With a career spanning Toronto raves to major festivals in Los Angeles, Bella Barkow brings extensive experience in large-scale LGBTQ+ event production. From her early days in West Hollywood nightlife to producing speed-dating events for queer women and managing major festivals including LA Pride and the Outloud Festival, she has established herself as a key figure in California’s queer event scene.  Bella joined The Dinah team in 2018, quickly rising from Pool Party Stage Manager to Operations Manager, and now brings deep operational expertise and an intimate knowledge of the festival’s inner workings.

Together, their leadership promises a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, preserving what has made The Dinah mythic for over three decades while infusing it with fresh energy and bold new ideas. That energy is already taking shape. The excitement begins this year with the 35th edition of the festival.

In an era when few queer women-centered events survive, let alone thrive, this milestone moment ensures The Dinah’s story is far from over, it’s only beginning to be written. Stay tuned and visit www.TheDinah.com and follow The Dinah on its social media platforms for ongoing updates, announcements, and exclusive news.

The post The Dinah queer women’s music festival changes ownership, with Toronto born Bella Barkow now co-owner appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

The FAM Program is a newly-launched network dedicated to building a community of queer entrepreneurs. The FAM targets individuals who might not consider themselves business people—side-hustlers, part-owners, artists—in creative or non-traditional fields. It’s tailored to 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who might experience barriers due to their identity, easing opportunities to access training, seek funding, and expand the queer business network across Canada. Queer entrepreneurs join now under The FAM Program’s free trial, available until March 31, 2026.

The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) has announced the launch of The FAM Program (The FAM), dedicated exclusively to empowering 2SLGBTQI+ business owners and entrepreneurs nationwide. Available to any member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community who owns 1 to 100 percent of their business, The FAM Program is a national professional network that strengthens queer entrepreneurship with vibrant community support, opening doors to capital and fundraising. The FAM members enjoy access to resources and events across Canada, including networking opportunities, practical resources, workshops, and high-visibility spotlight opportunities.

Despite progress, the queer business community continues to face significant barriers, making it difficult to access capital and other support. The FAM Program eases the path to growing, starting, or scaling a business, no matter the size. The program welcomes queer-identifying entrepreneurs and business owners, from side-hustlers to consultants to established business leaders. The business does not need to be queer-focused to be a member.

“The goal of The FAM Program is to increase the visibility of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and to create a strong community of professionals that may have faced challenges because of their identity,” says Sarah Evalina, CQCC’s Chief Operating Officer. “These businesses bring so much to the larger communities. By connecting these queer professionals through The FAM Program, we can strengthen these individual ventures that are driving economic growth in markets across Canada.”

Benefits of the FAM Program include:
● Exclusive invitations to CQCC networking events that help entrepreneurs build meaningful connections and expand their business community.
● Access to a national Community Hub, offering opportunities to meet, collaborate, and learn from other queer entrepreneurs and supportive organizations across Canada.
● Industry-focused workshops designed to boost sales, increase referrals, and strengthen essential business skills.
● High-visibility spotlight opportunities that elevate entrepreneurs on a national stage, introducing FAM members to new customers, fellow business owners, and corporate partners committed to supporting queer-owned businesses.

The FAM Program fills the gaps for queer entrepreneurs. Says Elaine Kwok, of Go Banana!, a Toronto marketing and design agency, “The FAM can help us be part of a thriving business community. That means helping us meet potential clients and partners, providing educational and practical resources, and even lobbying for government support for small businesses.”

There are over 100,000 queer-owned businesses in Canada, which employ over 435,000 Canadians. These businesses contribute significantly to Canada’s economy, generating $22 billion in economic activity. Queer business owners can engage with the program at queerchamber.ca/FAM. The FAM Program is free to join until March 31st, 2026.

The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s leading advocate for queer-owned businesses and 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. Through networking, education, suppliers’ certification, and advocacy, CQCC works to ensure queer businesses and allies thrive and continue contributing to a strong, inclusive national economy. Founded in 2003, CQCC represents more than 100,000 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses, contributing over $22 billion in economic activity and employing more than 435,000 Canadians. In 2023, the Government of Canada selected CQCC to administer the world’s first $25 million 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, further expanding support for queer entrepreneurs across the country.

The post Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce Launches The FAM Program to Support 2SLGBTQI+ Businesses and Entrepreneurs Nationwide appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

“Our queer elders have lived through generations of change, from societal rejection to hard-won rights, yet their stories remain underrepresented,” said executive producer Michelle Mama. “Queer people age with different challenges. In creating this documentary, we are honouring their experiences, struggles, and joys while amplifying their voices for future generations.”

“At its core, Queer Elders Project is about the importance of connection – across generations, geographies, and personal histories,” said producer Hannah Donegan. “Despite the adversity they’ve faced, our subjects remind us that life doesn’t stop surprising you, and that new experiences, relationships, and moments of joy can emerge at any stage of life.” Director Maya Bastian added, “This film is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about aging, particularly within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. These are powerful, beautiful stories of survival and joy that deserve to be told.”

Spanning the course of a year, the documentary will intimately follow four remarkable working-class queer and trans seniors from diverse backgrounds across North America. Navigating the challenges of health, personal expression, and affordability, they find balance in the joy of community, resilient spirits, and the hope that even in life’s final act, there’s always something to look forward to. Filmed over four seasons in Charlottesville, Virginia; Fargo, North Dakota; and Toronto and Thunder Bay, Ontario, the documentary will premiere on TVO in spring 2027 following a 2026 festival run.

Produced by Gay Agenda, the film is directed by Maya Bastian (Tigress) and produced by Hannah Donegan (The Loneliest Race), with Michelle Mama (Summer Qamp) serving as executive producer.The film was produced with the support of TVO, Knowledge Network, and the Canada Media Fund.

The post “Queer Elders Project” documents personal stories of struggles and joys from within the aging LGBTQ+ community appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Ontario findings highlight:

• Greater access to specialist and gender-affirming providers compared to other provinces

• Continued dissatisfaction with mental health services

• High levels of stigma experienced in mainstream healthcare settings

• Rural communities facing compounded barriers despite provincial resources

Even in Canada’s most service-rich province, the data shows that systemic inequities remain deeply embedded.

In response to the findings, Pink Triangle Press has launched Script, a new digital platform providing credible, community-informed 2SLGBTQIA+ health reporting, designed to close critical gaps in queer and trans health information.

Based on a cross-sectional survey of more than 2,100 respondents nationwide, half of whom identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, the study found that 2SLGBTQIA+ communities experience poorer health outcomes, reduced access to care, and higher levels of discrimination than non-2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians. Funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) with research conducted by Environics Research, the Pink Triangle Press Pink Paper examines disparities across health outcomes, access to services, quality of care, and experiences of stigma within Canada’s healthcare system.

Key findings from the 2025 Pink Paper on Health include:

• Health disparities: 40% of 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents reported significantly higher rates of cancer, mental health conditions, anxiety, depression, and other chronic illnesses – nearly double the rate reported by non-2SLGBTQIA+ respondents (20%).
• Quality of life: 2SLGBTQIA+ populations report lower Quality of Life scores, with the widest gap in psychological well-being (61% vs. 69% for non-2SLGBTQIA+).
• Access to care: Mental health care and gender-affirming services were identified as the most important yet least accessible and least satisfactory services, with satisfaction below 30% for 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents.
• Discrimination: Many respondents, most acutely Two-Spirit (77%), reported experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings, leading some to conceal their identity or delay care.
• Barriers and mistrust: Inconsistent service and limited access to affirming care led to delayed treatment and greater reliance on online health resources, with 56% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals turning to online platforms compared to 40% of cisgender and heterosexual respondents.

The report identifies gaps in healthcare provider training, access to inclusive services and culturally safe care as contributing factors to these disparities. It includes recommendations intended to support policymakers, healthcare providers and educators in improving health equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada.

As part of its long-standing mission to serve the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with trusted, independent journalism for more than 50 years, Pink Triangle Press launched Script, a one-stop editorial destination for credible, community-informed 2SLGBTQIA+ health reporting. The platform is supported by three tailored health newsletters: Dose, which delivers targeted health information for queer men; Vital, focused on essential health information for queer women; and Signal, providing credible, affirming health coverage created by and for trans and gender-diverse communities. Script and its newsletters are published in both English and French. More information is available at www.script.health.

The full 2025 Pink Paper on Health is available at www.pinkpaper.ca.

The post Ontario Pink Paper on Health data shows access doesn’t equal equity within the LGBTQ+ community appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

LGBTQ+ people face unequal treatment across different human societies. Several concomitant factors can contribute to this discrimination at various levels of society, resulting in diminished living conditions. In a study to be published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, researchers from the CNRS and UNAIDS establish a link between LGBT-phobia and unfavourable socio-economic conditions. This outcome was achieved by analysing how prejudice manifests itself at institutional, community³ and family levels.

Based on the results of the Global LGBTQ+ Happiness Survey – an international survey conducted in 153 countries, gathering data from 82,354 participants – conducted in partnership with UNAIDS and the LGBT Foundation, this study characterises LGBT-phobia within institutions, communities and families. It reveals that family rejection is the most damaging form of LGBT-phobia on the well-being of those affected. The authors also show a link between LGBT-phobia rejection and unfavourable socio-economic status: the more economically precarious a person is, the greater the rejection they experience, and vice versa. This correlation is accentuated in countries with the greatest economic inequalities.

The results highlight the need to consider these distinct vulnerabilities when developing public policies aimed at combating discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. In a global context where inclusion policies are regularly questioned, LGBT-phobia poses a significant risk to the well-being and mental health of the communities concerned. This study is the first part of a research programme aimed at analysing how the deterioration of well-being can impact a person’s ability to cope with social risks, such as an increase in unsafe sexual practices and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Happiness and quality of life are both essential to people’s wellbeing. Yet, in too many countries LGBTI are seriously compromised due to the stigma, discrimination, violence and even the criminalisation they are facing. Excess mental stress affects their health, welfare and prosperity. This marginalisation that the LGBT community is facing creates further economic inequalities and barriers to accessing health services, including HIV services.

LGBT people face inequalities of standards of living, health, and because of homophobia, face additional discrimination in education, workplace, and a variety of institutional, governmental, and societal. Levels of abuse and the burdens of those play out in overall well being. The happiness study measures this variance across many variables.

In the field of development well being for LGBT is often measured in terms of violence, legal status, and health–particularly HIV.  Mental health and happiness are often overlooked categories which may play important roles in total wellbeing–including economic and health.

In Africa, Asia, Latin America, evidence on just how much stigma, discrimination, social and economic inequalities affect the quality of life of LGBTI people is, however, scant. In order to fill that knowledge gap, a survey is being shared with LGBTI people around the world.

Mental well-being is often thought as on an individual layer, however a variety of societal attitudes and structures reflection homophobia can place an emotional toll on LGBT. This study is to exam the mental well being of LGBT persons across the global landscape to compare over-all happiness and help create impact to improve the lives of LGBT. LGBT adolescents have the highest rate of suicide attempts, which scientific research indicates is likened to homophobic atitudes and herosexist discrinimination.

This innovative study aims to get a wide picture of the issues that affect the lives of LGBTI people worldwide, covers socio-economic status, outness, social network, happiness, quality of sexual life. It also informs on LGBT’s daily stigma and discrimination in the streets, in health-care services and the workplace.

”We want to immerse in what makes the real life of LGBTI community in different parts of the world. Therefore undertaking a web-based survey with behavioural economics came up naturally. This type of approach is very much in line with the way LGBTI community is connected nowadays and creates a large reach with a rich data set” said Erik Lamontagne, Senior Economist at UNAIDS.

The LGBT Foundation is leading on promoting the survey, in partnership with UNAIDS regional and country offices, NGOs, voluntary and community organisations. The scale of the survey is ambitious, aiming to reach up to 27 million LGBTI people. With at least 18 languages, the survey will cover the lived experiences of LGBTI people in a wide range of countries and from diverse cultures, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Japanese, Marathi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Urdu languages.

“Examining LGBT happiness and often lack of, is critical to eliminate disparities, including health as well as the relationship between underlying conditions and individual choices.  Advancements to LGBT wellbeing around the world are not equal and nor permanent. In order to improve health, we need to focus on addressing the conditions at large faced by LGBT. We want progress in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex health and well-being. We want it now and having the right data is the only way to measure the success being made and when it is not. This is a large initiative, where LGBTI people can build the knowledge to empower and advocate, with an ultimate goal of eliminating stigma and discrimination against LGBT people,” said Sean Howell, CEO  of the LGBT Foundation.

This survey has been developed by a partnership lead by  the LGBT Foundation, The United Nations (UNAIDS), the Universities of Aix-Marseille and Minnesota, as well as LGBT community partners, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and the World Health Organization.

The post Global LGBTQ+ Happiness Survey across 153 countries links the effects of homophobia and economic insecurity appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Terence Strange and Christopher More had been lovers for many years, but at last Terence could take no more of the mess alcoholism was making of their lives. Where could he find counsel? Surely not in Judith and Gerald, whose once-happy marriage was crumbling, nor in Dominic Perrugio and William More, Christopher’s father, whose doomed relationship seemed a portent of Terence’s future. All their lives were bound together, but Terence had to disentangle himself from the web of hatred and find a way free to love.

Gay, straight, generational – alcoholism and recovery is an American story. This historically important, socially relevant book is now back in print for the first time since 1982.

Praise

“I read A Comfortable Corner more than forty years ago. A friend handed it to me when I was trying to change my life. I bombed through its gleeful coziness and was delightedly puzzled that so much beautiful writing can also deliver a message, because this is a book probably most of all for someone. Well, two someones, those interested in recovery, and those interested in a pitch perfect account of gay life.” –from the new introduction by Eileen Myles, Chelsea Girls: A Novel

“Come for the luscious mandarin prose, stay for the operatic sweep of lives unraveling and rebuilding in this bejeweled time capsule of a novel. Arch, dazzling, glamorously romantic even at its most sensationally lurid, A Comfortable Corner is by turns a bittersweet remembrance of the post-Stonewall/pre-AIDS Seventies, a harrowing account of the berserker ravages of alcohol, a heartfelt narrative of suffering, and the unquenchable human need to love and be loved.” –Paul Russell, The Unreal Life of Sergey Nabokov and Boys of Life

Available from Rebel Satori Press

Vincent Virga  is the author of the first gay gothic romance, Gaywyck (1980) with a happy ending, as well as A Comfortable Corner (1982) and Vadriel Vail (2001). Virga is the only person in NYC publishing who researches, edits, designs, and captions picture inserts for non-fiction books. He also spent over two decades working with the curators at the Library of Congress on 29 books. He is currently experiencing a renaissance with all his fiction returning to print, including two unpublished Gaywyck books completing the Gaywyck Quartet. His life-companion since 1964 is the fellow writer James McCourt. Their papers are held at Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. They live in Manhattan and Ireland.

The post A Comfortable Corner – out of print 1982 queer novel of love, and recovery from alcoholism, is available once again appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

The initiative is part of the organization’s larger commitment to create inclusive environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. Story of Midtown Toronto® received the Rainbow Registered Accreditation because of its commitment to inclusivity, including:

·       Year-round inclusion: Inclusion at Story of Midtown Toronto is built into everyday experiences. Teams have access to ongoing Belonging initiatives, including a paid volunteer day to support community causes, inclusive visual identifiers like Pride-themed email signatures, and resident communications that reflect a community grounded in respect and belonging.

·       Specific training focused on real-world allyship: Team members at Story of Midtown Toronto® participate in comprehensive training on 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, pronoun usage, unconscious bias, and inclusive language.

·       A framework that puts people first: Policies at Story of Midtown Toronto don’t just state values, they outline clear steps and expectations for supporting all team members from all diverse backgrounds. These policies are reviewed annually and backed by mandatory employee acknowledgment, creating consistency across the team and reinforcing a culture of accountability and care.

Story of Midtown Toronto is a landmark addition to the Toronto rental market, redefining purpose-built rental living with a focus on elevated lifestyle, value-added services, and holistic well-being. Now open, this property aims to become the premier rental residence of choice in Midtown Toronto, offering a lifestyle built around health, wellness, urban connectivity, and inclusive community. Aside from its Rainbow Registration, the building will also include personalized services, perks, and exclusive programming. As part of Hazelview’s commitment to resident wellbeing, residents will also receive complimentary access to Maple Healthcare’s virtual services—including mental health support—and a Peloton membership, offering world-class fitness classes from the comfort of home.

Hazelview Properties is also in the process of receiving the Rainbow Registered accreditation for its corporate offices and select properties within its Toronto/GTA portfolio as part of the organization’s larger commitment to create inclusive environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated.

What Does it Mean to be Rainbow Registered?

Rainbow Registered is an accreditation program run by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). The accreditation program grants a time-limited recognition to businesses and organizations for demonstrating compliance with the quality standard. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation.

The post Canada’s First Rainbow Registered Residential Rental Building, Story of Midtown Toronto, Now Open appeared first on PinkPlayMags.