LGBTQ Breaking News Service

AMERICAN HOSPITALS ARE flooded with sick patients, and not everyone there is battling Covid-19. Many people need blood transfusions—in fact, the American Red Cross estimates that someone in the U.S. requires a blood donation every two seconds. The country’s blood supply is also running dangerously low: About 30 percent of centers across the nation have a supply that could run out in one day or less and must be carefully managed. And more than half of all centers have less than a three-day stockpile for times of crisis.

That’s because the pandemic forced the cancellation of blood drives—three times as many were canceled in 2020 compared with the year before, according to the Red Cross. Collections at high schools and colleges dropped by 50 percent over that same period. If we don’t get more blood donors fast, we’re not going to be able to treat people with serious burns, those having heart surgeries and organ transplants, and those battling cancer.

But there is one easily implementable solution to the national blood-supply shortage that’s been available for years and could be a lifeline: allowing gay and bisexual men to donate freely. Right now in the U.S., gay and bisexual men (often referred to as MSM, or “men who have sex with men”) are not allowed to give blood if they’ve had sex with another man in the past three months. The same is true for women who’ve had sex with MSM.

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Allowing MSM equal access to donate could increase the total annual blood supply by 2 to 4 percent, adding anywhere from 345,400 to 615,300 pints of blood each year, the Williams Institute at UCLA reported in 2014. Researchers estimated it would help save the lives of more than a million people, and experts agree this wouldn’t be putting anyone at additional risk of HIV—a fear that many scientists say needs to be put to rest. Ayako Miyashita Ochoa, lead author of the 2014 report, remains flummoxed as to why, seven years after pointing out the obvious benefit, the change hasn’t happened. “It is my opinion that we continue to have a real problem with laws and regulations based on fear rather than science,” she says.

The continuation of a MSM-specific barrier to giving is not only limiting the blood supply, it’s unnecessary and “rooted in homophobia,” explains Perry N. Halkitis, Ph.D., M.P.H., dean of the School of Public Health at Rutgers University. So far, the FDA has been reluctant to overhaul its policy, but as the need for fresh blood becomes ever more urgent, health and social-justice advocates are pumping new energy into the fight.

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BLOOD-DONATION DISCRIMINATION against MSM started in 1983 at the height of the AIDS epidemic, when the FDA instituted a lifetime ban on any man who’d had sex with another man since 1977. “You could potentially understand why this ban came into place nearly four decades ago,” says Marguerita Lightfoot, Ph.D., director of the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies.

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At the time, doctors were only beginning to examine how exactly HIV was transmitted and whom it could affect. “We were still trying to figure out the transmission of the virus, and all we knew was that this population was disproportionately impacted,” Lightfoot says. Now it’s clear that HIV transmission isn’t about whether you have sex with men; it’s about whether you have safe sex, no matter who you are.

For years, LGBTQ activist groups have encouraged the FDA to remove its restriction, noting that the ban isn’t rooted in science and perpetuates stigma. Medical experts like Lightfoot agree. “It doesn’t make sense to have a blanket class of people who can’t donate blood,” she says. “People should be screened for risky sexual behavior, such as not wearing condoms when having sex, as opposed to sexual orientation.”

In 2015, theFDA loosened its restriction, permitting gay and bisexual men to donate blood as long as they hadn’t had sex with another man in the past year. That wasn’t much of a victory, according to LGBTQ activist organizationGLAAD, which quickly countered with a biting video starring actor Alan Cumming as the head of a fictitious government agency in charge of encouraging abstinence. (“That’s right—365 days of celibacy!” Cumming exclaimed with mock excitement before sharing a list of hobbies that quickly turned sexually suggestive.)

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GLAAD then created a petition encouraging the FDA to screen donors based on their exposure to risk and not on sexual orientation. But it took a national emergency for things to finally shift a bit. InApril 2020, as blood donations plummeted due to the pandemic, the FDA updated its restriction to a three-month abstinence period before donating.

Activist organizations including GLAAD say three months is still discrimination, and they’ve kept pushing the FDA to lift the ban entirely. “These time deferrals are based in discrimination and stigma, not science,” says Mathew Lasky, GLAAD’s director of communications. “We’re continuing to put pressure on the FDA and are working with celebrities and elected officials to get the word out.”

In mid-April, the group shared an open letter, signed by 500 medical professionals, that states that the FDA revision is “a step in the right direction, [but] it does not go far enough in reversing the unscientific ban.”

An FDA spokesperson told Men’s Health in an email that the agency is now reexamining this issue, including “taking into account the current body of scientific information, and we are considering the possibility of pursuing alternative strategies that maintain blood safety.”

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PART OF WHAT MAKES the current ban so archaic is that when it was instated, the U.S. didn’t have the sensitive detection methods for HIV in donated blood. Now we do. Every blood donation is tested for HIV in two different ways (through antibody analysis and NAT, a molecular technique for blood screening). As a result, the rate of accidentally acquiring HIV through a blood transfusion is extremely low—roughly one in 1.5 million.

There are current tests, specifically RNA tests, that can detect HIV within 11 days of exposure. So if the FDA wanted to keep a time-deferral ban, it could utilize these tests and shorten the eligibility restriction to men who haven’t had sex with another man in the past 11 days. There is no reason to keep it at three months, Halkitis says.

Regardless, people who don’t engage in behaviors associated with high risk of HIV exposure shouldn’t need to wait at all to give. For example, if you’re a gay man who wears condoms during sex, you limit your risk of contracting HIV. Same goes for gay men who are married or in a long-term monogamous relationship. Additionally, taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) daily can decrease the likelihood of acquiring HIV through sexual contact by 99 percent.

In late December, the FDA announced it is funding a pilot study that may prove there’s a more logical way to move forward. Conducted in tandem with the nation’s largest blood centers—the American Red Cross, Vitalant, and OneBlood—the research effort will survey 2,000 gay and bisexual men across the country between the ages of 18 and 30 who have had sex with at least one man in the past three months. Men will answer questions about their sexual risk. Then their blood will be drawn and tested for HIV as well as anti-retroviral drugs found in PrEP.

Results from this study are expected in late 2021. But if the sexual-risk disclosures can vet candidates as well as or better than the time-based ban, the FDA may use that information to potentially change its donation procedures for MSM. “The FDA remains committed to considering alternatives to time-based deferral by generating the scientific evidence that is intended to support an individual-risk-assessment-based blood-donor questionnaire,” the agency confirmed via email.

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The FDA has not said when that policy change might take effect. The earliest it might happen would be in 2022, says Lightfoot. It might also take longer if the agency decides that additional confirmational studies are needed. But there’s already plenty of precedent that this concept can work: If the ban were to be lifted, the United States would join the ranks of countries including Italy, Brazil, the UK, Mexico, and Israel, all of whom have adopted a risk-based questionnaire to screen blood donors instead of ruling out all men who’ve had sex with other men in a set period.

“The countries that have moved away from blanket, discriminatory time-deferral bans have not seen an increase in [HIV-positive] blood,” Lasky says. “We already know that the three-month discriminatory ban does not align with science, so why are we doing this study again?”

The policy change could have a significant positive effect on the mental health of gay and bisexual men, too. While CDC data shows that straight men and women make up roughly 24 percent of new HIV cases, Halkitis says the MSM-specific ban creates “others” out of those excluded. “It makes them feel less than,” he says. This sort of categorical dehumanization canlead to a slew of negative mental-health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. It also puts gay and bisexual men at higher risk for acquiring HIV over time.

“Social and structural factors that cause gay men to feel othered cause them to engage in risky sexual behavior,” Halkitis says. So a ban like this isn’t just harmful to the American public; “it’s incredibly harmful to the gay community, both emotionally and physically.”

Removing the ban would alleviate that stigma and create a new resource that could help save the lives of millions of Americans. To make that happen faster, Halkitis recommends making your voice heard, no matter your sexual orientation. “Like with all social-justice matters, it is imperative that that allies of the LGBTQ+ populations work to voice their concerns about the ongoing blood ban,” he says.

The first step is to sign GLAAD’s petition at glaad.org/blood. You then can—and should—educate those around you, “since many people, including gay and bi men, don’t know that this ban exists,” adds Lasky. Lastly, “engage with Congress. Let them know you don’t support discriminatory practices that ban gay and bisexual men from doing their civic duty.”

Giving everyone an equal chance to help one another shouldn’t be a difficult decision—especially when unity and healing remains a vital need.

Ricky Belizaire loves every second of his work as a graduate assistant in the University of Georgia’s LGBT Resource Center.

A master’s student in college student affairs administration in the Mary Frances Early College of Education, he advises the LGBT student ambassadors and PRISM, a discussion group for queer and trans people of color. A lot of his work is in building community for UGA students—and making them feel connected.

Inclusivity is something he’s passionate about—it’s why he picked his master’s program. As an undergraduate in New Jersey, he was a member of his college’s diversity and inclusion board, interned with the dean of students and involved in Greek life.

Through mentors, he discovered the field of student affairs. UGA has one of the best student affairs master’s programs in the world. A native of Connecticut, Belizaire wanted something different for college. The school’s reputation plus Georgia’s warmer climate convinced him to move South.

“I wanted to learn at a place that would really challenge me and allow me to grow,” he said.

Graduate student Ricky Belizaire waves the Philadelphia Pride flag. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

The power of y’all

One thing that surprised Belizaire was Southern culture. He’d heard of Southern hospitality but was skeptical.

‘You guys’ is inherently masculine centered, which I didn’t stop to consider enough when I was younger. This role as a graduate assistant has allowed me to be more aware of language.”

The College Student Affairs Administration program

In his master’s program, he has learned leadership—how to lead a team and lead other people—skills he could easily translate to the nonprofit sector or corporate world.

He learned how to be a better communicator. “I don’t show up the same way I used to,” he said. “I listen to people. I listen to their needs. I assess what they might need and ask questions. I explore things other people might not. I really like to sit down with my students: What is going on, how can I really support you?”

He holds biweekly meetings with students and tries to go beyond asking about class, instead asking about their challenges and how he can help them meet those challenges.

“Who I am now is completely different than I was two years ago—because of my education,” he said. “I just see the world differently. I’m advocating for rights, advocating for people who don’t look like me, getting them support, not backing down. Two years ago, I would never openly discuss things and speak up. I didn’t feel like I had enough knowledge.”

The program gave him confidence so that he can speak up. But through his coursework and experience, he sees what students need—and tries to fill that need.

It’s how Q-mmunity Wednesdays came about.

(From left) Senior coordinator Erin Hill, graduate assistant Ricky Belizaire and administrative specialist Jennifer Spradley gather for a staff meeting of the LGBT Resource Center in a conference room in Memorial Hall. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

Q-mmunity Wednesdays

When the pandemic hit, the LGBT Resource Center first worked to get its students immediate resources to combat food and housing insecurity and then quickly focused on student mental health. While the pandemic has been hard for everyone, they wanted to support students of color, queer and trans students—to make sure they were seen and heard.

Belizaire created Q-munnity Wednesdays to have an online safe space for queer students in crisis. He saw the need and volunteered to write the program proposal.

“We’re meeting students where they’re at virtually,” he said. “We have critical conversations so that students in crisis, in need of support can get those resources. We give them a virtual space to connect with others, to interact.”

Indeed, the pandemic flipped the way the LGBT Resource Center operated. Previously, the center held lots of in-person events to build community for students. Last year, the center switched to Zoom and social media. Belizaire and other staffers would post on social media every day to check in on their students. They went from 500 followers to 1,425 followers on Instagram—with lots of engagement.

“We need those interactions,” he said. “We’re all human and social by nature, and we need to be with people and need community.”

Graduate assistant Ricky Beliziare listens during a staff meeting of the LGBT Resource Center in a conference room in Memorial Hall. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

COVID-19 impact

Ultimately, COVID-19 made him think more about his students. He also took time to check in with himself, asking, “How am I doing?”

“If I’m not doing well, what does this mean for my students? How can I make sure they’re getting the help and support they need during this time?” he said.

Proudest accomplishment

But through all of the classes, one-on-one sessions with students and POSE marathons he holds for his PRISM group, he’s proudest that soon he’ll be a published author. He’s working on a book chapter for “Exploring Black College Men & Leadership Learning.” His chapter looks at transfer student experiences, specifically what their motivation is and what shapes their experience: mentors, communities of support or self-determination.

First generation

Beyond that, he says he has immense pride to be graduating with a master’s degree this May.

The son of Haitian immigrants, Belizaire is a first-generation college student who is the first in his family to live away on campus, and the first in his family to be getting a master’s degree.”

The pandemic also changed some of his plans. Originally, he thought he’d want to work in Atlanta.

But when his dad got coronavirus last March, he realized how much family—and being close to family—meant. And after May graduation, he’ll be looking for jobs in the Connecticut-New York area near his family.

Caitlyn Jenner was quickly repudiated by LGBTQ advocates after she entered California’s recall election as a gubernatorial candidate — and her fellow transgender Republicans are mixed over whether or not to back her up.

Transgender Republicans are few in number, but some are in high-profile positions and have been working with their party to change its approach and drop its attacks on transgender people, whether it be in the military, public bathrooms, or school sports.

Jordan Evans, a Charlton, Mass.-based transgender Republican who unsuccessfully last year ran to become a Massachusetts Republican State Committee Woman, told the Washington Blade she had high hopes for Jenner as a fellow transgender candidate, but they were quickly dashed after her campaign launched.

“My feelings changed quickly after Caitlyn made it clear that she was less interested in using this opportunity to present the Republican Party and conservative movements with an accessible and high-profile introduction to the trans community and simply wanted to be a trans woman who espoused the same destructive approaches that we just so happen to be seeing all over the country,” Evans said.

Evans said the high hopes she had were based on the transgender advocacy she said Jenner was doing behind the scenes and the potential for two prominent LGBTQ Republicans to run for governor in California. After all, Jenner may soon be joined in the race by Richard Grenell, who was U.S. ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence before becoming the face of LGBTQ outreach for Trump’s failed re-election.

But Jenner’s approach to the gubernatorial recall in California, Evans said, is “putting trans youth at risk for a campaign that isn’t even transformative for Republicans during this volatile time.”

“Even her current messaging is superficial and does nothing to help dispel claims that she’s unqualified,” Evans said. “The only positive thing that I’ve seen come from this is conservative mainstream media using her correct pronouns, but that is not worth the damage that she’s inflicting.”

Much of the disappointment over Jenner’s campaign is the result of her essentially throwing transgender kids under the bus as part of her campaign at a time when state legislatures are advancing legislation against them, including the bills that would essentially bar transgender girls from participating in school sports.

Jenner, declining to push back on these measures and assert transgender kids have a place in sports, instead essentially endorsed the bills shortly after she announced her candidacy.

“If you’re born as a biological boy, you shouldn’t be allowed to compete in girls’ sports,” Jenner told TMZ, which asked her about the hot-button issue during a Sunday morning coffee run.

Jenner dug deeper into MAGA-world at the expense of solidarity with the transgender community. Last week, Jenner retweeted Jenna Ellis, who has a notoriously anti-LGBTQ background and was criticized just last year for refusing to use the personal pronouns of Rachel Levine, who’s now assistant secretary of health and the first openly transgender presidential appointee to win Senate confirmation.

Jennifer Williams, a New Jersey-based transgender Republican who unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly last year, said via email Jenner “did much good for several years by educating millions of people around the world about transgender folks,” but won’t countenance the candidate’s remarks on transgender kids in sports.

“In regard to her current run for California governor, her recent comments regarding transgender youth playing sports are confusing,” Williams said. “Just last year, she said that she supported transgender female athletes. Caitlyn should consult with tennis great Billie Jean King, soccer star Megan Rapinoe or WNBA legend Candace Parker on the subject of transgender athletes in women’s sports, as they are very well versed on the matter.”

At a time when state legislatures are pushing through legislation targeting transgender youth, restricting their access to sports and transition-related care, Jenner’s refusal to repudiate those measures has become a focal point for opposition to her candidacy from LGBTQ advocacy groups, who say she’s “out of touch” (although none were supporting her even before she made those comments).

The LGBTQ Victory Fund, which supports LGBTQ political candidates and public officials, has signaled it wants nothing to do with Jenner.

Sean Meloy, vice president of political programs for LGBTQ Victory Fund, said Jenner hasn’t applied for an endorsement from the Victory Fund “and she shouldn’t bother to.”

“Her opposition to full trans inclusion – particularly for trans kids in sports – makes her ineligible for the endorsement,” Meloy said. “There are many great trans candidates running this cycle who are champions for equality.”

To be sure, Jenner used her celebrity status as a former reality TV star and Olympic champion on behalf of transgender lobbyists, urging donations to groups like the National Center for Transgender Equality and going to Capitol Hill to lobby Republicans on transgender issues. Jenner has also given money for transgender kids to attend college, giving transgender advocate Blossom Brown a check for $20,000 on “The Ellen Show” in 2015.

Blaire White, a transgender conservative and YouTube personality, drew on these examples of Jenner helping transgender youth in a video earlier this month and said the two once had dinner together, but wasn’t yet ready to make a endorsement.

“I will say that until she lays out all of her policy positions and until she’s more on record in long form really talking about what she wants to do for the state of California, I can’t say for sure I would vote for her and would not vote for her,” White concluded in the video. “What I can say is: I’m interested. And also, being under Gavin Newson’s governorship, I would literally vote for a triple-amputee frog over Gavin Newsom, so she already has that going for her.”

Jenner’s campaign couldn’t be reached for comment for this article on the repudiation of her campaign from LGBTQ advocacy groups.

Gina Roberts, who’s the first transgender Republican elected to public office in California and a member of the San Diego GOP Central Committee, said she’s neutral for the time being as an elected Republican Party leader, but nonetheless had good things to say about Jenner’s candidacy.

“I think it’s awesome,” Roberts said. “It’s kind of indicative of how cool the Republican Party in California is because nobody really cares or it makes any difference. I mean, I was the first elected GOP transgender person in California and I think we’re ready for No. 2.”

Asked whether Jenner’s comments about allowing transgender kids in sports was troubling, Roberts said that wasn’t the case because she has her own reservations.

“I have pretty much the same opinion because … there’s so many nuances in that,” Roberts said. “If somebody transitions after they’ve gone through puberty, there is a big difference, especially in high school. If they transition beforehand, it’s not a big deal.”

A gun enthusiast and supporter of gun owner’s rights, Roberts said she competes in women’s events in shooting sports, but there’s a difference because she doesn’t “really have any advantages all those young, small ladies can pull a lot faster than I do and shoot faster than I do.”

Roberts concluded she’ll personally make a decision about whom she’ll support in the California recall election after Grenell announces whether or not he’ll enter the race, but can’t say anything until the San Diego GOP Central Committee issues an endorsement.

“He’s a good friend of mine, too,” Roberts said. “I know both of them. I think they’d both be certainly better than Gavin Newsom, I have to stay neutral until the county party decides who they’re going to endorse. I will support somebody or another in the endorsement process, but I can’t publicly announce it.”

Although LGBTQ groups want nothing to do with her campaign, Jenner’s approach has garnered the attention of prominent conservatives, who are taking her seriously as a candidate. One of Jenner’s first interviews was on Fox News’ Sean Hannity, a Trump ally with considerable sway among his viewers. Hannity was able to find common ground with Jenner, including agreement on seeing California wildfires as a problem with forest management as opposed to climate change.

Kayleigh McEnany, who served as White House press secretary in Trump’s final year in the White House and defended in the media his efforts to challenge his 2020 election loss in court, signaled her openness to Jenner’s candidacy after the Hannity interview.

“I really enjoyed watching @Caitlyn_Jenner’s interview with @seanhannity,” McEnany tweeted. “I found Caitlyn to be well-informed, sincere, and laser-focused on undoing the socialist, radical, a-scientific policies of Biden & the left. Very good.”

In theory, that support combined with Jenner’s visibility might be enough to propel Jenner to victory. In the recall election, California will answer two questions, whether California Gov. Gavin Newsom should be recalled, and if so, which candidate should replace him. The contender with the plurality of votes would win the election, even if that’s less than a majority vote, and become the next governor. There isn’t a run-off if no candidate fails to obtain a majority.

With Jenner’s name recognition as a celebrity, that achievement could be in her reach. After all, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the 2004 recall election in California as a Republican based on his celebrity status, and ended up becoming a popular governor.

But the modest inroads Jenner has made with the acceptance of conservatives and potential to win isn’t enough for other transgender Republicans.

Evans, for example, said Jenner’s candidacy is not only a disappointment, but threatening the potential candidacies of transgender hopefuls in the future.

“It’s difficult to be in electoral politics, and that’s even more true when you’re a member of a marginalized community,” Evans said. “Caitlyn’s behavior is making it even more challenging for the trans community to be visible in a field where we desperately need to be seen. She’s casting a tall shadow on our ability to have a voice and is giving credibility to lawmakers and local leaders simply unwilling to view us with decency and respect.”

Williams said Jenner should avoid talking about transgender issues over the course of her gubernatorial run “and instead focus on the hard, critical policy issues facing California.”

“It is a state in crisis and she has to run a very serious campaign and not rely on her celebrity or LGBTQ status to win over voters’ hearts and minds — just like all other LGBTQ candidates around the country need to do when they run for public office,” Williams said.

The Gay Agenda

Have an event coming up? Email your information to Managing Editor Tammye Nash at nash@dallasvoice.com or Senior Staff Writer David Taffet at taffet@dallasvoice.com by Wednesday at 5 p.m. for that week’s issue.

The Gay Agenda is now color-coded: Red for community events; blue for arts and entertainment; purple for sports; green for nightlife and orange for civic events and holidays.

• Every Monday: THRIVE

Resource Center’s THRIVE Support Group for people 50 and older meets virtually from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. led by a SMU Intern from their counseling program. A secure Zoom Room opens at 11:30 a.m. for people to join and chat. Email THRIVE@myresourcecenter.org to request the link.

• Every Tuesday: Totally Tuesdays

A night of totally fetch throwbacks hosted by Marissa Kage. Masks required. 11 p.m. at The Round-Up Saloon, 3912 Cedar Springs Road.

• Weekly: Frontrunners

Meet in Lee Park where the old statue stood on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. for a one-hour walk/run on the Katy Trail.

• Biweekly: Hope Cottage Foster Parent Information Meeting

Hope Cottage holds information meetings for those interested in becoming foster parents. The meetings are held alternately on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m. For information email Clyde Hemminger at chemminger@hopecottage.org.

MARCH

• Now through July 10: Lonesome Dove: Photos by Bill Wittliff

Lonesome Dove — Larry McMurtry’s epic novel of two aging Texas Rangers who drive a herd of stolen cattle 2,500 miles from the Rio Grande to Montana to found the first ranch there — truly captured public imagination. The Lonesome Dove Miniseries, which first aired on CBS in 1989, lassoed an even wider audience. Capturing the sweeping visual imagery of the original miniseries, the Lonesome Dove exhibition presents classic images taken during filming by Bill Wittliff, renowned photographer, writer, and executive producer of Lonesome Dove. The images, however, are worlds apart from ordinary production stills, depicting an extraordinary union of art, literature, and history. Dupree Lobby, Irving Arts Center, 3333 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving.

• Now through April 30: Visages: Recent Portraits by Francisco Benitez

Visages: Recent Portraits by Francisco Benitez span works from 2013 to the present and reflect a variety of his series’ and show off his wide range of artistic techniques. Typically working in oil Francisco, has worked back into an old technique of using encaustics which is a mix of heated beeswax and colored pigments which has been used since before the ancient Egyptians. Maestri Gallery, 401 Exposition St. Hours and info at MaestriGallery.com.

LGBTQ market. Keynote speakers, discussion panels and performances. Tickets at UnleashedLGBTQ.com.

• March 27: 2022 GSWS Cornhole fundraiser

The 2022 Dallas Gay Softball World Series committee is raising money with the Cornhole Fundraiser sponsored by Sin City Classic at noon at TMC’s expanded outdoor patio.

• March 27: TAG game night

Tyler Area Gays Game Night resumes on the last Saturday of every month beginning March 27 at 6 p.m. in the renovated Genocov Room in the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Building, 315 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler.
If you would like to bring a dish or side to pass, please click https://sable.godaddy.com/c/261137?id=6569.368.1.9e690782822b3f40934a03255f5c4c19 to sign up.

• March 26-27: Together We Dance

Avant Chamber Ballet outdoor performance with Bruce Wood Dance and Dallas Black Dance Theatre at 8 p.m. at Annette Strauss Square, 2403 Flora St. $30 general lawn seating. $50 table seating. ATTPAC.org.

• March 27-May 2: Fort Worth Lynching Tour: Honoring the Memory of Mr. Fred Rouse

DNAworks presents a bike and car tour to the sites associated with the lynching of Mr. Fred Rouse on Dec. 11, 1921. The tour is accompanied by a downloadable, augmented reality app that can be used in each of the five sites to better understand the story of Rouse’s murder at the hands of a white mob. Tickets at Eventbrite.com. The two hour tour begins at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

• March 27: AIDS Walk South Dallas

Postponed until June 30.

• March 27: Different Strokes Golf Association (DSGA)

DSGA, the LGBTA golf organization begins its 24th season at 10 a.m. at Cedar Crest, 1800 Southerland Ave. $60 includes golf, cart, range balls and prizes. Information at DSGADallas.org or communications@dsgadallas.org.

• March 27: Jeff Parrott

Opening reception for Jeff Parrott’s Arcadian Kaleidoscopic Propagation exhibition from noon-5 p.m. at Ro2 Art Downtown, 110 N. Akard St. Exhibit runs through May 1.

• March 30-April 18: Art Heist

A true crime walking theater experience. Outdoors and socially distanced. Help solve this real life mystery. Sammons Park, 2403 Flora St. Tickets at ATTPAC.org.

• March 30: Virtual LGBT Community Forum

Sister Helen Holy facilitates a community forum sponsored by the Coalition for Aging LGBT for those 50 and older. RSVP at CFA.LGBT.

• March 30: LGBTQ Family Building

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents a virtual seminar with Dr. Dorette Noorhasan, the medical director and co-founder of CCRM Dallas-Fort Worth, board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. From 6-7:30 p.m. Register at https://northtexasglbtchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/7492

APRIL

• April 1-30: Bryan’s House Virtual Raffle

Win a luxury trip, fine jewelry and more. Information at BryansHouse.org/raffle.

• Through April 3: She’s Got the Look

A celebration of 1980s fashion. The free exhibit is curated by fashion expert Ken Weber and includes dozens of looks from Dynasty, Charlie’s Angels and more. Tuesday-Sunday at Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway on Level I next to Sephora.

• April 3: The Other Felix

Echo Theater celebrates its 23rd anniversary with a fundraiser and presents a screening of The Other Felix by Reina Hardy produced in partnership with Shakespeare Dallas at 7:30 p.m. at Bath House Cultural Center Outdoor Lakeshore Patio. $25. EchoTheatre.org.

• April 3: Easter in Victory Park

Find the free event located on the lawn just outside the Sweet Tooth Hotel with whimsical floral installations, live music, libations, a hair braid bar, a lush picnic area and more, including an Easter Egg Hunt featuring gift card prizes to redeem throughout Victory Park from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. VictoryPark.com.

• April 4: Easter

• April 7-21: The Brannen & Red Show

Sammons Center for the Arts presents a virtual concert featuring Brannen Temple on drums and Red Young on organ. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are presented as 48-hour rentals on Vimeo. $10. Members free. SammonsArtCenter.org.

• April 8: PFLAG Dallas

Virtual support meeting for parents, family and friends of LGBTQ people at 7 p.m. Register for link at PFLAGDallas.org.

• April 8-11: Bonfire Dallas

Black Pride for Her Weekend. Exotic dancers, celebrity guests, local/national emcees and hosts. Venues include Canvas Hotel, Pink Lounge, Chocolate Lounge, Murphy’s and more. Earlybird tickets available through March 30 at Eventbrite.com.

• April 10: Queer Reads

Join the Dallas Public Library online to discuss The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Register at https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/queer-reads-book-club-3

• April 13: Same-sex partner grief group

Grief group for LGBTQ people who have lost a spouse meets virtually 6:30-8 p.m. For Zoom room, contact raymond.sablack@gmail.com.

• Through April 15: LGBTQIA+ Grief Care

Community Healthcare of Texas Grief Care Services presents and LGBTQ support group for families and friends runs online six Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. To register, call 800-958-5014 or email griefcare@chot.org.

• April 15-25: Always … Patsy Cline

Always…Patsy Cline stars Jolie Holliday as Patsy Cline. Based on the true story of Patsy’s friendship with her most devoted fan, Louise Seger, and chronicles the friendship which began when the two met at the Esquire Ballroom outside Houston. Casa Mañana, 3101 W Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Tickets start at $65 at CasaManana.org.

• April 24: Forgotten Space: Celebrating the Grateful Dead

Forgotten Space is a Texas-based Grateful Dead tribute band comprised of six diverse musicians with a deep understanding and respect for the rich and varied Grateful Dead songbook. Strauss Square

2389 Flora St. Tickets at ATTPAC.org.

• April 27: Get Centered tour

Virtual Resource Center tour streams for free at 5 p.m. Registration required. MyResourceCenter.org

• April 27: Same-sex partner grief group

Grief group for LGBTQ people who have lost a spouse meets virtually 6:30-8 p.m. For Zoom room, contact raymond.sablack@gmail.com.

MAY

• May 1: Toast to Life

Annual fundraiser for Resource Center. Venetian Carnival is the theme hosted by Steve Kemble. DJ Blake Ward. Free virtual event.

• May 5-19: Texas Gypsies

Sammons Center for the Arts presents a virtual concert featuring Steve Curry on guitar and vocals, Tony Baker, Brian Sandridge, Joe Perez, Andrew Griffith and Travis Udall . Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are presented as 48-hour rentals on Vimeo. $10. Members free. SammonsArtCenter.org.

• May 6-8: Strut Your Stuff

The annual race to end animal cruelty is virtual this year with minimal contact swag bag pick-ups taking place the weekend of the event from noon-2 p.m. at Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center, 2400 Lone Star Drive. Register and form a team at GoStrut.org.

• May 8: Queer Reads

Join the Dallas Public Library online to discuss Semi Queer by Anne Balay. Register at https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/queer-reads-book-club-4

• May 13: PFLAG Dallas

Virtual support meeting for parents, family and friends of LGBTQ people meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Register for link at PFLAGDallas.org.

• Through May 16: Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again

Thirty-year retrospective of artist Shirin Neshat’s work runs through May 16 at The Modern, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. TheModern.org.

• Through May 17: Cufflink Art group show

Group show in a variety of mediums includes meticulous graphite drawings by Marshall Harris, subliminal compositions through oil on canvas by Linda Shobe, personal storytelling via collage by Dwight Owsley, intimate close-up portraits from the perspective of Nathan Madrid, dark yet mischievous concrete sculptures by Ross Bonfanti, and digitally abstract maps manipulated by Scott Anderson. Cufflink Art, Dickson-Jenkins Lofts and Plaza, 120 St. Louis Ave. Suite 149, Fort Worth. CufflinkArt.com.

• Through May 31: A Celebration of Friendship

Artist Melanie Brannan is raising funds for the AIM at Melanoma Foundation with an exhibit that explores the meaning of friendship and the potential loss of that relationship with 20 paintings that chronicle her friendship with someone struggling with a diagnosis of nodular melanoma. From noon-5 p.m. on Monday-Friday and at all public events at Messanine Gallery at the Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson.

JUNE

• June 4: MetroBall XV

Benefit for GDMAF this year features Tiffany, Jennifer Holliday, Thea Austin and Chris Chism. If you purchased tickets for 2020’s Metroball, they will be valid this year. Contact David Hearn at pianobar@aol.com. 7 p.m. at S4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. GDMAF.org.

• June 4-5: Cinderella

Ballet North Texas presents the story of an ordinary girl experiencing one magical night, thanks to her Fairy Godmother and a pair of glass slippers featuring Prokofiev’s jubilant score. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St. Tickets at ATTPAC.org.

• June 5: Bloomin Ball

Benefit for AIN. Thelma Houston performs. Cocktails, silent auction, three-course seated meal with a performance by Denise Lee, after party with drinks and dancing from 6 p.m.-midnight at Renaissance Dallas Hotel, 2222 N. Stemmons Freeway. AINDallas.org.

• June 5-6: Dallas Pride

• June 10: PFLAG Dallas

Virtual support meeting for parents, family and friends of LGBTQ people meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Register for link at PFLAGDallas.org.

• June 12: Queer Reads

Queer Reads is an online book club meets the second Saturday of every month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register at dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/queer-reads-book-club-0.

• June 15-17: DEI Conference

The Texas Diversity Equity & Inclusion Conference virtually brings together LGBT Chamber member businesses and other certified businesses, DEI professionals, supplier diversity professionals, employee resource group members and more.

• June 18-20: Juneteenth Unity Weekend 2021

Hosted by Dallas Southern Pride. Free. Sheraton Suites Market Center, 2101 N. Stemmons Freeway is the host hotel. Code DSP for $89 rate. Ultimate Mega Party at Gilley’s Dallas, 1135 S. Lamar St. on Saturday from 10 p.m.-3 a.m.

• Through June 20: Frida Kahlo: Five Works

Five works by Frida Kahlo from a private collection including four paintings and a drawing will be on display in the atrium on level 4 at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St. DMA.org.

• June 22: Get Centered tour

Virtual Resource Center tour streams for free at 5 p.m. Registration required. MyResourceCenter.org.

• June 30: AIDS Walk South Dallas

Tenth anniversary AIDS Walk South Dallas 5K run/walk kicks off at 8 a.m. This year’s theme “Intensifying The Fight for Health and Rights” extends the mission which is to inspire, educate and galvanize the community of South Dallas and surrounding areas to continue to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist those impacted. MLK Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd. From $25.

JULY

• July 4: Independence Day

• July 8: PFLAG Dallas

Virtual support meeting for parents, family and friends of LGBTQ people meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Register for link at PFLAGDallas.org.

• July 10: Queer Reads

Queer Reads is an online book club meets the second Saturday of every month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register at dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/queer-reads-book-club-0.

• Through July 25: Cubism in Color: The Still Lifes of Juan Gris

First U.S. exhibit of cubist Juan Gris in 35 years with more than 40 of his paintings and collages. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St. DMA.org.

AUGUST

• Aug. 12: PFLAG Dallas

Virtual support meeting for parents, family and friends of LGBTQ people meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Register for link at PFLAGDallas.org.

• Aug. 24: Get Centered tour

Virtual Resource Center tour streams for free at 5 p.m. Registration required. MyResourceCenter.org.

SEPTEMBER

• Sept. 9: PFLAG Dallas

Virtual support meeting for parents, family and friends of LGBTQ people meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Register for link at PFLAGDallas.org.

• Sept. 24: Awards luncheon

The LGBT Chamber’s 2021 Business & Community Excellence Awards Luncheon.

• Sept. 24: Wynonna Judd and Cactus Moser

Wynonna Judd and Cactus Moser perform live at The Kessler, 1230 W. Davis St. Tickets at Prekindle.com.

• Sept. 24-26: LGBTQ Outdoorfest

LGBT Outdoors camping weekend will feature hands-on outdoors workshops and that magic community building that can only take place outdoors around a campfire. Rainbow Ranch in Groesbeck.