BY: R. LEE BOND

    The often-tenuous relationship between the LGBT community and the printed press seems of late to be improving. Recently LGBTers are enjoying more exposure and attention from publications in both the editorial and advertising departments. Why? Perhaps publications are simply channeling a pro-gay Zeitgeist? Or is the community perhaps being exploited for the so-called "pink" dollar?

LGBT and mainstream aging providers will come together at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) conference in St. Louis July 17-21, 2010. This conference can play a vital role in advancing the knowledge and skills of mainstream providers to meet the needs of LGBT older adults and this year includes a groundbreaking session: "Coming of Age with LGBT Elders."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled against a Christian law student group that sought official recognition by a public university but refused to abide by the school’s nondiscrimination policy, which includes religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. The case, Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, was brought against the University of California, Hastings College of Law, which has a longstanding nondiscrimination policy that must be adopted by all student groups in order to receive school recognition, which includes access to school funds.

BY: COLIN MURPHY – SENIOR WRITER

    Summertime in St. Louis can be brutal—but the heat and occasional downpour couldn’t dampen the fun at the 4th Annual Gateway Regional Rodeo held June 11-13 at Mark Harrell Horse Facilities in Caseyville, Illinois.

ST. LOUIS - The Macy's store downtown St. Louis has honored Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month with a first-of-its kind window display designed by VM Nick Wilson. Macy's has been a supporter and participant of St. Louis Pridefest over the years and the company's Pride Employee Resource Group participates in the annual parade.

PHOTO BY: MATT JAMIESON

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A group of around 300 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates attended the annual White House Pride reception, June 22. Among those in attendance included St. Louisans' A.J. Bockelman, Executive Director of PROMO; Growing American Youth  members, Shannon Patrick Durphy and Tashe Stefacek and Growing American Youth Advisor, Morgan Keenan. 

The two students from the St. Louis-based support group for LGBT and questioning youth 21-and under were able to pose for photos and speak briefly with President Barack Obama.

BY: MATT JAMIESON

    It has been 41-years since the death of famed singer and actress Judy Garland, but her memory lives on in an acclaimed stage show that is making its way to St. Louis, July 15. Actor Tommy Femia stars as Garland in “Judy Garland Live”, which has been praised by both The Village Voice and The New York Times.

BY: SARAH FENTEM

    Happy Pride Month! As the LGBT community's biggest weekend draws near, Vital VOICE Magazine takes a look at the symbols that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people, and allies use to show their pride and solidarity.

RAINBOW FLAGS

BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER

BELLEVILLE, IL - The third-annual Metro East Pride Festival got  underway yesterday (June 19) in downtown Belleville, Illinois. The festival, a project of the Coalition for Economic and Social Justice, was held on West Main street in the shadow of the historic fountain from noon until 10 p.m. 

BY: ANDREA BRAUN - THEATRE CORRESPONDENT

    Having seen Wicked several times, I wasn’t prepared for any real surprises, but the national touring company of the blockbuster musical provided one: two Elphabas.

BY: MARK LEINAUER

    In 1987 a young Missouri couple filed for divorce. They had one son, Curtis, and both husband and wife sought his primary custody. By all accounts both were loving parents; neither parent abused or harmed Curtis in any way. But their respective abilities to provide for Curtis differed dramatically.

BY: CURTIS COMER

    I’ve recently begun to wonder who that old guy is staring back at me from the mirror. He looks vaguely familiar…same eyes, nose and mouth…but the rest of the face is someone I don’t know. And every time one of my friends (usually Kris) posts a photo of me on Facebook, I find myself wondering who the old man is staring into the camera.

    Then it dawns on me; the aging man in the photo is me and looks a hell of a lot like my father.

    Gross.

JEFFERSON CITY – Today, GetEQUAL, a direct action lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, Show Me No Hate, a Missouri based LGBT civil rights organization, and approximately 20 Missouri LGBT equality advocates held a protest at the Jefferson City, MO offices of House Armed Services Chair Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO). 

BY: COLIN MURPHY – SENIOR WRITER

    In 2005 and 2007 it shattered area box office records and sold out in record time. So after a three-year wait, fellow Ozians rejoice! Wicked—the smash-hit musical which turns The Emerald City on its head is returning to the Fabulous Fox, June 16-July 11.

    The larger-than-life production proved an instant gay favorite with its unique twist on the camp classic, The Wizard of Oz—its message of acceptance and the alternate storyline where things aren't necessarily what they appear to be.