Adam Lambert to be honored with the Davidson/Valentini Award at 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco

New York, Thursday, March 28, 2013 - GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today announced it will honor singer, songwriter, and stage performer Adam Lambert at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented nationally by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo.

Adam Lambert will receive the Davidson/Valentini Award at the San Francisco ceremony on May 11, 2013 at the Hilton San Francisco – Union Square, presented locally by Southwest Airlines. The Davidson/Valentini Award is named after Craig Davidson, GLAAD’s first executive director, and his partner Michael Valentini. The award is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.  Previous Davidson/Valentini honorees include Lee Daniels, Chad Allen, Ilene Chaiken, Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, Alec Mapa, B.D. Wong, and Sandra Bernhard.

“Adam Lambert’s continued success as one of the world’s best-selling pop stars shows LGBT people that they can be themselves and make it in a mainstream industry that many feel unfairly rejects them,” said GLAAD’s Wilson Cruz. “Adam is fearless on stage and astonishes audiences in every country he performs in.”

Upon the release of Lambert’s second album Trespassing, of which he is the executive producer and principal writer, Lambert became the first out LGBT artist to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The album made numerous year-end “best of” lists, including Rolling Stone and People, and Lambert supported the album by embarking on a successful world tour. Lambert also performed with legendary rock band Queen in critically-acclaimed sold-out shows across Europe.  He has also established himself as one of the few high-profile Western acts across Asia with recent TV performances on the finale of “The Voice of China” and the MNET Music awards, reaching more than three billion viewers.

As an out mainstream pop star, Lambert has used his status to help advance equality and raise visibility of the LGBT community. In September 2012, he participated in a benefit performance to raise money for marriage equality efforts in Maryland and engaged in several interviews, in which he spoke about the importance of empowering and supporting LGBT young people. Lambert has also been recognized by other LGBT advocacy organizations, including Equality California’s Los Angeles Equality Awards and the PFLAG National Los Angeles event. In December, he performed at “Cyndi Lauper and Friends: Home for the Holidays,” a benefit concert supporting homeless LGBT youth.

In addition to his music, Lambert has appeared on stage and television. His guest spot on the Halloween special of Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family was the highest rated annual Halloween special ever for the network. He also hosted and performed during VH1′s Divas, a show benefiting the Save the Music Foundation.

Adam Lambert is a two-time GLAAD Media Award nominee, garnering nominations for both of his albums. He performed two of his songs during the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles in 2010.


Additional honorees and special guests for the San Francisco event will be announced.

Nominees for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here: http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. Each year, the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco bring together more than 5,000 advocates and allies to raise critical funds for the organization’s work.

The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are executive produced by Marc Honaker, Director of Creative Development at GLAAD, and by Josh Wood, founder and president of Josh Wood Productions. Emmy Award-winning production designer James Connelly will design this year’s set across the three cities. Acclaimed producer and editor Brett Henrichsen will also contribute to this year’s GLAAD Media Awards.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

About GLAAD: GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: GLAAD

Anne Sweeney, President of Disney/ABC Television Group to be Honor at 2013 HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner

Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Dinner Last Stop for Prop. 8 Plaintiffs on way to Supreme Court

LOS ANGELES – March 19, 2013, The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced the 2013 Los Angeles Gala on Saturday March 23 at the JW Marriott L.A. Live Hotel will celebrate Kris Perry & Sandy Stier and Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo, the four California plaintiffs challenging Prop. 8 before the U.S. Supreme Court. The dinner will be their last public event in their home state of California before they head to Washington for the oral argument, which begins on March 26.

In addition to the Prop. 8 plaintiffs, this year’s dinner will include other champions of equality including former Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire, who signed marriage equality into law in 2012 and then helped lead the historic campaign against the efforts to overturn the law, openly gay Congressman Mark Takano, and Rob Reiner, a board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), the sole sponsor of the federal court challenge of Prop. 8. ABC’s Tom Bergeron will host the event and actress Kerry Washington will make a special appearance. HRC will honor Disney/ABC Television Group with its Corporate Equality Award for the company’s steadfast support of equality for the LGBT community. The award will be presented to the company’s president, Anne Sweeney.

WHAT: Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2013
Media arrival at 5:00 p.m. / Arrivals 6:00 p.m. / Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: JW Marriott L.A. Live Hotel
Diamond Ballroom
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015

WHO: Prop. 8 Plaintiffs Kris Perry & Sandy Stier and Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo
Christine Gregoire, Former Washington Governor
Congressman Mark Takano
Anne Sweeney, President of Disney/ABC Television Group
Rob Reiner, actor, director, and American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) board member
Tom Bergeron, host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos
Kerry Washington, actress
Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign

For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets go to www.hrcladinner.com.


About The Human Rights Campaign:
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information visit http://www.hrc.org/

About The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee:
The Los Angeles Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign is a diverse volunteer group of individuals working each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and straight-supportive people in this area. For more information visit http://hrcladinner.com/about_us.html

About Anne Sweeney:
Anne Sweeney is co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, which includes The Walt Disney Company’s global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, as well as radio and publishing businesses. For more information visit The Walt Disney Company.

Media Credentialing: Media pre-registration is required and space is limited. All media must be pre-registered and approved for a credential. To request credentials for the dinner, please contact Paul Guequierre at paul.guequierre@hrc.org.

Source: Human Rights Campaign, The Walt Disney Company

Exclusive: Meet The Iron Man of Persian Community Shahbod Noori

“One Man With Courage Make A Majority” Shahbod Noori is the Publisher and President of Tehran International Weekly Magazine and the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center.

Shahbod Noori was born on March 10, 1964, in Iran, Tehran. He became a driving instructor there at age 17. When the regime changed in Iran, he fled from his country through the mountains to Pakistan. There he continued to work as a driver, and also as a bodyguard for celebrities.

After one year in Karachi, Pakistan, Shahbod Noori moved to Vienna, Austria. He worked for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) as a driver and security guard for the Jewish Synagogue. In 1986 he moved to New York and after six months, decided to head for the Golden State of California.

In Los Angeles, Shahbod Noori started his own driving school, Foojan Driving School. At the same time, for fun and because he loves Friday nights, he began creating and promoting Friday Night-only nightclubs at famous locations around the Los Angeles area. They included Rendezvous on Club Yes in West LA; Spanky on Paradise Night Club in Century City; Club Lido in Tarzana; and Club Rio in Encino.

Shahbod Noori is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to assist low-income or no-income families. Shahbod Noori is an entrepreneur with many skills. When he is not working on his Tehran International Weekly Magazine, he is working at his Super California Deli & Market (located at 20050 Vanowen St #C in Canoga Park, C). Super California Deli & Market has been serving the San Fernando Valley Persian community since 2009. In 2011 he opened California Kabob Restaurant (located at 20050 Vanowen St #B in Canoga Park, CA).


Shahbod Noori has put together 11 successful charity concerts with more than 3000 people for the Persian Relief Center. He has raised money and helped several dozens of people to keep roofs over their heads, go to school, find jobs, and has even sheltered them in his home for many months. Shahbod Noori promoted nine Persian festivals, which drew from 8,000 to 12,000 people, at sites including Mehregan on Hollywood Park Casino, Woodley Park, and Pierce College. He produced six Persian New Year’s festivals with more than 25,000 people in attendance on Balboa Lake Park in San Fernando Valley area.

Shahbod Noori is also the Founder & Executive Director of Tehran International Weekly Magazine, one of the leading Persian-Language magazines in the United States and around the World since 1996. In 2003, Shahbod Noori Started his recording company, Tehran Records, and has produced and distributed the albums from the top Persian singers. 

During his entrepreneur and publishing careers, Shahbod Noori has met and worked with powerful politicians, newsmakers and shakers such as former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, LA District Attorney Gil Garcetti, Former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan, City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sheriff Lee Baca, and Zev Yaroslavsky from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, among many others.

(Please click on photos to view them regular size)

He started his publishing company in 1989 with The Original Bazaar Weekly, the first free classified and advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. Besides being a publisher, Shahbod Noori has always shown great concern for social issues within the Iranian community.

Both as a journalist and publisher, Shahbod Noori not only tries to be a true voice of Iranians in Southern California and around the globe, but also helps many in the community at times of despair and hardship. His passion for social justice and helping the most vulnerable women and children in society led him to found The Persian Relief Center.

For all his contributions for the betterment of society, in particular the Persian community, Shahbod Noori has received awards from the City of Los Angeles, and a Citizen award from the Los Angeles Police Department. Even the Persian community of which he is such a vital player has recognized his work and contribution by awarding him the Persian Media Award. Shahbod Noori is a recipient of the Charity Award and is Member of Who’s Who.

(Please click on photos to view them regular size)

Shahbod Noori travels all over the word and had visited many countries. Shahbod Noori has wide ranging interests, hobbies and activities. He is an accomplished photographer. Shahbod Noori is a professional Persian chef. Shahbod Noori is a licensed security guard. Shahbod Noori is also a licensed massage therapist: he has healing hands in meditation and pain management. Shahbod Noori is an Entertainment Sponsor and coach of many Persian models, actors and singers. Shahbod Noori loves to watch movies, viewing one movie per night before he goes to sleep.

Shahbod Noori is known as the Iron man, sometime working more than 12 hours a day. He is like a respected godfather of the Persian community because those who are in trouble or need assistance know they can go to him for advice and help.

About Tehran International Weekly Magazine: Tehran International Weekly Magazine is the leading Persian-Language weekly magazine in the United States and around the world.

Mr. Shahbod Noori is the Founder and Executive Director of the publishing company. In 1989 he published the first 24- page Original Bazaar Weekly.

The Original Bazaar Weekly was the first free classified and a display advertising paper published for the Iranian community in Southern California.

After eight years, the Original Bazaar Weekly was the most popular free classified advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. However, this great success was just the beginning.

In 1996, Mr. Shahbod Noori published Tehran International Weekly Magazine, which covers world news, entertainment, art, sports, cultural & social events, politics, etc., by utilizing the talents of the most famous writers from within the Iranian community.

In 2000, Shahbod Noori, for the first time in the Iranian community, released 108 pages of Tehran Magazine online at www.tehranmagazine.com. The on-line version of the magazine is free for people to read or print in PDF format, and is updated weekly with a one-month lag-behind.

In 2013, after 17 years, Tehran International Weekly Magazine has become one of the most popular and powerful Iranian magazines in the United States and around the world. Although it mainly focuses on California, the magazine covers the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and Middle East, as well.

Photos credit to: Shahbod Noori private archive collections, Travis Jourdain/Five Minute Photos and Gisele Rebeiro/PartyBy5.com

Editor’s Note: We want to thank and congratulate Mr. Shahbod Noori for all his contributions to the community and accomplishments. We want to wish him the best and we need more strong people like him that helps and cares about the community. We are so proud and happy to featured him in our pages.

Closing night the L.A. Fashion Weekend at the Sunset Gower Studios Celebrates Fashion for Spring/Summer 2013

On October 21, 2012, the fashion show extravaganza ends at the Sunset Gower Studios. Mikey Koffman from “The Gallery Los Angeles” produced and hosted this three day event. Every year, designers prepare to showcase their new designs for future seasons.

There are so many people involved to make these events possible. You have all the Media Sponsors such as Diversity News Magazine, L.A. Fashion Magazine, ApparelNews, American Gentleman Magazine, and Hollyscoop advertising weeks ahead to get the word out, and to bring people to this exciting event.

Most of the media sponsors provided a copy of their magazine for attendees to view and take home. “Diversity News” provided a copy of their magazine in the VIP gift bag on October 19th. Everyone loves fashion, so guests can always look at the fashion magazines for all design debuts.

Where there is people and good music, you also need to have delicious food at a great event such as a Hollywood fashion show at a great location. Don’t forget the sweets too. “Bubba Sweets” provided cupcakes the three days. Drinks galore provided by the delicious liquor of “My World on a plate”, “Little Black Dress Vodka”, “Lodvoka”, and “Venue Sunset Gower-Sunset Bronson”.

Not only can the attendees enjoy a great fashion show, they can meet other people who love fashion like them. Other design suites sponsors such as “Hoodiebuddie” and “Wella Professionals” gave out gifts or samples. Taking home a gift from these sponsors made the event more memorable for everyone. You have “Sugar Scout” displaying their jewelry for viewing. Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace” displayed a sample viewing on how their rooms look at the hotel. Also, they provided guests with a small cream and their advertisement. Luxury is what they are all about.

Don’t forget the beauty tips and makeovers from the stylists “Napoleon” and “Glamglow”. Fashion starts with your appearance, so having stunning makeup and an awesome design on, makes you feel good.

At 8:00 p.m., the curtain opens and people begin to take their seats. Media and photographers are set at center stage. The performance begins by “Midnight Red”. Everyone enjoyed the talented group. They had the honor to perform twice throughout this weekend.

Mikey Koffman from “The Gallery Los Angeles” walks the runway to welcome everyone and thank all for their support. Now the excitement begins by bringing out the designers showcase one by one for everyone to enjoy. (Please click on photos to view them regular size).

The lovely Dina Bar-El knows how to make the people admire her beauty on the runway. Dina designs presents elegance, stunning and beautiful fabrics such as lace, satin, and color. Dresses with shining gray and sparkling gray can be worn to any luxury party. Sequins galore lays upon the front portion of the dress, which is noticeable for any stunning figure. Don’t forget your summer and spring colors of yellow, blue, red, pink and white. These colors are cool for those hot days. Dina’s designs are well fitted to show your curves and make you feel sexy when wearing her glamorous dresses. What a great imagination.

Brown, red, black, peach, and white was on the mind of Designer, Nathanaelle Couture. Outfits that look like two pieces with boarders of fabric lining the entire outfit made the outfit look like a style from in the 40s. A long satin dress with flowers of black and red was perfect for gala parties. A long see through train ensemble into the dress was very elegant. Combinations of red and black dresses with beautiful stunning jewels arranged from the middle of the dress, to top shoulder, just gave a little richness to the outfit. You never can go wrong with lace and satin to make a cool and comfortable. Dresses with flare and fluffiness hit the runway which looks like more of renaissance style.

Designer, Anthony Franco has outrages beautiful taste. He not only designs for women, he includes his men’s style to be as stunning. The handsome models walked the runway with velvet and collaboration of leather fitted suits. The ladies looked beautiful in long shiny dresses consisting of colors of black, white, silver, red, yellow and white. Dresses that drape to the floor can be worn to weddings or even black tie parties. Accessories such as gloves were an awesome combination in making the outfit look luxury and expensive.

Overall the three days of getting together to enjoy the splendid designs of very talented designers, made us look forward to Spring/Summer. The guests also received great information from the sponsors who took the time to attend and contribute to the event. Mikey Koffman always provides the attendees with a great show.

To read more about our complete coverage of LA Fashion Weekend 10/2012 at Sunset Gower Studios visit:

Day 1 – Opening Night

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2012/10/christina-milian-attends-opening-night-at-l-a-fashion-weekend-at-sunset-gower-studios/#.UIXou8XAfTo

Day 2 – Second Night

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2012/10/mikey-koffman-of-the-gallery-l-a-producer-and-host-of-l-a-fashion-weekend-springsummer-2013-at-sunset-gower-studios-10-20-2012/#.UIs3g8XAfTo

Day 3 – Final

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2012/10/experiencing-the-l-a-fashion-weekends-just-fashion-event-and-show/

and

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2012/10/closing-night-the-l-a-fashion-weekend-at-the-sunset-gower-studios-celebrates-fashion-for-springsummer-2013/#.UIs42cXAfTo

About The Gallery Los Angeles/Mikey Koffman:
Mikey Koffman, Founder of The Gallery Los Angeles and Executive Producer of L.A. Fashion Weekend, has been a mainstay in L.A.’s fashion world for over 10 years as both a producer and innovator. Koffman’s extensive background producing runway shows in L.A., Las Vegas, and New York City led her to start The Gallery Los Angeles, a full-service marketing and event production company.

Photos credit to: Gisele Rebeiro from PartyBy5.com for Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications.

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications was a proud media partner of The Gallery Los Angeles Presents L.A. Fashion Weekend at Sunset Gower Studios Spring/Summer 2013 on October 19th – 21st, 2012.

All major professional sports leagues to ‘go purple’ for Spirit Day with GLAAD in a historic show of support for LGBT youth on October 19

MLB, MLS Cares, NBA, WNBA, NFL, NASCAR Diversity, NHL, USA Track & Field, WWE join millions to speak out against bullying
Ricky Martin, Country music icon Reba McEntire, Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley, Country Music Television (CMT), CNBC, MTV, VH1, Logo, BET, NBCUniversal, Paris Hilton, ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ Sign, New York Stock Exchange, Hosts of Good Morning America, The Talk, Days of Our Lives cast, Dianna Agron, Chaz Bono, Fran Drescher, Joel McHale, Sir Ian McKellen, Maria Menounos, Bernadette Peters and more pledge to wear purple in stand against bullying.

NEW YORK, NY, October 18, 2012 - In an unprecedented show of support, GLAAD today announced that the six most prominent American major sports leagues – The National Basketball Association (NBA) / Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Football League (NFL), the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS) and NASCAR’s diversity program – will all ‘go purple’ for Spirit Day on Friday, October 19, in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. The six leagues will send messages on Spirit Day to bullied LGBT youth via Twitter and Facebook. The leagues join athletes like Shaquille O’Neal and Terrell Owens who have already pledged to ‘go purple,’ and sports organizations, including the GLAAD Amplifier Award-winning “You Can Play” project, GLAAD partner Athlete Ally, GO! Athletes, and UK Rugby champion Ben Cohen’s StandUp Foundation. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), like the NBA, will be taking part in Spirit Day for the second consecutive year. USA Track & Field will also participate by providing support through social media.

For a full list of participants, an anti-bullying resource kit for students and parents as well as Spirit Day digital apps visit glaad.org/spiritday and follow #SpiritDay

“From sports leagues to faith institutions to national monuments, schools and celebrities, millions of Americans will unite this week in an extraordinary show of support for LGBT youth and in a stand against bullying,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “At a time when 8 out of 10 LGBT youth report being harassed at school, it’s now more important than ever that we let every young person know that it’s okay to be who you are.”

Country music icon Reba McEntire and Country Music Television (CMT) will join MTV, VH1, Logo and BET, as well as Latin music icon Ricky Martin, pop sensation Fun., 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Grammy Award-winning R&B recording artist Brandy Norwood, teen music star Aaron Carter, country music star Chely Wright, Broadway legend Bernadette Peters and EGOT Rita Moreno in ‘going purple’ for Spirit Day on October 19. More than one hundred celebrity participants are listed below or here: www.glaad.org/spiritday/entertainment

Viacom’s brands will be participating on-air, online, through social media and employee engagement efforts. MTV, VH1, Logo, TV Land and TeenNick will turn on-air logos purple on Spirit Day; MTV, VH1 and Logo will turn online logos purple as well and support through social media, VH1.com, LogoTV.com and NewNowNext.com, which will be posting feature stories and never-before-seen “It Gets Better” clips. MTV will turn its 44 ? high-definition screen in Times Square purple for the day. The cast of TeenNick’s ‘Degrassi’ and ‘Victorious’ star Avan Jogia will be wearing purple and Viacom, BET, CMT and Paramount Pictures will also support the day through social media. MTV stars, including ‘Jersey Shore’ cast members DJ Pauly D, Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley, Sammi Giancola and Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi will also participate.

Comcast and NBCUniversal will participate including NBC owned stations, Telemundo network and owned stations. Hosts of “Access Hollywood,” CNBC, “Chelsea Lately,” and E! News, among others, will wear purple.

The Sundance Channel will also participate by turning its on-air and web logos purple for Spirit Day on October 19. Additionally, the network will go purple on its social media pages and share photos of Sundance staff in their Spirit Day purple.

The ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign’ will be turned purple and several hotels on the Las Vegas strip will light their marquees purple with an anti-bullying message, GLAAD previously announced with R&R Partners Foundation. In addition, the Duke Energy Tower in Charlotte, NC will join the New York Stock Exchange, Thomson Reuters’ Times Square screen, the LAX Pylon Lights and JFK traffic tower in lighting up purple for Spirit Day on October 19.

Hosts of ‘Good Morning America’ will wear purple on the October 19 show. ‘Watch What Happens Live’ host Andy Cohen will also wear purple for Spirit Day on the October 18 program. Hosts of “Access Hollywood,” CNBC, “Chelsea Lately,” “E! News,” “Extra,” “The Talk,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “The Wendy Williams Show” will also wear purple on the air for Spirit Day. Host of ‘Extra,’ Maria Menounos, will join previously announced celebrity participants including Dianna Agron, Perez Hilton, Avan Jogia, Shay Mitchell, Shaquille O’Neal, George Takei and Wendy Williams as a Spirit Day Ambassador.

American Apparel, the vertically integrated clothing manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles, launched a Spirit Day store featuring the company’s purple clothing items. Spirit Day supporters will receive a special 10% discount on the purple items by using the promo code ‘SPIRIT’ at check out. American Apparel will also donate 10% of all ‘purple proceeds’ to GLAAD.

Each year GLAAD coordinates hundreds of national and local organizations, schools, celebrities, media, sports leagues, corporations, parishes, faith groups and landmarks. GLAAD is also working with gay teen Katy Butler who is calling for President Obama and Governor Romney to wear purple on Friday. Her Change.org petition has garnered thousands of signatures: glaad.org/purple2012. Earlier this year, Katy launched a Change.org petition to call on the MPAA to change the rating of the documentary BULLY.

Additionally, celebrities including Chad Allen, Juliette Angelo, Louis Van Amstel, Bryan Batt, Kristin Bauer van Straten,  Chaz Bono, Brandy, Bailey Buntain, Keenan Cahill, Kristin Cavallari, ‘Quan T. Chanteur, Crystal Chappell, Preston Charles, Christian Chavez, Derek Chavez, Margaret Cho, Mario Cimarro, Andy Cohen, Ron Corning, Andres Cuervo, Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio, the cast of Days of Our Lives, the cast of Degrassi, Heather Doerksen, Fran Drescher, Elvis Duran, Carmen Electra, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Craig Ferguson, Ray Ford, Fun., Stephen Fry, Rose Garcia, Teresa Giudice, Tony Goldwyn, Greer Grammer, Renee Graziano,  Kathy Griffin, Melanie Griffith, Damien Haas,  Randy Harrison, Paris Hilton, Perez Hilton, Lisa Hochstein, Cheyenne Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Peter Marc Jacobson, Avan Jogia, Kaya Jones, Tamala Jones, Jarod Joseph, Keahu Kahuaui, Josh Kilmer-Purcell, Jennifer Knapp, C.J. Koegel, Kara Laricks, Laura Leon, Bubba Lewis, Judith Light, Mario Lopez, Katie Lowes, Jessica Lu, Lilia Luciano, Desi Lydic, Sean Maher, Marlee Matlin, Edith Marquez, Katlin Mastandrea, Lucia Mendez, Dean McDermott, Reba McEntire, Joel McHale, Sir Ian McKellan, Maria Menounous, Paula Meronek, Windell Middlebrooks, Andy Mientus, Justin Mikita, Cesar Milan, Dannii Minogue,  Alicia Minshew, D.W. Moffett, Rita Moreno, Sarah Mitchell,  Shay Mitchell, Sonja Morgan, Jessica Morris, Mary Murphy, Brandon Nelson, Matt Nordgren, Tyler Oakley, Shaquille O’Neal, JD Ordonez, Terrell Owens, AJ Pagan, Ian Patrick, Marysol Patton, Zack Pearlman, Bernadette Peters, Melissa Peterman, Pauly D, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Joey Pollari, Marisa del Portillo, Stephanie Pratt, Cierra Ramirez, Emilie de Ravin, Jasmine Reynaud, Jillian Rose Reed, Shonda Rhimes, Ashley Rickards, Brent Ridge, RoBA, Chef Jason Roberts, Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Sara Rue, Thomas Sadoski, SallyAnn Salsano, Erin Sanders, Helenna Santos-Levy, Kenny Santucci, Robb Schreiber, Diego Schoening, Benji Schwimmer, Ryan Serhant, William Shatner, Lindsey Shaw, Christina Sicoli, Gail Simmons, Freddie Smith, Evan Starkman, KaDee Strickland, George Takei, Molly Tarlov, Lea Thompson, Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Kirsten Vangsness, Vanessa Villela, Michelle Visage, Bruce Vilanch, Kathy Wakile, Stephen Wallem, Kerry Washington, Trey Weatherholtz, Jill and Nikki Weiss-Goldstein, Wendy Williams, Henry Winkler, Marissa Winokur and Kyra Zagorsky will also participate by going purple on October 19.  For a full list please visit: www.glaad.org/spiritday/entertainment

Celebrity participants and Spirit Day Ambassadors are also encouraging fans and supporters to donate to GLAAD, GLSEN and The Trevor Project by texting ‘PURPLE’ to 80888 to make a $5 contribution. AT&T is the exclusive underwriter of the Spirit Day Text Purple campaign.

In addition to the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Treasure Island, The Tropicana Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will also turn their resort marquees purple along the Las Vegas Strip 11 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and then again 10 p.m. 10:15 p.m. The Fremont Street Experience will also go purple for Spirit Day at 10 p.m. and again at 11 p.m., lighting its famed Viva Vision canopy, which consists of more than 12 million LED lights and spans four city blocks. Organized by The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), a meet-up for teens and young adults will take place that evening at the Fremont Street Experience. Marquee Nightclub, located in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will host a Spirit Day after-party with special celebrity host NHL star Sean Avery.

Other Las Vegas-area participants include Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN); Golden Rainbow; Hilton Garden Inn; Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; Las Vegas Pride; Nevada State Senator David Parks; QVegas; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

GLAAD and Toyota Financial Services last week announced the release of the “Go Purple for #SpiritDay powered by Toyota Financial Services” apps for iPhone and Android. The app provides users with anti-bullying resources, calls to action, and a tool that can turn photos purple and share to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The free app is now available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. To download, visit: glaad.org/spiritday/app

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second largest school district with more than 640,000 students in over 900 schools, will participate by sharing information about Spirit Day with students on its website and through its social media channels.

Corporations including AMC Entertainment, American Airlines, American Apparel, AT&T, atelier-lb, Caesars Foundation, Carat, Citi, Comcast, CreagerCole Communications, Delta Air Lines, Draftfcb, Digitas, Ernst & Young LLP, Facebook, Hewlett-Packard Company, Hyatt, Johnnye’s East Texas Soul, LBNY, Leo Burnett Business, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Marquee Las Vegas, MediaVest, MetLife, MSL New York, Mobli, NBCUniversal, Nielsen, Omnicom Group, PepsiCo, Publicis Groupe, Publicis Kaplan Thaler, PwC, Saatchi & Saatchi, Seventeen Magazine, Southern California Edison, StumbleUpon, Thomson Reuters, Toyota Financial Services, tumblr, Viacom, Warner Bros., Wells Fargo, Yahoo! and Zenith Optimedia will also participate in Spirit Day. Participating companies will distribute information to employees about wearing purple and/or turn their logo purple on October 19.

Local and national groups and organizations including All Out; The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth; American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Athlete Ally; Bienestar; bklyn boihood; Broadway Impact; The Brown Boi Project; Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization; the BULLY Project; Campus Pride; CenterLink; Circle of Voices; Courage Campaign; Empire State Pride Agenda; Equality California; Equality Florida; Equality Illinois; Equality Maryland; Equality Matters; Equality Michigan; the Equality Network; Equality North Carolina; Equality Ohio; Equality Texas; Equality Utah; Fair Wisconsin; FALGBT; Familia es Familia; Fierce; Forty to None Project; Forum for Equality; Freedom to Marry; FriendFactor; Forum for Equality; Garden State Equality; Georgia Equality; Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY); Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD); the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN); Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD); Give a Damn Campaign; GMHC; GSA Network; Hetrick-Martin Institute; Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC); Human Rights Campaign (HRC); Immigration Equality; Indiana Equality; It Gets Better Project; Latino Equality Alliance; Latino GLBT History; LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent; Log Cabin Republicans; the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Mass Equality; Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC); MOVILH; National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC); the National Bullying Prevention Center by PACER; the National Council of La Raza (NCLR); National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR); National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE); National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP); the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC); One Colorado; One Iowa; OutFront Minnesota; Out & Equal; OutServe; Palm Beach County Human Rights Council; Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); Point Foundation; promo; Progress Florida; Reaching Out MBA; Safe Schools of South Florida; SAGE; Save Dade; Sean’s Last Wish;  Service Members Legal Defense Network (SLDN); Straight But Not Narrow; Sun Serve; Sylvia Rivera Law Project; The Task Force; Tennessee Equality Project; Transgender Law Center; Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF); Trans People of Color Coalition (TPCC);Tennessee Equality Project; Trans Ohio; Trans People of Color Coalition; Trans Youth Support Network (TYSN); The Trevor Project; True Colors Fund; Truth Wins Out; The Village Family Services; We Are Family; WikiQueer; and Youth Empowered to Act (YETA) will all participate by wearing purple on October 19, turning their social media channels purple, and encouraging members to participate.

Additional media partners include 495 Productions, The Advocate, AutoStraddle.com, Boy Culture, Diversity News Magazine, Edge Media Network, Frontiers in L.A. Magazine, Gay.com, Gay.net, Here TV, HIV Plus Magazine, HollyScoop.com, HollywoodLife.com, HuffPost Gay Voices, Hulu, Instinct Magazine, JoeMyGod.com, MicahJesse.com, Mombian.com, Next Magazine, OUT, OUT Traveler, Queerty.com, RumorFix.com, Seventeen, The Seattle Lesbian, SheWired.com, Think Progress and The Washington Blade.

This year, more than 50 faith organizations, congregations and synagogues are going purple for Spirit Day. Notable faith leaders like Bishop Gene Robinson, Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp, and YouTube theologian, Matthew Vines have all encouraged their followers to go purple for Spirit Day. Faith-based organizations include the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Association, Metropolitan Community Churches, Believe Out Loud, Sojourners, Muslims for Progressive Values, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Dignity USA, Fortunate Families, the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Holy Angels Catholic Community, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catholics, Catholic Association for Lesbian and Gay Ministry, Catholic Association of Students for Equality, New Ways Ministry, Keshet, the Institute for Judaism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Nehirim: GLBT Jewish Culture and Spirituality, Star of Davida, Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, Beth Chayim Chadashim, He’bro, The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard, Eden Theological Seminary Common Grounds, Auburn Seminary, Affirmation United Methodists, Reconciling Ministries Network, Druid Hills United Methodist Church, Travis Park United Methodist Church, Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry, Pacific School of Religion, Coalition of Welcoming Congregations in the Bay Area, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, More Light Presbyterians, Presbyterian Welcome, Religious Institute: Faithful Voices on Sexuality and Religion, Human Rights Campaign Religion & Faith Program, ReconcilingWorks, St. James Lutheran Church, Journey Fellowship, BJUnity, Canyonwalker Connections, Groundswell, Inside, Owldolatrous, The Evangelical Network, The Marin Foundation, The Naming Project, and LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent. Congregations and faith organizations are encouraged to visit the faith page of the Spirit Day web site (www.glaad.org/spiritday/faith) to participate in Spirit Day.

In 2010, teenager Brittany McMillan called on her friends to wear purple as a way to memorialize those who lost their lives to bullying. With GLAAD’s help, Spirit Day has since garnered widespread support from celebrities, TV news and entertainment programs, corporations, organizations, schools, local communities, and even national landmarks. Spirit Day coincides with GLSEN’s Ally Week, as well as National Bullying Prevention Month.

“Showing support for your friends, family and teachers can make all the difference in the world to young LGBT people, whether they are going through a tough time or not,” said 17-year-old McMillan. “This year, Spirit Day is going to be bigger and better than ever, and I’m so thrilled to be going purple alongside some of my favorite celebrities, as well as millions of others in a united stand against bullying.” For more information visit glaad.org/spiritday

About GLAAD: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News Publications and Steven Escobar are proud to be media partners with GLAAD for Spirit Day! (wear purple on Friday, October 19th) http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/media

28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012 raises $2,912,209 for AIDS Project LA and 29 other L.A. County AIDS Organizations

On a hot and sunny day and on October 14, 2012 over 30,000 participates came out to raise funds for APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles). The first fundraiser walk was in 1985, and every year thousands of people collect donations to support APLA and 29 other L.A. County AIDS Organizations. All the efforts paid off this year, AIDS Walk LA raised for APLA $2,912,209 to fight HIV/AIDS. The event was held at the West Hollywood Park located 647 N San Vicente Blvd in West Hollywood, CA 90069 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

“The 30,000 participants who took to the streets today can take pride in the incredible $2,912,209 raised to fight AIDS and lift up the lives those affected by HIV,” said Craig R. Miller, Founder and Producer of the event.  “Thanks to the thousands of dedicated people who walk and fundraise each year, we have made tremendous progress and we are facing a better day in the fight against AIDS,” Miller says. “But we have to remain strong in our response. We have to remain vigilant. And most of all we have to remain visible.”

APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles) provides care and HIV prevention services throughout Los Angeles. APLA extends to all areas in Los Angeles and has nine food pantries, two dental clinics, and mobile dental van and much more.  Also, prevention education programs are an important part of communities they serve.  They also provide bilingual direct care to those in need.  For more information you can search on their website for details http://apla.org

“As we mark the 31^styear of the epidemic in the United States, AIDS Walk Los Angeles remains a critical – and, in fact, the single largest – source of private support for those who rely on APLA’s services,” said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles. “With their incredible fundraising, AIDS Walk Los Angeles participants are changing lives, powering prevention efforts, and supporting advocacy work to defend the civil rights of all who live with this still-deadly disease.”

After participates register, they are asked to fundraise to collect donations from family, co-workers and friends.  They set a goal, and get recognized for as much they collect.  When you collect certain amount of funds, you can receive great prices such as an AIDS Walk t-shirt, cap, ear buds or even a hoodie sweatshirt.  When a participant raises $1,000, he/she will receive the entire bundle of gifts. Dedicate supporter such as Cynthia Park, Tom Whitman, and Actress, Pauley Perrette had collected more than $23,000 in contributions. They deserve a hand and appreciation for working so hard in collecting for a great cause.

Schedule of events were organized to make this AIDS Walk possible.  Before the walk, Aerobic warm up got the walkers pumped up to begin their day.  Opening Ceremony followed which celebrities and AIDS walk activists address the crowd to give them encouragement and appreciation for them coming out to support this great organization.

The elected officials and special guests in attendance included:United States Representatives Howard Berman, Adam Schiff, and Maxine Waters; California State Senators Curren D. Price and Rod Wright; California State Assemblymembers Betsy Butler,Isadore Hall,and Ricardo Lara; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Paul Krekorian, Jan Perry, and Dennis P. Zine; Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich; Los Angeles City AIDS Coordinator Ricky Rosales; Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy; and West Hollywood City Councilmembers John J. Duran, John Heilman, John D’Amico and West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land.

Awesome celebrities such as Christa B. Allen (“Revenge”), Leslie Bibb (“GCB,” “Popular”), Sophia Bush (“Partners”), Drew Carey (“The Price is Right” Host), Barrett Foa (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Daisy Fuentes (Television Host), Christopher Gorham (“Covert Affairs,” “Popular”), Dot Marie Jones (“Glee”), Pauley Perrette (“NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service”), Andrew Rannells (”The New Normal,” “Girls”), Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), Michael Urie (“Partners”), BeBe Wood (“The New Normal”), the cast of MTV’s “Awkward” including Jillian Rose Reed, Nikki Deloach, Jessica Lu, Molly Tarlov, Bryce Johnson, Tamara Mello, Carly Pope, and Norm Lewis (“Scandal”) joined forces to make this event interesting. (Please click on the photos to view regular size).

APLA emphasis without the support it would not be possible to provide services needed.  After the speeches and saying thank you to all who contributed the walkers set out at 10:00 a.m. Thousands walked holding signs with their company name or group name on it. School children bundle in groups to support. Dad, moms and their children walked hand in hand. Supporters who lost a love one to AIDS, or knows someone who has AIDS started their walk for encouragement.

Advertising is very important to educate and notify people about AIDS Walk LA.  For many years, AIDS Walk Los Angeles purchased paid advertisement on Big Blue Bus (operated by the City of Santa Monica).  This year Big Blue Bus refuses to promote charity advertisements.  AIDS Walk LA feels this is unfair, and hurts their promotion in getting the word out about the walk.  LA Mayor, Antonio R. Villaraigosa announced he will put advertisements on Los Angeles buses next year.

Providing best wishes to APLA, corporate sponsors contribute with love. This year’s Presenting Sponsor was AHF Pharmacy.  The Grand Sponsors included ABC7, The David Geffen Foundation, Paramount Pictures, Paul Hastings, Time Warner Cable, and Toyota.  Principal Sponsors included Albertsons, Delta Air Lines, Macy’s, Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Vons/Pavilions. Every penny counts, so APLA thanks all supporters and contributors.

A special thank you goes out to AIDS Walk LA management and staff for gathering thousands of people to Los Angeles to announce the importance of this organization, and why they work so hard to help those infected with AIDS. Awareness to all, that anyone can be infected with AIDS, but there is hope. Every year contributions make it possible to educate and provided services. It doesn’t stop here you can always donate by going to http://aidswalk.net/losangeles.  You can make a difference.

About AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA):  AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest nonprofit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education, and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation.  With nearly 30 years of service, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national, and global reach.  For more information, visit apla.org.

About AIDS Walk Los Angeles:  Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has raised more than $75 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County, and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the country.  In 2011 alone, 30,000 participants, many of whom were members of 1,600 corporate and community teams, raised $3 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles and 24 other L.A. County AIDS service organizations.  For more information, visit aidswalk.net.

About MZA Events: AIDS Walk Los Angeles was founded in 1985 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events.  Miller is the AIDS Walk originator and has produced hundreds of public service campaigns and fundraising events, generating more than $368 million for major AIDS organizations throughout the country.  For more information, please visit mzaevents.com.

Sources: AIDS Project Los Angeles, AIDS Walk Los Angeles, MZA Events

Photos credit to: Donna F. Aceto for MZA Events/AIDS Walk Los Angeles and Stella Gomez, Disco Stella’s Pics for Diversity News Magazine. 

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications, is an Official Media Partner for the second year in a row for the 28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012.

XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominations Announced To Air Nov. 15 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT on Univision Network

JUAN LUIS GUERRA LEADS LATIN GRAMMY® NOMINATIONS WITH SIX; JESSE & JOY GARNER FIVE NODS; RICARDO ARJONA, EDGAR BARRERA, JUANES, CARLA MORRISON, ARTURO SANDOVAL, IVETE SANGALO AND 2012 LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY PERSON OF THE YEAR CAETANO VELOSO EACH RECEIVE FOUR NOMINATIONS. RICARDO ARJONA, BEBE, CHICO BUARQUE, CHOCQUIBTOWN, JESSE & JOY, JUANES, CARLA MORRISON, REIK, ARTURO SANDOVAL, AND CAETANO VELOSO, GILBERTO GIL & IVETE SANGALO ALL VIE FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE XIII ANNUAL LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS®, NOV. 15, LIVE ON UNIVISION.

Nominations Once Again Reflect a Diverse Blend of Established and Rising Talent from Across the Latin Music World, and This Year Include 10 Nominees in Each of the Four General Categories.

On Tuesday, September 25, 2012 the nominations for the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® (www.latingrammy.com) were announced today at a press conference attended by national and international media at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The event was streamed live on LatinGRAMMY.com (and is now available as video on demand) and was hosted by The Latin Recording Academy® President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr., and Univision television personality Giselle Blondet. Artists reading nominations this morning included: Maria Barracuda of pop/rock group Jotdog; Miguel “Slow” Martinez and Carlos “Tostao” Valencia of hip-hop/funk trio ChocQuibTown; pop vocalist Shaila Durcal; singer/songwriter Kany Garcia; pop duo Jesse & Joy; international superstar Juanes; singer/songwriter Gian Marco; Latin pop group Reik; Norteno band Los Tucanes de Tijuana; and pop/rock artist Ana Victoria. The XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, set for Nov. 15 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, will be broadcast live on the Univision Network (www.univision.com) from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). For a complete list of nominees, media credentialing instructions and more information, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy’s social networks on Twitter (www.twitter.com/latingrammys) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/latingrammys).

Juan Luis Guerra tops the nominations with six; Jesse & Joy garner five nods; Ricardo Arjona, Edgar Barrera, Juanes, Carla Morrison, Arturo Sandoval, Ivete Sangalo, and 2012 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Caetano Veloso are up for four awards; Chico Buarque, ChocQuibTown, Don Omar, Rafael Dragaud, Gregg Field, Javier Garza, Gilberto Gil, Ulises Hadjis, Roberto Talma, and Martin Terefe are among those who each received three nominations.

“The Latin GRAMMY nominations continue to highlight a varied and wide-ranging group of Latin music makers that reflects emerging talent as well as established artists,” said Abaroa. “It is always encouraging to see creative professionals across the worldwide Latin music community acknowledging their peers and recognizing excellence in recorded Latin music. We look forward to another year of celebrating the best and brightest in Latin music, and to presenting another stellar telecast in Las Vegas on Nov. 15 with our friends and partners at Univision and Mandalay Bay.”

As announced earlier this year, each of the four categories in the General Field (Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist) now include 10 nominations; the three categories in the Pop Field (Best Female Pop Vocal Album, Best Male Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal) are now combined into two categories: Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album; Best Pop/Rock Album has been added in the Rock Field; and Best Tropical Fusion Album has been added to the Tropical Field.

Following is a sampling of nominations in 47 categories from the Latin GRAMMY Awards’ 18 Fields, featuring a diverse array of musical styles and artists, and some of the most prominent names and brightest newcomers in Latin music:

GENERAL FIELD
Album Of The Year
Independiente — Ricardo Arjona
Un Pokito De Rocanrol — Bebe
Chico — Chico Buarque
Eso Es Lo Que Hay — ChocQuibTown
Con Quien Se Queda El Perro? — Jesse & Joy
MTV Unplugged — Juanes
Dejenme Llorar — Carla Morrison
Peligro — Reik
Dear Diz (Everyday I Think Of You) — Arturo Sandoval
Especial Ivete, Gil e Caetano — Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil & Ivete Sangalo

Record Of The Year
“Fuiste Tu” — Ricardo Arjona con Gaby Moreno
“Calentura” — ChocQuibTown Featuring Tego Calderon & Zully Murillo
“Que Te Vaya Mal” — Kany Garcia
“En El Cielo No Hay Hospital” — Juan Luis Guerra
“Corre!” — Jesse & Joy
“Azul Sabina” — Juanes Featuring Joaquin Sabina
“Hasta Que Te Conoci” — Manaa
“Atras Da Porta” — Ivete Sangalo
“No Me Compares” — Alejandro Sanz
“Besame Mucho” — Zoe

Song Of The Year
“Azul Sabina” — Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes & Joaquin Sabina, songwriters
(Juanes Featuring Joaquin Sabina)
“Corre!” — Jesse & Joy & Tommy Torres, songwriters (Jesse & Joy)
“Creo En Ti” — Kiko Cibrian, Gilberto Marin, Julio Ramirez & Monica Velez, songwriters (Reik)
“Dejenme Llorar — Carla Morrison, songwriter (Carla Morrison)
“En El Cielo No Hay Hospital” — Juan Luis Guerra, songwriter (Juan Luis Guerra)
“Estoy Hecho De Pedacitos De Ti” — Jose Luis Latorre, Antonio Orozco & Xavi Perez, songwriters
(Antonio Orozco Featuring Alejandro Fernandez)
“Extranjero” — Maycon Ananias & Cassyano Correr, songwriters (Maria Gadu)
“Fuiste Tu” — Ricardo Arjona, songwriter (Ricardo Arjona con Gaby Moreno)
“Invisible” — Amaury Gutierrez & Gian Marco, songwriters (Gian Marco)
“No Me Compares” — Alejandro Sanz, songwriter (Alejandro Sanz)

Best New Artist
Gaby Amarantos
Deborah De Corral
Elain
Ulises Hadjis
Los Mesoneros
Juan Magan
Rosario Ortega
Piso 21
3BallMTY
Ana Victoria

POP FIELD
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album
En Acustico — Pablo Alboran
Chambao — Chambao
Con Quien Se Queda El Perro? — Jesse & Joy
Bela y Sus Moskitas Muertas — Beatriz Luengo
Reconocer — Pamela Rodriguez

URBAN FIELD
Best Urban Music Album
Otro Nivel De Musica Reloaded — J. Alvarez
The Original Gallo Del Pais — Tego Calderon
The Most Powerful Rookie — Farruko
MT02 New Generation — Don Omar
La Bala — Ana Tijoux

ROCK FIELD
Best Pop/Rock Album
Porfiado — El Cuarteto De Nos
Turista Del Amor — Jotdog
Diciembre — Leiva
Camino A Encontrarte — Los Claxons
La Cuenta Atras — Vega

ALTERNATIVE FIELD
Best Alternative Music Album
Mundo Anfibio — Lisandro Aristimuno
Eso Es Lo Que Hay — ChocQuibTown
Cosas Perdidas — Ulises Hadjis
Sueno De La Maquina — Kinky
Dejenme Llorar — Carla Morrison

TROPICAL FIELD
Best Salsa Album
Eba Say Aja — Ruben Blades & Cheo Feliciano
Soy y Sere — Luis Enrique
Watch Out! Ten Cuidado! — Mambo Legends Orchestra
Busco En Pueblo — Victor Manuelle
Mi Ultima Grabacion — Tito Nieves

Best Tropical Fusion Album
Afronauta — Caseroloops
Ilusion+ — Fonseca
Una y Otra Vez — Sergent Garcia
The King Of Dance — Juan Magan
Phase II — Prince Royce

REGIONAL MEXICAN FIELD
Best Ranchero Album
Mas De Un Camino  — Pepe Aguilar
Asi — Shaila Durcal
No Que No… — Pedro Fernandez
Aqui En El Rancho — Miguel y Miguel
Trio Ellas — Trio Ellas

Best Regional Mexican Song
“Ay Mi Mexico” — Ismael Gallegos & Alberto “Beto” Jimenez Maeda, songwriters
(Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea)
“Como Me Acuerdo De Ti” — Charlie Corona & Jesse Turner, songwriters (Siggno)
“El Dia Que Me Fui” — Luis Carlos Monroy & Adrian Pieragostino, songwriters (Shaila Durcal)
“El Mejor Perfume” — Luis Carlos Monroy & Adrian Pieragostino, songwriters
(La Original Banda El Limon De Salvador Lizarraga)
“Vivo Contenta” — Manuel Eduardo Toscano, songwriter (Paquita La Del Barrio)

BRAZILIAN FIELD
Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album
Oasis De Bethania — Maria Bethania
Joao Bosco 40 Anos Depois — Joao Bosco
Amoragio — Ivan Lins
O Que Voce Quer Saber De Verdade — Marisa Monte
Raiz — Leila Pinheiro
Elo — Maria Rita
Especial Ivete, Gil e Caetano — Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil & Ivete Sangalo

Best Brazilian Song (Portuguese Language)
“A Doida” — Pretinho Da Serrinha, Leandro Fab & Seu Jorge, songwriters (Seu Jorge)
“Ai Se Eu Te Pego” — Antonio Dyggs & Sharon Axe Moi, songwriters (Michel Telo)
“Ainda Bem” — Arnaldo Antunes & Marisa Monte, songwriters (Marisa Monte)
“Amor E Pra Quem Ama” — Lenine & Ivan Santos, songwriters (Lenine)
“Querido Diario” — Chico Buarque, songwriter (Chico Buarque)

Producer Of The Year nominations go to Moogie Canazio, Gregg Field & Arturo Sandoval, Sergio George, Juan Luis Guerra, and Martin Terefe.

This year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards process registered a record-breaking more than 7,500 submissions over a 12-month eligibility period (Jul. 1, 2011 – June. 30, 2012), and all members of The Latin Recording Academy were able to submit entries for consideration through an online entry process for the first time. Latin GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Oct. 2 to the voting members of The Latin Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm Deloitte by Oct. 23, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the XIII Latin GRAMMY telecast. This year, for the first time, The Latin Recording Academy and Spotify will be working together to offer voting members and all music fans the opportunity to listen to nominated music for the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. More details to be announced shortly.

The XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be supported on radio via Univision Radio (the official Spanish-language radio network of the Latin GRAMMY Awards), and highlighted on the Internet at www.latingrammy.com andwww.univisionmusica.com, featuring video interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from today’s nominations announcement. Additionally, the telecast will be distributed internationally to more than 100 countries.

A limited number of tickets to the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be available for sale to the public, and may be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office (877.632.7400; www.mandalaybay.com) or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). On-sale date and further information will be announced soon.

About The Latin Recording Academy: is an International, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

Source: The Latin Recording Academy
Graphic credit to: The Latin Recording Academy Facebook

Editor’s Note: Photos and story coverage of today’s nominations announcement by our photographer/reporter Stella Gomez will be posted soon, please come back for more.

Tribute to Twenty Hispanic/Latino Executives Leading The Way In Foodservice & Hospitality

MFHA Celebrates Leaders During Hispanic Heritage Month

PROVIDENCE (September 11, 2012) — Each year, The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) honors distinguished leaders of diverse background whose achievements have contributed to the advancement of the food and hospitality industry. In September, during Hispanic Heritage Month, MFHA is celebrating successful leaders of Hispanic/Latino descent by releasing its 3rd annual Tribute to Hispanic Leadership in Foodservice & Hospitality campaign.

Hispanics/Latinos are a dominant force in foodservice and hospitality, attributing to 19.6% of the U.S. hospitality workforce, according to the Department of Labor Bureau. As the largest ethnic minority, totaling to 50.2 million people, Hispanics/Latinos are growing group in foodservice and hospitality.

The Tribute not only recognizes senior-level individuals who exhibit excellence in their fields, but also aims to communicate the industry’s efforts to advance multicultural talent to executive levels. Participating corporate members of MFHA for this Tribute include: The Coca-Cola Company; Ecolab, Inc.; McDonald’s Corporation; Morrison Management Specialists; Sodexo North America; Yum! Brands, Inc.; ARAMARK; Hyatt Hotels Corporation; PepsiCo; The Wendy’s Company; Burger King Corporation; Choice Hotels International; Kellogg Company; MGM Resorts International; Heinz North America and Oakwood Worldwide.

The leaders in this year’s Tribute rank among the country’s elite in foodservice and hospitality. Among the twenty profiled Hispanic/Latino leaders, there are five Chief Officers.  Seven of all featured individuals are women, including three Chief Officers. The featured leaders are a true inspiration to multicultural youth and professionals who want to pursue a successful career in foodservice and hospitality.

MFHA has honored successful multicultural leaders with the release of Multicultural Tributes in 2012: to Black Leadership in February, to Asian Pacific American Leadership in Hospitality in May and most recently, to Multicultural Allies in Hospitality in July. MFHA will continue to honor these leaders with the Wall of Leaders campaign highlighting profiles of selected leaders featured in these Tributes.

The 2012 Tribute to Hispanic/Latino Leadership in Foodservice & Hospitality can be found at: http://www.mfha.net/files/ads/MFHA-Hispanic-Tribute-2012-FINAL1.pdf.

About The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA):
2012 marks The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance’s (MFHA) 15th year of making the case for multicultural opportunities in the food and hospitality industry. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization educates, advocates for, and connects its members with opportunities to build their cultural intelligence in order to effectively engage multicultural employees, customers, and communities.  For more information, visit www.mfha.net.

Source and Flyer credit to: MFHA

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine from Diversity News Publications are proud media partners of The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA).

Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012: Year of the Women Hosted By Raquel Castaneda

On Saturday, August 25, 2012 The Stonewall Young Democrats and The Honorable Betty T. Yee held their 6th Annual HERO Awards: Year of the Women 2012 at The Westin Bonaventure located 404 South Flower Street in Los Angeles, California 90012.

The awardees were: Hon. Dianne Feinstein, California United States Senator, Hon. Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State, Hon. Cynthia Loo, Referee, LA Superior Court and Susan Dunlap, CEO, Planned Parenthood-Los Angeles.

“I was so proud and honored to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies at the Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual Hero Awards. Thank you to everyone who came out and support me and our honorees!” said Mistress of Ceremonies was Raquel Castaneda.

The event keynote address was done by U.S. Congressmember Henry Waxman and event mistress of ceremonies was Raquel Castaneda, Cast Member, Showtime’s The Real “L” Word.

Some of the people that attended the event were Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, Congressman Howard Berman, Assemblywoman Holly J. Mitchell, Assemblymember Mike Feuer, City Controller Wendy Greuel, Assemblymember Steve Bradford, City of West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang, Trevor Daley (Senator Feintein office) and many more.

(Please click on each photo to view regular size)

The event featured a red carpet arrivals, appetizers, awards presentation, silent auction, and photo opportunities.

About SYD HERO Awards: The SYD Annual HERO Awards, now in its sixth year, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the rights of the LGBT Community. Past recipients include: Congresswoman Judy Chu, Maria Elena Durazo, Karina Samala, Fmr. Congresswoman/US Ambassador Diane E. Watson, West Hollywood City Council Member Jeffrey Prang and Jorge Valencia. For more information visit http://stonewallyoungdems.org/heroes

About SYD: Founded in 2004, Stonewall Young Democrats is a community of dedicated youth passionate about political and societal issues. They strive to give voice to LGBTQ youth and take action in a grassroots manner on matters of both local and national significance. For more information visit www.stonewallyoungdems.org.


To order photos of the event visit: http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?action=quicksearch&ppid=180824&version=us&fb_source=message, http://imagecollect.com/events/6th-annual-hero-awards-hosted-by-raquel-castaneda-photos-146829 or http://snapped4u.com/galleries/2479

For more videos visit: http://blip.tv/diversity-news-tv

Editor’s Note: For a second year in a row Diversity News Magazine from Diversity News Publications is again an official and proud media partner of the Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012. Our own Special Writer/Reporter & TV Host Kitty Pleasant and yours truly attended to represent us at the event.

Photos credit to: (C) FayesVision/WENN.com, Diversity News Magazine from Diversity News Publications and Clinton H.Wallace/Photomundo International.
Videos courtesy of Diversity News TV on Blip TV and YouTube Channels

LG Enterprises Presents LA Rehab Pool Party, the Hottest Summer Pool Party of the Year 2012

Special Story by Stella Gomez a.k.a Disco Stella’s Pics, Contributor for Diversity News Magazine.

On July 15, 2012, Leo Gov, CEO of LG Enterprises presented LA Rehab Pool Party in a mansion at a great destination, located at 13918 Chandler Blvd in the city of  Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The pool party started at 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Approximately, 600 or so guests attended. Cabanas and VIP tables surrounding the pool was a perfect place to enjoy the scenery.  Guests were able to purchase VIP bottle service in advance or at the event, including drinks at an open stock cash bar. The day was hot and sunny, so the guests were able to jump in the pool.  Water squiters and beach balls were provided for pool fun.

The lovely, Brianna Nicole celebrated her birthday in a chic summer outfit and a hat. VIP hostesses walked around to offer shots of Tequila.  Several vendors attended the event to offer their services.  A massage area was set up for relaxation, sex toys displayed for viewing and purchase, body art provided by LA Rehab, barbeque hamburgers and hot-dogs were provided with condiments for purchase.

A party is not a party without music.  Several dj’s mixing music were by LA’s Top DJs: DJ Cool Whipe, DJ Bul!M!Atron and DJ Andre Ezer.  But the one DJ who brought the guests to their feet, and had them raise their hands up in the air, was the popular, D.J. Aviel Altit who also was celebrating his birthday.  DJ Aviel, is considered one of the LA’s Top DJ’s around. He has spent several years providing a great presence at various events, turning up the energy and motivation out there on dance floors all around.
Among the attendees was Christian Murphy (Eddie Murphy’s son) that seemed to enjoy and have a great time. You never know who you will be standing next to.

The party was a great way to start the summer, and to bring people together.  Congratulations to all who contribute in making the event a successful and fun event.

Ticket prices were from $20 up to $600 for VIP and Bottle service and the age range to attend 21 and over. The event was produced by TRV Productions & LG Enterprises.

Leo Gov (Leonardo Govanichi), is a graduate from UCLA. His talent is promoting and advertising party events. He is one of the hottest events producers around in Los Angeles. Leo provides a great location, security for protection, DJ’s to play music, bartenders to shake up the drinks, and anything else to make the event successful.

LA Rehab Pool Party:
LA Rehab Pool Party is a Summer Pool Party Line produced by Leo Gov, owner of LG Enterprises. The line starts at early July and ends late September. These are by and large day parties with gates opening at 11am and closing at 8pm. Parties take place in several locations in Los Angeles, in mansions around Hollywood, and also in Palm Springs, San Diego, and Lake Havasu, Arizona. LA Rehab Pool Parties are known for attracting A-class clientele, celebrities and many performers who perform at events produced by LG Enterprises. For more information visit http://www.Larehabparty.com/

LA Rehab Pool parties are a unique combination of good people, good vibes, good food, and good play. Parties have live performers, top DJ’s, bikini fashion shows, wet shirt contests, go-go dancers, water activities, and food (BBQ, Sushi and other gourmet food) & full bar. Entrance fee varies according to DJ and Live Entertainment rates, day, and venue itself.

About LG Enterprises:
Founded in 2005 by Leo Gov, LG Enterprises is one of the most successful and busiest Event Production companies in Los Angeles. The concept of LG Enterprises revolves around full service events, or “A to Z LG Enterprises”, which means that the company takes care and is on top of every single thing in the production, from beginning to end. For more information visit http://lgenterprises.net/


Sources: LG Enterprises, LA Rehab Pool Party

Photos credit to: Stella Gomez from Disco Stella’s Pics, Francois Palais from Francois Palais Photography for Diversity News Magazine of Diversity News Publications and Cristian Mejia from ClicksofLife.com for Diversity News Magazine.
Videos by: Diversity News TV from Diversity News Productions of Diversity News Publications.

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine helped as media partner of the event. On behalf of our team members of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies: Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV we want to thank Leo Gov from LG Enterprises for the invitation to cover LA Rehab Pool Party for a second year in a row.

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