 What’s your parenting style? You could be featured on a new cable series. Are you an attachment parent? Tiger Mom? A green parent? Free range? Authoritative? Permissive? Or do you have a style that’s all your own? We’re looking for parents with unique perspectives on parenting for a new series on a top-rated national cable network. Please send your name, phone number, e-mail address, a description of your family/ parenting style, and a photo to casting@punchedinthehead.com. More info available at http://punchedinthehead.com/casting.
 We received this heartfelt letter from Maya - a 17 year old high school senior from CNS High School in Cicero, New York.
Written by Maya Winne Diab
This is a letter to all the kids that aren’t able to go to their prom or ball.
First and foremost, please know – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are so many people out there that
constantly get harassed for being gay or are just too scared. It’s ok. Go out and do something with your friends. Sometimes, I wish I could trade places with people just to know how it feels and to give those kids being bullied an amazing experience that every teenager should be able to enjoy no matter who you like or love or how you dress. I am constantly thankful everyday for being able to express my feelings openly and tomorrow I will be going to my senior ball with my girlfriend. We’ve been together for around seven months and I love her with all my heart. I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long. I wish you could all be able to experience this because it truly a night never to be forgotten. Nothing upsets me more than someone having to hide who they really are because I believe that is one of the hardest things to ever have to be put through in life, especially when we are taught all through school to literally ‘be yourself.’ It just isn’t fair. I really hope one day you are able to show who you are and experience the feeling of falling in love because that changes your life. Love brings people together and no matter who you are attracted to, you should be able to go out in public and just let everyone know who you are, who you love, and actually feel completely comfortable without being judged. Once again, my heart goes out to all of those who have to miss out on an amazing night during your high school years and don’t think for one second that I am not thinking about you. Being gay is OK and you should never have to feel uncomfortable being who you are. While I am enjoying my Senior Ball tomorrow night, I will be thinking about every single one of you, even though I don’t know any of you. I am so excited to be able to spend it with my princess. I hope everyone gets the chance to find that perfect person for them one day.
Love,
Maya Diab
These are photos from my Senior Ball, with my girlfriend Lillie in her beautiful dress.
 Please take part in CMI's 7th Annual LGBT Community Survey. Participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBT community media and organizations, and provides valid data to companies interested in serving our needs, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBT employees. Last year, the survey was taken by over 45,000 LGBT citizens of 148 countries! Everyone who completes this survey by June 30th, 2013 may enter into a drawing to win one of five US $100 cash prizes (or you may elect to have the prize donated to a charity of your choice). Your answers are completely confidential, and will never be used for sales or marketing purposes. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY:
http://survey.communitymarketinginc.com/se.ashx?s=359D342B3FFB8010&CMID=160
 LGBT Community and One Concerned Mom Respond to One Million Moms’ Discriminatory Attack Against Disney
Earlier this week, One Million Moms launched a campaign against the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) day at Orlando’s Magic Kingdom®, taking place Saturday, June 1, 2013. On its website, One Million Moms claims that the intent of the LGBT community is “to expose and desensitize children to this lifestyle by same-sex couples holding hands, hugging and kissing”. They are urging members to e-mail Disney officials and demand the park ‘no longer go along with Gay Day.’ In response, Darcy Christ, a heterosexual mother who strongly opposes the views of One Million Moms, has created her own Facebook page, Millions of Moms for Love, (https://www.facebook.com/MillionsOfMomsForLove). Christ is hoping to receive as many “likes”as possible to prove anti-gay beliefs are not shared by most moms in America.
“We will not stand silently while groups like One Million Moms or the American Family Foundation spread their anti-gay message,” says Ms. Christ, a mother of two from Texas. “A majority of American moms believe that every person has the right to love another person, same sex or not.”
For twenty-three years, the LGBT community and their supporters have gathered on the first day of June, wearing red shirts with pride, at the non-sanctioned event at Orlando’s Magic Kingdom®.
“One Million Mom’s homophobic message is disheartening and sad,” says Wendy Jackson of Outloud Enterprises. Jackson has attended the LGBT celebration at Magic Kingdom® for the past five years. “If children have questions about seeing a same-sex couple holding hands, hugging or kissing, it seems that Disney World, the happiest place on earth, would offer a perfect opportunity for parents to teach children about tolerance and acceptance.”
Outloud Enterprises has set up their own website calling for supporters to sign a thank you note to Disney for continuing to support the annual LGBT event and not allowing itself to be bullied by groups like One Million Moms. Visit www.outloudenterprises.com/disneyletter.
Visit Millions of Moms For Love on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MillionsOfMomsForLove. Send a Thank You note to Disney at www.outloudenterprises.com/disneyletter.
 Upgrades Have Arrived!
The new premium inflight experience has launched onboard American’s 777-300ER, 777-200ER, 767-300ER and 757-200 aircraft flying in Europe, Asia and long haul Latin America markets. “As we build toward a new, more modern airline, we have thoughtfully considered each detail of the international premium experience from beginning to end by providing high-quality amenities and dining options that our customers expect,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President – Marketing. “By delivering a service that offers such personalization, we are able to provide an enhanced inflight experience that truly meets the expectations of our premium customers, and reminds them of home or their favorite restaurant.” Seating Upgrades
The Boeing 777-300ER is configured with three classes, featuring fully lie-flat seats in First and Business Class – all with direct aisle access. The First Class Cabin has eight Flagship Suite seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Business Class Cabin has 52 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Main Cabin is outfitted with 30 Main Cabin Extra seats in a 3-3-3 configuration and 220 Main Cabin seats arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration. This aircraft provides American with more passenger and cargo capacity than any other aircraft in its fleet. Entertainment and ConnectivityEvery seat onboard the 777-300ER has a personal in-seat entertainment option, including up to 250 movies, more than 180 TV programs and more than 350 audio selections. Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones are provided for premium class customers to use during the flight. The 777-300ER is the first aircraft in American’s fleet to offer international Wi-Fi. Additionally, every seat features individual 110-volt AC power outlets and USB jacks for charging personal electronic devices. Free Amenity Kits
Upon boarding, First Class customers will receive a welcome aboard card and an amenity kit, stocked with Dermalogica® skincare products, that doubles as a tablet case. In addition, customers will enjoy upgraded closed-toe slippers, an additional pillow, and the choice of a specialty mimosa. Business Class updates include new slippers and an amenity kit with Akhassa® cosmetics. Food & Beverage UpgradesWhile inflight, First and Business Class customers can choose from new menu selections that will be served on updated, more modern china along with new flatware and upgraded linens. In addition, First Class customers will receive other specially designed items including a textured placemat, napkin ring, accent water glass and an amuse-bouche, a bite-size hors d'œuvre. Designed to resemble the personalized service provided in an upscale restaurant, First Class customers’ entrees and beverages will be hand-delivered upon request. Food and beverage enhancements will include more variety and selections, including the introduction of a soup option, and a customizable pasta entrée – a first for an airline. First Class customers will also see an expansion of American’s signature sundaes with a featured sundae option, a breakfast card – similar to hotel room service, increased bread options and a pre-landing sweet treat and spa water. A wine sampling will be offered inflight for First Class customers. Customers will receive a tasting card to assist in their selections for the remainder of the flight and all offerings will be specially chosen for the flight by American’s wine consultant, Ken Chase. Business Class customers will also enjoy newly designed food elements and a customized sundae from the airline’s popular dessert cart. In addition, premium class customers on the 777-300ER aircraft, can enjoy a walk-up bar with a selection of snacks, sandwiches and assorted sweets, available between the first and last meals. These recent enhancements are another example of how American continues to invest in elements that will modernize its customers’ travel experience. The new international premium experience complements American’s array of products and services that together are building toward the new American. To learn more about American’s enhancements to the international travel experience, visit www.aa.com/flyincomfort
For nearly two decades, American Airlines has been a pioneer in its fair-minded policies and practices for its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) customers and employees. American Airlines has consistently held the highest possible ranking on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and remains the most gay-friendly of all U.S. airlines through its generous partnerships with the LGBT community, as well as its loyalty and respect for customers, employees and shareholders, and unflagging commitment to diversity.
 Mr. Gay World USA 2013 -- Beautiful Men with Beautiful AspirationsMuch more than a typical beauty pageant or reality-show competition, this event highlights the depth of commitment and creativity in the gay community while choosing one man who represents the best of these qualities. Gay men from across the United States, who combine charisma with commitment to various positive causes, will come to New York for a weekend of challenges and competition, culminating in the selection of Mr. Gay World USA 2013. HOSTED by Jarl & Michael Billy FEATURING The New York City Gay Men's ChorusINTERNATIONAL POP DIVA Hera Björk EUROVISION STAR Josh James Dubovie MISTER GAY WORLD PENNSYLVANIA Troy MichaelGLEE's JC Jones and NEXT TOP MODEL'S Isis King To enter the competition or learn more about sponsorship, visit www.MrGayWorldUSA.com
 photo courtesy: Elixher.com Who is the Black lesbian traveler? And why don’t we know more about her?
By Kimberley K. McLeod, Founder, ELIXHER Magazine
They say the single worse question you could ask a woman next to how much she weighs, is her age. But asking this question (and others) of the Black lesbian traveler is critical to catering to
this often overlooked and untapped audience of jetsetters.
What does the Black lesbian traveler look like? Where does she live? How much does she make? Is she married? Does she have kids?
The answers to these questions are largely unknown.
“Most travel corporations are just beginning to understand that within LGBT, there are many subgroups, by gender, age, ethnicity and more,” explains David Paisley, Senior Research Director at Community Marketing, Inc. “Most complete research on the community as a whole. So while there is little research on Black lesbian travel trends, there is also little research on LGBT
[people] under 35, our elders, or the LGBT Latino or Asian communities [as well].”
Last year, Community Marketing Inc., a leading LGBT marketing agency, released its 17th annual gay and lesbian tourism report for 2012, providing insight into leisure and business travel trends. While the report did not specifically study Black LGBT travel tendencies, it did give us a glimpse at lesbians in general. The research found that for the majority of lesbians (58%) traveling to their most recent vacation destination was for rest and relaxation. Thirty percent traveled most recently to visit friends or family. The report also revealed that forty percent of all lesbians travel for business.
But travel trends in the African American community suggest that the broad-based LGBT findings might not apply specifically to Black lesbians and their unique needs.
 The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) today announced a call for entries for the Leroy F. Aarons and the Kay Longcope scholarships to honor and advance fair and accurate coverage of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Applications are available online and will be accepted until June 15, 2013. "Our mission can only succeed by educating and elevating incoming journalists regarding complete and balanced news coverage of LGBT Americans and issues," said Jen Christensen, NLGJA president. "These scholarships were launched to highlight how important that is and to bring a spotlight to students who've already shown such dedication, achievement and promise." The Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship was established in 2005 in memory of Leroy Aarons, NLGJA founder and news executive at The Washington Post and Oakland Tribune, and to honor and continue his work of fostering fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues from within the news industry. Past winners are: Christopher Carbone (2012), Sharyn Jackson (2011), Mary Susman (2010), Ryan McLendon (2009), Matthew Leung (2008), Colin Dugdale (2007) and Dennis Mitchell (2006). The Kay Longcope Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Boston Globe journalist Kay Longcope, who co-founded the Texas Triangle, a LGBT weekly newspaper that would eventually grow to become the major source for all things gay in Texas, covering the gamut from news to art, relationships to music reviews. This scholarship has been awarded twice and will continue to fund a LGBT student of color pursuing a career in journalism. Past winners are: John-Carlos Estrada (2012), Fenit Nirappil (2011) and Carl Gaines (2010). Applicants must be planning to pursue a career in journalism plus be able to demonstrate their passion and commitment to the profession. Selection will be based on journalistic and scholastic ability. Applicants also must demonstrate an awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the importance of fair and accurate news coverage. NLGJA partners with The Philadelphia Foundation, a community foundation established in 1918, to administer the NLGJA Student Scholarship Fund. The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, a component fund of TPF serving to advance philanthropy within the LGBT communities, will disburse the scholarship awards on recommendations from NLGJA during each award period. # # # About the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists AssociationNLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members. For more information on the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, visit the NLGJA Web site at http://www.nlgja.org. # # # About the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund strives to increase philanthropy and grant making to support the community needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) and straight-allied communities. DVLF advances philanthropy for the LGBT community through endowment building, fundraising, community outreach and education. For more information on the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, visit its website at http://www.dvlf.org.
 NEW ORIGINAL REALITY SERIES "THE NEXT AMERICAN GAY" LAUNCHING SEASON 1 IN 4 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES—FOLLOWS 12 GAY MEN WHO COMPETE IN STRENGTH, BEAUTY, AND LEADERSHIP TO SERVE AS A SPOKESMODEL FOR THE GAY COMMUNITY.
Judged by Executive Producers, TV personalities, and long-time gay rights advocates Jarl Haugedal and Michael Billy and hosted by LOGO TV's Jonathan D. Lovitz, the reality competition series follows 12 gay men from all over the USA who move into a hotel overlooking Manhattan to compete for the title of THE NEXT AMERICAN GAY- a role model and ambassador of the gay community. Each episode the boys are put to task with a variety of challenges--strength, hotness, leadership and much more--to represent their community as The Next American Gay. The winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to represent the United States in the international Mr.Gay World Competition as well as magazine covers, TV appearances and sponsorship opportunities.
Watch the short video clip below, featuring the cast of The Next American Gay!
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