Community News :: September 29

Kick off Halloween with Raven

Raven: Dyke Night's 13th Annual Halloween Costume Ball, will kick off the spookiest season of the year on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the exclusive House of Blues' Foundation Room (15 Lansdowne St.) in Boston.

The legendary event is going to be held across from Fenway Park, and will offer attendees the opportunity to warm up fireside, enjoy a complimentary tarot card reading, and find a quiet moment in a pre-reserved VIP booth. Sip a cocktail outside on the lanai, and take in the sights: prizes will be awarded in four distinct costume categories. DJ Double D will keep your heart pumping on the dance floor spinning a mix of Latin, Reggaeton, Dancehall, Top 40 and audience requests.

Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships to IMPACT's LGBT self defense training. Advance tickets are recommended and creative costumes are encouraged! Tickets in advance and at the door before 10 p.m. are $12; after 10 p.m., $15. Visit www.dykenight.com for ticket information, VIP booth reservations, and more!

GLAAD and KISS 108 partner for transgender equal rights

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) on Sept. 26 applauded the efforts of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in partnering with local radio station KISS 108 to launch a public service announcement supporting transgender equal rights.

The PSA was released to address negative stereotypes and promote positive visibility of transgender people. MTPC's steering committee member Daniel O'Donoghue reached out to GLAAD about disparaging comments he heard on the Boston radio station KISS 108 last month during the morning drive show about Chaz Bono's upcoming appearance on "Dancing with Stars." GLAAD's Media Field Strategist Justin Ward reached out to the management at KISS 108 and began a working relationship with the radio station to provide positive education on transgender equal rights.

The MTPC and the Transgender Equal Rights Coalition worked with GLAAD in developing the PSA, which reads, "The Transgender Equal Rights Bill is about affirming the right of all Massachusetts citizens, including transgender men and women, to live with dignity and respect, and be free from discrimination and violence. For more information, please visit TransPeopleSpeak.org."

Community Servings welcomes new board member

Community Servings, Massachusetts' only food and nutrition organization that provides free, home-delivered meals to the critically ill, happily welcomed John Milligan to the organization's board of directors Sept. 27.

Milligan, a South End resident, retired from his position as executive vice president of Fleet Bank. He served this year as a committee member for LifeSavor, Community Servings' annual spring gala. "I am very impressed with the agency's operations and fiscal soundness," Milligan said. "The LifeSavor event is a true homerun."

"We are so excited to have John Milligan join our board," Community Servings' CEO David Waters said. "In these economic times, it is critically important to have the best community leaders focused on the issues of food and nutrition for individuals and families struggling with illness and hunger."

For more information, please visit www.servings.org.