THE GAY PRIMARY SOURCE: September 2015

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Rainbow Doritos

" PLANO, Texas -The Doritos brand, in partnership with the It Gets Better Project, today announced a new, limited-edition product to celebrate and support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the boldest, most colorful way possible. Introducing Doritos Rainbows chips, the first Doritos product in history made up of multiple, rainbow-colored Doritos chips inspired by the Pride flag. The new product is available exclusively to consumers who donate to the It Gets Better Project, an organization that seeks to provide hope to LGBT young people and inspire the changes to make the world a better place for them.

Starting today, consumers who donate $10 or more in support of the It Gets Better Project through www.ItGetsBetter.org/DoritosRainbows will be mailed a bag of Doritos Rainbows chips, while supplies last. The goal is to raise funds for the It Gets Better Project and the important work the organization does in support of LGBT youth around the world. Upon making their donations, consumers are encouraged to share messages of hope and inspiration using #BoldandBetter. For more details, visit www.ItGetsBetter.org/DoritosRainbows.

“Time and again, our consumers have shown us, there really is nothing bolder than being true to yourself and living life to the fullest,” said Ram Krishnan, chief marketing officer, Frito-Lay. “With Doritos Rainbows chips, we’re bringing an entirely new product experience to our consumers to show our commitment toward equal rights for the LGBT community and celebrate humanity without exception.”

The It Gets Better Project began in September 2010, when activist Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better. Five years later, the It Gets Better Project has turned into a worldwide movement, inspiring more than 60,000 user-created videos viewed more than 60 million times. To date, the project has received submissions from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities.

“We’re honored to partner with the Doritos brand to celebrate the momentous progress that has been made toward equal rights for the LGBT community in this country. By utilizing the incredible reach that Doritos has throughout the world, we can give hope to the LGBT young people who need it the most. There is so much more work to be done, and together, we will inspire the LGBT community and its allies to continue the fight and embrace who they are by living a #BoldandBetter life,” said Brett Peters, communications director, It Gets Better Project.

Doritos Rainbows chips will take center stage at this year’s Dallas Pride as part of the Doritos brand’s first-ever sponsorship of the annual event, set to take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015. While visiting the Doritos-branded booth at Dallas Pride, attendees can pledge their support to the It Gets Better Project and receive a bag of Doritos Rainbows chips, while supplies last. Guests also can capture their experiences at a photo and video booth, sharing their unique content using #BoldAndBetter. In partnership with PepsiCo’s EQUAL employee resource group, the Doritos brand also will participate in this year’s Dallas Pride parade with a float made up of PepsiCo/Frito-Lay associates and their families.

Doritos is one of the flagship brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. PepsiCo has long been a supporter of diversity and inclusion, recognizing that each and every PepsiCo associate brings something unique to the table. For years, PepsiCo has earned the top score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool of corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees, as one of the “Best Places to Work.” "

Press release from Frit-Lay, September 17, 2015.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

London Gay Bar Gets Landmark Protection

“I am thrilled to be able to list the Royal Vauxhall Tavern as Grade II - the iconic cultural hub in the heart of London is of huge significance to the LGB&T community. Not only of architectural interest, the venue has a longstanding historic role as a symbol of tolerance and alternative entertainment.

Residing in Lambeth since 1860, the landmark venue has been the springboard for so many of our loved UK entertainers. I am delighted that the listing will preserve the history of this venue for future generations to enjoy - I hope that it continues to be filled with laughter and joy.”

Tracey Crouch, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, September 9, 2015.

Click here to read the entire listing statement

"The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is an enduring and important venue for the LGBTQ community. Built on the site of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, it carries on the tradition of alternative and bohemian entertainment which is bound up in this part of London's history and identity."

Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing, Historic England, September 9, 2015.

Click here to read the entire statement

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) has been listed Grade II by Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch on the advice of Historic England. The first listing of its kind for a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGB&T) venue, the iconic London location has an international reputation as arguably one of the most inclusive LGB&T venues in England, built on a tradition of hosting alternative, transgender and drag performances.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Kentucky Decisions

Click here to read the entire decision of August 12, 2015

Click here to read the Denial for Stay decision of August 26, 2015

Click here to read the Contempt Lifting Order of September 8, 2015

(Note: these were not quite primary sourced as pertinent court decisions are not readily available through the court's website)