Deaf Queer News

Deaf Trans Conference
Deaf Queer News The Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (ORAD) and The Trans Program at The 519 Church Street Community Centre are hosting the first-ever Deaf Trans Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from March 12 to 13, 2010. This first of its kind conference aims to bring together the Deaf and Trans communities in North America and shed [...]
Mon, Feb 22 2010

From a Chase Community Giving Skeptic
Deaf Queer News If you checked your Facebook account in December, you couldn't miss those pesky Chase Community Giving banner ads plastered all over Facebook announcing that Chase was giving away $5 million dollars.  The top 100 organizations garnering the most votes would receive $25,000 from Chase.  A second round of voting would then take place and 5 [...]
Sat, Jan 16 2010
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World AIDS Day
Deaf Queer News Today is World AIDS Day. Please take a moment to remember the many special people we've lost. So far, today we've added 11 new names to the Names of Deaf Lost to AIDS list. This list is updated once a year on World AIDS Day. Please take a moment to view the list and let us [...]
Tue, Dec 01 2009

Day #1 - Chicago RAD Conference
Deaf Queer News (Check back later for video) We're here at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Chicago for the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf 's (RAD) biennial conference.  The views from the hotel are breathtaking and the weather has been fantastic.  It's been fun bumping into old friends and meeting new ones. The day began with a RAD board meeting, [...]
Tue, Jun 30 2009

LGBT Social Networking and Activism on Facebook
Deaf Queer News Don't miss the opportunity to attend this workshop at the upcoming Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) Conference! LGBT Social Networking and Activism on Facebook Presented by Drago Renteria Thursday, July 2, 2009 1-2:30PM Colorado Room Chicago Sheraton Hotel & Towers 301 East North Water Street Chicago, IL About the Workshop: Facebook is a popular social net...
Sun, Jun 28 2009

Chicago RAD Conference - Last Day to Purchase Combo Tix!
Deaf Queer News Chicago, IL  — “Late Bird” combo tickets are currently on sale for 2009 Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) Conference being held in Chicago from June 30-July 4. “Late Bird” tickets are currently available at $350 for general attendees and $280 for senior citizens or students with valid I.D until June 17, 2009. Purchase your [...]
Wed, Jun 17 2009

Day of Decision Protest
Deaf Queer News [link] (Video length: 4 minutes) Footage from the May 26 “Day of Decision” march and rally in San Francisco protesting the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8. In this video:  Selena Staley, Shasta Shardae, Jennie Batchelder, Jon Kastrup, Ari Lathuras, David Rose, Samira Sam, and Todd Higgins. Video shot and edited by Drago ...
Mon, Jun 01 2009

Second Annual ColorFEST to take place at Gallaudet
Deaf Queer News Attention Deaf LGBT Youth and College Students! The second annual ColorFEST for Deaf LGBTQ youth and our allies is taking place at Gallaudet University from April 10-12, 2009!  The registration deadline is March 27th! Learn more about and register for ColorFEST at:  [link] ————— NOTE FROM RAD YOUTH COORDINATOR: It has been nearly a year...
Thu, Mar 26 2009

Deaf Lost to AIDS Names List
Deaf Queer News Each year on December 1, World AIDS Day, we update the list of Deaf Lost to AIDS (HIV-related complications) Names List. We need your help. Please take a moment to view the list and let us know of any missing people so that we can honor and remember them: [link] Send submissions to names@deafaids.info. Please include as much information as you [...]
Sun, Nov 30 2008

National Protest Against Proposition 8 in all 50 States!
Deaf Queer News Join the Protest! On Saturday, November 15, a massive, grassroots national protest against Prop 8 is being organized.  The LGBT community, friends, family, allies and community members will gather on the steps of City Halls across the country to protest inequality. Join us in our fight for civil rights! 10:30 AM - West Coast 11:30 AM - Mountain 12:30 PM [...]
Tue, Nov 11 2008

Deaf Parents Support Daughter’s Right to Marry
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 2 mins) Samuel and Patricia Yates share their thoughts on their daughter's recent same-sex marriage. > Watch the “Yes to Love” Documentary > Maureen Yates Burns Supports Her Sister's Right to Love > Vote NO on Proposition 8
Tue, Nov 04 2008

Maureen Yates Burns Supports Her Sister’s Right to Love
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 3 mins) Maureen Yates Burns shares her thoughts on her sister's recent same-sex marriage. > Watch the “Yes to Love” documentary > Vote NO on Proposition 8
Tue, Nov 04 2008

Noreen and Lisa: Don’t Take Our Marriage Away from Us
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 12 mins) Deaf Lesbian couple Lisa Marie Wilson and Noreen Yates legally marry in this mini-documentary that was shot in one day on October 29, 2008 in San Francisco. Their recent marriage may be declared invalid if Proposition 8 passes in California on November 4th. The right for same-sex couples to marry was recently granted [...]
Mon, Nov 03 2008

RAD Vice President and Treasurer Resign
Deaf Queer News Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) Vice President Mich Gerson and Treasurer Frank Folino have resigned from their positions with the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. According to a press release distributed by RAD, the resignations were due to personal reasons. David O'Toole from Denver, Colorado has been selected to take on the Treasurer duties for the [...]
Fri, Oct 31 2008

Out and Proud: Cathy McLeod
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 13:25 min) Cathy McLeod shares her coming out story. About Cathy:  Cathy is an out and proud Deaf Lesbian.  She came out when she was a student at Gallaudet University.  She currently works as a program director and resides in Sherman Oaks, CA. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Ricky Taylor
Deaf Queer News [link] (length: 05:31 min) Ricky Taylor, aka Ridor, shares his coming out story. About Ricky:  Ricky is an out and proud Deaf Gay man.  He comes from a Deaf family and is well known blogger in the Deaf community.  He resides in Richmond, VA. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Emmett Hassen
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 06:35 min) Emmett Hassen shares his coming out story. About Emmett:  Emmett is proud to be Deaf and Gay.  He came out when he was a student at CSUN.  He is a graphic/industrial designer.  Originally from Canada, he currently lives in Phoenix, AZ. >  More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Bryan Bullock
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 01:16 min) Bryan Bullock shares his coming out story. About Bryan:  Bryan is Deaf, Gay and proud of it.  He currently works as a billing representative in Renton, WA. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Bob Donaldson
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 05:32 min) Bob Donaldson shares his coming out story. About Bob:  Bob is a proud Deaf Gay leatherman.  He has been HIV positive for over 20 years.  A retired accountant, he currently works as an ASL instructor in Columbus, OH. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Juan Bernal
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 05:59 min) Juan Bernal shares his coming out story. About Juan:  Juan is Deaf, Gay and Latino.  A father of three, he resides in Chicago, Ill. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Leslie Elion
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 07:23 min) Leslie Elion shares her coming out story. About Leslie:  Leslie is an out, proud Deaf Jewish Lesbian.  She's a writer/entrepreneur, has a law degree and currently resides in San Diego, CA. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Modela Kurzet
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 08:03 min) Modela Kurzet shares her coming out story. About Modela:  Modela is a Deaf Transgender woman originally from Poland. She is an actress and currently resides in Rancho Mirage, CA. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Out and Proud: Donna Platt
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 03:00 min) Donna Platt shares her coming out story. About Donna:  Donna is a Deaf, Jewish Queer.  She came out when she was a student at NTID.  She resides in Seattle, WA. > More Deaf Queer Coming Out Stories
Sun, Oct 12 2008

Happy National Coming Out Day!
Deaf Queer News October 11th is National Coming Out Day!  Come out to someone you haven't! Also, check out the Deaf Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender coming out stories at [link] We have tons of new coming out stories in ASL.  Beginning in January 2009, we'll be featuring one new story each month! If you're interested in sharing your coming out [...]
Sun, Oct 12 2008

An Interview with Deaf Gay Model Martin Ritchie
Deaf Queer News Martin Ritchie, left, was initially rejected by Janice Dickinson because his tummy wasn’t too firm. But he returned, and is now a “new model” on season four. Deafinitely By Daniel A. Kusner Queer Texan Martin Ritchie hopes to impress Janice Dickinson. He’s got one advantage the other models don’t — he can’t hear her scream Rejection can’t stop Martin [...]
Tue, Aug 26 2008

Deaf Gay Model Joins Reality TV Show Cast
Deaf Queer News Openly deaf gay model Martin Ritchie of Austin, Texas, is one of the new models joining the cast of The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency. The reality show airs on Tuesday nights on the Oxygen channel. Don't miss the new season premiere on August 26! More about Martin Ritchie Video Interview on Oxygen
Sun, Aug 24 2008

Marlee Matlin to Speak at Boycotted Event
Deaf Queer News Deaf actress Marlee Matlin will be one of the featured speakers at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala dinner taking place in San Francisco today.  The event is being boycotted by San Francisco politicians, community leaders and members over HRC's decision not to support an inclusive ENDA, despite being urged to do so by over [...]
Sat, Jul 26 2008

Drago to Speak at Trans Pride!
Deaf Queer News Long-time Deaf Queer / Trans activist Dragonsani Renteria (”Drago”) will be one of the speakers at this year's San Francisco Trans Pride March and Rally! Drago is founder of the national Deaf Queer Resource Center and has devoted a great portion of his time over the past two decades to creating change in the LGBTIQ communities.  [...]
Fri, Jun 27 2008

Deaf Lesbians Invade San Francisco
Deaf Queer News Deaf Lesbian Festival Committee members Sally Garza, Chriz Dally, Regina Johnson, Sarah Hafer, Jennifer Ann Cook (JAC), Liz Brading, Dodi Ellis, and Susan Gonzalez. Not shown: Ella Mae Lentz and Judy Gough. It's Pride Week in San Francisco and the City is in for a special treat as Deaf lesbians arrive from all over the world [...]
Thu, Jun 26 2008

Names of Deaf Lost to AIDS
Deaf Queer News December 1 is World AIDS Day.  Please take a moment to remember the many special people we've lost to AIDS and HIV-related complications. The Deaf Queer Resource Center recently updated the List of Names of Deaf Lost to AIDS website.  The list includes the names of CODAs, interpreters and hearing signers who were an active part of the Deaf Community.  [...]
Sat, Dec 01 2007

Hearing new voices
Deaf Queer News Anthology of gay deaf writers illuminates intriguing queer subculture By Kathi Wolfe Jon A. Kastrup, a deaf gay man, has loved art since his youth in the 1970s. Yet, Kastrup became a mechanical engineer and a lawyer because he felt the need to prove himself in the hearing world. He later found happiness when he moved to [...]
Wed, Nov 28 2007

RAD 2009 to take place in Chicago
Deaf Queer News [link] Vicki Kirkpatrick, RAD 2009 Co-Chair (video length: 01:46) The next Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf conference is being hosted by the Windy City Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (WCRAD) and is scheduled to take place June 30 - July 4, 2009 in Chicago Illinois. The planning committee is hoping to attract 1,000 participants. This is definitely one [...]
Fri, Nov 02 2007

Deaf Gay Men Arrested in Moscow
Deaf Queer News Three deaf gay men, working as prostitutes, made headlines in Moscow, Russia for robbing a client who didn't pay them what was owed. The client was also deaf. The names of the three deaf gay men were not released. Read article Watch video (not captioned)
Tue, Oct 30 2007

Daphne Wright Documentary to Air
Deaf Queer News Daphne Wright On Sunday, August 12th at 9 PM Central time, the Oxygen channel will air a thirty minute documentary on the Daphne Wright case. To our knowledge, this is the first Wright-related documentary to air on television. The documentary is part of Oxygen's Snapped true-crime series which profiles cases of women accused of murder. Documentary Description: [...]
Sun, Aug 12 2007

Deaf LGBTIQ Leadership & Lifestyle Camp
Deaf Queer News Mark your calendars! From June 11-15, 2008, the Northwest Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (NWRAD) is hosting another Deaf LGBTIQ Leadership & Lifestyle Camp. The event will take place in Port Orchard, Washington (near Seattle). For additional details visit [link]
Wed, Aug 01 2007

RAD 2007 Conference Wrap-Up Report
Deaf Queer News PRESS RELEASE FROM RAD While this serves as the 2007 Conference Report, it is also a letter of thanks to many, many people. On the behalf of Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf Board, we are pleased to announce that we had a grand total of 120 attendees at our Atlanta conference: 108 men and twelve women. The RAD Board, along with the RAD 2007 Conference committee, hosted [...]
Mon, Jul 23 2007

Deaf Lesbian Festival Launches New Website
Deaf Queer News The Deaf Lesbian Festival (DLF) Committee has launched a new website with information about its upcoming 5th Biennial Deaf Lesbian Festival, which is slated for June 25-29, 2008 in San Francisco. Jennifer Ann Cook (JAC) is the Chair. Committee members include Chriz Dally (Co-Chair), Liz Brading (Logistics & Tours), Judy Gough (Registration), Regina Johnson [...]
Wed, Jul 18 2007

RAD President Comments on PRDS's Decision to Terminate Host...
Deaf Queer News [link] (video length: 1 min 19 secs ) We asked current RAD President Bob Donaldson if he had any thoughts he'd like to share regarding Peachtree Rainbow Deaf Society's (PRDS) decision to terminate its conference host status.  Click on the video to see his remarks. See also: Why PRDS Terminated its Role as RAD Conference Host Advice for Future RAD [...]
Tue, Jul 10 2007

The best RAD conference ever?
Deaf Queer News [link] Bob Donaldson, Herbert Fradin, Michel Turgeon (video length: 2 mins 21 secs) During a delegate meeting break at the RAD conference in Atlanta, we happened to notice two former RAD Presidents (Herbert Fradin and Michel Turgeon) and the current RAD President (Bob Donaldson) sitting together. We decided to spontaneously ask them which RAD conference they thought [...]
Mon, Jul 09 2007

Greetings from the new Mr. RAD, Juan Bernal
Deaf Queer News [link]
Mon, Jul 09 2007

New RAD Officers Elected
Deaf Queer News The election of RAD officers for the 2007-2009 term took place this morning. The election for President was an especially hot one and took over an hour with Frank Folino, Larry Pike and Billy Raby competing for the position.  A majority vote could not be reached.  Larry Pike finally won. Mich Gerson, Frank Folino and Billy Raby then competed for the Vice President [...]
Sat, Jul 07 2007

RAD Conference: Day One
Deaf Queer News DQRC is currently a Member-at-Large on the RAD board.  Our day began with a board meeting followed by a delegate orientation.  As with previous conferences, the majority of delegates this year are newbies. In the afternoon, board members and delegates were treated to a Parliamentary Procedure workshop given by Libby Pollard. A private President's reception [...]
Wed, Jul 04 2007

RAD Conference: Small, Intimate Feel
Deaf Queer News We hunted down current RAD Treasurer Larry Pike and inquired about how many had registered for the conference. He said over 100. Exact number of registrants won't be known until the end of the conference when registration has closed. The number of participants is definitely smaller than at some of the recent RAD conferences (Seattle 2001 had over 500 [...]
Wed, Jul 04 2007

Greetings from the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf Conference
Deaf Queer News Greetings from the 20th Biennial Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) conference in Atlanta, Georgia! Instead of covering this year's conference via FLASH, we'll be covering it right here on our news blog. This will give us the opportunity to share photos and video. Uber cool, yes? A burning question people seem to have is how many have registered for the [...]
Tue, Jul 03 2007

Deaf LGBTIQ Coming Out Stories Wanted
Deaf Queer News Share your coming out story and inspire other Deaf Queers who are struggling with coming out. We are accepting both written and video submissions. Your written story may be up to three pages in length. Video submissions may be up to five minutes in length and must be submitted in Quicktime format. All submissions must include your real full name, age, city, state [...]
Tue, Jun 19 2007

First-Ever National Queer Interpreter Symposium
Deaf Queer News BLeGIT is the National Member Group for queer interpreters, and we have a very exciting event coming up. We are proud to announce that this summer, BLeGIT will host its first ever National Symposium in San Francisco, CA on August 2nd and 3rd. This historic gathering will be a place to gather together and network, socialize, learn about shared issues, celebrate the [...]
Sun, Jun 17 2007

Updated Information on Registration
Deaf Queer News RAD 2007 ATLANTA CONFERENCE (July 3 - 8, 2007) There are a few changes you need to know if you plan to register for the RAD 2007 Atlanta Conference. Combo tickets or individual tickets for events with food must be purchased by June 20th! We do this so we can let the hotel know the number of meals in advance. Between now and June 1st we will accept personal checks, [...]
Fri, May 25 2007

Interview with NYDT's Deaf Gay Artistic Director
Deaf Queer News 30 year-old Chicago-born, Aaron Kubey is the new artistic director of the New York Deaf Theatre. New Queer Expressions By Christopher Murray Theater Gay City News The New York Deaf Theatre (NYDT) hasn't had an artistic director in more then 10 years, when Anthony Allicino was at the helm. But several months ago, a vibrant young actor from Chicago was tapped to [...]
Sun, May 13 2007

Students show support for Pride Week
Deaf Queer News By Danielle Sazio The State Hornet This week Sacramento State's PRIDE Center and Queer Straight Alliance group are celebrating Pride Week. Cynthia dela Cruz, PRIDE coordinator and undergraduate in Health Science, said Pride month is celebrated around the world in June, but since most colleges end in May, they take a week in April to celebrate. "Pride week [...]
Sun, May 13 2007

Come one, Come all!
Deaf Queer News For those of you who are planning to attend Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in July 3-8, 2007 and have not yet registered and reserved your hotel room at Marriott Perimeter Center, now it´s the time to do so! For those of you have not bought your combo tickets for RAD conference. We are still accepting registrations. For those who [...]
Sun, May 13 2007