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Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Born This Way

Concerts Canceled Massachusetts Declares Coronavirus State of Emergence...
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) will perform “Born This Way” on March 14th & 15th at Jordan Hall in Boston, MA. The concert will feature 200 voices, vibrant costumes, an original score from Broadway composer John Bucchino & a reading of the award-winning children’s book A Peacock Among Pigeons by Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu. Reuben M. Reynolds III BGMC Music Director stated, “The anthem ‘Born this Way’ by Lady Gaga reminds everybody that they are perfect just the way they are. This concert is all about finding yourself & becoming the person you’re meant to be. We share that story in an incredibly fun & moving way with the world premiere of A Peacock Among Pigeons.” The first half of “Born This Way” opens with “Let It Sing” from the musical Violent which is about taking care of yourself. Other songs from the first half include “Reflection” from the Disney movie Mulan, “I’m Still Queer,” which is a spoof of “I’m Still Here,” from Sondheim’s Follies, “A Message From The Gay Community,” which warns parents that LGBTQ people are trying to convert their children (to be more affirming & accepting of all people) & Taylor Swift’s “You Need To Calm Down.” The second half will be the world premiere of A Peacock Among Pigeons featuring a full cast from the Chorus & an eight-piece orchestra. It will open with Wu reading A Peacock Among Pigeons to share the story with the audience before the Chorus performs Bucchino’s choral stage adaptation. “Craig Coogan BGMC Executive Director concluded, “Born This Way will be Boston’s feel-good concert of the Spring!”
For Info & Tix…
LISTEN: Filmmaker Astrid Ovalles Talks Film “Road of Bygones”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

New Film “Road of Bygones” (AUDIO)

This week I talked with filmmaker Astrid Ovalles about her new film “Road of Bygones” that’s set to be released on Amazon March 15th. “Road of Bygones” is written & directed by Ovalles & stars Sarah J. Lucey, Oriana Oppice & Astrid herself. The dark comedy tells the story of three women who embark on a road trip to retrieve the ashes of a parent hoping to find overdue closure. However at their destination the women are confronted with a series of comedic & emotional events that threaten to destroy all harmony between them. The film also explores D&S (Dominance & Submission) themes that are usually displayed with misconceptions & ignorance. Actually Ovalles masterfully goes where no other filmmakers have gone before effectively breaking the stigma associated with lesbian D&S relationships. Above all "Road of Bygones" is an intimate story about humanity that leaves audiences thinking about the film long after they've viewed it. The Amazon announcement comes on the heels of the success that “Road of Bygones” enjoyed traveling the film festival circuit. Venezuelan-born Ovalles first debuted her talent in the award-winning short film "Camp Belvidere." As the driving force behind her own independent film company Recluse Films Astrid's goal is to use heart & innovation in the film medium to share powerful human stories that benefit our LGBTQ community & minorities by bringing them to the forefront of her work. I talked to Astrid about her inspiration for creating “Road of Bygones”, what she hopes to accomplish with her work & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
For More Info: roadofbygones.com
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

OUTTAKE Endorses Warren & Buttigieg

We were hoping that after the last Democratic debate we would have a clear frontrunner as we head toward Super Tuesday on March 3rd. Instead we were subjected to a debate where out of control candidates met the out of control media. We have therefore decided that the presidential primary should be a vote from the heart so for the first time in over ten years OUTTAKE MEDIA is endorsing two candidates Senator Elizabeth Warren & Mayor Pete Buttigieg who we believe would be the most supportive candidates for our LGBTQ community. We also feel that there is some element of “cool” apparent in both of these candidates that we found lacking in the other four men seeking the nomination or Amy Klobuchar. Another issue that we wish all the candidates should address is why their campaign ads present a person that has yet to show up in any of the live debates. Perhaps they could add a little media savvy to their live appearances & speak low & slow. We will however support the Democratic candidate that wins the nomination to the max even if it is not one that we endorse in the primaries. The most important thing that we all must do regardless of who wins the Dems nomination is vote & make sure all of your friends & family get to the polls. Next week is Super Tuesday on March 3rd when Alabama, American Samoa (Caucus), Arkansas, California, Colorado, Dems Abroad, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont & Virginia have their primaries.
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

SHOWTIME Returns To The Dinah

The Dinah that’s celebrating its 30th anniversary & takes place April 1st through April 5th in Palm Springs, California is thrilled to welcome back SHOWTIME as a 2020 sponsor to continue their mutual support of our LGBTQ community in this new chapter of this iconic lesbian event. SHOWTIME will be the official sponsor of The Dinah's infamous Friday night Black & White Ball on April 3rd & will co-host a VIP cocktail reception with the ANA Inspirational, complete with several golfers competing in the ANA during the Dinah Shore Weekend. OUTTAKE as a media sponsor of The Dinah will be on the red carpet chatting up all the celebrities after the cocktail party. Attendees can also look forward to special guest appearances, meet & greets, photo ops & more. SHOWTIME is also the title sponsor of “The L Word Pool Party” on Saturday April 4th at The Hilton. The network will have a poolside presence, providing free L Word giveaways while they last & offering exclusive L Word merchandise for sale on site. As excitement for the sequel of the iconic SHOWTIME series The L Word® & The L Word®: Generation Q gears up for their second season The Dinah has partnered with the network once more for its 2020 event so don’t be surprised if there are celebrity cast sightings. Both The Dinah & SHOWTIME have proven time & again to be groundbreaking companies that celebrates our LGBTQ community representation. The commitment of SHOWTIME to authentically tell our LGBTQ stories goes hand in hand with The Dinah’s own vision of offering a five-day event where women can live out loud, on their own terms, authentically & with pride. OUTTAKE MEDIA has been a proud Media Sponsor of The Dinah for the last five years.
For More Info & Tix: theDinah.com
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Exploiting Religion To Discriminate

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case about whether a city can enforce its anti-discrimination laws over the objection of a religious group. In the case Fulton v. City of Philadelphia a Catholic agency is protesting its removal from the city’s foster care system because it discriminates against gay & lesbian couples. A decision in favor of the adoption agency could establish a First Amendment right for businesses & government contractors to discriminate undermining the country’s civil rights laws. Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress stated, “We should celebrate every family in Philadelphia & across America who opens their hearts & home to a child. The city government should not be forced to allow discrimination against some families. Religious-based agencies that accept taxpayer funds must act in the best interests of the children in their care. Sexual orientation, gender identity, faith, or other characteristics unrelated to a prospective parent’s abilities to provide a safe home should not affect placement decisions. These agencies cannot be allowed to weaponize religious freedom in order to deprive children of welcoming homes and loving families.” Alphonso David HRC President concluded, “It is unconscionable to turn away prospective foster & adoptive families because they are LGBTQ, religious minorities or for any other reason unrelated to their capacity to love & care for children. Neither Philadelphia nor any other governmental entity should be forced to permit discrimination against loving families, especially at a time when half a million children around the country are in foster care...”
For More Info: hrc.org
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

REAF Special Benefit Cabaret Event

Celebrating the 20th Century American Experience, Unique Products & Promotions presents an original one-person musical revue featuring Phil Wiseman at Feinstein’s at the Nikko on Sunday March 1st beginning at 4:30P to benefit the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF). Wiseman a seasoned San Francisco native will touchingly share his family’s immigration to the US & the patriotic perspective that has shaped his own life through song & story. Phil stated, “I’ve been supporting REAF since their very first show 25 years ago & truly love what they do for so many people. As an avid lover of the Great American Songbook, I’m thrilled to be able to lend my voice & personal stories in this manner to support the great work of REAF.” Phil has been entertaining since 1975 composing & singing, acting & dancing & also commercializing his talent by producing corporate events. This will be Phil’s third sold-out one-man show at Feinstein's at the Nikko. When Phil is not preparing for his next show he is the CEO of Unique Products & Promotions, Inc., where he uniquely wins business by singing his sales pitch. What a Country promotional products will be available throughout the evening. All proceeds will be donated to the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) the fabulous nonprofit that provides financial aid for hunger programs, HIV/AIDS services & programs that serve & support homeless youth & families, primarily through the production of quality entertainment programs. Tickets are $100 which includes cocktail reception, 3 course dinner & the show. Feinstein’s at the Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street in San Francisco, CA.
For More Info & Tix...
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Hollywood Improv Gay Comedy Event

After Super Tuesday enjoy some comic relief from the clash of the political titans as the Hollywood Improv presents the next installment of Gays R Us the premiere LGBTQ comedy showcase. This comedy event will feature Andrew Johnston, Irene Tu, Sarah Hyland-Rosenstein, Dana Goldberg, Pete Zias & Melinda Hill & hosted by Bridget McManus. McManus stated, "Gays R Us returns to the Hollywood Improv on Wednesday, March 4th with a whole-new-homo-tasitic line up! I'm so honored to host this show because these superstars inspire me. Pete Zias will headline & I encourage people to get their tickets ASAP because this show is expected to sell out." Pete Zias is an alum of The Groundlings Sunday Company & The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. He has written for Joan Rivers Fashion Police & New Now Next. Pete performed his solo show “The Teddy Teddy Show” at the NYC International Fringe Festival. Bridget McManus is a television host, screenwriter, producer, director & award-winning performer. She’s also one of the few female warm-up comedians in television. With five comedy specials under her belt she's currently busy producing content as Vice President of tello Films the only Lesbian streaming network. I've had the pleasure of having Bridget on OUTTAKE VOICES™ numerous times including our coverage of The Dinah Palm Springs & ClexaCon in Las Vegas. Tickets for Gays R Us are $18 for general admission as well as $18 with dinner reservations. If you want prefer seating just arrive a minimum of one hour prior to Showtime & dine in their restaurant before the show. There is a two-item minimum inside the showroom. The Hollywood Improv is located at 8162 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, CA.
For Info & Tix: improv.com
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Indonesia Attack On LGBTQ Community

OutRight Action International reports a bill has been proposed by members of the House of Representatives of Indonesia that defines homosexuality as a deviance which poses a threat to families & requires LGBTQ people to report to authorities for rehabilitation & their families to report LGBTIQ people to agencies handling “family resilience”. Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International stated, “The news from Indonesia is extremely concerning. The draft bill proposes to codify in law that LGBTQ people pose a threat to their families & need to be 'rehabilitated', changed & removed - in essence requiring LGBTQ people by law to undergo so-called conversion therapy practices which are deemed by reputable psychiatric institutions, such as the World Psychiatric Association, as harmful & ineffective. This not only intensifies the mounting persecution and hate LGBTQ people already face, but also requires their families to report them, making LGBTQ people even more vulnerable & isolated. The introduction of criminalization laws where none have existed & further criminalization in countries which already criminalize same-gender relations, is a frightening reminder of a growing global backlash against gender equality & the right of LGBTQ people to be who we are & love who we choose, without fear of violence, persecution or imprisonment. This should serve as a reminder that progress cannot be taken for granted & LGBTQ movements have to fight not only for progress, but also against regression.” Headquartered in NYC OutRight is the only global LGBTQ-specific organization with a permanent presence at the United Nations in New York that advocates for human rights progress for LGBTQ people.
For More Info: outrightinternational.org
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

BGMC Special Cabaret Performances

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is presenting “Another Opening Cabaret” featuring Broadway & LGBTQ songs. Some of BGMC’s finest chorus members will perform solos, duets & more on Friday February 21st at 8P, Saturday February 22nd at 5P & 8P & a special VIP fundraising event on Sunday, February 23rd at 3P. All performances will take place at Club Café 209 Columbus Avenue in Boston, MA. This is definitely a fun, festive & always a little risqué way to enjoy for a fabulous night out. Craig Coogan BGMC Executive Director stated, “I love our cabaret because you see & hear the members in an intimate way. I know LGBTQ & Broadway are intimately intertwined – so I can’t wait for the jokes! It’s perfect for a winter’s weekend at Club Cafe.” This is a 21+ event. The Sunday February 23rd VIP fundraising event offers a unique & intimate experience for an exclusive audience of 80 people who will enjoy cabaret style seating. Tickets are $75 each & include complimentary hors d'oeuvres at your table. The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest & most successful community-based choruses founded in 1982. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical & popular music & creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the LGBTQ community. Club Café is located at the intersection of Berkeley Street & Columbus Avenue in Boston's South End. All performances are wheelchair accessible.
For Info & Tix
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Jazz Meets Broadway Comes To Boston

Tony-nominated Ann Hampton Callaway returns to Boston Friday February 21st for one intimate solo performance of her fabulous show "Jazz Meets Broadway" at Scullers Jazz Club 400 Soldiers Field Road in Boston, MA at 8P. Ann stated, “I’m thrilled to be returning to Scullers Friday the 21st at 8P with my critically acclaimed show “Jazz Meets Broadway.” Think of this show as Ann unplugged as this is me at my most intimate singing, playing the piano & telling stories about great Broadway classics that have become jazz standards. I’ll be covering great songs by Rodgers & Hart, Jule Styne, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein & more as well as writing a new jazzy show tune about how two Boston lovers meet based on audience words & phrases. One of the things I love about this show is that I get to marry two genres I love Jazz & Broadway & put my own spin on these songs inspired by the brilliant story telling of many of our county’s most masterful lyricists. And in the month of love, may I say this is a very romantic show where the holding of hands is strictly encouraged.” The show will range from sizzling to sultry songs that include Old Devil Moon, It Never Entered My Mind, Whatever Lola Wants, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Somewhere & Ann’s famous improv where audience members will help her compose a jazzy show tune about how two lovers meet in Boston that’s not to be missed.
For Info & Tix…
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

LPAC In Boston Winter Benefit

LPAC (Lesbian Political Action Committee) is presenting a very special cocktail party benefit on Thursday March 5th from 6P to 8P in Boston, MA for a night out with friends to discuss politics with a group of energized inspiring people with special guest Senator Tammy Baldwin. Senator Baldwin is looking forward to meet with LPAC supporters especially with this being such a crucial election year. There will be brief remarks & plenty of time to chat with the Senator & members of the LPAC community. Diane Felicio Chair, LPAC Board of Directors stated, “I couldn’t be more excited to co-chair this event in 2020, particularly as I take on the role of board chair for LPAC this year. Having someone of Tammy Baldwin’s stature supporting us is testament to LPAC’s growing visibility & influence.” Stephanie Sandberg LPAC Executive Director added, “The LPAC winter event in Boston has become a mainstay for our organization & I’m looking forward to celebrating LPAC with this great community.” The Boston LPAC cocktail party benefit is hosted by Elyse Cherry, Diane Felicio, Jan Donley, Shari Weiner & Joanna Hochman. Elyse Cherry concluded, “Among her many achievements, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin was the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to serve in the United States Senate. We are honored to have her join us & we're looking forward to an evening of great company in support of LGBTQ rights, women's equality & social justice.” Tickets are $250 to $500 & the address will be provided upon registration. All proceeds will benefit LPAC, the only political organization dedicated to building the political voice of LGBTQ women.
To Register…
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Queer As A Five Dollar Bill (AUDIO)

Being that this is a presidential election year celebrating President’s Day has a whole new meaning. It’s interesting watching Pete Buttigieg shake things up as an openly gay candidate doing so well in the primaries. However around President’s Day I can't help revisit the theory that Abraham Lincoln might have been our first gay president ever since I read that Carl Sandburg alluded to the early relationship of Lincoln & his friend Joshua Fry Speed as having "a streak of lavender & spots soft as May violets" in his 1926 biography. "Streak of lavender" was a term of an effeminate man in those days & later it implied homosexuality. Then in 1999 there was playwright & activist Larry Kramer claim that he had uncovered previously unknown documents while conducting research for his work-in-progress, The American People: A History claiming to be found hidden in the floorboards of the old store once shared by Lincoln & Joshua Speed. Just think how amazingly supportive that would be for our LGBTQ kids to know that they had a role model in Abraham Lincoln. I talked with author Lee Wind in this exclusive audio interview about his novel “Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill” that actually centers around Wyatt a 15 year old dealing with his sexuality in a homophobic small town who discovers this theory about Abraham Lincoln's  relationship with Joshua Fry Speed a Springfield, Illinois merchant who met Lincoln in 1837. Wyatt can't help feel that if the world knew about this relationship perhaps they would treat our LGBTQ community differently. LISTEN
For More Info: leewind.org
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Adam Lambert To Open GLAAD Awards

GLAAD announced that international superstar Adam Lambert will open the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards with a special performance on Thursday, March 19th in NYC. Previously GLAAD announced that award-winning actress, producer & fierce LGBTQ activist Judith Light will be honored with the Excellence in Media Award & award-winning screenwriter, producer & director Ryan Murphy will be honored with the Vito Russo Award at their NYC ceremony at The New York Hilton Midtown 1335 Avenue of the Americas in NYC. Lilly Singh, openly bisexual executive producer & host of NBC’s A Little Late with Lilly Singh will host the event & Ben Platt the Tony Award-winning star of Netflix’s The Politician will also perform. Last month Lambert launched his own LGBTQ non-profit organization called the Feel Something Foundation. As an openly gay artist Lambert has been a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ community throughout his career. In September 2019 Lambert released his EP Velvet: Side A which earned him a nomination for Outstanding Music Artist at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year. Adam has also been honored several times throughout his career for his trailblazing accomplishments as well as his LGBTQ advocacy. Honors include the Equality Idol Award at Equality California’s Los Angeles Equality Awards in August 2011; the GLAAD Davidson/Valentini Award at the GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco in 2013; the Hope of Los Angeles Award as part of Los Angeles’ 3rd Annual LGBT Heritage Month in May 2013 & the Music Icon Award at the 2015 British LGBT Awards. In addition to this year’s nomination, Lambert has also been nominated twice for Outstanding Music Artist at the GLAAD Media Awards winning the award in 2013.
For More Info & Tix: glaad.org
LISTEN: Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Palm Springs Turning 30
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

The Dinah Celebrating 30 Years (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Mariah Hanson, founder & producer of the legendary Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend that’s celebrating its 30th anniversary & takes place April 1st through April 5th in Palm Springs, California. With thirty years as the largest global all-girl music festival, The Dinah has welcomed millions of lesbian identifying queer women from around the world who make the annual pilgrimage to celebrate, unite, empower & live totally OutLoud at this infamous 5-day event. The festivities include high profile performances by globally renowned recording artists, massive pool parties with world famous DJs, go-go dancers, red carpet events with celebrity guests, dance parties, meet & greets with your favorite celesbians & so much more. This year performing live at The Dinah will be singer/songwriter Layton Greene, Ally Brooke, Saweetie, Umi, Lion Baby & Yung Baby Take. Also new this year will be two comedy showcases that include Dana Goldberg, Dinah Leffart, Gina Yashere on Thursday night & gay icon John Waters who is creating a special Saturday night show just for the occasion stating, “As a proud ‘lezbro’ who’s never been scared of women smarter than me, I’m happy to be the comic relief in a sea of partying ‘all-girl’ music festival fans. Thanks to The Dinah I will finally be a true outsider!” Additional confirmed performers include SWSH, Sophia Messa, Jozzy, Madison Paige & hosting the events are Kaycee Clark, Rose Garcia & Mikalah Gordon. DJ’s spinning at The Dinah dance parties will be Angie Vee, Val G, Alex D, Tatiana, Miss M, China G, Less Ortiz, Zehno & Reesie Cups. I talked to Mariah about what she has in store for the 30th celebration of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN
For More Info & Tix: theDinah.com
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

The Dems New Hampshire Aftermath

Now we have six main Democratic Presidential Candidates all committed to move forward after the New Hampshire Primary. On the top level the frontrunners are Bernie Sanders who edged out Buttigieg with approximately 69,738 votes to Mayor Pete’s 65,956 to win New Hampshire as Klobuchar surges to third with 53,265 votes. A disappointing fourth place for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 25,232 votes & Biden coming in fifth with 22,616 votes & Tom Steyer hanging on stating “I’m not dropping out. That’s ridiculous.” However Andrew Yang & Senator Michael Bennet have dropped out. So now the six frontrunners head to Nevada & South Carolina ending out the month as the race can still go any which way with billionaire Mike Blumberg spending big bucks on the sideline. All the candidates vow to defeat Trump with Amy Klobuchar stating "Hello, America, I'm Amy Klobuchar & I will beat Donald Trump." Now for myself living in Massachusetts I’m looking forward to Super Tuesday on March 3rd when Alabama, American Samoa (Caucus), Arkansas, California, Colorado, Dems Abroad, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont & Virginia have their primaries. Over the next few week these states will be ceased as the top candidates spend enormous amounts of money for campaign ads with some more effective than others. This is where Trump’s TV & media expertise will set a tone & it won’t be pretty. The best we all can do as voters is tune out the lies & vote. This is not the time for complacency on any level. Just remember as Hunter Thompson stated, “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

LGBTQ Support For The Crown Act

When Matthew A. Cherry Writer/Director/Producer/Editor of “Hair Love” won an Oscar for Best Short Animated Film Sunday night he used his speech to call for the passage of the Crown Act in all 50 states. This legislation bans discrimination based on hair in housing & workplaces. Cherry stated, “There's a very important issue that's out there, the Crown Act & if we can help to get this passed in all 50 states, it will help story like Deandre Arnold's who is our special guest tonight, stop from happening.” Hair Love is a 7 minute animated short film that centers around the relationship between an African-American father Stephen, his daughter, Zuri & her hair. Despite having long locks, Stephen has been used to his wife doing his daughter's hair so when she is unavailable right before a big event Stephen will have to figure it out on his own. This sounds simple enough but we then learn Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. The story was born out of seeing a lack of representation in mainstream animated projects & also wanting to promote hair love amongst young men & women of color. Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates concluded, "Bias takes many forms. The filmmakers behind Hair Love did us all a service by telling a story that powerfully showed that hair-based discrimination is linked to race. They raised our collective consciousness. They deserve even more credit for connecting the dots to the Crown Act. Remedies like this are key to providing dignity & inclusion for all." Out & Equal is the world's premier nonprofit dedicated to achieving global LGBTQ workplace equality. More than 70% of Fortune 1000 companies participate in their programming. WATCH VIDEO
For More Info: outandequal.org
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

LGBTQ Diversity At The Oscars

The 92nd Academy Awards were disappointing when it came to LGBTQ diversity. Besides Elton John’s winning Best Song “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from his biopic “Rocketman” & Billy Porter’s Oscars ensemble making a golden statement on red carpet our LGBTQ community took a backseat at this year’s Oscars festivities. Over the years there have been LGBTQ inclusive characters with straight actors portraying our community winning Oscar gold including Hilary Swank in “Boys Don't Cry”, Sean Penn in “Milk”, Tom Hanks in “Philadelphia”, Charlize Theron in “Monster” & last year’s winners Mahershala Ali in “Green Book” & Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody”. With that said being that this is a presidential election year besides Brad Pitt making a reference to the senate’s impeachment trial travesty & Joaquin Phoenix emotional best actor acceptance speech about the state of our humanity the evening stayed very apolitical. Phoenix stated, “I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the distressing issues that we are facing collectively & I think, at times we feel, or were made to feel, that we champion different causes. But for me, I see commonality. I think whether we’re talking about gender inequality or racism or queer rights or indigenous rights or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice. I think that we’ve become very disconnected from the natural world & many of us, what we’re guilty of is an egocentric world view. A belief that we are the center of the universe.” Let’s take these words to heart & hope that from this day forward we all continue to work towards a more inclusive world.
For Full List Of Oscar Winners…
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Joey Suarez “Alive” Charts Billboard


After finishing a 15 city PRIDE Tour across the United States one of EDM/Pop’s hottest young artists Joey Suarez has teamed with superstar DJs Hector Fonseca & Zambianco for his newest single “Alive” which currently hit #28 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Charts. Suarez achieved global success with his debut single “High in the Sky” as well as “Dancing by Myself” off his last EP Candy Kid but it wasn’t until a chance meeting with Hector Fonseca that Suarez really started to gain momentum. Suarez stated, “I had recently relocated to Los Angeles from San Antonio When I first met Hector. We immediately hit it off & soon after my first tour ended we decided to release some music together. The end result was “Alive” & I couldn’t be happier with the initial response to the song & its remixes.” A first for Suarez the rise of “Alive” comes after years of hard work trying to break into the pop/dance world. Joey Suarez is a classically-trained opera/choir singer with over ten years of classical vocal training. Suarez didn’t begin to explore pop music until he was 21 years old drawing from a wide range of musical influences including Linkin Park, Miley Cyrus & Daft Punk as he crafted a truly unique style of music. While most musicians tend to hide their sexuality at the beginning of their career for fear of rejection Suarez consciously decided to live his life authentically as a proud gay man. I chatted with Joey in 2018 on OUTTAKE VOICES about what he hopes to accomplish with his music. LISTEN  
For More Info...
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Virginia Closer To LGBTQ Protections

Virginia passes the Virginia Values Act becoming the first Southern state to pass comprehensive non-discrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity & several other characteristics. In addition to sexual orientation & gender identity the bill also extends protections to Virginians on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability & status as a veteran. Governor Ralph Northam stated he will sign the Virginia Values Act into law once the House & Senate reconcile their versions of the bill. Alphonso David HRC President stated, "Today, history was made in Virginia & LGBTQ Virginians are one step closer to being protected from discrimination. No one should be discriminated against simply because of who they are or whom they love. This day would not have been possible without the years & years of tireless work from advocates across the commonwealth, or the voters in Virginia that filled the halls of the General Assembly with pro-equality champions who fulfilled their promises. HRC is proud to have worked to elect pro-equality lawmakers across Virginia in 2019 & we are thrilled to see that effort culminate in this important victory today. We're especially grateful for the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Senator Adam Ebbin & Delegate Mark Sickles, each of whom made this day possible. We also thank the patrons in each chamber, Sens. Jennifer Boysko & Jennifer McClellan in the Senate and Dels. Mark Levine & Delores McQuinn in the House." Once this bill is passed Virginia will truly be for all lovers.
For More Info: equalityvirginia.org
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Ben Platt To Perform At GLAAD Awards

GLAAD has announced that Ben Platt the Tony Award-winning star of Netflix’s The Politician will perform at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York at the Hilton Midtown on March 19th. Previously we announced that award-winning actress, producer & activist Judith Light will be honored with the Excellence in Media Award & award-winning screenwriter, producer & director Ryan Murphy will be honored with the Vito Russo Award at the New York ceremony. Lilly Singh the openly bisexual executive producer & host of NBC’s A Little Late with Lilly Singh will host the event. GLAAD also announced that special guests comedian & correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Jaboukie Young-White, the cast of Pose & Schitt’s Creek star Emily Hampshire will attend the New York ceremony. Platt is currently filming season two of The Politician in which he stars & serves as Executive Producer. Platt won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance as Evan Hansen as well as the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance making him the youngest actor to win the coveted award. In Los Angeles at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Thursday April 16th Taylor Swift will receive the Vanguard Award & Janet Mock will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize & honor media for their fair, accurate & inclusive representations of our LGBTQ community & the issues that affect our lives. The awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBTQ community that build support for equality & acceptance.
For More Info & Tix: glaad.org
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

First Openly Lesbian Federal Judge Dies

Federal District Judge Deborah A Batts who was the first openly lesbian African-American federal judge appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Clinton in 1994 has died at the age of 72. Sharon McGowan, Legal Director & Chief Strategy Officer at Lambda Legal stated, “Lambda Legal mourns the passing of Judge Deborah Batts, an inspiration to so many in the legal world. Judge Batts will forever be known not only as the first openly LGBT federal judge, but also as the embodiment of the highest standards of professional excellence. Judge Batts’ nomination by President Clinton to the federal bench in 1994 was a watershed moment for openly LGBT people in the legal profession. But as we commemorate Black History Month, we acknowledge as well how significant her nomination remains even today for attorneys of color & particularly black attorneys who are still dramatically underrepresented on the federal bench. More than twenty five years after Judge Batts’ historic confirmation, it is unacceptable that there has only ever been one other black lesbian elevated to the federal bench. While there will never be another Deborah Batts, there are many extraordinary LGBTQ people of color in the legal profession who are far too often overlooked for positions of leadership & public trust, including federal judgeships. That must change. Judge Batts lived an extraordinary life & leaves a remarkable legacy. She was a trailblazer as an openly LGBT judge, but she was also a mother, a lawyer, a prosecutor, & someone who inspired generations of law students. All of these aspects of her identity were what made Judge Batts the incredible person that she was. We honor her memory by strengthening our commitment to diversity within our judicial system, & in the legal profession as a whole.”
For More Info: lambdalegal.org
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

SAGE Friends & Family Miami Event

SAGE the country's largest & oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults is presenting their 8th annual fundraising event celebrating Miami’s LGBT community on Saturday February 8th from 7P to 9P at The Atelier of Lasso the Moon at 3390 Mary Street #182 in Miami, FL. This year they are honoring Rosemary Wilder a SAGE Pioneer who has been instrumental in building the institutions & organizations that Miami’s LGBT community relies on to this day. Elizabeth Schwartz, Co-chair of the Board of Directors of SAGE stated, “I'm excited that on February 8th SAGE USA is bringing the love to Miami. Please join us for cocktails & nibbles to learn more about our local & national work on behalf of LGBT elders & to honor pioneer Rosemary Wilder.” The SAGE & Friends Miami fundraising event supports SAGE's important work on behalf of LGBT older adults locally & nationally. This generation of LGBT seniors who are now approaching their 70s & 80s are unfortunately facing new discriminations as they age. Entering independent & assisted living facilities as well as receiving other services has presented enormous problems for some of our LGBT elderly who must confront a still existing ignorance that forces them back into the closet. One of SAGE’s missions is to educate these facilities & all services offered to our older LGBT population so that they can continue to enjoy this stage of their lives with a sense of openness and acceptance. The SAGE & Friends Miami event will be an evening of cocktails & delicious snacks at a fabulous venue, all for an effective organization & critical cause.
For Info & Tix: sageusa.org
LISTEN: Brian Edward Talks New Play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word”
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Quentin Crisp’s Last Word (AUDIO)

This week I talked with actor Brian Edward about starring in the world premiere of the new play “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word” at the Hamburg Studio of Pittsburgh’s City Theatre at 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA from February 6th through February 16th. Quentin Crisp first rose to global notoriety with the publication of his 1968 autobiography “The Naked Civil Servant” detailing his years in London as a nude model & an out unapologetic homosexual during a time when it was forbidden by law. The book was adapted into a film starring John Hurt in 1975. Crisp then moved to NYC at age 72 living as a resident alien during the 1980s, becoming a champion of outsider artists including the likes of Sting & Andy Warhol. He was frequently sought after for late night talk show appearances & empowered audiences with his one-man show expounding his forthright views on current affairs, social manners & personal style. Shortly before his death in 1999 Crisp dictated his final autobiography to author & colleague Phillip Ward. Ward who is also the executor of Quentin Crisp’s estate published the autobiography “The Last Word: An Autobiography” in 2017. (Listen to Ward’s Interview) Brian Edward, a renowned performing artist, director & playwright contacted Ward & out of their conversations a script collaboration developed & Brian was selected to portray Quentin Crisp in this stage premiere directed by Spence Whale. I talked to Brian about what he hopes to accomplish with the theatrical production of “Quentin Crisp’s Last Word” & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN 
 
For More Info & Tix; crisperanto.org
Hear Audio Chats w/ LGBTQ Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

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