San Francisco Premiere "A Red Carol"

Gearing up for the next holiday in these challenging times the San Francisco Mime Troupe will present the world premiere of “A Red Carol” Michael Gene Sullivan’s deconstructed, activist adaptation of Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” It runs on stage December 14th to 29th at Z Space in San Francisco, CA. We all know the story about the redemption of a cranky miser at Christmas, a ghost story designed to let an audience feel good about themselves for not being heartless. However Charles Dickens wasn't trying to make people feel good, he was trying to show them a stark reality, scaring them into being more human. He wrote "A Christmas Carol" to shake up society & with “A Red Carol” it re-establishes his story as the revolutionary call-to-action Dickens intended. In Dickens story Bob Crachit tells Scrooge, "People always think this story is about you. But it ain’t about you, it’s about us & how we let ourselves get infected with your ideas, your greed, your lies, it’s you steppin’ over the hungry & homeless & us following your lead, it’s us lettin’ you turn our government into a casino, listenin’ while you say day after day that profit is the new god & us not standin’ up & shouting NO! It ain’t about you it’s about us.” This isn't your average feel-good Christmas tale but it was never supposed to be. With music, joy & plenty of harsh truths about his time & ours “A Red Carol” is the demand for economic & social justice Dickens wanted then & we need now. 
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Positivity Queen Alethea Crimmins

Alethea Crimmins the widely celebrated "positivity queen" & "international hype girl" will deliver the keynote at the 81st Annual PANJ-EF Training Conference on November 26th at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to help foster professional growth amongst New Jersey Probation Officers & supervisors. With over 1.6M TikTok followers & 1.1M Instagram fans Alethea has caught the attention of icons like Madonna, Viola Davis & Rihanna & recently made her third appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Alethea Crimmins stated, “I’m super excited about spreading positivity to this phenomenal group of law enforcement professionals. These are individuals that give of themselves daily, putting their lives on the line for the people in their community. It is truly my pleasure to be able to motivate, empower & inspire them. I’m truly honored to give back to them a small token of what they give to others.” Alethea’s mission is to inspire others particularly women & our LGTBQ community to turn their own pain into purpose. Additionally Crimmins will lead a workshop entitled "Tips to Having a Good Day On Purpose" an empowering & interactive workshop designed to help you take charge of your day & cultivate intentional positivity. Through practical tips & hands-on exercises participants will learn to build effective self-care routines, harness the power of positive self-talk, rewrite limiting narratives & unlock their full potential. Drawing from personal challenges & triumphs Alethea will energize & motivate attendees to step boldly into their greatness. Crimmins inspires others through podcasts, keynotes, life coaching & music drawing on 15 years of experience in early childhood education to share her wealth of motivational insight & wisdom. 
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New Book “Trans Kids Our Kids” (AUDIO)

This week I talked with writer Alexis Stratton about the new book “Trans Kids, Our Kids” co-authored with Adam Polaski & Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara from the Campaign for Southern Equality & released by Ig Publishing. In these unprecedented times “Trans Kids, Our Kids” provides a narrative look into the challenges facing our transgender young people. This is especially crucial after the recent GOP presidential campaign distorted & targeted transgender issues to regain control of the White House. The new book provides a truthful blueprint addressing trans youth issues by taking a storytelling approach in capturing how people all across the country are meeting the moment to support, protect & live in solidarity with transgender youth & their families. The book is based on more than 50 interviews with transgender youth, their parents & the medical providers, advocates & faith leaders who are leading the fight against the wave of discriminatory legislation that has flooded statehouses since 2022. One primary focus of “Trans Kids, Our Kids” is the attack on trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care. Less than 2 years ago there weren’t any states that had such bans in effect. Currently there are now 26 states that have bans or restricted transgender youth from accessing hormone therapy with the issue coming before the Supreme Court in the case United States v. Skrmetti with oral arguments on December 4th. Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) through their Trans Youth Emergency Project have supported more than 1,000 families of transgender youth in navigating healthcare bans. All royalties from book sales will benefit this project. I talked to Alexis about what they hope to accomplish with “Trans Kids, Our Kids” & their spin on our LGBTQ issues. (Design by Liz Williams) LISTEN  
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Celebrate Phyllis Lyon's 100th Birthday

Come celebrate what would have been Phyllis Lyon's milestone 100th birthday at El Rio! 3158 Mission Street in San Francisco, CA on Sunday Nov 24th. Doors open at 3P for a fun-filled event honoring this incredible woman. Especially during these challenging times with our LGBTQ rights in jeopardy it’s important to come together & celebrate community & dance the pain away & gather together to show our love & appreciation for Phyllis & Del 2 fabulous Lesbian Icons. There will be performances from The Red Hots Burlesque & legendary lesbian DJ's Page Hodel & Downtown Donna will be spinning. Pioneering lesbian & civil rights activist Phyllis Lyon died at age 95 in 2020 & her wife Del Martin who passed in 2008 cofounded the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in San Francisco in 1955 becoming the first social & political organization for lesbians in the United States. They both acted as president & editor of The Ladder until 1963 & remained involved in the DOB until joining the National Organization for Women (NOW) as the first lesbian couple to do so. Phyllis Lyon was not only a legendary pioneer in the fight for equality she was also founder of Lyon-Martin Health Services. This fabulous event is a fundraiser to support the documentary “The Day the Curtains Came Down” which tells the story of Phyllis' last years & her creative, loving & stealthy AF all-queer caregiving team. So don't miss out on this special fabulous occasion that happens at El Rio Sunday November 24th from 3P to 8P PST with tickets $20.20. 
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Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro Perform

Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro are performing their “Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret” tour at The Cabot in Beverly, MA on Saturday November 23rd at 8P. Both haver transported their audience to other worlds through their stories & now they’re joining forces in song with musical direction by Henry Koperski. Cumming stated, “I’ve got to know Ari over the last few years, both socially & when he interviewed me for a couple of events. The last time was an evening in D.C., & by the end of it I realized our chemistry & the unusual combo of us, as well as the fact that Ari has an amazing voice, would make for a really great cabaret show & kapow! We’re doing it! What I love most is it’s fresh and ever-changing.” Shapiro concluded, “When Alan first suggested that we create a show together, I didn’t quite believe him. Then as we started to dig in to this collaboration, I realized how much our professional lives actually complement each other. We’re both storytellers who try to help audiences better understand themselves & the world around them. This show lets us explore those shared ideals on stage together, through stories & songs.” They have performed together for a few seasons in Provincetown & now they’re performing at the historic Cabot Theatre a North Shore treasure & legacy of the visionary showmanship & architectural passion of the Ware Brothers. Their Westport, CT show has sold out so get your tickets while they last. Tickets run from $69.00 to $114.50. 
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International Human Rights Art Festival

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) returns to NYC for its 6th year & takes place December 9th to 15th at The Tank in midtown Manhattan. There will be 60 new shows presented including new short musicals, dance pieces, one act plays, solo shows, poetry, puppetry & musical acts. Over 200 local & international artists will showcase their work which revolves around pressing social issues such as climate change, religion, immigration, caregiving, identity, diversity, LGBTQ, women's empowerment & more. Tom Block, IHRAF’s Founder & Executive Director stated, “As an organization that highlights & supports activist artists around the world, we now become one of them, instead of simply innocent bystanders in the international struggle for justice & human rights. As America enters its most challenging era since the Civil War, we will stand not with or against one or the other political parties, but for our values: human rights, social justice & celebrating diversity, equally for all people. Our artists open space through their own sincerity & vulnerability (no anger or finger-pointing, justified though it may feel) for conversation, understanding & appreciation of the ‘other,’ however imagined. Our work is based on our common humanity & the talent, passion & creativity of our performers.” IHRAF was founded in 2017 with the mission to amplify the critical voices of artists who bring human rights issues to the forefront of conversation & to inspire social change around the world. IHRAF, a 501c3 non-profit believes in a world where artists are free to use their creativity to provide an engine for social change & their work is honored as a human right. 
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Trans Week of Remembrance Film Fest

Transgender Film Festivals are happening across the nation gearing up to the celebration of Trans Day of Remembrance that takes place Wednesday November 20th. In Massachusetts The Theater Offensive & Coolidge Corner Theatre at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA are bringing 3 evenings of film highlighting our Trans community with “Black Trans Women at the Center” on Monday November 18th at 7:15P, “Kokomo City” on Tuesday November 19th at 7P & “Paris is Burning” on Wednesday, November 20th also at 7P. All the screenings will be accompanied by introductions & panel discussions. “Black Trans Women at the Center” presents the next wave of new plays through this theatrical recording of the 5th annual Black Trans Women at the Center: Virtual New Play Festival. Witness the symphony of voice rising to claim their rightful place at the forefront of the theatrical landscape led by the visionary Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Ensemble member Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi. The festival will feature a staged streaming of her new work Shapeshifter. Then “Kokomo City” on Tuesday November 11th directed by D. Smith & featuring Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell, Dominique Silver will takes place at 7P with a post-film panel discussion with guests from The Theater Offensive. Concluding with the classic documentary “Paris Is Burning” directed by Jennie Livingston & featuring Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Venus Xtravaganza, Octavia St. Laurent with post-film panel discussion with guests from The Theater Offensive & moderated by Rev. Irene Monroe. Watch our nonpartisan VOTE PSA we produced with Rev. Irene Monroe.  
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John Waters Coolidge Award Honoree

The nonprofit Coolidge Corner Theatre that has been entertaining & building a vital community through film culture in greater Boston since 1933 is thrilled to announce legendary filmmaker, author & visual artist John Waters as the recipient of the 2024 Coolidge Award. This fabulous event takes Thursday November 21st at 8P at The Coolidge at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA. There will be an onstage conversation with Waters about his life & career conducted by Jared Bowen Emmy award-winning Executive Arts Editor & host of The Culture Show at GBH. The conversation will include a tribute clip reel & will be followed by the presentation of The Coolidge Award. Established in 2004 annual Coolidge Award celebrates a film artist whose work is consistently original & challenging. Past honorees have included Zhang Yimou, Meryl Streep, Thelma Schoonmaker, Jonathan Demme, Werner Herzog & more. John Waters has written & directed sixteen movies including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, Hairspray, Cry Baby, Serial Mom & A Dirty Shame. Both Pink Flamingos & Hairspray have been added to the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Waters is also the author of ten books including Shock Value, Crackpot, Pink Flamingos & Other Trash, Hairspray, Female Trouble & Multiple Maniacs, Art: A Sex Book co-written with Bruce Hainley, Role Models, Carsick, Make Trouble, Mr. Know-It-All & in May, 2022 his first novel, Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance. In 2022, Liarmouth was optioned by Village Roadshow Pictures for John to write & direct the movie. I’ve known John since the 1970’s & he’s always been true to character. Here’s my retro interview I did with John back in 2011. LISTEN  
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The Academy Legends A Night of Stars

The Academy will present their 2024 Legends Archive inductee Donna Sachet along with esteemed community honorees Dr. Dee Spencer with The Diane Jones Solidarity Award, Colm O'Brien with The Architect Award & Patrick Carney with The Exemplar Award. Enjoy a night of fabulous entertainment hosted by the one & only Sister Roma November 15th at the Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market St, San Francisco, CA from 6P to 11P. The Legends Archive was created to recognize those people in our own era that have shaped the LGBTQ community that we live in. The Legends of the past have included Sylvester, Harvey Milk & Divine & now it is time to hold up the Legends that continue to create in this dynamic epicenter that is San Francisco. Each year The Academy selects one individual who has truly become a Legend worthy of being remembered in the historical archive. They are invited to donate a personal artifact to represent themselves & their contribution to the community to be put on permanent display. The entire community is warmly invited to join in celebrating their 2024 Legends Archive inductee Donna Sachet along with their esteemed community honorees for a fabulous night hosted by Sister Roma with entertainment provided by Russell Deason, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus & Shün Kanazawa. While this event is open to all club members receive free or discounted admission to events with full club access & more. All tickets include access to the After Party at The Academy following the conclusion of the program. 
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Outright International 2024 Summit

Outright International’s 10th Annual OutSummit takes place December 9th in Washington, D.C. & virtually. This global event brings together activists, advocates, academics, private sector allies & policymakers to tackle important LGBTQ issues & influence future advocacy. Confirmed speakers include keynotes Tarek Zeidan, Executive Director of Helem (Lebanon) & U.S. Representative Dina Titus. The in-person event in Washington D.C. is by invitation only however anyone can be part of the conversation by registering for the virtual live stream which is open to all. Whether you're attending in person or virtually OutSummit 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading voices from across the world & take part in shaping the future of LGBTIQ advocacy. The event will address into pressing issues including how LGBTQ fared in elections around the world in 2024, global intersex advocacy agendas for law & trans people to push back against anti-gender movements as well as LGBTQ inclusion in economic development & humanitarian assistance. Outright International is dedicated to working with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTQ human rights movement, document & amplify human rights violations against LGBTQ people & advocate for inclusion & equality. They support innovative advocacy to advance equality & end violence & discrimination. They drive change, power & meaningful progress across governments, institutions, businesses & communities. They believe evidence-based human rights research is the most effective way to hold governments accountable for failing to meet human rights obligations & standards. Registration for the virtual conference is free & Outright International is deeply grateful to OutSummit host & presenting sponsor JP Morgan Chase. 
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Wicked Queer Documentary Film Fest

Boston’s Wicked Queer Documentary Film Festival returns for a 3rd year celebrating the rich & vibrant true stories of our LGBTQ community & takes place from November 15th to 22nd both in person & streaming. It opens with George Michael: Portrait of an Artist at the Museum of Fine Arts on Friday Nov 15th at 7P. The film takes you into the raw open spaces of George’s life where he broke the glass ceiling. This documentary gracefully & compassionately tells his story & gives tribute to this life. I never did meet George Michael but I did party with Wham! bass player Deon Estus during the MTV Music awards back in the 80’s that made me a big fan but more about that another time. Boston’s Wicked Queer Film Festival turns 40 this year founded back in 1984. Now as we head into these challenging times telling our stories, sharing our lives & affirming that existence becomes more relevant than ever as we deal with over 600 anti LGBTQ bills in states across the country, book bans & attacks on our LGBTQ community are on the rise. Recently the Queer Film Institute Board producer of Wicked Queer, WQ Docs, Queers Do Cinema podcast & Queer Film LA stated, “We cannot predict where the next four years will take us, but QFI is committed to carrying forward the legacy of those before us. For over forty years, the film festival has been a space to come together, to learn from one another & to witness stories of Queer resilience from around the world. We will continue to celebrate Queer voices & stories & stand firm against any attempts to divide or harm us.” 
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10th Annual Drag Queen Christmas Tour

After this disappointing election cycle & before Trump’s second term begins, I think our LGBTQ community needs to really celebrate the upcoming holiday season because who knows what we'll be facing in 2025. There're lots of LGBTQ friendly holiday celebrations across the country including the 10th anniversary of Murray & Peter’s "A Drag Queen Christmas Tour" for 18+ audiences. This is the longest-running drag tour in America so get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. The show includes the fabulous & divine Nina West, JIMBO, Sapphira Cristál, Plane Jane, Manila Luzon, Trinity The Tuck & many more. It all kicks off next week on November 13th in Detroit, Michigan at the Fisher Theatre followed by November 14th in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Aronoff Center, November 15th in Richmond, Virginia at the Dominion Energy Center, November 16th in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Marietta Center, November 17th in Washington D.C. at the Warner Theatre, November 18th in Glenside, Pennsylvania at the Keswick Theatre, November 19th in Portland, Maine at the State Theatre, November 21st in NYC at Kings Theatre, November 22nd in Medford, Massachusetts at the Chevalier Theatre, November 23rd in Wallingford, Connecticut at the Oakdale Theatre, November 25th in New Brunswick, New Jersey at the State Theatre, November 26th in Buffalo, New York at Shea's Theatre, November 27th in Columbus, Ohio at the Palace Theatre, November 29th in St. Louis, Missouri at the Stifel Theatre, November 30th in Omaha, Nebraska at the Orpheum Theater & then throughout the USA & Canada until December 29th. Tickets vary in prices & VIP packages are available including fabulous celebrity meet & greets. 
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LGBTQ Leaders Focus On Issues (VIDEO)

Just when our LGBTQ community appeared to be moving forward our safety net fell apart when the Dems once again used a playbook from previous failed elections & the GOP kicked in the winning goal. Just because techniques like making calls, sending texts, eblasts & knocking on doors may have worked for Obama it certainly didn’t work in 2016 with Michelle Obama’s call to action “When They Go Low, We Go High”. Biden won his post-covid election without using most of those tools & instead was able to apply common sense. However, both Biden & Harris were obsessed with speaking to the middle class & it was the working class that created the red wave that handed this election to the GOP. Even with their “how very low can we go & still win” campaign, unfortunately common sense was thrown out with the baby. Then the barrage of the GOP fake news Trans ads that mainstream media is obsessed with. They went after the lowest hanging fruit without any challenge of retribution. In our nonpartisan VOTE PSA Campaign we were very careful to address exactly what was at stake in this election. “Women’s rights on the chopping block, over 600 anti LGBTQ bills in states across the country, antisemitism, hate crimes & racial discrimination are on the rise all as we headed to the voting polls.” Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, GLSEN Executive Director concluded, “Hope is a discipline. We may grieve today, but tomorrow we must come back stronger. This election result highlights the urgency of our work. We must mobilize, organize & protect our youth from these harmful policies. Our community is resilient & we will not back down. We urge everyone to join us in this critical fight for equality & justice.” WATCH

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McBride Elected To Congress (AUDIO)

In other elections last night Sarah McBride won her race in Delaware's At Large Congressional seat becoming the first out trans person elected to the U.S. Congress. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD’s President & CEO stated, “The election of Sarah McBride is groundbreaking for the transgender community & our entire country & it is no surprise. Sarah is a spectacular public servant who works her heart out to improve people’s lives. Sarah’s win is a victory for transgender visibility & should serve as a reminder that trans people should of course be free to be themselves & contribute their talents. Her voice & presence will ensure that Congress better represents the best of America. Congratulations to Sarah & to her constituents on this historic milestone that will accelerate acceptance for all transgender people.” McBride has been a Democratic member of the Delaware Senate since January 2021 & previously the national press secretary of the HRC. When I talked to Sarah in 2016 she was Campaigns & Communications Manager for LGBTQ Progress at the Center For American Progress in Washington D.C. So she went from working with LGBTQ orgs to Congress in 8 years which is fabulous & encouraging. A few new wins for our LGBTQ community were Aime Wichtendahl winning her election in Iowa becoming the first out transgender member of the Iowa state legislature & Julie Johnson one of Dallas County's first two openly gay elected officials & the first member of the Texas House with a same gender spouse won her campaign in Texas's 32nd Congressional District. Then in Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin was reelected to the U.S. Senate. Here's my retro chat with Sarah McBride. LISTEN
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Vote For Good American Values (VIDEO)

Not too long ago this was a country that had values. There were laws & a Constitution that we thought would last or at least were open to evolve for all the people. Now as we come down to 24 hours before a presidential election America is in the fight of her life to maintain civility. Unfortunately we’re at a crossroads between good & evil & we can’t allow evil to win no matter what the outcome of the election may be. Everyone is still pointing fingers at each other claiming to be the good because no one seems to want to accept the responsibility of their evil self-serving actions. For the last 20 years our LGBTQ community has become a voice of reason in America. We fought so hard just to have the same rights every citizen should have in the pursuit of happiness. Now those rights are being challenged along with women’s rights & who knows who will be targeted next. I have tried so hard to be a good American but more importantly a good human being on a planet that becomes less recognizable every year. Whoever wins this election keep visualizing that one day we can build a beautiful future together where we can all get along. Who knows World Peace might be just around the corner so don’t ever give up trying to make a better place for us all. So make sure you vote tomorrow for the love of country & tune out the hate. As Rev. Irene Monroe states in our video, “Vote like your life depends on it because it does. VOTE For A Working America, An America That Works For Us All.” WATCH

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VOTE For A Working America (VIDEO)

Our VOTE PSA begins to air on GBH News today as we head into the final days before our presidential election. OUTTAKE MEDIA™ has spearheaded this timely & compelling technically nonpartisan VOTE PSA to Wake Up America & bring our LGBTQ community & marginalized grassroots groups together about the importance of voting next Tuesday November 5th. It’s been almost a year since I accepted this challenge as an Emmy winning producer to do something to make sure that everyone understands the significance of what’s at stake for our democracy. One thing that has happened in the last 4 years under Biden-Harris that the GOP candidate refuses to acknowledge is America’s financial recovery. Hence our tagline “VOTE For A Working America, An America That Works For Us All.” With the GOP candidate continuing to suck the air out of the room making baseless economic disaster claims The Wall Street Journal actually reported yesterday that the USA economy is outrunning every other major developed economy not to mention its own historical growth rate stating “The Next President Inherits a Remarkable Economy”. So please vote next Tuesday whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Indigenous or LGBTQ we need to come together now or lose our rights. Women’s rights continue to be on the chopping block, we’re dealing with over 600 anti LGBTQ bills in states across the country, hate crimes & racial discrimination are on the rise all as we head to the voting polls on November 5th. As Reverend Irene Monroe states in our video, “Vote like your life depends on it because it does. VOTE For A Working America, An America That Works For Us All.” WATCH
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