The Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture is kicking off their signature annual public art exhibition “Portraits Of Pride” with a fundraising event on Sunday June 1st at The Connector 250 Devonshire Street in Boston, MA from 5P to 9P. Arline Isaacson Museum Board Chair stated, “Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in the history and growth of the LGBTQ community. Our people deserve a museum that celebrates the art, culture & history of the LGBTQs In Massachusetts. The museum has already organized & sponsored numerous notable exhibits, events & presentations. With financial support from our friends, families & allies, we’ll continue to grow & move towards our plans for a large & permanent location.” This year’s portraits include Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Julie Chen Chancellor of UMass Lowell, Photographer Craig Bailey, Dr. Gary Bailey Simmons University Director for the School of Social Work, Abe Rybeck Founder of The Theater Offensive, Philip A. Nardone, Jr. President & CEO of PAN, Arnold Sapenter, Susu Wong Founder of Tomo 360, John Ward Founder of GLAD Law, Harold du Four-Anderson Founder Bayard Rustin Breakfast, Civil Rights Attorney Mary L Bonauto, John Lam Professor of Dance, LGBTQ Elders Activist David Aronstein, Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, Gretchen Van Ness Executive Director of Pryde Senior Housing, Activists Paul Glass & Charles Evans & more. In these challenging times “Portraits of Pride” serves as a beacon of hope, resilience & advocacy. The exhibition honors the past, uplifts the present & inspires a brighter future. Funds raised will go towards a permanent exhibit telling the history of the LGBTQ movement in Massachusetts.
Since 1987 Out Film CT has presented a fabulous film festival bringing outstanding LGBTQ cinema to Connecticut. Organizers have announced the full lineup for their 38th film festival that runs June 20th to 28th that takes place at the festival's longtime home the historic & elegant Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, CT. In addition there are virtual-only exclusives for film fans to enjoy at home. Shane Engstrom Festival Director stated, “We are proud to be screening a total of 91 full-length features & short films this summer. Our volunteer committee viewed over 700 submissions from around the globe & the committee's final selections represent dramas, comedies, documentaries & more from over 28 different countries. The 38th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival will offer 3 world premieres, 6 North American premieres, 2 U.S. premieres & over 35 East Coast, Northeast U.S. & New England premieres. We are truly bringing the best of international queer cinema to Connecticut audiences." There will also be special events including the Opening Night after-party on Friday June 20th, a free post-film reception after Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot on Sunday June 24th at 4P, the Centerpiece film free pre-reception on Wednesday June 25th at 6:30P & the Closing Night celebration on Saturday June 28th where film fans & filmmakers can mix & mingle over cocktails & nibbles. Virtual exclusive features & shorts programs will be available for at-home enjoyment from Saturday June 21st through Sunday July 6th. All Access FestiPasses are now on sale & individual tickets are $13, $11 seniors & free for students with ID. The Opening & Closing Night films that include the after-party are $30 & $25 senior tix.
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide fundraising events attracts participants from across the state & region to support MBCC’s mission of breast cancer prevention. Online registration is now open for their 33rd Hopkinton Event on Saturday June 14th at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park & the 26th Cape Event on Saturday June 21st at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA with virtual events happening from June 14th to 21st. Athletic events include a USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational & competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, USATF-Certified 5K & 10K runs & a 3-mile fitness walk. Cheryl Osimo, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Executive Director stated, “I feel so honored to invite everyone to support MBCC's mission of breast cancer prevention. Funds raised for Against the Tide are used to continue & expand our unique programs to prevent breast cancer. We collaborate with research organizations, both local & national & academic professionals, to identify & educate about toxic chemicals in our environment that may cause breast & other cancers. We make our webinars & educational modules available free. We also advocate for changes to public policy in order to eliminate these chemicals from the places where we work & live. We strive to change the legacy of breast cancer for future generations. People from all over New England & the country come to support MBCC's work & the athletic components offered at Against the Tide & you can too!” Funds raised will support MBCC’s mission of changing the legacy of breast cancer for future generations & will support important community education programs including Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, the MBCC Webinar Series & their newly-expanded student environmental health program.
This week I talked with Chrystina Obleschuk, Director of Programs at the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center about their timely Health Summit that takes place for free on June 3rd at the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, PA. The Summit will featuring expert speakers & findings from their LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment Survey taken 2024 by thousands of participants covering many aspects of health & well-being from mental health to basic needs for our community. To kick off the summit Keynote Speaker Tommy Walcott-Lee a queer public health scholar, educator & advocate will address bringing together LGBTQ health, human rights & global justice. Special featured speakers will include (ret) Admiral Rachel Levine, MD who has not only been a pioneer for health in the state of Pennsylvania as Secretary of Health & Physician General but also for the nation at large having served as the 17th Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. In addition Adrian Shanker founding Executive Director of Bradbury-Sullivan will speak who went on to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy & Senior Advisor on LGBTQI+ Health Equity at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services & previously served as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. There will also be panels with crucial information & guidance to assist LGBTQ orgs with policies, advocacy, grant writing & funding in these challenging times. I talked to Chrystina about what she hopes to accomplish with Bradbury-Sullivan Health Summit & her spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN
Cathy Marcello is serving as Interim Executive Director of the org while the board of directors conducts a national executive search. Cathy has been on Modern Military staff since 2022 & recently served as Deputy Director bringing deep institutional knowledge & operational expertise. Marcello stated, “It’s a privilege to support the organization during this transition. Our mission remains vital & I look forward to ensuring continuity as we prepare for the next phase of executive leadership.” With 13+ years of experience Cathy’s proficiency has helped Modern Military to further expand its advocacy, programming & awareness on behalf of LGBTQ military families. Her expertise has proven vital in enabling countless families & individuals to find their way through intricate systems in these challenging times. Her dedication to fostering a supportive & inclusive environment has been a driving force in the success of Modern Military. The board of directors has commenced a comprehensive search process for a new Executive Director in partnership with Waller Consulting. Modern Military is committed to finding a passionate & skilled leader who will leverage the organization’s current strengths & drive further success. The organization is committed to a seamless transition, maintaining the continuity of its essential programs & services for LGBTQ & HIV-positive military & veteran communities. Modern Military is the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families & allies. They educate, advocate & champion for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ service members, veterans, and their families. They envision an inclusive & equitable military environment where every member of the LGBTQ & HIV-positive community is respected, valued & empowered to thrive.
Smothered the hit short-form comedy series starring Jason Stuart & Mitch Hara is now available on TUBI. The 2 outrageous binge worthy seasons are about a bitchy, battling couple (Stuart & Hara) who can't stand each other but can't afford to get divorced. They attempt to salvage their hideous relationship in therapy hell but when that fails they attempt to rob a Wells Fargo to get away from each other & wind up in jail in the same cell. The series written by Mitch & Jason is directed by Terri Hauser & Carlyle King. Jason stated, “We are so thrilled that we’re getting a wider audience to watch our show.” Mitch added, “I’m so good in this, I’m thrilled the rest of the world has a chance to see me.” Both Stuart & Hara were nominated for Best Actor & the series for Best Digital Series at the Queerty Awards. The stellar cast includes Emmy winner Jai Rodriguez (Bros), Amanda Bearse (Married with Children), Robert Costanza (Tulsa Kings), Helen Hong (Suits LA), Armand Field (Queer As Folk), Erika Ervin (American Horror Story), Carole Ita White (Laverne & Shirley) Jasper Cole (The Rookie), Aida Rodriguez (Fighting Words), Scott Krinsky (Tangerine), Nicole Lynn Evans (Criminal Minds), Dalia Ali Rajah (Grey’s Anatomy) & Kareem Ferguson (Winning Time). Smothered is an unique blend of comedy bound to touch your hearts or make you want to laugh till you're happy you're still single. Comedian Jason Stuart has appeared in over 285 film & TV shows & Mitch Hara has acted in multiple series & features as well as his internationally acclaimed & award-winning solo show Mutant Olive. I talked to Stuart & Hara about Smothered & more in this exclusive podcast in 2023. LISTEN
Vermont continues to lead on ensuring all families are protected & treated equally with passage of a new law making it easier for parents who have had a child through assisted reproduction to confirm their parentage through adoption. Co-sponsor of H.98 Rep. Martin LaLonde stated,
“Parents who use assisted reproduction, in Vermont & elsewhere, continue to face the reality that other states may discriminate against them & refuse to recognize their legal status as parents because of a lack of genetic connection — especially if the parents are LGBTQ. Although Vermont recognizes parents who use assisted reproduction with donor gametes as legal parents, other states may not. With an adoption decree, if the family travels or moves to another state, that state must recognize the parents’ legal relationships to their children. Streamlining the adoption process enables families to more easily obtain this important layer of protection.” Polly Crozier, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders Director of Family Advocacy concluded, “This is an important step toward ensuring that LGBTQ+ families in Vermont are able to protect themselves wherever they may travel. With extremists escalating their attacks on LGBTQ+ people across the country, parents are justifiably seeking paths to secure their legal parent-child relationship, including through adoption decrees, which are easily recognizable & must receive respect in all jurisdictions. Vermont joins nine other states with confirmatory adoption laws & we expect others will follow their lead. We’re thankful to Representatives Rachelson & LaLonde for championing this bill & to Governor Scott for signing it into law.”
The law was passed as LGBTQ families grow more concerned about attacks on LGBTQ people at the federal level & in states that are less LGBTQ friendly than Vermont.
Wilson Cruz will moderate a panel with celebrated trailblazers including actor Raven-Symoné, actress Trace Lysette, musician & model Laith Ashley & actor Brian Michael Smith entitled “In the Spotlight: The Power & Duty of Storytelling in Human Rights” on Thursday June 5th from 4PM to 4:50P at the JW Marriott in Washington DC & virtually. Ryan Bos, Executive Director of the Capital Pride Alliance & host of WorldPride 2025 stated, “We’re bringing together bold, influential voices who have helped redefine what visibility looks like on screen & in society. This panel is a celebration of progress & a call to action to continue expanding representation & access in media, culture & beyond.” The “In the Spotlight” panel adds to a robust lineup of speakers & sessions at the Human Rights Conference which will feature workshops, keynotes & roundtables on pressing global & domestic LGBTQ issues. Previously announced speakers include Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Dr. Lady Phyll, T.S. Madison, Richa Tripathi, Yasmin Benoit & dignitaries & thought leaders from Iceland, Australia, & the U.S. alongside artists. The WorldPride DC 2025 Human Rights Conference takes place June 4th to 6th bringing together global changemakers, artists, advocates & allies united by a shared mission to create a world where human rights are universally respected & the dignity of all people is upheld. The conference hosted at the JW Marriott in the heart of the U.S. Capital will serve as a platform for action, storytelling & collaboration through compelling programming & meaningful dialogue on both global & local levels.
Fenway Health has rebranded AIDS Walk Boston into Strides For Action Walk & Run that takes place Sunday June 1st at Artesani Park in Boston, MA. In these challenging times this fundraising event is so crucial as HIV prevention funds are being gutted, access to gender affirming care is being threatened & critical research is under attack. Strides For Action is a way to pushback by joining community members, advocates & leaders for a 5K walk/run to support the future of healthcare for all. Jordina Shanks, Fenway Health CEO stated, “We’re excited to kick off Pride month with Strides For Action which promises to be a good time for folks of all ages & backgrounds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together & stand in solidarity for health equity for the communities we serve & is an important source of funding for the care & services our community needs & deserves.” Strides For Action Walk & Run registration begins June 1st at 8A followed by a speakers program. Then Reimagym fitness gym from Medford, MA will get participants moving & energized with a fun all-levels warm-up to kick off the walk/run on the right foot. The 5K run & walk starts at 9:45A & the event concludes with a wellness festival & entertainment by The Femmes an all-woman & non-binary band providing a high energy concert experience. Strides for Action is presented by MassMutual with additional corporate support provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Gilead Pharmaceuticals, ViiV Healthcare, Blueprint Medicines, AAFCPAs, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals & American Tower.
The 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center takes place at Joe’s Pub on Monday June 2nd in NYC. This fabulous all-star concert honors Judy Garland with songs from her legendary career as movie star, recording artist & stage performer.
“Night of a Thousand Judys” is written & hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre who stated, “For Pride this year, we are thrilled to bring you this fabulous lineup of talented singers to celebrate our beloved Judy Garland & raise funds for The Ali Forney Center.” Performing this year will include Grammy winner & Tony nominee NaTasha Yvette Williams (Some Like it Hot), SAG Award winner Lea DeLaria (“Orange Is the New Black”), Tony winner Debbie Gravitte (Jerome Robbins’ Broadway), Grammy & Emmy winner Adam Kantor (The Band’s Visit), indie rock band BETTY (“The L Word,” Sondheim at Carnegie Hall), Alexis Michelle (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Debbie Wileman (Carnegie Hall, London’s West End), Molly Pope, Rose Levine (Fire Island legend) & Marissa Mulder (Café Carlyle, Lincoln Center). This year’s honorees are Emmy winner Jeremy Katz who will receive the inaugural “Good Judy Award” which recognizes an industry leader for their longtime dedication to uplifting our LGBTQ community & Grammy & Obie Award-winner Nathan Lee Graham will be honored with the 2nd annual “Judy Icon Award” for achievement of legendary status following in the footsteps of the honor’s namesake Judy Garland. The show is directed by Peter James Cook & choreography by Jason Wise, Drew Wutke music director, produced by Adam J. Rosen & executive producer Dan Fortune. The Ali Forney Center is the largest provider protecting LGBTQ homeless from the harms of homelessness. (Visual by Patricia Bolaños)
For his final concert "The Voice of Romance" legendary singer Johnny Mathis performed to a sold-out star-studded audience at Bergen Performing Arts Center May 18th in Englewood, NJ. Mathis with his iconic silky vocal masteries is the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award with a 70-year recording career across various musical genres including stage & film, jazz standards, contemporary pop music with three songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame he has recorded 80 original albums & 7 XMAS albums. Our good friend Broadway Diva Liz Callaway was in attendance giving us a heartfelt review stating, “In Act One we were treated to many of his earlier hits including “Chances Are,” “Wonderful! Wonderful!,” “It’s Not for Me to Say,” “Wild Is the Wind,” songs from Kismet, & “Misty.” He ended the act with a medley of Henry Mancini songs, finishing with “Moon River.” Johnny’s rendition of “Moon River” has a big ending, jumping the octave —I held my breath. Could he do it? He did—he nailed it! It was like watching an Olympic gymnast in the final event of their career, stick the landing for a perfect 10!” Mathis who has achieved 50 hits on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts & ranks as the all-time No. 6 album artist in the history of Billboard's pop album charts performed with a full orchestra alongside his longtime musicians including pianist/conductor Scott Lavender. Check out this pre-concert tribute video for Johnny featuring celebrities including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Clive Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Chaka Khan, Gayle King, Bubba Knight, Patti LaBelle, Darlene Love, Barry Manilow, Billy Porter, Lionel Richie, Nile Rodgers, Barbra Streisand, Leslie Uggams, Vanessa Williams & more. WATCH
The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) hosted the 5th annual Audre Lorde Wisdom Awards virtually honoring Black women who have blazed trails in their careers, communities & our LGBTQ civil rights movement. Victoria Kirby York, MPA, National Black Justice Collective Director of Public Policy & Programs stated, “The Audre Lorde Wisdom Awards are about more than just recognition. They remind us that the path we walk today was first cleared by those who fought in the shadows, demanded visibility & spoke truth to power long before it was safe. Many invested their money without a salary or benefits to build a movement that now properly employs thousands. Due to those sacrifices, too many of them never had a retirement or healthcare plan beyond Social Security & Medicare, which is now under attack. This celebration is a chance to honor our elders & learn from their experiences. It’s about making space for the knowledge & inspiration they can provide the next generation & continuing their fight to keep pushing for a better tomorrow while fighting for their right to age with dignity, respect & resources.” This year’s honorees included Rev. Debra Hopkins, filmmaker & activist Michelle Parkerson, Pat Martin CEO of HarlemYES Inc, Senator Pat Spearman, author Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale, social activist & educator Ruby Sales, social justice advocate Sonya Shields & social justice activist Dr. Sylvia Rhue. The event also commemorated National LGBTQ Elders Day. NBJC (National Black Justice Collective) is America’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black LGBTQ people including people living with HIV.
As our country deals with an administration bent on taking away Americans rights, in Massachusetts May 17th marks the 21st anniversary of marriage equality. It was a watershed moment in the history of civil rights when the landmark Goodridge ruling designated the constitutional right of gay & lesbian marriages in Massachusetts. At midnight on May 17th in 2004 Cambridge, MA became the first city in the United States to issue marriage licenses for gay & lesbian couples. Mary L. Bonauto GLAD’s Senior Director of Civil Rights stated, "When the SJC decided Goodridge, it forever changed the standards for how LGBTQ+ people must be treated under law & raised the bar for equality across the country. This momentous victory would not have happened without the courage, commitment & perseverance of the 14 Goodridge plaintiffs. Their willingness to repeatedly open themselves to public scrutiny, to share the truth of their lives with their neighbors & to face opposition from powerful leaders & institutions, ushered in legal & cultural shifts toward greater acceptance, protection & integration of LGBTQ+ people & families in our communities. We remain grateful for the powerful & empowering efforts of the Goodridge plaintiffs in making marriage equality a reality in Massachusetts & beyond.” I was there & directed & produced this historic award-winning short film “OUTTAKE: Gay Marriage 2004” shot from midnight on May 17th 2004 in Cambridge & throughout the day in Boston when marriage equality officially became the law in Massachusetts. The film became instrumental in the passage of marriage equality globally as we're about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodgeson on June 26th. It was shot by Kirsten Martin & narrated by Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus. WATCH
Oscar winner Jodie Foster added the Radcliffe Medal to her stellar career of accolades on Radcliffe Day 2025 in Cambridge, MA. Since 1987 the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University has awarded the medal annually to an individual who embodies its commitment to excellence, inclusion & social impact. Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard stated, “Jodie has used the power of art to engage with existential questions that define the human experience. She’s also harnessed her craft & the resources it affords her to focus our attention on critical issues & overlooked voices.” In these challenging times Foster who I had the pleasure meeting & congratulating concluded, “What I hope for people now is that they take the gloves off & Harvard has shown that recently & right on. This group of thinkers in these rarified places, where the intellect & the ability to connect really are revered above all else, to really understand that you have the power to use love as a guiding principle & be strategic.” Last year’s award went to Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor with other notable past honorees including Melinda French Gates, Billie Jean King, Hillary Clinton & Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Foster was awarded this year’s prize for her barrier-breaking career & contributions in front of & behind the camera as well as for her support of our LGBTQ community. Following a riveting film industry panel & fabulous testimonial by Diana Nyad, Foster engaged in this keynote conversation with Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Photo by Stacy L. Smith) WATCH
Boulder County AIDS Project announced their 42nd Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial event will take place Sunday May 18th in Boulder, Colorado. The Interfaith AIDS Coalition (IAC) & Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP) are hosting an in-person Candlelight Vigil remembering people living with HIV. This event is one of thousands of events organized across the world on this day. It is open to the public & participants are invited to arrive at the covered porch of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) located at 1421 Spruce Street in Boulder at 6P. The program will begin shortly afterwards including live music, short reflections by Rev. Amy Ostwald the retired minister of the First Congregational Church & the reading of names of people living with HIV who have died. Musicians for the evening are harpist Susan Conceicao, singer-guitarist Matt Nicodemus & opera singer Alex Sierra. There will then be a silent walk leaving from the covered porch of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) past BCAP on 14th Street to the Boulder County Historic Court House on the Pearl Street Mall then east along Pearl Street to 15th Street ending back at the FUMC’s porch area at 15th & Spruce Streets. Participants will carry signs reminding the public that until there is a cure there is work to do to improve the lives of people living with HIV to minimize transmission & to end HIV-related stigma. After the last names are read aloud participants will be invited to share names of loved ones they would like to remember. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial brings together people in more than 100 countries to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS & highlight the importance of HIV prevention, treatment & support.
The US House Ways & Means Committee reconciliation markup under H.Con.Res. 114 was released yesterday that includes language from HR 9495 aka the "Nonprofit Killer Bill" from the last Congress. Lia Holland, Campaigns & Communications Director at Fight for the Future stated,
"The House is about to hand the Trump administration the ability to strip nonprofits of their 501(c)3 status without any reason or recourse. This is a 5-alarm fire for nonprofits nationwide. If the text of last autumn's H.R. 9495 is passed in the budget, any organization with goals that do not line up with MAGA can be destroyed with a wink from Trump to the Treasury. This terribly thought-out legislation means that under the current administration every environmental, racial justice, LGBTQ+, gender justice, immigration justice & particularly any anti-genocide organization throughout the country may be on the chopping block & in the future, the same shadow will fall on organizations that sit outside of more liberal ideological lines. This is a first amendment issue—no President should have the right to destroy nonprofits for no reason. We urge lawmakers to insist that section 112209 is struck from the FY 2025 budget reconciliation before it moves forward.” A previous version of the "Nonprofit Killer Bill" set the Internet on fire this last fall with 100+ organizations condemning it & demands for action from the NAACP to Greenpeace. Democratic Committee members Reps. Brad Schneider (IL), Tom Suozzi (NY) & Jimmy Panetta (CA) need to reverse their previous "Yes" vote on H.R. 9495 & recognize the dire threat that their support of section 112209 would pose to all the causes they say they support. The budget that includes this language goes to markup on today May 13th at 2P EST.
Last night I attended a fabulous sold-out performance of The Prom at America’s oldest community theater The Footlight Club founded in 1877. It was a brilliant production directed by Jill Tokac with music direction by Evelyn Tomaro & choreography by Chad Flahive. The Prom is based on a true story following 4 Broadway actors lamenting their days of fame as they travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom. While The Prom is based on one specific story unfortunately similar discriminatory practices continue today across our country. The stellar cast rivaling anything I’ve seen on Broadway includes Samantha Hughson as Emma Nolan, Nick Panagiotou as Barry Glickman, Cynthia Krebs Lee as Dee Dee Allen, Matty Finn as Trent Oliver, Melinda Mogel as Angie Dickinson, Liv Bartolomei as Alyssa Greene, Paul Murphy as Principle Hawkins, Jocelyn Hesse as Mrs. Greene, River Armstrong as Sheldon, Emma Salinas as Kaylee, Maria Barrett as Shelby, Lucas Coura as Kevin & Dom Pappagallo as Nick. The Prom was written by Chad Beguelin & Bob Martin with a score by Chad Beguelin & Matthew Sklar with the original concept by Jack Viertel. The Footlight Club run continues on May 11th, 16th & 17th & tickets are extremely reasonable at $30. I talked to Caitlin Kinnunen who originated the role of Emma on Broadway in this exclusive podcast about making history when she performed a scene from the play at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & kissed her co-star during the live performance. LISTEN
Groundbreaking country star Ty Herndon announced a new round of performers including Ingrid Andress, Billy Gilman, Tiera Kennedy & Runaway June confirmed to take the stage for the 10th anniversary of the Concert for Love & Acceptance. They join previously announced performances by pop-country sensation Dasha as well as David Archuleta, Brooke Eden, Lindsay Ell & Sam Williams. The annual event takes place in partnership with GLAAD Monday June 2nd at 7:30P at Category 10—formerly the Wildhorse Saloon. Herndon stated, “CMA Fest is such a sacred week for country music lovers & we’re honored to be able to kick the week off for the fans with a night of music that brings us together & reminds us that we have a whole lot more in common than what divides us. This is a night about putting differences aside & coming together to say we’re all God’s children & our job is to love & accept one another.” Founded in 2015 the Concert for Love & Acceptance has become a premier event during the week of CMA Fest dedicated to fostering a more inclusive country music community. Proceeds from the event support Ty Herndon’s Foundation For Love & Acceptance which focuses on supporting the LGBTQ community alongside support for mental health, addiction & trauma recovery. Orgs that have benefited from the Foundation include GLAAD, MusiCares, ACM Lifting Lives, the Oasis LGBTQ Youth Center in Nashville, Bianca Page Day & more. The 10th anniversary Concert For Love & Acceptance is presented in partnership with Music City PrEP Clinic, Rooted Recovery Stories with Patrick Custer & Southern Pride Process, LLC with additional support from Chris Watson Travel.
The Provincetown International Film Festival is celebrating 27 years & runs Wednesday June 11th to Sunday June 15th in Provincetown, MA. This year’s Filmmaker on the Edge is director Ari Aster. Aster will be in Provincetown to receive the award in conversation with resident artist John Waters on Saturday June 14th ahead of the nationwide release of his new film “Eddington” on July 18th. Anne Hubbell, PIFF’s Executive Director stated, "Ari Aster’s films weave grief, beauty & dread into unforgettable cinematic experiences. We’re excited to welcome Ari to Provincetown for a thrilling conversation about his dynamic filmography.” It was also announced that Emmy Award-winning actor & Provincetown local Murray Bartlett will be honored with this year’s Excellence in Acting Award. The star of “The White Lotus” is known for his expansive work in HBO’s “The Last of Us”, “Looking” & Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales”. Murry will receive the honor in conversation with Academy Award-nominated producer & prior PIFF Filmmaker on the Edge honoree Christine Vachon on Saturday June 14th. Andrew Peterson, PIFF Director of Programming added, “Murray Bartlett has distinguished himself as a remarkable talent, bringing depth & authenticity to every role. Murray demonstrates a rare ability to connect with audiences through vulnerability, humor & strength. We’re thrilled to honor him this year." PIFF also announced that Eva Victor & River Gallo will receive this year's Next Wave Awards. Lisa Viola PIFF Artistic Director concluded, “Eva Victor & River Gallo represent the very essence of independent artistry. With our Next Wave Awards, we are incredibly proud to celebrate their diverse talents as both creators & powerful leads in each of their original debut features."
