About Me

Lambda Literary Awards Finalists

The Lambda Literary Awards have announced the finalists for this year’s Lammy awards marking 37 years of outstanding LGBTQ voices in literature & storytelling. Eighty judges participated in the reviewing & deliberating 1,339 submissions over the past six months included literary critics, academics, librarians, students, poets, independent & traditionally published authors & other avid readers representing a bright & bold spectrum. J Clapp Lambda's New Executive Director stated, “This year's shortlist represents the voices & resilience of LGBTQ+ people in a time when our stories are under attack through legislation & misinformation. Standing with the truth & determination of our authors, Lambda Literary is proud of the vulnerability our writers have shown by continuing to use their pen (or keyboard) to move hearts, minds & missions. More than ever, this year's Lammys represents the importance of our work—we must elevate LGBTQ+ stories to give hope for a future where we are all free while reminding us of the paths blazed by our elders & ancestors. We at Lambda Literary remain immensely thankful for the ongoing support & reminders of our mutual investment in the presence and success of LGBTQ+ writers.” The Lammy Awards ceremony has traditionally taken place in NYC. Winners receive a plaque & the coveted Lambda Literary Award sticker for the covers of their award-winning book. The Lammys celebrate more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 26 categories spanning a number of genres, lived identities & experiences. They continue to proudly recognize works by self-published authors & independent academic presses alongside works supported by traditional big 5 publishers. 
No comments:

Argentina Leads In Workplace Equality

Argentina revealed that 93 organizations including 75 private companies, 16 universities & two embassies have implemented inclusive policies benefiting 285,600 employees a 27% increase from the previous year. Even amidst political tensions in Argentina where the national government has actively opposed key principles that drive business, including diversity, equity & inclusion policies Argentine companies are still making remarkable strides in LGBTQ workplace inclusion. Shawnie Hawkins, Senior Director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program stated, "Even in the face of political resistance to diversity & inclusion in Argentina, businesses are not just holding the line. They are setting the standard. A 13% increase in participation with 45 new organizations joining this year is something to celebrate. It shows that companies in Argentina are stepping up & saying yes to inclusion, yes to equality & yes to creating workplaces where LGBT+ people can thrive. This kind of progress is not only inspiring, it’s a powerful reminder that when businesses lead with values, everyone benefits." Dolores Covacevich, HRC Equidad AR Implementing Partner concluded, “One of the major advances in this edition was the inclusion of 16 national universities in the HRC Equidad AR index. This achievement not only broadens the territorial & federal scope of the measurement, but also reflects the strong commitment of the public university system to building inclusive, safe & respectful educational spaces for sexual & gender diversity. Universities are key actors in shaping new generations & driving the cultural transformation of our society. The fact that we can now measure their policies & support them in this process means opening doors for thousands of students & education workers to be part of institutions where their identities are respected & valued.” 
No comments:

Darwin Del Fabro New Solo Play In NYC

A new play “Lili / Darwin” written & performed by Darwin Del Fabro opens for a limited 12 performance engagement beginning Saturday August 2nd at The Tank in NYC. It’s a poetic solo performance exploring the intimate overlapping journeys of Lili Elbe & Darwin Del Fabro inviting the audience into a raw unflinching world of identity, memory & becoming through voice, projection & powerful language. Darwin brings to life the blurred lines of self & story from history to present day. Lili Elbe was the Danish painter whose life inspired the 2015 Academy Award-winning film “The Danish Girl” starring Eddie Redmayne & a 2023 opera by Tobias Picker. Darwin Del Fabro is a Brazilian writer, performer & producer based in New York who appeared in Blumhouse Productions' “They/Them” directed by John Logan. After years of creative work in theater & music “Lili / Darwin” marks her return to the stage following her gender transition. Darwin Del Fabro stated, “I’ve always written to survive, to see myself clearly. Lili / Darwin is the most personal work I’ve ever brought to the stage. It’s not just a play — it’s a reintroduction to myself & an homage to the woman who helped me find the courage to begin.” The play is presented by Madalena Productions & directed by The Tank’s Artistic Director Meghan Finn. “Lili / Darwin” will be a featured mainstage show as part of The Tank's annual LimeFest which invites new works by creative teams who identify as women, nonbinary or gender non-conforming to make way for more gender parity in the performing arts. A few years ago I talked to Darwin about the film “They/Them” & more in this exclusive podcast. LISTEN    
No comments:

Torch Song Trilogy Robe On Display

Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library announced that Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein’s ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ robe has been added to their expansive collection of Broadway memorabilia. Robert Kesten, SNMAL’s President & CEO stated, “As one of the first openly gay celebrities in the U.S., Fierstein has helped transform how Americans see LGBTQ+ life. He helped make it recognizable, not exotic. His contemporary storytelling, enjoyed by millions globally, made us seem like relatives, friends & neighbors. His work proves that our community is very much like other communities in our society & his unabashed acceptance of his identity serves as a reminder of community strength during our ongoing battle with people elected to protect us. ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ broke incredible ground in the theater world, challenging audiences both straight & gay to sympathize with someone they simply never thought about before. It paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in film, television & theatre, though there is still much to be done. Fierstein’s message is still all too relevant as we fight back against national efforts to dehumanize our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to preserve this piece of history & highlight Fierstein’s legacy in our archives for all.” Released in 1982 & written by Fierstein after years of discrimination for his sexual orientation ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ play went on to win Fierstein several awards including two Tony Awards (Best Play, Best Actor), two Drama Desk Awards (Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Actor in a Play) & the Theatre World Award. Recently Fierstein was awarded 2025 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award. 
No comments:

San Francisco Music That Moves Event

The official band of San Francisco will be performing “Dance, Drift, Descarga! Music That Moves” for a sonic journey connecting the body, spirit & story on August 16th at the Saint Mark's Lutheran Church in San Francisco, CA. The concert by composers from Colombia, Mexico & beyond will feature guest conductor Dr. Sixto F. Montesinos Jr., chair of the music department & assistant professor of music at Saint Mary’s College of California. This is the first of two 1 hour community concerts this summer as the band works towards selecting a new artistic director of concert bands. This program celebrates rhythm, resistance, movement & meaning. The concert features works including Descarga by Jorge Sosa, Tricycle by Andrew Boysen Jr., Tango by Victoriano Valencia, Chandé by Victoriano Valencia & Los Caminos de Langerke by Rubén Darío Gómez. Each piece reflects how music embodies movement from the whimsical joy of a tricycle ride to the electric energy of a descarga. The music in this program will be propulsive showing how we are moving forward not just physically but historically & personally. Los Caminos de Lengerke for example contemplates the legacy of the German engineer who carved literal roads into Colombian landscapes but also created cultural & political ripples that are still being reckoned with today. Founded in 1978 San Francisco Pride Band is the first openly-gay musical group in the world. For over 40 years the band has tirelessly marched forward with their mission of fostering understanding of our LGBTQ community through musical performance. "Dance, Drift, Descarga!" concert tickets are general admission $12 & senior & student admission $10. 
No comments:

National Endowment for the Arts Renew

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget including funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The bill provides $207 million for the NEA which is consistent with current funding levels. Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition stated, “Exposure to the arts produces countless positive outcomes, from improving academic performance to mitigating mental illness to developing economic opportunity. Funding for the arts is an undeniably good investment in America’s future.” Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition concluded, “The Creative Coalition knows that the fight for National Endowment for the Arts funding is far from over. So, we will continue to highlight the reality that the arts have an overwhelmingly positive effect on America’s cultural heritage, social cohesion & economic might.” The House of Representatives adjourned on July 23rd & will return to session on September 2nd. The Senate will remain working through next week & return on the same day. The two chambers will work over the coming months on a final funding level for Fiscal Year 2026 for the National Endowment for the Arts. The Creative Coalition is advocating for the Senate Appropriations Committee’s $207 million funding level. That level of funding will empower arts organizations to take the lead & amplify the innumerable benefits brought by the arts to communities across the country. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent federal government agency that supports artistic excellence, creativity & innovation for the benefit of individuals & communities. Founded in 1989 The Creative Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social & public advocacy org of the arts & entertainment community. 
No comments:

The King’s Men Limited Engagement

The New York Premiere of The King’s Men runs now through August 2nd at The Waterfront Museum in Red Hook a floating barge in Brooklyn, NY. The farcical comedy written by Javen Tanner was inspired by Shakespeare’s plays & performed by a gender bending troupe of 9 electrifying women. The King’s Men is a play about men playing women & when Queen Elizabeth dies the theaters close, Shakespeare & his eccentric troupe of actors plot their next move. Playwright Tanner stated, "The King's Men began as a simple experiment: What if women played the men who famously played women? How does a man inhabit a woman’s body & how does a woman inhabit the body of a man playing a woman? But what emerged was a play that is ultimately about touch & specifically men touching women touches both damaging & healing.” The King’s Men is directed by Twenty Something's co-founder River Knight & the all-female cast features Carolyn Best, Quinn DeVillers, Esther Kohl, Alana Markel, AJ Molder, Madeline Rostmeyer, June Schreiner, Natalia Shane & Raina Soman. The creative/production team includes Max Van (set), Jade Lo (costume), Josh Healing (lighting), Justin Ma (sound), Colin Gallaher (hair/makeup) & Lola Basiliere (dramaturg) & stage management by Kristiana Priscantelli. The Brooklyn based Twenty Somethings Productions LLC serves as producer. Twenty Somethings began with the simple, overwhelming desire to create & they are committed to producing content that gives young artists a space to perform & experiment. From DIY punk shows to site-specific performance to music videos they’re bringing the energy of the next generation to a new artistic landscape. Tickets range from $14.73 to $45.73. 
No comments:

Varla Jean Merman To Host GLAD Event

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders’ 44th annual Summer Party fundraising event takes place on July 26th in Provincetown, MA from 4P to 7P. Varla Jean Merman (aka Jeffery Roberson) is back as host after being honored at last year’s Summer Party Varla is once again bringing her unmatched wit, charm & fabulousness to the stage. Longtime Ptown staple Poppy Champlin known for her hilarious musical parodies & quick wit stand-up style is serving as auctioneer. There will also be a silent auction that includes custom art, travel experiences, family adventures & other unique items. With over a decade of experience DJ Jamila Afrika will be spinning. There will also be an open bar, delicious food & spectacular views. Families are welcome to bring their children & fun kids’ activities will be provided in partnership with COLAGE. Refreshments will be catered by Freshroll, Lobsta Love, Baja Food Truck, Lolly Jolly Waffle Bar, Lewis Brothers Ice Cream, Montillo’s On The Go, Rhode Island Spirits & Delicato Wines. Since 1978 GLAD Law (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders) has been a leading force in LGBTQ rights with deep roots in New England & impact nationwide by using strategic litigation, legislation & public education to fight discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation & HIV status. GLAD Law’s bold strategy & precedent-setting victories have reshaped the legal landscape, advancing equality for all people facing discrimination & social barriers. GLAD Summer Party is mobility accessible, 21+ to consume alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages will also be provided & admission is free under ages of 17. 
No comments:

Celebrating 31 Years of Family Week

Family Week the largest annual gathering of LGBTQ families in the world hosted by Family Equality takes place July 26th to August 2nd in Ptown. What began in 1994 with a few families on the beach has become a global tradition with more than 600 families expected to travel from across the U.S. & internationally to join in on the fun, reflection & resilience that defines Family Week. Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality stated, “In a world that can feel heavy, Family Week is pure light. It’s a place where our kids see families like theirs everywhere they turn, where parents exhale & connect & where joy fuels our strength. It’s what we all need right now & I can’t wait to celebrate with every family who joins us in Provincetown. But it doesn’t stop there. Family Week is part of our broader mission to uplift, empower & advocate for LGBTQ+ families year-round creating lasting impact that goes far beyond one week of connection. Year after year, families leave Family Week with a full heart & a renewed sense of purpose and community. It’s more than a fun week at the beach. It’s transformational.” In addition to Family Equality’s events Family Week partner COLAGE offers programs for kids ages 5-18 years old. These age-specific activities combine fun & creativity with a safe space to talk about challenges, build confidence, & connect with peers who can become lifelong friends & support. Also new this year is “Family Night Out” block party on Commercial Street filled with activities & community celebration. 
No comments:

Warhol Factory Revisited In New Play

The Other Side of Silence’s Doric Wilson Playwrights Project will present a special reading of Paul Iacono’s new play “HIGH PRIEST: Confessions From The Warhol Factory” at The Flea Theater for one night only on Monday August 18th at 7P. The play is directed by Rachel Klein (Bettie Page: Queen of Pinups on the West End, The Gospel According to Heather). HIGH PRIEST tells the wild untold story of Warhol Superstar Ondine (Robert Olivo) a brilliant gay performance artist & self-proclaimed “Pope of the amphetamine people” charting his rise & fall inside Andy Warhol’s 1960s Silver Factory only to discover the true cost of superstardom. Featuring an iconic ensemble of Factory Superstars the cast includes Paul Iacono (Ondine), Brady Dalton Richards (Andy Warhol), Alice Kremelberg (Edie Sedgwick), Zane Pais (Billy Name), Hannah Solow (Brigid Polk), Peter Vack (Paul Morrissey), Andrew Bova (Gerard Malanga), Katherine Crockett (Nico, Valerie Solanas), Keith Rapp (Lou Reed) & Barrett Leddy (Rotten Rita, Jonas Mekas). HIGH PRIEST is written by Paul Iacono with music supervision by Peter Saxe. Jasmin Sanchez serves as stage manager. Graphic Design is by Jason Sedgwick. Founded in 1974, The Other Side of Silence (TOSOS) is NYC’s oldest & longest-producing LGBTQ+ theater company dedicated to an honest & open exploration of the life experience & cultural sensibility of the LGBTQ+ community & to preserving & promoting our literary past in a determined effort to keep our theatrical heritage alive. The photograph of Andy Warhol & Ondine is by Billy Name used with permission from his estate. 
No comments:

Rogue Theater Festival Annual Event

Rogue Theatre Festival (RTF) returns with a bold & eclectic lineup for their 7th annual celebration of new works at the Flea Theatre in Tribeca, NYC with performances running August 4th to 10th. This year the festival will showcase 37 original plays & musicals including fully staged productions, short plays, staged readings & digital streaming performances in association with Abingdon Theatre Company. Staged Readings will be performed in The Pete theatre series of Shorts & Fully Staged productions taking place in The Siggy at The Flea. Allison Hohman, RTF founder stated, “Rogues namesake came from the mission of exploring what a theater festival could be. I wanted to create a space that could allow theater of all different forms to grow & that could make room for creators of all different experience levels to see their work on stage. Rogue is a self proclaimed mom & pops festival experience where support & individual attention are number one. I hope audiences are reminded that Indie theater is alive, well & incredibly worthy of your attention. Every playwright you see on Broadway got started self-producing their own shows in a basement. Rogue's goal has always been to shine a spotlight on artists of the next generation and to be a stepping stone for them on their journey. We hope the audiences that come & support these artists explore other indie theater opportunities in their backyard”. The festival’s diverse lineup explores a wide range of themes such as the LGBTQIA+ experience, the pursuit of the American dream, World War II, death & grief & life in NYC including stories set in Queens, Brooklyn & a haunted house in Staten Island. 
No comments:

Producer Jeffrey Seller Memoir Event

Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller best known for his work on Rent (1996), Avenue Q (2003), In the Heights (2008) & Hamilton (2015) will be discussing his newly-released memoir “Theater Kid” with Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL) President & CEO Robert Kesten on Tuesday July 22nd at 6P EST via Zoom. Kesten stated, “Introducing Jeffrey as the complex & creative man, often behind the scenes, he is, is a way to remind our community of how much we contribute to global culture. The musicals he brought to life have transformed the world of modern musical theater. He has come a long way from the young Detroit man who struggled to find his voice & his story is an inspiration for young & old in our community. During this time of intense division for many across the LGBTQ+ community, Seller’s story is a vibrant reminder of what we have overcome to survive, as well as the importance of those stories in the entertainment world. We look forward to sharing his legacy with our supporters." Already a #1 bestseller on Amazon “Theater Kid’ delves into Seller’s harsh upbringing from struggling with his adoption to understanding his sexuality to escaping his childhood home & adapting to New York life during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis while building connections with industry icons like Jonathan Larson & Lin-Manuel Miranda. Jeffrey Seller is one of the most successful American producers of our time. His Broadway productions & tours have grossed over $4.6 billion & reached more than 43 million attendees & he's the only producer to have mounted 2 Pulitzer Prize winning musicals for Hamilton & Rent as well as numerous Tony awards. 
No comments:

Sultan Shakir Joins PFLAG National

PFLAG National announced that Sultan Shakir has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Since June the org has added seven new PFLAG chapters in June among 30 new chapters since January & the new COO role will guide the organization’s continued strategic impact to meet community demand for services. Brian K. Bond, PFLAG National CEO stated, “Sultan is an experienced, well-respected nonprofit leader whose strategic guidance has strengthened each organization he has worked with. It is clear that in his first quarter as COO for PFLAG National, he has already made an impact.” Shakir concluded, “This work is deeply personal to me as a queer Muslim who found affirmation & community in spaces like the ones PFLAG creates. I am honored to join PFLAG National at this pivotal time. The parents, family members & allies of LGBTQ+ people are such a critical voice in the national debate. I’m excited to support the work of elevating those voices & increasing national impact as we strive to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals—especially young people—are not only protected but celebrated.” Shakir returns to Washington, D.C. after serving as President & Executive Officer of the Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia since 2022. Prior to that Shakir was Executive Director of LGBTQ youth services provider SMYAL where he greatly expanded that org’s programming, budget & footprint to better serve youth in our nation’s capital including adding a housing program to help vulnerable young people transition from homelessness to independence during his seven-year tenure. Since 1973 PFLAG has worked with LGBTQ people, parents, families & allies every day to ensure LGBTQ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered & loved. 
No comments:

Liz Callaway Hamptons Songbook Event

Donna Rubin & Josh Gladstone present Broadway Diva Liz Callaway who will perform “Broadway & Beyond” on Saturday July 19th in the second season of their celebrated series Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea at LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY. Callaway will showcase her historic career featuring songs from Broadway shows she has starred in including her Tony-nominated “Baby” & her long-run belting “Memory” in “Cats” alongside songs from the silver screen as well as songs from her recording career performing a spellbinding sampler platter of what has been described as “the voice of a generation”. Liz stated, “I’m so looking forward to singing my “Broadway & Beyond” Show at Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea on Saturday night with my one-man orchestra, Alex Rybeck.” Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Callaway in a spectacular concert that highlights her incredible vocal talent & stage presence. Liz showcases her storied career in a concert featuring songs from her Broadway shows along with songs from her recording career including her Grammy nominated album “To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim” that was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album & her Oscar-nominated hit from “Anastasia”. Liz will be accompanied by Alex Rybeck on piano. LTV Studios in East Hampton is bringing world-class cabaret & Broadway talent to the East End in the second season of its celebrated series Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea. Liz Callaway Broadway & Beyond general admission seating is $64 on a first come first served basis & VIP reserved cocktail table seats are $104 & includes a drink ticket. 
No comments:

Richard Skipper Storytelling Events

Rainbow Entertainment Group is presenting the fabulous Richard Skipper who has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years for 2 shows at The Art House in Provincetown, MA on August 4th & 5th at 8:30P. These unscripted cabaret experiences are interactive with audience participation & will be filled with laughter, music & surprises that puts the spotlight on Richard’s remarkable journey directed by James Beaman with musical direction by Dan Pardo & special guest opener Chrissy Pardo. Then for one night only on August 22nd at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC Skipper presents his “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (But Were Afraid to Ask)” that’s part cabaret, part talk show & 100% Richard providing unscripted, spontaneous & driven by audience questions. Richard stated, “Being back at The Laurie Beechman Theatre & returning to Provincetown in the same month is a true gift. These are two of my favorite places to perform because the audiences are so present, so ready to connect. The Beechman show is completely unscripted & different every time, shaped by real questions from the audience & Provincetown’s Hello, Dolly! tribute allows me to honor the show and Entertainers who shaped my own career. To bring these stories, songs & surprises to both coasts within weeks is a dream & I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.” These fabulous events are part of Richard’s ongoing mission to perform in all 50 states celebrating storytelling, community & connection through live performance. I talked to Richard about his work in this retro podcast. LISTEN 
No comments:

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

The 45th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival takes place July 17th to August 3rd in San Francisco & the East Bay with a diverse lineup of fresh & bold films & events that celebrate independent filmmaking & Jewish identity in all its forms. In the meantime you can catch “Bad Shabbos” directed by Daniel Robbins & starring Kyra Sedgwick, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, David Paymer, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Bass, Meghan Leathers, Theo Taplitz, Catherine Curtin, John Bedford Lloyd & Ashley Zukerman now in theaters in limited release. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2024 it’s an incredible ensemble cast in this uproarious fabulous new comedy. I caught it last week & it’s a must-see. It about David & his fiancée Meg are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side when a death gets in the way as Meg's Catholic parents are due any moment the family dinner soon spirals into a hilarious disaster. Sedgwick’s real-life mother was Jewish & father was Episcopalian. Kyra stated, "My connection with Judaism is really my ethics, my ethical culture. I really don't know very much about the religion at all but I do know you're allowed to question things. It's not just because God says so. The Torah is all about asking questions & having conversation. I think that it felt like a spiritual connection for me in that way." Kyra’s stepfather introduced Passover seders into their family but they still celebrated Christmas instead of Hanukkah. “Bad Shabbos” is distributed by Menemsha Films. WATCH TRAILER
No comments:

Connecticut Out Film Festival Awards

With a screening & after-party at the Connecticut Science Center in downtown Hartford the Connecticut Out Film Festival announced the winners of their 38th annual 9-day event. This year’s festival comprised 90 films including features, documentaries & shorts with nearly a dozen in-person screenings at the vintage Cinestudio theater on the Trinity College campus in Hartford as well as a wide range of virtual programs. Shane Engstrom, Out Film CT Festival Director stated, “Every year we try hard to select a lineup that our audience will love & judging by this year’s ballot results & comments we’ve received, we succeeded once again.” “Four Mothers” won the 2025 Audience Award for Best Feature Film. Shane Engstrom also presented the Director’s Award to Darren Thornton director of “Four Mothers” stating, “Darren told a personal story with a universal message that was both deeply touching & uplifting. Additionally, he went above & beyond to enhance the festival experience for our audience by pinch hitting with a last-minute Q&A session where he shared wonderful insights into the making of the film.” Other Out Film CT Festival award winning films included “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot” won Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature. “Sorority” won Audience Award for Best Short. “Rains Over Babel” won the Jury Award for Best Feature. “Heightened Scrutiny’ won the Jury Award for Best Documentary & “Stimulants & Empathogens” won the Jury Award for Best Short. Out Film CT’s mission is to entertain, educate & promote community by presenting outstanding LGBTQ cinema & other theatrical events throughout the year including their 9 day Film Festival. 
No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Featured Post

Florida Key West Womenfest Event

Key West’s annual Womenfest is back for 5 sun-soaked late-summer days of fun September 3rd to 7th. This year’s theme is “Decades of Divas” p...

Popular Posts