Category Archives: News and Happenings
Tyler Oakley on Larry King
During a recent sit down with Larry King on the multi Emmy nominated series
“Larry King Now”, YouTube phenomenon Tyler Oakley explains his take on how the digital world has helped LGBT equality like never before because it can “reach people you never would have reached,” and how he believes “digital has changed everything.”
Tyler bonds with Larry while discussing the issues he faced coming out, and exclusively tells Larry his feelings on President Trump expressing that, “Anybody can hold up a flag, I want to see protection.”
I wanted to share this clip with you should you be interested in covering. The episode just premiered on Ora TV. I’ve included more info below, let me know if you need anything else!
WATCH
Tyler Oakley & Larry King fight for LGBT rights
Calvin Klein Boyfriend Kevin Baker
Calvin Klein + Kevin Baker
ahhhhh to be young and beautiful!
Calvin Klein is known to surround himself with pretty young things. His latest is no different and perhaps his hottest.
The 74-year-old legendary designer recently brought his new boy toy, 29-year-old model Kevin Baker, to the American Ballet Theatre. It’s not their first outing. They’ve been spotted at several events together, but haven’t publicly confirmed their relationship.
Find Kevin Baker on Instagram.
Kevin Baker has done porn too, of course, but we can not share those links here – but they are out there!
Baker also has a hot twin bro!
#gaynews LGBTQ Movie FAIR HAVEN
KERSTIN KARLHUBER’S DEBUT FEATURE FILM FAIR HAVEN
STARRING TOM WOPAT, GREGORY HARRISON & MICHAEL GRANT
TACKLES POLITICALLY TOPICAL SUBJECT MATTER SUCH AS GAY CONVERSION THERAPY, LGBT YOUTH & RELIGION
Writer/Director Kerstin Karlhuber always knew she wanted to tell this story. She couldn’t have expected that its themes would become so deeply relevant to the current American political and social climate.
Kerstin’s debut feature film Fair Haven is a tender love story, a rural working class family drama, and a poignant exploration of the lingering effects of “gay conversion therapy” on a young man and the people he loves most. As America begins to come to terms with a new presidential administration, issues of LGBT rights and acceptance have once again been thrust to the forefront of the national conversation, with many fearful that the progress of recent years is in danger of being reversed.
Kerstin has dedicated the film to her late cousin Katelyn, a young transgender woman who tragically passed away soon after the film was completed.
“Spreading the message of acceptance and tolerance is our mission,” said Kerstin Karlhuber. “If we can help young people gain confidence in their differences and maybe open a few closed minds we’ll have achieved our goal.”
Fair Haven’s theatrical debut on March 3 and VOD/DVD release on March 7
A trailer for Fair Haven is available HERE.
New Film Looks at Immigration Issues and Love
OFFICIAL FILM TRAILER RELEASED for “EN ALGUN LUGAR”
The official video trailer has been released by Iconoclast for the motion picture “En Algun Lugar” (A Place to Be), which stars Nelson Rodriguez (Pride Films and Plays, Easy Abby) as Abel, and Andrew Saenz (Chicago PD, Sirens) as Diego, and written and directed by award winning filmmaker Tadeo Garcia (On the Downlow, Under Covers).
“En Algun Lugar” follows the relationship between Abel & Diego, from Chicago to Mexico.
When tragedy strikes and Diego’s undocumented immigration status is revealed, their love and sacrifice is put to the test through uncertain times that will affect their relationship. Set against the foundation of a broken U.S. immigration system, “En Algun Lugar” sheds light on the mantra of love overcomes all and love knows no borders.
Alongside Nelson Rodriguez and Andrew Saenz the cast includes Jessie Prez as Braulio, Ian Tranberg as Stephen, Sandra Marquez as Lilly, Charin Alvarez as Rita and Erica Cruz Hernandez as Carolina. Other cast include J.J. Romero, Caitlin Jackson, Blaine Thomas Childers, Enrique Guzman, Juan Martinez, Artemio Gonzalez, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Mickey O’Sullivan, Nick Mikula, Zach Livingston, Will Clinger, Diego Sanchez, Michael J. Sanow, Ayssette Munoz, Chris Acevedo, Matt Nikkila, Carmen Cenko, Daniel Hansen, Cole Reed, Frank Menolascino, Davon Suttles, Jon Jackson, Alex Knoll, Mike Hynek, Richard Cotovsky, Rudy Galvan, Diego Colon, Lane Flores, Cole McMillan and Caitlin Boho.
Tadeo Garcia’s provocative and intimate tale of love and fear of the unknown comes to life in a never before seen cinematic perspective produced by Aric S. Jackson (www.aricjackson.com) and Michael J. Sanow (Under Covers, Blood Brothers). Featuring the people, culture, dynamic geography and architecture of both Jalpa, Zacatecas; MEX and Chicago, Illinois; USA, the wonder of Tadeo Garcia’s story has captivated those involved both in front and behind the camera. The producers stress this would not be possible without the talents of cinematographer Charlie Garcia, production designer Pablo Ponce, casting director Stephanie Diaz, costume designer Freddy Rocha, makeup artists Lilien Harvey and Ruby Ortiz, and music from Los Pecados and The Pinto Bean.
The producers of the film also announce the release of “behind-the-scenes” photos and video clips via the film’s official website at www.enalgunlugarmovie.com and its social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) showing the cast and crew during the production of “En Algun Lugar.”
En Algun Lugar aims for a mid-2017 release.
The new trailer can be viewed at www.enalgunlugarmovie.com/trailer .
Gavin Grimm Transgender Case goes to Supreme Court
There was nothing remarkable about Gavin Grimm’s first trip to the boys’ bathroom at Gloucester High School. It was a little more than a month into his sophomore year, when the transgender teenager had begun quietly reintroducing himself to the student body as a boy.
Grimm had used men’s restrooms at restaurants, stores and the local amusement park, and using the boys’ bathroom at his school felt like “the natural progression of things,” he said. Just like cutting his hair short, just like wearing baggy pants and graphic T-shirts, just like beginning testosterone shots. He started using the boys’ bathroom shortly after he got word from Principal Nate Collins that it would be okay.
But that decision to use the boys’ bathroom one fall day in 2014 clashed with this town’s sensibilities and led to an acrimonious public debate. Now, Grimm’s case has made this quiet, out-of-the-way community in Virginia’s Tidewater region the unlikely center of the national debate over how public schools should accommodate transgender students.
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday it will hear a school board’s appeal of a lower court decision affirming transgender students’ access to facilities appropriate for their gender identity — and if it lets that decision stand, it will be a major victory for transgender rights relating to students.
After Donald Trump‘s election, there was some question about whether the court would uphold last October’s decision to hear the case of transgender teen Gavin Grimm, who is suing his Virginia high school for the right to use the restroom and locker room that corresponds with his gender.
The justices are scheduled to hear the case on March 28 and Grimm is preparing for the spotlight. Grimm was initially allowed to use the boys’ restroom at his high school, but after receiving complaints, the school board adopted a policy requiring students to use the restroom that corresponds with their sex assigned at birth or be segregated to a single-stall restroom.
His case drew headlines as it advanced from remarks before the school board to federal courts. That’s because it’s not just Grimm’s life on the line. The Supreme Court’s ruling could settle, one way or another, the debate over whether transgender people should be regarded as the gender they say they are, and allowed equal access to public spaces like restrooms, for years to come.
STONEWALL on dvd with Jeremy Irvine
THIS IS A MUST SEE MOVIE !! Especially for LGBTQ youths!
STONEWALL is a drama about a fictional young man caught up during the 1969 Stonewall riots. Danny Winters (Played by the handsome and talented Jeremy Irvine) is kicked out of his home, moves to New York City from the Mid West following an incident with a schoolmate that causes problems with his family.
Struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, Danny falls in with Ramona (Jonny Beauchamp is outstanding!) and her friends and quickly becomes part of the Greenwich Village scene. During a night in the Stonewall Inn, Danny learns about the harsh realities of being gay in the late 60s but a chance meeting with Trevor (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) promises to change his life until he’s forced into the hands of Stonewall Inn manager Ed Murphy (Ron Perlman) who exploits young gay homeless people.
Pip Ellwood -Hughes gave a great review which I agree with 100%.
It’s true – Stonewall was pretty much a critical and commercial failure on its theatrical release. Many took exception to the film’s perceived white-washing of the Stonewall Riots and complained that it didn’t accurately reflect the ethnic diversity that actually played a part in the historical event. The poor reception led to the film flopping despite director/producer Roland Emmerich and star Jeremy Irvine going on the offensive to try and counter the negative press.
What becomes clear while watching Stonewall is that the film was a victim of deceptive marketing more than anything else. It’s actually an engaging, emotional and entertaining film but the emphasis on the Stonewall Riots is a little misleading. Stonewall is actually the story of a teenage boy coming to terms with his sexuality against the backdrop of the Stonewall Riots; it’s not a recreation of the event as the marketing and indeed the film’s title would lead you to believe.
It’s well worth watching!
Read more HERE.
Official Website HERE
DROWN Movie about Three Surfers and Homosexuality
DROWN
the movie.
in 2015, a powerful gay movie was released, that slipped by us. We watched it on Netflix last night and WOW! What a great movie!
Sexy guys in swimsuits – mixed with violence, jealousy, desire, homophobia and self hatred.
Len is a Surf Lifesaving champion in the cloistered surf club just like his father. But when the younger, fitter Phil arrives at the club, Len’s legendary status starts to crumble. Then Len sees Phil in the company of another man. Phil is gay.
Over the summer, Len forms unexpected, confusing feelings for Phil. When Phil de-thrones Len at the annual surf competition, Len and his buddy “Meat” take Phil out on an intoxicated bender through the seedy city. Jealousy, homophobic fear and unrequited lust culminate in a tragic late night trip back to beach where Len seeks total oblivion.
Stars MATT LEVETT, there is great interview with Matt, HERE.
also Jack Matthews. and Harry Cook. (Who came out as gay last year).
Beautifully filmed – on a show string budget. Acting is top notch and you really feel and believe the characters!
…...through the damaged psyche of a man too afraid of his own nature to permit free reign to his impulses for tenderness and affection, and who ends up translating his yearning into hatred. The film poses a question that should be asked of all anti-gay thugs: Who’s tougher? The guy who can throw a punch? Or the guy who can revel in a kiss?”
Outwardly, Dean Francis’ Drown is a story about homophobia in sport through the scantily clad world of surf lifesavers in Sydney. Yet this gripping film goes much deeper to examine the tragic consequences of unchecked self-loathing in a heavily defined and hard drinking culture of mateship.
Please see the movie – support this movie – share this movie with your network. DROWN.
Better yet, buy the movie. (from the company)
In the US – get it from Amazon-Drown
The entire cast and crew actually deferred their wages to get this film made! That’s such a huge sacrifice and risk.
Interview with Director Dean Francis can be seen here. Facebook page here.
LGBTQ March on Washington 2017
Drawing inspiration from last weekend’s Women’s March on Washington, a gay activist in New York City has announced plans for the National Pride March, a “mass” LGBT protest at the nation’s capital on June 11, 2017.
David Bruinooge, 42, of Brooklyn, N.Y., announced the plan on Facebook and created an event page for those interested in keeping up with the protest’s progress.
“We urge all supporters, friends, and family to descend on DC for the Pride 2017 weekend (June 8-11th) to make sure our voices are heard,” part of the post reads.
The march will coincide with Capital Pride, DC’s annual pride celebration, and organizers hope to draw big numbers to send a clear message to Washington’s powered elite that LGBTQ rights are not to be threatened.
The last major LGBT protest in DC was the National Equality March in 2009, which called for full equality for LGBTQ people in all matters of civil law, in all 50 states. At that time, only five states had legal same-sex marriage. It drew participants in the hundreds of thousands.
Dustin Lance Black When We Rise
When We Rise
is an exciting upcoming docudrama miniseries written by Dustin Lance Black!
When We Rise chronicles the personal and political struggles, set-backs and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBT people who helped pioneer an offshoot of the Civil Rights Movement from its turbulent infancy in the 20th century to the once unfathomable successes of today. The period piece tells the history of the gay rights movement, starting with the Stonewall riots in 1969.
The series will be eight hours long in seven parts with Gus Van Sant directing the first two-hour part with Dee Rees directing parts two and three, Thomas Schlamme parts four and five, and Black parts six and seven.
A star studded cast! Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths, Mary-Louise Parker, Michael K. Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, David Hyde Pierce, Dylan Walsh, Mary McCormack and more star in the story of diverse family of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer an offshoot of the Civil Rights movement from its turbulent infancy.
GET A SNEAK PEAK NOW!!
GET THE BOOK NOW!!When We Rise: My Life in the Movement
Neil Patrick Harris in New York City
This year marks the monumental 10-year anniversary of (RED).
It is astonishing that in 2005, 1200 babies were born every day with HIV. In 2015, that number was cut by two-thirds to 400.
Playing a role in this pivotal fight and extraordinary anniversary, Neil Patrick Harris is partnering with Coca-Cola and (RED) to help bring additional awareness to this cause.
Beginning today, you can head over to Omaze.com/NPH to donate. A $10 donation will get you 100 entries for Neil’s exclusive experience. One lucky winner + guest will join Neil and his husband for a fun night out in New York City! In addition to getting flown out and staying in a 4-star hotel, the winner will catch a Broadway show with the couple and grab dinner at one of Neil’s favorite spots in the city.
Donations can be made at many levels and include additional campaign perks – anything from a (RED) campaign shirt to signed merchandise from Neil himself. Coca-Cola will also match every dollar raised by Neil Patrick Harris’ campaign this year, up to $2million.
HAIRSPRAY Live Dec 7 2016
NBC has unveiled the highly anticipated “Hairspray Live!” promo including first-looks of the all-star cast performing as well a first-look at the show’s sets.
- “Hairspray Live!” features an all-star cast that includes Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Martin Short, Derek Hough, Dove Cameron, Garrett Clayton, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Ephraim Sykes, exciting newcomer Maddie Baillio and special guest stars Billy Eichner, Sean Hayes, Andrea Martin and Rosie O’Donnell.
- “Hairspray Live!” will bring back the creative talents of “The Wiz Live!” director Kenny Leon (Tony winner, “A Raisin in the Sun”) and script adaptor Harvey Fierstein (four-time Tony winner, “Torch Song Trilogy,” “Hairspray,” and “La Cage aux Folles”). “Hairspray Live!” will also enlist the original Broadway adaptation’s choreographer Jerry Mitchell (“Kinky Boots,” “On Your Feet”), original songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Smash” and Broadway’s upcoming “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”), two-time Emmy Award-winning live television director Alex Rudzinski, award-winning costume designer Mary Vogt (“Kong: Skull Island,” “Men in Back”), music director Lon Hoyt (“On Your Feet,” “Hairspray” on Broadway and feature film) and award-winning production designer Derek McLane (Academy Awards, “Beautiful”).
- “Hairspray Live!” will air from Los Angeles on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
- #HairsprayLive
- Twitter: @HairsprayLive
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairsprayLive
- Instagram: @nbchairspraylive
Advice for Trump and Pence
Mike Pence didn’t enjoy the musical Hamilton, but Lady Bunny thinks Donald Trump should also check out a show!
OBAMA Gives ELLEN Highest Award
Today, President Barack Obama named 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The awards will be presented at the White House on November 22nd.
President Obama said, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”
This event will be streamed live at: www.whitehouse.gov/live.
The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the National Basketball Association’s all-time leading scorer who helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and the Milwaukee Bucks to another. During his career, Abdul-Jabbar was a six-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 19-time NBA All-Star. Before joining the NBA, he was a star player at UCLA, leading the Bruins to three consecutive championships. In addition to his legendary basketball career, Abdul-Jabbar has been an outspoken advocate for social justice.
Elouise Cobell (posthumous)
Elouise Cobell was a Blackfeet Tribal community leader and an advocate for Native American self-determination and financial independence. She used her expertise in accounting to champion a lawsuit that resulted in a historic settlement, restoring tribal homelands to her beloved Blackfeet Nation and many other tribes, and in so doing, inspired a new generation of Native Americans to fight for the rights of others. Cobell helped found the Native American Bank, served as director of the Native American Community Development Corporation, and inspired Native American women to seek leadership roles in their communities.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres is an award-winning comedian who has hosted her popular daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003 with her trademarked humor, humility, and optimism. In 2003 Ellen lent her voice to a forgetful but unforgettable little fish named Dory in Finding Nemo. She reprised her role again in 2016 with the hugely successful Finding Dory. Ellen also hosted the Academy Awards twice, in 2007 and 2014. In 1997, after coming out herself, DeGeneres made TV history when her character on Ellen revealed she was a lesbian. In her work and in her life, she has been a passionate advocate for equality and fairness.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro has brought to life some of the most memorable roles in American film during a career that spans five decades. His first major film roles were in the sports drama Bang the Drum Slowly and Martin Scorsese’s crime film Mean Streets. He is a seven-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Oscar winner, and is also a Kennedy Center honoree.
Richard Garwin
Richard Garwin is a polymath physicist who earned a Ph.D. under Enrico Fermi at age 21 and subsequently made pioneering contributions to U.S. defense and intelligence technologies, low-temperature and nuclear physics, detection of gravitational radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer systems, laser printing, and nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. The author of 500 technical papers and a winner of the National Medal of Science, Garwin holds 47 U.S. patents, and has advised numerous administrations.
Bill and Melinda Gates
Bill and Melinda Gates established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, the foundation focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, the mission is to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. The Gates Foundation has provided more than $36 billion in grants since its inception.
Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry is one of the world’s leading architects, whose works have helped define contemporary architecture. His best-known buildings include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Dancing House in Prague, and the Guggenheim Museum building in Bilbao, Spain.
Margaret H. Hamilton
Margaret H. Hamilton led the team that created the on-board flight software for NASA’s Apollo command modules and lunar modules. A mathematician and computer scientist who started her own software company, Hamilton contributed to concepts of asynchronous software, priority scheduling and priority displays, and human-in-the-loop decision capability, which set the foundation for modern, ultra-reliable software design and engineering.
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is one of the Nation’s finest actors and filmmakers. He has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role five times, and received the award for his work in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Those roles and countless others, including in Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away, have left an indelible mark on American film. Off screen, as an advocate, Hanks has advocated for social and environmental justice, and for our veterans and their families.
Grace Hopper (posthumous)
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, known as “Amazing Grace” and “the first lady of software,” was at the forefront of computers and programming development from the 1940s through the 1980s. Hopper’s work helped make coding languages more practical and accessible, and she created the first compiler, which translates source code from one language into another.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes of all time. Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards; he is currently a principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. During his career, he won six championships, five Most Valuable Player awards, and appeared in 14 All-Star games.
Maya Lin
Maya Lin is an artist and designer who is known for her work in sculpture and landscape art. She designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and since then has pursued a celebrated career in both art and architecture. A committed environmentalist, Lin is currently working on a multi-sited artwork/memorial, What is Missing? bringing awareness to the planet’s loss of habitat and biodiversity.
Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels is a producer and screenwriter, best known for creating and producing Saturday Night Live, which has run continuously for more than 40 years. In addition, Michaels has also produced The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and 30 Rock, among other popular, award-winning shows. He has won 13 Emmy Awards over the course of his lengthy career.
Newt Minow
Newt Minow is an attorney with a long and distinguished career in public life. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Minow served as a Supreme Court clerk and counsel to the Governor of Illinois. In 1961, President Kennedy selected Minow, then 34, to serve as Chairman of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC), where he helped shape the future of American television and was a vigorous advocate for broadcasting that promoted the public interest. In the five decades since leaving the FCC, Minow has maintained a prominent private law practice while devoting himself to numerous public and charitable causes.
Eduardo Padrón
Eduardo Padrón is the President of Miami Dade College (MDC), one of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States. During his more than four decade career, President Padrón has been a national voice for access and inclusion. He has worked to ensure all students have access to high quality, affordable education. He has championed innovative teaching and learning strategies making MDC a national model of excellence.
Robert Redford
Robert Redford is an actor, director, producer, businessman, and environmentalist. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute to advance the work of independent filmmakers and storytellers throughout the world, including through its annual Sundance Film Festival. He has received an Academy Award for Best Director and for Lifetime Achievement. Redford has directed or starred in numerous motion pictures, including The Candidate, All the President’s Men, Quiz Show, and A River Runs Through It.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross has had an iconic career spanning more than 50 years within the entertainment industry in music, film, television, theater, and fashion. Diana Ross is an Academy Award nominee, inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Grammy Awards highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross was a recipient of the 2007 Kennedy Center Honors. Diana Ross’s greatest legacy is her five wonderful children.
Vin Scully
Vin Scully is a broadcaster who, for 67 seasons, was the voice of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. In Southern California, where generations of fans have grown up listening to Dodger baseball, Scully’s voice is known as the “soundtrack to summer.” In 1988, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is a singer, songwriter, and bandleader. More than five decades ago, he bought a guitar and learned how to make it talk. Since then, the stories he has told, in lyrics and epic live concert performances, have helped shape American music and have challenged us to realize the American dream. Springsteen is a Kennedy Center honoree and he and the E Street Band he leads have each been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson has performed on the stage, on television, and on the silver screen. She has won two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, and is known for her performances in Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and The Help. Tyson received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015.
BODYGUARD The Musical and CD
CAST ALBUM FEATURING BRITISH “THE X-FACTOR” WINNER AND PREVIOUS WEST END
STAR ALEXANDRA BURKE, AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 18, 2016
FROM FIRST NIGHT RECORDS/R.E.D.
U.S. TOUR BEGINS NOVEMBER 25, 2016 IN MILLBURN, NJ
London’s smash West End production The Bodyguard – The Musical makes its way to the U.S. with the forthcoming release of its hit-filled cast album, coinciding with a new country-wide tour. The Bodyguard – The Musical (World Premiere Cast Recording) will be released on November 18, 2016 from First Night Records/R.E.D., and features the outstanding vocals of Alexandra Burke, a previous star of the London cast production and winner of the fifth season of the British television series “The X-Factor.”
Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. film and adapted by Academy Award-winner Alexander Dinelaris for the stage, The Bodyguard – The Musical (World Premiere Cast Recording), a breathtaking romantic thriller, features classics from the original film, including – of course – the legendary “I Will Always Love You,” plus many other feel-good hits.
After its world premiere on December 5, 2012 at London’s Adelphi Theatre, The Bodyguard – The Musical was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design and won Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards. The UK production of the musical recently completed a sell-out UK and Ireland tour and made its triumphant return to London’s West End at the Dominion Theatre on July 15, 2016.
The 2016 – 2017 U.S. National Tour, starring Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox as Rachel Marron, will commence on November 25, 2016 in Millburn, NJ prior to the official start at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN on January 10, 2017.
Purchase tickets to The Bodyguard – The Musical US Tour here.
Dates/locations for the U.S National Tour of The Bodyguard – The Musical are as follows:
Nov 25, 2016 – Jan 1, 2017 Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, NJ
Jan 10 – 15, 2017 Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
Jan 17 – 22, 2017 Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, WI
Jan 24 – 29, 2017 Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN
Jan 31 – Feb 12, 2017 Oriental Theatre, Chicago, IL
Feb 14 – 19, 2017 Ohio Theatre, Columbus, OH
Feb 21 – 26, 2017 Academy of Music, Philadelphia, PA
Feb 28 – Mar 5, 2017 Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Mar 7 – 12, 2017 Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte, NC
Mar 14 – 19, 2017 Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, NC
Mar 21 – 26, 2017 Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Mar 28 – Apr 2, 2017 Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Apr 4 – 9, 2017 Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, LA
Apr 12 – 16, 2017 Centennial Hall, Tucson, AZ
Apr 18 – 23, 2017 Community Center Theatre, Sacramento, CA
Apr 25 – 30, 2017 San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose
May 2 – 21, 2017 Hollywood Pantages, Los Angeles, CA
May 30 – Jun 11, 2017 Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Jun 13 – 18, 2017 Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Jul 18 – 30, 2017 Music Hall, Dallas, TX
Aug 1 – 6, 2017 Bass Performance Hall, Ft Worth, TX
Aug 8 – 13, 2017 Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO
Aug 15 – 20, 2017 Hobby Center, Houston, TX
KISS ME KILL ME Coming to VOD December 7
FINALLY! After touring the world for nearly 2 years at Film Festivals this awesome Casper Andreas movie, KISS ME KILL ME, will be available on VOD & DVD December 7th!
FULL OF STARS! From director Casper Andreas (“Going Down in LA-LA Land”) and screenwriter David Michael Barrett (“Such Good People”) comes “Kiss Me, Kill Me,” a sexy gay thriller. Dusty (“As the World Turns” four-time Emmy nominee Van Hansis) blacks out while confronting his cheating boyfriend Stephen, (“Queer as Folk” gay icon Gale Harold). When Dusty comes to, Stephen was murdered and he’s the prime suspect. The movie also stars Brianna Brown (“Devious Maids”), Yolonda Ross (HBO’s “The Get Down”), Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye”), Matthew Ludwinski (“Going Down in LA-LA Land”), Craig Robert Young (“The Last Ship”), Kit Williamson (“Mad Men”), Jonathan Lisecki (“Gayby”), D.J. “Shangela” Pierce (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and Michael Maize (“Mr. Robot”).
I have always enjoyed a good who-done-it. Growing up, I was a huge fan of both Agatha Christie novels and suspense thrillers, so when screenwriter David Michael Barrett sent me the script for KISS ME, KILL ME, I got very excited. Not only was this a bona-fide murder mystery, it was centered in a world I am very familiar with – gay West Hollywood. We had quite an extensive development period, which gave me plenty of time to school myself in film noir. David’s knowledge of the genre was extensive, and the screenplay pays homage to many of the greats, from Hitchcock to DePalma to even Verhoeven.
One of the things I loved most about the script was that it wasn’t a spoof of a thriller; it was the real thing. It also didn’t take itself too seriously, and even had characters commenting on the outrageous events, often balancing them with humor. I knew this script would be a challenge on such a limited budget, but I was excited to, for the first time, shoot scenes of violence and suspense. After all, what’s more fun that car chases, dream sequences, gun and knife fights? I love to challenge myself, and I’m determined to make each film better than my last. I never went to film school. Being an actor, I picked up a lot about production on set, but it wasn’t until I was actually directing and producing that I truly became a filmmaker. I have worked in a variety of genres, from serious dramas, like my award-winning Swedish-language short “A Last Farewell,” to comedies, a musical, and relationship dramedies. But there is nothing more exciting than taking on a new genre.
“Kiss Me, Kill Me” is my seventh feature film as a director/producer. I am proud to work in LGBTQ cinema, and tell the stories of my community, but I don’t see myself as a “gay filmmaker.” Every movie I’ve made explores universal themes, that all kinds of audiences can relate to, like my last film, “Going Down In LA-LA Land,” which has consistently been one of Netflix’s top viewed dramas. It was an extraordinary experience to see so many people come together to help make KISS ME, KILL ME, not just our crew but our Kickstarter backers, too. The movie has played in over three-dozen festivals all over the world. I’m proud of that. And that’s a testament to how much everyone loves a good mystery. Just like me.
Celebrity Auction for Stonewall
On June 24th, 2016, President Obama designated Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America’s National Park System. Stonewall is the first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights in America.
New York’s Stonewall Inn has long been hallowed ground: The Greenwich Village tavern was home to the 1969 Stonewall riots, which are widely considered to be the birth of the modern gay rights movement. More than 40 years later, when the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, the celebration was (unofficially) headquartered there. Now the legacy of the Stonewall Inn will officially live on, as President Obama will reportedly name the space outside the iconic bar a national monument, the first of its kind recognizing LGBT rights.
In support of this historic designation, Pride Live Nation has partnered with Charitybuzz and some of the biggest names in entertainment to raise funds directly for the Stonewall National Monument.
Visit charitybuzz.com/stonewall and bid on exciting experiences and items donated by
Anderson Cooper http://chrty.bz/2dFFrIU,
Cher http://chrty.bz/2dFFdS4,
George Clooney http://chrty.bz/2dFF4hG,
Taylor Swift http://chrty.bz/2dFIAZk,
Justin Tranter http://chrty.bz/2dFHqNt,
Jonathan Adler http://chrty.bz/2e7DLEd,
Andy Cohen http://chrty.bz/2dFGh8B,
Bryan Lourd [http://chrty.bz/2dFI1id]
Cyndi Lauper http://chrty.bz/2dFJhl7,
Mick Rock http://chrty.bz/2dFIWiC,
David Karphttp://bit.ly/2ej1EJ6,
Taylor Swift http://chrty.bz/2dFIAZk,
Dustin Lance Black http://chrty.bz/2dFEq3K,
and Moncho1929 http://chrty.bz/2e7BA3C,
In addition, Madonna has donated a pair of cherry red & purple velvet Prada couture shoes http://chrty.bz/2dFHpc7, Stevie Nicks has donated a trademark rhythm tech tambourine designed exclusively for Stonewall National Monument http://chrty.bz/2dFIukq,and Demi Lovato has donated one of her specially designed Michael Costello sequin costumes worn on her Future Now tour http://chrty.bz/2e7AV23,
The auction runs through November 10th, 3P EST.
Pride Live Nation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that raises awareness and support for the LGBT community via social advocacy and community engagement to advance the fight for full equality. www.pridelivenation.org
Charitybuzz is the world’s premier online charity auction platform and a proud member of the CHARITY NETWORK. It offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and incredible luxury packages, with 80% of net revenue benefiting charitable organizations. Charitybuzz has the largest online audience of high net worth, philanthropic individuals in the world and has raised more than $180M for charity to date. www.charitybuzz.com
Gay Voices Online in IOWA
Co Dubuque Presents Co-ZINE, a new monthly online magazine!
Co-ZINE is a LGBTQ+ monthly online Co-mmunity magazine. We at Co Dubuque are honored to have grown so rapidly and successfully to be able to give back to the community through events, activities and educational workshops. Now we have taken Co another big step further and created Co-ZINE; to be able to let more LGBTQ+ community voices be heard.
Co Dubuque welcomes community focused writers, from all across the world to express their voices, experiences, poems, arts, and stories within Co-ZINE – including GSA’s and our LGBTQ+ youth. We are a Tri-State Co-mmunity, reaching out to our LGBTQ+ worldly Co-mmunity. Be heard, be seen and be proud… we are family… we are Co.
Please send interest or articles to: codubuque.cozine@gmail.com
Official Launch date of Co-ZINE is October 11th.
Upstairs Inferno – Gay Mass Murder
UPSTAIRS INFERNO recently received the JURY AWARD: HONORABLE MENTION at Frameline: the San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, citing its “Special Contribution to Queer History“, the JURY AWARD: BEST MEN’S DOCUMENTARY FEATURE and AUDIENCE AWARD: BEST MEN’S FEATURE at the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE AWARD at the Long Beach QFilm Festival, the JURY AWARD: BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM at the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, the AUDIENCE AWARD: FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY at the North Louisiana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the JURY & AUDIENCE AWARDS: BEST DOCUMENTARY at FilmOut San Diego.
This is an incredibly important story in LGBT history and U.S. history. While we never imagined there’d be another LGBT mass murder in the United States, we MUST UNITE as a community AND a country and NEVER allow this to happen again. Especially in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, we must continue to educate and enlighten people. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” UPSTAIRS INFERNO can open the door to a cathartic and constructive conversation.
LADY BUNNY Keep on Dancing for PULSE
INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ STARS COLLABORATE ON NEW DANCE ANTHEM ’KEEP ON DANCING (UNTIL WE’RE FREE)’ // HOUSE OF WALLENBERG
HOUSE OF WALLENBERG TEAMS UP WITH YO MAJESTY AND LADY BUNNY
PROCEEDS FROM THE NEW SONG WILL GO TO THE PULSE ORLANDO FUND, SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES AND VICTIMS OF THE RECENT NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING
Swedish artist, DJ and producer Petter Wallenberg (aka House of Wallenberg) has teamed up with Jwl B from queer rappers Yo Majesty, and drag superstar Lady Bunny on a new song ‘Keep on Dancing (Until We’re Free)’. The track has been recorded specifically for the Pulse Orlando Fund, in support of the families and victims of the massacre at took place at Pulse Nightclub on June 12.
Petter Wallenberg said: “Queer clubs used to be safe spaces where we could be free. The Orlando shooting changed that. Now when we go out we find ourself prepared for the worst. But its important to not let fear win. As our song says, we need to keep on dancing, loving and fighting. This is our tribute to the Orlando victims but also a manifest for everyone’s right to be free.”
Jwl B said: “I’m from Florida and I lost friends and family from the gay community in the Orlando massacre. I felt I had to do something positive to bring happiness and create a fund raiser. I say to all my angels that lost their lives that we’re gonna keep on dancing until were free.”
Lady Bunny said: “The gay community has remained strong in the face of discrimination, bashing and AIDS. While the shooting at Pulse was grim, it renewed our desire to bond together and fight. A big part of our spirit comes from a club culture in which we gather to dance and celebrate the freedoms we do have. That will never die!”
House of Wallenberg is the music project from Swedish artist Petter Wallenberg.
BUY IT!!! iTunes: https://goo.gl/WIXuUs
Spotify: https://goo.gl/1duLdz
YouTubeVideo: goo.gl/fPfs25
EVEN MORE BUNNY NEWS!! The hardest working drag queen in the business!
GAREK Does Disney and Nick Jonas
LOOK OUT! GAREK HAS ARRIVED!
After moving to New York City with big musical dreams, Wisconsin-born Garek scored an internship at a music production house writing and singing demos for the likes of Disney and Nickelodeon — fun, right?!
Well, not quite.
He tells QUEERTY – “I was tired of making music for the machine,” Garek explains. “So, instead of feeding the machine, I set out to starve it. For ‘Goddamn Dizzy Kids’, I used the formulas I was privy to as a ghostwriter (big, bouncy choruses, bright, catchy hooks and contemptible, chantey nonsense), but used it in a way that allowed me to spread my message. I refuse to settle for the sea of mediocrity that has become the standard for this generation’s music.” – read more at QUEERTY.
GAREK’s first single “Save The Queen” has already had tastemakers around the globe buzzing.
London’s EQ Music has hailed him as “a deity of Industrial-Electro mastery” while Australia’s DNA Magazine says, “He’s ready to rule the world!” MTV’s LOGO (NewNowNext) says, “for all [his] influences, there’s something distinctive about what Garek is doing.”
THE NEW VIDEO EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT is HERE!!
LOVE HIM! GAREK
49 Celebrities Honor 49 Victims of Orlando Tragedy
Stop the Hate: 49 Celebrities Honor 49 Victims of Orlando Tragedy in Ryan Murphy-Produced Tribute
For too long, a toxic combination of anti-LGBTQ hate and easy access to guns has put LGBTQ people at disproportionate risk of violence and murder. On June 12, forty-nine innocent people — most of them Latinx — were killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando simply because of who they were. It’s on all of us to keep their memories alive, and to ensure part of their legacy becomes meaningful action to end hate violence. Join the Human Rights Campaign and urge your legislator to support legislation that will ensure LGBTQ people are safe and equal in every community and find out how to support the survivors and families of the Orlando victims. Learn more at:
http://www.hrc.org/StopTheHate
Special thanks to Ryan Murphy, Ned Martel and their colleagues at Ryan Murphy Television for making this project possible and all of our friends in the entertainment community for their support of this project including (in order of appearance) Lady Gaga, Chris Pine, Cuba Gooding Jr., Connie Britton, Matt Bomer, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Lea Michele, Colton Haynes, Sophia Bush, Jane Fonda, Harry Shum Jr., Denis O’Hare, Rob Reiner, Melissa Benoist, Caitlyn Jenner, Édgar Ramírez, Max Greenfield, Chaz Bono, Cheyenne Jackson, Emma Roberts, Kerry Washington, George Lopez, Evan Rachel Wood, Sofia Vergara, Diego Boneta, Nina Jacobson, Demi Lovato, Tyler Oakley, Yeardley Smith, Kid Cudi, Kaitlin Olson, Kevin McHale, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Daniels, Chace Crawford, Evan Peters, Gerard Butler, Katey Sagal, John Stamos, Laverne Cox, Jordana Brewster, Wes Bentley, Finn Wittrock, Darren Criss, Kathy Bates, Anna Paquin, Guillermo Díaz and Joe Mantello.
