Avsnitt
-
Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Catherine Legault (“Sisters: Dream & Variations”), chronicles the world of young non-binary trans photographer Laurence Philomène as they put together their first book, Puberty, a series of self-portraits documenting their transition during hormone therapy. “Larry (They/Them)” debuts in LA at SlamDance Film Festival- but not before we talk to this director, and this star first!
-
Garrett Miller is our OG podcast producer and star. He began our collaboration years ago and Rob Watson continued to develop it into a forum for the unheard queer artistic, musical, filmic and literary voices we need to hear. We talk about that history and the great new Garrett Miller music ready to download NOW!
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
What do Trump's executive orders do, and how do we fight them? On his first day in office as the 47th president of the United States, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders (EOs) that impact the LGBTQ+ community, as well as many others. It is important to note that executive actions do NOT have the authority to override the United States Constitution, federal statutes, or established legal precedent. Many of these directives do just that or are regarding matters over which the president does not have control. Given that, many of these orders will be difficult, if not impossible, to implement, and efforts to do so will be challenged through litigation.
Currently, much is unknown about whether or how the administration or other actors will comply with these directives, and in most instances, rules will need to be promulgated, or significant administrative guidance will need to be issued in order for implementation to occur. These are processes that take time and require detailed additional plans to be developed. Today we talk to our friends Brandon Wolf, National Press Secretary of the Human Rights Campaign and journalist Christopher Kane.
We will discuss the specific anti-LGBTQ orders, what they mean, and how we collectively and individually can fight them.
With co-host Brody Levesque -
The highly anticipated film Exteriors will premiere on Gay Binge TV on March 3, 2025. Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mark Schwab, the film masterfully weaves together three interconnected stories of modern relationships, exploring themes of love, obsession, and reconnection. Through the lens of coincidence and connection, Exteriors delivers a poignant and captivating exploration of human emotions.
Today we talk to Mark and to one of the film stars, Fernando.
Exteriors follows three gay men grappling with life-changing emotional journeys.
An award-winning Bay Area-based filmmaker, Mark’s most recent achievements include writing and directing the feature film Shadows in Mind and the upcoming LGBTQ comedy,
Cutaways. Fernando got his cinematic start in the Summit Entertainment film, Divergent. Later transitioning to TV as the host for Disney Channel's, Disney365, Disney GameOn, and Disney on the Set. Wanting a creative challenge, he co-produced/wrote/starred in the critically acclaimed, New Hardy Boys - an irreverent parody of the classic children's books. Fernando is focused on using their talents to advance visibility and understanding of the Latinx and gender-fluid (aka non-binary) communities in Hollywood, with the aim of giving them a voice globally. -
Today we talk to Spencer Macnaughton, founder and editor-in-chief, of the new Uncloseted Media online publication which features objective journalism at its finest.
The new publication is committed to providing the public with objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism that examines America’s anti-LGBTQ ecosystem and elevates the voices of everyday American heroes. While doing deep-dive journalism that uncovers the people, the money, and the power behind America’s anti-LGBTQ ecosystem and – at the same time – highlighting the voices of the people fighting back against these systems of ignorance and injustice, this is a publication for the LGBTQ community breaking out of the queer echo chamber to bring critically important stories to Americans in every county in all 50 states.
Uncloseted Media approaches its sources with a healthy combination of compassion and skepticism. They define balance not along partisan lines, but rather through a survey of methodologically sound, evidence-based research. Rather than providing opinions on important LGBTQ issues, they present facts through receipts, timelines, screenshots, and proof. They are on a mission to hold the people, the power, and the money behind America’s anti-LGBTQ world accountable simply by digging in and presenting the public with the truth.
Spencer has written and produced for 60 Minutes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Vice, Vox, Time, NBC News, The Guardian and Rolling Stone. he has won the Grace Award, and has been nominated for an Emmy. He teaches LGBTQ Journalism at New York University.
-
It has been reported that Donald Trump plans a trans military ban via executive order as soon as he takes office. It would reinstate and expand upon his first administration’s ban on transgender military service members. Details of this action are not known but the potential of this executive action is stoking devastating uncertainty for transgender people across the country.
Today we talk again to Colonel Bree Fram -- she spoke to us three years ago after the first ban had been lifted. Today we will talk to her about the current threat as well as about her new book With Valor and Visibility: The Next Chapter of Transgender Military Service.
Bree is currently stationed at the Pentagon where she develops the requirements for future Space Force capabilities. Prior to recommissioning into the Space Force in 2021, she served 18 years in a wide variety of Air Force positions including a Research and Development command position and an oversight role for all Air Force security cooperation activity with Iraq. She is an author, podcaster, and keynote speaker.
Bree also co-leads the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, dedicated to eliminating barriers to LGBTQ+ military service in the Air and Space Force.
With Co-host Brody Levesque -
The movie Screams from the Tower premieres this weekend at the Dances With Films NYC festival. It is described as "a delightful Hughes homage broadly based on Grant’s teenage years, growing up in the 1990s in the Chicago suburbs in the style of the late great John Hughes who was so very instrumental in highlighting the growing pains of the nerds, weirdos, and outliers. Focusing on the absurd, painful, and often laughable journey of self-discovery and identity exploration every teen goes through before graduating and leaving the lives they know."
Today we talk with Cory Wexler Grant about the film and the impact he hopes it will have.
Cory started a production company in 2001, and began writing, directing, and producing original theatrical works: 3 plays and 2 musicals. Cory wrote and directed his first feature film, PAINTER, in 2018, which was an Official Selection at Los Angeles Indie Film Festival 2020, and was awarded Grand Prize, Best Feature Film at Rhode Island International Film Festival 2020. The film we are discussing today, his second feature film, SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER, is currently on the film festival circuit garnering "Best Feature Film" at the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival, the Audience Award at REELING: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, and Best Screenplay at the Midwest Film Festival. Cory lives in Greenwich Village with his husband and their two children. He has several other screenplays in development, with his third feature film due to start production in Fall 2025.
With Co-Host Brody Levesque -
Popular country music star Brian Falduto has the new Christmas song you did not know you needed, especially if you are single. Christmas movies abound with themes of finding that "magic lover." Mariah Carey has dubbed herself as queen of Christmas by advocating for "all I want for Christmas is you."
Brian, who has a career of up-ending the status quo is giving another take. It is Merry Christmas for the contentedly single people, aptly called "Christmas Solo" and we will be premiering it on the show today!
In 2023, Brian released his first country music song, "Same Old Country Love Song.” It was greeted with a flood of positive encouragement and excitement and would become an LGBTQ+ country music anthem. Subsequent releases followed including “Hottest Guy Here” and “Big Boys Club, and Brian Falduto’s first full-length album, Gay Country (Deluxe Edition)
Brian first gained fame playing the role of Fancy Pants in the Jack Black cult classic film School of Rock. That instant fame was both a blessing and a curse for him as a child actor. While the public adored the boldly flamboyant style of the character he played so well, the kids in his real life bullied him mercilessly as he struggled to find his gay identity. -
Donald Trump is back. In January, he will asend to office again after running a very anti-"woke" campaign often scapegoating transgender Americans. Hundreds of horrible homophobic and transphobic bills passed in state houses may work their way to the federal level.
And then there is Project 2025.
Today we talk to two of our friends who have their fingers on the pulse of LGBTQ activism to find out the path forward for very concerned queer citizens: Brandon Wolf and Christopher Kane.
Brandon is the National Press Secretary and Senior Director of Political Communications for the Human Rights Campaign. He is a nationally-recognized gun safety and LGBTQ civil rights advocate, author and dynamic public speaker. He has served as the Press Secretary for Equality Florida, the state’s LGBTQ civil rights organization. Brandon also co-founded the Dru Project, a nonprofit organization that works to empower youth and provide future leaders in the LGBTQ community funding for higher education.
Christopher is the White House correspondent for The Washington Blade. Also having reported for the LA Blade, Chris is a longtime Washington DC-based reporter covering the White House, having previously covered the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission's investigations of major mergers and acquisitions - along with antitrust policy development by federal agencies and US Congress, high stakes "bet-the-company" litigation, and certain activities by the FDA and US Patent and Trademark Office. -
1660 Vine, is a new muciacl about a group of influencers who live in a famed Hollywood apartment building to pursue their dreams of social media stardom. The residents of 1660 Vine confront questions of fame, influence, identity, and mental health. All the while, the residents update their followers through vlogs, gaming streams, makeup tutorials, TikTok dances, songs and pranks, as they navigate their search for identity, discovering the difference between who they present themselves to be, and who they really are.
Our guest today is prolific writer/showrunner Jonathan Prince, whose recent accomplishments include Four Weddings and a Funeral for MGM/Hulu, and American Soul, which ran for two seasons on BET. Many of Prince’s productions are inspired directly or indirectly by strong musical themes, hailing back to his first creation, the Emmy Award-winning NBC series, American Dreams.
-
The streaming show Danny Will Die Alone Season 2 is now available on Dekko. Dekko is a streaming service specifically targetting gay men and has over 400 titles available.
Newest up is their exclusive series Danny Will Die Alone.
The series is both engaging and wickedly funny as we venture on a journey through one gay man’s disastrous dating life. Danny, the lead character, explores openness, polyamory, sex drive compatibility, gender norms, fisting, and more! The audience is constantly challenged to ponder: will Danny finally find love? Based on his track record, fat chance.
Think of the series as if Jack from Will and Grace and Sex in the City had a baby, raised by Miranda Priestly as a nanny....
Today we talk to the star, writer and creator Jack Tracy, and co-star Jordan Bell. Jack Tracy is a New York based writer, actor, producer, editor, recording artist, and audio engineer. Following his web series “History”, “Big Law” and “Millennial Memoir” and feature film “Snowflake”, “Danny Will Die Alone” is his first Dekkoo original series. As a recording artist, he released three LPs and numerous EPs, performing in various Pride festivals and throughout New York City nightlife. He is also a "dog dad". Jordan is an actor, singer, and proud Canadian. Trained at the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts in Toronto, he has performed the classics from Ontario's Stratford Festival to stages across America. His work includes performances in Dear Evan Hansen (Toronto) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz. A key passion: with community-based organizations to empower immigrants and Dreamers. He is a cat dad with a partner. -
Kicking off the Halloween season, we talk to director, writer, and producer Jane Clark. Jane is a storyteller. Through her company, FilmMcQueen, she has brought numerous shorts and 3 feature films to life, winning 18 awards and another 8 nominations by envisioning strong characters in visceral environments.
Her new film is hitting the film festival circuit. Witchy Ways. The film centers around a young woman named Eve. Eve quits the rat race and heads to a remote country cottage to rediscover herself, and once there, begins falling for dynamic property owner, Danni. As they grow close, Danni confesses she is a witch, which is hard enough for Eve to accept until she learns Danni has a second, ghostly secret hidden in the house that threatens to destroy their magical relationship.
With co-host Brody Levesque -
A true legend and icon, Marla Gibbs blazed trails for representation and diversity across the American consciousness. The beloved celebrity, five-time Emmy-nominated actress, is famous for her memorable portrayal of the maid, Florence, on the CBS hit comedy, “The Jeffersons.” She went on to create another hit sitcom, the NBC series, “227.” which she developed from the original stage play of the same title, as Executive Producer on the show. Artistic to her core, she is a jazz singer, jazz club owner, actress, businesswoman, and maverick.
Today, we also welcome director Kim Callaway and discuss the duo's new film Mildred 4 a Million, written and directed by Kim and starring Marla. The film is a sweet and empowering film about a gregarious grandmother who desperately wants to connect with her tablet-obsessed great-granddaughter. To do so, grandma Mildred embarks on an adventure to get one million followers on TikTok.
Marla's acting and musical resume is substantial. She is an eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, and has received numerous prestigious honors over the years, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year. Kim is a 4x Telly-winning director, Emmy-winning producer, and 2023 Screencraft Screenplay Fellowship Finalist. She has created original series, comedy sketches, music videos, commercials and custom content for major networks and brands for nearly 2 decades, including FOX, Amazon, Discovery, MTV, AOL, HuffPost Comedy, and Verizon Media Group.
With co-host Brody Levesque -
Show and fan favorite Paul Richmond joins us today to discuss his new book Star Gazing. Paul is an internationally recognized visual artist and activist whose career has included exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States as well as publication in numerous art journals and anthologies. His work is collected by individuals around the globe. As an illustrator, he has created over four hundred novel cover illustrations. He co-founded the You Will Rise Project, an organization that empowers those who have experienced bullying to speak out creatively through art. He is the Executive Director of Art Makes Us, a virtual creative space dedicated to providing opportunities for each individual to discover and nurture the artist within.
Star Gazing takes its readers through Paul's artistic, emotional, and life journey. Filled with Richmond creativity and art, he invites us to "come along with me and let's gaze at the stars together.. I hope that we collect some stardust along the way that adds color and sparkle to your world too..." Today we collect stardust with him directly!
With co-host Brody Levesque -
MRS. DOUBTFIRE has left Broadway and is on its national tour. Handsome actor, writer, dancer, and director Alex Ringler is taking on the role of Stuart (the role played by Pierce Bronson in the film version). Today we talk to Alex about taking on that role as well as his television series project Seeking.
The 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire” told a heartwarming tale about a father and actor who disguised himself as a female housekeeper named Mrs. Doubtfire to be able to spend time with his children following a divorce. Robin Williams gave an iconic performance in the lead role.
The series Seeking… stars Alex, DeMarius Copes (Tony-Winning Broadway “Some Like it Hot,” and films “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “Thirty Candles”), and Darius Rose (Jackie Cox from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 12, and “Days of Our Lives”), Centered on three roommates in NYC, the comedy highlights the heart of forming and finding our chosen families.
Alex has been with the national tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire” for the last year, since it started. The actor, choreographer and writer has also been in “West Side Story” on Broadway and national tours of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” “A Chorus Line,” “West Side Story” and “Cats.” His film and television work includes “Bros,” “Harlem,” “FBI,” “Deadbeat” and “Run the World.”
With co-host Brody Levesque -
Steve Balderson's new film Love, Venezia seeks to redefine the cinematic portrayal of sexuality and human connection by presenting these themes through its sensory and emotional lens. Written and directed by Steve, the film is based on his own life experience that he wrote about in his erotic memoir Year of the Whore (Punk Hostage Press), the film delves into the themes of intimacy, love, and self-discovery in the protagonist's world which has been dominated by superficiality and fleeting encounters. It depicts a fictional version of his real life trip to Venice to overcome a painful breakup.
Steve is a prolific filmmaker, best known for Pep Squad (a film that premiered in Cannes) and Firecracker, a film that starred Karen Black and rock star Mike Patton and was recognized by Roger Ebert as one of the year’s best. Love, Venezia is his 20th film. It will have its worldwide premiere on Sunday, September 29 at Cinema Divers: the Palm Springs Film Festival.
Besides being a filmmaker, Steve is an author and a coach.
With co-host Brody Levesque
-
One of our favorite power couples is back! The AP first dubbed them the Transgender Power Couple. Journalist Erin Reed was formerly the digital director of The American Independent. She currently writes for the Los Angeles Blade and Harpers Bazaar.. She is a researcher who tracks anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world and helps people become better advocates for their queer family, friends, colleagues, and community. Reed also is a social media consultant and public speaker.
Her fiance is Zooey Zephyr, member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 100th district.
Zephyr was a vocal opponent of multiple anti-LGBT bills introduced during the 2023 legislative session. During a floor debate on April 18, 2023, Zephyr admonished those who supported Senate Bill 99, which prohibits gender-affirming medical and surgical care for minors. She first commented, "If you are forcing a trans child to go through puberty when they are trans, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed." When this remark triggered an objection from Republican majority leader Sue Vinton, Zephyr replied, "The only thing I will say is if you vote 'yes' on this bill and 'yes' on these amendments, I hope the next time there's an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands." This led to a massive attempt by the state Republicans to censure her and silence her.
Months ago we enjoyed a rigorous conversation with these two about the state of transgender rights, and today we get their insights on that subject from the purview of the DNC, plus discussion on current issues. -
We get a live report today from Christopher Kane, White House correspondent for The Washington Blade. He is on the floor at the Democratic convention.
He will bring us the latest on the speakers and behind-the-scenes exclusive interviews, plus news of the LGBTQ+ caucus.
Also having reported for the LA Blade, Chris is a longtime Washington DC-based reporter covering the White House, having previously covered the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission's investigations of major mergers and acquisitions - along with antitrust policy development by federal agencies and US Congress, high stakes "bet-the-company" litigation, and certain activities by the FDA and US Patent and Trademark Office.
With co-host Brody Levesque -
Martin Lewis is a multi-faceted player in the spheres of the arts and entertainment. With a fabled five-decade history working in music, comedy, film, stage, TV, radio & books. He has been a cultural alchemist with many of the leading musicians and comedic artists of the last half-century. Bruce Vilanch is iconic for, among other things, the best jokes at the Academy Awards. He has been writing for the star-studded event for over 25 years, and has been the head writer since 2000. Bruce is much more ingrained into our culture than a single award show, however-- he. has written jokes for Bette Midler, Elizabeth Taylor, Lily Tomlin, and even..The Brady Bunch. They each have been world-changing "influencers" decades before the concept of "influencers" was even a thing. Today they join us to talk about yet another cultural force, artist manager, Brian Epstein. It has been said of Epstein: "If there had been no Epstein, there would be no Beatles." Brian Epstein is the man responsible for taking the Beatles from unknowns to worldwide phenomena in just under 50 days. Martin led a 15-year campaign to induct Epstein into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Friday, August 23rd marks the exact 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ landmark first appearance in Los Angeles in 1964. Their L.A. debut was a sold-out concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Celebrating that historic occasion Martin - considered one of the world’s foremost Beatles scholars - will be debuting a special ‘TED-Talk’ style illustrated presentation in L.A. - titled "The Greatest Beatles Story NEVER Told! The Untold Tale Of How The Beatles Beguiled America" The event will take place on the exact same date and time as the Beatles Hollywood Bowl concert in 1964 - at the historic building of the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz.
-
Gibson Guitars and their partner Music Forward believe in LGBTQ+ emerging performers and have set up a special grant program to help them. Our guest is Danielle McDuffe of the Music Forward Foundation. Danielle comes from a professional music background that started at age 15 when she attended GRAMMY Camp for Music Journalism and got her articles published in magazines with the GRAMMY Museum. Since then, she has created and hosted her own podcast (MOODY), has written blog posts for artists like UMI, Bishop Briggs, and thuy, and has created showcases for local queer visual artists and musicians as part of Queer Arts and Crafts.
We will be discussing the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards to be given out in October. The awards are ten US-based selected artists dedicated to their songwriting craft, and their vision for themselves through music. The ten awardees will each receive:
· $3000 Grant
· $1000 Gibson retail for an instrument.
· Performance Opportunities that include the Gibson Garage Nashville and Gibson showrooms, as well as other venues.
· Quarterly Mentorship with established musicians, as well as the Gibson and Music Forward teams.
With co-host Brody Levesque - Visa fler
