Coming Out Support (COS) Newsweekly
Volume 12 No. 5 February 2, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB
The Fine Print
See previous issues
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: February 2-8, 2009
to SUN: 2/08: Whistler, BC: WinterPRIDE, Whistler's gay ski celebration week. gaywhistler.com.
TUE: 2/03: Albany, NY: Marriage Equality Day. An organized chance to meet with Empire State legislators to lobby for marriage equality. http://www.marriageequalityny.org/marriage_day.html
TUE: 2/03: New York, NY: Liza Minnelli signs copies of the CD of her recent Broadway hit, "Liza's At The Palace". Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center. www.bn.com
TUE: 2/03: New York, NY: Zanna Don't!, a concert performance of the musical about an all-gay high school, where two straights fall in love. Marty Thomas from Broadway’s “Xanadu” heads the cast in a benefit for GLSEN. www.glsenstore.org/zanna.html
WED: 2/04: Palm Beach, FL: Stephen Sondheim talks about his career with an assist from Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch. The Kravis Center. www.kravis.org
WED: 2/04: Austin, TX: E. Lynn Harris does a reading/booksigning of his new novel "Basketball Jones". 7PM. Borders. South Lamar. http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780767926270&view=isbn_events
Newsworthy:
Iceland: Johanna Siguroardottir, the nation's lesbian minister of social affairs was expected to be chosen as the country’s caretaker prime minister this week, making her the word’s first known openly gay head of state. Siguroardottir, 66, has been a member of the Icelandic Parliament since 1978. The Washington Blade reports: http://washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23696
Oregon: Out Portland Mayor Sam Adams, caught up in a dispute over his relationship with a gay teen, has no plans to resign. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/us/26portland.html?ref=us
Awards and Honors:
Winner: SAG Award: Sean Penn for "Milk". From his acceptance speech (via Associated Press): "As actors, we don't play gay, straight. We play human beings, and this movie is something that we're, all of us involved, are so proud of. This is a story about equal rights for all human beings."
GLAAD Media Awards Nominees announced: Towleroad reports and provides a complete list of nominees: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/glaad-announces.html
In Memoriam:
Martin Delaney, the AIDS activist who launched Project Inform, died, on 1/23/09 at age 63. The San Francisco Chronicle reports: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/23/state/n173814S24.DTL&tsp=1
Features
Recap: The Gay Inaugural Ball from AmericaBlog: http://www.americablog.com/2009/01/gay-ball-media-didnt-tell-you-about-it.html
Jim Carrey Liplocks Ewan McGregor in the new gay-themed film, "I Love You Phillip Morris", which got good notices at Sundance. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/jim-carrey-on-h.html
Review: "Prayers for Bobby", the true story of a homophobic mother (Sigourney Weaver), whose gay son commits suicide, prompting the mom to turn to PFLAG and become an activist on behalf of gay youth. Now airing on Lifetime. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-23/arts/feature/13981.cfm
Rose's Last Turn: Gypsy: A Day in the Life of Patti LuPone. A photo essay from New York Magazine: http://nymag.com/arts/theater/features/53603/
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
In Print:
Where's My Fifteen Minutes ? by Howard Bragman. Penguin. The PR guru helped NBA player John Amaechi come out and parlay that experience into a positive one. One chapter is devoted to coming out, which, in Bragman’s world, extends beyond gay issues to anyone with a secret. A long-time gay and HIV activist who’s been out for decades, Bragman says outing is still an issue that must be carefully navigated. For the Washington Blade review: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-23/arts/books/13983.cfm
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Alan Cumming, out actor, performs "songs that have influenced him during his eclectic, electric career". 2/07/09. Lincoln Center American Songbook Series. www.lincolncenter.org.
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal's is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***Distracted. Cynthia Nixon stars in Lisa Loomer's comedy about parenting in the age of the internet and Ritalin. to 5/03/09. www.roundabouttheatre.org.
***The Story of My Life, a musical about two guys and a lifelong friendship. Malcolm Gets stars. www.thestoryofmylife.com
***The Third Story. Charles Busch and Kathleen Turner star in his new comedy. to 2/28/09. www.mcctheatre.org
Elsewhere...
***Dolls. World premiere by and starring Michael Phillis. A gay man's doll collection comes to life. to 2/22/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Dusty and the Big Bad World Dusty, hero of "the most popular animated PBS children's television show in America" goes to visit a family with two daddies. to 2/28/09. Denver, CO. http://www.denvercenter.org/event_calendar/caldetail.cfm?id_production=21883639
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. Winner 2004 Pulitzer Prize to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Minsky's, Christopher Fitzgerald, Rachel Dratch, and Beth Leavel star in the musical based on the film "The Night They Raided Minsky's". to 3/01/09. Los Angeles, CA. www.CenterTheatreGroup.org
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Tennessee in the Summer. Joe Besecker's take on the psyche of gay playwright Tennessee Williams. to 3/01/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Xanadu, the Broadway musical hit based on the Olivia Newton John movie. "Children's theatre for 40 year old gay men". Chicago, IL. www.BroadwayInChicago.com
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***"Rent" Filmed Live on Broadway. Film made of the final performances of the landmark musical New to DVD and Blu-Ray.
***Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman. David Weisman's documentary about how Manuel Puig's novel became a movie with William Hurt (as a gay window dresser) and Raul Julia; and later became a Broadway musical.
***Yentl: The 25th Anniversary Edition. The 1983 musical film directed by and starring Barbra Streisand as cross-dressing Yentl.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
***February: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
2/09/09: Phoenix, AZ: E. Lynn Harris does a reading/booksigning of his new novel "Basketball Jones". 7PM. Barnes & Noble, N. Tatum Blvd. http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780767926270&view=isbn_events
2/09/09: New York, NY: Broadway Backwards. The guys perform music usually performed by dolls and vice versa. Starring: Alan Cumming, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Sieber, Mario Cantone, Megan Mullally, and Jai Rodriguez. A benefit for the LGBT Community Center. www.gaycenter.org
2/09/09: San Francisco, CA: All You Need Is Love: A Help is On the Way's Valentine Benefit concert with Wilson, Cruz, Loretta Devine, Sharon McKnight, Rita Moreno, KT Sullivan, Joanne Worley, and more. The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation raises money for local beneficiaries. www.helpisontheway.org.
2/11/09: Washington, DC: Ira Glass signs copies of "This American Life: Season 2" 6:30PM. Borders, K Street.
2/12/09: New York, NY: Liza Minnelli and Donna Karan receive The Award of Courage, along with Howard and Cindy Rachofsky and the amfAR Winter Gala. www.amfar.org.
2/13/09-2/16/09: Hudson Valley, NY: Winter Explosion. popular LGBT African-American winter event. www.winterexplosion.com
2/13/09-2/15/09: Bloomington, IN: Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference. http://www.mblgtacc.org
2/13/09-2/15/09: Santa Barbara, CA: 19th LGBTQIA Western Regional College Conference: “Cultivating Our Roots, From the Ground Up: How Deep Is Your Love?” The conference is designed to provide a place for people of all identities to feel safe and welcome as well as educate and empower queer youths, students, families, professionals, other community members, and allies. www.uclgbtia.org/conference2009/
2/15/09: New York, NY: Broadway Bears XII. An auction of teddy bears decorated by Broadway shows to benefit Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Bears are posted at www.broadwaycares.org.
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: February Milestones
1. Question: Name this elected official who started a national craze on February 12, 2004 just weeks after taking the oath office. Saying he was influenced by a President’s State of the Union address that appeared to make gays second class citizens, his actions caused national controversy, yet made him a hero within the LGBT community. Answer: Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco, who authorized the city to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
2. Question: Name this rodent, who comes out annually on February 2nd. His coming out, applauded by people everywhere, is used to predict weather events. Answer: Puxatawny Phil, the star of Ground Hog Day. His shadow determines whether there is six weeks left to winter.
3. Question: Name this hit television show, which was the first to feature a lesbian liplock on February 7, 1991. Hint: It’s based down the coast from the Newsom residence in Question #1. Answer: L.A. Law.
4. Question: Name this award-winning gay athlete, born February 10, 1893. He captured worldwide acclaim for his skills, only to fall into obscurity when his interest in young men came to light. Answer: Bill Tilden, the tennis great.
5. Question: Name this lesbian writer, born in Pennsylvania on February 3, 1874. After she moved abroad, she established a salon which nurtured some of the most important writers of the 29th century. Her partner was known for a secret ingredient in her brownies.. Answer: Gertrude Stein. Her partner was Alice B. Toklas, who added marijuana to her brownies, according to the Arlo Guthrie song.
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: Fun Couples: Valentine’s Trivia
1. Question: Name one member of this pair, together for 44 years. Both worked in a Washington, DC government office. Both were closeted. One was reportedly a cross-dresser after work, but before he put on his heels, he busted and ruined the lives of many homosexuals.
2. Question: Name this fun couple of 20+ years who were the toast of contemporary American arts and letters. One was an author and essayist who espoused many feminist theories of the day. The other immortalized pop culture's leading actors, entertainers, and icons with her magazine photography.
3. Question: Name this celebrity who tried gay marriage at least twice: first, to Judy Garland’s opening act, and last, to a producer who is still licking his wounds.
4. Question: Name this couple, together professionally and personally for 40+ years. They produced over 45 major motion pictures.
5. Question: Name this fun couple. One, a TV mogul, made history a decade ago coming out on TV and in real life; the other, a sitcom star, came out recently. One is the first out person to host a major awards show; one adapted his/her name from a Shakespearean character.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Coming Out Support Newsweekly: 1/26/09
Coming Out Support (COS) Newsweekly
Volume 12 No. 4 January 26, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB
The Fine Print
See previous issues
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 26-February 1, 2009
MON-FRI: 1/26-1/30: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, initiative aimed at grades 5-8. Educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. www.glsen.org
TUE: 1/27: Atlanta, GA: E. Lynn Harris does a reading/booksigning of his new novel, "Basketball Jones". 7:30PM. Outwrite Books. www.outwritebooks.com. Also: WED: 1/28: Lithonia, GA: 7PM. Borders. FRI: 1/30: Birmingham, AL: 11AM. St. Vincent's www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780767926270&view=isbn_events
WED-SUN: 1/28-2/01: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
WED-SUN: 1/28-2/01: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
WED-SUN: 1/28-2/01: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
THU-SUN: 1/29-2/01: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
THU-SUN: 1/29-2/01: Omaha, NE: Pride Players 10th Anniversary. The Rose Theater’s Teens ‘N’ Theater program presents a series of monologues, poems, and improvised scenes exploring the trials and tribulations of being an LGBT or straight teen in Omaha. (402) 345-4849
SUN-SUN: 2/01-2/08: Whistler, BC: WinterPRIDE, Whistler's gay ski celebration week. gaywhistler.com.
Newsworthy:
Inauguration Recaps:
Towleroad did a superb job: www.towleroad.com
The Washington Blade had extensive coverage: www.washblade.com
Oregon: Out Portland mayor Sam Adams may be probed, after he admitted lying about a relationship with a teen.
CNN reports: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/portland.mayor.affair/?iref=hpmostpop
Southern Voice/Washington Blade reports: http://www.southernvoice.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=23585
Lifetime will pick up the new sitcom "Drop Dead Diva" which co-stars Margaret Cho. The series is set to ebut this summer. Playbill.com reports: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125290.html
The Buzz (People Making News)
Jail For Boy George. He'll go behind bars for 15 months for imprisoning a male escort. The Guardian reports: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jan/16/boy-george-sentenced-handcuffing-male-escort
Awards and Honors:
Oscar Nominations: "Milk" receives multiple nominations: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTBLPS8iUeO9YnxMp4Ebi3dIzZtQD95S7OB82
Nominations: Razzie Awards for the worst in cinema: http://www.razzies.com/history/29thNoms.asp
Winner: Weblog Awards: Towleroad for Best LGBT Blog. Congratulations. For the Towleroad report (which lists some of the other great LGBT blogs): http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/towleroad-wins.html
Nathan Lane was inducted into the 2008 Theater Hall of Fame.
Features
Tom Hanks on Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8: FOX News reports: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,480167,00.html
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***Cornbury: The Queen's Governor. A satirical look at a lost chapter in New York history, when 18th century Edward Hyde, Lord Canterbury, and governor of New York, dresses in drag as his first cousin, Queen Anne. to 2/08/09. www.TheatreAskew.com.
***Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein's acclaimed story of a drag queen who falls in love, raises a foster son, and comes to terms with his mother. to 2/01/09. www.blackhennaproductions.com
***Uncle Vanya. Out actor Denis O'Hare ("Take Me Out") plays the title role in Chekhov's dark tale of wasted lives and unfulfilled dreams. Co-stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. to 3/08/09. www.classicstage.org
Elsewhere...
***Dolls. World premiere by and starring Michael Phillis. A gay man's doll collection comes to life. to 2/22/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Dusty and the Big Bad World Dusty, hero of "the most popular animated PBS children's television show in America" goes to visit a family with two daddies. to 2/28/09. Denver, CO. www.denvercenter.org
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. Winner 2004 Pulitzer Prize to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***The Little Dog Laughed. A barracuda Hollywood agent in high heels has a problem. Her matinee idol client plans to come out. to 3/08/09. Washington, DC. www.signature-theatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Tennessee in the Summer. Joe Besecker's take on the psyche of gay playwright Tennessee Williams. to 3/01/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Xanadu, the Broadway musical hit based on the Olivia Newton John movie. "Children's theatre for 40 year old gay men". Chicago, IL. www.BroadwayInChicago.com
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Truman Capote novella turned into a hit film starring Audrey Hepburn and featuring the standard "Moon River".
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman. David Weisman's documentary about how Manuel Puig's novel became a movie with William Hurt (as a gay window dresser) and Raul Julia; and later became a Broadway musical.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
***January: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
***SAT: 1/24: Savage Grace. Based on true events, Barbara Daly (Julianne Moore)attempts to "cure" her son's homosexuality with tragic results. 10PM. Sundance.
***TUE: 1/27: Liza Minnelli visits “The View”. ABC. Check local listings.
***THU: 1/29: Alec Mapa returns to "Ugly Betty" as Suzuki St-Pierre. Christian Hof, late of Broadway's "Pal Joey" and Jacques Pepin, the chef, also guest star. 8PM. ABC.
***THU: 1/29: The Trials of Ted Haggard, the documentary about the disgraced evangelist leader as he struggles to rebuild his world. In 2006, he was outed by a male prostitute. Filmed by Alexandra Pelosi (Nancy's daughter). 8PM. HBO. Additional airings on HBO and HBO2 through mid-February.
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
2/03/09: Albany, NY: Marriage Equality Day. An organized chance to meet with NY State legislators to lobby for marriage equality. http://www.marriageequalityny.org/marriage_day.html
2/09/09: New York, NY: Broadway Backwards. The guys perform music usually performed by dolls and vice versa. Starring: Alan Cumming, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Sieber, Mario Cantone, Megan Mullally, and Jai Rodriguez. A benefit for the LGBT Community Center. www.gaycenter.org
2/09/09: San Francisco, CA: All You Need Is Love: A Help is On the Way's Valentine Benefit concert with Wilson, Cruz, Loretta Devine, Sharon McKnight and more. The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation raises money for local beneficiaries. www.helpisontheway.org.
2/13/09-2/15/09: Santa Barbara, CA: 19th LGBTQIA Western Regional College Conference: “Cultivating Our Roots, From the Ground Up: How Deep Is Your Love?” The conference is designed to provide a place for people of all identities to feel safe and welcome as well as educate and empower queer youths, students, families, professionals, other community members, and allies. www.uclgbtia.org/conference2009/
3/01/09-3/07/09: Lake Tahoe, NV: Lake Tahoe WinterFest Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. includes Outlaugh comedy festival. www.LakeTahoeWinterfest.com
3/4/09-3/6/09: Philadelphia, PA: Rethinking Sex: Gender and Sexuality Studies State of the Field Conference. Sponsored by Penn’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, Women’s Studies, and the Alice Paul Center for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality. www.sas.upenn.edu/wstudies/rethinkingsex/
3/12/09-3/14/09: Storrs, CT: True Colors XVI Conference focusing on the needs of LGBTQ youth and their allies through a comprehensive annual conference. Programs on mental and behavioral health. www.ourtruecolors.org.
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: LGBT Birthday Milestones of 2009
1. Question: Name this occasional musician turned activist (she was a spokesperson for GLAAD), who turns the Big 40 this year. Her parents were a popular singing duo when she was born. Her mother continues to give farewell performances around the world. Answer: Chastity Bono (born 1969) daughter of Sonny and Cher.
2. Question: Name this award-winnning playwright, actor, producer and composer, who would have turned 110 this year. One of his most famous comedies returns to Broadway this season, starring a popular actor/author who turns 50 this year, alongside a famous actress who played a madcap aunt and another famous actress, who played mother and daughter in a musical that could have been subtitled "For Whom The Beales Toll". Answer: Sir Noel Coward, who wrote "Private Lives" in 1930. It returns to Broadway with birthday boy Rupert Everett (turning 50), Angela Lansbury ("Mame") and Christine Ebersole ("Grey Gardens").
3. Question: Name this flamboyant entertainer and pianist (who would have turned 90 this year) known for his candelabras, costumes, cars and kitsch. He took on the sobriquet "Mr. Showmanship", and as his act swelled with spectacle, he famously stated, "I'm a one-man Disneyland". His baubles, bangles, and beads are housed in a Las Vegas museum. Answer: Liberace, born Wladziu Valentino Liberace.
4. Question: Name this former professional body-builder turned public speaker, author and activist, who turns 50 this year. He came out 20 years ago, and he and his then-partner had a very public commitment ceremony. Answer: Bob Paris, formerly known as Bob Jackson-Paris. He's also been featured in photography books by Herb Ritts and Tom Bianchi.
5. Question: Name this American actress, comic, author, and activist. She turns 70 this year. She first received acclaim in sketch comedy. She broke new ground by crossing gender and racial stereotypes in a take-off on Luther Vandross; she won a Tony in a one-person show authored by her partner. She most recently starred in a drama about life in the White House. Answer: Lily Tomlin of "Laugh-In", "The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" (written by Jane Wagner), and "The West Wing".
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: February Milestones
1. Question: Name this elected official who started a national craze on February 12, 2004 just weeks after taking the oath office. Saying he was influenced by a President’s State of the Union address that appeared to make gays second class citizens, his actions caused national controversy, yet made him a hero within the LGBT community.
2. Question: Name this rodent, who comes out annually on February 2nd. His coming out, applauded by people everywhere, is used to predict weather events.
3. Question: Name this hit television show, which was the first to feature a lesbian liplock on February 7, 1991. Hint: It’s based down the coast from the Newsom residence in Question #1.
4. Question: Name this award-winning gay athlete, born February 10, 1893. He captured worldwide acclaim for his skills, only to fall into obscurity when his interest in young men came to light.
5. Question: Name this lesbian writer, born in Pennsylvania on February 3, 1874. After she moved abroad, she established a salon which nurtured some of the most important writers of the 29th century. Her partner was known for a secret ingredient in her brownies..
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com. If you do not want your email address to appear in the blog format of this newsletter, please indicate that. http://cosnewsweekly.blogspot.com/
Volume 12 No. 4 January 26, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB
The Fine Print
See previous issues
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 26-February 1, 2009
MON-FRI: 1/26-1/30: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, initiative aimed at grades 5-8. Educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. www.glsen.org
TUE: 1/27: Atlanta, GA: E. Lynn Harris does a reading/booksigning of his new novel, "Basketball Jones". 7:30PM. Outwrite Books. www.outwritebooks.com. Also: WED: 1/28: Lithonia, GA: 7PM. Borders. FRI: 1/30: Birmingham, AL: 11AM. St. Vincent's www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780767926270&view=isbn_events
WED-SUN: 1/28-2/01: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
WED-SUN: 1/28-2/01: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
WED-SUN: 1/28-2/01: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
THU-SUN: 1/29-2/01: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
THU-SUN: 1/29-2/01: Omaha, NE: Pride Players 10th Anniversary. The Rose Theater’s Teens ‘N’ Theater program presents a series of monologues, poems, and improvised scenes exploring the trials and tribulations of being an LGBT or straight teen in Omaha. (402) 345-4849
SUN-SUN: 2/01-2/08: Whistler, BC: WinterPRIDE, Whistler's gay ski celebration week. gaywhistler.com.
Newsworthy:
Inauguration Recaps:
Towleroad did a superb job: www.towleroad.com
The Washington Blade had extensive coverage: www.washblade.com
Oregon: Out Portland mayor Sam Adams may be probed, after he admitted lying about a relationship with a teen.
CNN reports: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/portland.mayor.affair/?iref=hpmostpop
Southern Voice/Washington Blade reports: http://www.southernvoice.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=23585
Lifetime will pick up the new sitcom "Drop Dead Diva" which co-stars Margaret Cho. The series is set to ebut this summer. Playbill.com reports: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125290.html
The Buzz (People Making News)
Jail For Boy George. He'll go behind bars for 15 months for imprisoning a male escort. The Guardian reports: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jan/16/boy-george-sentenced-handcuffing-male-escort
Awards and Honors:
Oscar Nominations: "Milk" receives multiple nominations: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTBLPS8iUeO9YnxMp4Ebi3dIzZtQD95S7OB82
Nominations: Razzie Awards for the worst in cinema: http://www.razzies.com/history/29thNoms.asp
Winner: Weblog Awards: Towleroad for Best LGBT Blog. Congratulations. For the Towleroad report (which lists some of the other great LGBT blogs): http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/towleroad-wins.html
Nathan Lane was inducted into the 2008 Theater Hall of Fame.
Features
Tom Hanks on Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8: FOX News reports: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,480167,00.html
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***Cornbury: The Queen's Governor. A satirical look at a lost chapter in New York history, when 18th century Edward Hyde, Lord Canterbury, and governor of New York, dresses in drag as his first cousin, Queen Anne. to 2/08/09. www.TheatreAskew.com.
***Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein's acclaimed story of a drag queen who falls in love, raises a foster son, and comes to terms with his mother. to 2/01/09. www.blackhennaproductions.com
***Uncle Vanya. Out actor Denis O'Hare ("Take Me Out") plays the title role in Chekhov's dark tale of wasted lives and unfulfilled dreams. Co-stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. to 3/08/09. www.classicstage.org
Elsewhere...
***Dolls. World premiere by and starring Michael Phillis. A gay man's doll collection comes to life. to 2/22/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Dusty and the Big Bad World Dusty, hero of "the most popular animated PBS children's television show in America" goes to visit a family with two daddies. to 2/28/09. Denver, CO. www.denvercenter.org
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. Winner 2004 Pulitzer Prize to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***The Little Dog Laughed. A barracuda Hollywood agent in high heels has a problem. Her matinee idol client plans to come out. to 3/08/09. Washington, DC. www.signature-theatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Tennessee in the Summer. Joe Besecker's take on the psyche of gay playwright Tennessee Williams. to 3/01/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Xanadu, the Broadway musical hit based on the Olivia Newton John movie. "Children's theatre for 40 year old gay men". Chicago, IL. www.BroadwayInChicago.com
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Truman Capote novella turned into a hit film starring Audrey Hepburn and featuring the standard "Moon River".
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman. David Weisman's documentary about how Manuel Puig's novel became a movie with William Hurt (as a gay window dresser) and Raul Julia; and later became a Broadway musical.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
***January: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
***SAT: 1/24: Savage Grace. Based on true events, Barbara Daly (Julianne Moore)attempts to "cure" her son's homosexuality with tragic results. 10PM. Sundance.
***TUE: 1/27: Liza Minnelli visits “The View”. ABC. Check local listings.
***THU: 1/29: Alec Mapa returns to "Ugly Betty" as Suzuki St-Pierre. Christian Hof, late of Broadway's "Pal Joey" and Jacques Pepin, the chef, also guest star. 8PM. ABC.
***THU: 1/29: The Trials of Ted Haggard, the documentary about the disgraced evangelist leader as he struggles to rebuild his world. In 2006, he was outed by a male prostitute. Filmed by Alexandra Pelosi (Nancy's daughter). 8PM. HBO. Additional airings on HBO and HBO2 through mid-February.
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
2/03/09: Albany, NY: Marriage Equality Day. An organized chance to meet with NY State legislators to lobby for marriage equality. http://www.marriageequalityny.org/marriage_day.html
2/09/09: New York, NY: Broadway Backwards. The guys perform music usually performed by dolls and vice versa. Starring: Alan Cumming, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Sieber, Mario Cantone, Megan Mullally, and Jai Rodriguez. A benefit for the LGBT Community Center. www.gaycenter.org
2/09/09: San Francisco, CA: All You Need Is Love: A Help is On the Way's Valentine Benefit concert with Wilson, Cruz, Loretta Devine, Sharon McKnight and more. The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation raises money for local beneficiaries. www.helpisontheway.org.
2/13/09-2/15/09: Santa Barbara, CA: 19th LGBTQIA Western Regional College Conference: “Cultivating Our Roots, From the Ground Up: How Deep Is Your Love?” The conference is designed to provide a place for people of all identities to feel safe and welcome as well as educate and empower queer youths, students, families, professionals, other community members, and allies. www.uclgbtia.org/conference2009/
3/01/09-3/07/09: Lake Tahoe, NV: Lake Tahoe WinterFest Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. includes Outlaugh comedy festival. www.LakeTahoeWinterfest.com
3/4/09-3/6/09: Philadelphia, PA: Rethinking Sex: Gender and Sexuality Studies State of the Field Conference. Sponsored by Penn’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, Women’s Studies, and the Alice Paul Center for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality. www.sas.upenn.edu/wstudies/rethinkingsex/
3/12/09-3/14/09: Storrs, CT: True Colors XVI Conference focusing on the needs of LGBTQ youth and their allies through a comprehensive annual conference. Programs on mental and behavioral health. www.ourtruecolors.org.
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: LGBT Birthday Milestones of 2009
1. Question: Name this occasional musician turned activist (she was a spokesperson for GLAAD), who turns the Big 40 this year. Her parents were a popular singing duo when she was born. Her mother continues to give farewell performances around the world. Answer: Chastity Bono (born 1969) daughter of Sonny and Cher.
2. Question: Name this award-winnning playwright, actor, producer and composer, who would have turned 110 this year. One of his most famous comedies returns to Broadway this season, starring a popular actor/author who turns 50 this year, alongside a famous actress who played a madcap aunt and another famous actress, who played mother and daughter in a musical that could have been subtitled "For Whom The Beales Toll". Answer: Sir Noel Coward, who wrote "Private Lives" in 1930. It returns to Broadway with birthday boy Rupert Everett (turning 50), Angela Lansbury ("Mame") and Christine Ebersole ("Grey Gardens").
3. Question: Name this flamboyant entertainer and pianist (who would have turned 90 this year) known for his candelabras, costumes, cars and kitsch. He took on the sobriquet "Mr. Showmanship", and as his act swelled with spectacle, he famously stated, "I'm a one-man Disneyland". His baubles, bangles, and beads are housed in a Las Vegas museum. Answer: Liberace, born Wladziu Valentino Liberace.
4. Question: Name this former professional body-builder turned public speaker, author and activist, who turns 50 this year. He came out 20 years ago, and he and his then-partner had a very public commitment ceremony. Answer: Bob Paris, formerly known as Bob Jackson-Paris. He's also been featured in photography books by Herb Ritts and Tom Bianchi.
5. Question: Name this American actress, comic, author, and activist. She turns 70 this year. She first received acclaim in sketch comedy. She broke new ground by crossing gender and racial stereotypes in a take-off on Luther Vandross; she won a Tony in a one-person show authored by her partner. She most recently starred in a drama about life in the White House. Answer: Lily Tomlin of "Laugh-In", "The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" (written by Jane Wagner), and "The West Wing".
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: February Milestones
1. Question: Name this elected official who started a national craze on February 12, 2004 just weeks after taking the oath office. Saying he was influenced by a President’s State of the Union address that appeared to make gays second class citizens, his actions caused national controversy, yet made him a hero within the LGBT community.
2. Question: Name this rodent, who comes out annually on February 2nd. His coming out, applauded by people everywhere, is used to predict weather events.
3. Question: Name this hit television show, which was the first to feature a lesbian liplock on February 7, 1991. Hint: It’s based down the coast from the Newsom residence in Question #1.
4. Question: Name this award-winning gay athlete, born February 10, 1893. He captured worldwide acclaim for his skills, only to fall into obscurity when his interest in young men came to light.
5. Question: Name this lesbian writer, born in Pennsylvania on February 3, 1874. After she moved abroad, she established a salon which nurtured some of the most important writers of the 29th century. Her partner was known for a secret ingredient in her brownies..
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com. If you do not want your email address to appear in the blog format of this newsletter, please indicate that. http://cosnewsweekly.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Coming Out Support Newsweekly / 1-19-09
Coming Out Support (COS) Newsweekly
Volume 12 No. 3 January 19, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB@aol.com
The Fine Print
About this Newsletter: All information included is proprietary information provided for your personal use only. None of the information here may be redistributed or reprinted without the written consent of the editor. All times listed are ET (Eastern Time). Dates and times are subject to change. This newsletter, published by Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, was initially started by members of the AOL Community Leaders Program.
Subscription Information: This newsletter is available via free email subscription only. Our mailing list is confidential.
To subscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Subscribe COS News” in subject line.
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The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 19-25, 2009
to WED: 1/21: Washington, DC: Obama Inauguration Activities. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSBfplgKCknSYrBU6lZTENGAmfFwD95N0CU80
to SAT: 1/24: Park City, UT: Sundance Film Festival. http://festival.sundance.org/2009/ Also: to WED: 1/21: Queer Lounge, ground zero for LGBT film makers and artists. www.queerlounge.org.
to MON: 1/19: Atlanta, GA: GLSEN SOCO Weekend. Students of Color Organizing (SOCO) gathering of middle and high school students of color to provide networking and skills building opportunities. www.glsen.org
MON: 1/19: New York, NY: Bye George! An End of an Error. Lea DeLaria, Michael ("Ugly Betty") Urie, Justin ("Kiki & Herb") Bond and the cast of "Hair" bid George W. Bush "adieu". www.joespub.com.
TUE: 1/20: Nationwide: Change Begins. The Inauguration of Barack Obama.
TUE: 1/20: New York, NY: Day One: An Evening of Celebration, a benefit concert for ASTEP with Seth Rudetsky, Lea DeLaria, Jeff Blumenkrantz and more. www.joespub.com.
THU: 1/22: Hollywood, CA: Oscars Nominations announced. www.oscars.org.
THU: 1/22: New York, NY: GLYDSA Monthly Meeting: Raising kids as a gay or lesbian Jewish couple. Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center. http://www.orthogays.org/calendar.html
FRI: 1/23: New York, NY: Dance From the Heart. Rob Ashford hosts a thrilling evening of dance to benefit Dancers Responding To AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Performances by American Ballet Theatre, Battleworks, Broadway’s Billy Elliot, Camille A. Brown, Dresden SemperOper Ballett, Les Ballet Grandiva, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. www.dradance.org.
FRI: 1/23: New York, NY: Sanjaya Malakar, “American Idol” contestant, signs copies of "Dancing To The Music In My Head". 6PM. Border's. Columbus Circle.
Newsworthy: The Obama Transition & Inauguration
Obama Administration LGBT Appointments:
***Fred Hochberg, businessman, is likely to be appointed Chair of the US Export-Import Bank. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70418.asp
***Brian Bond, will be named as deputy director of the Office of Public Liaison. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid70334.asp
***John Berry will be named director of the Office of Personnel Management, according to The Washington Post. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70673.asp
***David Medina has been named deputy chief of staff for Michelle Obama;
***Dave Noble will serve as the White House's liason to NASA.
***Karine Jean-Pierre will be White House liason to the Department of Labor. The Washington Blade reports on Medina, Noble, and Jean-Pierre: http://washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23455
Rev. V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who became the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop in 2003 and last year entered into a civil union with his gay partner, will deliver the invocation for Sunday’s kickoff inaugural event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with President-elect Obama in attendance. The event is free and open to the public. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/gay-bishop-gene.html
Hillary Clinton addresses State Department LGBT Policies at Confirmation Hearings. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/hillary-clint-1.html
Newsworthy:
Eddy Curry Sued. Dave Kuchinsky, a former chauffeur for the Knicks center, is suing for (gay) sexual harassment. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/sports/basketball/13eddy.html?ref=sports
Proposition 8 Update: Groups want donors in favor of Proposition 8 to be anonymous, and other issues from Towleroad.com: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/prop-8-supports.html
For Larry Craig, the Appeal's Over. The former senator has dropped his campaign to clear his name. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/us/09craig.html?ref=us
Fired For Being Gay. A Tennessee man was fired from his position at a Brentwood hotel, after the owner found out that he was gay. The man plans to sue. WSMV/Nashville reports: http://www.wsmv.com/news/18442419/detail.html#-
Regent Entertainment Media, publishers of The Advocate and Out magazines and owner of the here! TV network announced Thursday that it has signed a merger agreement with PlanetOut Inc. the Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70389.asp
No Pubic Television: Sir Ian McKellan's nude scene in "King Lear" has been deleted from the PBS screening. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/01/08/arts/AP-TV-Ian-McKellen.html?_r=1
The Buzz (People Making News)
Alicia Skillman has been named executive director of Michigan's Triangle Foundation, the first woman, and the first woman of color, to lead the organization. The Detroit-based Triangle Foundation is Michigan's largest LGBT organization. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70353.asp
Awards and Honors:
Winners: 2009 Critics Choice Awards: Sean Penn was named Best Actor for "Milk,". Best Acting Ensemble was presented to the cast of "Milk."
www.bfca.org.
Nominees: Directors Guild of America: Outstanding Directorial Achievement: Gus Van Sant for "Milk". www.dga.org.
In Memoriam:
Tom O'Horgan, the awar-winning theatre director who put "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair" on Broadway, died on 1/11/09, at age 84.
Playbill.com reports: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125120.html
When O'Horgan gave up his Manhattan loft, it made history.
The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/theater/01trove.html
Features
Profile: David Cicilline, mayor of Providence, RI, stands to become the nation’s first governor to be elected as openly gay. Elected six years ago to the seat previously held by Vincent “Buddy” Cianci (who went to prison in 2001 for racketeering and corruption), Cicilline has made substantial improvements to the city. He drew more than $3 billion in investments to the city, erased a $59 million debt and reduced the crime rate to its lowest level in 30 years. GayPolitics.com reports: http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/01/12/david-cicilline-the-nations-first-out-governor/
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
The Resource Center:
GLYDSA, The Gay and Lesbian Yeshiva Day School Alumni Association provides resources, information and events in a safe space for LGBT Jews who wish to intergrate their Jewish and gay identities in a self-affirming manner. www.orthogays.com.
GayPolitics.com, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, brings attention to the accomplishments of openly LGBT elected and appointed officials, as well as highlight the campaigns of Victory’s endorsed candidates. Check out their Blog Roll. www.gaypolitics.com.
In Print:
Hollywood Bohemians: Transgressive Sexuality and the Selling of the Movieland Dream by Brett L. Abrams. McFarland. Abrams explores the relationship between Cary Grant and Randolph Scott, who led gay lives right under everyone's nose. For the Advocate report: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid70080.asp
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***Cornbury: The Queen's Governor. William M. Hoffman’s satirical look at a lost chapter in New York history: 18th century Edward Hyde, Lord Canterbury, and governor of New York, dresses in drag as his first cousin, Queen Anne. to 2/08/09. www.TheatreAskew.com.
***Justin Bond's Rites: Songs for the Neo-Pagan Revolution. Kiki of "Kiki & Herb" revels in the rites of winter. 1/25/09. www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/635375
***Paulo Szot, out Tony winner ("South Pacific") and opera star. in concert. 1/24/09. Lincoln Center American Songbook Series. www.lincolncenter.org.
***The Third Story. Charles Busch and Kathleen Turner star in his new comedy. 1/14/09-2/28/09. www.mcctheatre.org
***Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein's acclaimed story of a drag queen who falls in love, raises a foster son, and comes to terms with his mother. to 2/01/09. www.blackhennaproductions.com
Elsewhere...
***Beyond The Rainbow. The life story of Judy Garland (played by Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck). to 2/01/09. Rochester, MI. www.mbtheatre.com
***Dolls. A gay man's doll collection comes to life. to 2/22/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Dusty and the Big Bad World. Dusty, hero of "the popular animated PBS children's TV show" visits a family with two daddies. to 2/28/09. Denver, CO. http://www.denvercenter.org
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's classic, reimagined as a lesbian drama. to 1/29/09. Philadelphia, PA. mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***The Little Dog Laughed. A barracuda Hollywood agent in high heels has a problem. Her matinee idol client plans to come out. to 3/08/09. Washington, DC. www.signature-theatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. Steven Fales' play based on his adventures as a gay Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Shut Up Sweet Charlotte!, Varla Jean Merman and Ricky Graham in performance. to 1/31/09, Atlanta, GA. www.varlaonline.com.
***Tennessee in the Summer. Joe Besecker's take on the psyche of gay playwright Tennessee Williams. Winner of the Jane Chambers International Gay Playwriting Contest. to 3/01/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Truman Capote novella turned into a hit film starring Audrey Hepburn and featuring the standard "Moon River".
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman. David Weisman's documentary about how Manuel Puig's novel became a movie with William Hurt (as a gay window dresser) and Raul Julia; and later became a Broadway musical.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
***Ongoing: Chopped. A new cooking competition with "Queer Eye" foodie Ted Allen as host. Food Network. 10PM. TUE.
***January: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
***SUN: 1/18: The L Word. Season Premiere. 9PM. Showtime.
***SAT: 1/24: Prayers for Bobby. The true story of Mary Griffith ( played bySignourney Weaver), gay rights crusader, whose teenage son committed suicide due to her religious intolerance. 9PM. Lifetime. www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/movies/prayers-bobby
***SUN: 1/25: Screen Actors Guild Awards. Live. 8PM. TNT and TBS.
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
1/26/09-1/30/09: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) initiative. Aimed at grades 5-8. www.glsen.org
1/28/09-2/01/09: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
1/28/09-2/01/09: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
1/28/09-2/01/09: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
1/29/09-1/31/09: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: The Golden Globes
1. Question: Name this film, a remake of a classic, which won a record five Golden Globes. Its star, played by a gay icon, reprised a role played by an even bigger gay icon. Answer: A Star is Born (1977). Barbra Streisand played the role of Esther Blodgett, originated by Judy Garland.
2. Question: Name this gay-themed film, a Golden Globe winner for "Best Motion Picture Drama" in 2006, which was later snubbed by the Oscars. One of its stars, also nominated, lost to an actor playing a gay author. Answer: Brokeback Mountain. Golden Globe nominee Heath Ledger lost the acting honor to Philip Seymour Hoffman as (Truman) "Capote". The film overall won four Golden Globes.
3. Question: Name this film, the first major motion picture to deal positively with HIV and AIDS. Its star and its theme song won Golden Globes. Answer: Philadelphia, a 1994 winner. Tom Hanks won the acting honor; Bruce Springsteen picked up the music award.
4. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life lesbian prostitute turned serial killer. Answer: Charlize Theron, winner of acting honors for "Monster", the story of Aileen Wuornos. She also has a GLAAD Media Award.
5. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life transgender teen, who was brutally murdered when his sexuality was exposed. Answer: Hilary Swank, winner of acting honors for "Boys Don't Cry", the story of Brandon Teena. The film won a GLAAD Media Award.
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: LGBT Birthday Milestones of 2009
1. Question: Name this occasional musician turned activist (she was a spokesperson for GLAAD), who turns the Big 40 this year. Her parents were a popular singing duo when she was born. Her mother continues to give farewell performances around the world.
2. Question: Name this award-winnning playwright, actor, producer and composer, who would have turned 110 this year. One of his most famous comedies returns to Broadway this season, starring a popular actor/author who turns 50 this year, alongside a famous actress who played a madcap aunt and another famous actress, who played mother and daughter in a musical that could have been subtitled "For Whom The Beales Toll".
3. Question: Name this flamboyant entertainer and pianist (who would have turned 90 this year) known for his candelabras, costumes, cars and kitsch. He took on the sobriquet "Mr. Showmanship", and as his act swelled with spectacle, he famously stated, "I'm a one-man Disneyland". His baubles, bangles, and beads are housed in a Las Vegas museum.
4. Question: Name this former professional body-builder turned public speaker, author and activist, who turns 50 this year. He came out 20 years ago, and he and his then-partner had a very public commitment ceremony.
5. Question: Name this American actress, comic, author, and activist. She turns 70 this year. She first received acclaim in sketch comedy. She broke new ground by crossing gender and racial stereotypes in a take-off on Luther Vandross; she won a Tony in a one-person show authored by her partner. She most recently starred in a drama about life in the White House.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com. If you do not want your email address to appear in the blog format of this newsletter, please indicate that. http://cosnewsweekly.blogspot.com/
Volume 12 No. 3 January 19, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB@aol.com
The Fine Print
About this Newsletter: All information included is proprietary information provided for your personal use only. None of the information here may be redistributed or reprinted without the written consent of the editor. All times listed are ET (Eastern Time). Dates and times are subject to change. This newsletter, published by Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, was initially started by members of the AOL Community Leaders Program.
Subscription Information: This newsletter is available via free email subscription only. Our mailing list is confidential.
To subscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Subscribe COS News” in subject line.
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The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 19-25, 2009
to WED: 1/21: Washington, DC: Obama Inauguration Activities. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSBfplgKCknSYrBU6lZTENGAmfFwD95N0CU80
to SAT: 1/24: Park City, UT: Sundance Film Festival. http://festival.sundance.org/2009/ Also: to WED: 1/21: Queer Lounge, ground zero for LGBT film makers and artists. www.queerlounge.org.
to MON: 1/19: Atlanta, GA: GLSEN SOCO Weekend. Students of Color Organizing (SOCO) gathering of middle and high school students of color to provide networking and skills building opportunities. www.glsen.org
MON: 1/19: New York, NY: Bye George! An End of an Error. Lea DeLaria, Michael ("Ugly Betty") Urie, Justin ("Kiki & Herb") Bond and the cast of "Hair" bid George W. Bush "adieu". www.joespub.com.
TUE: 1/20: Nationwide: Change Begins. The Inauguration of Barack Obama.
TUE: 1/20: New York, NY: Day One: An Evening of Celebration, a benefit concert for ASTEP with Seth Rudetsky, Lea DeLaria, Jeff Blumenkrantz and more. www.joespub.com.
THU: 1/22: Hollywood, CA: Oscars Nominations announced. www.oscars.org.
THU: 1/22: New York, NY: GLYDSA Monthly Meeting: Raising kids as a gay or lesbian Jewish couple. Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center. http://www.orthogays.org/calendar.html
FRI: 1/23: New York, NY: Dance From the Heart. Rob Ashford hosts a thrilling evening of dance to benefit Dancers Responding To AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Performances by American Ballet Theatre, Battleworks, Broadway’s Billy Elliot, Camille A. Brown, Dresden SemperOper Ballett, Les Ballet Grandiva, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. www.dradance.org.
FRI: 1/23: New York, NY: Sanjaya Malakar, “American Idol” contestant, signs copies of "Dancing To The Music In My Head". 6PM. Border's. Columbus Circle.
Newsworthy: The Obama Transition & Inauguration
Obama Administration LGBT Appointments:
***Fred Hochberg, businessman, is likely to be appointed Chair of the US Export-Import Bank. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70418.asp
***Brian Bond, will be named as deputy director of the Office of Public Liaison. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid70334.asp
***John Berry will be named director of the Office of Personnel Management, according to The Washington Post. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70673.asp
***David Medina has been named deputy chief of staff for Michelle Obama;
***Dave Noble will serve as the White House's liason to NASA.
***Karine Jean-Pierre will be White House liason to the Department of Labor. The Washington Blade reports on Medina, Noble, and Jean-Pierre: http://washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23455
Rev. V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who became the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop in 2003 and last year entered into a civil union with his gay partner, will deliver the invocation for Sunday’s kickoff inaugural event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with President-elect Obama in attendance. The event is free and open to the public. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/gay-bishop-gene.html
Hillary Clinton addresses State Department LGBT Policies at Confirmation Hearings. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/hillary-clint-1.html
Newsworthy:
Eddy Curry Sued. Dave Kuchinsky, a former chauffeur for the Knicks center, is suing for (gay) sexual harassment. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/sports/basketball/13eddy.html?ref=sports
Proposition 8 Update: Groups want donors in favor of Proposition 8 to be anonymous, and other issues from Towleroad.com: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/prop-8-supports.html
For Larry Craig, the Appeal's Over. The former senator has dropped his campaign to clear his name. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/us/09craig.html?ref=us
Fired For Being Gay. A Tennessee man was fired from his position at a Brentwood hotel, after the owner found out that he was gay. The man plans to sue. WSMV/Nashville reports: http://www.wsmv.com/news/18442419/detail.html#-
Regent Entertainment Media, publishers of The Advocate and Out magazines and owner of the here! TV network announced Thursday that it has signed a merger agreement with PlanetOut Inc. the Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70389.asp
No Pubic Television: Sir Ian McKellan's nude scene in "King Lear" has been deleted from the PBS screening. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/01/08/arts/AP-TV-Ian-McKellen.html?_r=1
The Buzz (People Making News)
Alicia Skillman has been named executive director of Michigan's Triangle Foundation, the first woman, and the first woman of color, to lead the organization. The Detroit-based Triangle Foundation is Michigan's largest LGBT organization. The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid70353.asp
Awards and Honors:
Winners: 2009 Critics Choice Awards: Sean Penn was named Best Actor for "Milk,". Best Acting Ensemble was presented to the cast of "Milk."
www.bfca.org.
Nominees: Directors Guild of America: Outstanding Directorial Achievement: Gus Van Sant for "Milk". www.dga.org.
In Memoriam:
Tom O'Horgan, the awar-winning theatre director who put "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair" on Broadway, died on 1/11/09, at age 84.
Playbill.com reports: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125120.html
When O'Horgan gave up his Manhattan loft, it made history.
The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/theater/01trove.html
Features
Profile: David Cicilline, mayor of Providence, RI, stands to become the nation’s first governor to be elected as openly gay. Elected six years ago to the seat previously held by Vincent “Buddy” Cianci (who went to prison in 2001 for racketeering and corruption), Cicilline has made substantial improvements to the city. He drew more than $3 billion in investments to the city, erased a $59 million debt and reduced the crime rate to its lowest level in 30 years. GayPolitics.com reports: http://www.gaypolitics.com/2009/01/12/david-cicilline-the-nations-first-out-governor/
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
The Resource Center:
GLYDSA, The Gay and Lesbian Yeshiva Day School Alumni Association provides resources, information and events in a safe space for LGBT Jews who wish to intergrate their Jewish and gay identities in a self-affirming manner. www.orthogays.com.
GayPolitics.com, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, brings attention to the accomplishments of openly LGBT elected and appointed officials, as well as highlight the campaigns of Victory’s endorsed candidates. Check out their Blog Roll. www.gaypolitics.com.
In Print:
Hollywood Bohemians: Transgressive Sexuality and the Selling of the Movieland Dream by Brett L. Abrams. McFarland. Abrams explores the relationship between Cary Grant and Randolph Scott, who led gay lives right under everyone's nose. For the Advocate report: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid70080.asp
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***Cornbury: The Queen's Governor. William M. Hoffman’s satirical look at a lost chapter in New York history: 18th century Edward Hyde, Lord Canterbury, and governor of New York, dresses in drag as his first cousin, Queen Anne. to 2/08/09. www.TheatreAskew.com.
***Justin Bond's Rites: Songs for the Neo-Pagan Revolution. Kiki of "Kiki & Herb" revels in the rites of winter. 1/25/09. www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/635375
***Paulo Szot, out Tony winner ("South Pacific") and opera star. in concert. 1/24/09. Lincoln Center American Songbook Series. www.lincolncenter.org.
***The Third Story. Charles Busch and Kathleen Turner star in his new comedy. 1/14/09-2/28/09. www.mcctheatre.org
***Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein's acclaimed story of a drag queen who falls in love, raises a foster son, and comes to terms with his mother. to 2/01/09. www.blackhennaproductions.com
Elsewhere...
***Beyond The Rainbow. The life story of Judy Garland (played by Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck). to 2/01/09. Rochester, MI. www.mbtheatre.com
***Dolls. A gay man's doll collection comes to life. to 2/22/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
***Dusty and the Big Bad World. Dusty, hero of "the popular animated PBS children's TV show" visits a family with two daddies. to 2/28/09. Denver, CO. http://www.denvercenter.org
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's classic, reimagined as a lesbian drama. to 1/29/09. Philadelphia, PA. mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***The Little Dog Laughed. A barracuda Hollywood agent in high heels has a problem. Her matinee idol client plans to come out. to 3/08/09. Washington, DC. www.signature-theatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. Steven Fales' play based on his adventures as a gay Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Shut Up Sweet Charlotte!, Varla Jean Merman and Ricky Graham in performance. to 1/31/09, Atlanta, GA. www.varlaonline.com.
***Tennessee in the Summer. Joe Besecker's take on the psyche of gay playwright Tennessee Williams. Winner of the Jane Chambers International Gay Playwriting Contest. to 3/01/09. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org.
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn). Also starring: Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco.
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a Brooklyn cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a wayward group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a struggling gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Truman Capote novella turned into a hit film starring Audrey Hepburn and featuring the standard "Moon River".
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman. David Weisman's documentary about how Manuel Puig's novel became a movie with William Hurt (as a gay window dresser) and Raul Julia; and later became a Broadway musical.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
***Ongoing: Chopped. A new cooking competition with "Queer Eye" foodie Ted Allen as host. Food Network. 10PM. TUE.
***January: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
***SUN: 1/18: The L Word. Season Premiere. 9PM. Showtime.
***SAT: 1/24: Prayers for Bobby. The true story of Mary Griffith ( played bySignourney Weaver), gay rights crusader, whose teenage son committed suicide due to her religious intolerance. 9PM. Lifetime. www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/movies/prayers-bobby
***SUN: 1/25: Screen Actors Guild Awards. Live. 8PM. TNT and TBS.
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
1/26/09-1/30/09: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) initiative. Aimed at grades 5-8. www.glsen.org
1/28/09-2/01/09: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
1/28/09-2/01/09: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
1/28/09-2/01/09: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
1/29/09-1/31/09: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: The Golden Globes
1. Question: Name this film, a remake of a classic, which won a record five Golden Globes. Its star, played by a gay icon, reprised a role played by an even bigger gay icon. Answer: A Star is Born (1977). Barbra Streisand played the role of Esther Blodgett, originated by Judy Garland.
2. Question: Name this gay-themed film, a Golden Globe winner for "Best Motion Picture Drama" in 2006, which was later snubbed by the Oscars. One of its stars, also nominated, lost to an actor playing a gay author. Answer: Brokeback Mountain. Golden Globe nominee Heath Ledger lost the acting honor to Philip Seymour Hoffman as (Truman) "Capote". The film overall won four Golden Globes.
3. Question: Name this film, the first major motion picture to deal positively with HIV and AIDS. Its star and its theme song won Golden Globes. Answer: Philadelphia, a 1994 winner. Tom Hanks won the acting honor; Bruce Springsteen picked up the music award.
4. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life lesbian prostitute turned serial killer. Answer: Charlize Theron, winner of acting honors for "Monster", the story of Aileen Wuornos. She also has a GLAAD Media Award.
5. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life transgender teen, who was brutally murdered when his sexuality was exposed. Answer: Hilary Swank, winner of acting honors for "Boys Don't Cry", the story of Brandon Teena. The film won a GLAAD Media Award.
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: LGBT Birthday Milestones of 2009
1. Question: Name this occasional musician turned activist (she was a spokesperson for GLAAD), who turns the Big 40 this year. Her parents were a popular singing duo when she was born. Her mother continues to give farewell performances around the world.
2. Question: Name this award-winnning playwright, actor, producer and composer, who would have turned 110 this year. One of his most famous comedies returns to Broadway this season, starring a popular actor/author who turns 50 this year, alongside a famous actress who played a madcap aunt and another famous actress, who played mother and daughter in a musical that could have been subtitled "For Whom The Beales Toll".
3. Question: Name this flamboyant entertainer and pianist (who would have turned 90 this year) known for his candelabras, costumes, cars and kitsch. He took on the sobriquet "Mr. Showmanship", and as his act swelled with spectacle, he famously stated, "I'm a one-man Disneyland". His baubles, bangles, and beads are housed in a Las Vegas museum.
4. Question: Name this former professional body-builder turned public speaker, author and activist, who turns 50 this year. He came out 20 years ago, and he and his then-partner had a very public commitment ceremony.
5. Question: Name this American actress, comic, author, and activist. She turns 70 this year. She first received acclaim in sketch comedy. She broke new ground by crossing gender and racial stereotypes in a take-off on Luther Vandross; she won a Tony in a one-person show authored by her partner. She most recently starred in a drama about life in the White House.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com. If you do not want your email address to appear in the blog format of this newsletter, please indicate that. http://cosnewsweekly.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Intro / What is Coming Out Support News
What is the Coming Out Support Weekly ?
I took over the editing of this weekly newsletter for AOL's Gay and Lesbian Coming Out Support programs, when OnQ, the Gay and Lesbian Community Forum, managed that site. On Q merged with Gay.com and left AOL, and the chats and support groups migrated there for a short period, until they returned to AOL under the People Connection program. When AOL discontinued the Community Leaders program (the folks who managed the chats, message boards, and support groups), the newsletter (and some of the support chats) went independent. It was supposed to be a short-term assignment for me. I'm still doing it 8 years later, and the newsletter (available by email) has several hundred readers.
Full issues are emailed. If you want to subscribe, email OnQYB@aol.com and put "Subscribe COS" in the subject header. The newsletter mailing list is confidential; it will neither be shared nor sold.
Newsletter summaries will appear here each week.
I took over the editing of this weekly newsletter for AOL's Gay and Lesbian Coming Out Support programs, when OnQ, the Gay and Lesbian Community Forum, managed that site. On Q merged with Gay.com and left AOL, and the chats and support groups migrated there for a short period, until they returned to AOL under the People Connection program. When AOL discontinued the Community Leaders program (the folks who managed the chats, message boards, and support groups), the newsletter (and some of the support chats) went independent. It was supposed to be a short-term assignment for me. I'm still doing it 8 years later, and the newsletter (available by email) has several hundred readers.
Full issues are emailed. If you want to subscribe, email OnQYB@aol.com and put "Subscribe COS" in the subject header. The newsletter mailing list is confidential; it will neither be shared nor sold.
Newsletter summaries will appear here each week.
The Resource Center
A list of LGBT and Coming Out Support Resources that we've published in the last few years. Publication date: 1/08/09.
The Resource Center:
ACLU. American Civil Liberties Union. Protects civil rights of the LGBT community. www.aclu.org.
The Advocate. LGBT news and entertainment magazine. It's online version has breaking news and other features. www.advocate.com.
Assorted Calendars of Events
***Damron Guides Event Calendars: http://www.damron.com/calendar/index.html
***Pride Events worldwide: www.interpride.org.
***PRIDE Calendars: http://www.gayfriendlybiz.com/calendar.html
***Gay.com’s Pride Calendar: www.gay.com/pride/calendar/
***LGBT Sports Events from Outsports: http://www.outsports.com/localEvents/index.cfm
***LGBT Film Festivals from PlanetOut.com: http://www.planetout.com/popcornq/fests/
***CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers. www.lgbtcenters.org
Alltop: A central site for LGBT news with items from The Advocate, Towleroad, After Elton, After Ellen, Pam's House Blend, and other sources. http://glbt.alltop.com/
Americablog is the brainchild of John Aravosis, a Washington DC-based writer and political consultant, specializing in using the Internet for political advocacy. He is the creator of StopDrLaura.com, Matthew Shepard Online Resources, and DearMary.com, among other activist Web sites. http://americablog.blogspot.com/
Atticus Circle, a Texas-based, national not-for-profit organization, educates and mobilizes fair-minded straight people to advance equal rights for LGBT partners, parents, and their children. To accomplish its goal, Atticus Circle focuses its efforts on education, policy development, and legal advocacy. www.atticuscircle.org
Best Places to Work 2008 List: The Human Rights Campaign has published its annual list of the top companies that support equality for LGBT employees. The Corporate Equality Index gave 195 companies a perfect score demonstrating their commitment to equality. http://www.hrc.org/issues/best_places_to_work_2008.asp
The Bilerico Project is the web's largest LGBTQ group blog with 50 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and genderqueer contributors. The Project is the coming out and together of LGBTQ activists, politicos, journalists, novelists, advice columnists, and video bloggers. www.bilerico.com.
Buying/Selling a House? Need a realtor? A new online resource has over 4,000 listings of LGBT and gay-friendly realtors and information on mortgages. www.gayrealestate.com.
Campus Pride: LGBT and Ally Student Leader Programs. Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network "for" and "by" student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States. www.campuspride.org/
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers. (formerly The National Association of LGBT Community Centers) was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT community centers. The organization plays an important role in supporting the growth of LGBT centers across the country and addressing the challenges they face, by helping them to improve their organizational and service delivery capacity and increase access to public resources. Based in Washington, DC, CenterLink serves over 168 LGBT community centers across the country in 45 states and the District of Columbia, www.lgbtcenters.org
Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
COLAGE: Children of Gays and Lesbians Everywhere. a support program for kids with LGBt parents that was started by kids. www.colage.org.
Coming Out Guides from the Human Rights Campaign: A Resource Guide to Coming Out, A Straight Guide to GLBT Americans, Coming Out as Transgender, Resource Guide to Coming Out for African-Americans and Guía de Recursos Para Salir Del Clóset are all available at: http://www.hrc.org/issues/coming_out.asp
The Coming Out Project of Dallas / Fort Worth, a local program of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, encourages LGBT persons and supportive others to take their next step in the life-long process of living openly and freely. They sponsor "Journey: A Coming Out Workshop Series" in Dallas, TX: http://www.comeout.org/
Coming Out Support Resources from The Advocate: http://www.advocate.com/resources_ektid15.asp
Coming Out Support Resources from Lambda Rising, the Washington, DC based LGBT community book store. http://www.lambdarising.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp;jsessionid=amqLPw_VetH7?s=localinterest&page=277855
Coming Out Toolkit from the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute, to assist LGBT elected officials who want to come out in a planned, strategic manner. http://www.glli.org/professional_development/coming_out
DataLounge. LGBT gossip message boards. www.datalounge.com.
Docurama. A new source for film and video documentaries on VHS and DVD. Many LGBT titles. www.docurama.com.
Edge Publications has become the leading network of local LGBT news and entertainment portals on the net. Look for EDGE editions in: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Providence, Provincetown, San Francisco, plus regional editions for New England and the United States. www.edgepublications.com.
Family Equality Council. Programs for LGBT parents and their families. http://www.familyequality.org/
GayBusinessWorld.com features financial, corporate and business news and information for LGBT community, networking opportunities, and resume site. www.gaybusinessworld.com
The Gay & Lesbian Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is a new professional networking and marketing program of Community Marketing, Inc., a pioneer in LGBT tourism marketing and consumer research since 1992. The new GLCVB program helps connect gay-welcoming destinations and services to LGBT meeting planners, tour operators and travel agents, the LGBT media, and consumers around the world. For information: www.glcvb.org
Gay Dads USA: The Lives of gay dads raising kids in the U.S.A. James Wesley, the partner of Broadway actor/musician Seth Rudetsky, started this blog. It has some great references for gay dads and some sperior firsthand experiences in parenting. www.gaydadsusa.com
GayGevalt.com is a new national Super Queer Jewish Calendar for LGBT community events around the USA. http://gaygevalt.com/calendar/events/index.php
Gay and Lesbians Organizations List: http://faculty.washington.edu/alvin/gayorg.htm. Last revised in 11/07.
Gay Health: Information and resources for LGBT seeking healthcare. http://www.gayhealth.com/templates/index.html
GaylinkNews.com features press releases from LGBT organizations. www.gaylinknews.com.
GayNewsWatch.com surfs the Internet for you, gathering the latest LGBT news and entertainment from all over the world, from the gay press, the mainstream media, blogs and more. www.gaynewswatch.com/
Gay Outdoors offers programs in hiking, camping, skiing, adventure travel and more. www.gayoutdoors.org.
GayPolitics.com, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, brings attention to the accomplishments of openly LGBT elected and appointed officials, as well as highlight the campaigns of Victory’s endorsed candidates. Check out their Blog Roll. www.gaypolitics.com.
GaySports.com features news and information for LGBT atheletes and fans, listings of events and network opportunities. www.gaysports.com
Gaywheels.com is dedicated to promoting responsible consumerism and affecting change by encouraging car shoppers to patronize LGBT-friendly companies throughout the vehicle purchase process. Gaywheels.com launched in June 2005 as the consummate gay-friendly automotive resource. www.gaywheels.com.
Gay Yellow Pages. Geographical listings of services. www.gayellowpages.com.
GLAAD. Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. A national organization that works to protect fair representations of the LGBT community in the media. www.glaad.org.
GLBT National Youth Talkline, for LGBT and questioning under-25 crowd. A free and confidential service staffed by young peer counselers familiar with issues of coming out, HIV, bullying, and parental and relationship problems. They have, at their fingertips, over 18,000 listings of support groups and social organizations. Open daily 9:30PM-midnight ET. 800-246-PRIDE or via email: youth@GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org.
GLISA-NA (Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association) North America has launched its website. The website is a vital tool in promoting the organization and providing to member clubs and associations and partners a venue to share news, best practices, and a calendar of events. www.glisa-na.org
GLMA, The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association announced the upcoming launch
of its LGBT Relationship Violence Project to help educate medical professionals about domestic violence issues affecting LGBT people. For The Advocate Report:
http://advocate.com/new_news.asp?id=14129&sd=10/21/04
For the GLMA website: www.glma.org.
GLSEN, The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, promotes gay-straight alliances and education programs in public and private high schools. GLSEN provides a lot of support for young people in the coming out process. www.glsen.org.
GLYDSA, The Gay and Lesbian Yeshiva Day School Alumni Association provides resources, information and events in a safe space for LGBT Jews who wish to intergrate their Jewish and gay identities in a self-affirming manner. www.orthogays.com.
The Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation's major lobbying organization for gay civil rights, and the organizer of National Coming Out Day. www.hrc.org.
Immigration Equality (formerly the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force) was founded in 1994 and advocates for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive immigrants, their families, friends and loved ones. For more information:http://www.immigrationequality.org
Joe.My.God. A good gay perspective from The Big Apple. http://www.joemygod.blogspot.com/
Kids of Trans Resource Guide: COLAGE (Children of Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) has released its "Kids of Trans Resource Guide", the first of its kind, which was written by and for people with transgender parents. This crucial resource will provide the growing community of children, youth, and adults with one or more transgender parent(s) much needed information about their experience. www.colage.org
The League Foundation provides financial assistance for America's LGBT youth in their quest for higher education. www.leaguefoundation.org
Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association offers resources and support to LGBT vets, students, technicians, and more. www.lgvma.org.
LGBT Choruses Performance Calendar: http://www.galachoruses.org/events/calendar.html
LGBT Resource Guide from The Advocate: http://www.advocate.com/resources_ektid6.asp
LGBT Scholarship Information: The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, released a comprehensive database of more than 160 scholarships available to LGBT and allied students. For information: www.hrc.org/scholarships.
Live Out Loud's mission is to empower, energize and enable LGBT Youth to live the life of their dreams through the celebration of the richness and diversity of our shared experience, the visibility of role models and the dissemination of information. http://www.liveoutloud.info/index.html.
Mapping Our Rights ranks each of the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., on the basis of more than 20 criteria related to LGBT and reproductive rights, including whether same-sex couples can legally adopt, whether there are antidiscrimination protections for gays and lesbians, and whether health care providers can deny services because of their personal beliefs. www.mappingourrights.org.
Matthew's Place, a new resource center launched by the Matthew Shepard Foundation, provides a "safe online place" for LGBTQ youth to find information about counselors, shelters and youth-serving organizations and support. www.matthewsplace.com.
The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, LGBT people. The Coalition works with our communities and our allies for social justice, equality, and an end to racism and homophobia. www.nbjc.org.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a/k/a The Task Force. One of the nation's major lobbying organizations for gay civil rights. www.thetaskforce.org.
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association. A professional organization for LGBT journalists and reporters covering LGBT issues. www.nlgja.org.
NationalGayNews.com is a new online daily gay national electronic newspaper, founded by the original publisher of the Express Gay News, attorney Norman Elliott Kent. www.nationalgaynews.com
OUT for Work is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, preparing, and empowering LGBT college students and their allies for the workplace. OFW's programs, resources, and services provide assistance to students in the cultivation and enhancement of skills to explore career options, master job search techniques and strategies, and research employment opportunities. www.outforwork.com
Out in Scripture, a free weekly online resource for clergy and lay people of faith. The website will provide distinct insights into the Bible, week after week, from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight-supportive perspective. A product of the Human Rights Campaign, the debut of the site marks the first and only major online preaching resource devoted to assisting clergy in planning their sermons and spiritual discussion groups. It will be especially valuable in building welcoming and inclusive congregations around the country. www.hrc.org/scripture
Out Professionals. A New York City LGBT professional networking organization. www.outprofessionals.org
Out Proud: Resources for Queer and Questioning Youth. www.outproud.org
OutSports. A website for LGBT professional and amateur athletes and sports fans. www.outsports.com.
Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples supports the diverse community of committed LGBT partners through a variety of media. The Web site contains more than 250 essays, surveys, legal articles and resources on legal marriage, ceremonies, domestic partner benefits, relationship tips, parenting, and immigration. http://buddybuddy.com/partners.html
PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. www.pflag.org
Pink Is The New Blog: Fingers Firmly on the Pulse. Gossip and commentary about gossip. http://trent.blogspot.com/
The Point Foundation is the first and largest national scholarship program providing comprehensive financial support and mentoring to the most promising and most underserved members of the LGBT community. www.thepointfoundation.org.
Pride Planners: Resources for financial planners serving LGBT individuals and families. www.prideplanners.com.
Proud Parenting, a website to empower LGBT parents and their families with articles, resources, and other support information. www.proudparenting.com.
Queer Experiences: A Coming Out Blog started by Drea Nelson is a chance for people to share their experiences about being queer. It was started for two reasons: as a place for LGBTQIQ people to tell their story, with out the fear of ridicule, shame, or violence; and as a place for people to go to know that they are not alone. http://closetsnomore.blogspot.com.
Queer Resources Directory. An online listings of all resources queer. http://www.qrd.org/qrd/
RainbowAuthors.com, gives LGBT writers the opportunity to take control of their writing careers and publish independently. Numerous a-la-carte choices to publish, edit, design, publicize, and distribute their books, including a free publishing and sales option, are offered. Also, a partnership with Gaybookstoreonline.com provides authors with an additional possible promotional opportunity. www.rainbowauthors.com
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national legal aid and policy organization dedicated to repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members at www.sldn.org.
S.H.E. Spirit Health Education, is a new online community providing information and resources to African American lesbians and bisexual women. www.shecircle.org.
Straight Spouse Network. Provides support programs to spouses of those coming out. http://www.straightspouse.org/
Support Groups for LGBT Parents: http://milepost1.com/%7Egaydad/Support.Groups.html
Ten Blogs About Gays and Lesbians from Associated Content: www.associatedcontent.com/article/57737/ten_blogs_about_gays_and_lesbians.html
TowleRoad, a blog with homosexual tendencies, is a premium site for modern gay men. We like the mix of news and entertainment coverage. www.towleroad.com.
The Trevor Project supports a 24-hour, toll-free anonymous suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ teens. www.thetrevorproject.org.
TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
University LGBTQ Academic Programs in the USA and Canada. http://www.people.ku.edu/%7Ejyounger/lgbtqprogs.html
The Victory Fund works to help LGBT people campaign for office and also rates those running on their records with regard to LGBT issues. www.victoryfund.org.
The Washington Blade. One of the nation's finest LGBT weekly newspapers with good coverage on LGBT issues inside the Beltway. The news section on their website updates daily. www.washblade.com
Yes on Gay Marriage is a new organization formed to work for the rights of gay marriage in all fifty states, repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and recognition by the federal government. The full website will be available in late January 2009. www.yesongaymarriage.org
The Resource Center:
ACLU. American Civil Liberties Union. Protects civil rights of the LGBT community. www.aclu.org.
The Advocate. LGBT news and entertainment magazine. It's online version has breaking news and other features. www.advocate.com.
Assorted Calendars of Events
***Damron Guides Event Calendars: http://www.damron.com/calendar/index.html
***Pride Events worldwide: www.interpride.org.
***PRIDE Calendars: http://www.gayfriendlybiz.com/calendar.html
***Gay.com’s Pride Calendar: www.gay.com/pride/calendar/
***LGBT Sports Events from Outsports: http://www.outsports.com/localEvents/index.cfm
***LGBT Film Festivals from PlanetOut.com: http://www.planetout.com/popcornq/fests/
***CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers. www.lgbtcenters.org
Alltop: A central site for LGBT news with items from The Advocate, Towleroad, After Elton, After Ellen, Pam's House Blend, and other sources. http://glbt.alltop.com/
Americablog is the brainchild of John Aravosis, a Washington DC-based writer and political consultant, specializing in using the Internet for political advocacy. He is the creator of StopDrLaura.com, Matthew Shepard Online Resources, and DearMary.com, among other activist Web sites. http://americablog.blogspot.com/
Atticus Circle, a Texas-based, national not-for-profit organization, educates and mobilizes fair-minded straight people to advance equal rights for LGBT partners, parents, and their children. To accomplish its goal, Atticus Circle focuses its efforts on education, policy development, and legal advocacy. www.atticuscircle.org
Best Places to Work 2008 List: The Human Rights Campaign has published its annual list of the top companies that support equality for LGBT employees. The Corporate Equality Index gave 195 companies a perfect score demonstrating their commitment to equality. http://www.hrc.org/issues/best_places_to_work_2008.asp
The Bilerico Project is the web's largest LGBTQ group blog with 50 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and genderqueer contributors. The Project is the coming out and together of LGBTQ activists, politicos, journalists, novelists, advice columnists, and video bloggers. www.bilerico.com.
Buying/Selling a House? Need a realtor? A new online resource has over 4,000 listings of LGBT and gay-friendly realtors and information on mortgages. www.gayrealestate.com.
Campus Pride: LGBT and Ally Student Leader Programs. Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network "for" and "by" student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States. www.campuspride.org/
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers. (formerly The National Association of LGBT Community Centers) was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT community centers. The organization plays an important role in supporting the growth of LGBT centers across the country and addressing the challenges they face, by helping them to improve their organizational and service delivery capacity and increase access to public resources. Based in Washington, DC, CenterLink serves over 168 LGBT community centers across the country in 45 states and the District of Columbia, www.lgbtcenters.org
Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
COLAGE: Children of Gays and Lesbians Everywhere. a support program for kids with LGBt parents that was started by kids. www.colage.org.
Coming Out Guides from the Human Rights Campaign: A Resource Guide to Coming Out, A Straight Guide to GLBT Americans, Coming Out as Transgender, Resource Guide to Coming Out for African-Americans and Guía de Recursos Para Salir Del Clóset are all available at: http://www.hrc.org/issues/coming_out.asp
The Coming Out Project of Dallas / Fort Worth, a local program of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, encourages LGBT persons and supportive others to take their next step in the life-long process of living openly and freely. They sponsor "Journey: A Coming Out Workshop Series" in Dallas, TX: http://www.comeout.org/
Coming Out Support Resources from The Advocate: http://www.advocate.com/resources_ektid15.asp
Coming Out Support Resources from Lambda Rising, the Washington, DC based LGBT community book store. http://www.lambdarising.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp;jsessionid=amqLPw_VetH7?s=localinterest&page=277855
Coming Out Toolkit from the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute, to assist LGBT elected officials who want to come out in a planned, strategic manner. http://www.glli.org/professional_development/coming_out
DataLounge. LGBT gossip message boards. www.datalounge.com.
Docurama. A new source for film and video documentaries on VHS and DVD. Many LGBT titles. www.docurama.com.
Edge Publications has become the leading network of local LGBT news and entertainment portals on the net. Look for EDGE editions in: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Providence, Provincetown, San Francisco, plus regional editions for New England and the United States. www.edgepublications.com.
Family Equality Council. Programs for LGBT parents and their families. http://www.familyequality.org/
GayBusinessWorld.com features financial, corporate and business news and information for LGBT community, networking opportunities, and resume site. www.gaybusinessworld.com
The Gay & Lesbian Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is a new professional networking and marketing program of Community Marketing, Inc., a pioneer in LGBT tourism marketing and consumer research since 1992. The new GLCVB program helps connect gay-welcoming destinations and services to LGBT meeting planners, tour operators and travel agents, the LGBT media, and consumers around the world. For information: www.glcvb.org
Gay Dads USA: The Lives of gay dads raising kids in the U.S.A. James Wesley, the partner of Broadway actor/musician Seth Rudetsky, started this blog. It has some great references for gay dads and some sperior firsthand experiences in parenting. www.gaydadsusa.com
GayGevalt.com is a new national Super Queer Jewish Calendar for LGBT community events around the USA. http://gaygevalt.com/calendar/events/index.php
Gay and Lesbians Organizations List: http://faculty.washington.edu/alvin/gayorg.htm. Last revised in 11/07.
Gay Health: Information and resources for LGBT seeking healthcare. http://www.gayhealth.com/templates/index.html
GaylinkNews.com features press releases from LGBT organizations. www.gaylinknews.com.
GayNewsWatch.com surfs the Internet for you, gathering the latest LGBT news and entertainment from all over the world, from the gay press, the mainstream media, blogs and more. www.gaynewswatch.com/
Gay Outdoors offers programs in hiking, camping, skiing, adventure travel and more. www.gayoutdoors.org.
GayPolitics.com, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, brings attention to the accomplishments of openly LGBT elected and appointed officials, as well as highlight the campaigns of Victory’s endorsed candidates. Check out their Blog Roll. www.gaypolitics.com.
GaySports.com features news and information for LGBT atheletes and fans, listings of events and network opportunities. www.gaysports.com
Gaywheels.com is dedicated to promoting responsible consumerism and affecting change by encouraging car shoppers to patronize LGBT-friendly companies throughout the vehicle purchase process. Gaywheels.com launched in June 2005 as the consummate gay-friendly automotive resource. www.gaywheels.com.
Gay Yellow Pages. Geographical listings of services. www.gayellowpages.com.
GLAAD. Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. A national organization that works to protect fair representations of the LGBT community in the media. www.glaad.org.
GLBT National Youth Talkline, for LGBT and questioning under-25 crowd. A free and confidential service staffed by young peer counselers familiar with issues of coming out, HIV, bullying, and parental and relationship problems. They have, at their fingertips, over 18,000 listings of support groups and social organizations. Open daily 9:30PM-midnight ET. 800-246-PRIDE or via email: youth@GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org.
GLISA-NA (Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association) North America has launched its website. The website is a vital tool in promoting the organization and providing to member clubs and associations and partners a venue to share news, best practices, and a calendar of events. www.glisa-na.org
GLMA, The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association announced the upcoming launch
of its LGBT Relationship Violence Project to help educate medical professionals about domestic violence issues affecting LGBT people. For The Advocate Report:
http://advocate.com/new_news.asp?id=14129&sd=10/21/04
For the GLMA website: www.glma.org.
GLSEN, The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, promotes gay-straight alliances and education programs in public and private high schools. GLSEN provides a lot of support for young people in the coming out process. www.glsen.org.
GLYDSA, The Gay and Lesbian Yeshiva Day School Alumni Association provides resources, information and events in a safe space for LGBT Jews who wish to intergrate their Jewish and gay identities in a self-affirming manner. www.orthogays.com.
The Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation's major lobbying organization for gay civil rights, and the organizer of National Coming Out Day. www.hrc.org.
Immigration Equality (formerly the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force) was founded in 1994 and advocates for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive immigrants, their families, friends and loved ones. For more information:http://www.immigrationequality.org
Joe.My.God. A good gay perspective from The Big Apple. http://www.joemygod.blogspot.com/
Kids of Trans Resource Guide: COLAGE (Children of Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) has released its "Kids of Trans Resource Guide", the first of its kind, which was written by and for people with transgender parents. This crucial resource will provide the growing community of children, youth, and adults with one or more transgender parent(s) much needed information about their experience. www.colage.org
The League Foundation provides financial assistance for America's LGBT youth in their quest for higher education. www.leaguefoundation.org
Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association offers resources and support to LGBT vets, students, technicians, and more. www.lgvma.org.
LGBT Choruses Performance Calendar: http://www.galachoruses.org/events/calendar.html
LGBT Resource Guide from The Advocate: http://www.advocate.com/resources_ektid6.asp
LGBT Scholarship Information: The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, released a comprehensive database of more than 160 scholarships available to LGBT and allied students. For information: www.hrc.org/scholarships.
Live Out Loud's mission is to empower, energize and enable LGBT Youth to live the life of their dreams through the celebration of the richness and diversity of our shared experience, the visibility of role models and the dissemination of information. http://www.liveoutloud.info/index.html.
Mapping Our Rights ranks each of the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., on the basis of more than 20 criteria related to LGBT and reproductive rights, including whether same-sex couples can legally adopt, whether there are antidiscrimination protections for gays and lesbians, and whether health care providers can deny services because of their personal beliefs. www.mappingourrights.org.
Matthew's Place, a new resource center launched by the Matthew Shepard Foundation, provides a "safe online place" for LGBTQ youth to find information about counselors, shelters and youth-serving organizations and support. www.matthewsplace.com.
The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, LGBT people. The Coalition works with our communities and our allies for social justice, equality, and an end to racism and homophobia. www.nbjc.org.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a/k/a The Task Force. One of the nation's major lobbying organizations for gay civil rights. www.thetaskforce.org.
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association. A professional organization for LGBT journalists and reporters covering LGBT issues. www.nlgja.org.
NationalGayNews.com is a new online daily gay national electronic newspaper, founded by the original publisher of the Express Gay News, attorney Norman Elliott Kent. www.nationalgaynews.com
OUT for Work is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, preparing, and empowering LGBT college students and their allies for the workplace. OFW's programs, resources, and services provide assistance to students in the cultivation and enhancement of skills to explore career options, master job search techniques and strategies, and research employment opportunities. www.outforwork.com
Out in Scripture, a free weekly online resource for clergy and lay people of faith. The website will provide distinct insights into the Bible, week after week, from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight-supportive perspective. A product of the Human Rights Campaign, the debut of the site marks the first and only major online preaching resource devoted to assisting clergy in planning their sermons and spiritual discussion groups. It will be especially valuable in building welcoming and inclusive congregations around the country. www.hrc.org/scripture
Out Professionals. A New York City LGBT professional networking organization. www.outprofessionals.org
Out Proud: Resources for Queer and Questioning Youth. www.outproud.org
OutSports. A website for LGBT professional and amateur athletes and sports fans. www.outsports.com.
Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples supports the diverse community of committed LGBT partners through a variety of media. The Web site contains more than 250 essays, surveys, legal articles and resources on legal marriage, ceremonies, domestic partner benefits, relationship tips, parenting, and immigration. http://buddybuddy.com/partners.html
PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. www.pflag.org
Pink Is The New Blog: Fingers Firmly on the Pulse. Gossip and commentary about gossip. http://trent.blogspot.com/
The Point Foundation is the first and largest national scholarship program providing comprehensive financial support and mentoring to the most promising and most underserved members of the LGBT community. www.thepointfoundation.org.
Pride Planners: Resources for financial planners serving LGBT individuals and families. www.prideplanners.com.
Proud Parenting, a website to empower LGBT parents and their families with articles, resources, and other support information. www.proudparenting.com.
Queer Experiences: A Coming Out Blog started by Drea Nelson is a chance for people to share their experiences about being queer. It was started for two reasons: as a place for LGBTQIQ people to tell their story, with out the fear of ridicule, shame, or violence; and as a place for people to go to know that they are not alone. http://closetsnomore.blogspot.com.
Queer Resources Directory. An online listings of all resources queer. http://www.qrd.org/qrd/
RainbowAuthors.com, gives LGBT writers the opportunity to take control of their writing careers and publish independently. Numerous a-la-carte choices to publish, edit, design, publicize, and distribute their books, including a free publishing and sales option, are offered. Also, a partnership with Gaybookstoreonline.com provides authors with an additional possible promotional opportunity. www.rainbowauthors.com
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national legal aid and policy organization dedicated to repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members at www.sldn.org.
S.H.E. Spirit Health Education, is a new online community providing information and resources to African American lesbians and bisexual women. www.shecircle.org.
Straight Spouse Network. Provides support programs to spouses of those coming out. http://www.straightspouse.org/
Support Groups for LGBT Parents: http://milepost1.com/%7Egaydad/Support.Groups.html
Ten Blogs About Gays and Lesbians from Associated Content: www.associatedcontent.com/article/57737/ten_blogs_about_gays_and_lesbians.html
TowleRoad, a blog with homosexual tendencies, is a premium site for modern gay men. We like the mix of news and entertainment coverage. www.towleroad.com.
The Trevor Project supports a 24-hour, toll-free anonymous suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ teens. www.thetrevorproject.org.
TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
University LGBTQ Academic Programs in the USA and Canada. http://www.people.ku.edu/%7Ejyounger/lgbtqprogs.html
The Victory Fund works to help LGBT people campaign for office and also rates those running on their records with regard to LGBT issues. www.victoryfund.org.
The Washington Blade. One of the nation's finest LGBT weekly newspapers with good coverage on LGBT issues inside the Beltway. The news section on their website updates daily. www.washblade.com
Yes on Gay Marriage is a new organization formed to work for the rights of gay marriage in all fifty states, repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and recognition by the federal government. The full website will be available in late January 2009. www.yesongaymarriage.org
Coming Out Support Newsweekly / 1-12-09
Coming Out Support (COS) Newsweekly
Volume 12 No. 2 January 12, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB@aol.com
The Fine Print
About this Newsletter: All information included is proprietary information provided for your personal use only. None of the information here may be redistributed or reprinted without the written consent of the editor. All times listed are ET (Eastern Time). Dates and times are subject to change. This newsletter, published by Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, was initially started by members of the AOL Community Leaders Program.
Subscription Information: This newsletter is available via free email subscription only. Our mailing list is confidential.
To subscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Subscribe COS News” in subject line.
To unsubscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Cancel COS News” in subject line.
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 12-18, 2009
Editor’s Note: All of the events listed are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, check ahead to make sure of dates, times, and locations. Email the details, including date, location, and website for more information to: OnQYB@aol.com.
to SUN: 1/18: Aspen, CO: Aspen Gay Ski Week. www.gayskiweek.com
MON: 1/12: New York, NY: A Little Night Music. An all-star concert version of the Sondheim classic as a benefit for Roundabout Theatre. Stars Natasha Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave as the Armfeldts, Victor Garber, Christine Baranski and more. www.roundabouttheatre.org
WED: 1/14: Los Angeles, CA: Perez Hilton, online gossip guy, signs copies of "Red Carpet Suicide". 7:30PM. Barnes & Noble, Grove Drive.
THU: 1/15: Los Angeles, CA: Norah Vincent does a reading/booksigning of her new book "Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found in the Loony Bin". 2PM. UCLA Bookstore. 7PM. Vroman's Books, Pasadena. Also: FRI: 1/16: Santa Cruz, CA: 7:30PM. Book Shop Santa Cruz; SAT: 1/17: Petaluma, CA: 1:30PM. Copperfield Books. http://www.norahvincent.net/events/index.html
THU: SAT: 1/15-1/24: Park City, UT: Sundance Film Festival. http://festival.sundance.org/2009/ Also: THU-WED: 1/15-1/21: Queer Lounge, ground zero for LGBT film makers and artists. www.queerlounge.org.
FRI-MON: 1/16-1/19: Atlanta, GA: GLSEN SOCO Weekend. Students of Color Organizing (SOCO) gathering of middle and high school students of color to provide networking and skills building opportunities. www.glsen.org
SAT: 1/17: West Hollywood, CA: Leslie Jordan from "Will & Grace" and "Sordid Lives" signs copies of his autobiography "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet". 5PM. Book Soup.
SUN: 1/18: New York, NY: Stephen Sondheim: A Life in The Theatre. Sondheim chats with New York Times columnist Frank Rich. www.lincolncenter.org.
Newsworthy:
President George W. Bush has signed a bill called the The Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 (WRERA) which, among other things, "makes it mandatory for businesses to roll over retirement benefits to a same-sex partner in the event of the employee’s death."Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2008/12/bush-throws-hol.html
California: Arrests have been made in the case of a lesbian who was gang-raped outside San Francisco. The San Francisco Chronicle reports: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/01/BAB9152HP7.DTL
The Buzz (People Making News)
Brad Kiley, an out man, has been named Director of the Office of Management and Administration, a senior appointment in the Obama White House. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/brad-kiley-name.html
Sam Adams has been sworn in as Mayor of Portland, Oregon. He's the first out gay chief executive of a top-40 American city.
Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/portland-swears.html
Proud Parenting reports: http://www.proudparenting.com/node/2438
2008 in Review
***The Gay Year in Review: The Top Ten News Stories of 2008. Edge USA reports: http://www.edgeunitedstates.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=85182
***The Year in Queer. BayWindows (New England's LGBT news) reports: http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=85233
***The Eight Top Gay Videos of 2008 from 365Gay.com: http://www.365gay.com/uncategorized/the-8-top-gay-videos-of-2008/
***2008: The Year in Gay Books. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/books/13865.cfm
***OutSpoken: 2008 in Quotes. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/feature/13860.cfm
***"Milk" and More: 2008 in Film. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/film/13861.cfm
***2008: TV Hits and Misses. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/television/13862.cfm
Awards and Honors:
"Milk" Nominations and Awards:
***Best Film by The Producer's Guild. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/movies/06arts-FOOTNOTE_BRF.html
***Sean Penn won the National Society of Films Critics award for his performance as Harvey Milk in "Milk".
***Nominee: Writers Guild of America: Dustin Lance Black for the screenplay for "Milk". www.wga.org.
Nominees: 2008 Weblog Awards for the best LGBT Blogs. Nominees include three of my faves: JoeMyGod, Towleroad, and The Bilerico Project. For nominees and to vote: http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/best-lgbt-blog/
In Memoriam:
Claiborne Pell, US Senator from Rhode Island for 36 years and the force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died 1/01/09, at age 90. His daughter, Julia, who died in 2006, was a highly regarded gay rights activist. Associated Press reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jf7b6_bXm0tFK13m5-RXtO4kNO9gD95EKBT81
Photo Shoots and Video
Liza's At The Palace. Closing Night from BroadwayWorld.com: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_LIZAS_AT_THE_PALACE_The_Closing_Night_20090105
Hairspray on Broadway. The Final Curtain from BroadwayWorld.com: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_HAIRSPRAY_Goodbye_To_Baltimore_20090105
Features
Profile: Norah Vincent, best-selling author with her new book, "Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found in the Loony Bin" . The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid70097.asp
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
The Resource Center:
Edge Publications has become the leading network of local LGBT news and entertainment portals on the net. Look for EDGE editions in: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Providence, Provincetown, San Francisco, plus regional editions for New England and the United States. www.edgepublications.com.
In Print:
Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found in the Loony Bin by Norah Vincent. Viking Penguin. Vincent, the award-winning out author of "Self Made Man" (she spent a year disguised as a man to guage people's reactions for a book) suffered from depression, after the book's success. So, she checks into a mental hospital to see, if while posing as a patient, she can talk her way out of the hospital.
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal's take on Tennessee Williams' heroine. Rosenthal is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***The Gospel According to Adam. Geoffrey Nauffts's comedy-drama about an atheist, who falls in love with another man, a Christian. to 1/18/09. www.nakedangels.com.
***Night and Day: Rob Fisher Celebrates Cole Porter. The gay Broadway composer's greatest hits, starring out Tony winner David Hyde Pierce. 1/14/09. Lincoln Center American Songbook Series. www.lincolncenter.org.
***The Third Story. Charles Busch and Kathleen Turner star in his new comedy. 1/14/09-2/28/09. www.mcctheatre.org
***Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein's acclaimed story of a drag queen who falls in love, raises a foster son, and comes to terms with his mother. 1/21/09-2/01/09. www.blackhennaproductions.com
Elsewhere...
***Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party. a rural grade school teacher rewrites the annual Christmas Pageant including a bit about a possibly gay Abraham Lincoln. to 1/17/09. San Francisco, CA. http://www.sfplayhouse.org/season0809/lincoln.php
***Beyond The Rainbow. The life story of Judy Garland (played by Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck) sung in William Randall Beard's play with music. to 2/01/09. Rochester, MI. www.mbtheatre.com
***Dusty and the Big Bad World by Cusi Cram. Dusty, hero of "the most popular animated PBS children's television show in America" goes to visit a family with two daddies. 1/23/09-2/28/09. Denver, CO. http://www.denvercenter.org/event_calendar/caldetail.cfm?id_production=21883639
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's classic, reimagined as a lesbian drama by the Mauckingbird Theatre. to 1/29/09. Philadelphia, PA. http://mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. Winner 2004 Pulitzer Prize to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***The Little Dog Laughed. The Tony-nominated comedy. A barracuda Hollywood agent in high heels has a problem. Her matinee idol client plans to come out. to 3/08/09. Washington, DC. www.signature-theatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Six Degrees of Separation. A revival of John Guare's award-winning comedy of Upper East Side manners. A man, claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son, moves in with an art dealer's family. to 2/25/09. San Diego, CA. www.theoldglobe.org.
***Xanadu, the Broadway musical hit based on the Olivia Newton John movie. "Children's theatre for 40 year old gay men". Chicago, IL. www.xanaduonbroadway.com
***Zanna, Don’t!, the musical about a gay high school, where two straights fall in love. to 1/18/09. New Conservatory Theatre Pride Season. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn).
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Truman Capote novella turned into a hit film starring Audrey Hepburn and featuring the standard "Moon River".
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Cyrano de Bergerac, direct from Broadway with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner. The one to watch is Daniel Sunjata, who bared all on Broadway in "Take Me Out".
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Savage Grace. A mother (Julianne Moore) tries to cure her son's homosexuality. Based on a true story. Tom Kalin directs the Sundance Film Festival drama.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
This Just In!!! SAT: 1/10: Neil Patrick Harris hosts Saturday Night Live. 11:30PM. NBC.
***January: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
***MON: 1/12: Cherry Jones, out actress, is sworn in as President of the United States, on the two-part season opener of "24". 8PM FOX. Check local listings.
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
1/19/09: New York, NY: Bye George! An End of an Error. Lea DeLaria, Michael ("Ugly Betty") Urie, Justin ("Kiki & Herb") Bond and the cast of "Hair" bid George W. Bush "adieu". www.joespub.com.
1/26/09-1/30/09: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) initiative with support from Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and the nearly 50 partners. www.glsen.org
1/28/09-2/01/09: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
1/28/09-2/01/09: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
1/28/09-2/01/09: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
1/29/09-1/31/09: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: 2009 January Milestones
1. Question: Name this musician, author and activist, who was the first person to come out on television on January 18, 1973. His family was the subject of a reality series documentary on PBS. Answer: Lance Loud, on “An American Family”.
2. Question: Name this playwright and activist. On January 12, 1982, a group of gay men met at his apartment to form the GMHC, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a non-profit organization to provide programs and services to people with HIV. Today, the GMHC is one of the nation’s laregest AIDS service organizations, and the playwright is best known for his activism. Answer: Larry Kramer, who wrote “The Normal Heart” and later founded ACT-UP.
3. Question: Name this out award-winning actor and activist. His gay and lesbian theatre and film colleagues, among them Alec McGowen, Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, Cameron Macintosh, and Martin Sherman, came out publicly in the UK’s Guardian to support his knighthood on January 9, 1991. Answer: Sir Ian McKellan.
4. Question: Name this Wisconsin congressman, who came out in January, 1993, (he was the third to come out) and resigned his position as deputy whip to protest intolerant statements made at the 1992 Republican convention. Answer: Steve Gunderson.
5. Question: Name this bisexual American actress, born January 31, 1902. She was best known for her portrayals of Southern belles, although she had a mouth that could frighten sailors. Answer: Tallulah Bankhead, star of “Lifeboat”, “The Little Foxes” who said “i’m as pure as the fresh-driven slush”.
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: The Golden Globes
January launches entertainment awards programs. The Golden Globes air on Sunday, January 11.
1. Question: Name this film, a remake of a classic, which won a record five Golden Globes. Its star, played by a gay icon, reprised a role played by an even bigger gay icon.
2. Question: Name this gay-themed film, a Golden Globe winner for "Best Motion Picture Drama" in 2006, which was later snubbed by the Oscars. One of its stars, also nominated, lost to an actor playing a gay author.
3. Question: Name this film, the first major motion picture to deal positively with HIV and AIDS. Its star and its theme song won Golden Globes.
4. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life lesbian prostitute turned serial killer.
5. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life transgender teen, who was brutally murdered when his sexuality was exposed.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com
Volume 12 No. 2 January 12, 2009
Newsletter Editor: OnQYB@aol.com
The Fine Print
About this Newsletter: All information included is proprietary information provided for your personal use only. None of the information here may be redistributed or reprinted without the written consent of the editor. All times listed are ET (Eastern Time). Dates and times are subject to change. This newsletter, published by Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, was initially started by members of the AOL Community Leaders Program.
Subscription Information: This newsletter is available via free email subscription only. Our mailing list is confidential.
To subscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Subscribe COS News” in subject line.
To unsubscribe: Email OnQYB@aol.com and write “Cancel COS News” in subject line.
The Gay Agenda: Datebook: January 12-18, 2009
Editor’s Note: All of the events listed are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, check ahead to make sure of dates, times, and locations. Email the details, including date, location, and website for more information to: OnQYB@aol.com.
to SUN: 1/18: Aspen, CO: Aspen Gay Ski Week. www.gayskiweek.com
MON: 1/12: New York, NY: A Little Night Music. An all-star concert version of the Sondheim classic as a benefit for Roundabout Theatre. Stars Natasha Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave as the Armfeldts, Victor Garber, Christine Baranski and more. www.roundabouttheatre.org
WED: 1/14: Los Angeles, CA: Perez Hilton, online gossip guy, signs copies of "Red Carpet Suicide". 7:30PM. Barnes & Noble, Grove Drive.
THU: 1/15: Los Angeles, CA: Norah Vincent does a reading/booksigning of her new book "Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found in the Loony Bin". 2PM. UCLA Bookstore. 7PM. Vroman's Books, Pasadena. Also: FRI: 1/16: Santa Cruz, CA: 7:30PM. Book Shop Santa Cruz; SAT: 1/17: Petaluma, CA: 1:30PM. Copperfield Books. http://www.norahvincent.net/events/index.html
THU: SAT: 1/15-1/24: Park City, UT: Sundance Film Festival. http://festival.sundance.org/2009/ Also: THU-WED: 1/15-1/21: Queer Lounge, ground zero for LGBT film makers and artists. www.queerlounge.org.
FRI-MON: 1/16-1/19: Atlanta, GA: GLSEN SOCO Weekend. Students of Color Organizing (SOCO) gathering of middle and high school students of color to provide networking and skills building opportunities. www.glsen.org
SAT: 1/17: West Hollywood, CA: Leslie Jordan from "Will & Grace" and "Sordid Lives" signs copies of his autobiography "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet". 5PM. Book Soup.
SUN: 1/18: New York, NY: Stephen Sondheim: A Life in The Theatre. Sondheim chats with New York Times columnist Frank Rich. www.lincolncenter.org.
Newsworthy:
President George W. Bush has signed a bill called the The Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 (WRERA) which, among other things, "makes it mandatory for businesses to roll over retirement benefits to a same-sex partner in the event of the employee’s death."Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2008/12/bush-throws-hol.html
California: Arrests have been made in the case of a lesbian who was gang-raped outside San Francisco. The San Francisco Chronicle reports: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/01/BAB9152HP7.DTL
The Buzz (People Making News)
Brad Kiley, an out man, has been named Director of the Office of Management and Administration, a senior appointment in the Obama White House. Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/brad-kiley-name.html
Sam Adams has been sworn in as Mayor of Portland, Oregon. He's the first out gay chief executive of a top-40 American city.
Towleroad reports: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/01/portland-swears.html
Proud Parenting reports: http://www.proudparenting.com/node/2438
2008 in Review
***The Gay Year in Review: The Top Ten News Stories of 2008. Edge USA reports: http://www.edgeunitedstates.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=85182
***The Year in Queer. BayWindows (New England's LGBT news) reports: http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=85233
***The Eight Top Gay Videos of 2008 from 365Gay.com: http://www.365gay.com/uncategorized/the-8-top-gay-videos-of-2008/
***2008: The Year in Gay Books. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/books/13865.cfm
***OutSpoken: 2008 in Quotes. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/feature/13860.cfm
***"Milk" and More: 2008 in Film. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/film/13861.cfm
***2008: TV Hits and Misses. The Washington Blade reports: http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-2/arts/television/13862.cfm
Awards and Honors:
"Milk" Nominations and Awards:
***Best Film by The Producer's Guild. The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/movies/06arts-FOOTNOTE_BRF.html
***Sean Penn won the National Society of Films Critics award for his performance as Harvey Milk in "Milk".
***Nominee: Writers Guild of America: Dustin Lance Black for the screenplay for "Milk". www.wga.org.
Nominees: 2008 Weblog Awards for the best LGBT Blogs. Nominees include three of my faves: JoeMyGod, Towleroad, and The Bilerico Project. For nominees and to vote: http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/best-lgbt-blog/
In Memoriam:
Claiborne Pell, US Senator from Rhode Island for 36 years and the force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died 1/01/09, at age 90. His daughter, Julia, who died in 2006, was a highly regarded gay rights activist. Associated Press reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jf7b6_bXm0tFK13m5-RXtO4kNO9gD95EKBT81
Photo Shoots and Video
Liza's At The Palace. Closing Night from BroadwayWorld.com: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_LIZAS_AT_THE_PALACE_The_Closing_Night_20090105
Hairspray on Broadway. The Final Curtain from BroadwayWorld.com: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_HAIRSPRAY_Goodbye_To_Baltimore_20090105
Features
Profile: Norah Vincent, best-selling author with her new book, "Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found in the Loony Bin" . The Advocate reports: http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid70097.asp
Opportunities
Point Foundation Scholarships are now available for the 2009-10 academic year. Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students of merit. Point provides support through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Application due date: 2/09/09. For information and application form. www.pointfoundation.org.
The Resource Center:
Edge Publications has become the leading network of local LGBT news and entertainment portals on the net. Look for EDGE editions in: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Providence, Provincetown, San Francisco, plus regional editions for New England and the United States. www.edgepublications.com.
In Print:
Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found in the Loony Bin by Norah Vincent. Viking Penguin. Vincent, the award-winning out author of "Self Made Man" (she spent a year disguised as a man to guage people's reactions for a book) suffered from depression, after the book's success. So, she checks into a mental hospital to see, if while posing as a patient, she can talk her way out of the hospital.
In Performance: Onstage:Theatre/Music/Dance
New York City (and Broadway)
***Blanche Survives Katrina in a FEMA Trailer Named Desire. Mark Sam Rosenthal's take on Tennessee Williams' heroine. Rosenthal is Blanche, who leaves New Orleans for the Superdome, is evacuated to Shreveport, and becomes a fragile, alcoholic, sex-addicted belle. to 3/15/09. www.sohoplayhouse.com
***The Gospel According to Adam. Geoffrey Nauffts's comedy-drama about an atheist, who falls in love with another man, a Christian. to 1/18/09. www.nakedangels.com.
***Night and Day: Rob Fisher Celebrates Cole Porter. The gay Broadway composer's greatest hits, starring out Tony winner David Hyde Pierce. 1/14/09. Lincoln Center American Songbook Series. www.lincolncenter.org.
***The Third Story. Charles Busch and Kathleen Turner star in his new comedy. 1/14/09-2/28/09. www.mcctheatre.org
***Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein's acclaimed story of a drag queen who falls in love, raises a foster son, and comes to terms with his mother. 1/21/09-2/01/09. www.blackhennaproductions.com
Elsewhere...
***Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party. a rural grade school teacher rewrites the annual Christmas Pageant including a bit about a possibly gay Abraham Lincoln. to 1/17/09. San Francisco, CA. http://www.sfplayhouse.org/season0809/lincoln.php
***Beyond The Rainbow. The life story of Judy Garland (played by Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck) sung in William Randall Beard's play with music. to 2/01/09. Rochester, MI. www.mbtheatre.com
***Dusty and the Big Bad World by Cusi Cram. Dusty, hero of "the most popular animated PBS children's television show in America" goes to visit a family with two daddies. 1/23/09-2/28/09. Denver, CO. http://www.denvercenter.org/event_calendar/caldetail.cfm?id_production=21883639
***Falsettos, the William Finn & James Lapine musical about lesbians, gay men, an ex-wife, their child and a straight psychiatrist! to 2/08/09. San Francisco, CA. www.therhino.org.
***Hedda Gabler, Ibsen's classic, reimagined as a lesbian drama by the Mauckingbird Theatre. to 1/29/09. Philadelphia, PA. http://mauckingbirdtheatreco.org.
***I Am My Own Wife, Bruce Nelson plays Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, real-life German cross-dresser, who survived the Nazis after WW2. Winner 2004 Pulitzer Prize to 2/22/09. Baltimore, MD. www.everymantheatre.org.
***The Little Dog Laughed. The Tony-nominated comedy. A barracuda Hollywood agent in high heels has a problem. Her matinee idol client plans to come out. to 3/08/09. Washington, DC. www.signature-theatre.org.
***Looped. Valerie Harper stars as Talullah Bankhead. Chad Allen plays her sound engineer. to 2/15/09. West Palm Beach, FL. www.cuillocentre.org.
***Missionary Position. world premiere of Steven (Confessions of a Mormon Boy) Fales' solo play based on his journals and adventures as a Mormom missionary in Portugal. to 2/08/09. Hollywood, CA. www.celebrationtheatre.com
***Six Degrees of Separation. A revival of John Guare's award-winning comedy of Upper East Side manners. A man, claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son, moves in with an art dealer's family. to 2/25/09. San Diego, CA. www.theoldglobe.org.
***Xanadu, the Broadway musical hit based on the Olivia Newton John movie. "Children's theatre for 40 year old gay men". Chicago, IL. www.xanaduonbroadway.com
***Zanna, Don’t!, the musical about a gay high school, where two straights fall in love. to 1/18/09. New Conservatory Theatre Pride Season. San Francisco, CA. www.nctcsf.org
On Screen (and Video & DVD)
Resource: Cine-Queer: GLAAD's Guide to What's LGBT in Film: http://www.glaad.org/eye/cinequeer.php
Out on Screen...
***Ciao. Two men meet after the death of a mutual friend. www.ciaomovie.com.
***Doubt, the film adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. A nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a boy.
***Milk, Gus Van Sant's film about gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn).
***Shifting the Canvas. Cheyenne Jackson, Scott Thompson and John Paul Pitoc star in this comedy drama about a cafe owner, who acts as "patriarch" to a group of younger gay and lesbian artists. www.shiftingthecanvas.com.
***Were The World Mine, Tim Gustafson's film about a gay teen in a homophobic town, who fantasizes about a potion that turns the town gay. http://www.weretheworldminefilm.com/
Out On Video & DVD
***Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Truman Capote novella turned into a hit film starring Audrey Hepburn and featuring the standard "Moon River".
***Brideshead Revisited. In the 1930s, Charles and Sebastian (Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw) tryst on a country estate. www.bridesheadrevisited-themovie.com.
***Cyrano de Bergerac, direct from Broadway with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner. The one to watch is Daniel Sunjata, who bared all on Broadway in "Take Me Out".
***Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Neil Patrick Harris stars in Joss Whedon's internet musical.
***Mamma Mia, the ABBA movie musical.
***Savage Grace. A mother (Julianne Moore) tries to cure her son's homosexuality. Based on a true story. Tom Kalin directs the Sundance Film Festival drama.
On TV Of Note: All times listed are ET. Check local listings for times in your area.
Resource:TV Gayed, GLAAD's Weekly Guide to What's LGBT on TV: Updated every Friday. Currently listing to 1/08/09. http://www.glaad.org/eye/tv_listings.php
This Just In!!! SAT: 1/10: Neil Patrick Harris hosts Saturday Night Live. 11:30PM. NBC.
***January: In the Life. LGBT news magazine. PBS. Check local listings. http://www.itl.tv/inthelife/episodes/
***MON: 1/12: Cherry Jones, out actress, is sworn in as President of the United States, on the two-part season opener of "24". 8PM FOX. Check local listings.
Conferences, Seminars, Benefits, and Special Events
1/19/09: New York, NY: Bye George! An End of an Error. Lea DeLaria, Michael ("Ugly Betty") Urie, Justin ("Kiki & Herb") Bond and the cast of "Hair" bid George W. Bush "adieu". www.joespub.com.
1/26/09-1/30/09: Nationwide: No Name-Calling Week, the sixth annual GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) initiative with support from Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and the nearly 50 partners. www.glsen.org
1/28/09-2/01/09: Denver, CO: Creating Change Conference. The national conference on LGBT Equality. http://thetaskforce.org/events/creating_change
1/28/09-2/01/09: Vail, CO: Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week. www.vailgayskiweek.com
1/28/09-2/01/09: Stowe, VT: Winter Rendezvous. annual week of gay skiing & winter sports. www.winterrendezvous.com
1/29/09-1/31/09: Bloomington, IN: Pride Film Festival. www.pridefilmfestival.org
Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: 2009 January Milestones
1. Question: Name this musician, author and activist, who was the first person to come out on television on January 18, 1973. His family was the subject of a reality series documentary on PBS. Answer: Lance Loud, on “An American Family”.
2. Question: Name this playwright and activist. On January 12, 1982, a group of gay men met at his apartment to form the GMHC, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a non-profit organization to provide programs and services to people with HIV. Today, the GMHC is one of the nation’s laregest AIDS service organizations, and the playwright is best known for his activism. Answer: Larry Kramer, who wrote “The Normal Heart” and later founded ACT-UP.
3. Question: Name this out award-winning actor and activist. His gay and lesbian theatre and film colleagues, among them Alec McGowen, Simon Callow, Stephen Fry, Cameron Macintosh, and Martin Sherman, came out publicly in the UK’s Guardian to support his knighthood on January 9, 1991. Answer: Sir Ian McKellan.
4. Question: Name this Wisconsin congressman, who came out in January, 1993, (he was the third to come out) and resigned his position as deputy whip to protest intolerant statements made at the 1992 Republican convention. Answer: Steve Gunderson.
5. Question: Name this bisexual American actress, born January 31, 1902. She was best known for her portrayals of Southern belles, although she had a mouth that could frighten sailors. Answer: Tallulah Bankhead, star of “Lifeboat”, “The Little Foxes” who said “i’m as pure as the fresh-driven slush”.
This Week’s Trivia Quiz: The Golden Globes
January launches entertainment awards programs. The Golden Globes air on Sunday, January 11.
1. Question: Name this film, a remake of a classic, which won a record five Golden Globes. Its star, played by a gay icon, reprised a role played by an even bigger gay icon.
2. Question: Name this gay-themed film, a Golden Globe winner for "Best Motion Picture Drama" in 2006, which was later snubbed by the Oscars. One of its stars, also nominated, lost to an actor playing a gay author.
3. Question: Name this film, the first major motion picture to deal positively with HIV and AIDS. Its star and its theme song won Golden Globes.
4. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life lesbian prostitute turned serial killer.
5. Question: Name this actress who won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as a real life transgender teen, who was brutally murdered when his sexuality was exposed.
The first person to submit the correct answers gets their name in print right here. Email your answers to: OnQYB@aol.com
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