Author Sarah Schulman Talks Timely New Book (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with award-winning writer Sarah Schulman about her new book “The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity” published by Penguin Random House. Schulman is a longtime social activist from the fight for abortion rights in post-Franco Spain to NYC’s AIDS activism in the 1990s to campus protest movements against Israel’s war on Gaza and beyond bringing her own experience growing up as a queer female artist in male-dominated culture industries. In these challenging times as our democracy is at a moral crossroad, this must-read book couldn’t be more timely. For those who seek to combat injustice, solidarity with the oppressed is one of the highest ideals yet it does not come without complication. In this searing yet uplifting book Sarah delves into the intricate and often misunderstood concept of solidarity to provide a new vision for what it means to engage in this work and why it matters. Here in America with this new administration we’re beginning to understand and realize that the only people that will save us from this authoritarian regime are ourselves. Drawing parallels between queer, Jewish, feminist and artistic struggles for justice Schulman challenges the traditional notion of solidarity as a simple union of equals arguing that in today’s world of globalized power structures true solidarity requires the collaboration of bystanders and conflicted perpetrators with the excluded and oppressed. Currently in America we are learning that action comes at a cost and it is not always as effective as we would like it to be but doing nothing is far more dangerous. We talked to Sarah about these current issues and her inspiration for writing “The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity”. 

Sarah Schulman is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, nonfiction writer and AIDS historian. Her books include The Gentrification of the Mind, Conflict Is Not Abuse and Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987–1993 and the novels The Cosmopolitans and Maggie Terry. Schulman’s honors include a Fulbright in Judaic Studies, a Guggenheim in Playwriting and honors from Lambda Literary, the Publishing Triangle, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, the American Library Association and others. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, New York, Harper’s Magazine, The Atlantic, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times and The Guardian. Schulman holds an endowed chair in creative writing at Northwestern University and is on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. For More Info…

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

Cathy Marino-Thomas Talks LGBTQ Resilience (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with activist Cathy Marino-Thomas about the current state of our LGBTQ community especially with our transgender, intersex and non-binary American citizens being targeted by the new administration. Most recently the National Park Service has deleted references to transgender and queer people by removing the “TQ” part of the LGBTQ acronym from the Stonewall National Monument website that launched a massive rally in NYC on Valentines Day. There will be another rally taking place this Saturday at the Stonewall National Monument in NYC to protest this blatant petty attack of attempted federal erasure of our LGBTQ community. Marino-Thomas who is one of the rally organizers stresses to our audience that this is no time to stay at home. We need to show up and speak out and not allow 50 years of LGBTQ civil rights progress be ripped away with executive orders attempting to erase our history and our community. The new administration is trying to scapegoat our community in an attempt to distract the country to what is really happening to all of our freedoms. This isn’t the first time our LGBTQ community has been targeted by an administration’s hatred and lack of understanding of who we are. When Republican Dwight Eisenhower was elected President he issued Executive Order 10450 in 1953 that revoked Truman’s Executive Order 9835 of 1947 and dismantled Truman’s Loyalty Board Program. This resulted in 5,000 federal gays and lesbians to be fired in government that began the Lavender Scare witch hunt of the 1950’s and continued until 1975. We talked to Cathy about what can we do to ensure our LGBTQ community moves forward in the current Trump administration and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Cathy Marino-Thomas spent many years with the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) Buddy Program visiting people afflicted with HIV/AIDS and assisting them with daily chores, advocacy and information. She worked on the issue of marriage equality since 1998 serving as Executive Director of Marriage Equality NY for 3 years (2005 - 2008) and Board President for 6 years. After merging Marriage Equality NY with Marriage Equality USA 2011 she served as Co-President of Marriage Equality USA for 3 years until retiring in 2014. Cathy has spoken all over the country about the rights, privileges and obligations that protect families only through the right to civil marriage. Currently Cathy is proud to be a board member of the Stonewall Democrats of New York as well as Gilbert Baker Foundation which has joined forces with the ACLU to fight more than 60+ US communities who have banned the Rainbow Flag the global symbol of LGBTQ equality that was recently banned from federal buildings by the new administration. For More Info…

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

Molly Booker Talks Memoir “Magic In The Mess” (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with author Molly Booker about her new must-read memoir “Magic In The Mess” available on 10/10 Press. In these challenging times it’s crucial to know you’re not alone in navigating through your personal struggles no matter what they might be. By sharing her own intimate account the memoir opens with the vivid moment that epitomized her inner turmoil symbolizing the chaos she sought to hide from the world reminding us all that life’s “mess” is often where the magic begins. Booker masterfully illustrates her inspirational story in this candid exploration of identity, resilience and self-acceptance taking the readers on a journey of transformation and healing. With raw honesty and unfiltered vulnerability Molly shares the challenges of navigating a world filled with societal expectations, gender norms and personal upheaval. From her childhood struggles with perfectionism and belonging to her adult quest for authenticity and love “Magic In The Mess” invites readers to discover their strength amid life’s messiness. Booker writes, “The road ahead may still be uncertain but in the chaos I find the opportunity for rebirth. The journey continues, not as a quest to escape failures but as a celebration of resilience and self-discovery. As the sun sets on the landscape of my past I welcome the darkness as a canvas for a new dawn. The alchemy of transformation begins and I carry the lessons of my messy magic into the unfolding chapters of my life.” As we enter into 2025 this memoir could not be more timely in our unfathomable world. We talked to Molly about what she hopes to accomplish with her memoir “Magic In The Mess” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Molly Booker is a passionate author, speaker and advocate for authenticity, self-discovery and mental health. As a suicide prevention advocate and champion for the LGBTQ community, Molly's background in ministry and personal journey resonate deeply with many. She shares her story to inspire others to embrace their true selves and find joy in life's messiness.                    For More Info…

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

Alexis Stratton Talks Transgender Damage Control (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with writer Alexis Stratton about the new book “Trans Kids, Our Kids” co-authored with Adam Polaski and Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara from the Campaign for Southern Equality and released by Ig Publishing. In these unprecedented times “Trans Kids, Our Kids” provides a narrative look into the challenges facing our transgender young people. This is especially crucial after the recent GOP presidential campaign distorted and targeted transgender issues to regain control of the White House. The new book provides a truthful blueprint addressing trans youth issues by taking a storytelling approach in capturing how people all across the country are meeting the moment to support, protect and live in solidarity with transgender youth and their families. The book is based on more than 50 interviews with transgender youth, their parents and the medical providers, advocates and faith leaders who are leading the fight against the wave of discriminatory legislation that has flooded statehouses since 2022. One primary focus of “Trans Kids, Our Kids” is the attack on trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care. Less than two years ago there weren’t any states that had such bans in effect. Currently there are now 26 states that have bans or restricted transgender youth from accessing hormone therapy with the issue coming before the Supreme Court in the case United States v. Skrmetti with oral arguments on December 4th. Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) through their Trans Youth Emergency Project have supported more than 1,000 families of transgender youth in navigating healthcare bans. Since the launch of the project in 2023 CSE has distributed more than $600,000 in direct emergency grants to families and community partners across 26 states. We talked to Alexis about what they hope to accomplish with “Trans Kids, Our Kids” and their spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Alexis Stratton has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. and their stories and essays have appeared in storySouth, Hayden's Ferry Review, Matador Review and Oyez Review among other publications. In 2022 Alexis’ chapbook “Anywhere Else but Here” was published by Fjords Review and in 2023 won the James River Writers’ and Richmond Magazine’s Best Unpublished Novel Contest. Alexis lives in Richmond, VA. and works as a freelance writer and an LGBTQ rights advocate. Campaign for Southern Equality is based in Asheville, NC. promoting full LGBTQ equality across the South. Their work is rooted in commitments to equity in race, gender and class. Through their Trans Youth Emergency Project they support families of trans youth who are impacted by anti-transgender healthcare bans in the South. All royalties from book sales of “Trans Kids, Our Kids” will benefit this project. For Info…

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

Rev. Irene Monroe Talks Must-See VOTE PSA (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with activist Reverend Irene Monroe about appearing in our issue driven non-partisan VOTE PSA Campaign we’ve launched on social media and beyond to get the VOTE OUT. As early voting has begun in states across the country OUTTAKE MEDIA™ has spearheaded this timely and compelling VOTE PSA Campaign to bring our LGBTQ community and marginalized grassroots groups together about the importance of voting. Not only will this campaign get people to vote it will also address our issues. Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Indigenous or LGBTQ we need to come together now or possibly lose our rights. In our VOTE PSA Rev. Monroe addresses these issues including women’s rights and the rise of hate crimes as we head into a presidential election questioning our Democracy. The campaign is directed by C. Fitz (Queen Sugar, One Perfect Shot), West Coast producer Lissa Forehan (More Beautiful for Having Been Broken) and performing the closing tagline song “Vote For A Working America” is Broadway/Cabaret Diva Ann Hampton Callaway. Produced in the historic Calderwood Studio at WGBH in Boston we want to thank our GBH team including Terry Quinn Director of Studio Operations, Phil Reilly Set Design and Lighting Director, Howard Powell Cinematographer, Beth Godlin Lillis Post Production Manager, Editor Deb Holland and Juan José Cadena Duenas Studio Operations Manager. This is a full circle experience for Executive Producer Charlotte Robinson who began her stellar career at WGBH as assistant to Paula Apsell, Senior Executive Producer Emerita NOVA at GBH. We talked to Rev. Irene Monroe about the significance of this VOTE PSA Campaign and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Rev. Irene Monroe graduated from Wellesley College and Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University and served as a pastor at an African-American church in New Jersey before receiving her doctorate at Harvard Divinity School as a Ford Fellow. She was instrumental in Union United Methodist Church a predominately African American church in Boston's South End becoming a Reconciling Congregation first in New England. Monroe’s syndicated religion columns appear in Bay Windows, Cambridge Chronicle, Dig Boston, Curve and in several cities across the country and in the UK and Canada. Monroe is the Boston voice for Detour’s African American Heritage Trail and History UnErased. Monroe is a founder and now member emeritus of several national LGBTQ Black and religious organizations and currently can be heard on the podcast and standing Boston Public Radio segment “All Rev’d Up” on WGBH-FM. WATCH VIDEO 

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Inspiring Women (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of The Dinah the most renowned annual music festival for queer women that’s celebrating its 33rd year and takes place September 25th through September 29th in Palm Springs, CA. The Dinah is continuing its legend with a show-stopping entertainment line-up at one of Palm Springs’ most historic hotels the Margaritaville formerly The Riviera. This glamorous venue will host The Black and White Ball in the Grand Ballroom Friday night September 27th with award-winning artist Lauren Jauregui the multi-platinum Cuban American singer-songwriter and former member of girl group Fifth Harmony. Then on Saturday night September 28th performing at The Hollywood Party is the multi-talented Brooklyn native Iniko who will take center stage as a proud non-binary artist. Iniko uses their music on behalf of the queer community after rising to fame in 2018 and amassing a huge following on TikTok crossing the 4 million follower mark. Iniko’s songs “The King’s Affirmation” and “Jericho” achieved viral success by reaching over 25 million Spotify streams. That success led to a nomination for Outstanding Music Artist at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards and a Billboard chart debut. Also bringing glitz and glamour to the Dinah’s Hollywood Party is Lauren Sanderson. Of course during the daytime there will be The Dinah’s legendary pool parties showcasing a string of galvanizing queer emerging performers. Whitney Peyton the multi-Billboard-charting, Grammy Award Winning contributing rapper, songwriter and performer will kick off the pool party weekend series Friday afternoon September 27th. The Dinah will also present world-famous DJs, go-go dancers, red carpet events with celebrity guests, dance parties, meet & greets and so much more. We talked to Mariah about what she hopes to accomplish with The Dinah this year and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Mariah Hanson continues to utilize The Dinah as a platform to mobilize our LGBTQ community around humanitarian and social issues especially during this crucial election year. An exemplary community leader she has single-handedly revolutionized her industry, overturned tradition and raised the bar on female achievement with an event that is entirely produced by women for women. OUTTAKE MEDIA has been a proud Media Sponsor of The Dinah for the last eight years. For More Info & Tix…

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

Toni Cannon Talks Circus Bella 15th Park Season (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with transgender acrobat Toni Cannon about Circus Bella's new show "WOW!" that’s happening now through July 20th celebrating its 15th annual Circus in the Parks Season in San Francisco, CA. This fabulous exhilarating show that launched last month continues to delight and astonish audiences of all ages. Experience the mesmerizing magic of "WOW!" offering a modern twist on one-ring circus and presenting a captivating blend of circus enchantment and madcap mayhem. Circus Bella’s diverse troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and clowns from the Bay Area and beyond performs to the lively tunes of Rob Reich and the 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. Circus Bella thrives in its mission to produce and present high-quality Circus Arts entertainment accessible to all audiences. Their vision is to be a classical circus attuned to the present. They pursue excellence in a modern one-ring circus combining past traditions with forward-thinking sensibilities and flair. Circus Bella honors diversity and universal human potential as a proud member of the multinational circus community. In celebrating the beauty of circus art they delight in unifying people with experiences that cross age, culture and language barriers with joyous performances. Circus Bella new show "WOW!" is written and directed by Abigail Munn with music composed by Rob Reich and costumes by Autumn Adamme. We talked to Toni about what he hopes to accomplish performing with Circus Bella and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Toni Cannon is consistently working on finding new ways to express himself through acrobatics. He finds the challenge thrilling and very relatable to life’s challenges. Toni started his circus career later in life however that didn’t stop him from diving deep into his newfound love and passion. He has been lucky enough to train under some great coaches like Master Lu Yi and Dominik Wyss learning disciplines like Chinese pole, partner acrobatics and Hand-to-hand. He has been a part of some amazing companies and productions like Topsy Turvy Circus and Circus Bella where he also performs during their Winter Big Top Spectacular “Kaleidoscope” coming in December. Don’t miss "WOW!" the 15th annual Circus Bella Park Season now through July 20th. Performances run approximately 60 minutes and are free to the public but bring picnic blankets and small folding chairs to all locations since Circus Bella does not provide audience seating at events.    For More Info… 

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

LGBTQ Filmmakers Talk Diversity In Provincetown (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with filmmakers at the 26th annual Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) press luncheon that took place at the Boatslip Resort & Beach Club in Provincetown, MA. First we talked to director Stephen Soucy about his documentary “Merchant Ivory” that pulls back the curtain on the fascinating lives of filmmakers Ismail Merchant and James Ivory. Their unique partnership on and off the camera produced 43 groundbreaking films over 4 decades that left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ and arthouse cinema. The documentary features interviews with Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Helena Bonham Carter and many others who were lucky enough to move in the orbit of Merchant and Ivory’s fabulous filmmaking. Next we chatted with director Fawzia Mirza and producer Andria Wilson Mirza about their feature film “The Queen of My Dreams”. The film is about a Pakistani Canadian woman who has had a strained relationship with her parents since coming out as lesbian and undergoes an emotional journey after the sudden unexpected death of her father. Her grief plunges her into a Bollywood-style examination of her family’s past and present. Then we talked with director Taylor James, actor Kanoa Goo and producer Katie White about their short film “ILY, BYE” about when an unemployed, down on her luck woman (Megan Stalter) gets a life-changing job opportunity but she can't seem to get her foot out of her mouth long enough to get her foot in the door. 

Next we talked to Tyler C. Peterson about his short film “Stan Behavior” about a drag queen (Ginger Minj) embarking on a quest for better workplace rights but finds herself in a dicey situation when her new lawyer (Yvonne Zima) a tone-deaf straight woman is revealed to be a drag super stan. Then we talked with director Sarah McCarron and music producer Rascal Miles about their short film “The Bend” about a trans man migrating from Tennessee to Minneapolis who gets stranded in rural Wisconsin and encounters a fisherman. We then chatted with director Marco Calvani about his feature film “High Tide” that was shot in Provincetown about an undocumented Brazilian immigrant searching for purpose when he encounters Maurice creating a memorable tribute to love and loss. We concluded our conversation with veteran producer Christine Vachon who produced the 2023 Oscar nominated film “Past Lives” about what films she has coming down the pike. We also talked with all the filmmakers about their spin on our LGBTQ issues as we approach the crucial 2024 presidential election. 

The Provincetown Film Society, Inc. (PFS) is a non-profit year-round organization and home of the Provincetown International Film Festival. PIFF creates a unique international platform for the west and east coast entertainment industry to experience the diversity and community of Provincetown. PFS is also dedicated to showcasing the work of acclaimed and emerging directors, producers and actors. For Info…

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes

 

 

 

Kristen Lovell Talks Stonewall Riots Reenactment (AUDIO)

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with filmmaker Kristen Lovell about the historic Stonewall Riots Reenactment that takes place on June 29th at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The reenactment is part of a floor to ceiling interactive Stonewall Inn Bar installation that runs now through September 2nd 2024 before kicking off a national tour. Lovell of HBO's “The Stroll" will portray Gay Liberation Activist Marsha P. Johnson for the reenactment. Johnson was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of June 28th 1969 when police raided the establishment resulting in arrests, riots and fire sparking the global LGBTQ human rights movement. Johnson was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and co-founded the radical activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside close friend Sylvia Rivera. For the first time NYC’s iconic Stonewall Inn will become a nationwide traveling time machine and the set of the historic Stonewall New York Experience reenactment on Saturday June 29th from 4:30P to 7P with local police and other community members playing a role in the reenactment. Visitors are also asked to dress in their 1960s best and consider wearing gender bending clothing which was illegal in 1969. The Stonewall New York Experience was created to remind us all how important bars like the Stonewall Inn and bar culture are to our LGBTQ community. Many of these establishments were a safe haven, others a place to forge friendships, find love and enjoy the freedom of acceptance. As the beloved Stonewall Inn burned to the ground the Stonewall Riots ignited a united front to ban together, to fight together for the indelible human rights that unfortunately many take for granted. We talked to Kristen about what she hopes to accomplish with this historic Stonewall Riots reenactment and give us her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Kristen Lovell is a trans rights activist, filmmaker and former sex worker. After experiencing homelessness as a teenager in NYC during the late 1990s and early 2000s she went on to work for various organizations advocating for the rights of trans people and sex workers. After studying filmmaking at Lincoln Center she went on to co-direct the documentary film “The Stroll” currently streaming on MAX based in part on her experiences. For over 50 years the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale has tirelessly fought to tell the stories of our LGBTQ community ensuring it holds its place in the historic record. For More Info… 

CHECK OUT OUR STREAMING SITE  

VISIT OUR OUTTAKE™ EQUALITY STORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNLOAD INTERVIEW

OUTTAKE VOICES on iTunes