Congresswoman Baldwin on Health Reform

In the first installment of this exclusive audio interview, Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson discusses with Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis) America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). The plan for health care reform promises to lower costs, provide better care, and keep our insurance industry competitive and fair for all consumers. In this unique format, questions were submitted from across America by Huffington Post Citizen Journalists expressing their concerns on how this bill will effect their health insurance needs. Exacerbating this issue is a virtual deluge of often-confusing and overwhelming information. Congresswoman Baldwin explains this bill in comprehensive language we can all understand.

“For the first time in more than six decades, as we begin to transform our economy and reclaim our stake in the American Dream, health care for all is within our grasp. I am proud to bring Wisconsin’s common sense and good ideas to this effort,” said Congresswoman Baldwin, who sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Health Subcommittee.

Congresswoman Baldwin is the first woman elected to Congress from the state of Wisconsin, and is currently serving her fifth term. She was also the first ever openly gay non-incumbent to be elected to the House of Representatives. Baldwin explains the language she successfully added to the health care bill addressing the LGBT community. This is crucial since our LGBT community presently does not have federal rights, benefits and protections for their families.

“One of the things that is very, very frustrating for people today with regard to health care is what is known as the individual market. If you don’t get health care through your employer or through your spouse who is employed then that’s one of the most difficult ways to get health insurance. Sometimes it’s way overpriced and there’s no way you can afford it. Sometimes you’re disqualified for pre-existing conditions, and sometimes the rates are based upon factors, over which you have no control, that are discriminatory.” Baldwin added.

Baldwin is one of three openly gay members of Congress, the others being Barney Frank of Massachusetts and Jared Polis of Colorado.

Interview Conclusion: Congresswoman Baldwin's LGBT Forecast

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Gay Lawyers Make DOMA History (Audio)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson discusses with Lee Swislow, Executive Director of GLAD, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the status of the lawsuit GLAD filed in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA. The suit was filed in March 2009 at the Massachusetts Federal District Court. According to Swislow, GLAD has had its first taste of victory against DOMA. One aspect of the original lawsuit was suing the State Department for refusing to allow Massachusetts legally married gay couples to change their name and marital status on their U.S. passports. This has been resolved and the State Department will now recognize gay marriages in states where they are legal when issuing passports as they do with heterosexual marriages. GLAD’s lawsuit will be amended to reflect this breakthrough placing more emphasis on how legally married gay couples are denied federal income tax credits, employment & retirement benefits, health insurance coverage & Social Security payments.
Recently Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to seek federal marriage benefits for over 16,000 gay and lesbian couples who have legally married in Massachusetts since 2004. When asked how this will effect GLAD’s case Swislow said "it will make their case stronger." Both cases are being heard before the same federal judge and there's a possibility that these cases may be consolidated. When asked if the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will go before the Supreme Court Swislow said, “I certainly expect that ultimately this case will wind up in front of the Supreme Court. It’s a case of significant national importance.”
GLAD has been instrumental in bringing gay marriage to America, first in Massachusetts in 2004 and now totaling 5 New England States including Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Join them for their Summer Party in Provincetown, MA on July 25th.
For More Info & Tix: glad.org

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Gay Marriage Goes to Washington (Audio)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson discusses with Arline Isaacson, Co Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, the ramifications of the lawsuit Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed against the U.S. government which seeks federal marriage benefits for over 16,000 gay & lesbian couples who have legally married in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is challenging the constitutionality of the federal 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, saying the law denies "essential rights & protections" to gay couples who have married since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriages in 2004. Isaacson who spoke directly with Attorney General Coakley as she historically and courageously became the first Attorney General to take on DOMA shares her first hand account of how this legal maneuver will effect the future of LGBT civil rights in Massachusetts and America.

The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, denies gay and lesbian couples access to more than 1,000 federal programs and legal protections for their families. President Obama has stated that he would like to see DOMA repealed. Massachusetts Attorney General Coakley, who filed the suit, cited several benefits denied to gay couples, including federal income tax credits, employment and retirement benefits, health insurance coverage & Social Security payments.
"We view all married persons equally," Coakley said.

In March 2009 the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed suit against the federal government on behalf of 8 Massachusetts gay married couples that have been denied Federal benefits for their families. Isaacson said that “The timing couldn’t be better for the Coakley’s suit. There's a good chance these cases will merge together since they both appear to be heading to the federal Supreme Court."
UPDATE: OUTTAKE MEDIA™ Favors Martha Coakley
OUTTAKE MEDIA™ & the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus
endorses Attorney General Martha Coakley for the US Senate seat previously
held by Ted Kennedy....
For More Info: MGLPC.org

 

Massachusetts Attorney General
Martha Coakley

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Senior Sex in the City (Audio Interview)

In this audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson chats with Writer/ Author Bob Morris about his latest book “Assisted Loving” and the future of LGBT civil rights in the Obama administration. “Assisted Loving” is a moving and hilarious account of how an openly gay man deals with his 80 year old father’s dating life. A few months after the death of his mother, Morris’s father approached his son about his desire to re-enter the dating scene by asking him to screen some elderly women he had circled in personal ads. At first Morris was appalled but his father explained that “ It just worked so beautifully with your mother for 50 years, that I’d love to do it again.” Morris agrees to help and gets much more than he bargains for. One of Morris’s inspirations for the book is a quote by Tennessee Williams “You begin to forgive the world when you forgive your father.” Bob Morris takes the reader on an intimate, amusing and unpredictable ride. This is a perfect summer must-read best-seller that has just come out in paperback. Morris, a contributor to the New York Times Sunday Styles section, has written for the “The New Yorker”, “Travel & Leisure” and has been a commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” “Assisted Loving” is currently in development at NBC.

For More Info: www.assistedloving.com

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Cult Filmmakers Twist on Gay Rights

In this exclusive audio interview, Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson discusses gay civil rights with three cutting-edge filmmakers: John Waters, Guy Maddin & Robert Lee King.

First, Writer/Director John Waters ("Pink Flamingos", "Female Trouble", "Hairspray", "Cry-Baby" and my fave, "Serial Mom".) As an openly gay man, Waters is an avid supporter of gay civil rights. He chats about what he sees for the future of our LGBT community in the Obama administration. He also talks about how difficult this economy is for independent filmmakers in securing financing for their films. He states that Hollywood is doing fine but even his current film project “Fruitcake” is on hold since European funding seems to have all but disappeared in the present market.
Secondly, Writer/Director Guy Maddin (“My Winnipeg,” “The Saddest Music in the World,” “Careful”.) Maddin was recently awarded the 2009 Filmmaker on the Edge Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival. Maddin who is heterosexual, is a strong ally to the LGBT community and speaks proudly of his native country Canada’s pro position on gay marriage. (On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize gay marriage nationwide with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act.)
Thirdly, Writer/Director Robert Lee King (“The Disco Years, “Psycho Beach Party”, "Slap Her, She’s French” and the upcoming “818”.) King was recently honored to have “Psycho Beach Party” screened as a drive-in feature at the Provincetown International Film Festival, speaking volumes about its durability as a well-loved cult classic. King, based in Hollywood California, addresses our LGBT issues and concerns honestly and eloquently.

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GLAAD's New Leader Speaks OUT (Audio)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson chats with Jarrett Barrios about what he hopes to accomplish in his new position as President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and his vision for the future of LGBT civil rights in America. Barrios will begin his tenure at GLAAD in September 2009. LGBT advocate and author David Mixner said "The selection by GLAAD of Jarrett Barrios to lead them in their invaluable work is simply brilliant. As an openly gay man, a father, husband, former legislator and son of immigrants from Cuba, no one understands more than Jarrett what is at stake in this powerful moment in our history." Barrios brings an enormous amount of experience to our LGBT community. A former member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate, Barrios was a key player in the passage of gay marriage in Massachusetts. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to educate and achieve basic civil rights for our LGBT community. GLAAD’s mission of “Changing Hearts and Minds” has found a great advocate and voice to attain their goal in Jarrett. When asked what his hopes are for our LGBT community in the Obama administration, Barrios simply answered, "Full Equality. Full protections for our LGBT families in marriage, the military, the workplace, health benefits and providing safe schools for our LGBT youth."
Barrios is married to communications consultant and Democratic political operative Doug Hattaway. They have two sons.
For More Info: GLAAD.org

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Anti Diva Carole Pope...Audio Interview

Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson interviews Carole Pope, Canadian Rock Icon. Carole openly discusses her love relationship with Legendary Dusty Springfield, ties with Second City’s cast members including Gilda Radner, working with Divine & chats about her must-read autobiography “Anti Diva.”

We recently caught her on her cell in NYC where she candidly shared her insights on love, sex, the music scene & lots of celebrity dish…..:) With three Juno Awards (Canadian Grammy), a Genie Award, (Canadian Oscar), four Gold , one Platinum & one double Platinum records to her credit, Carole Pope is an icon of transgressive music. A film based on her best selling autobiography “Anti Diva” is in development. Carole’s infamous band “Rough Trade” has also been inducted into the Indy Hall of Fame. She has contributed music to film & television, including The L Word, The Trailer Park Boys Movie, This Revolution, Queer As Folk, The Five Senses, The Silencer, Cruising, A&E, The History Channel, MTV, & VH1. Throughout her career, Carole has blazed a trail for the anti-diva in all of us. In sharing her thoughts on sexuality & sexual politics her music makes you “Think & Dance @ the same time.” Warning: Pope's lyrics are relevant & extremely hot.....:)
To Purchase CD: CarolePope.com or ITunes....

Check-OUT her renowned Retro Video:
"High School Confidential"
From her infamous band "Rough Trade"....:)

 For More Info: carolepope.com

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Provincetown International Film Fest '09

Check OUT 2009 P-Town Film Fest Winners In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson chats with Gabrielle Hanna, Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival. This prestigious film festival takes place in Provincetown, Massachusetts this week from June 17-21. The 2009 Filmmaker on the Edge Award will be awarded to writer/director Guy Maddin (“My Winnipeg,” “The Saddest Music in the World,” “Careful”). Actor Alessandro Nivola (“Junebug,” “Laurel Canyon,” and the upcoming 2009 films “Coco Before Chanel” and “Howl”) will receive the Excellence in Acting Award and Strand Releasing will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Opening Night Film will be Woody Allen’s WHATEVER WORKS (New England Premiere) starring Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr. This year there will be over 50 feature films, documentaries and shorts viewed at numerous venues including Thursday Night at the Wellfleet Drive In.
The Provincetown International Film Festival was first produced in 1999, the same year Provincetown celebrated its 100th anniversary as America’s oldest art colony. The PIFF is on the edge both artistically and geographically. Provincetown takes pride in embracing creativity and diversity in a thriving and increasingly year round tourist, business and art economy. For decades, Provincetown has attracted legendary artists, writers and filmmakers to this furthest tip of Cape Cod. Eugene O’Neill, Norman Mailer, Lily Tomlin, John Waters, Connie Francis, Helen Hayes, Billie Holiday, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Richard Gere, and Eartha Kitt have all worked and performed in Provincetown to the delight of the town’s cosmopolitan visitors and residents. There are also fabulous restaurants and shops in case you’re not into viewing films 24/7. The festival will close with Jay DiPietro’s PETER AND VANDY (East Coast Premiere), starring Jason Ritter, Jess Weixler and Zak Orth.
Presenting Sponsors of the film festival are (Art House, Bacardi Dragonberry, Crown & Anchor, HBO. PIFF is also supported by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Provincetown Tourism Fund).For More Info & Tix @ ptownfilmfest.com

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Boston Pride Celebrates the "T" in LGBT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson chats with Keri Aulita, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Boston Pride Committee, about this year’s Boston Pride events. Boston’s Pride celebration began June 5th & runs through Sunday June 14th with festivities happening all week long. Interestingly, June 1st, the White House released a National Proclamation honoring the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion & officially recognized June as LGBT Pride Month. Though this is a step forward for the Obama administration to acknowledge the contributions our LGBT community has made & continues to make in strengthening the fabric of American society, most LGBT Americans are more concerned about what legislation Obama will pass to provide equal rights, benefits & protections for their families. When asked if Boston Pride had planned any events to honor Stonewall, Aulita explained. “This year's theme "Trans-forming Our Community” is long overdue. We need to support and acknowledge our Transsexual community after all they are the “T” in LGBT." Aulita continued to say that Pride Week is meant to be about socializing & celebrating the LGBT community with parties, music & other cultural events, but it's also a vehicle for promoting awareness. "We've always been committed to trying to get people to think. We want people to come out & really think about what it's like to be out & how lucky we are to live in a place like Massachusetts."
Next year Boston Pride will be celebrating its fortieth anniversary.
More Info: Boston Pride.org

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