Gay Celebrity Chef Rossi Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Celebrity Chef Rossi, owner and executive chef of “The Raging Skillet” one of New York City’s best and wildest caterers. As a celebrity chef Rossi’s events have satisfied many illustrious guests, including Bill Clinton, Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez, Cher, and Susan Sarandon. We caught up with Chef Rossi in Provincetown, Massachusetts just after California’s discriminatory gay marriage law Prop 8 was overturned and found unconstitutional.

Chef Rossi caters a lot of weddings in New York. Recently Chelsea Clinton was married there and her event planner was an openly gay man. New York does not support marriage equality. When asked what her thoughts were about that, Rossi stated, “It’s so sad. New York has always been the hippest capital of the world. I have always been so proud to be the quintessential New Yorker…But now it’s just ever so slightly embarrassing. We are no longer the hip capital of the world. We are really trailing. For me as a wedding caterer it’s a bit bittersweet because I spend a lot of time helping wonderful people make their dreams come true. And I cater gay weddings of course all the time but it makes me feel sad that as a gay American in New York our dreams cannot quite come true. At least not in New York.”

As a writer, Rossi has been a feature writer for several publications, such as “The Daily News,” “Time Out New York” and “The New York Post.” Her column “Eat Me” has appeared in “Bust Magazine” for 11 years and running. Rossi’s book of edible memoirs entitled “The Devil and Mrs. Goldstein" is seeking a publisher. She is also the founder of the “Artist’s Room” in the Lower East side of New York City where her show “Cherry” is currently on view. She's been called “a new breed of rebel anti-caterer” by the “The New York Times,” and “eclectic and off the wall” by the Zagats review. She has also been featured on “The Food Network.” As a radio personality Rossi’s hit show “Bite This” on Cape Cod’s WOMR is now in its 6th season and she has also appeared on NPR's "The Takeaway".
For More Info: theragingskillet.com

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Gay Activist Sandro Isaack Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with children's book author Sandro Isaack about his latest book “Stork, M.I.A.” (missing in action). The book follows the story of Dad and Dad, who were tired of waiting for the Stork and decided to find her to ask for a baby. They search for the Stork around the world, turning this story into an adventure, rather than a didactic book for children of same-gender couples. Census data shows that 25% of same-gender couples in the U.S. are raising children and in more progressive countries the percentage is even greater. Sandro explains that most of these children are reading from books with "borrowed" universes. In his “Dad Dad Mom Mom” upcoming series of children's books Sandro intends to create a universe for these children - their own universe in which the main characters happen to be same-gender couples and their kids.

When asked what his personal commitment was to LGBT civil rights Isaack stated, “I like to think that my book is my commitment because my book talks about family and I think it is important for people and the (LGBT) community to know and be reminded that there is a possibility of family. It is not just an idea or a dream for the future. It is something happening now. There is even a children’s book market out there now that reminds us how real it is. For so long being gay and out relied on partying and being fabulous which is great. You know it gives us this amazing character and personality that makes us unique. But at the same time this is the new way of having a family. It stops being news or something online, it becomes something in their lives that might be some incentive to educate themselves and communicate. I feel through education and communication that brings a community closer together and gives us the strength we need to achieve what we need to achieve and what we deserve.”

Sandro Isaack is a native of Brazil. He came to the U.S. in 1999 and in 2002 obtained his masters degree in performance from the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard. After graduation, Isaack moved to New York where he pursued his career in acting. However, Isaack’s career came to a halt in early 2008, when his vocal chords and neck became temporarily paralyzed for a period that lasted a year. As everything happens for a reason, his true passion in storytelling was born. “STORK M.I.A.” is his first book in a series of children’s stories he wants to tell. Sandro will be reading from his book during “Family Week” in Provincetown Massachusetts July 31st- August 7th.
For More Info : DadDadMomMom.com
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LGBT Activist Gunner Scott Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Gunner Scott, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition who has been involved with the transgender rights movement since 1998. He's a nationally recognized activist and was one of the attendees at Obama’s 2010 LGBT Event at the White House.

When asked what President Obama had to say to our LGBT community, Gunner stated, “He talked about the work that still needs to be done. He talked about policy changes that his administration has made, particularly around some of those policy changes around (LGBT) people being able to visit their partners in the hospital if they get Medicaid funding and that’s pretty important. He talked about the experiences of some of the (LGBT) people in the audience and meeting with young people beforehand and what they’re going through and that we need to do this work together. His message was pretty positive and upbeat but also very serious. He said he wants to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and pass a trans-included Employment Nondiscrimination Act. (ENDA) You know I think he walked into a job that was pretty difficult and there have been a lot of changes that have happened in his administration from the start.”

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition called on the leadership of the Massachusetts State legislature to act favorably on H1728/S1687, “An Act Relative to Gender Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes” before the end of the current session on July 31st, 2010. “This bill is for fair and basic treatment of transgender youth and adults,” said Scott. “This bill is about human rights and dignity for those who are contributing to society or trying to, including paying taxes, but are often being denied access, opportunity, and justice.” Over eighty organizational members of the Transgender Civil Rights Coalition, including labor unions, LGBT groups, women’s groups and advocacy groups all called on the legislative body to pass this bill.
UPDATE: The Trans Civil Rights Bill – did not make it to the floor for a vote this session.
For More Info: masstpc.org

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Boston Gay Marriage Lawyers Speak OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Gary Buseck, Legal Director of the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD ) and one of the architects of Gay Marriage in this country. Recently U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro, who was appointed to the United States District Court by the Nixon administration, ruled in two separate cases that section 3 a critical portion of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. The ruling stems from GLAD’s lawsuit Gill et al v. Office of Personnel Management et al, filed in March 2009. Mary Bonauto, GLAD’s Civil Rights Project Director who argued the case stated, “The Court simply affirmed that our country won’t tolerate second-class marriages. I’m pleased that Judge Tauro recognized that married same-gender couples and surviving spouses have been seriously harmed by DOMA and that the plaintiffs deserve the same opportunities to care and provide for each other and for their children that other families enjoy. This ruling will make a real difference for countless families in Massachusetts.”

The next step in the case is for the federal government to decide whether it will appeal Judge Tauro’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. That decision should come within the next 60 days. When asked if he thought this case will reach the federal Supreme Court Buseck stated, "That’s really hard to tell. The first thing we have to do is go through the Unites States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. If we win at that court and it will be a big challenge there as it is in any court of appeals involving the constitutionality of a federal statute. If we win at the Unites States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, most people tell us the United States Supreme Court would hear the case. It is the kind of case the court has been paying attention to in recent years, so we think that’s likely, but if we lose in the Unites States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, perhaps a review by the U.S. Supreme Court becomes somewhat less likely.”

Join Gary Buseck at GLAD's 28th Annual Summer Party to be held July 31st outside in the heart of Provincetown on the grounds of Pilgrim Monument. This is a fabulous fundraising event. Enjoy the view of the harbor, mingle with other GLAD supporters and learn more about their ground-breaking cases. Comedian Kate Clinton will be returning as auctioneer extraordinaire! You don't want to miss this exciting auction - travel packages, unique experiences, massages, theatre and much more. There’s something for everyone and all in support of a great org. See you there!
For More Info: glad.org

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Gay Activist Mark Elderkin Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Mark Elderkin, CEO at Gay Ad Network. Elderkin is a dot com visionary and entrepreneur. He co-founded gay.com in 1994, served as President and CEO of PlanetOut Inc., retired in 2006 and then founded Gay Ad Network in 2007. The Gay Ad Network and Lesbian Ad Network together form the leading gay media network, reaching over 6 million unique users per month across 290 popular LGBT web sites, blogs and social networks. It is ranked as the largest U.S. gay media property. Gay Ad Network provides online, mobile and video advertising services to global and national brands targeting the gay and lesbian market.

Our LGBT community has an annual buying power of 712 billion dollars a year and will hit a trillion dollars annually by 2012 according to Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. When asked whether mainstream advertisers are taking advantage of this ‘final frontier’ in marketing to our LGBT community Elderkin stated, “We’re seeing more and more first time advertisers come into the market. They typically try and get their house in order first to make sure they have nondiscrimination policies in place and that they are supporting an LGBT employees group. Then they work with us or another gay agency to make sure they’re marketing correctly with the right messaging. So it tends to be a small task that expands as they get more comfortable with it and they see the success generated from the program. We’re seeing continued growth in the market, more and more as advertisers are coming in.”

Elderkin holds a BS degree in Systems Engineering from Boston University and MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School. He has served on the boards of Online Partners, GLAAD and Stellar Networks. Mark lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with his partner Jeff and daughter Chloe.
For More Info: GayAdNetwork.com

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NOH8 Gay Activists Speak OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Jeff Parshley and his partner celebrity photographer Adam Bouska about their grassroots org the “NOH8 Campaign.” After attending a rally in West Hollywood protesting the passage of Proposition 8 back in November 2008 which banned marriage equality, the couple went back to their apartment and took the first NOH8 photo. Bouska had Parshley pose in front of a white background with the words “NOH8″ written on his cheek and duct tape on his mouth, symbolizing Prop 8 and similar legislation’s attempt to silence the voices of our LGBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) community. Since then it has expanded into a global grassroots campaign. Over 4,500 NOH8 photos have been taken featuring members of the LGBT community, allies, families and celebrities. The notable celebrity photos are of Cindy McCain and “Glee’s” Jane Lynch.

When asked what their personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Adam stated, “Before all this happened I never considered myself as much of an activist. Until Prop 8 I never thought something would hit me so personally. We just felt that we had to take it one step further. So I think at this point seeing all these different faces coming in with all these different stories, I think it’s almost our responsibility to the community to portray these stories in a respectable light and get these stories out there and make sure these voices are heard. This commitment to full equality is something that seems so natural and something so expected at this point. We just try to do as much as we can with our own abilities and we always encourage people to do what they can do.”

This summer Jeff Parshley and Adam Bouska are taking their "NOH8 Campaign" on the road photographing our LGBT community and their allies across America. This is a great opportunity to participate in this historic and effective movement.
For More Info: NOH8Campaign.com

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Gay Activist Rick Andreoli Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Rick Andreoli, Editor in Chief of gay.com and the newly launched gay.com daily. This new "daily" division of the website was created as a fun men's entertainment editorial site that offers daily pop culture news, who’s hot, fashion as well as hot button issues.

When asked about his personal commitment to LGBT civil rights, Andreoli stated, “It’s interesting because I think people see gay.com and say ‘how does that tie into a commitment to LGBT civil rights?’ But what I have discovered and what has been very humbling for me is the amount of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people across the globe who type in ‘gay’ into their search engines and up comes gay.com. They suddenly realize through this site that there’s this giant, enormous community and for me it’s about creating awareness and a sense of community for these people. To give people who are in Small Town USA the understanding that you don’t have to leave that town if you love it and want to stay there, you can be gay in those towns. Or you can leave and there are other places and people who are dealing with the same stuff you are….I feel like that sort of awareness and sense of community is really the first step. You hear the stories of old activists who say ‘I thought I was the only one.’ The truth is when they found out they weren’t alone that’s where civil rights starts to grow and foster. I think that’s what we can bring to people both through my own work and through the website.”

Rick Andreoli's words have also appeared in “The Advocate”, “Los Angeles Confidential”, “CARGO Magazine”, and “Metrosource”. Rick also comes from an extensive background in entertainment. He started his career as a development executive, working on projects with MTV, HBO, Miramax, Warner Bros. and many other studios. We had a chance to discuss when we might see more LGBT story lines in the movies and on TV.

Andreoli lives and works in Los Angeles with his husband, Steve Thompson. They were legally married in California prior to the passing of Prop 8.
For More Info: gay.com

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Gay Activist & Artist C. Huilo C. Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with artist, dancer and writer C. Huilo C. about his quest to wake-up queer society in his new mythology tale “The Flight of the Jaguar Magician.” Huilo creates a gay mythological folklore in such an enjoyable way it gently reacquaints its readers with their creative and spiritual nature.

When asked what inspired him to take this journey Huilo stated, “I felt dissatisfied as a queer person on earth, that there was nothing that really explained who I was. How it was portrayed in religion or government or on the screen or the arts seemed to me just a sexual thing. Something in me decided that I was much more than that. So I did extensive research and decided that there was a complete legacy to spirit-gay people that wasn’t present in the current modern world. Being that I have been a practicing artist for sometime, I decided to take it upon myself to try and mythologize and weave in some of the old myths that I could find.”

As an artist Huilo enjoys utilizing multimedia artscapes to capture the viewers' wildest imagination and encourage them to activate their sensibility about co-creating the dream of the world. Huilo concluded, “Symbols in art have been central to understanding what cannot be seen and in political cases what cannot be said. With the corporate control of media and economics controlling the art world, I create forms which invite the dreaming consciousness of the viewer to build a new definition of cultural icons and a different way to message the supra-conscious about complex issues that is not otherwise offered to the general public.” Huilo's work has been displayed in North and South America and in Europe.
For More Info: jaguarlunart.com

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Gay Filmmaker Reed Cowan Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Director Reed Cowan about his new film “8: The Mormon Proposition”, the 80-minute documentary narrated by Dustin Lance Black. The film documents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' unscrupulous involvement in the passage of California's unconstitutional Proposition 8 which is currently being contested in Federal Court. Recently the California Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) has proposed a fine on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) for failing to report all of its late non-monetary contributions in its efforts to pass Proposition 8 in 2008.

This must-see film follows The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' questionable money trail, which was instrumental in stripping our California LGBT community of marriage equality. “8: The Mormon Proposition” premiered to sell-out audiences at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. When asked how “8: The Mormon Proposition has been received, Cowan stated, “It depends on who you ask. We appreciate all dialogue that comes from reviews. From Mormons we’ve had some Mormons stand up with tears who say ‘I had no idea and thank you for telling the truth.’ We’ve had some Mormons send hate mail. Anyone who knows a little about my background knows that four years ago I lost a little boy to a tragic backyard swing set accident. I’m sad to say that I’ve had some people go for the jugular and send me hate mail saying 'Your son was taken because you’re a F-A-you know what and you’re going to burn in hell and you’ll never see him again.’ They go for the jugular because they think their faith is not up to being questioned. And from the LGBT community I’ve had many beautiful experiences. They say finally, finally we can tell this story. Thank you.”

After Sundance, "8: The Mormon Proposition" was purchased for distribution by WB Executives Paul Federbush and Laura Kim in their break-out company, Red Flag Releasing, and has been playing the film festival circuit. The film debuts to nationwide audiences June 18.
For More Info: 8: The Mormon Proposition.com

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