Jewelle Gomez Talks New Play “Waiting for Giovanni” (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with playwright Jewelle Gomez about her new play “Waiting for Giovanni” that runs now through August 4th at The Flea Theater at 20 Thomas Street in NYC. Written in collaboration with Harry Waters Jr. and directed by Mark Finley the play addresses author James Baldwin at a pivotal moment in his career in 1957 as bombs are exploding in Black churches and lynchings are a fact of life for many across America. From these ashes a young Black writer emerges to become a literary celebrity bringing with him both his boundless talent and personal insecurities. Director Mark Finley stated, “In Jewelle's play, Jimmy wrestles with his identity as a black writer and a gay man as a newly noted author and a truthful creative vessel. It dramatizes not only the creative process but also relationships between creative people how we love and limit each other and how we love and limit ourselves.” The New York premiere of “Waiting for Giovanni” is presented by TOSOS (The Other Side of Silence), the city’s oldest LGBTQ theater and performed as part of the company's partnership with the Flea Theater. We talked to Jewelle about what inspired her to write “Waiting for Giovanni” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.

When asked how she sees our LGBTQ community or any minority moving forward in this Trump administration, Gomez stated, “I feel like this administration is presenting us with a really great challenge to have someone so obvious in their distain for equal rights, distain for the Constitution, distain for Democratic institutions and for individuals. That’s so obvious it’s horrifying but it also says to me this is where we as a community an LGBT community can step up. He’s kind of a plague and we have faced plagues before and we stepped up and pulled together and worked to change for better lives and to me this is very similar. We need to think individually and as groups. What are the acts we can take once we cry and moan and complain and harmonize; then we need to say what is our next step whether it’s voting whether it’s supporting some of these nonprofits that are stepping in to do the work the administration would like to cut. We can think about individual act; it’s all about individual acts that we can commit to. It takes a couple of individuals to figure out to do something to make change and to be relentless about it and to not think ‘okay well I’m going to go on this march and I’m done and now things are going to be better’. It’s something that you do in your everyday life.”

Playwright Jewelle Gomez is the author of eight books including the Lambda Award-winning classic, “The Gilda Stories” which has been in print since 1991. Her play “Bones and Ash” based on “The Gilda Stories” was commissioned by the Urban Bush Women Company. “Waiting for Giovanni” is the first play of her trilogy about African American artists in the early part of the 20th century. In 2017 the second play, “Leaving the Blues” about singer/composer Alberta Hunter premiered at San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre Center where she is Playwright in Residence. She is currently working on “Unpacking at Ptown,” the third play in the trilogy which will premiere in 2021. “Waiting for Giovanni” runs now through August 4th at The Flea Theater at 20 Thomas Street in NYC.
For More Info & Tix: theflea.org

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Tab Hunter In His Own Words A Personal Reflection (AUDIO)

Very sad news out of Hollywood that screen legend and LGBTQ Icon Tab Hunter has passed away. A few years ago Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ had the opportunity to talk to Tab in this exclusive audio interview about his work and autobiography “Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star” by Eddie Muller and Tab Hunter that was made into the fabulous documentary by filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz. Interestingly Hunter talks about the importance about writing his biography in his own words rather than having it written by someone who didn’t know him after he died.

When asked about the documentary Tab stated, “Well you know we’re all on a journey and that was my journey, take it or leave it, that was it. Unfortunately we couldn’t put everything in it, there’s just so much you can do in that amount of time.” Our interview is filled with Hunter’s personal Hollywood stories that we feel so privileged to share with our global audience. One especially moving was when asked what advise he would give young LGBT kids dealing with bullying Tab stated, “I’m not a good one on advise, but I have to tell you a story that’s really interesting. Years ago I was doing a television show with Geraldine Page who was a brilliant actress and I said ‘God you know Gerry, the press they love you and they just hate my guts. They’re just despicable to me and I feel terrible about this.’ She grabbed hold of my arm and said ‘Remember this Tab. If people don’t like you that’s their bad taste.’ I thought Whoa, that’s powerful. I thought, I’m going to apply that to my life and furthermore pass that along to every person I know particularly young people because they don’t have the support and guidance while they’re growing up.”

Tab Hunter appeared in over 40 films. His breakout role in 1951 at age nineteen was with Samuel Goldwyn Studios in “The Lawless”. His Southern California “golden boy” good looks catapulted him to overnight matinee idol stardom and he enjoyed a robust film career throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. The 1970’s started out strong including a leading role in John Huston’s “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” starring Paul Newman but work began to wane in the later 70’s. A call from filmmaker and fan John Waters catapulted Hunter back into the limelight and took him into a new, freer direction with the now cult classic comedy “Polyester” in 1981 starring the infamous drag icon Divine.

Tab Hunter is survived by his partner Allan Glaser, who is currently working on a film about Tab’s relationship with actor Anthony Perkins.
For More Info: tabhunter.com

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LPAC Leaders & Supporters Speak OUT (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with red carpet attendees at “Levity & Justice For ALL” a comedy benefit for LPAC at Town Hall in NYC. For the past three years the event has honored a true Champion of Change and this year LPAC honored equality activist and tennis legend Billie Jean King. Melissa Etheridge was the special guest presenter and comedian Kate Clinton hosted the event with a stellar entertainment line up including comedians Chaunté Wayans, Judy Gold, A. B. Cassidy, Pat Brown and the musical group Betty. LPAC is the country’s only political action committee that is committed to empowering and engaging LGBTQ women. Now in its sixth year LPAC builds the political power of LGBTQ women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice issues. LPAC has successfully raised millions of dollars to reach these goals. With the 2018 Midterm elections in November it is crucial to back candidates that support our LGBTQ values and stop the Trump administration’s attempt to erase the progress our LGBTQ community has achieved.

First we talked to LPAC Board members Alix Ritchie and Diane M. Felicio about what they hope to accomplish at LPAC especially with the 2018 Midterm elections in November. Alix Ritchie also serves as secretary at LPAC and during the “Levity & Justice For ALL” performance she generously donated $20,000 which brought in over $50,000 in matching funds. Ritchie is a media strategy consultant, feminist activist, a member of the advisory board of Ms. Magazine, previous board member of GLAD and an advisory board member of the Stonewall National Museum and Library. Felicio serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Community Catalyst, a national health care consumer advocacy non-profit organization. Then we talked to attorney Lisa A. Linsky a partner at McDermott Will & Emery where she created and chaired the Firm-wide LGBT Committee and currently serves on the Firm's Pro Bono and Community Service Committee. Linsky talked about her involvement with LPAC and the Mattachine Society of Washington. Next we chatted with comedian Kate Clinton who hosted the event about how she sees our LGBTQ community moving forward in the Trump administration. Then we talked to Urvashi Vaid, an original founder of LPAC about what she hopes LPAC will accomplish this year. Urvashi is also Founder and CEO of Vaid Group LLC which works with social justice innovators, movements and organizations to address structural inequalities based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, gender and economic status. Next we chatted with attorney Sharon L. Weiner who is the past President of the Women's Political Caucus of NJ and served on the Board of Garden State Equity, the largest gay rights organization in New Jersey about her spin on our LGBTQ issues. We concluded with Liz Abzug, the Founder and President of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, about film projects she’s working on honoring the groundbreaking work of her mother Congresswoman Bella Abzug and her commitment to inspire young women and girls to lead the future.

All funds raised from “Levity & Justice for All” at The Town Hall in NYC will be used for political education, organizing and mobilization efforts to support LPAC endorsed candidates.
LISTEN: New LPAC Leader Stephanie Sandberg Speaks OUT
For More Info: teamlpac.com

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Back Lot Bash 15th Year At Chicago LGBTQ Pride (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Amie Klujian and Christina Roberts Co-Founders of “Back Lot Bash” Chicago’s most attended women’s festival that’s celebrating its 15th year and takes place June 22nd to June 24th during Chicago’s LGBTQ Pride week. “Back Lot Bash” started in 2004 in response to the lack of women’s events and the limited presence of female artists in the Chicago LGBTQ community and has evolved into an iconic staple of Chicago pride week that draws over 6000 attendees from Chicago, the Midwest and around the world. Taking place in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood this year’s events include a ‘Whiskey, Wine & Women’ A Pride Tasting Event on Friday June 22nd at 7P then on Saturday June 23rd their ‘Pride Family Fest’ takes place from 11A to 2P followed by Back Lot Bash’s Flagship Outdoor Music & Entertainment Fest from 5P to 10P. Then on Sunday June 24th Back Lot Bash’s Post Parade Outdoor Music Fest / Post Parade Bash takes place from 4P to 10P. Co-founders Roberts and Klujian strive to bring the community together by showcasing emerging and established talent and activating citizens by helping to raise money for community organizations. This year the Bash will be raising funds for Chicago Women’s Health Center. We talked to Amie and Christina about who will be performing at this year’s “Back Lot Bash” events and give us their spin on our LGBTQ issues.

When asked what they would like to accomplish with “Back Lot Bash” this year, Roberts stated, “From a personal standpoint we want to produce a world-class event with world-class performers that is welcoming and showcasing all of Chicago’s LGBTQ progressive environment and its active LGBTQ community to the world. Beyond that for the members of our community we hope that they leave inspired to be engaged in our community in a way that fits their passions and their beliefs. We want our attendees to know that they have a voice, to know that they have a community that cares and that we truly have their back in our community.”

Amie Klujian earned a degree in politics from Princeton University and a master's in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University. She serves with pride on the Executive Board of Directors at Girls in the Game, a nonprofit that helps girls become empowered game changers. Christina Roberts attended Paul Smith's College and is President and Co-Founder of Spot Events, LLC created to produce “Back Lot Bash”. Christina's contribution to the Chicago LGBTQ community isn't just social. She joined the Board of Directors of Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) where she helps guide the nation's largest LGBTQ sports organization. Additionally Christina also supports philanthropic endeavors across the community through volunteering and using her marketing reach to promote organizations and charity events. The fabulous entertainment lineup for the 15th anniversary of “Back Lot Bash” will feature performances and appearances by Sarah Shahi (‘Carmen’ from Showtime’s original series, The L Word), KITTENS, Brooke Candy, rapper and Chicagoan Jade The Ivy, Bridget Lyons, Whitney Mixter, Rose Garcia & Chicago’s female rockers Catfight and Sami Grisafe. The rest of the slate is equally eye-popping with these trendy tastemakers on the bill: Dance Loud, DJ All the Way Kay and DJ Zel.
For More Info: backlotbashchicago.com

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Author Sue Katz Talks LGBTQ Senior Pride & More (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with author Sue Katz about her lesbian journey in the Boston area during her lifetime, her books and how things have changed over the decades. Katz’s first political involvement was as a working-class teenager in the civil rights movement in Pittsburgh in the early 1960s. She arrived in Boston in 1965 on a full scholarship to Boston University and became deeply involved in anti-racism and anti-war work. In the late 60s and early 70s she was a pioneer in the women’s liberation movement in Boston and in the lesbian and gay movement. Katz’s fiction and non-fiction work has been published for decades in anthologies, magazines, academic journals and online. Her two most recent books are her collection of short fiction about the love lives of older people “Lillian’s Last Affair and other stories” that evolved into her novel “Lillian in Love” about the love affair between two old women in senior housing. Sue Katz will be speaking at an event entitled “From Pioneer to Elder: One Arlington Woman's Journey from the Birth of Boston's Gay Liberation to LGBTQ Elder Activism Today” at Robbins Library at 700 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington, MA on Thursday June 28th from 7P to 8:30P. Sue will address what it was like being queer in the Boston area during her lifetime and how things have changed. We talked to Sue about the inspiration for her books and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.

When asked how she sees our LGBTQ community moving forward in the Trump administration Katz stated, “I think our only hope is building a strong coalition and looking for strength in numbers. Like our community, what’s interesting about our community is that it overlaps with all the other threatened communities. Whether it’s people of color, women, immigrants, we’re kind of in a perfect position to build something multi faceted and I think that is the only way we’re going to survive, kind of mutual aid with all the other groups under attack.”

Sue Katz’s business card identifies her as a “wordsmith and rebel.” A lifelong activist for social justice she has lived and worked on three continents: first as a martial arts master, then promoting transnational volunteering and most recently teaching fitness and dance to elders. Katz enjoys reading her work in both the usual and some unusual settings. At the oldest LGBT synagogue in the world, Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim in L.A., the Rabbi and her wife invited everyone to a “Bodacious Brunch & Book Party” to celebrate “Lillian’s Last Affair”. She has read at bookstores, private parties, university orientations for freshmen, senior centers, life-long learning institutes, social work graduate classes and arts fairs. Sue’s next speaking engagement will be at Robbins Library Community Room at 700 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington, Massachusetts on Thursday June 28th from 7P to 8:30P. For More Info…
To Purchase Her Books: amazon.com

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GLAD Lawyers Talk U.S. Supreme Court Cakeshop Ruling (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio podcast Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ participated in a conference call with GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders Civil Rights Project Director Mary Bonauto and GLAD's Legal Director Gary Buseck about the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado. Mary Bonauto successfully argued the marriage equality case Obergefell v. Hodges before the Supreme Court in 2015. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision in favor of the baker in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case is limited specifically to the unique circumstances of this case and calls into question actions from the Colorado Civil Rights Commission but it leaves intact Colorado’s LGBTQ inclusive nondiscrimination protections as well as similar protections in 19 states and 200+ cities and towns. In fact the court expressly recognized that states can seek to prevent the harms of discrimination in the marketplace, including against LGBTQ people. The Court stated “As a general rule religious or philosophical objections to other people do[es] not allow business owners or economic or societal actors to deny protected persons equal access to goods and services or to put up signs excluding them.” This ruling rejected the central premise of the Cakeshop and U.S. Department of Justice both of which sought to use religion and free speech to justify discrimination against a gay couple. The Court did recognize the harm of discrimination and reaffirmed that states can act to protect our LGBTQ community from discrimination.

Bonauto stated, “Ironically, the Bakeshop and baker technically won, but only because the Supreme Court ruled that they had not received “neutral and respectful consideration” of their arguments by the state commission that heard and decided their case. To that end, the Court cited comments made by Commissioners on the case that the Court said denigrated religion, suggested incompatibility between being a person of faith and person in business, and noted what it said was a possible inconsistency with the Commission’s precedents. In any event, this limited ruling provides no basis for this Bakeshop or other entities covered by anti-discrimination laws to refuse goods and services in the name of free speech or religion.”

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is a non-profit legal rights organization that works to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression. The organization primarily achieves this goal through litigation, advocacy and education work in all areas of LGBTQ rights and the rights of people living with HIV. In addition, GLAD operates a legal information line, GLAD Answers, where LGBTQ & HIV+ residents of New England can receive attorney referrals and information about their rights.
For More Info: glad.org

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New LPAC Leader Stephanie Sandberg Speaks OUT (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Stephanie Sandberg the new Executive Director of LPAC which is the country’s only political action committee that is committed to empowering and engaging LGBTQ women. Now in its sixth year LPAC builds the political power of LGBTQ women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice issues. LPAC achieves its mission by increasing the political power and engagement of LGBTQ women and their allies. With the 2018 Midterm elections in November it is crucial to back candidates that support our LGBTQ values and stop the Trump administration’s attempt to erase the progress our LGBTQ community has achieved. LPAC has successfully raised millions of dollars to reach these goals and on June 20th at The Town Hall in NYC they will be presenting “Levity & Justice For ALL” a comedy benefit for LPAC. For the past three years LPAC has honored a true Champion of Change who embodies the values of their organization and this year they will be honoring equality activist and tennis legend Billie Jean King. Melissa Etheridge will be the special guest presenter and their stellar entertainment line up will include comedians Chaunté Wayans, Judy Gold, A. B. Cassidy, Pat Brown, Kate Clinton, the musical group Betty and more. The event is produced by Barbara Gaines, Bruce Roberts and Urvashi Vaid. We talked to Stephanie about what she hopes to accomplish at LPAC and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.

When asked how she sees our LGBTQ community moving forward in this Trump administration Sandberg stated, “First of all we’re not moving forward in terms of rights and protections, we’re moving backwards and with this administration doing everything from trying to ban trans soldiers in the military to literally erasing the community from federal websites not to mention implicitly or explicitly supporting states’ rights to discriminate against our community. That said, it’s fired us up; I’m fired up. I was thinking this morning if it wasn’t for Trump I wouldn’t be quite so angry when I get out of bed every morning and I’m sure a lot in the community share that. So I think we really need to use this moment to channel our energies towards stemming the anti-LGBTQ agenda of this administration and of course I think that LPAC is one terrific outlet for women in particular seeking to engage in that fight and that’s the only way we’re going to move forward.”

Stephanie Sandberg brings a diverse set of business, political and organizing experience to LPAC. Most recently she was Managing Director of OUT leadership the first global business providing companies ‘Return on Equality’ by helping them optimize their strategic LGBTQ inclusion efforts. Prior to her work with Out Leadership Stephanie served in a variety of executive leadership roles in media and consulting from the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek and the New Yorker to The New Republic where she served as President and Publisher. Funds raised by “Levity & Justice for All” on June 20th at The Town Hall in NYC will be used for political education, organizing and mobilization efforts to support LPAC endorsed candidates.
For More Info & Tix: teamlpac.com

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Creators Talk “Jewel's Catch One” Now On Netflix (AUDIO)

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with filmmaker C. Fitz and LGBTQ pioneer Jewel Thais-Williams about their fabulous documentary “Jewel's Catch One” that’s available on Netflix. The film tells the story of Jewel Thais-Williams and her legendary “Jewel’s Catch One” nightclub often referred to as the Studio 54 of the West. It was a hub for cutting edge fashion and music for over 42 years in LA before it closed last year. When Jewel opened her club in 1972 to all races and sexual orientations the club became a target of racism and homophobia especially during the AIDS crisis. She even turned her parking lot into a soup kitchen during that time to make sure people could get care when so many were being ostracized. Jewel became a civil rights leader and then ultimately a healer who has now saved countless lives through her Village Healthcare Foundation. The film is narrated by NCIS New Orleans’ CCH Pounder and features exclusive interviews with Sharon Stone, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Thelma Houston, Sandra Bernhard, Bonnie Pointer, Thea Austin, Jenifer Lewis and more as well as fabulous vintage footage that includes Madonna’s 2000 album release party where it was rumored that she learned to Vogue at the club. We talked to Fitz and Jewel about their inspirational must-see documentary and their spin on our LGBTQ issues.

When asked how she sees our LGBTQ community moving forward in a Trump administration Jewel stated, “United and on all fronts I feel is the key to it as well as being supportive of other groups. I think that we saw during the Civil Rights Protests and Campaign embrace every aspect of the human conditions and so we had folks joining from various and slightly different groups to support that cause and I feel if we can get that kind of support around our LGBTQ issues and we’re finding hope with millennials. We see them protesting things like Black Lives Matter and they might be Asian, Indian and Caucasian, whatever, this is the kind of support we need to face anything that is happening politically to us now. We all have to join together every facet of our Americana especially those people that are being discriminated against and of course we’re one of the main ones of that. If we all come together there’s power in numbers.”

Filmmaker C. Fitz met Jewel after volunteering to direct a 3-minute short for charity and realized there was a much greater story to tell. She has spent the last six years bringing “Jewel's Catch One” a labor of love and inspiration to fruition. Fitz is also a television and marketing veteran who through her creative agency “Dancing Pictures” has worked with many clients including HBO, Pepsi, FOX, Disney and Showtime where she has conceptualized and produced hundreds of international and domestic broadcast and social media campaigns. Early in her career Fitz was the producer behind the launch of the BRAVO series, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” where she helped introduce the ground-breaking new format as an international brand. In the late 1990’s Jewel Thais-Williams at age 56, driven by an overwhelming need to make a difference, enrolled in Samra University of Oriental Medicine and received a Master of Science degree. She went on to pass the state and national boards and is currently a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist at her new clinic at 4077 Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, California under the same name Village Health Foundation. She opened her new clinic next door at 4077 Pico Boulevard under the same name Village Health Foundation.
For More Info: jewelscatchonedocumentary.com
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