AFER Prop 8 Super Team Speaks OUT (Audio)

In this exclusive audio broadcast Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson Host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ participated in a conference call with the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), the sole sponsor of Hollingsworth v. Perry, the landmark federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8 just moments after it was dismissed on a lack of standing by the US Supreme Court. This historic victory for marriage equality restores gay marriage to California. The Super Team speaking on the call are AFER Executive Director Adam Umhoefer, lead co-counsel David Boies, Plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, AFER co-founder and HRC President Chad Griffin, Plaintiffs’ counsel Theodore J. Boutrous, Jr and San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

Adam Umhoefer, Executive Director of AFER stated, “This is an historic victory for California, for equality, and, most of all, for loving gay and lesbian couples and their families. Because of this decision, today we are more American. As historic as the Supreme Court decision is, 37 states still treat gay and lesbian Americans and their children as unequal, second-class citizens. That means that countless children still do not have the security and protection that marriage would provide their parents. The Court needs to recognize that the Constitution guarantees these families and loving, committed couples full equality under the law. Our work is not complete until marriage equality is a reality for all Americans.” Plaintiff Kris Perry stated, “Today is a great day for American children and families. Sandy and I want to say how happy we are, not only to be able to return to California and finally get married, but to be able to say to children in California that no matter where you live, no matter who your parents are, no matter what family you are in, you are equal, you are as good as your friends’ parents and as your friends. We believed from the very beginning that the importance of this case was to send a message to the children of this country that you are just as good as everybody else no matter who you love, no matter who you’re parents love.” Her partner Plaintiff Sandy Stier added, “Today is not just about us, it is about kids in the South, it is about kids in Texas, it is about kids everywhere. And we really need to take this fight all the way and win equality for everyone in this entire country.”

The Supreme Court also issued a decision in United States v. Windsor, concluding that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional because it violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection of the laws. In an opinion by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, the Court held that DOMA “demeans” gay and lesbian couples and “humiliates tens of thousands of children now being raised by [those] couples.”  
Listen to Gay Congressman Pocan On DOMA Ruling  
For More Info: afer.org 

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Gay Congressman Pocan on DOMA Ruling (Audio)

In this exclusive audio broadcast U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus and the only current married gay member of Congress talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson Host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about the historic Supreme Court’s decision striking down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and to dismiss the Prop 8 case on a lack of standing. We talked to Pocan about the future of gay marriage in this country and what Congress will do to expedite marriage equality in the 37 remaining states that discriminate against our LGBT families.

Congressman Pocan stated, “I am overjoyed that the Supreme Court has come down on the side of equality, justice and love by striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. No more will thousands of loving gay and lesbian couples see their marriage ignored by the federal government, leaving them without the protections opposite-sex married couples enjoy. With 93 million Americans now living in states that recognize gay marriages, and 58 percent of the country in favor of marriage equality, we now have the public, the courts and the Constitution on our side. I am also thrilled that by dismissing the Perry case, thousands of gay and lesbian couples and families in California can once again have their love respected under the law, and Prop 8 can once again take its rightful place in our country’s history books. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we must continue to move forward and ensure all loving couples are treated as equals. While my husband Phil and I continue to wait to have our marriage recognized by both Wisconsin and Washington, I am now more confident than ever that full marriage equality is a question not of if, but when.”

Pocan, a co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, is the only current gay-married member of Congress. His husband, Phil, was recently issued a congressional spouse ID—the first ever spousal ID issued to a partner of a gay member. Listen to AFER Prop 8 Super Team Speaks OUT

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Provincetown Int’l Film Festival June 19-23

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Gabrielle Hanna, Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival that takes place in Provincetown, Massachusetts June 19th through June 23rd. This is the film festival’s 15th anniversary and there are many special events and films planned to celebrate the occasion. The Filmmaker on The Edge Award goes to Harmony Korine (SPRINGBREAKERS, GUMMO, MISTER LONELY, KIDS) sponsored by the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation. Matt Dillon (DRUGSTORE COWBOY, TO DIE FOR, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY) will receive the Excellence in Acting Award sponsored by American Express. Cinematographer Ed Lachman (TRUE STORIES, FAR FROM HEAVEN, ERIN BROCKOVICH) will receive the Faith Hubley Career Achievement Award sponsored by the MALLRD Foundation. The Opening Night Film will be Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman’s LOVELACE; the Friday Night Spotlight selection is Jeffrey Schwarz’s I AM DIVINE; Saturday Night Spotlight Selection is Pedro Almodóvar’s I’M SO EXCITED and the closing night film is Francesca Gregorini’s EMANUEL AND THE TRUTH ABOUT FISHES. Past Filmmaker on The Edge Awardees Directors John Waters, Todd Haynes, Mary Harron, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman and Producer Christine Vachon will be attending the festival’s 15th anniversary celebration as well. This is Hanna’s last year as Executive Director of PIFF. We talked to Gabby about this year’s festival, her plans for the future and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Hanna stated, “My partner and I are very committed. We work for candidates who are running for office that we believe in. We are very active with the Lesbian Political Action Committee, LPAC and if people don’t know about it they should. It was a PAC that was started last year by women to raise money to give to women running for political office, which is LPAC’s mission. I highly suggest that everyone out there whether male or female check out LPAC and read about it. It started last year and they gave over a million dollars that they raised to people like Elizabeth Warren, President Obama and Tammy Baldwin and it was a wonderful thing and we support that and feel strongly about that. And I’m really rooting for the US Supreme Court to comeback and overturn DOMA. (Defense of Marriage Act) I think that’s going to be good for everybody, not just the LGBT community. I think it’s just a really positive step for this country.”

 The Provincetown Film Society, Inc. (PFS) is the year-round organization and home of the Provincetown International Film Festival and the Whaler's Wharf Cinema. PFS is dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of acclaimed and emerging directors, producers and actors. An integral part of PFS's mission is to contribute to the economic and creative vitality of America's oldest art colony. This is the seventh year we’ll be covering the film festival for OUTTAKE VOICES™.
For More Info & Tix: ptownfilmfest.org 

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Gay Producer Seth Rudetsky Speaks OUT

 

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Broadway veteran Seth Rudetsky about the new play “Unbroken Circle” he has produced that’s now in previews and opens on Wednesday, June 19th at St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W 46th Street in NYC. Although Seth is a household name around the Great White Way as a pianist, conductor, performer and author, this marks his first time as a theatre producer. “Unbroken Circle” is written by and stars his husband James Wesley (The Wild Party, Ragtime) and to round out the family affair their 12-year-old daughter Juli Wesley (Children of Eden) appears as Jame’s daughter in the play. Set in 1970 Galveston, Texas, “Unbroken Circle” is the story of a family brought together for the first time in years on the day of its patriarch's funeral. As the day turns into night, the man's impact on his family unfolds in unexpected and surprising ways. “Unbroken Circle” is hilarious, disturbing and hopeful as it explores decades of family abuse and secrets. We talked to Seth about the play and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT Equality Rudetsky stated, “That’s a very big issue for me ever since I was a kid. You know essentially I’m on the radio every day on Sirius XM and I’m a combination of either telling people about Broadway stuff or very political telling people to call their senators because there’s a vote on ENDA happening. I also get a lot of letters saying ‘You know I live in Alabama or wherever and hearing you talk about your husband and your kid so matter of factly, I think is so wonderful because you really show America what it is like to be a gay person and what it is like to live that life.’ You know it’s the whole Harvey Milk theory that people can’t really be against someone they know or like. It’s just easier to be against gay people if it’s ‘oh these freaks’ that they don’t know anything about; but to know that when you’re voting against gay rights you’re voting against me, this radio host that you like, that has a kid with dyslexia that he’s just trying to get into a good school, I think it just demystifies gayness. So I feel I’m a combination of very political and also just matter of fact, to help America see what it’s like to be an adult gay man who’s married and has a kid.”

“Unbroken Circle” is produced by Seth Rudetsky and Mary J. Davisand. Also appearing are Stacey Bone-Gleason (The Baristas, “Celebrity Ghost Stories”), Lori Hammel (Forbidden Broadway, Mamma Mia), Suzanna Hay (Dance of Death), Anika Larsen (Xanadu, Zanna, Don't) and Eve Plumb who we loved as “Jan” in TV’s "The Brady Bunch".
For More Info & Tix: unbrokencircletheplay.com

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Gay Reality TV Star Anthony Pazos Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Anthony Pazos, hairstylist extraordinaire and breakout TV reality star of the 2nd season of WE TV network docu-series “L.A. Hair” that returns on June 6th. Pazos dazzles as the wild and outspoken protégé of reigning celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble whose clients include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Shakira, on “L.A. Hair”. Pazos is undoubtedly the next hair visionary to take over the Hollywood hair industry with his quick wit, sharp tongue, unique style and electrifying aptitude for making women look fabulous. Rivalry is fierce on this ground breaking series with Anthony front and center of all the action. We talked to Anthony about how he became involved with “L.A. Hair” and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT Equality Pazos stated, “I was talking to my boyfriend about that this morning and I would love to see equal rights across the board, regardless if you’re gay, lesbian, transgender, whatever, just equal rights. I mean it’s not that hard, I don’t understand what the deal is and why it’s such an issue. My commitment is basically just talking about it, telling my story, how I grew up and what I went through, just being open and being out and honest about it. I also associate myself with other members of the community like Jessica Clark who I like totally love. So just like being openly gay and talking about it is my commitment.”

Anthony Pazos who was born and raised in Torrance, California also shares his very personal experiences of being bullied and beaten in high school. Overcoming adversities Anthony has been featured in Vogue Italia, Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, Wired, Venice, Fader and Curve magazines. He has also appeared on E! Style Network's “How Do I Look” and “Split Ends”. Anthony became a self-taught aesthetic mastermind at a young age working at some of Los Angeles’ most prestigious salons, while being classically trained and mastering the techniques of hair legends such as Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy. Now an established and sought after stylist with training to work with any hair, his career continues to dazzle as he works his magic on celebrities and fans alike.
For More Info: anthonypazos.com
 

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Gay Icon Journalist Michael Musto Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with legendary columnist and author Michael Musto who has reported on the club and celebrity scene in NYC for over three decades. His weekly celebrity and gossip column La Dolce Musto that ran in the Village Voice for 28 years came to an abrupt end as lay-offs shocked and saddened his loyal readers. As the trend continues to shake-up and end the era of print publications we wondered if the Village Voice may be headed on the same route as Boston’s only alternative newspaper The Phoenix which folded this year after 48 years. We talked to Musto about where he thinks print publications are headed, the future of journalism that we love and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Musto stated, “My commitment has been lifelong. When I started the column in 1984 in the Village Voice I was out gay from the very first column. There was no way I was going to hide and I was going to do that so that first of all I could effect other persons lives without any hypocrisy and also I could mix gossip reporting and party stuff with fights for gay rights. It’s super important that we get total equality, not kind of half-baked attempts at that. In the eighties when I started the column I became extra politicalized when the AIDS epidemic started to hit in a big way. That just made me filled with rage, not only at the horror we were suffering but the fact that nobody in power was doing anything about it. I joined Act-Up. I took to the streets. You know this was very not me. I was always just kind of a party person looking for a gift bag and suddenly I was doing all of that but at the same time I was protesting and demanding equal rights and demanding that the government address the AIDS Crisis. So I never turned back since then. It really politicalized and galvanized me and until the day I die I will be fighting for our place at the table.”

Michael Musto has authored four books and has appeared on numerous TV shows including a cameo appearance on the season finale of the NBC hit series “Smash” where he plays himself. In 2011, Musto was named one of the "Out 100" of the country's most influential LGBT personalities. He's appeared as a TV pundit on numerous network news shows and in documentaries about actor/writer Charles Busch, Paris Hilton, Warhol star Jackie Curtis, restaurateur Florent, Michael Alig, camp performer Divine, clubs like the Roxy and many more. Michael is currently doing a weekly column called Musto! The Musical! for Out.com, writing regular think pieces for the Advocate and weekly interviews for Gawker.
For More Info: facebook.com/michael.musto 

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“The Real L Word” Somer Bingham Speaks OUT

In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with openly gay Somer Bingham the punk-edged musician we got to know last season on Showtime’s hit TV series “The Real L Word”. Somer’s gutsy performance style and authenticity led to her being cast on Showtime’s reality series “The Real L Word” where the lesbian community got to know her as relatable and uncompromising. Showtime then chose Somer to create a weekly video blog to accompany the series, calling it “Somer Fridays.” After two million views it’s success exceeded all expectations. Now she’s started a new music project “Clinical Trials” and will be performing at a Female-Fronted Music Takeover at TT the Bear's Place in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 30th. We talked to Somer about life after “The Real L Word”, her upcoming music event and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT Equality Bingham stated, “I think just by being out that’s the first step that anyone can take. I happened to be on the show which was an exposure and saying I’m a proud out lesbian. But I actually put on a couple of shows that were just for youth who were questioning or who were struggling, or might have been bullied. There’s an organization in Long Island called ‘Pride For Youth’ that I went to one of their charity events and I’m going back to just hang out with the girls. I want to be exposed and I want to be out in that way that makes other people feel less lonely.”

 Somer Bingham will be appearing as part of the all Female-Fronted Music Takeover at TT the Bear's Place, Cambridge, MA on May 30th. Nothing quite compares to a night of incredible bands led by women of rock and for music fans who also love supporting LGBTQ artists. Each band happens to include queer and lesbian-identifying members. The bands are: “Sugar Bomb!” Boston-based alternative/pop rock band spawned from the glorious brain of frontwoman Kat Hamilton, Somer’s band “Clinical Trials” inspired by the energy of Nirvana and Patti Smith, the blues-influenced grunge band “Slothrust” and “Licious”, largely inspired by Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor and Portishead. Tickets are only $8 and the event is for ages 18+. Doors open at 8P. Somer Bingham lives in Brooklyn, NY with her wife Donna and their two mini-wolves.
For More Info: clinicaltrialsmusic.com 

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