LA Doc Fans: Free Screening Tonight!
May 19, 2009 by Sarah
Attention, Anglenos! Make plans to head over to Westwood tonight to check out a FREE work-in-progress screening of Out in the Silence, a documentary about the lives of gay and lesbian people in rural America.
When filmmaker Joe Wilson announced his wedding to his partner, Dean Hamer, in his hometown’s paper in 2004 (pictured), he created controversy among his small town’s residents. As a result, Wilson began capturing stories of LGBT people in rural America, showing the homophobia many LGBT people in rural areas face every day, in the hopes that these stories would spark much-needed discussion around gay and lesbian issues.
Out in the Silence screens tonight, May 19, at 7:30 pm at the Hammer Museum, located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. in Westwood.
Though this screening is free, tickets are required, and are available at the Billy Wilder Theater Box Office one hour prior to start time. Limit one ticket per person on a first come, first served basis. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.
Parking is available under the museum for $3 after 6:00pm.
See you tonight!
What to Watch: Thursday
May 7, 2009 by Sarah
Yes, there’s Betty and Grey’s on tonight (our standing faves) but Bravo’s won our heart this Thursday with the season finale of The Millionaire Matchmaker (Patti sets up a gay millionaire!) and the season premiere of The Fashion Show, hosted by Isaac Mizrahi.
8:00 pm Ugly Betty, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Baby William is kidnapped, throwing Wilhelmina’s life into chaos. Much to her surprise, Betty is roped into the drama.
9:00 pm Grey’s Anatomy, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Mer-Der’s wedding day is rapidly approaching, while Callie and Arizona seem to be still going strong, much to our delight!
9:00 pm The Millionaire Matchmaker, Bravo (1 hr) SEASON FINALE
It’s the episode we’ve all been waiting for: Patti fixes up her first gay millionaire!
10:00 pmThe Fashion Show, Bravo (1 hr) SEASON PREMIERE
Who needs the fashion reality series that dare not speak its name when you’ve got this gem on the horizon? Hosted by Isaac Mizrahi, this new designer challenge features a ton of gay talent. (Let’s just put it this way: all the guys are gay except for Markus and Jonny Day.)
10:00 pm Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire, Comedy Central (30 min) NEW
In this medieval spoof, Krod Mandoon has assembled a rag tag band of inept freedom fighters, one of who is gay warrior Bruce, the jailhouse lover of Krod’s late mentor.
10:00 pm Southland, NBC (1 hr) NEW
John Cooper is a tough veteran cop who has all the trademarks of your typical “older cop” TV character – and he’s gay. This is groundbreaking stuff, people.
10:00 pm Taking the Stage, MTV (1 hr) NEW
In this docu-series about students attending the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cleveland, Malik is an openly gay dancer striving to make it big in hip-hop.
Attention Angelenos: FREE Documentary Screening!
May 6, 2009 by Sarah
They say the best things in life are free, and that’s especially true in these hard economic times. For all you documentary fans out there, the Hammer Museum at UCLA is offering a unique opportunity to see a new documentary about LGBT issues in rural America for absolutely FREE.
Out in the Silence, a work-in-progress film sponsored by the Sundance Institute, follows a group of gay and lesbian residents in a conservative small town in western Pennsylvania as they try to spark dialogue around LGBT issues and create awareness of the struggle that many of them face on a daily basis.
The filmmaker, Joe Wilson, has made a clip of the film available on YouTube. We highly recommend watching it, to get a feel for the powerful stories that will be told:
Out in the Silence screens May 19 at 7:30 pm at the Hammer Museum, located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. in Westwood.
Though this screening is free, tickets are required, and are available at the Billy Wilder Theater Box Office one hour prior to start time. Limit one ticket per person on a first come, first served basis. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.
Parking is available under the museum for $3 after 6:00pm.
See you there!
What to Watch: Wednesday
May 6, 2009 by Sarah
Reality Wednesdays continue, with four great shows from which to choose! Two involve models, one is all about singing and one… well, I guess it’s about drinking, fighting, hooking up and competing…?
Good stuff, people
8:00 pm America’s Next Top Model, The CW (1 hr) NEW
Tyra directs the photo shoot tonight, sending the girls into a tizzy.
9:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
It’s elimination time… Surely gay favorite Adam Lambert won’t be cut, right??
10:00 pm Make Me a Supermodel, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Though all the queer models have been eliminated, we’ve still got lesbian judge Jenny Shimizu to represent Team Rainbow.
10:00 pm Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel II, MTV (1 hr) NEW
Ruthie, Aneesa, Rachel and Brooke are the lesbian women daring to compete in this extreme competition.
What to Watch: Tuesday
May 5, 2009 by Sarah
Lots of great reality programming on tonight, like the uber-popular American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. So why not try something new like BET’s College Hill or Discovery Channel’s Out of the Wild, featuring the network’s first openly gay person in Discovery’s history?
Jake from Out of the Wild
8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Only four contestants remain. We think that gay fave Adam Lambert is the man to beat!
9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Which couples will stay and who will head home? Gay judge Bruno Tonioli weighs in.
10:00 pm College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) NEW
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
10:00 pm Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
What to Watch: Monday
May 4, 2009 by Sarah
Lots of great TV tonight, people! Georgina continues her reign of terror on Gossip Girl while a tantalizing lesbian storyline kicks off tonight on Greek!
Can you blame Robin for being smitten with this?
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr, 30 min) NEW
Another round of dancing, another round of crazy moves in loud costumes. Gay judge Bruno Tonioli evaluates the couples with a rapier-like wit.
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW
Georgina continues her reign of terror on the Upper East Side.
8:00 pm Greek, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW
Ashleigh’s big sis, Robin, returns to Cyprus-Rhodes for a friend’s wedding. While all the guys are drooling, little do they realize that it’s Rebecca who catches her eye.
9:30 pm Sophie, ABC Family (30 min) NEW
Sophie goes into business with her mother, sparking chaos between the two women. Where’s Sophie’s gay BFF Matt to rescue her from this madness?
What to Watch: This Weekend
May 1, 2009 by Sarah
Happy May Day, TV fans! It may be beautiful outside, but that’s no reason to head to the beach! Stay home and check out some glaadBLOG faves, like The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (HBO), American Dad! (Fox) and Brothers & Sisters (ABC).
Friday, May 1
10:00 pm Real Time with Bill Maher, HBO (1 hr) NEW
This no-holds barred news show is broadcast live, so you never know what to expect. Bill regularly discusses LGBT issues and features gay panelists and commentators, so check it out!
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Saturday, May 2
9:00 pm Color Splash, HGTV (30 min) NEW
Gay interior designer David Bromstad reworks living spaces. Tonight he jazzes up a sad-looking patio by adding jewel tones. Zing!
Jai and his yorkie get their Groom on
9:00 pm Groomer Has It, Animal Planet (1 hr) NEW
Jai Rodriguez hosts this campy fave, with Huber and Bill as gay contestants.
10:00 pm The Graham Norton Show, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Openly gay talk show host Graham Norton sits down with British “It” couple Katie Price and Peter Andre. Comedian Jimmy Carr also swings by.
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Sunday, May 3
7:00 pm Sit Down, Shut Up, Fox (30 min) NEW
Andrew is a bisexual drama teacher at Knob Haven High. Please note the new time slot.
8:00 pm Any Dream Will Do, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Contestants compete for the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in a production on London’s West End. One of the judges is openly gay actor/singer John Barrowman, with host Graham Norton. Only eight boys remain as the competition grows fierce.
8:00 pm The Amazing Race 14, CBS (1 hr) NEW
Gay racer Luke placed second with his mom while lesbian contestant Kisha finished fourth with her sister last week. Only a one more leg to go… Who will win the race?
8:00 pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Gay designer Michael Moloney joins the team this week to help a family in North Carolina rebuild their deteriorating home.
BK solves mysteries -- while doing great hair!
8:00 pm The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, HBO (1 hr) NEW
Precious is Botswana’s first female private investigator. She has a gay hairdresser named BK who acts as a crucial means of emotional support.
9:00 pm Desperate Housewives, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Gale Harold fans rejoice! The actor returns to Wisteria Lane this week, but will Susan take him back?
9:30 pm American Dad!, Fox (30 min) NEW
Stan has had it with Roger being a selfish brat, but when he calls Roger out, Roger declares that he has been sent to earth as “the decider,” responsible for the fate of humankind, which is actually sort of believable, being that Roger is an alien with strong opinions.
10:00 pm Brothers & Sisters, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Kevin was tempted by sex with his ex, Chad, and he managed to politely refuse, so why is his sister, Kitty, running around kissing men who aren’t her husband?
Actress Kelly McGillis Comes Out
April 30, 2009 by Sarah
Kelly McGillis, star of Top Gun and The Accused, came out as lesbian in an April 30 interview with SheWired.com. She told vlogger Jennifer Corday that her “life in a whole different phase” and that she is “done with the man thing.”
The actress said that realizing her sexuality has been an ongoing process for her since she was 12 years old, but through her life faced getting over being convinced that God was punishing her for being gay.
Corday told McGillis that it’s much easier to become spiritual now and people realize that “God is okay with you being gay.”
McGillis added that “life is a freaking journey, and it’s about growing and changing, and coming to terms with who and what you are, and loving who and what you are.”
Remember when McGillis guest starred on The L Word as a closeted Army Colonel trying a Don’t Ask Don’t Tell case? Brilliant!
What to Watch: Thursday
April 30, 2009 by Sarah
Betty’s Back, people! After a month-long hiatus, Ugly Betty finally returns to ABC tonight. And don’t forget to check out NBC’s Southland, a crime drama with a gay cop that’s anything but stereotypical.
> 8:00 PM Ugly Betty, ABC (1 hr) NEW
After a long wait, Betty’s finally back! Our heroine is off to an Easter Egg hunt at her megarich boyfriend’s mansion, while Wilhelmina begins to suspect that little William may not be her biological son.
> 9:00 PM Grey’s Anatomy, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Callie introduces Arizona as her girlfriend to her strict and disapproving father (guest star Hector Elizondo). Something tells me she won’t tell him that this ain’t her first rodeo.
> 10:00 PM Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire, Comedy Central (30 min) NEW
In this medieval spoof, Krod Mandoon has assembled a rag tag band of inept freedom fighters, one of who is gay warrior Bruce, the jailhouse lover of Krod’s late mentor.
Tough-as-nails John Cooper
> 10:00 PM Taking the Stage, MTV (1 hr) NEW
In this docu-series about students attending the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cleveland, Malik is an openly gay dancer striving to make it big in hip-hop.
> 10:00 PM Southland, NBC (1 hr) NEW
If you’re not watching this show, you should be. John Cooper is a rough veteran cop who has all the trademarks of your typical “older cop” TV character – and he’s gay. This is groundbreaking stuff, people.
What to Watch: Wednesday
April 29, 2009 by Sarah
It’s the middle of the week, which only means one thing in the land of TV Gayed: REALITY WEDNESDAYS! From pretty girls posing to pretty boys singing to reality stars fighting it out in grueling competitions, there’s something for everyone on the tube tonight.
What Jenny does when she's not judging
> 8:00 PM America’s Next Top Model, The CW (1 hr) NEW
It’s go-see time! Watch the girls race around Brazil to meet five different designers in record time.
> 9:00 PM American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
It’s elimination time… Surely gay fave Adam Lambert won’t be cut, right?
> 10:00 PM Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel II, MTV (1 hr) NEW
Ruthie, Aneesa, Rachel and Brooke are the lesbian women daring to compete in this extreme competition.
> 10:00 PM Make Me a Supermodel, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Though all the queer models have been eliminated, we’ve still got lesbian judge Jenny Shimizu to represent Team Rainbow.
What to Watch: Tuesday
April 28, 2009 by Sarah
If you’re a fan of reality television, tonight’s your night! There’s singing (Idol), dancing (DWTS), living (College Hill) and just plain old surviving (Out of the Wild), so pick your theme and watch it!
The next American Idol?
> 8:00 PM American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Only four contestants remain. We think gay fave Adam Lambert is the man to beat!
> 8:00 PM Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Which couples will stay and who will head home? Gay judge Bruno Tonioli weighs in.
> 10:00 PM College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) NEW
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
> 10:00 PM Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
Don’t Forget: Making the Boys Screens Today!
April 27, 2009 by Sarah
Attention, New Yorkers: It’s not too late to make plans for this afternoon to see a fantastic documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival! Making the Boys is a beautifully shot, poignant film — don’t miss it!
Making the Boys
Monday, April 27 at 4:30 pm
SVA Theater (333 West 23rd Street), Theater 2
This new documentary, directed by Crayton Robey, is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the off-Broadway play The Boys in the Band and subsequent film release two years later. The Boys in the Band had a profound effect on the gay community in very different ways, both before and after Stonewall, but 40 years later, its legacy remains.
Following the screening, Tony Award-winning producer and documentary filmmaker Dori Berinstein will moderate a discussion with director Crayton Robey, The Boys in the Band playwright and screenwriter Mart Crowley, The Boys in the Band actor Laurence Luckinbill, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, television personality Carson Kressley, GLAAD Senior Director of Media Programs Rashad Robinson, and others.
For tickets to this exciting event, please click here.
The Tribeca Film Festival runs April 22 – May 3 and is screening many LGBT-inclusive films that are open to the public. For a complete listing, click here.
What to Watch: Monday
April 27, 2009 by Sarah
Good stuff abounds! As with every Monday, we have our beloved GRΣΣK to watch at 8:00, but there’s competition (and a much-needed DVR!) with Georgina’s return to Gossip Girl at the same time!
Don't trust Georgina!
> 8:00 PM Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr, 30 min) NEW
Another round of dancing, another round of crazy moves in loud costumes. Gay judge Bruno Tonioli evaluates the couples with a rapier-like wit.
> 8:00 PM Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW
Calling all Upper East Siders: Steel yourselves, because GEORGINA’S BACK!
> 8:00 PM GRΣΣK, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW
Makeover alert! No, this isn’t Top Model, but Casey and Ashleigh play Mr. Jay and Ms. J. when they attack Jordan, their grungy sorority pledge, and give her a ZBZ makeover from head to toe.
> 9:30 PM Sophie, ABC Family (30 min) NEW
Sophie continues to dip her toe into the dating pool, but without much success. Luckily her gay BFF Matt can lend a means of support.
What to Watch: This Weekend
April 24, 2009 by Sarah
Your TV will be on fire this weekend, burning up from all the great stuff you’ll be watching! Our picks: a Barbara Streisand concert, the TV Land Awards and, as always, Brothers & Sisters. Happy viewing!
FRIDAY
Bianca and Reese, in happier times
> 12:00 PM All My Children, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Bianca has returned from France, ready to forgive Reese for kissing Zach the night before their wedding day. We all know Reese loves Bianca, but is she willing to leave Pine Valley? Times vary; check listings.
> 12:00 PM The Young and the Restless, CBS (1 hr) NEW
The blogosphere has been buzzing about this, but today, it is finally revealed that Rafe is gay! Times vary; check listings.
> 10:00 PM Real Time with Bill Maher, HBO (1 hr) NEW
This no-holds barred news show is broadcast live, so you never know what to expect. Bill regularly discusses LGBT issues and features gay panelists and commentators, so check it out!
SATURDAY
> 8:00 PM Streisand: Live in Concert, CBS (1 hr) NEW
If you missed Babs on her 2006 tour, watch the highlights from the comforts of your living room!
> 9:00 PM Color Splash, HGTV (30 min) NEW
Gay interior designer David Bromstad reworks living spaces. Tonight he shakes up a den by adding unexpected color where it will make the biggest impact.
> 9:00 PM Groomer Has It, Animal Planet (1 hr) NEW
Jai Rodriguez hosts this campy fave, with Huber and Bill as gay contestants. (Poor “Chicken Joe” was given the boot last week!)
> 10:00 PM The Graham Norton Show, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Openly gay talk show host Graham Norton sits down with actress Gillian Anderson, actor/comedian Chris Addison and singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, who probably won’t rip up a picture of the Pope this time because that was so 17 years ago.
SUNDAY
> 8:00 PM The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, HBO (1 hr) NEW
Precious is Botswana’s first female private investigator. She has a gay hairdresser named BK who acts as a crucial means of emotional support.
Neil is the host with the most!
> 8:00 PM TV Land Awards, TV Land (2 hrs, 30 min) NEW
Neil Patrick Harris hosts the seventh annual ceremony, which recognizes the best in television from years past. With Don Rickles as one of its honorees, you know it’s going to be an uproarious event.
> 8:00 PM Any Dream Will Do, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Contestants compete for the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in a production on London’s West End. One of the judges is openly gay actor/singer John Barrowman, with host Graham Norton. Only eight boys remain as the competition grows fierce.
> 8:00 PM The Amazing Race 14, CBS (1 hr) NEW
Lesbian contestant Kisha finished first with her sister last week while gay racer Luke is staying strong with his mom. Only a few more legs to go… Who will win the race?
> 8:00 PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC (1 hr) REPEAT
Gay designer Eduardo Xol joins the team this week to help a family in Alabama rebuild their deteriorating home.
> 8:30 PM Sit Down, Shut Up, Fox (30 min) NEW
Andrew is a bisexual drama teacher at Knob Haven High.
> 9:00 PM Desperate Housewives, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Secrets abound on Wisteria Lane this week, as Lynette hides something from Tom, Gaby covers for her husband, Orson lies to Bree and Susan reveals her truth to Dave. The scandal!
> 9:30 PM American Dad!, Fox (30 min) NEW
After Steve is kicked off the football team (by his own dad!) he joins forces with Roger to form a team of misfits that threaten the school championship.
> 10:00 PM Brothers & Sisters, ABC (1 hr) NEW
How are our boys faring after last week’s Indecent Proposal? Will Chad make another appearance to heat things up in Kevin and Scotty’s apartment?
Russell Simmons Shows Support for Marriage Equality
April 23, 2009 by Sarah
Hip-hop and fashion mogul Russell Simmons recently sent an open letter to New York Gov. David Paterson in support of marriage equality. Thanks to Diversity, Inc., we have the unedited text of the letter in its entirety.
Dear Governor Paterson,
I write this letter to you, my friend, to publicly announce my gratitude for your courage and leadership on issues that will ultimately make this state, nation and the world a better place. I have known you for a very long time and have always admired your passion for doing what is right, which is often times not the most popular. This is what makes you a great leader, especially for our underserved communities that you have advocated on behalf of for decades. We were all inspired by your dedication to reforming the drug laws of our state and recognize the accomplishment your administration achieved by ending the Rockefeller Drug Laws after 36 years. So, we know when you believe in something, what you can do.
However, as your friend and supporter, we know you can do much more, if you forget about what the poll numbers say and let your heart lead. You have recently done this in showing support for the legalization of gay marriage. History will show you are right and will we support you on this issue. Mr. Governor, we want to go to work for you and we will, but we will not be easy on you, because we know your potential. When you were unexpectedly put into the role of Chief Executive of New York State, you were handed a plate full of problems. Although your first year was a bumpy ride, we are beginning to see your great leadership and vision shine through and take over. I encourage you to keep leading with your heart, and address issues like the promotion of good diet, well-being and education for youth, as well creating new jobs (hopefully green jobs) for our workers and making sure that every person in our state can afford healthcare. As the first African-American Governor of New York, you have already made history. We now want to help you create a legacy.
Respectfully,
Russell Simmons
This is not the first time that Simmons has shown support of the LGBT community. In a 2006 interview for The Advocate Newsmagazine on Logo, he talked about why it’s important to support all people, and addressed the possible discomfort within the hip-hop community to discuss homophobia.
His portion is in Part 2, 25 seconds in, but we’ve included both parts, of this special segment, because, yes, it’s that good (and still relevant three years later).
