Vogue Evolution Returns for the ABDC Finale
September 28, 2009
Vogue Evolution, the all-gay and transgender dance crew on Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew, returned to the hit MTV show last night for the season four finale after being eliminated earlier this month.
The nine crews that started the season were divided into groups of threes for judge’s choice collaborations. Judge Lil Mama, who ran into some controversy with the LGBT community earlier in the season, selected Vogue Evolution to perform with Artistry in Motion and We Are Heroes, the eventual winners of the competition. The fabulous new super crew performed a showstopping routine to “Girls On the Dance Floor” by Far East Movement.
You can check out to whole episode below:
Related Posts:National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to be Observed on Sept. 27
September 25, 2009
The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) alongside the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria (GBC) has coordinated the second annual ‘National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day’ which will be observed this Sunday, Sept. 27.
NAPWA is working in close collaboration with companies such as MTV, Facebook, Kenneth Cole and various others on a public education campaign that stresses the importance of regular HIV/AIDS testing.
“The commitment of these companies, combined with the work of partners like NAPWA and CDC, will make a critical difference in the fight to defeat HIV/AIDS,” said John Newsome, Vice President, U.S. Impact Initiative for GBC.
For more information, please visit NAPWA’s National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day page here or the GBC’s press release here.
Related Posts:Vogue Evolution Finishes Fifth on America’s Best Dance Crew
September 8, 2009
On Sunday’s edition of Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew, Vogue Evolution, the first all gay and transgender crew to compete on the show, was sent home by the judges after the viewer vote landed them in the bottom two for the first time.
Vogue Evolution
Vogue Evolution’s participation on the MTV competition over the past several weeks was groundbreaking. From the very moment they were introduced to America, the five members of Vogue Evolution were very up front and open about their sexual orientations and gender identity, using ABDC as a platform to increase LGBT visibility.
Particularly noteworthy was Leiomy Maldonado, Vogue Evolution’s openly transgender member. Leiomy’s participation on ABDC made her one of only two prominent transgender people on television, the other being Jaila Simms on MTV’s Making His Band. While the show did a good job of relating the story of these five LGBT young people, judge Lil Mama angered many in the LGBT community the week prior to Vogue Evolution’s elimination after she made remarks that were insensitive regarding Leiomy’s gender identity. After being contacted by GLAAD, Lil Mama issued an apology.
Though Vogue Evolution will be missed on ABDC, they are far from over. Many other LGBT blogs besides glaadBLOG, such as AfterElton and Pam’s House Blend, became avid fan’s of the out dancers and helped spread the word among the community. Be sure to continue checking back here for the latest on what the future holds for this talented fivesome.
Related Posts:GLAAD Receives Apology from Lil Mama for Comments Made on America’s Best Dance Crew
September 2, 2009
On Monday we reported an incident that occurred on Sunday’s edition of America’s Best Dance Crew in which judge Lil Mama made misinformed comments to transgender contestant Leiomy Maldonado. After receiving numerous complaints from constituents, GLAAD reach out to MTV and Lil Mama.
Lil Mama on the set of "America's Best Dance Crew"
This morning recieved an apology from Lil Mama:
Lil Mama: “I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday’s show. My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy’s gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution.”
GLAAD’s Senior Director of Media Programs, Rashad Robinson, responded to Lil Mama’s statement:
“While we thank Lil Mama for her apology, this incident demonstrates the need for more education around the lives and experiences of transgender people. Lil Mama’s comments during her critique attempted to impose standards of conformity for gender identity and expression — a mistake that many people make,” said Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD.
Vogue Evolution's Leiomy Maldonado
“Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, become targets of discrimination and violence when inaccuracies and acts of insult like this are advanced. Contrary to what was said on the program, as an openly transgender woman and dance contestant, Leiomy is living her truth,” Robinson continued.
“It was surprising that MTV, a network that has shown a strong commitment to fair and accurate inclusion of transgender and gay people, would choose to air a clip that includes such disrespectful comments,” said Robinson. MTV has not yet publicly addressed the comments made by Lil Mama in the episode.
GLAAD’s full statment can be found on our homepage.
Related Posts:Lil Mama Makes Controversial Critique on America’s Best Dance Crew
August 31, 2009
Underlying conflict rose to the surface for Vogue Evolution last night on America’s Best Dance Crew as Leiomy said she was homesick and was shown acting out in rehearsal footage. After their performance, judge Lil Mama waded into controversy with some of her comments to Leiomy.
Lil' Mama
After walking out of dress rehearsal, Leiomy says that she has decided to stay because she recognizes that she has become a prominent representative of the transgender community on television and does not want to let down her fans.
Lil Mama opens her comments by stating that she “live[s] for Vogue Evolution,” offers a critical analysis of their performance and then addresses Leiomy directly:
“Leiomy, come on. Your behavior…it’s unacceptable. I just feel that you always have to remember your truth. You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you’re going to become a woman, act like a lady. Don’t be a bird, like ‘Oh my god, I’m not doing this!’ You know what I’m saying? It gets too crazy and it gets confusing. You’re doing this for America. Even though you’re the face for transgenders, you’re the face of America right now with this group and it’s not about anybody else. It’s about y’all. You know what I’m saying? So do it for the team. Do it for the team.”
You can watch video of the performance here.
GLAAD has received a number of complaints from concerned constituents regarding Lil Mama’s comments. We are currently reviewing the events and have reached out to MTV. We hope to have an update soon.
Related Posts:Vogue Evolution Continues to Shine on America’s Best Dance Crew
August 17, 2009
Last night on Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew on MTV, Vogue Evolution, the first dance crew comprised entirely of openly gay and transgender dancers to compete on the show, continued to blow everyone away with their inspired choreography.
Vogue Evolution are, from left: Dashaun, Leiomy, Prince, Malechi and Pony
This week, the teams were tasked with choreographing a routine to one of Beyoncé’s songs while also throwing in an added challenge. Vogue Evolution was assigned “Déjà Vu” and was tasked with adding traditional African dance moves to their routine.
Lead dancer Leiomy was front and center in the Beyoncé role and wowed the judges and the audience with her incredible moves. As judge Lil Mama noted, “it took a transgender woman to bring out the feminine side of Beyoncé tonight,” something previous dancers had failed to do.
Vogue Evolution was formed in 2008 with the aim of bringing vogue and house/ballroom dance culture to the masses. But as noted on their MySpace page, Vogue Evolution is so much more:
Vogue Evolution has since moved beyond just a dance company to become an envoy that stands committed to effectively changing the lives of the LGBT community through the art of dance. Vogue Evolution works to empower Black and Latino gay youth around self-value, while educating the community on HIV/AIDS awareness, and encouraging the importance of getting tested now.
Thus far, MTV has been commendable in showcasing this impressive crew of LGBT dancers. Judge JC Chasez correctly pointed out last night that they were “one of the first groups [of the night] that really connected with the audience.” Oftentimes on dance competition programs, dancers’ sexual orientations are rarely addressed, so it’s refreshing to see five dancers who make no bones about their orientations and gender identity be featured so prominently. To view full performances, visit ABDC’s official website.
Related Posts:GLAAD Releases Third Annual Network Responsibility Index
July 27, 2009
Today, GLAAD released its third annual Network Responsibility Index, a report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people on television. HBO ranked highest among all networks, while ABC led broadcast networks for the third year in a row.
"True Blood's" Lafayette helped make HBO the leader in LGBT representation among all networks evaluated
GLAAD reviewed all primetime programming — 4,901 hours — for inclusion of LGBT characters or issues on the five major networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC) from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009. GLAAD also examined all original primetime programming — 1,212.5 hours — on 10 highly-rated cable networks (A&E, FX, HBO, Lifetime, MTV, Showtime, Sci Fi, TBS, TNT, and USA). Each hour was reviewed for on-screen LGBT representations. Based on the quantity, overall quality and diversity of these representations, a grade was assigned by GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Program to each network: Excellent, Good, Adequate, or Failing.
The full, detailed report can be downloaded here: http://www.glaad.org/nri2009
HBO received a Good rating and scored the highest rating of the 15 networks evaluated with LGBT characters on shows including True Blood, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and Entourage that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of the LGBT community. Of HBO’s 14 original series, 10 included LGBT content and 42 percent of the network’s total programming hours included LGBT representation. However, representation of the lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities was minimal.
"Grey's Anatomy's" Callie and Arizona helped keep ABC tops among broadcast networks
ABC and The CW ranked first and second among the five broadcast networks, just as they have every year since GLAAD began tracking for the Network Responsibility Index. However, the rankings among the remaining broadcast network shifted with CBS dropping to last place and Fox rising to third.
The 14th Annual GLAAD Where We Are On TV report on diversity will be issued in September. This analysis will examine LGBT inclusion as well as the gender and race/ethnicity of all scripted characters scheduled to appear during the upcoming season. With brand-new LGBT-inclusive shows such as Glee and Modern Family, we are optimistic that the 2009-2010 television season could see some marked improvement among the major networks. Continue checking glaad.org and glaadblog.org for the latest on the Network Responsibility Index and Where We Are on TV, as well as further news on the coming TV season.
Related Posts:Pedro Premieres Tonight!
April 1, 2009
The MTV original movie Pedro, which follows the remarkable life of Pedro Zamora, premieres tonight at 8/7c on four networks: MTV, mtvU, Logo and MTV Tr3s, where the film will be subtitled in Spanish. We urge you to watch this emotional film and remember the impact that Pedro has had on all of our lives.
Written by Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk), the movie goes beyond what viewers saw in 1994 on The Real World: San Francisco. Yes, he was the first openly gay person living with HIV regularly seen on television, but of course Pedro was so much more than that. For many, he remains a touchstone for not only the gay community, but for those living with HIV and AIDS.
President Bill Clinton, who has long credited Zamora with personalizing and humanizing the AIDS epidemic, will introduce the film when it is broadcast across four networks.
“To this day, Pedro Zamora remains an extraordinary example of what a huge impact one young person can make in our world,” President Clinton said in a statement. “I’m glad to have known him, and I’m grateful his life has been able to inspire and enrich so many others.”
“Our historic, simultaneous premiere of the film across multiple networks demonstrates the power of Pedro’s journey to reach a vast array of audiences, just as it did 15 years ago,” said Brian Graden, President of Entertainment, MTV Networks Music Channels and President of Logo. “His story originally ignited a national dialogue, permanently impacted our consciousness around the challenges of HIV, and gave untold millions the courage to open up about their sexual orientation. For those of us who remember him as a treasured television friend, and for a new generation coming to his story for the first time, we remain grateful for the gift of his story.”
Be sure to watch the trailer here and tune in tonight for the world premiere of Pedro.
Dustin Lance Black Delivers Another Strong Biopic
January 13, 2009
Dustin Lance Black, the award-winning screenwriter of Milk, has done it again: He’s crafted an engaging biopic for a mainstream audience to enjoy. Pedro is about the life of Pedro Zamora, best known as the HIV-positive castmember of The Real World: San Francisco.
Alex Loynaz
Instead of dwelling exclusively on the months spent in The Real World house, the film delves deep into the life of Zamora, focusing on his close-knit Cuban family, his relationship with partner Sean Sasser, and the devotion of his friends, Judd and Pam, who he met while filming the reality series.
As you might expect from Black, the writing is nuanced and true to the subject. Often, it felt as if I were watching an MTV special chock full of interviews from The Real World: SF cast speaking their minds to the cameras. The casting is top-notch, with stand-out performances from Alex Loynaz (Pedro), Justina Machado (Pedro’s sister, Mily) and DaJuan Johnson (Sean).
Many Hollywood heavies have thrown their weight behind Pedro. Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (Quinceanera) acted as executive producers. Paris Barclay (In Treatment) produced the film and developed the story with Black. And the movie is brought to us by MTV and Bunim/Murray Productions, the same team that produces The Real World series.
Lucky for you, The Palm Springs International Film Festival is screening the film Friday and Saturday. Unlucky for you, the Friday screening is already sold out. Tickets are still available for Saturday, but they’re going fast. Click here for more info.
EXCLUSIVE – Interview With Katelynn From The Real World: Brooklyn
January 12, 2009
As I posted about on Friday, GLAAD was able to sit down with some of the cast members from this season of MTV’s The Real World. It’s the most LGBT inclusive season to date.
If you missed the first few interviews, you can click here to watch them. And if you missed the first episode, you can visit MTV’s website and watch the entire thing along with video dailies from the cast members. The next episode airs this week on Wednesday, January 14th.
Below is our exclusive interview with Katelynn, The Real World’s first ever transgender housemate.
It’s encouraging to see MTV provide greater visibility and a larger platform for transgender issues. Katelynn worked at the New York City LGBT Center while filming, which we’ll hopefully learn more about as the season unfolds.
You can read more information on the cast members from the MTV press release:
Katelynn, 24 – West Palm Beach, FL
Katelynn is a native of West Palm Beach and was raised in a religious Italian household, where she dreamed of being as good of a mother to her children as her own mom has been to her. Yet, this goal seemed unattainable since Katelynn was born male. In high school, she realized that something was missing in her life, and she began the slow transgender process by starting to dress in more feminine clothing. By age 17, she began living as a woman. This past July, Katelynn traveled to Thailand to undergo surgery to complete her transformation. She is a self-proclaimed computer geek and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After a string of bad relationships, she hopes to one day marry her current boyfriend, Mike.
“Real World: Brooklyn” is MTV’s Most LGBT Inclusive Yet
January 8, 2009
Yesterday, MTV premiered its newest and most LGBT inclusive Real World to date. This season, the show was set in Brooklyn and the house was opened to eight cast members, including the Real World’s first ever transgender cast member, Katelynn.
This time around the cast members got to individually pursue their own goals. Three of them – JD, Sarah, and Katelynn – all decided to work as interns at New York’s LGBT Community Center. From the Center’s website:
One of the biggest stars on this season of the “Real World” is your community center! This year, the Center opened its doors and welcomed three roommates of the “Real World” cast. Three out of eight roommates decided they wanted to pursue their passions through volunteer internships at the Center. For three months, MTV brought in their camera crews and captured the heart of the Center and uncovered why the three housemates would choose to spend so much of their time working for the vital programs offered by the Center.
You can also read more about the cast members’ internships and see photos at the Center’s website.
GLAAD had the opportunity to head to Brooklyn a few weeks ago and interview many of the cast members about their experience this season. We were also able to talk with the cast members and hand out resources to media about proper usage of LGBT terminology.
Below is footage from two of the interviews – the first with JD and Scott and the second with Sarah.
Check back for more interview footage in the coming days!
More information on the cast members from the MTV press release:
Baya, 21 – Salt Lake City, UT
Raised by hippie parents, Baya’s laid-back granola vibe hides a deep passion for the hip-hop culture, especially when it comes to dancing. A very friendly and positive person, she continually feels like a fish out of water, which stems from growing up as a non-Mormon in a predominately Mormon Salt Lake City society. Baya, who is a DJ, aspires to be a professional hip-hop dancer and is determined not to allow her severe panic attacks to stand in her way as she searches for the best place to develop her craft. When she is not sweating to funky grooves or spinning music, Baya is dedicating her time and energy to social and environmental causes.
Chet, 23 – Salt Lake City, UT
Chet is not the typical punk rock party boy. Despite his tight jeans and affinity for neon clothing, this University of Utah frat boy is one of ten children in a devoted Mormon family. Recently single, Chet’s flamboyant style and energetic personality always make him the life of the party. However, this doesn’t mean that he will compromise his firm beliefs – no alcohol and no premarital sex. Chet may not chug beer with his fraternity brothers, but he will take care of them when they get drunk – and sometimes play a prank or two. A strong conservative Republican, he is not one to shy away from voicing his opinions or standing up for what he believes. Chet’s goal is to become a television host.
Devyn, 20 – Kansas City, MO
A winner of Miss Missouri Teen and Miss America Teen pageants, this beauty queen is the epitome of a “Diva.” Devyn may be easy on the eyes, but she’s tough on anyone who stands in her way. She lives for the lime light, whether it’s center stage or at the center of the club. Her flirtatious behavior allows her to get what she wants without having to give up anything – especially sex. Known as a tease, she lives by the quote: “It is easier to get into Heaven than into Devyn.” A theatre and music studies major at the University of South Florida, Devyn hopes to one day be a part of the entertainment industry. Devyn has no problem juggling multiple suitors at any given time; however, her mother and late grandmother, who taught her to be the moral woman she is today, hold the special place in her heart.
J.D., 22 – Miami Beach, FL
Life wasn’t always smooth sailing for JD, who grew up in an abusive home in Orlando, FL. At the young age of five, JD was inspired to become a dolphin trainer after a trip to SeaWorld where a passion for animal training and marine mammals instantly developed. JD knew he had to work hard to achieve his dreams, which motivated him to swim competitively in high school. Despite his rough childhood, JD found the courage to move to South Florida and attend the University of Miami – and became one of the youngest dolphin trainers at Miami Seaquarium at the tender age of 19. He continues to live wholeheartedly by the motto “work hard, to play hard.”
Katelynn, 24 – West Palm Beach, FL
Katelynn is a native of West Palm Beach and was raised in a religious Italian household, where she dreamed of being as good of a mother to her children as her own mom has been to her. Yet, this goal seemed unattainable since Katelynn was born male. In high school, she realized that something was missing in her life, and she began the slow transgender process by starting to dress in more feminine clothing. By age 17, she began living as a woman. This past July, Katelynn traveled to Thailand to undergo surgery to complete her transformation. She is a self-proclaimed computer geek and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After a string of bad relationships, she hopes to one day marry her current boyfriend, Mike.
Ryan, 23 – Gettysburg, PA
Ryan may be considered a small town guy but he has had his fair share of adventure. After enlisting in the Army at age 17, Ryan completed a tour in Iraq where he guarded Saddam Hussein during his trial and lived through many near-death experiences. He found an outlet to express his feelings through writing and music and returned from duty with a newfound appreciation for life and a better perspective on the world around him. A class clown who juggles his time between amateur filmmaking, guitar playing and devising his next prank, Ryan is currently in his first relationship ever.
Sarah, 22 – San Francisco, CA
Sarah may look like another tattooed punk but under her ink is a passionate woman with an intense past. Rising above a traumatic upbringing where she was the victim of sexual abuse, Sarah has dedicated herself to educating and advocating for sexually-abused men and women through art and creative therapy. An artist at heart, Sarah hopes to have her art shown in a gallery. She has recently fallen in love with a guy she met on a set-up through her mother – until now, most of Sarah’s relationships have been with women.
Scott, 23 – Salem, NH
Often perceived to be a “muscle head,” it is hard to believe that this well-built personal trainer used to be thin as a rail. Still, Scott has more to show off than his award-winning abs, which were featured in Men’s Health, he is the first in his family to graduate from college. However, Scott’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Now an accomplished personal trainer, he has created his own fitness website to educate the public on health and fitness while pursuing his new passions – acting and modeling.
A Shot at Love is Twice the Train Wreck
December 8, 2008
Tomorrow night, MTV brings us the third installment of the Shot at Love bisexual dating series. Though MySpace phenom Tila Tequila starred in the first two seasons (with no luck finding her soul mate), MTV now has identical twin bisexual girls looking for love. Seriously.
There really is no way to describe what is in store for the next 12 weeks. I strongly suggest watching the extended trailer to get a feel for what your Tuesday nights are going to look like.
A Double Shot at Love premieres Tuesday, December 9 at 10 PM on MTV.
