OUTTAKE VOICES™ (Interviews)

Coping After The LGBT Massacre

Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus and one of the architects of marriage equality in this country talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Isaacson is a brilliant and dedicated lobbyist who has fought successfully for decades for our LGBT community. In the aftermath of the worst mass killing in American history at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida that left 49 dead and many more wounded we asked Arline for her spin on this national and global tragedy and to shed some light on where we are now and the future for LGBTQ civil rights in this country, especially during a presidential race with a shameful republican candidate who is still spewing hate and with over 200 state discriminatory bills still pending against our LGBTQ community. This is a time when we need to come together to console our sorrow and begin the healing progress from the devastation of this horrific attack on our LGBTQ community and move forward in solidarity as a nation.

When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Isaacson stated, “The good news that we have to remind ourselves is that we are on a trajectory that’s very positive and very good for our community. That there will always be bumps in the road and this is hardly a bump, this is a chasm that’s a total earthquake road-breaking chasm that just happened in Orlando but we need to remember that we can build a bridge across that chasm. We will build a bridge across that chasm and because we are LGBT it will be the most fabulous bridge anyone has ever built anywhere in the world. It will be the most beautiful bridge anyone ever built and it will be strong and it will be enduring and it will be gorgeous and we have to remind ourselves it’s just going to take some time and it’s going to take some work and you can’t stop building the bridge in the middle, you got to keep going until you get to the other side.

The other thing we need to remind ourselves is very important in my mind is that we have to remember to use this horrible tragedy as a lesson for what we must not do to others, culturally and politically. Let this remind us that as we gain our equality and as we move up the ladder so to speak culturally of acceptance or politically of acceptance, or politically in equality, we have to make sure we pull others up behind us, that we don’t dis other communities and groups whether they’re based on their religion or their race or their immigrant status or economic status. We have to fight religious extremists and even if you’re anti abortion you have to condemn people who shoot up abortion clinics and shoot up abortion doctors. We have to apply the lessons we wish to have applied to ourselves. We have to remember the importance of applying them to someone else and then when one group in our nation is disenfranchised, when one group in our nation is discriminated against, when one group is treated unequally, we are ultimately all unequal.”

Arline Isaacson co-chair’s Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus with Gary Daffin. MGLPC is the most experienced and respected lobbying operation on Beacon Hill in Massachusetts working for LGBTQ equal rights. Founded in 1973 MGLPC has had enormous success advocating with professional lobbyists for the interests and needs of our LGBT community. MGLPC continues to fight for LGBT civil rights especially transgender equality, AIDS-related issues and more. It is a totally volunteer effort and your support is needed especially in these difficult times. 
For More Info: mglpc.org 
To Help Orlando Victims: weareorlando.org
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

LPAC NYC Comedy Event June 16

Kate Kight, Political Operations Associate for LPAC the Lesbian Political Action Committee Super Pac and comedian Jes Tom talk with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about the LPAC event “Levity & Justice for All” that takes place at The Town Hall in New York City on June 16th. This fabulous must-attend event features an all-star line-up of lesbian comics and activists including Rosie O’Donnell, Kate Clinton, Billie Jean King, Judy Gold, Lea DeLaria, Rhea Butcher, Fortune Feimster, Marsha Warfield, Karen Williams, Marga Gomez, Beth Shipp, Executive Director of LPAC and special musical guest BETTY. This is the first comedy benefit for LPAC, the nation’s only lesbian super PAC. Tennis Icon Billie Jean King is a longtime LPAC supporter and is honorary co-chair alongside benefit chairs Karen Dixon from Washington, DC, Laura Ricketts the co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, producer Joy Tomchin and activist Urvashi Vaid from NYC. “Levity & Justice for All” will be a night of political humor and comic relief from the deluge of anti-LGBTQ politicians, including the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. We talked to Kate and Jes about how important an event like “Levity & Justice for All” is just to be able to laugh at the 2016 election climate and give us their spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what she would you like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Kight stated, “I think we are on the forefront of recognizing LGBT equality as one integral part of equality in America and across the world. I think one of the most wonderful parts of working for LPAC is that everyday our work is not just about how do we make sure to elect more queer women or lesbians into office. Our work everyday is are we advancing equality, are we advancing social justice, increasing access to reproductive rights, trying to call attention to the incredible amount of racism we have seen come out in the past few years and that is being brought up in terrifying ways by the Republican ticket this year; not just by the presidential candidate but all the way down in different states across the country. I love that fact that my work is a part of a narrative that is recognizing the intersectionality of these fights and I think that as we continue to move forward and create a strong progressive coalition of activism, fights for equality are not just about one group of people but advancing different kinds of equality we can change the narrative and make this about everyone.”

LPAC mission is to build the political power of lesbians and queer women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality, and social justice. Founded in 2012 by experienced leaders in feminist, LGBTQ and social justice movements, LPAC has raised over $2.1 million dollars from more than 1,500 donors across 48 states and the District of Columbia. LPAC researches and presents a slate of candidates, ballot initiatives and campaigns in which it invests. LPAC has been instrumental in electing key national and local candidates, supporting legislation and ballot referenda that guarantee women are paid the same as men for the same jobs, have access to reproductive health, aren't discriminated against when it comes to their own healthcare decisions and safeguard LGBTQ employees from being fired. Funds raised by “Levity & Justice for All” will be used for political education, organizing, and mobilization efforts to support LPAC endorsed candidates.
For Info & Tix: teamlpac.com
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

Tab Hunter In Provincetown June 3-5

Screen legend and LGBT Icon Tab Hunter talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about hosting with his partner Allan Glaser the Provincetown International Film Festival Launch Party Weekend that takes place June 3rd to June 5th in Provincetown, MA. Tab was selected as the Launch Weekend’s first-ever host in recognition of his status as a classic Hollywood film star and his local ties through his long-time collaborator and friend director John Waters who will also be attending. Waters is a founder of the Provincetown Film Society and the Provincetown International Film Festival. Opening Night schedule includes intimate meet and greets, special screenings of Hunter’s film the 1981 cult classic “Polyester” and the award-winning documentary “Tab Hunter Confidential”. There will also be the opportunity to hear from PIFF’s programmers about the upcoming festival lineup complete with insider tips, anecdotes, favorites and recommendations. We talked to Tab about his stellar career as he shared personal inspirational stories, lifelong survival philosophies and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what advise he would give young LGBT kids dealing with bullying Hunter 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. A lot of parents out there are very, ‘I want to be your friend’. That’s bullshit. You know, they’re parents be parents. There’s a yes and a no. There’s a right and a wrong. You have to have it and I was very fortunate to have a strong but religious German mother and that was important and I think we need boundaries in our lives. Today there doesn’t seem to be a lot of boundaries. But young people have to go forward as the best that they can and give a lot of thought to their development mentally, physically and spiritually.”

Tab Hunter has 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. When his partner Allan Glaser saw Jeffrey Schwarz’s fabulous documentary “I am Divine” he hired Schwarz to do the brilliant documentary “Tab Hunter Confidential” recently release on iTunes and NETFLIX based on his bestselling autobiography. During the Provincetown International Film Festival Launch Party Weekend June 3rd to June 5th there will be must-attend festivities throughout including an intimate dinner with Tab Hunter and Allan Glaser, film screenings, parties and more.
For Info & Tix: ptownfilmfest.org
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

GLAAD Celebrity Activists & Allies

In this exclusive audio montage celebrity activists and allies talk with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ on the Red Carpet at the 27th GLAAD Media Awards in NYC. First we spoke with Jackson Riemerschmid the teen who made news by leading the successful effort to eliminate the binary system of purple graduation gowns for boys and white gowns for girls at New Rochelle High School in New York. Next we talked to Tracey Norman who’s best known for having been the first African-American transgender woman model and for appearing on a box of Clairol in the 1970s. Then we talked with Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO & President of GLAAD about issues facing our LGBT community and what projects GLAAD is working on to create more diversity in mainstream media. Next director Eric Schaeffer talked to us about his film “Boy Meets Girl” which stars Michelle Hendley as a transgender woman living in a small town in Kentucky looking for love that was nominated for a GLAAD Award. Then we chatted with trans teen advocate Nicole Maines who made her acting debut as a guest star on USA's “Royal Pains”. Nicole won the landmark case in the Maine Supreme Court in 2014 against her school district for preventing her from using the school’s girls restrooms that ignited the regulations issued by President Obama and his administration as well as the U.S. Department of Education for issuing new guidelines to ensure transgender students will be treated fairly in public and federally funded schools, including equitable access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms.

Next gender queer advocate Jacob Tobia and Daniella Carter who appeared on the documentary The T-Word both talked to us about the broad spectrum of our transgender community and the importance of uplifting our LGBT youth with love and support. We were then joined by Jim Obergefell the lead plaintiff in last year’s historic Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges that resulted in marriage equality becoming the law of the land. Jim won the GLAAD Award for Anderson Cooper's “Interview with Jim Obergefell” in the Outstanding TV Journalism Segment category. Then Kally Duling and Emily Skeggs who are currently appearing in “Fun Home” the 2015 Tony Award winning play stopped by to talk about their play and LGBT equality before performing at the GLAAD Awards. We were then joined by Jenny Boylan, Co-Chair of GLAAD’s Board of Directors who talked about all the crucial programs GLAAD is developing and her work with Caitlyn Jenner on the reality television series “I Am Cait”.

Then we talked with Selenis Leyva about her role as Gloria Mendoza in the Netflix comedy-drama series “Orange Is the New Black” followed by Laura Gómez who portrays Blanca Flores a member of the Hispanic group also on “Orange Is the New Black” who both gave us a little insight of the direction of the upcoming fourth season. Next Darren Young the first openly gay WWE superstar wrestler talked to us about making a difference for LGBT youth and reminding us that LGBT equality is a process. Then we chatted with CNN political analyst Margaret Hoover who’s an LGBT rights activist, author and republican who attended with her husband John Avlon the editor in chief of The Daily Beast and also a CNN political analyst. Next Lea DeLaria who plays Big Boo on “Orange Is The New Black” talked about the show’s fourth season that premiers on June 17th and her spin on transgender bathroom legislation.

We then chatted with Noah Galvin who currently plays the role of gay son Kenny O'Neal in the ABC sitcom The Real O'Neals. Noah talked about how he hoped shows like his will help our LGBT community become more normalized. Then we talked with eye candy Daniel Newman who appears on “Walking Dead” and models for Calvin Klein about his impression of his first GLAAD Awards. Next Alex Newell best known for playing the transgender student Unique Adams on the Fox musical series “Glee” talked about his new CD and upcoming tour with Adam Lambert. Alex also performed at the event. Then we talked with the fabulous Randy Jones best known as the cowboy from Village People about his spin on our LGBT issues. Next producer Lee Daniels stopped by to talk about presenting Mariah Carey with the GLAAD Ally Award. We concluded with Laverne Cox who hosted the 27th GLAAD Awards who had a lot of good things to say about the Obama administration taking a position to support our transgender youth and more. Robert De Niro was also honored by GLAAD with the Excellence in Media Award presented by Jennifer Lawrence. (Photos by Marilyn Rosen)
For More Info: glaad.org

Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

LGBT Federal Employees At Risk

Sarah McBride, Campaigns & Communications Manager for LGBT Progress at the Center For American Progress in Washington D.C. talks to Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Recently the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would rescind important existing workplace protections for LGBT employees of federal contractors. This harmful legislation would gut a 2014 executive order issued by President Obama that added sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of classes protected from discrimination by any company or entity with a federal contract of $10,000 or more a year. The amendment’s scope far exceeds the overall bill of the Armed Services Committee’s jurisdiction. This discriminatory amendment comes on the heels of growing national outcry in response to anti LGBT legislation passed in North Carolina and Mississippi last month. Since marriage equality became the law of the land the backlash has resulted in over 200 state discriminatory bills pending against out LGBT community. We talked to Sarah about the importance of fighting these prejudicial bills and her spin on passing legislation like the Equality Act that could finally provide federal LGBT non-discrimination protections for our community.

When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT equality McBride stated, “I come to this work not only as someone who is transgender but as someone who has loved someone who is transgender. I met my future husband Andy fighting for trans equality and we fell in love. A couple of months after we started dating Andy was diagnosed with cancer and despite getting a clean bill of health several months later eventually his cancer came back and it was terminal. Andy and I decided to get married in August of 2014 and just 4 days after we married he passed away. For me I carry my relationship with Andy with me in my LGBT advocacy work. I carry it with me because one of the most important lessons that I have learned from that experience at 23 years old at the time was that every day matters and this fight every day matters building a world where every person can live their life to the fullest; where every person has a roof over their head and job opportunities based on their skills and their talent and their work ethnic and not on their identity. Every day matters when it comes to just being yourself and so for me that’s probably my biggest personal motivation in this work. It’s not just about who I am but people I love.”

Sarah McBride joined the Center For American Progress after completing her undergraduate degree at American University. During her time at American University Sarah served as student body president and helped to expand opportunities and enhance policies for LGBT students, women, students of color, people with disabilities and students of varying economic backgrounds. At the end of her term Sarah made national headlines when she came out as transgender in the student newspaper. Sarah also serves on the Board of Directors of Equality Delaware the state’s primary LGBT advocacy and educational organization. The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. They work to find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems and develop policy proposals that foster a government that is of the people, by the people and for the people.
For More Info: americanprogress.org
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

Trans Memoir “Some Days Are Diamonds”

Writer/musician Deena Kaye Rose talks about her must-read memoir “Some Days Are Diamonds” with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ that chronicles Deena’s life as a Nashville songwriter and her struggle to transition during a time when the term transgender didn’t exist. In her true country voice Deena recounts her times with Nashville legends from conversations with Dolly Parton to style tips from Johnny Cash to writing the first lesbian country music song as well as the first and probably only country song about being transgender that ended up being a chart-topping hit. Deena pioneered LGBT issues in the country music scene in the 1970’s the only way she knew how, through music. Only the observant knew the true meaning behind these heartfelt songs that came out of gender introspection. Her songs performed by country legends like John Denver were in actuality Deena Kaye Rose’s way of coming out to the world, while not having to visually for fear of the shame, disappointment and hurt it would cause her family. We talked to Deena about the inspiration for her memoir and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what she hopes to accomplish with her work Rose stated, “First I want to do it for my community. I want to claim my little part of being transgender and the struggle with it. I’m a mature lady; I’m an older woman; I’m a senior citizen and I struggled with this at a time when we didn’t even have the word. In fact, there wasn’t any word until Christine Jorgensen and then it was sex change, you had a sex change and nobody knew that. In later years I read that she did not claim being transgender. She did not change her sex she changed her gender and there was nothing to call it. We didn’t know there was anyone else. There’s a great song by Barry Manilow called ‘All The Time’ and it says ‘All the time I thought there’s only me crazy in a way that I only could be…’ and I wish I had written that and maybe I will but that’s exactly how I felt in that time that there wasn’t anyone else. But I want people my age to know that I was there too girl. We just didn’t know about each other.”

Deena Kaye Rose is a Nashville songwriting legend. She has written hundreds of songs for some of country’s most renowned stars like Johnny Cash, Jerry Reed, John Denver and even wrote the theme song for the all-time American classic movie, “Smokey and the Bandit”. Deena has done it all but she did much of it as a male writer with a feminine soul living inside yearning to come out. In her new book “Some Days Are Diamonds” she chronicles the best and worst times of living the raucous and crazy musician life while suppressing her true feminine self. Today Deena is a transgender woman and activist sharing the history of her journey in performances and lectures around the country. She is letting the transgender community know they are not alone.
For More Info: deenakayerose.com
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

Addressing LGBTQ Youth Homelessness

The National LGBTQ Task Force and the True Colors Fund announced a new tool for individuals and communities working to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning youth experiencing homelessness with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ participating on the conference. “At The Intersections” is the new online resource written by 47 contributors that provides a comprehensive guide for advocates, policymakers, service providers and funders working to end homelessness among LGBTQ youth. The first-of-its-kind online publication highlights innovative approaches to supporting youth experiencing homelessness, provides successful case studies as well as concrete solutions to ending LGBTQ youth homelessness. In this country up to 40 percent of young people experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ although they represent less than 10 percent of the general youth population. Participating on the call were Meghan Maury, Criminal & Economic Justice Project Director with National LGBTQ Task Force, Christa Price, MSW Program Officer with True Colors Fund, Jama Shelton, LMSW PhD, Deputy Executive Director at True Colors Fund, Coco Wheeler, Community Organizing Student with True Colors Fund, Sassafras Lowery, Author & Advocate, Thomas Wilson an LGBTQ youth who has experienced homelessness and hosted by Jorge Amaro Media and Public Relations Director for The Task Force to talk about this new resource and discuss continued efforts to support LGBTQ youth.

Meghan Maury stated, “Close to 40 percent of youth that experience homelessness identify as LGBTQ. There are many factors that contribute to LGBTQ youth homelessness, including family rejection, abuse, aging out of foster care, economic hardship, bullying and school harassment. This guide calls for a nuanced understanding in order to inform the creation of effective systems and programs that will meet the needs of the diverse population of LGBTQ young people experiencing homelessness.” Christa Price concluded, “The needs and wants of each young person who is experiencing homelessness differ greatly. In some cities there may be a relatively large amount of shelter space for young people but significant gaps in access to physical and mental health care. In other cities there may be a more robust system of care but a higher likelihood of justice system involvement. ‘At the Intersections’ gives providers a framework on how to respond to the individual needs of young people and the systemic gaps they have identified locally.”

LGBTQ youth suffer higher rates of physical and sexual assault than heterosexual youth experiencing homelessness. In order to survive, 28 percent of homeless LGBTQ youth report trading sex for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Additionally LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ youth to attempt suicide. This new online resource also examines the relationship between racism and LGBTQ youth homelessness, the impact of immigration on LGBTQ young people and the systemic barriers faced by transgender and gender non-conforming youth experiencing homelessness. The National LGBTQ Task Force works to secure full freedom, justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. For over forty years, they have been at the forefront of the social justice movement by training thousands of organizers and advocating for change at the federal, state, and local level. Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, the True Colors Fund works nationally to end homelessness among LGBT youth. Through a broad continuum of public engagement, public policy, youth collaboration, research and community organizing programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which young people can be their true selves.
For More Info: attheintersections.org
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

“How To Save A Dog” Documentary

Filmmaker JD Disalvatore talks about her upcoming documentary entitled “How To Save A Dog” which she hopes will contribute to making Los Angeles, California a no-kill city with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. “How To Save A Dog” is a feature-length documentary project that provides a compelling inside look at what it takes to rescue animals in America. Though cats and dogs are considered family members millions are killed every year just because they are unwanted. In Los Angeles the rescue community has been working on a movement to make the city no-kill which means that animals wouldn’t be euthanized for space. Having been diagnosed with terminal Stage IV cancer four years ago, Disalvatore never slowed down and even amped up her volunteer time at her local LA City Animal Shelter which was the inspiration for the project. In addition to the feature documentary, 20-30 educational videos will be made for social media to educate and engage anyone interested in helping make our nation no-kill. We talked to JD about her motivation for “How To Save A Dog” and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what she would you like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Disalvatore stated, “I think what we’re doing now is stamping out the last embers of those who seek to oppose us. I think all the really horrible laws we’re seeing in the last couple of weeks are direct reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. So it took a couple of years for them to get these laws in action. They want to ban the bathroom issues, they want to ban services to LGBT people and the reaction is huge corporations like Pay Pal and Lionsgate Films and rock stars like Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr are saying, guess what, we’re not coming to your state because you’re bloody bigots, and that’s really great to see. It’s like we reached a tipping point where this is unacceptable. So I think right now we have to concentrate on smashing out these last ashes of discrimination because the worst thing they can do is teach the next generation that this is okay. We could completely go backwards depending on how the next election goes and how the local elections go. I mean everywhere there’s a problem these people were elected. So if they’re doing things you don’t agree with you need to get out and campaign and vote if you do nothing else. We have to stamp out these anti LGBT laws and movements and I think we’re doing that. In the old days people like us had to go out and march in the streets and bear the brunt of all sorts of hate mail and now Bruce Springsteen is doing it for us.”

JD Disalvatore brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from her involvement as an activist for our LGBT community and as an accomplished award-winning filmmaker to her current project “How To Save A Dog”. Her film credits include “Eating Out 2”, “A Marine Story”, “Gay Propaganda”, “Elena Undone” and “Shelter” for which she won the GLAAD Media Award for best feature film in limited release in 2009. Now is the time for everyone who cares about making America a no-kill zone for our pets to get involved. This documentary will definitely take you on that journey.
For Info & To Contribute: howtosaveadog.com
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

New Gay Game Show “Modd Couples”

David Millbern talks about hosting Here TV’s outrageous new game show “Modd Couples” where straight and LGBTQ couples compete for a fabulous prize with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. With his co-host comedian Olivia Harewood, “Modd Couples” features two couples one gay and one straight battling it out over three rounds to win fabulous prizes. All six episodes are currently available on Here TV as well as on various streaming services including Here TV’s Hulu channel and YouTube Premium channel. “Modd Couples” brings couples together to prove how well they know one another and over the course of each episode the couples rely on that intimate knowledge as they compete across three rounds of play with escalating challenges. The result is groundbreaking with some of the most hilarious and unexpected antics on TV. The three competitive rounds include Couples Speak, That’s Super Awkward and The Lightning List that begins with the “Kiss Off” segment where the couples get intimate by kissing for 10 seconds then David and Olivia judge which couple had the hottest kiss and that couple begins the final round. We talked to David about his inspiration for “Modd Couples” and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Millbern stated, “Well with marriage equality being the law of the land that is such a celebration but there are still many things that are left to be dealt with. Religious Freedom Laws are coming about trying to counteract that (marriage equality) are very disturbing and I’m very proud of Hollywood banding together and pulling productions from those states that pass such laws. Certainly discrimination in the workplace is still an area that needs work. The fight is not over but we certainly had a big win and now is not the time to give up because there are situations out there that still need our attention and again with a show like “Modd Couples” a fun comedy show, I think we can bridge that gap with positive role images showing that you know what, we’re all alike, everyone can be who they want to be and everyone can get the respect that they deserve. That kind of feeling in this country needs constant vigilance and that’s what I want to do. That’s what Here Media does every day 24/7 and I’m very proud to be part of that movement.”

David Millbern first emerged as a child actor and by the age of 17 he had already studied and worked with famed acting guru Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in NYC.After graduating from Northwestern University a role on ABC’s “General Hospital” brought him to Los Angeles where he was discovered by Roger Corman who starred David in his first feature film “The Slumber Party Massacre” which became a cult favorite and produced 2 sequels. Many more feature film roles followed including Sir Ian McKellen’s doctor in the Oscar-winning “Gods and Monsters”. He has also appeared in numerous Lifetime Network movies. Recently David produced the female thriller “The Nurse” starring Emmy nominee John Heard and the upcoming “Hush-Up Sweet Charlotte” a comedic parody that’s playing the film festival circuit. Currently as director of programming for Here TV Millbern produces “Cinema Conversations” as well as their sit-com, “From here! on OUT” starring Terry Ray and Emmy-winning Juliet Mills which has been picked up for a second season and his new game show “Modd Couples” created by Paul Colichman, Millbern, and Terry Ray. Colichman and Stephen P. Jarchow are the Executive Producers. Millbern is the producer and directs the series along with Mike Scantlan.
For More Info: heretv.com
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES

The Dinah Red Carpet Celebrities

In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with celebrities on the Red Carpet at The Dinah Hollywood Party in Palm Springs. First we talked to TV comedy trailblazer Amanda Bearse who for the last 25 years has directed and produced “MADtv”, “Dharma & Gregg”, “Jamie Foxx Show” and is also known for her role as Marcy D’Arcy in the Fox classic comedy “Married With Children” about her new tello Films digital series “Skirtchasers”. She was with Christin Baker Executive Producer and CEO of tello Films and writer Stan Zimmerman (“The Golden Girls”, “Gilmore Girls”, “The Brady Bunch” movies) who brings over 30 years of writing and producing experience to the project. Bearse will direct four of the “Skirtchasers” series with Zimmerman directing one. “Skirtchasers” stars Elizabeth Keener (“The L Word”, “My Generation”) as Robyn Samuels and Barry Bostwick (“Rocky Horror Picture Show”, “Spin City”) as her estranged father Damien Samuels and Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”, “Young and the Restless”) as her divorced mom Lilah. Robyn is freshly single after a break-up with her long time girlfriend the day before their wedding. As Robyn deals with mending her broken heart, she realizes her issues delve further than her issues with commitment; they go way back, to her father. After the split of her parents, her best-selling novelist father remarried a much younger woman and became a father again, abandoning Robyn. We talked to the trio about their inspiration for “Skirtchasers” that premiers on tello Films May 22nd and their spin on our LGBT issues.

Next we chatted with the gorgeous Tucky Williams the creator, writer and star of the hit series “Girl/Girl Scene” and new tello Films series “Dagger Kiss”, a medieval fantasy sci-fi epic with lots of girls and corsets and kissing with new episodes every Sunday on tellofilms.com. Then we talked to “Orange is the New Black” star Taryn Manning (Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett) who was a celebrity DJ spinning at The Dinah Sunday Pool Party. When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT equality Manning stated, “I think it’s happening. It’s one of those things where life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. So it’s like if we try to expect results right away then you’re forcing something, perhaps. I think it’s actually evolving, unraveling and becoming more accepted as people can digest it the way God intended.” We then concluded with comedian, singer and actor Lea DeLaria who also stars in “Orange is the New Black” as “Big Boo” who headlined The Dinah Comedy Show Saturday night which was brilliant. We talked to Lea about her spin on the red states using religious freedom as an excuse to discriminate against our LGBT community and her spin on our issues. In this crucial presidential election year Lea was very compassionate and articulate about why she is supporting Hillary Clinton for President.

This was our second year as media sponsors of the famed Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend filled with unique moments, exceptional firsts, unforgettable milestones and unexpected surprises that created one of the most successful Dinah events on record. From Kate Moennig and Camila Grey (aka The X-Names) giving an exclusive surprise performance Friday night to Golden Globe winner and international pop icon Lady Gaga making her unexpected return to The Dinah enjoying a little fun in the sun at the Saturday Cabana Pool Party with buddy DJ Samantha Ronson, one thing for certain is that you never know what extraordinary thing might happen at The Dinah. (Photo Credit: Marilyn Rosen)
For More Info: TheDinah.com
Hear 400+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES