OUTTAKE VOICES™ (Interviews)

Michael Urie Directs New Web Series

Actor Michael Urie (Ugly Betty, Buyer & Cellar, Partners) talks about directing his new comedy web series “What’s Your Emergency” on Stage17 with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Stage17 is the digital platform that’s bridging the gap between traditional theatre and new media. “What’s Your Emergency” created by and starring Ryan Spahn and Halley Feiffer features a cast of Broadway veterans including Sierra Boggess, Debra and Reed Birney for six episodes. Taking place in Hell, Michigan, the show chronicles the misadventures of the inept rescue workers of the town’s 911call center. The show also features a slew of guest stars including Urie’s Ugly Betty costar America Ferrera, Alan Cumming, Lynn Cohen, Richard Kind, David Krumholtz, and Mike Sorrentino. We talked to Michael about what he hopes to accomplish with this new comedy series and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Urie stated, “ I feel as an actor we have a responsibility to entertain first and foremost but I also feel like being in the public eye and putting work out there for public consumption, we also have a responsibility for artists as activists or activists as artists. I feel strongly that it’s important to show good role models in the LGBTQ community and not to avoid characters. When people first started to know who I was doing Ugly Betty, I was told by industry insiders not to take another gay character because the character I played was openly gay and also specifically that character was very campy, very fashionable, also very bitchy. I think people were afraid I’d be pigeonholed by playing gay characters but I haven’t shied away from playing gay characters and I also have gotten to play a wide variety of gay characters since then. I’m so proud that Matt Bomer just won a Golden Globe for The Normal Heart, a gay man playing a gay man. That’s very rare. I mean straight actors get awards for playing gay characters all the time but you don’t often see gay actors playing gay characters, at least you don’t see them in the mainstream and up on stage accepting awards. So that was a pretty proud moment for me when I saw Matt up there accepting that award. I think it was a huge step. I want to keep working towards things like that. I want to see the community continue to strive. We keep adding letters to LGBTQ, hopefully someday it won’t matter what letter we are. We’ll all just be people.”

Michael Urie recently finished a successful Off-Broadway run and national tour of Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer & Cellar for which he received the Drama Desk Award, Clarence Derwent Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show, as well as nominations for Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Awards. He’s taking his one-man show Buyer & Cellar to London in March to perform as part of the 10th anniversary season of the Menier Chocolate Factory from March 12th to May 2nd. “What’s Your Emergency” is on Stage17.
For More Info: stage17.tv
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Boston LGBT Breast Cancer Event

Cheryl Osimo Executive Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition talks about their premier fundraising event that takes place in Boston on January 24th with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is the only breast cancer non-profit working closely with a research organization (Silent Spring Institute) to investigate preventable, environmental causes of the disease. This work is funded through annual fundraising events like the upcoming Lesbians & Friends Dance: A Party for Prevention. On Saturday January 24th for the 17th year, hundreds of women will come together for an evening of celebration and hope for a future free of breast cancer. We talked to Cheryl about working to lower the national statistic that ONE in EIGHT women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked about her involvement with our LGBT community Osimo stated, “My personal involvement has been one where many and most of my friends and my extended family are lesbian women. The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition was founded by lesbian women and I have worked hand in hand with them on different issues throughout the years and have been very proud to learn from them and to help in ways they’ve guided me to help. I support full and equal rights for everyone. I believe in the legislative piece of gay marriage ruled by the Supreme Court. I believe all rights accorded to heterosexual married people will be accorded to married gay couples. We need to work together hand in hand to make sure we do all we can to change the world for future generations. The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is doing all we can to prevent this disease and we need to make sure that all of us who are working on a single issue branch out to help one another to work together on any and all issues that need attention... So I’m hoping in the new year that people are going to volunteer time to support those organizations that need help.”

Cheryl Osimo has been a devoted breast cancer activist and advocate since 1991 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41. She has been a catalyst in raising public awareness of the possible environmental links to breast cancer. Her commitment to breast cancer prevention and awareness will benefit women worldwide.The 17th annual Lesbians & Friends Dance: A Party for Prevention takes place on Saturday January 24th from 8:30P to12:30A at the Brookline-Boston Holiday Inn located at 1200 Beacon Street in Brookline, MA. Their goal is to raise at least $7000. Music will be provided by DJ Jodi. The event is sponsored by Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Fenway Health, Lisa J. Drapkin & Debbie Lewis, Wade Horowitz LaPointe LLP, Sue Wilson, Esq & Founder, Hy-Line Cruises, Kauffman Crozier LLP, Geri Davis, The Davis Group, Neiman & Associates Financial Services, LLC, Debra Neiman, CFP, Diane Neumann & Associates, Liz Nania OUT to Dance, Meg Steere, Wilson, Marino & Bonnevie, PC. Advance tickets are $40 and $45 at door and volunteers are needed for this important fundraising event.
For More Info: mbcc.org
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TLC's “My Husband’s Not Gay” Lies

Josh Sanders, Director of External Engagement, GO! Athletes Network talks about the change.org petition he initiated to cancel TLC TV show “My Husband’s Not Gay” which promotes the false and dangerous idea that gay people can and should choose to be straight in order to be part of their faith communities with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. With over 125,000 signatures this action has sparked mainstream media’s attention and hopefully will result in the cancellation of this misrepresented view of our LGBT community. “My Husband’s Not Gay” also sends a very disturbing and irresponsible message to our LGBTQ youth who are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers when dealing with bullying incidents. Sanders who is a devout Christian understands the important role faith plays in the lives of the show’s main characters especially after being subjected to six months of so-called "reparative therapy" that falsely claims to turn gay people straight. We talked to Josh about his inspiration to launch this petition to stop spreading such dangerous misinformation by cancelling TLC’s “My Husband’s Not Gay” and his spin on LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Sanders stated, “My personal commitment is to live authentically. I have to live authentically; I have to speak up if I see injustice and right now I love what’s going on with marriage equality. I love what’s going on with equal protection rights and the abilities for spouses to be able to receive health benefits. I want to be someone that works towards that in all areas. I work specifically within athletics right now. I love to see any type of discrimination towards LGBT youth done away with. So my personal commitment is just to live an authentic life and do what I can every day to make a difference.”

Josh Sanders is an advocate and educator with a passion for inclusion and equality in athletics and beyond. As Director of External Engagement with the GO! Athletes Network he builds upon GO’s mission of engaging, educating and empowering LGBTQ athletes and others. Josh speaks nationally on intersectional issues including religion, identity, homophobia, sexism, racism and other topics and has been a guest speaker and advisor for the NCAA on developing inclusive spaces within athletic departments for religious institutions.
To Sign Petition: change.org
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HICK: A Lesbian Love Affair

Playwright/actress Terry Baum talks about her solo play HICK: A Love Story, The Romance of Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt that she’s performing through January 25th at The Berkeley City Club in Berkeley, California with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Lorena Hickok was the most famous woman journalist of her day and the first woman to have a byline on the front page of the NY Times. She met Eleanor Roosevelt (ER) during FDR’s first Presidential campaign in 1932. She convinced her editor that this particular candidate’s wife was worth her own reporter and was assigned to the job herself. The love affair between the aristocratic First Lady and the charming, hard-living butch reporter lasted several years. HICK: A Love Story is based on 2,336 letters ER wrote to Hick over 30 years. These letters were discovered in 1978 when a researcher opened 18 boxes willed to the FDR Library by Lorena Hickok. The letters document a passionate lesbian relationship between Hick and ER in the early years of their friendship and a deep connection that lasted Eleanor’s lifetime. A few of ER’s quotes from these letters during their affair include “I can’t kiss you, so I kiss your picture good night and good morning” and “I would give a good deal to put my arms around you and to feel yours around me. I love you deeply and tenderly.” Hick helped Mrs. Roosevelt become an outspoken, media-savvy activist for democracy and human rights and one of the greatest women of the 20th century. We talked to Baum about HICK: A Love Story and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Baum stated, “I would like to see of course federal recognition of gay marriage. That would be an important thing and I would like for people to not lose community after we gain this equality that we have fought so hard for, to keep going as a gay community and a political force and gay people to get more involved in electoral politics. If we want this thing to happen, federal recognition of gay marriage, then we have to elect different people to office. I feel that’s really important. All other kinds of activism are also important but I feel often we overlook the very crucial aspect of who actually makes the laws and spends tax money.”

Terry Baum is a pioneer lesbian playwright and has toured internationally as a solo performer. Her new solo play HICK: A Love Story that she wrote with Pat Bond and directed by Carolyn Myers, has a limited engagement of 19 performances through January 25th at The Berkeley City Club 2315 Durant Street in Berkeley, California.
For More Info & Tix: crackpotcrones.com
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LGBT Year End Review & More

Kate Clinton our favorite political humorist talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. As we head into the New Year it’s time to reflect on 2014 and chat about what 2015 will bring our LGBT community. This has definitely been another year for marriage equality. As the year comes to an end gay and lesbian couples can now legally marry in 35 states. However, as we move forward with LGBT equality in America there are still 79 countries where being LGBT is illegal. We talked to Kate about how much work still needs to be done and her spin on our current LGBT issues.

When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT civil rights in 2015 Clinton stated, “Well I think our big challenge in 2015 is going to be the kind of slimy interpretation of the horrible Hobby Lobby case; the right to refuse on your religious convictions and that’s bigger than a company that does flowers saying ‘No we’re not going to do flowers for that gay wedding’. But I do think there’s going to be a lot of push back and not that kind of full frontal assault on marriage equality, but again just more chipping away of LGBT rights.” On marriage equality heading to the US Supreme Court in 2015 Clinton added, “I do think it’s moving. I think that Evan Wolfson, the intrepid Evan Wolfson and the Freedom to Marry have really had a plan that they have been following and I do think their absolute goal is to get a decision about federal marriage equality at the Supreme Court.” When asked about LGBT workplace protection and the Republican majority in 2015 Clinton concluded, “I think there’s been a lot of work done through organizations like Out & Equal that have really been working with corporations and their memberships and their employee relations groups to really talk about discrimination in the workplace. I think that it’s been very much under the radar. They’ve been doing amazing work with corporations not only here but internationally and I do think that the notion that ENDA is just good business might sway moderate corporate business types in the Republican Party. I do think that it does have a possibility but we can’t do it without trans rights…”

Clinton is also very involved with NCLR (The National Center for Lesbian Rights) and LPAC (Lesbian Political Action Committee) conceptualized by her wife Urvashi Vaid to give lesbians a real and meaningful seat at the political table. Currently Kate is working on a new book and revealed to us the name of her new 2015 tour “Hello Katey: A One Woman Pussy Riot” she’ll be performing nationally.
For More Info: kateclinton.com
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“Mirror, Mirror” For A Better You In 2015

Larry Robinson psychotherapist and life counselor talks about his new book “Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of Self: 365-Day Life Journal” with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Robinson’s book evolved from 35 years of counseling both LGBT and heterosexual clients and from his Facebook page entitled “Mindful Thinking” that is followed by over 165,000 globally. The emotional growth that can be achieved through this book is truly unique. “Mirror, Mirror” is not a self-help book, it’s a help yourself book. After each of the 365 lessons readers will find a question to answer and space is provided for their answer. You can work on these lessons alone or with a partner. Readers can then return to it any time and check their progress and each time they go through its pages, they will discover something new about themselves. We talked to Larry about his inspiration for writing “Mirror, Mirror” and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked about his involvement with our LGBT community Robinson stated, “My involvement goes back at least forty years as my first volunteer job was at a place called The Homosexual Health Center on Boylston Street in Boston where we did volunteer counseling with gay and lesbian men and women. It was operating for about five years and then it shutdown and that’s when I decided basically to go into my own business. Probably it was 1981 that I did some volunteer work for The AIDS Action Committee and I got my first AIDS patient and it wasn’t even identified as AIDS then in ’81, it was called gay cancer. Unfortunately so few people were out at that time. My client was diagnosed with whatever they believed it was and he died about three weeks later, it was very quick. From there I worked with many gay men who were infected with the AIDS virus, who were all HIV positive and unfortunately they all died. I think my job basically at that point wasn’t about how to live, it was more about how to die because the death rate was so enormous at that time. So my hand has always been involved in the community and I think I’ll always be involved. I work now with gay couples, singles, I think it’s part of my life to help people feel better about who they are.”

Larry Robinson has a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University, is a clinically certified forensic counselor working with the Essex County District Attorney's office in the Juvenile Diversion Program and is a certified divorce mediator. He is the founder of Mindful Thinking that focuses on change and living in the now. His new book, “Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of Self” published by Xlibris, was written with this in mind and with the intention of helping people across the world change and better their lives.
For More Info: mindfullthinking.com
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New Men's Ties For XMAS

Zeke Stokes talks about his new line of men's ties made in small batches and handcrafted in the USA just in time for XMAS with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Inspired by the high quality, handmade items of a bygone era, each piece is constructed with the most discerning tastes in mind. A lifelong lover of fine clothing Zeke’s inspiration for a line of ties came when the grandfather of his partner passed away unexpectedly and left a treasure trove of vintage menswear behind. They were well crafted, timeless and inspired the collection. A number of them contained three buttonholes on the end of the tie to keep it fixed in place to your shirt. Zeke decided to make this a signature of the new line. We talked to Zeke about his passion for fashion and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Stokes stated, “If you look at national polling seven out of ten people in this country say they know someone personally who is LGB or T and we know that knowing someone personally is the thing that brings about acceptance and inclusion. We need to get that number to ten out of ten people. In the South that number is more like six out of ten people so we have a little more work to do in the South then we do in other places in this country. We know that knowing someone personally, having someone in your personal life either at work, at school, at home in your family, that’s what makes a difference and brings people through the journey of acceptance and inclusion and that’s what I would love to see. This means that we need people coming out and speaking publicly about their authentic lives. I was so excited to see Ty Herndon the very popular country artist come out publicly and be quite a groundbreaker in the national community. Very quickly he was followed by Billy Gilman who sold millions of country albums, who came out and said Ty Herndon inspired him to do that. We need these kinds of voices; we need voices from the world of athletics, Michael Sam, Jason Collins, such pioneers, we need more of those and we need more allies. We can’t do this alone there aren’t enough of us to move the needle for everyone. So we need allies to tell their stories of moving from a place of non-acceptance to a place of acceptance, inclusion and understanding. I think that’s where our work needs to be focused right now.”

Currently Zeke Stokes is Vice President of Programs at GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). He leads a staff of media professionals in both Los Angeles and New York City in GLAAD's Entertainment Media, News Media, and Spanish-Language Departments, as well as the organization's transgender, sports, international and youth initiatives. Previously he was communications director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and then director of external relations at OutServe-SLDN where he played a key role in advancing LGBT military equality, repealing “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” and defeating the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In addition to his new tie line and his work at GLAAD, Zeke is currently a co-producer on the upcoming docu-reality series, “TransMilitary”.
For More Info: zekestokes.com
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Gay Wedding Guide "Getting Groomed"

Jason Mitchell talks about his new organizer “Getting Groomed: The Ultimate Wedding Planner for Gay Grooms” that offers a refreshing approach for LGBT readers planning a wedding or commitment ceremony with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Gay couples will learn how to set a budget, organize the guest list, design invitations, dress and style the big day and much more. With plenty of wit and charm “Getting Groomed” provides pockets for stashing important forms and contracts and your master timeline will keep you on track for your event. In keeping you organized “Getting Groomed” helps prevent couples from doubting their decision-making skills. The checklists, folder and timeline included in this book will keep the planning process simple, foolproof and fabulous. This elegant planner is the perfect resource and XMAS gift for stylish grooms-to-be. We talked to Jason about his inspiration for creating “Getting Groomed” and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Mitchell stated, “I would like to see marriage equality happen and I think that is really something at the forefront but there’s a lot more to come. Once we reach a point where everyone can be married we need equal rights as far as our family planning. It’s so challenging for gay couples to have families. It’s incredibly expensive and I think we need to fight to make it more available. There are some wonderful families out there that are eager to be parents and just because of legal issues or finances they’re not able. And yet there’s so many kids that could use loving homes from parents who really, really want to be parents and what I think is so specific to gay couples is there are no accidents. They’re parents because they want to be parents and those are the kind of people who should be having kids and raising them in the world filled with love and support and allowing them to be our next generation. So I think there’s a lot of work still to be done in that arena.”

Currently Jason Mitchell serves as the Wedding Planner for Shiraz Events in NYC. In addition to his work in events Jason is an accomplished playwright. His most recent work “The Boys Upstairs” which premiered in the 2009 New York International Fringe Festival is headed to London in January 2015. On a personal note Jason and his husband live in Manhattan’s Upper West Side and were among many people who fought for marriage equality in New York. They actually got engaged and booked their wedding venue a few hours before the bill officially passed.
For More Info: getting-groomed.com
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"The Gay Gospel" A Survival Guide

Justin Luke Zirilli talks about his new book “The Gay Gospel”, a survival guide written specifically for twenty-something gay men that tackles everything they need to know after coming out with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. It’s the first of its kind guidebook addressing dating, sex, break-ups, family issues, personal finance and more. Justin is one of NYC’s leading gay promoters presenting three of the largest weekly gay dance parties with his nightlife company BoiParty. In “The Gay Gospel” Justin draws from his personal experience as someone who survived his own tumultuous twenties with his observations and the countless requests for personal advice that he receives from party guests and friends alike. A quick, easy, fun read with no-nonsense and sometimes hysterical nuggets of wisdom and advice “The Gay Gospel” is a bible for young gay men confusedly wading into adulthood. We talked to Zirilli about his new survival book and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Zirilli stated, “I would absolutely like to see marriage equality in all fifty of the states. I would also love to see the end of discrimination in the workplace for those in the LGBT community. We have very simple beginnings. I live in Manhattan and it’s still hard to believe there are certain states where your very identity can endanger your ability to work. We start there and from there we can go anywhere else. That is absolutely for me the most important thing to get nailed down in the next few years.”

Justin Luke Zirilli is Co-Owner and President of the New York-Based gay nightlife events company BoiParty with his partner Alan Picus. He is also the creator of “Gorgeous, Gay and Twenty-Something,” a private international Facebook group now comprised of over 8,000 members. Besides “The Gay Gospel” Justin has authored the best-selling gay novels, “Gulliver Takes Manhattan” and “Gulliver Takes Five”. Recently Justin also launched a new fragrance Pink Boi. Justin lives in NYC with his boyfriend, Mash-Up Mastermind DJ JoeRedHead.
For More Info: justinlukenyc.com
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TV Special Cause For Paws

Producer Michael Levitt talks about his Fox TV Thanksgiving Day Special CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. This celebrity packed extravaganza is focused on creating awareness and funding for shelter dogs so they receive the love, care and resources they need to find their forever home. The show airs on Thanksgiving night, Thursday November 27th from 8P to 10P on FOX and is co-hosted by Emmy Winner Jane Lynch and Oscar Winner Hilary Swank who also serves as executive producer. The TV special will include awards and celebrity presentations showcasing a variety of canine categories. Celebrities also will introduce the audience to rescue dogs, giving viewers the opportunity to foster or adopt a new best friend. Participating celebrities include Kristin Chenoweth, Whitney Cummings, Max Greenfield, Kathy Griffin, Julianne Hough, Randy Jackson, Cesar Millan, Jerry O’Connell, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, P!nk, Amber Riley, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Rossum, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Paula Abdul, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Carrie Ann Inaba, Scarlett Johansson, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and Betty White. We talked to Levitt about the significance of CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Levitt stated, “I’m actually blown away by how far we’ve come since I was growing up. For me that’s amazing that at least in bigger cities, kids can be open, out and proud and for the most part nobody cares. That being said it breaks my heart when I hear of LGBT kids being rejected by their own families and for me this has to stop. I’m grateful for the support of the LGBT community to help these kids but my hope is that we can eventually live in a time where all people love their own children unconditionally and don’t reject them simply because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”

Michael Levitt has produced reality shows, game shows, television award shows and TV specials for the last two decades. Among his credits are “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List”, “Skin Wars”, “The TV Land Awards” and “Billboard Music Awards.” In 2011 Michael learned the devastating news that his sister was dying of cancer. It was during this difficult time that he rescued two pit bulls and quickly learned through adversity that his dogs actually rescued him. The special bond with his two canine friends Trooper and Nelson inspired Levitt to become a rescuer in his spare time. Since then Levitt has saved over 500 dogs from local shelters and helped them find loving homes. By bringing his two worlds together of producing and rescue Levitt hopes that CAUSE FOR PAWS: AN ALL-STAR DOG SPECTACULAR could be a game changer for the 8 million animals that enter shelters each year.
For More Info: fox.com/cause-for-paws
Hear 300+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES