OUTTAKE VOICES™ (Interviews)

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
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TV Documentary Sharon Isbin: Troubadour

Sharon Isbin, the multiple Grammy-winning guitarist talks about her new American Public Television documentary “Sharon Isbin: Troubadour” with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. As one of the most acclaimed classical guitarists in the world Isbin has made an enormous musical impact dazzling audiences for over 30 years with more than 25 recordings, winning 3 Grammy Awards and covering a wide range of styles, genres and composers. The film produced by Susan Dangel combines performance and documentary focusing on Isbin’s groundbreaking journey which has expanded and transformed the landscape of this instrument. The film includes interviews with Martina Navratilova, Joan Baez, Garrison Keillor, Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Michelle Obama and many others. We talked to Sharon about this inspirational documentary and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Isbin stated, “Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if you didn’t have to worry about simply wanting the same rights as everyone else has? Whether it be marriage, whether it be job security, whether it be education opportunity, not to be bullied? I mean these are basic human rights that we are still fighting for today and it would be wonderful if that world would change and people could really feel free to be who they are and be accepted by their families, be accepted by their colleagues and their friends and really live their lives without having to worry about a sexual orientation being a determining factor in whether or not they can be accepted or successful.”

Sharon Isbin began her guitar studies at age nine in Italy and later studied with Andrès Segovia and Oscar Ghiglia. Since then Isbin has performed with more than 170 orchestras around the world. Isbin has also commissioned more concerti than any guitarist in the modern era and has won numerous awards and accolades. Currently she is the Director of guitar departments at the Aspen Music Festival and The Juilliard School where in 1989 she became the first and only guitar instructor in this prestigious institution’s 100-year history. “Sharon Isbin: Troubadour” the American Public Television documentary will begin broadcasting on November 14th and will continue throughout December/January on nearly 200 public television stations including New York WNET and Chicago WTTW.
For More Info: sharonisbin.com
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LGBT Proposition Love Jewelry

Sam Street and Jonathan Tack talk about their exquisite jewelry line Proposition Love Jewelry that donates 10-20 percent of proceeds to LGBT related causes with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Jewelry industry veterans Street and Tack were married in California just a few days before Proposition 8 was voted in. They were part of the lucky few who never had their right to marry taken away but it made them realize how precious such a thing can be and motivated them to become active in the fight for LGBT equality. We talked to Sam and Jonathan about what inspired them to create Proposition Love Jewelry and their spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what their personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Tack stated, “We launched a new collection called Love Is Love because we believe that everyone has the right to love whoever they want to love and it should be their choice and their civil right. We did a big launch party for Love Is Love actually in Beverly Hills in which we designed various rings for numerous celebrities. For example we did a ring for Kathy Griffin; we did one for Perez Hilton; we designed one for Melissa Rivers, Tori Spelling, the list goes on and on. It was so heart warming for us because when we reached out to these celebrities, you know in their busy lives we said Hey Listen we would love to design a ring for you to support gay marriage and LGBTQ rights and we would like to auction the ring and donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale to the charity of your choice that would obviously correlate to what we’re looking to support here. It was just overwhelming how many celebrities jumped on board and just said Hey we love it, we’re going to do it.”

Sam Street and Jonathan Tack founded Proposition Love Jewelry in 2011 as a symbol of love and commitment to one another and a pledge to support the rights of all. Proposition Love Jewelry proudly donates 10% of profits to organizations that support marriage equality, LGBT rights, LGBT youth anti bullying and HIV/AIDS activism. They increased their donation to 20% for all purchases made in the states where gay and lesbian marriage has recently passed. For their Countdown Collection they have created a wedding ring for each state to symbolize the historic moment for the passing of marriage equality. Recently their exquisite LGBT jewelry line has become available at Macys.
For More Info: propositionlove.com

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Being You Can Change The World

Dr. Dain Heer talks to Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about his bestselling book “Being You, Changing the World” that provides the tools and inspiration to uncover the real ‘you’ which in turn sparks new ideas, creates success and increases happiness and wellbeing. Dain is an international speaker, author and facilitator of advanced workshops in Access Consciousness worldwide. Heer’s unique and transforming points of view on change, bodies, sex and relationship transcends everything currently being taught. Dain believes that having the courage to be different can generate more success, heal your health, create more fulfilling relationships and even improve your financial situation. We talked to Dain about his book “Being You, Changing the World” and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Heer stated, “What I would love to see is our LGBT community wake-up and recognize that we are truly creating change in the world. You know the Supreme Court decision is one indication of that and it’s a large indication because of its impact in the United States. What I would like to see is marriage equality in every state but also I would like to see it around the world. You know there are many countries having this conversation and I think marriage equality is just one of the aspects of what is actually possible. Because what I would like to see is us no longer having to hide us, whatever that is, and actually realize that we have a unique possibility for functioning beyond judgment. You know what we can do is show everyone else Hey you know what, I have lived the trials and travails of judgment that this reality throws at me. I’m not only surviving but I’m thriving. So what I would like to see is what the marriage possibility, what that has opened the door to in actually spread to every other area of life and we have so many ways in which there isn’t equality, you know in the workplace and so many different things and I think what is possible is the unique perspective where it’s like Hey guys, I’ve lived it, you don’t have to make yourself wrong anymore.”

Dain Heer has authored eight books on the topics of embodiment, healing, money and relationships. Dain’s work is now in 121 countries in which he facilitates people to tap into and recognize their own abilities and empowers them to know they are the creators of their own life. Gaining global attention, Dain has appeared on Fox News, Gaiam TV, Great Day Houston, The Collective Magazine, Natural Awakening, Om Times and San Diego Living among other media outlets.
For More Info: drdainheer.com

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"Reel In The Closet” LGBT Film

Filmmaker Stu Maddux talks about his new documentary "Reel In The Closet” with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™, which takes a look for the first time at LGBT home movies dating back to the 1930s. These never before seen archival treasures are tragically being thrown away by friends and family who aren't aware of the hidden history they hold. Maddux has launched a Kickstater campaign to complete this important film. Stu’s hoping that "Reel In The Closet” ignites a movement to preserve our LGBT history. We talked to Stu about the significance of "Reel In The Closet” and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Maddux stated, “You get handed opportunities every once in a while to become involved in things and I was that person who always saw my gayness as secondary. I was the person who said this is not all of who I am but then you know the rest of the world started really getting interested in that part of my life and started legislating about it and debating about it and that’s when I realized it was becoming a big personal commitment. The way that I could help that civil rights movement was to do what I do which is to make movies about things that are really important to the civil rights movement, so it’s a really personal commitment. It’s about making your own life better. I’m just trying to make my own life better and those around me too.”

Stu Maddux is an award-winning producer and director of documentaries about LGBT aging and history. His last film “Gen Silent” puts a face on what experts in the film call an epidemic when LGBT seniors are so afraid of being subject to discrimination or worse in long-term healthcare that many go back into the closet. His interest in LGBT aging and history grew from his 2006 documentary, “Bob and Jack’s 52-Year Adventure” about an army sergeant who began an affair with his commanding officer in 1952. The two men came out to the troops in their unit and are still together sixty years later. Maddux has evolved into an outspoken activist for LGBT elders and honoring their experience. He has addressed national conferences including the American Psychological Association, the American Society on Aging and Out & Equal. His latest project “Reel In The Closet” is about the importance to save and share the hidden history on the home movies and personal photos of LGBT people dating back a century. To complete his film in time for the 2015 film festival season he has launched a Kickstater campaign to raise $15,000 by October 31st. This is a fabulous opportunity to get involved and help preserve our LGBT stories.
For More Info: stumaddux.com

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Urvashi Vaid Addresses LGBT Issues

Urvashi Vaid who has been a leader in the LGBT and social justice movements for nearly three decades talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Urvashi is being honored by GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) with the Spirit of Justice Award on October 24th at Boston Marriott Copley Place. Vaid has made change for our LGBT community through her leadership of numerous LGBT organizations. Most recently she founded LPAC the first lesbian political action committee and her writings have advanced our LGBT movement to be expansive in its thinking and inclusive in its work. We talked to Urvashi about the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court recently denying review of marriage equality cases and her spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Vaid stated, “I would really like us to do two things. One is to take care of the parts of our community that are less powerful. That means low-income LGBT people, transgender people and our community’s women whose rights are getting the crap kicked out of them. Parts of our community across the board, kids, old gay people, parts of our community who are less powerful than middle or upper class professionals like me. For our organizations, donors, our foundations, our media outlets to focus the spotlight and focus their work on the full parts of our community. The second thing I would love to see happen is for the LGBT community to use its political power and access to create a more just society for all. We have done a great job advancing and pulling together and that kind of unity that got us to this point, I would like to see it sustain over the next few years so we can use that power that we’ve been organizing to push back some of the rightwing policies in this country and to push for a more inclusive and just society which really is the queer vision. LGBT people vote more progressive in general. LGBT people care about the environment. We care about leaving a better world for our children and for future generations. Those sets of values that we have of compassion, community building, of caring, of stepping up and shouldering responsibility which we have shown again and again, I hope are the qualities that will guide our movement in the coming years.”

Urvashi Vaid is a graduate of Vassar College and Northeastern University School of Law. She is currently Director of the Engaging Tradition Project at the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law at Columbia Law School. In 2012 Vaid authored “Irresistible Revolution: Confronting Race, Class and The Assumptions of LGBT Politics” published by Magnus Books. On October 24th she will receive the prestigious GLAD’s Spirit of Justice Award at their annual fundraising dinner event in Boston, Massachusetts.
For More Info & Tix: glad.org

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Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Mark Gilbert, Interim Executive Director and Board Chair of the Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival which is in association with the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. The sixth annual Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has expanded to seven days and takes place Friday, October 10th through Sunday, October 12th and resumes Thursday, October 16th through Sunday, October 19th. This year FLGLFF 2014 is presenting fifty award-winning diverse feature films and shorts, along with special events and parties throughout the city, making it one of the most highly regarded LGBT film festivals in the nation. The Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’s mission is to enrich, entertain and educate the public through the presentation of international and culturally diverse films that offer meaningful perspectives on the historic and contemporary gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. We talked to Mark about this year’s film festival and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Gilbert stated, “I would like to see the movement continue at the pace that it is. I mean my dream, my vision, I use to do editorials and talk about what I hope would be one day and we’re already seeing it. I’m a grandfather of two and my boys don’t know any different and when I say that of course I mean as a grandfather of two adorable, loving children and they’ll never know the difference that gay was ever anything to wonder about. They’ll only know that Papa’s gay and their grandfather and they love him. My dream is fifty years from today and even to take that to the next level where when they hear talk about marriage, gay marriage, marriage equality, if you will, they’re only going to know that there’s my two mommies, my two daddies, or Joey has two mommies or two daddies, or two grandmas, whatever it is they’re going to feel the same love for them, it’s not going to be something special or different. It will just be part of our every day lives that everyone will accept everyone for who they are and it will be a world of just equality.”

Presented by HBO, Merrill Lynch and The Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB/Broward Office of Film, Music & Entertainment, the sixth annual Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival promises to be a wealth of films, ranging from hilarious takes on relationships to compelling dramas and documentaries touching upon some of the more compelling issues of our LGBT community. There are also fabulous parties and events presented by Florida’s LGBT non-profits.
For More Info & Tix: flglff.com

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Our Fabulous Gay Wedding

Marilyn Rosen, Symphony Booking Agent talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about their recent marriage that took place at Scullers Jazz Club before friends and family. The ceremony was performed by Elyse Cherry, CEO of Boston Community Capital and one of the architects of marriage equality in Massachusetts. It was an untraditional Jewish service that included exchanging vows, rings and the breaking of glass. Marilyn and Charlotte have been together for almost 17 years and began planning their wedding after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional in 2013. The intimate gathering of 80 were then entertained by the world-renowned band Pink Martini who Rosen represents nationally for symphony performances. Marilyn and Charlotte talk about their marriage experience and give their spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what they would like to see happen for LGBT equality, Robinson stated, “After getting married and feeling what it’s like to be married; it does feel different. It feels more secure and legitimate in so many ways. What I would like to see and Marilyn and I agree on this is we would like to see the Supreme Court to finally rule that gay and lesbian marriages across the country would become legal as soon as possible because this legal procrastination that’s going on is really hurting our community, our LGBT community and it’s also keeping them from having this kind of joyous event that we had. I think that enough is enough and marriage equality should be passed in the United States if not globally.”

Marilyn is CEO of Marilyn Rosen Presents, a boutique agency specializing in Symphonic and International bookings with an emphasis on the American Songbook, Broadway and Cabaret, as well as global sounds and nostalgia. A 22-year veteran of the music industry, Rosen spent nearly two decades booking tours internationally for artists including Pat Metheny, Wynton Marsalis, Nina Simone, Chris Botti, Chick Corea and Sonny Rollins while developing a new Symphony Division representing over 20 Artists. One of the first groups Rosen signed to her symphony division was Portland Oregon-based band, Pink Martini, which has since reached worldwide acclaim. In addition to Pink Martini's staggering achievements, Rosen has bolstered the Symphonic profiles for artists including Ann Hampton Callaway, The Von Trapps, New York Voices and many others. (Paul Robinson Photos)

For More Info: marilynrosenpresents.com

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A Perfect Place For A Gay Wedding

Paul Saltalamacchia, Senior Catering Sales Manager for Hilton Worldwide talks about planning your gay wedding or LGBT event with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Saltalamacchia is currently based at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Boston overlooking the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which embraces diversity to ensure that your event is flawless and exactly to your specifications. Weddings can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 and Paul understands the full range of emotions that goes into preparing for your momentous day guiding you through the sometimes overwhelming process. The DoubleTree Suites in Boston-Cambridge offers three fabulous venues at their location including the Charles River Ballroom, Rooftop Terrace and Scullers Jazz Club. We talked to Paul about preparation for your special event and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Saltalamacchia stated, “I believe that every person deserves equal rights regardless of their sexual orientation, their nationality, religious beliefs or physical or mental restrictions. I truly believe that and I’ve believed that my entire life that everyone should be treated equally. So it’s really important to me that gay couples receive that same treatment when they come into the hotel. I remember when it first became a law in 2004, I would have couples call me and say ‘I have a question, I’m inquiring about a wedding but do you allow gay weddings at your hotel?’ I was really shocked to hear that a lot of other hotels in the city were actually turning away gay couples because of their sexual orientation and I thought that was crazy. I went to my general manager when the question was asked of me and I said we’re ok with doing gay weddings at the hotel? And he said of course we are, it doesn’t matter to us. I met with my staff for an hour long kind of orientation to question them to see if they were comfortable working a gay wedding and it was very surprising how open all the people that worked at the hotel were to it. It was a big deal. The word got out and it became very popular. I would say maybe 15 to 20 percent were gay weddings.”

Paul Saltalamacchia began his career in healthcare nutrition and made the switch to hotel event catering and sales in 1998. He has been a Certified Social Event Planner since 2006. His focus has been on social events, mainly weddings and Bar Mitzvahs and enjoys turning people’s vision into reality. At DoubleTree Suites in Boston/ Cambridge Saltalamacchia works with acclaimed Chef Steve Ali committed to making your dreams come true for your special event. Whether trendy or traditional, extravagant to tastefully modest, they’ll make this exciting day everything you imagined it would be.
For More Info: doubletree3.hilton.com

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“Harbor to the Bay” AIDS Bike Ride

Jim Morgrage, President of “Harbor to the Bay” a one-day bike ride from Boston to Provincetown on September 20th with 100% of all pledges going directly to fight HIV/AIDS with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. “Harbor to the Bay” began in 2003 with an idea by the late Michael Tye, a group of Boston’s Club Café staff and dedicated friends who shared the dream to launch the 126-mile AIDS bike ride. Their idea was simple, a one-day ride from Boston (Harbor) to Provincetown (Bay) staffed completely by volunteers and a commitment that all rider pledges go directly to defeat HIV/AIDS. With millions of dollars being raised over the last eleven years, this year their goal is $500,000. So far over 300 riders have signed up and over 170 volunteer crewmembers. Riders also have the unique option of riding the complete or any part of the 126-mile route. We talked to Jim about his commitment to end HIV/AIDS and his spin on our LGBT issues.

When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Morgrage stated, “My personal commitment is that I will work in any capacity that I can to help ensure that marriage equality and equal rights are something that are afforded every LGBT individual across the country. I won’t rest until marriage equality is recognized in all fifty states and all the same benefits and protections afforded our heterosexual counterparts are afforded to all of us.”

Jim Morgrage has been working with AIDS organizations since 1990. He began at AIDS Response Seacoast in Portsmouth, New Hampshire as a volunteer answering phones, working with fundraising and with client services. From his volunteer work his life has been forever changed whether providing comfort and support to someone about to die or organizing an event that brings people together for a common goal. He believes that we are all here to make a difference. For the last twenty years he has managed Boston’s premier LGBT Club Café. There will be a “Harbor to the Bay” benefit Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction on Thursday, September 11th at 7P at Club Café hosted by the Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Another “Harbor to the Bay” event is CYBER-FRIDAY on September 12th with a goal of raising $12,000 in one day by tweeting, texting, emailing & all other social networking. All proceeds from “Harbor to the Bay” will support Fenway Health, AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, Community Research Initiative and AIDS Action Committee.
For More Info: harbortothebay.org

Hear 300+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™