OUTTAKE VOICES™ (Interviews)

Gabrielle Hanna, Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival that takes place in Provincetown, Massachusetts June 19th through June 23rd talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. This is the film festival’s 15th anniversary and there are many special events and films planned to celebrate the occasion. The Filmmaker on The Edge Award goes to Harmony Korine (SPRINGBREAKERS, GUMMO, MISTER LONELY, KIDS) sponsored by the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation. Matt Dillon (DRUGSTORE COWBOY, TO DIE FOR, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY) will receive the Excellence in Acting Award sponsored by American Express. Cinematographer Ed Lachman (TRUE STORIES, FAR FROM HEAVEN, ERIN BROCKOVICH) will receive the Faith Hubley Career Achievement Award sponsored by the MALLRD Foundation. The Opening Night Film will be Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman’s LOVELACE; the Friday Night Spotlight selection is Jeffrey Schwarz’s I AM DIVINE; Saturday Night Spotlight Selection is Pedro Almodóvar’s I’M SO EXCITED and the closing night film is Francesca Gregorini’s EMANUEL AND THE TRUTH ABOUT FISHES. Past Filmmaker on The Edge Awardees Directors John Waters, Todd Haynes, Mary Harron, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman and Producer Christine Vachon will be attending the festival’s 15th anniversary celebration as well. This is Hanna’s last year as Executive Director of PIFF. We talked to Gabby about this year’s festival, her plans for the future and her spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Hanna stated, “My partner and I are very committed. We work for candidates who are running for office that we believe in. We are very active with the Lesbian Political Action Committee, LPAC and if people don’t know about it they should. It was a PAC that was started last year by women to raise money to give to women running for political office, which is LPAC’s mission. I highly suggest that everyone out there whether male or female check out LPAC and read about it. It started last year and they gave over a million dollars that they raised to people like Elizabeth Warren, President Obama and Tammy Baldwin and it was a wonderful thing and we support that and feel strongly about that. And I’m really rooting for the US Supreme Court to comeback and overturn DOMA. (Defense of Marriage Act) I think that’s going to be good for everybody, not just the LGBT community. I think it’s just a really positive step for this country.” The Provincetown Film Society, Inc. (PFS) is the year-round organization and home of the Provincetown International Film Festival and the Whaler's Wharf Cinema. PFS is dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of acclaimed and emerging directors, producers and actors. An integral part of PFS's mission is to contribute to the economic and creative vitality of America's oldest art colony. This is the seventh year we’ll be covering the film festival for OUTTAKE VOICES™. For More Info & Tix: ptownfilmfest.org

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Seth Rudetsky, Broadway veteran talks about producing the new play “Unbroken Circle” with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. The play is currently in previews at St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W 46th Street in NYC and opens on Wednesday, June 19th. Although Seth is a household name around the Great White Way as a pianist, conductor, performer and author, this marks his first time as a theatre producer. “Unbroken Circle” is written by and stars his husband James Wesley (The Wild Party, Ragtime) and to round out the family affair their 12-year-old daughter Juli Wesley (Children of Eden) appears as Jame’s daughter in the play. Set in 1970 Galveston, Texas, “Unbroken Circle” is the story of a family brought together for the first time in years on the day of its patriarch's funeral. As the day turns into night, the man's impact on his family unfolds in unexpected and surprising ways. “Unbroken Circle” is hilarious, disturbing and hopeful as it explores decades of family abuse and secrets. We talked to Seth about the play and his spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT Equality Rudetsky stated, “That’s a very big issue for me ever since I was a kid. You know essentially I’m on the radio every day on Sirius XM and I’m a combination of either telling people about Broadway stuff or very political telling people to call their senators because there’s a vote on ENDA happening. I also get a lot of letters saying ‘You know I live in Alabama or wherever and hearing you talk about your husband and your kid so matter of factly, I think is so wonderful because you really show America what it is like to be a gay person and what it is like to live that life.’ You know it’s the whole Harvey Milk theory that people can’t really be against someone they know or like. It’s just easier to be against gay people if it’s ‘oh these freaks’ that they don’t know anything about; but to know that when you’re voting against gay rights you’re voting against me, this radio host that you like, that has a kid with dyslexia that he’s just trying to get into a good school, I think it just demystifies gayness. So I feel I’m a combination of very political and also just matter of fact, to help America see what it’s like to be an adult gay man who’s married and has a kid.” “Unbroken Circle” is produced by Seth Rudetsky and Mary J. Davisand. Also appearing are Stacey Bone-Gleason (The Baristas, “Celebrity Ghost Stories”), Lori Hammel (Forbidden Broadway, Mamma Mia), Suzanna Hay (Dance of Death), Anika Larsen (Xanadu, Zanna, Don't) and Eve Plumb who we loved as “Jan” in TV’s "The Brady Bunch". For More Info & Tix: unbrokencircletheplay.com

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Anthony Pazos, hairstylist extraordinaire and breakout TV reality star of the 2nd season of WE TV network docu-series “L.A. Hair” returning on June 6th talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Pazos dazzles as the wild and outspoken protégé of reigning celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble whose clients include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Shakira, on “L.A. Hair”. Pazos is undoubtedly the next hair visionary to take over the Hollywood hair industry with his quick wit, sharp tongue, unique style and electrifying aptitude for making women look fabulous. Rivalry is fierce on this ground breaking series with Anthony front and center of all the action. We talked to Anthony about how he became involved with “L.A. Hair” and his spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT Equality Pazos stated, “I was talking to my boyfriend about that this morning and I would love to see equal rights across the board, regardless if you’re gay, lesbian, transgender, whatever, just equal rights. I mean it’s not that hard, I don’t understand what the deal is and why it’s such an issue. My commitment is basically just talking about it, telling my story, how I grew up and what I went through, just being open and being out and honest about it. I also associate myself with other members of the community like Jessica Clark who I like totally love. So just like being openly gay and talking about it is my commitment.” Anthony Pazos who was born and raised in Torrance, California also shares his very personal experiences of being bullied and beaten in high school. Overcoming adversities Anthony has been featured in Vogue Italia, Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, Wired, Venice, Fader and Curve magazines. He has also appeared on E! Style Network's “How Do I Look” and “Split Ends”. Anthony became a self-taught aesthetic mastermind at a young age working at some of Los Angeles’ most prestigious salons, while being classically trained and mastering the techniques of hair legends such as Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy. Now an established and sought after stylist with training to work with any hair, his career continues to dazzle as he works his magic on celebrities and fans alike. For More Info: anthonypazos.com

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Columnist Michael Musto who has reported on the club and celebrity scene in NYC for over three decades talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. His weekly celebrity and gossip column La Dolce Musto that ran in the Village Voice for 28 years came to an abrupt end as lay-offs shocked and saddened his loyal readers. As the trend continues to shake-up and end the era of print publications we wondered if the Village Voice may be headed on the same route as Boston’s only alternative newspaper The Phoenix which folded this year after 48 years. We talked to Musto about where he thinks print publications are headed, the future of journalism that we love and his spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what his personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Musto stated, “My commitment has been lifelong. When I started the column in 1984 in the Village Voice I was out gay from the very first column. There was no way I was going to hide and I was going to do that so that first of all I could effect other persons lives without any hypocrisy and also I could mix gossip reporting and party stuff with fights for gay rights. It’s super important that we get total equality, not kind of half-baked attempts at that. In the eighties when I started the column I became extra politicalized when the AIDS epidemic started to hit in a big way. That just made me filled with rage, not only at the horror we were suffering but the fact that nobody in power was doing anything about it. I joined Act-Up. I took to the streets. You know this was very not me. I was always just kind of a party person looking for a gift bag and suddenly I was doing all of that but at the same time I was protesting and demanding equal rights and demanding that the government address the AIDS Crisis. So I never turned back since then. It really politicalized and galvanized me and until the day I die I will be fighting for our place at the table.” Michael Musto has authored four books and has appeared on numerous TV shows including a cameo appearance on the season finale of the NBC hit series “Smash” where he plays himself. In 2011, Musto was named one of the "Out 100" of the country's most influential LGBT personalities. He's appeared as a TV pundit on numerous network news shows and in documentaries about actor/writer Charles Busch, Paris Hilton, Warhol star Jackie Curtis, restaurateur Florent, Michael Alig, camp performer Divine, clubs like the Roxy and many more. Michael is currently doing a weekly column called Musto! The Musical! for Out.com, writing regular think pieces for the Advocate and weekly interviews for Gawker. For More Info: facebook.com/michael.musto

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Somer Bingham the punk-edged musician we got to know last season on Showtime’s hit TV series “The Real L Word” talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Somer’s gutsy performance style and authenticity led to her being cast on Showtime’s reality series “The Real L Word” where the lesbian community got to know her as relatable and uncompromising. Showtime then chose Somer to create a weekly video blog to accompany the series, calling it “Somer Fridays.” After two million views it’s success exceeded all expectations. Now she’s started a new music project “Clinical Trials” and will be performing at a Female-Fronted Music Takeover at TT the Bear's Place in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 30th. We talked to Somer about life after “The Real L Word”, her upcoming music event and her spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT Equality Bingham stated, “I think just by being out that’s the first step that anyone can take. I happened to be on the show which was an exposure and saying I’m a proud out lesbian. But I actually put on a couple of shows that were just for youth who were questioning or who were struggling, or might have been bullied. There’s an organization in Long Island called ‘Pride For Youth’ that I went to one of their charity events and I’m going back to just hang out with the girls. I want to be exposed and I want to be out in that way that makes other people feel less lonely.” Somer Bingham will be appearing as part of the all Female-Fronted Music Takeover at TT the Bear's Place, Cambridge, MA on May 30th. Nothing quite compares to a night of incredible bands led by women of rock and for music fans who also love supporting LGBTQ artists. Each band happens to include queer and lesbian-identifying members. The bands are: “Sugar Bomb!” Boston-based alternative/pop rock band spawned from the glorious brain of frontwoman Kat Hamilton, Somer’s band “Clinical Trials” inspired by the energy of Nirvana and Patti Smith, the blues-influenced grunge band “Slothrust” and “Licious”, largely inspired by Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor and Portishead. Tickets are only $8 and the event is for ages 18+. Doors open at 8P. Somer Bingham lives in Brooklyn, NY with her wife Donna and their two mini-wolves. For More Info: clinicaltrialsmusic.com

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Photographer Joel Benjamin and producer John O’Connell talk about their new LGBTQ exhibition “The Bear Sessions: Portraiture” a series of photographs being showcased at the Boston Center for Adult Education with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. BCAE is premiering the show with their second annual “Sip the Rainbow” cocktail reception from 6P-8P on May 17th. The exhibit runs through June 2013. The Bear Sessions resulted in images of over 80 gay men from Cape Cod to Texas reflecting an identity and sexuality not represented in mainstream media. Within the Bear community the photos embrace masculinity in unique and individual ways. They represent strength, passion, joy, vulnerability and most importantly authenticity not represented in iconic gay imagery. In this exhibition of 24 photos from the project’s portraiture their subjects display confidence and self-acceptance encouraging viewers to celebrate those same qualities of confidence, pride and passion within themselves. We talked to Joel and John about their groundbreaking show and issues facing our LGBT community. When asked what their personal commitment is to LGBT civil rights Benjamin stated, “For me I’d say it’s been a lifetime documentation of the community. I’ve been photographing the Boston LGBT community for probably thirty years now, even before I was a professional photographer. It’s always just been a way to learn and involve myself.” O’Connell added, “For me my commitment really started in college. I went to the University of California Riverside and I actually got arrested in a civil disobedience protest in California for the AB101 Veto Riot in 1991 which was exciting, but actually not a big deal. But I think for us everything we can do to just live our own lives as honestly as possible and, of course, every gala every event we’re at, we’re either documenting or just being a part of, is an everyday part of our lives.” “Sip the Rainbow” opening reception for The Bear Sessions: Portraiture will be held on Friday, May 17th from 6P to 8P at the Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington Street, Boston, MA. There is a $20 donation which includes three complimentary unique Grey Goose cocktails created by local mixologists using the colors of the gay pride flag as their inspiration signature cocktails. This is a fabulous way to celebrate the 9th anniversary of marriage equality in Massachusetts and the beginning of the gay pride season. All proceeds to benefit the BCAE. For More Info & Tix….

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Cathy Marino-Thomas, Co-President of the Board at Marriage Equality USA talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks. Cathy has worked on the issue of marriage equality since 1998. She was Executive Director of Marriage Equality New York for 3 years (2005 - 2008) and Board President for 6 years. Cathy speaks all over the country about the rights, privileges and obligations that protect families only through the right to civil marriage. We talked to Cathy about the gay marriage cases before the US Supreme Court, homophobia and other issues currently facing our LGBT community. When asked her spin on the media hype surrounding NBA Center Jason Collins coming out though tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Billy Jean King came out in 1981, Marino-Thomas stated, “You know I have two minds about this. Number one I think it’s great that we make a big deal out of people coming out and living life in a truthful way no matter what walk of life they come out in. Though he does do a lot for us in that respect, it’s the first time that a male professional athlete has come out and said that they were gay and now he’s going to face criticism and all that, so that’s terrific. But the fact of the matter is that female professional athletes have been coming out for a long time and the same hype and attention is not given to them. I feel that any step forward and any coming out experience is a good one. So for the most part it’s a fabulous thing; I just feel a little slighted on behalf of all the female athletes that have been in fact living out lives for a long time…So it’s two issues Charlotte; it’s coming out is always a good thing and women are less than men even in coming out experiences.” Cathy Marino-Thomas lives with her wife Sheila and daughter Jacqueline. Sheila and Cathy have been together 18 years. They had a Union Ceremony in 1995, registered as domestic partners in the state of New York in 1996 and married in Massachusetts in 2004. Prior to working with Marriage Equality New York, Cathy spent many years as a Buddy in the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) Buddy Program visiting countless people afflicted with HIV/AIDS and assisting them with daily chores, advocacy and information. Cathy’s love for her family motivates her to continue to pursue the legal right to marry. For More Info: marriageequality.org

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Filmmaker Rolla Selbak talks about her new webseries "Kiss Her I'm Famous" with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. The project stars The Real L-Word’s Tracy Ryerson and Ilea Matthews (The Violent Kind) and is a satirical nod to the sex tapes that catapulted Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and many other celebrities. At a time where gratuity and fake publicity seem to be able to catapult just about anyone into the spotlight “Kiss Her I’m Famous” is a satire that tackles this very phenomenon in a smart, subtle and entertaining way. We talked to Rolla about her new webseries and her spin on our LGBT issues. When asked what her personal commitment is to LGBT equality Selbak stated, “My personal commitment is very personal since I am gay and then as far as the LGBT community, my community, I have been struggling with that as long as I can remember and things have gotten better and better, but we have a long way to go. I feel that we as content creators and as people in the media have done such an amazing job in the past few years to really help the public open their eyes to our issues. I think it’s a great testament to what we have been able to do as people in the media because in the United States, this is the most acceptance LGBT people have gotten and even republicans are changing their stance on gay people and gay marriage. I think we’ve done an amazing job and of course I think we have a lot more to go but I do credit the media for showcasing gay characters and gay stories. We just need more of that and keep pushing further.” Rolla Selbak grew up in the Middle East under the strict social structure of a Muslim family and won critical acclaim for her feature film "Three Veils”, starring Sheetal Sheth (Looking for Comedy in a Muslim World, I Can’t Think Straight), Mercedes Masohn (666 Park Ave) and featuring Eric Avari (Heros, The Mummy). The film addressed arranged marriage, homosexuality and love within the Muslim-American subculture. "Three Veils” won Best Screenplay at San Diego LGBT International 2012, Best LGBT Film at the New York City International Film Festival 2011 and the Rainbow Award at the Honolulu LGBT Film Fest 2011 among others. The Palestinian native has also been invited to speak at multiple panels on independent filmmaking and women in the arts. For More Info: rollaselbak.com

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Father and son authors Ross and Ryan Poore talk about their new novel "The Blood Doctrine" that addresses homophobia and the Mormon Church with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. This courtroom thriller explores the life of a missionary man whose chosen path is to spread the word of his Mormon religion and the motivations that drive him to brutally murder a gay man in the name of his faith. Utilizing the tool of fiction, Ross and Ryan Poore who are fierce gay allies, explore historical text, documented sermons and the teachings of Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, John D. Lee and others within the LDS to unravel the extremist anti gay position of church members and teachings that continues today. In addition “The Blood Doctrine” explains how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strategically raised millions of dollars to pass California’s Proposition 8 in 2008. When asked as a heterosexual man what his personal commitment is to LGBT equality, Ross stated, “I come from a family where I have a brother who is gay, I have a nephew who is gay, I have a cousin who is gay and I have a cousin who is transgender. My sister is president of PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) in Salt Lake City so my commitment is to make sure they have the same rights as everyone else. In Utah the state legislature struck down an effort to just have the rights of gays to have fair housing and have equal rights in employment this session and I’m trying to figure out why that is a threat to society. And what it boiled down to is the (LDS) church didn’t want to be in compliance with those issues. They didn’t want to have to follow that guideline and that law. I think that if anyone’s rights are taken away, my individual rights are also diminished.” Ross Poore is the son of a coal miner and has earned four degrees from the University of Utah with a doctor's degree in educational leadership. He has served as a high school principal, counselor and teacher. His last professional years were spent as an academic director at a psychiatric treatment center for adolescents. He has been married to Chris for 45 years and has two sons and one grandson. Ryan Poore has worked in the media and entertainment industry for well over 15 years. Because of his media experience he visualizes his stories as virtual film sets before he begins to write. For More Info: missionarymurder.com

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™

Filmmaker Tim McCarthy talks about his new Ugandan film project “Voices of the Abasiyazzi - Creating Allies” that he is producing with Pepe Julian Onziema with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Abasiyazzi is the Ugandan equivalent of the American word Queer. This documentary will explore the cultural and legal history of homosexuality in Uganda up to the present “Kill the Gays Bill” pending in the Ugandan Parliament. As you know over the past four years Fundamentalist Christian Leaders from America have been transporting homophobia to Africa. The concept is to film LGBT Ugandans sharing their lives with their own clans people, in their own language and cultural traditions. They’ll be spending five weeks starting in  May of 2013 traveling around the 5 regions of Uganda sampling positive views of Ugandan Abasiyazzis through their lives and talking with the local straight allies and traditional healers about their views. When asked if there was a question he wished people would ask him about the project McCarthy stated, “I think people want to know why they should support our Kickstarter project, why they should be worried about Uganda with all the gay issues that exist in this country. The fact of the matter is that’s a false argument. The truth is we need to fight homophobia in every place that it exists. To be very blunt about it the Ugandan situation exists because of Americans. So it’s our obligation to provide them with the tools to solve this themselves, not to go in there and solve it. That’s the big difference with our film. The other aspect of our film is we’re not going in there with an angry position about how you’re trying to kill us. That’s not what is going to create allies in Uganda. What is going to create allies is simply to show them the humanity of their lesbian sisters, gay brothers and their trans partners in their own communities and talking to them in their own language not in English; talking with them with their own traditional healers and traditions that existed before Christianity came to Africa.” Tim McCarthy is a Gay Video Historian who has traveled the world since April 1990 in search of LGBT Culture in 90 countries so far and all 7 continents. Some of Tim's archival footage appears in the 2012 Oscar Nominated documentary "How To Survive A Plague". He is also an award winning filmmaker. Pepe Julian Onziema is a Ugandan transman presently Program Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and the recipient of the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative Award who shot the video of the first Ugandan/East African Gay Pride event where people were arrested. The funds raised will go toward producing the film and security. For More Info & Contribute...

Hear 200+ LGBT Interviews @OUTTAKE VOICES™