OUTTAKE VOICES™ (Interviews)

LGBT Filmmakers talk with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson, Host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ about their films appearing at the Boston LGBT Film Festival that runs through May 15th. We also had the opportunity to talk to the filmmakers about their personal commitment to LGBT Civil Rights. The World Premiere of “eCupid” was screened on Friday, May 6th at the Brattle Theatre. Writer, Producer and Director J.C. Calciano was on hand with members of the cast for a Q & A. Mr. Calciano’s first film “Is It Just Me?” was a huge hit at the 2010 film festival. His new romantic comedy is about a young ad executive who is in a dead-end job, turning 30 and his seven-year relationship is stuck in a rut. A birthday wish brings a mysterious phone APP into his life that is guaranteed to help him find love. Marshall soon gets much more than what he had originally planned. The voice of the APP is the fabulous Morgan Fairchild. When asked what his commitment was to LGBT civil rights Calciano stated, “As an LGBT filmmaker I want to make films that make a positive message to bring out ideas of love, respect and community. One of the commitments I’ve made to all my films is a percentage of all the proceeds goes to the Trevor Project and when the film screens I often do a deal with the local film festival to give a percentage of the box office to the local LGBT community center.” Following “eCupid” is Mike Skiff’s “Kink Crusaders” on Friday, May 6th at 9P at the Brattle. “Kink Crusaders” goes behind the scenes at the annual International Leather Competition where thousands of LGBT people from around the world have gathered for over 30 years in Chicago to compete. Skiff documents contestants with humor, tasteful eroticism and pathos. It reveals an LGBT community with spiritual connection, openness and understanding of exploring their sexuality. Whether you’re kinky or vanilla, gay or straight, or anywhere in between, this wildly unique and surprisingly discreet documentary will make you stand up and cheer. There was an afterparty at Machine/Ramrod 1254 Boylston Street, Boston for “Kink Crusaders.” Casper Andreas new film “Going Down in La La Land” made its Northeast Debut May 7th at 7:30P at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Adam arrives from New York with dreams of making it big in L.A. He moves in with his zany best friend Candy who between auditions, spending her time at the gym and shopping is looking for a wealthy man. Adam gets off to a rocky start, complete with parking tickets and an insufferable job answering phones. A new job in production looks promising but soon Adam finds himself dealing with down-and-out directors, washed up starlets, and meth addicts, as he starts to lose himself in a seamy underworld of gay porn and prostitution. The film opens with Josh Levy’s hilarious short “4 Pounds” starring Scott Thompson from “Kids in the Hall” who gave us his fabulous insight about the dilemma of aging in our gay community. We also chatted with Fernanda Cardoso whose film “Bloomington” was presented on Saturday May 7th, 6P at the Brattle. It’s about a student crush on a professor and the crush just might be mutual. “Bloomington” is a fresh and twisty take on the coming-of-age drama. Jackie is a former child actress attending college in search of independence. When she connects with a seductive professor her “normal” college experience gets turned upside down. The following film debut is Jake Yuzna’s “Open” at 8:30P at the Brattle. This film is charting new territory in gender, sexuality and identity. This feature debut takes us on two parallel road trips in which the travelers try to find love in the twin cities. Gay Ally and Actress/Producer Dreya Weber appears in “A Marine Story” on Sunday, May 8th at 8:30P at the Brattle. “A Marine Story” stands up to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ honestly with this unflinching look at the policy’s effects on gays and lesbians in uniform. With the repeal of DADT still in transition we asked Dreya what her personal commitment was to LGBT civil rights. Weber stated, “Well my brother is gay and my sister is what she describes as bisexual so I grew up in a home that was very aware of the kind of challenge it is to live openly. Beyond that this specific issue of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, every single American should have been up in arms because it cost the military hundreds of millions of dollars to keep the policy going, not to mention the loss of skilled personnel. These issues of discrimination effects us all.” Next week we’ll post the conclusion of our filmmakers audio interview series. The Boston LGBT Film Festival runs from May 5th to the 15th at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Brattle Theatre, Cambridge and the Fenway Community Health Center in Boston. For Info & Tix: www.bostonlgbtfilmfest.org

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James Nadeau, Executive Director of the Boston LGBT Film Festival which celebrates its 27th year and runs from May 5th to the 15th talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. There are over 100 films participating in this year’s festival. The focus is New European Cinema with films from all over Europe. The series begins in grand style with opening night screening of the U.S. Premiere of Tom Tykwer’s new film DREI (THREE) at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. There are also several U.S. premiers of contemporary European films like French filmmaker Laure Charpentier’s beautiful and sexy GIGOLA and from Sweden the romantic comedy FOUR MORE YEARS and the US premiere of the fantastic German vampire film WE ARE THE NIGHT. This is a film not to be missed. From Germany comes Sabine Bernardi’s amazing film ROMEOS, the story of a trans youth’s struggle for love and acceptance in Cologne. This struggle is a global issue. In America LGBTQ teens are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Over the past year, numerous teens have taken their own lives after facing bullying incidents. When asked what advise he has for these kids, Nadeau stated, “I feel like it’s almost a cliché to say that it gets better but I think there’s truth behind that and you just have to be stronger. It’s hard to say this in retrospect, it’s hard to live in the moment and believe it will get better, but it’s simply the truth of it. I think back to my own upbringing growing up on military bases and thinking about how I was taught to be a tougher person simply because of the environment. I look back for the grace of god that I made it this far but it is tough and you have to be tougher than everybody else.” Boston LGBT Film Festival kicked off on Monday April 25th with their annual Splash Party held at Mantra Restaurant at 52 Temple Place Boston, MA. OUTTAKE VOICES™ was there to help launch this year’s festival program and screen previews from the exciting lineup of over 100 films. The Splash party was open to all and free to attend. There was fabulous food provided by Mantra along with specialty drinks at the cash bar and lots of surprises. Party Audio Montage: Boston LGBT Film Fest Insiders The Boston LGBT Film Festival runs from May 5th to the 15th at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Brattle Theatre, Cambridge, and the Fenway Community Health Center in Boston. Updates to Come. For Info & Tix: www.bostonlgbtfilmfest.org

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Malcolm Lazin, Founder and Executive Director of Equality Forum talks about this year's event with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Equality Forum 2011 takes place April 25 to May 1st in Philadelphia. This is an important LGBT event that is dedicated to addressing our LGBT issues and concerns. Throughout the week there are also lots of dance parties, entertainment and just basic fun events. This year Latin America is Equality Forum International focus. When asked if he thought Obama was doing a good job for our LGBT community, Lazin stated, “Well I think he scored a lot recently in terms of he and Attorney General Holder deciding not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act essentially by their concluding that we are a minority group that has been the victim of systemic and long term prejudice. Therefore under the Constitution where there are any statutes that limit our rights, those statutes need to be governed by the strictest and highest standards of scrutiny.” At the 19th annual Equality Forum, there are over 40 programs and 25 panels including: National Religious Colloquy, A Conversation with The Rt. Rev. Mary Douglas Glasspool, the first openly lesbian Episcopal bishop on Tuesday April 26; National Seniors Panel moderated by Sage Executive Director Michael Adams, on Wednesday April 27; International Focus LGBT Challenges in Latin America moderated by former U.S. Ambassador Michael Guest, including leading Latin American activists and experts on Thursday April 28. On Saturday April 30th there are a number of panels including the National Politics Panel moderated by Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff, with panelists Jarrett Barrios, President of GLAAD; Kerry Eleveld, Editor of EqualityMatters.org; Marty Rouse, National Field Director of HRC; and Doc Sweitzer, Cofounder, The Campaign Group. Also happening are the National Families Panel with leading experts on same-gender families and the National Youth Panel, moderated by out University of the Arts President Sean Buffington and including Daniel Hernandez Jr. and Yale undergraduate Katherine Miller, who as a West Point cadet outed herself and was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” There is no registration fee and all panels are free. There are also eight parties and seven special events including art exhibits and performances. The International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center on Saturday April 30th is honoring Lt. Dan Choi and Patrick Murphy with the 16th annual International Role Model Award and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants with the 9th annual International Business Leadership Award, with Special Guest of Honor Daniel Hernandez Jr. This is the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit. For More Info & Dinner Tix: equalityforum.com

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Author Erin McHugh talks about her new must-read book “The L-Life: Extraordinary Lesbians Making a Difference” which chronicles the lives of 26 lesbian game-changers in America including Glee Actress Jane Lynch, Comedian Kate Clinton and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Through fascinating intimate interviews and stunning portrait photography, McHugh uncovers rich stories of lesbians from all walks of life, capturing the incredible bravery and passion of ordinary people and celebrities that have been undisclosed until now. Erin has been an advocate for LGBT civil rights for over 25 years. When asked what she would you like to see happen for LGBT civil rights in 2011-12, McHugh stated, “ I think in my world here, I live in New York City, we’ve had such a hard time moving gay marriage forward in New York State. We have another round of hope with Governor Cuomo. We’ll hope that happens in the next year or two but it’s been quite a disappointment. I’m originally from Massachusetts so it seems like, why can’t we catch-up with my home state.” The L Life provides an archive of our LGBT heritage over the past 60 years. Through their intimate inspirational stories these amazing lesbian women will move you again and again, enhanced by 55 beautiful photo portraits by Jennifer May. Also appearing in The L Life are Alison Bechdel, Marjorie Hill, Amy and Elizabeth Ziff, Phyllis Lyon, Randi Weingarten, Chris Quinn, Linda Villarosa, Dr. Susan Love, Kate Kendell, Nan Buzard, Hilary Rosen, Lupe Valdez, Elizabeth Birch, Ann Bannon, Lisa Sherman, Roberta Achtenberg, Lisa Vogel, Urvashi Vaid, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Sally Susman, Tenaja Jordan, Mary Seton Corboy and Christine Vachon. The L Life is skillfully crafted by Abrams Books. Erin McHugh is a former publishing executive and the author of nineteen books, including the five-volume series The Portable Queer. She is currently working on her upcoming book, One Good Deed. She lives in New York City and South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. For More Info: http://www.onegooddeedbook.com

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Jarrett Barrios GLAAD President talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson, Host of OUTTAKE VOICES™, in Part 2 of this exclusive  audio montage with celebrities on the Red Carpet at the 22nd GLAAD MEDIA Awards in NYC. The following celebrities also shared their LGBT insights and stories: Logo's "The A-List: New York" Celebrity Photographer Mike Ruiz, Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York City Sonja Morgan, Young LGBT advocate Bianca “Nikki” Peet, who fought to have a GSA in Corpus Christi, Texas, Emperor XIX Jack and Empress XXIV Farrah Moans, top fundraisers for LGBT orgs, Stars of Planet Green’s The Fabulous Beekman Boys Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, Actor Wilson Cruz, GLAAD National Board of Directors Co-Chair Roxanne Jones, and Essence.com writer Bobbi Misick, managing editor Emil Wilbekin, Essence Mag First Lesbian Brides Aisha & Danielle Moodie-Mills who received the GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia category. The 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards was presented by ROKK Vodka at New York's Marriott Marquis. Additional GLAAD Media Awards were announced during event in Los Angeles on April 10 at the Westin Bonaventure; and next month in San Francisco at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis on May 14. For More Info & SF Tix: glaad.org

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Ricky Martin received the Vito Russo Award and talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson, Host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ on the Red Carpet at the 22nd GLAAD MEDIA Awards in NYC in part one of this two part audio montage. We had the opportunity to talk to Ricky about coming out and his spin on the Obama administration fast-forwarding some LGBT issues. Martin stated, “I think it’s amazing. They’re awesome. It’s very difficult. The pressure is really intense from people who don’t like us. So I think little by little doing what they need to do and of course there’s always more that needs to be done. Equality is a very important word but I think Obama is doing a good job, little by little we’re doing it. It’s going to be great.” We also talked to celebrities about their personal commitment to LGBT Civil Rights and the following celebrities gave intimate spins on our issues: Headline News Jane Velez-Mitchell who also presented the GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Digital Journalism, Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Original Programming Andy Cohen who also hosted the event, Bravo’s Top Chefs: Just Desserts Gail Simmons, VH1 "Transform Me" star Laverne Cox, Nathan Williams from the GLAAD Media Award-nominated "Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys", and Producer partners Neil Meron & Craig Zadan who presented the Vito Russo Award to Ricky Martin and who previously won two GLAAD Media Awards for their movies "Serving in Silence" starring Glenn Close and "What Makes a Family," was also nominated for their third GLAAD Award for the movie "Wedding Wars," and was nominated for another GLAAD Award for their hit Lifetime TV show "Drop Dead Diva. They also produced the blockbuster movies "Footloose," "The Bucket List," "Hairspray" and the Oscar winning "Chicago." They’re currently producing the Broadway revival of "How To Succeed in Business" starring Daniel Radcliffe. They shared with us entertainment dish and their long commitment to LGBT issues. Rev. Al Sharpton also presented the Excellence in Media Award to pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons. The 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards was presented by ROKK Vodka at New York's Marriott Marquis. Additional GLAAD Media Awards will be announced during events in Los Angeles on April 10 at the Westin Bonaventure; and in San Francisco at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis on May 14. We'll have Part Two of GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS next week.
For More Info & Tix: glaad.org

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David Waters, CEO of Community Servings a nonprofit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Community Servings delivers 377,000 free, home-style meals to 1,450 people per year who are too sick to cook for themselves or their families. They currently care for clients with 35 different life-threatening illnesses. Their service includes a customized, nutritionally-packed lunch, dinner, and snack for sick clients, their caregivers and dependent children. When asked how he got involved with Community Servings Waters stated, “Community Servings started over 21 years ago as a program in the HIV community back when there were no drugs available to care for people that we loved who had HIV. We figured out as a community you could keep someone alive a little longer while we were waiting for the first drugs to come online by feeding them because your body needs fuel to fight off the virus. And as a young gay man, HIV came along just as I was coming out and it was terrifying to sort of see love and relationships directly tied to illness and death. Community Servings was a way for me as a food professional to find a role and to make sense of HIV. We started feeding 30 people a day 21 years ago and we have now provided about 4.5 million meals to people with HIV and other illnesses.” Under David Waters leadership, Community Servings has expanded its mission to feed those with other acute, life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, amyothrophic lateral sclerosis and liver disease. Community Servings has also introduced a food service job training program and nutrition education classes for its clients who become well enough to leave the program and for members of the community. The agency has also taken a leadership role and partnered with the Association of Nutrition Services Agencies in reaching out to Ikamva Labantu, an agency struggling to provide nutrition support in fighting AIDS in South Africa. LifeSavor 2011 Community Servings Annual Spring Gala will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2011. LifeSavor is an ideal way for Boston chefs, caterers, and restaurateurs to support Community Servings' clients. Through their generosity, LifeSavor is now Boston's premier "Dinner Party with a Conscience" which raises 16% of Community Servings' annual operating budget. This is a fabulous event and a great way to help support this outstanding organization. For More Info & LifeSavor Tix: servings.org

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Author Jan Donley talks about her must-read debut novel The Side Door, which addresses LGBTQ teens and the high school coming out experience with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. The Side Door is a sensitive portrayal of gay teen suicide and sends an empowering and positive message to LGBTQ youth and allies. LGBTQ teens are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Over the past year numerous teens have taken their own lives after facing bullying incidents. When asked what advise she would have for these kids, Donley stated, “The advise that I have and I didn't have this when I was that age, is find an adult that knows you and believes in you and likes you, loves you, just the way you are, and keeps affirming that in you. And keep that adult presence in as many ways possible. It seems to me that the message is pretty clear that kids who have at least one adult who really supports them and stands by them fare a lot better. So I would urge them to seek people out even if it means going to organizations that deal with LGBTQ stuff and actually talking to people, to not to be isolated, to figure out a way to feel like you’re not alone, because you’re not, but sometimes it’s hard not to believe that. And find someone to be in your corner.” Jan Donley is also a playwright and occasional poet. Donley is currently working on a sequel to The Side Door and teaches writing courses at Berklee College of Music. She lives in Boston where she is legally married to her partner Diane. The Side Door was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in the LGBT Children’s/Young Adult category and the book is published by Spinsters Ink. For More Info: JanDonley.com

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Phil Siegel, Producer of “Coming Out in the 1950s: Stories of Our Lives” a new 14 minute video, as part of the Pye/Harris Legacy Project talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. In the video, three teen journalists interview gay elders about their coming out experiences during the McCarthy era when there was no visible gay community. Stories include Hadley Hall, an ROTC member who was outed and summarily discharged, Ron Rebholz, an academic who gave up a promising relationship to pursue an education because of the fear he experienced if the relationship continued, and Phyllis Lyon on her experiences founding of the first lesbian organization in America, the Daughters of Bilitus. We talked to Siegel about his 35 year commitment to LGBT civil rights. Recently the Obama Administration decided not to appeal Section 3 of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act. Section 3 applies to federal benefits and was found unconstitutional by a Federal Judge in Boston. Phil lives in California, where Prop 8 was also found unconstitutional and yet gay couples are still being denied marriage. When asked what his spin was on all this Siegel stated, “ I think this is like a huge baby step and I’ll tell you why. I love the idea that we’re going in this direction but I think that marriage on a state level is a very nice trophy to have on your mantel…My partner is Spanish and he wants to immigrate here. If I were straight we could get married tomorrow and he could be here. I can go to Spain (where gay marriage has been legal since 2005) in a Catholic country and I would have a green card and healthcare for the rest of my life and believe me that sounds appealing. The truth is we are not sure of where we will end up but the decision does not have to be based on workability and immigration if this were a federal law.” Phil Siegel is also a publicist and has offered his services to national projects like the AIDS Memorial Quilt Tour in 1988. He also served as Co-Communications Director for the 2009 National Equality March on Washington D.C. He was on the founding board of Under One Roof that raised over $8 million for AIDS organizations and sat on the board of the AIDS Emergency Fund and the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund. He has lived in San Francisco for nearly 30 years but spends much of his time with his Spanish partner in Barcelona. “Coming Out in the 1950s: Stories of Our Lives” has just been made available for gay teens to learn about the history of the gay community. For More Info: Pye/HarrisProject.org

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Rev. Richard Emmanuel, Founder of The Church, a non-profit organization in East Gloucester, MA, talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Emmanuel, a visionary and dedicated political activist, has a very truthful and honest spin on the Obama administration and the reality of the future of our LGBT Civil Rights. In the aftermath of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” being ruled unconstitutional in federal court, the Obama Administration continues to appeal the Log Cabin Republicans vs. The United States of America decision despite the fact that ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ has been repealed and signed into law. When asked what his thoughts are about this Emmanuel stated, “ This is the illusion of due diligence. We’re fed these illusions that something is happening. This process of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’, that was a stupid solution when Clinton came up with it. And how many hard core people screamed about it and said ‘This is a ridiculous settlement.’ It is now, as it was back then, and just by keeping it in this limbo state of people still talking about ‘well we’re making the transition,’ this is the carrot being dangled in front of the donkey. As long as you’re pulling the wagon that’s what they want you to do. And that’s why the subject is still there.” Emmanuel also addressed gay marriage and DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act. Section 3 of DOMA which applies to federal benefits that was found unconstitutional by a Federal Judge in Boston. Prop 8 which was also found unconstitutional in federal court is now headed to the California Supreme Court once again. As we wait for the outcome of these federal actions our LGBT families whether married, domestic partners, in a civil union, or legal strangers under our particular state's law, are denied 1,138 federal rights of marriage that all heterosexual families enjoy. Our LGBTQ teens are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers and Emmanuel gives his insight on this heartbreaking trend. UPDATE: Is DOMA Headed to Congress? Richard Emmanuel is a provocateur who creates both concept iconography and media assemblages in 2d, 3d, and internet media. His work is an exploration of consciousness with great emphasis drawn from the ancient civilizations on this planet and the “aboriginal dream” which spawned these ancient narratives. The practical use of his concepts and “designed environments” has been used in international corporate communications and exhibits. A recent show at the Baltimore Visionary Art Museum used three of his works to express the concepts expressed in nihilism. Richard understands that the greatest task is to teach each generation the quest for “what is truth” Emmanuel sees the path and agrees with the greatest of ancient teachers… that is…“one can only point the way” … and above all “know thyself.” For More Info: TheChurch.org

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