OUTTAKE VOICES™ (Interviews)

In the conclusion of our exclusive audio interview with openly gay Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis), Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson asks the essential questions about the future of our LGBT civil rights in the Obama administration. When asked what progress Obama has made for LGBT civil rights since he’s been in office Baldwin honestly answered “There has been some encouragement and some setbacks.” In June Obama pledged his support for Baldwin’s Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act during the signing of an Executive Memorandum permitting domestic partners to purchase long-term care insurance and allowing employees to use their sick leave to care for domestic partners and non-biological, non-adopted children. At this signing Obama also stated that he would personally like to see the Domestic Marriage Act (DOMA) repealed. The Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) and Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley have both filed individual lawsuits against the U.S. government challenging the constitutionality of DOMA to seek federal marriage benefits for gay and lesbian couples who have legally married in Massachusetts since 2004. Baldwin expressed that she thought these actions were well-conceived strategies. As for “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” in the military, an inclusive gender identity Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill, Obama has also called on Congress to support this legislation. Baldwin states that we should see motion on these bills in the Fall. So, is this a matter of patience or are our LGBT civil rights being dragged through the bureaucratic system at a snail’s pace? In either case, this is definitely a crucial time to stay on top of the Obama administration to ensure they stay true to their commitment to equality for all Americans. Congresswoman Baldwin Interview on Health Reform More Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™

In this audio excerpt Pete Subkoviak, Policy Associate, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) chats with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson about their mission to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic. Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services. Subkoviak also chatted about Obama’s commitment to LGBT issues during his years as an Illinois Senator and recent criticism. AFC is one of the main organizers of the 2009 National LGBTI Health Summit that takes place at the Chicago Hilton and Towers August 14th -18th. This year’s workshops offer an array of topics that will be covered from the aging of the Stonewall generation to new HIV prevention technologies. There will also be workshops on intimate partner violence, transgender health care, biphobia, body image, club drugs, anti-smoking initiatives, sexual racism and bareback sex to Qigong, yoga and meditation. For More Info: 2009lgbtihealth.org Listen to the Full Interview @OUTTAKE VOICES™ AIDS Foundation of Chicago:aidschicago.org

In this audio excerpt Chef Rossi shares the wildest event she’s ever catered for her celebrity clientele with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson. Rossi, writer/painter/celebrity chef is a modern Renaissance woman entrepreneur whose business is flourishing during these challenging economic times. How does she do it? In the culinary world Rossi is the owner and executive chef of The Raging Skillet, one of New York City’s best and wildest caterers. She's been called “a new breed of rebel anti-caterer” by the The New York Times, and “eclectic and off the wall” by the Zagats review. She has also been featured on The Food Network. As a celebrity chef Rossi’s events have satisfied many illustrious guests, including Bill Clinton, Glen Close, Whoopie Goldberg, Rosie Perez, Cher, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. Rossi also talks about living in downtown NYC on September 11th and the months that followed. As a writer, Rossi has been a features writer for several publications, such as The Daily News, Time Out New York and The New York Post. Her literary work has been published in McSweeneys and she has been the cult hit columnist for Bust magazine for 11 years and running. Rossi’s book of edible memoirs entitled “The Devil and Mrs. Goldstein" is near completion. As a painter Rossi’s works have been exhibited at The Provincetown Art Association Museum, Studio 429 in Soho, Cave Canem (NYC), Bob (NYC), The Cork Gallery in Avery Fisher Hall, the Lawrence Gallery, Long Island City Art Frenzy and The DNA Studio Gallery. She also co-founded The Lost and Found gallery in Crown Heights Brooklyn and is the founder of the Artist’s Room in the Lower East side of New York City where her one woman show “Fusilli”is currently on view. Rossi is openly gay and a strong supporter of LGBT civil rights. More Rossi @ RossiRant.com Listen to the Full Audio Interview @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

In this audio excerpt Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis) discusses America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson. Baldwin explains the language she successfully added to the health care bill addressing the LGBT community. This is crucial since our LGBT community presently does not have federal rights, benefits and protections for their families. Hear the complete Interview @OUTTAKE VOICES™ Hear 50+ Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

Lee Swislow, Executive Director of GLAD, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, discusses the status of the lawsuit GLAD filed in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson. The suit was filed in March 2009 at the Massachusetts Federal District Court. According to Swislow, GLAD has had its first taste of victory against DOMA. One aspect of the original lawsuit was suing the State Department for refusing to allow Massachusetts legally married gay couples to change their name and marital status on their U.S. passports. This has been resolved and the State Department will now recognize gay marriages in states where they are legal when issuing passports as they do with heterosexual marriages. GLAD’s lawsuit will be amended to reflect this breakthrough placing more emphasis on how legally married gay couples are denied federal income tax credits, employment & retirement benefits, health insurance coverage & Social Security payments. Recently Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to seek federal marriage benefits for over 16,000 gay and lesbian couples who have legally married in Massachusetts since 2004. When asked how this will effect GLAD’s case Swislow said "it will make their case stronger." Both cases are being heard before the same federal judge and there's a possibility that these cases may be consolidated. When asked if the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will go before the Supreme Court Swislow said, “I certainly expect that ultimately this case will wind up in front of the Supreme Court. It’s a case of significant national importance.” GLAD has been instrumental in bringing gay marriage to America, first in Massachusetts in 2004 and now totaling 5 New England States including Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Join them for their Summer Party in Provincetown, MA on July 25th. For More Info & Tix: glad.org More Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

In this audio excerpt Arline Isaacson, Co Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, discusses the ramifications of the lawsuit Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed against the U.S. government which seeks federal marriage benefits for over 16,000 gay & lesbian couples who have legally married in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is challenging the constitutionality of the federal 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, saying the law denies "essential rights & protections" to gay couples who have married since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriages in 2004. Isaacson who spoke directly with Attorney General Coakley as she historically and courageously became the first Attorney General to take on DOMA shares her first hand account of how this legal maneuver will effect the future of LGBT civil rights in Massachusetts and America. Listen to the Full Audio Interview @ OUTTAKE VOICES™ For 50+ Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

In this audio excerpt, Writer/ Author Bob Morris chats about his latest book “Assisted Loving” with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson. This is a moving and hilarious account of how an openly gay man deals with his 80 year old father’s dating life. A few months after the death of his mother Morris’s father approached his son about his desire to reenter the dating scene. At first Morris was appalled but his father explained that “ It just worked so beautifully with your mother for 50 years, that I’d love to do it again…” Morris agrees to help and gets much more then he bargains for. As a contributor to the New York Times Sunday Styles section, Morris has written for the “The New Yorker”, “Travel & Leisure” and has been a commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” “Assisting Loving” is currently in development at NBC. Listen to The Full Interview @ OUTTAKE VOICES™ Listen to More Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders: OUTTAKE VOICES™

In this audio interview excerpt filmmakers: John Waters, Guy Maddin & Robert Lee King discuss gay civil rights in the Obama administration. As an openly gay man, Waters is an avid supporter of gay civil rights. He chats about what he sees for the future of our LGBT community in the Obama administration. Secondly, Writer/Director Guy Maddin who was recently awarded the 2009 Filmmaker on the Edge Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival. Maddin who is heterosexual, is a strong ally to the LGBT community and speaks proudly of his native country Canada’s pro position on gay marriage. (On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize gay marriage nationwide with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act.) Thirdly, Writer/Director Robert Lee King. King was recently honored to have his film “Psycho Beach Party” screened as a drive-in feature at the Provincetown International Film Festival, speaking volumes about its durability as a well-loved cult classic. King, based in Hollywood California, addresses our LGBT issues and concerns honestly and eloquently. Hear the full Interview @ OUTTAKE VOICES™

In this exclusive audio excerpt Jarrett Barrios discusses with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson, what he hopes to accomplish in his new position as President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and his vision for the future of LGBT civil rights in America. Barrios will begin his tenure at GLAAD in September 2009. Barrios brings an enormous amount of experience to our LGBT community. A former member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate, Barrios was a key player in the passage of gay marriage in Massachusetts. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to educate and achieve basic civil rights for our LGBT community. To hear the complete interview: OUTTAKE VOICES™

Gabrielle Hanna, Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival chats with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson about the prestigious film festival taking place in Provincetown, Massachusetts this week from June 17-21. The 2009 Filmmaker on the Edge Award will be awarded to writer/director Guy Maddin (“My Winnipeg,” “The Saddest Music in the World,” “Careful”). Actor Alessandro Nivola (“Junebug,” “Laurel Canyon,” and the upcoming 2009 films “Coco Before Chanel” and “Howl”) will receive the Excellence in Acting Award and Strand Releasing will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Opening Night Film will be Woody Allen’s WHATEVER WORKS (New England Premiere) starring Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr. This year there will be over 50 feature films, documentaries and shorts viewed at numerous venues including Thursday Night at the Wellfleet Drive In. The Provincetown International Film Festival was first produced in 1999, the same year Provincetown celebrated its 100th anniversary as America’s oldest art colony. The PIFF is on the edge both artistically and geographically. Provincetown takes pride in embracing creativity and diversity in a thriving and increasingly year round tourist, business and art economy. For decades, Provincetown has attracted legendary artists, writers and filmmakers to this furthest tip of Cape Cod. Eugene O’Neill, Norman Mailer, Lily Tomlin, John Waters, Connie Francis, Helen Hayes, Billie Holiday, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Richard Gere, and Eartha Kitt have all worked and performed in Provincetown to the delight of the town’s cosmopolitan visitors and residents. There are also fabulous restaurants and shops in case you’re not into viewing films 24/7. The festival will close with Jay DiPietro’s PETER AND VANDY (East Coast Premiere), starring Jason Ritter, Jess Weixler and Zak Orth. Presenting Sponsors of the film festival are (Art House, Bacardi Dragonberry, Crown & Anchor, HBO. PIFF is also supported by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Provincetown Tourism Fund). For More Info & Tix @ ptownfilmfest.com For More Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders: OUTTAKE VOICES™