The Randy Report - LGBTQ Politics & Entertainment: Recent Episodes
Randy Slovacek
Tune in for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender news from the writer/editor of TheRandyReport.com, a daily blog reporting on the current news cycle in terms of politics, pop culture and entertainment news of interest to the LGBT community.
• The Human Rights Campaign Foundation estimates a record-high 12% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ• LGBTQ advocates in Houston have announced the creation of a new emergency shelter for queer homeless teens• An appeals court has ruled Florida’s anti-drag law does not violate the First Amendment #boo• The Russian LGBT Network, a queer advocacy group, has announced it will shut down after a court in St. Petersburg declared it an “extremist” organizationAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ+ headlines:• Boy George has withdrawn from the upcoming 'Jesus Christ Superstar' revival in the West End• A memorandum just made public details Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s demands of Scouting America in order to continue the Pentagon’s longstanding support• Anti-LGBTQ billboards in Ohio were met with a wave of pushback from locals• And new music from the country music super group The Cowgays All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
, is scheduled for release July 17. Click here to pre-save on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/last-night-wasnt-love/6780536440
In this week’s LGBTQ+ headlines:• The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked a law in California that protects LGBTQ kids from being outed by teachers.• A gay dad went viral on social media (in a good way) sharing the trials and tribulations of raising a straight son.• A Florida teacher who is intersex was fired for being transgender. Let’s talk about being intersex.• Clive Davis, the bisexual music executive who was responsible for the massive careers of artists like Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow, has died at the age of 94.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
starring the studio’s popular leading men. Link to watch for free on YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/M9vMM5fb9Wo?si=iwOXSxoNXKpxlo45• The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s European chapter published its 18th “Rainbow Map”• 2025 saw a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQ violence in IsraelAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines…• The European Parliament has voted in favor of banning so-called conversion therapy across the EU.• A new travel index ranks the safest and most welcoming countries for queer travelers. Link: https://www.travelingboyfriends.com/blog/gay-travel-index-2026-safest-lgbtq-friendly-countries• And power country music trio The Cowgays drop their new single, “Good Hoedown.”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
that's gone viral. Link to episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuhL6XXInVUAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Colorado eyes allowing those harmed by so-called conversion therapy to sue.• Nearly ten years later, the Pulse Nightclub has been demolished to make way for a permanent memorial.• Season 2 of the acclaimed web series “The Disappointments” has arrived. Link to YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thedisappointmentsseriesAnd - three queer country music artists team up as “The Cowgays”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• US skier Jake Adicoff makes queer history at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy• Florida lawmakers have passed a law giving the governor the power to remove local elected officials if they promote LGBTQ events• The new reality series “Stripped Down” takes viewers behind the scenes of male erotic dancers at the world-famous Johnson’s in Wilton Manors. Streaming now on OUTtv via Amazon Prime Video - Link: https://amzn.to/4buVV0KAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
-- celebrates legendary fashion and costume designer Bob MackieAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/d-i-l-f-act-1/1860909788Link to Bill's official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachBillBennettLink to Bill's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@djbillbennett
starring John Lithgow and Olivia Colman, explores the emotional intergenerational journey of a gay grandpa reconnecting with his grandkidAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
an emotionally-charged anthem of pride inspired by the removal of the rainbow memorial crosswalk outside the Pulse NightclubAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Dunn, and Verdi, Cornelius blends country storytelling with the drama of his classical roots. His debut album, “The Crystal Cowboy,” is a wide-open jukebox of heartache, rebellion, and queer identity, tracing the road to finally finding his voice.At its core, the new collection is a country album, but the listening experience is bigger than that blending touches of classical arrangements, opera, folk, rock, and pop — or as he likes to call it, “Operatic Americana.” “The Crystal Cowboy,” is available now on all major music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You can find him on Instagram at instagram.com/corneliusversa, his official website corneliusversa.com, and on YouTube at youtube.com/@corneliusversa
which follows the romance of two gay pro hockey players, is my recommendation for what to watch this week.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• WICKED star Jonathan Bailey is the first out gay man to be named PEOPLE Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”• The Supreme Court declines former county clerk Kim Davis’s request to overturn its 2015 same-sex marriage ruling• Seventeen longtime transgender members of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the Department of the Air Force unlawfully revoked their approved retirement orders in violation of federal law• Apple has removed two popular gay dating apps in China in response to the government’s continued policing of LGBTQ related online content.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
this spring.• King Charles III attended the unveiling of the U.K.’s first national monument to LGBTQ+ veterans, 25 years after the country lifted its ban on homosexuality in the military.• The U.S. Virgin Islands is the first American territory to allow trans people to change their gender markers on official IDs.• The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that judges can refuse to marry same-sex couples.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
on minors, which purports to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity• The City of Arlington, Texas, is considering repealing its local anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ residents under pressure from the Trump administration - which would make it the first U.S. city to do so• Lawmakers in Turkey are considering updating laws negatively impacting the LGBTQ community• NBC News is dissolving its specialized news teams including NBC OUTAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ news:• Gay porn performer Austin Wolf sentenced to 19 years in prison• Republicans are seeking deep cuts to HIV prevention and treatment funding• An FBI agent fired for having a Pride flag on his desk• Madonna has penned a new song dedicated to her late brother• New music from out recording artist Milahroy - "Sleep In"All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ news:• Rounding up the big LGBTQ wins at the 77th Emmy Awards• The Justice Department is considering new regulations that could restrict gun ownership for trans people• A Republican Oregon state lawmaker has flipped to Democrat and credits his gay son for the decision• Plus, my review of the new coming-of-age film “Griffin In Summer” coming to Video On Demand September 16All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• An appeals court has ruled West Texas A&M University’s ban on drag shows is likely to be unconstitutional• The Florida Department of Transportation erased the Pulse Nightclub memorial crosswalk in the middle of the night• A trans woman has been found guilty of “sexual assault” after not revealing her gender identity to a male sexual partner• And the New Netflix series “Boots” is an off-beat comedic drama series following a closeted young man and his best friend through U.S. Marines boot campAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The Air Force has reversed on an option for transgender military service members to take early retirement, opting instead to force them out with no retirement benefits• The U.S. Supreme Court has been formally asked to reconsider its 2015 ruling that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide• The enchanting new web series 'The Nature Of Us' follows two young people fresh out of high school, looking for a sign to lead them to what comes next. Link - https://www.youtube.com/@americanapicturesAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Over 100,000 people marched in London’s Trans+ Pride event over the weekend, making it the biggest trans Pride march in the world• The creative team behind the acclaimed web series “Where the Bears Are” is back with a hilarious and touching documentary titled “A Big, Gay, Hairy Hit — Where the Bears Are: The Documentary.”• A new poll shows queer folks in the UK are less comfortable with PDAs than their straight counterparts• Plus, new music from out country rocker Bryan RubyAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A Catholic school in Louisiana has fired a 21-year veteran music teacher after a disgruntled parent discovered his deceased husband’s obituary from two years ago• The Wisconsin Supreme Court has cleared the way for a ban on the harmful practice of conversion therapy• California education officials have rejected a demand by the Trump administration to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports• And GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of its 17th Dorian TV AwardsAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• Over the past 10 years, same-sex weddings have boosted the U.S. economy by nearly $6 billion• Budapest’s Pride Parade broke attendance records despite Hungarian Prime Minister's attempts to ban the event• The Supreme Court has ruled parents have the right to opt their kids out of school lessons that include LGBTQ characters or themesAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A research team in Australia has announced a significant breakthrough in the search for a cure for HIV• The Trump administration has quietly made official its plan to eliminate a federal suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth• A new Gallup poll breaks down how Americans feel about trans athletes and how they competePlus, I celebrate Pride Month with Matt Zarley’s award-winning “Change Begins With Me,” a heartfelt anthem of self-acceptanceAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the name of pioneering gay rights activist Harvey Milk to be removed from a US Navy ship• A new report ranks the best and worst states for LGBTQ safety• Missoula city council designates Pride flag as "official city flag"• Pride Flags fly over Hawaii’s capital for the first time this Pride MonthAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A federal judge has ruled Title VII does not protect LGBTQ people from workplace discrimination. His verdict directly contradicts a 2020 ruling by the Supreme Court• A petition to ban the harmful practice of “conversion therapy” has garnered over 1 million signatures in the European Union, requiring the European Commission to provide a detailed response.• Legendary adult entertainment star and Billboard charting recording artist Colton Ford has unexpectedly died at the age of 62All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Today, I’m chatting with visionary out pop music artist Jake Wesley Rogers, who just released his debut full-length album, "In the Key of Love."The latest single from the collection, “My Misery,” revolves around a buoyant groove fueled by a marching band-style drumroll and bold piano, all highlighting Jake’s theatrical, larger-than-life sound. Jake recently performed at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards and will be taking his bombastic live show to stages across North America this summer, opening for pop legend Cyndi Lauper on her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour,” including a two-night finale at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Since his debut in 2020, Jake has been praised by countless major publications including People Magazine, Billboard, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, PAPER, and Vogue. Follow Jake on Instagram at @JakeWesleyRogers
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The Trump administration plans to eliminate services for LGBTQ youth who call 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline• Disgraced former Congressman George Santos has been sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud and identity theft• The new movie “On Swift Horses” follows two queer characters searching for love and belonging in mid-century AmericaAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The Trump administration has removed all members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS• The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has reportedly been told to repeal hate speech laws that protect LGBTQ people in order to get a trade deal with the Trump administration• The queer streaming platform Revry has debuted its first original scripted comedy series, “Unconventional,” a show that lives up to its nameAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A private gay campground in Texas caught backlash after banning transgender men from its property• A bill is working its way through the Arkansas legislature that would allow for discriminating against LGBTQ people• And I chat with Nathan Lee Graham about his new Hulu sitcom “Mid-Century Modern”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s ban on transgender military service members• The European Union is standing up for LGBTQ rights after Hungary banned Pride events• A queer college group will be allowed to present their annual drag show "Draggieland" at Texas A&M• And the new Amazon Prime Video comedy series “Overcompensating” follows a closeted former high school football star trying to make his way through collegeAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis lost in court again in her fight against same-sex marriage. I take a look at what would happen IF her case reached the Supreme Court• The Defense Department has released details on how it will try to discharge nearly every transgender service member• The new comedy series “Mid-Century Modern” - described by some as a gay spin on “The Golden Girls” - arrives on Hulu on March 28All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• Police say the murder of a trans man in upstate New York wasn’t a ‘hate crime’• The latest polling from Gallup shows nearly 10 percent of Americans now identify as LGBTQ• A federal judge ridiculed Donald Trump’s ban on transgender soldiers• And a Republican lawmaker in Tennessee wants to expand the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” lawAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Three men have been found guilty after drugging gay men outside NYC gay clubs and then robbing them leading to their deaths• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an immediate halt to gender-affirming care for transgender service members• A new Gallup poll shows Americans satisfied with LGBTQ acceptance has dropped• And amid all the dark news lately we can all use a distraction, so I recommend the new gay romantic comedy “Bonus Track”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Out country music star Orville Peck will make his Broadway debut in the current revival of CABARET this spring• The Trevor Project will undergo layoffs and restructuring in major 'transformation'• LGBTQ entertainment critics have announced the nominees for the 2025 Dorian Film Awards All that plus news of Laverne Cox’s new Amazon Prime comedy series, "Clean Slate," in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The annual Defense Department bill approved this week in the House of Representatives includes a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender children of military service members• New Jersey’s governor has signed a new law blocking book bans in schools and libraries which often focus on LGBTQ-centered books• Good news from Montana where the state Supreme Court has upheld trans rights• The 82nd Golden Globe Award nominations have been announced and LGBTQ-inclusive projects dominate the list of this year’s honorees.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• A Republican lawmaker decided to make transgender women using the restroom at the U.S. Capitol a big issue• Illinois’ highest court overturned “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s felony conviction for falsely reporting a hate crime• Peru is close to legally recognizing same-sex couples• And Daniel Craig stars in the acclaimed new film “Queer” in theaters this weekAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The 2024 elections have come and gone and while my presidential candidate didn’t win, there were several big wins for LGBTQ candidates• 12 students from Salisbury University in Maryland have been charged with hate crimes after using Grindr to lure a gay man into a violent assault• Sexually transmitted infection rates are down among gay and bisexual men thanks to a simple antibiotic routine• Plus new music from out recording artist Cameron HawthornAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• LGBTQ voters could play an outsize role in the who wins the 2024 presidential election• Ireland passes hate crimes law amid spike in anti-LGBTQ violence• England’s only openly gay pro footballer Jake Daniels speaks out about preconceptions about queer sports stars• I highly recommend the new film drama “I Don’t Know Who You Are”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Today I’m chatting Andy Bell, frontman for the legendary electropop duo Erasure, whose hits include “A Little Respect,” “Chains of Love,” “Ship of Fools,” and so many more. In the 2000s, he released his acclaimed solo albums 'Electric Blue' and 'Non-Stop.'He is currently working on new solo material with Grammy Award winner Dave Audé, and will be reuniting with Vince Clarke to start work on a new Erasure album in 2025.Throughout his music career, Andy has become an icon within the LGBTQ community having been out and proud since he hit it big at the age of 21. Known for his honesty and compassion, he’s given back to the community with a long list of support for various LGBTQ causes including serving as an ambassador for New York’s Hetrick-Martin Institute, donating the proceeds for his latest single “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” to GLAAD, and much more.Andy will make his one-night-only debut performance in Las Vegas at The Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, October 26, where he promises a full band set of Erasure favorites, solo selections and more. Link for ticket info here: https://www.wynnlasvegas.com/entertainment/upcoming-shows/andy-bell
In this week’s LGBTQ news:• A conservative group’s boycott of LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Ohio backfires, causing a surprise uptick in sales for the local stores• Over 800 military service members discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell will now receive honorable discharges• A soccer team comprised entirely of transgender men has made its debut in Spain• And Netflix has released the third season of its acclaimed coming out, coming-of-age series "Heartstopper"All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today, I’m chatting with Emmy Award winner Kevin Spirtas about the debut of season 3 of his 6-time Emmy Award-winning digital series, After Forever.The show stars Kevin as Brian and Mitchell Anderson (Doogie Howser, Party of Five) as Jason, a "50-ish" gay couple living in New York City who appear to have it all -- until Jason's untimely death from cancer forces Brian to think about his future and ultimately his mortality, without the love of his life.Season three finds Brian exploring therapy as a means to help him move through his grief while he also attempts to address the idea of dating again.I’ve known Kevin since our early days pursuing acting in New York City when he was featured in several Broadway productions, including A Chorus Line, Meet Me in St. Louis, and was the official standby for Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz. Along the way, daytime TV fans came to know Kevin through his long-running role on Days of Our Lives as “Dr. Craig Wesley.”In 2014, Kevin ran into former Days Of Our Lives writer Michael Slade in a New York gym. Eager to create their own opportunities, the two set out to create a series about gay men over 50.In 2019, After Forever—Season 1 made history by becoming the most Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform. Kevin received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama, along with three additional Emmys that he shares with Michael Slade for Outstanding Digital Drama Series 2019 and Outstanding Writing Team for a Digital Drama in 2019 and 2020.The series was also honored with a special recognition award in 2021 by the GLAAD Media Awards.Season 3 of After Forever is available now on Vimeo. Head over to https://afterforevertheseries.com for links to the new episodes. Season 1 and 2 are available on Amazon Prime Video and Dekkoo.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A Florida school district must restore dozens of LGBTQ-themed books to its libraries as part of a lawsuit settlement that called the state's queer book ban legislation unlawful.• Delaware state senator Sarah McBride is poised to become the first openly transgender member of Congress• Gilead's twice-yearly injectable PrEP exceeds expectations in clinical trial• And the new documentary “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” explores the personal life and sexuality of the 16th presidentAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• Taking a look at the LGBTQ records of Democratic presidential ticket Kamala Harris and Tim Walz• A federal judge overturned the Pentagon’s ban on asymptomatic HIV-positive people enlisting in the military • Former out gay congressman George Santos pleads guilty to multiple felony charges• New music from out recording artist Aiden James - "Not For Nothing"All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ news:• California has banned the forced outing of LGBTQ students• A gay circuit party was evicted from its host hotel in Dallas• A new twice-yearly PrEP injectable has passed its Phase III trial with flying colors• And I highly recommend the winning coming-of-age film BIG BOYSAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• President Biden has pardoned LGBTQ military service members who were discharged for being queer under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.• Lawmakers in Thailand have cleared the way for legalizing same-sex marriage.• The top ten LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S.• Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane are teaming up for a new sitcom described as "a gay Golden Girls."All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A federal court has permanently blocked Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors and adults calling the law "unconstitutional"• All Elite Wrestling pro Bulk Bronson comes out as bisexual• The European nation of Georgia plans to erase LGBTQ rights• Plus, make sure you check out the free streaming Pride event from iHeartMedia - Can’t Cancel Pride 2024All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• This month marked the 20th anniversary of marriage equality in the U.S., and a new report shows only good has come from it• A new study shows having just one adult LGBTQ role model can boost queer youth’s self-esteem• Guess which European countries are the most (and least) LGBTQ-friendly?• Carl Siciliano, founder of the Ali Forney Center, has penned an excellent new book chronicling his journey in helping homeless LGBTQ youth• Plus, streaming platform Hulu is serving up plenty to watch on TV for Pride Month. Link to Hulu's LGBTQ hub: https://www.hulu.com/hub/lgbtqAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• The United Methodist Church has voted to reverse its ban on gay clergy• A federal appeals court has ruled state health care plans must cover gender-affirming surgeries• Some good news for LGBTQ youth in the foster care system• And Country music artist Chris Housman drops his oh-so-romantic new single and music video “Guilty As Sin”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A controversial new law in Kansas could keep minors from accessing non-explicit LGBTQ websites• The campaign for the reelection of President Biden has launched a strategic initiative reaching out to LGBTQ voters• "Heartstopper" star Kit Connor will make his Broadway debut this fall• What to watch this week? I recommend the acclaimed short film "Ode To Pablo" as this is National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week. Free link: https://youtu.be/nUh-LMrHJ_A?si=NcQM90r0wGIDH544All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• International pop star and actor Ricky Martin stars in the new Apple TV+ series "Palm Royale"• Thailand is very close to legalizing same-sex marriage• House Republicans slipped a provision in the federal spending bill that bans Pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies - but there's a catch• The Republic of Georgia appears poised to follow Russia's lead on anti-LGBTQ legislationPlus, we observe the annual Transgender Day of Visibility. All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s episode:• More details emerge about the cause of death of Oklahoma transgender teen Nex Benedict• Major parts of Florida’s hideous “Don’t Say Gay” law have been nullified• The percentage of adults in the US who identify has hit a new record high• LGBTQ icon David Mixner dies at the age of 77All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ news headlines:• Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student in Oklahoma, died one day after a physical altercation in a high school restroom.• Columbia, Missouri, has declared itself to be a safe haven for LGBTQ people.• Russian authorities closed down a 'My Little Pony' convention because one character has a rainbow-colored mane.• GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of this year's Dorian Film Awards with the acclaimed 'All of Us Strangers' taking top honors. Full list of winners here: https://therandyreport.com/all-of-us-strangers-takes-top-honors-in-lgbtq-critics-dorian-film-awards/All that and new music from out recording artist Nieri in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• Amber Glenn came out on top at this year’s U.S. Figure skating championship becoming the first queer woman to win the title.• An Oklahoma lawmaker introduced a bill that would ban using state funds to acknowledge Pride Month.• Good news in Tennessee where an anti-LGBTQ ordinance that blocked a Pride festival has been rescinded.• Terrestrial radio station KGAY in Palm Springs is geared towards LGBTQ listeners with gay hosts broadcasting live. Link: www.LGAYPalmSprings.com• New music from out indie pop artist Bentley Robles "We Should"All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• We’re just a few weeks into 2024, but we’ve already seen nearly 300 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures.• A new survey shows Gen Z adults tend to be less Republican, less religious, and more LGBTQ.• Taking a look at the LGBTQ actors and other queer creative folks nominated for this year’s Academy Awards.• LGBTQ highlights from the 75th Annual Emmy AwardsOh, and guess who got a GLAAD Media Award nomination? All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
My guest today is Broadway veteran and award-winning recording artist Matt Zarley, who released his spectacular musical web series "11 O’Clock Number."The series features a dozen tunes by Broadway composers, all originally sung by women. Over 12 episodes, Zarley weaves those songs in between video testimonials as he copes with isolation during the pandemic lockdown. Each song - spectacularly imagined as a dream concert performance – becomes its own personal catharsis for our hero, Zack (played by Zarley). The result is, at times, touching, humorous, and relatable.Zarley – who can croon a quiet heartbreak or throw down rich, full-throated showstoppers with equal ease – is in peak vocal form. I really enjoyed the full series because…who doesn’t love some great music theater songs? You can find all 12 episodes of "11 O'Clock Number" on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGx5wJAFYYwU3qw6tMdn-6X-YD80sx5Km
As we head into 2024, I wanted to take a pause to look at some of the big news and pop culture moments of 2023 for LGBTQ folks.I know folks like to make Top 10 lists, but one of the hallmarks of The Randy Report is brevity. You folks don’t want to listen to me drone on about the top ten news stories, the top ten movies, etc… We'd be here forever.Plus, if I’m putting my name on a “Best of…” list I want to feel strongly about them. So I’m going to try to stick to Top 5’s in this show. Hit play as I share what I think are some of the best songs from out recording artists, top LGBTQ movies and TV, and important LGBTQ news stories of the year.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• A new study reveals the “Gayest” states in the U.S.• Thailand’s cabinet has approved an amendment to allow same-sex marriage• A news anchor in Ohio came out on-air with just one simple word• Holiday music from award-winning out recording artist Matt ZarleyAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV.During this episode of The Randy Report podcast, I take a look into the history of the day, how the world looks at the ongoing epidemic, and where we are today in terms of treatment.Being diagnosed with HIV today means something very different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. HIV is no longer a death sentence.World AIDS Day, launched in 1988, was the first-ever global health day. The annual event serves as a way of showing support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who passed from the virus.Take a listen, and feel free to share this show. Together we can make a difference.Check out these links for more information:www.worldAIDSDay.orgwww.HelpStopTheVirus.com
Today I'm chatting with Bryan Ruby, rising out country music singer/songwriter who’s just released his new holiday single “It’s A Wonderful Life.”He first came to national prominence in September 2021 when he became the first active professional baseball player to come out as gay. The inspirational story was featured in USA Today as well as 100+ media outlets around the world including CBS, Yahoo, Bleacher Report and Teen Vogue. He also founded Proud To Be In Baseball, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating, educating, and creating opportunities for the next generation of LGBTQ baseball players. Then we discovered that in addition to being a pro baseball player, Bryan is also a top-notch country music artist. An accomplished singer/songwriter, he has penned songs that have appeared on multiple charts including the iTunes Country Top 25. As an artist, Bryan released his debut single “Left Field” in June 2022 which has garnered nearly a million streams on Spotify alone. The song was featured on The TODAY Show and added to rotation on SiriusXM Country Pride, as well as the Academy of Country Music's Ultimate Pride Playlist.This month, he’s hitting the road with Nashville songwriters Jay Bragg and Brontë Fall for a unique, holiday-themed tour, A Songwriter’s Christmas. Head to www.BryanRubyMusic.com for more info.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• The House Ethics Committee has issued its blistering report on truth-challenged out Rep. George Santos, and it's as bad as expected.• A trans high school senior is told he can’t play the lead in his school’s upcoming production of "Oklahoma!"• The father in Virginia Beach calmly explained to a school board why anti-LGBTQ policies are bad for kids. This is my favorite thing this week.• Plus, a new Mr. Gay World has been crowned!All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Truth-challenged gay Congressman George Santos survives a House vote to expel him from office.• We have a new Speaker of the House - and I examine his positions on LGBTQ policies.• The U.S. plans to cut economic ties with Uganda over its extreme anti-LGBTQ laws.• Plus, the acclaimed new gay romantic film "Nuovo Olimpo" is available now on Netflix.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• International pop star and LGBTQ ally Janet Jackson will headline a World AIDS Day concert • Anti-LGBTQ hate crimes rose sharply in 2022• The City of Orlando plans to buy the Pulse Nightclub to build a memorial to the victims of the 2016 mass shooting• India’s top court side-stepped legalizing same-sex marriageAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ news:• Laphonza Butler has become the first out Black lesbian senator in the U.S. Senate• Pope Francis has suggested he might be open to the Catholic Church blessing same-sex couples• Amazon Prime Video has debuted a new superhero spinoff of THE BOYS titled GEN V• Legendary director Pedro Almodovar has a new gay western in theaters titled STRANGE WAY OF LIFEAll that and more in this episode of The Randy ReportLet me know what LGBTQ news stories you'd like to hear more of (politics, music, movies, TV, or other) on The Randy Report at this link: https://on.soundcloud.com/cBdeZ(Note: for some reason, the initial version of this episode was playing without the usual music. Please refresh your player, and the music should appear. My apologies for the odd technical oops.)
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• California's Gov. Gavin Newsom signs 9 pro-LGBTQ bills into law• HIV transmissions are higher among straight people in Scotland than gay men for the first time in years• The Galileo Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is actually helping families of transgender minors• Kennedy McDowell is a gay football player at Colorado State University, and he’s been out for years All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:
• The Hungarian edition of ELLE Magazine features two gay dads on the cover celebrating rainbow families in an increasingly anti-LGBTQ country
• A Florida county has banned a children’s book about a "hugging lion" as part of the state's Don't Say Gay law
• The latest from out recording artist Milahroy "Sounds On The Stereo"
• And my review of the new coming-of-age film “Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s episode:
• LGBTQ military veterans are suing the Defense Department for denying them honorable discharges during the years of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
• Chilean gymnast Tomas Gonzalez comes out as gay in his new autobiography
• Amazon Prime Video’s new gay romantic comedy "Red, White & Royal Blue" hit #1 worldwide on the streaming platform
• New out country music artist Dixon Dallas is getting lots of attention for his sassy, saucy hit “Good Lookin”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
I’m going to take a slight pivot from LGBTQ news this episode. As some listeners - or readers of The Randy Report blog - may know, my husband Michael is a world class entertainment publicist. And for nearly 25 years, he worked closely with 4-time Grammy Award winner, international pop star and actress, Olivia Newton-John.
Over the years, Olivia became a very dear part of our family. In fact, in 2019, she officiated the renewal of our wedding vows on our 25th anniversary.
As we all know, sadly, Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022. In the months since, Michael and I haven’t said much publicly about our time with Olivia because in part - as Michael taught me years ago - the publicist never “becomes” the story.
As we reach the anniversary of her passing, Michael and I wanted to take a moment to answer some questions we’ve received over the years from the fans about our time with Olivia.
And so, with that…say hello Michael.
To sponsor Michael’s steps at Olivia’s Walk for Wellness: https://www.walkforwellness.com.au/michael-caprio
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:
• Two stories from Italy as government officials have begun removing the names of non-biological gay mothers from their children’s birth certificates, AND transgender men are signing up for the Miss Italy pageant after the organization banned trans women
• A singing drag queen named Flamy Grant has hit the top of the iTunes Christian music charts
• A rave review for the Broadway musical "Some Like It Hot" - Link: https://somelikeithotmusical.com/
• And we’re just days away from the premiere of Season 2 of the acclaimed coming-out, coming-of-age series "Heartstopper"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this episode, I’m chatting with America’s favorite gay comic - Matteo Lane.
Named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch, stand up comedian Matteo has performed to sold out crowds all over the world and he’s about to do it again.
Matteo can be seen in Netflix’s queer stand up special STAND OUT as well as THE COMEDY LINEUP.
He has over 1 million followers on Instagram, and he recently debuted his latest comedy special “Hairplugs & Heartache” on his YouTube channel which quickly garnered over 1.2 million views.
In addition to his super-hero comedy skills, Matteo is an artist who painted a mural for the Obamas' headquarters in Chicago, a classically trained opera singer, and an admitted pasta aficionado.
Matteo recently announced his new comedy tour “The Al Dente Tour” beginning in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he'll headline at the gorgeous Wynn Hotel on July 29. From there he goes to 40+ more dates in the U.S. and around the world.
You can find more info at https://www.matteolanecomedy.com/
In this week’s headlines:
• Michigan lawmakers have passed legislation banning so-called conversion therapy
• A federal judge has blocked Florida’s new discriminatory anti-drag show law
• Fans of pop mega-star and longtime LGBTQ ally Madonna were stunned to hear she was rushed to the hospital over the weekend after being found unresponsive
• Drag/singing reality competition "Queen of the Universe" ends Season 2 in surprise cancellation
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Gallup Polling reports support for same-sex relations has dropped by 7 percent in one year
• RuPaul was honored on the floor of the House of Representatives for Pride Month
• LGBTQ history was made at this year's Tony Awards as not one but two nonbinary actors (Alex Newell, J. Harrison Ghee) took home trophies for the very first time
• And Hollywood icon Rock Hudson is the subject of a new documentary from HBO Max
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:• Target became the target of anti-LGBTQ ire for its annual Pride Month merchandise• The CDC reports new HIV infections are declining• Netflix gave us a first look at the upcoming Season 2 of “Heartstopper” ahead of its premiere this AugustAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• International pop star George Michael will be posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility• Out ABC News journalist Gio Benitez takes his seat as the permanent co-anchor of Good Morning America Weekend• Blood donation restrictions eased for men who have sex with men• The UK has it’s first gay reality dating TV show - “I Kissed A Boy”• And J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell make history among this year's Tony Award nominationsAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Chatting with the oh-so-talented LGBTQ journalist - John Casey, Senior Editor and lead columnist for the world's oldest and largest LGBTQ news site, The Advocate.For years now, I have followed John’s exceptional writing about societal, political and topical news issues affecting the LGBTQ community. His columns have featured discussions with a cavalcade of top-line A list folks including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Shirley MacLaine, Johnny Mathis, Emmy Award winners Billy Porter and Colman Domingo, all of the LGBTQ members of the House of Representatives, out MA Governor Maura Healey, New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, former NFL star Ryan O'Callaghan, and many, many more.John’s writing has been seen not only in The Advocate, but Out Magazine, Yahoo News, ABC News Australia, the New York Daily News, Adweek, the Washington Examiner, The Spectator and more. This guy can WRITE. I’m definitely a fan and I’m really happy to share my chat with Mr. John Casey.Link to John Casey's column on The Advocate: https://www.advocate.com/authors/john-casey
In this week’s headlines:• If you think there are a LOT of anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures this year, you’re right• Citizens in Franklin, Tennessee, suddenly oppose a local Pride event to happen• Florida expands Don't Say Gay law to prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity through 12th grade• Netflix has announced the premiere date for Season 7 of the Emmy Award winning “make better” reality series Queer EyeAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Florida lawmakers are trying to expand the state’s hideous Don’t Say Gay law• Three men have been arrested and charged in the drugging robberies which resulted in two deaths that began at NYC gay bars• Four "RuPaul's Drag Race" alums made a splash at the CMT Music Awards• "Heartstopper" star Kit Connor honored as Best Actor in UK• Thumbs up for the new drag/queer coming-of-age film "Chrissy Judy"All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• LGBTQ-inclusive films took home several top tier honors at this year’s Academy Awards• Kentucky has passed what is arguably the worst anti-transgender bill in the nation• The Italian government moved to limit parental rights of same-sex couples• And Uganda makes it a crime to come out of the closetAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• A new study found children of same-sex parents have home lives and outcomes that are as good (or in some cases better than) those of heterosexual couples• Tennessee lawmakers have approved a bill that will ban drag performances in public or in front of children• Michigan approves civil rights protections for LGBTQ people• Here comes 'Schmicago' and all that jazz...• Plus, new music from out alt-rock artist Abby NissenbaumAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:• The number of adults in the US who identify as LGBTQ has doubled in the past ten years• Researchers say a man in Germany has become the fifth person cured of HIV• The new docu-series "Click Boys" goes behind the scenes of the business of OnlyFans content creators• The latest in the George Santos chroniclesAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:• Missouri lawmakers are considering the most extreme "Don’t Say Gay" bill in the country• The latest news in the George Santos chronicles including traffic tickets galore and bad checks for good puppies.• Out Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says 'no' to a run for US Senate in Michigan.• International pop star Kim Petras makes history at the Grammy Awards.• Neil Patrick Harris' "Uncoupled" series gets a second chance at Showtime.All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:• The FDA is expected to ease restrictions on gay and bi men donating blood• The latest in the George Santos chronicles• More anti-drag queen legislation across the country• Out bobsledder and rugby player Simon Dunn passes away at 35• The 2023 Oscar nominations included nods for LGBTQ roles but no out actorsAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• Catching up on the train wreck that is out Congressman George Santos• Good Morning America host Robin Roberts announces wedding plans with longtime girlfriend• Arizona Republicans file legislation targeting drag shows• Plus, a new OUTtv dating reality show asks “Can a Himbo and a Daddy find love?”All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
As we head into 2023, I wanted to take a pause to look at some of the big news and pop culture moments of 2022 for LGBTQ folks. I know folks like to make Top 10 lists, but one of the hallmarks of The Randy Report is brevity. You folks don’t want to listen to me drone on about the top ten news stories, the top ten movies, etc… We'd be here forever. Plus, if I’m putting my name on a “Best of…” list I want to feel strongly about them. So I’m going to try to stick to Top 5’s in this show. Hit play as I revisit some of the best LGBTQ songs, movies and TV and top news stories of the year.
In this week’s LGBTQ news:• President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act into law.• Out WNBA player Brittney Griner released from Russian prison.• The 22-year-old accused of the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs charged with 305 counts.• Former Major League Baseball pitcher TJ House comes out as gay.• Plus, new holiday music from award-winning out recording artist Matt ZarleyAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:• The US Senate approved the Respect for Marriage Act which will enshrine same-sex marriage rights into law• Kit Connor spoke up for more bisexual representation in the media• The FDA considers loosening restrictions on gay men donating blood• The number of same-sex households has broken the 1 million mark in the U.S.• And the romantic comedy BROS is now available for streaming on PeacockAll that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• A deadly mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs resulted in 5 dead and 17+ injured.
• The U.S. Senate is on the brink of passing the Respect for Marriage Act which would enshrine same-sex marriage rights into law.
• Professional basketball player Isaac Humphries has come out as gay.
• The Grammy Award nominations honored high profile LGBTQ artists in major categories including Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best new Artist.
• And speaking of music, out singer/songwriter Ryan Nealon drops his new single, "Bring You Home."
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• Recapping the LGBTQ highlights of the midterm elections
• Russia is about to pass even stricter anti-LGBTQ laws
• Brendan Fraser is garnering Oscar buzz for his work as a 600 pound gay man in the film, 'The Whale'
• 'Heartstopper' star Kit Connor comes out as bisexual
Plus new music from Bentley Robles and Gregory Dillon 'Don't Listen To This Song'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Remembering Emmy Award winning out actor Leslie Jordan (Will & Grace, Call Me Kat)
• A new report shows a record number of LGBTQ people ran for public office in the US this year
• Brazil’s first out gay governor easily won re-election as the country's homophobic president lost
• Marriage equality is available throughout all of Mexico now
• House Republicans have introduced a federal version of Florida's Don't Say Gay law, only this one is even worse
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
"Everybody Dance" is a new documentary about Bonnie Schlachte’s Ballet For All Kids dance studio in California.
As the name says, the studio teaches dance to all kids: all ages, all abilities - and disabilities including those with special needs whether physical(like cerebral palsy) or those on the autism spectrum or developmentally delayed.
After a career that began as a dancer and choreographer, Dan - who’s openly gay - went on to work with stars like Bea Arthur, Ben Vereen, Carol Channing, and Simon Cowell, as well as working at Colombia Pictures in film development for a long time.
But a few years ago, he made the decision to tell the stories that HE wanted to tell - with a focus on exploring the human experience, humanity, and social issues.
In choosing a subject for his debut effort as a director and producer, Dan reflected on his fascination with people who study the arts but don’t make it their profession. He used to ask people questions like, “How did your piano lessons help you in your everyday life or career”?
"Everybody Dance" not only explores the lives of several of the dance students at Ballet For All Kids along with their families, but the film chronicles the weeks before the dance studio’s all-important annual dance recital. That’s right - these special needs kids dance onstage right next to their classmates who Miss Bonnie describes as “typical” kids.
"Everybody Dance" is available now on AppleTV, iTunes, Amazon Prime and Google Play.
In this week’s headlines:
• Billy Eichner’s hilarious gay romantic comedy "Bros" arrives in theaters. My review plus thoughts on the film's box office numbers.
• Oklahoma lawmakers tied funding a children’s hospital to canceling gender-affirming care for trans youth.
• A federal judge says employer-sponsored health plans can’t be required to provide PrEP - you know, that drug that saves lives...?
• Cuba and Slovenia legalized same-sex marriage and adoption.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• 'Bridgerton' star Jonathan Bailey joins the cast of the upcoming film adaptations of the Broadway musical 'Wicked'
• A Michigan man pleaded guilty to murder in a Grindr hookup gone terribly wrong
• An Emmy nominated TV weatherman was fired after someone sent his boss leaked naked webcam photos
• The reboot of "Queer As Folk' has been cancelled after just one season
• Angelica Ross (of 'POSE' fame) made history with her Broadway debut in 'Chicago the Musical'
• And new music from award-winning out singer/songwriter Zola Simone
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• The Senate will NOT be voting on the Respect for Marriage Act before the midterm elections
• Far-right extremists had a meltdown over a teacher displaying a 4 inch Pride flag in her classroom
• West Virginia hosted a very special summer camp for LGBTQ teens
• And the latest single from out recording artist Ryan Nealon 'Strangers' - Link: https://fanlink.to/rnstrangers
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:
• The pace of new monkeypox cases has begun to slow, but will it last?
• A Nebraska high school newspaper was shutdown after featuring LGBTQ content.
• Billy Eichner’s gay rom-com BROS is almost here.
• Rising pop artist Bronze Avery drops his latest single “Figure It Out." Link - https://bronzeavery.ffm.to/figureitout
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
- The latest news on the monkeypox outbreak
• A 66 year old man has become the 5th man to be cured of HIV
• Out NFL player Carl Nassib has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• My review of the new Netflix rom-com 'Uncoupled' starring Neil Patrick Harris
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this episode of The Randy Report, I'm talking with veteran Broadway performer Jerome Vivona.
Jerome - whose Broadway credits include Curtains the Musical, Seussical the Musical, Kiss Me Kate, Dream, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Guys and Dolls, and Jerome Robbins Broadway - recently returned to the stage after a hiatus of some years as part of the cast of 'The Nutty Professor,' a new musical currently playing at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine.
TV credits include The Today Show, Late Night with David Letterman, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, The Tony Awards and The Kennedy Center Honors. His film appearances include The Stepford Wives and Everyone Says I Love You.
He’s also choreographed commercials for the Disney Channel, ABC Family and Nickelodeon TV, as well as Broadway.com commercials for the Tony Awards broadcasts.
With his wife Michelle, another veteran Broadway actress and dancer, they are Co-Owners/Artistic Directors of the American Theater Dance Workshop - voted Best Arts School on Long Island in 2019. Together they train Long Island's up-and-coming theatrical talents, giving back and passing on what they’ve learned throughout their long careers.
Jerome has also taught dance and music theater master classes at Indiana University School of Music, Carnegie Mellon University and Syracuse University.
Jerome shares not only about his new show, but his journey & perspective as an artist on Broadway and beyond, and how he came to what he calls the "third act" of his theatrical career.
He also talks about balancing family life and his career on the stage, and the gratitude he feels along the way.
For more info about Jerome head over to JeromeVivona.com
For more info about 'The Nutty Professor' - click to OgunquitPlayhouse.org
In this week's headlines:
• House Representatives and Senators have introduced a bill to protect marriage equality in the aftermath of the reversal of Roe v. Wade
• The 2022 Emmy Award nominations were announced and there was good news for LGBTQ representation
• Russia lawmakers hope to expand the "anti-gay propaganda" law
• A school building being converted to LGBTQ-friend senior housing was vandalized but the community rallied in support
• Ricky Martin got some bad legal news
• And a young man shares how "Will & Grace" saved his life Link: https://imfromdriftwood.com/closeted-gay-athlete-small-town-hope-will-grace-saved-life/
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and there are serious concerns for the LGBTQ community
• Kentucky’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, a gay man, has resigned his position due to increasing hostility to the LGBTQ community
• Spain has introduced new pro-LBTQ legislation
• Turkey police violently attacked Istanbul’s Pride event while Poland teamed up with Ukrainian LGBTQ refugees for Pride
• Marriage equality comes to Switzerland
• And we catch up with Oscar the 'gay' dog
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• President Biden issued executive orders meant to counter the raft of anti-LGBTQ laws being considered in GOP-controlled state legislatures
• Texas Republicans approved their new party platform including calling being gay “an abnormal lifestyle choice”
• Rebel Wilson came out as queer after a major newspaper apparently threatened to out her
• The world body that oversees elite swimming competitions effectively banned transgender women from competing
• What to watch this week? I highly recommend the new gay rom-com "Fire Island" now streaming on Hulu.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today I'm chatting with New York native, Nashville-based singer/songwriter & multi instrumentalist Nicole Serrano - whose rich, soulful voice captures you immediately, carving her own path between soul & alternative pop.
You have probably already heard her music on major networks including ABC, CBS, VH1, MTV, ESPN, & Netflix on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor, Station 19, Younger, Selling Sunset, and more.
Steeped in a deep history of worship music - she grew up in a conservative household where her dad owned a Christian book store - she was raised Christian and has performed & written for major Christian acts. She's now showing off a new side; evolving her sound & creative passion into a fuller frame of what’s always been there.
Today, she is debuting a new song called "Nice To Meet You." And earlier today she came out as queer on Good Morning America in an interview with Robin Roberts.
In my interview with Nicole, she told me:
“'Nice To Meet You' is my story of the past 3 years - and it’s the most vulnerable i’ve ever been in my writing. But I am beyond ready. This peeks into my recent journey, revealing parts of me I’ve newly embraced & the parts I’ve thought best to leave behind, ultimately realizing that it ALL has always belonged. It’s been me all along. I just can’t wait to share it with you. It’s so real and honest and tasty and FUN."
In preparing for this interview, I’ve explored her music and talent and found her to be incredibly gifted - not only with a gorgeous, distinctive musical perspective, but an independent spirit to just get out and be who she is.
Take a listen to “Nice To Meet You” from out recording artist Nicole Serrano, followed by my chat with the very talented singer/songwriter. You can find more info about Nicole at her official website: https://www.nicoleserranomusic.com/
Today I'm chatting with true triple threat Nick Adams, best known for his work in the Tony Winning Broadway musical "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" and his work on shows such as "The Other Two," "Inventing Anna," "Sex and the City 2" and "Smash."
He will next be seen as “Cooper” in the upcoming romantic comedy “Fire Island - The Movie” alongside Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho and the film’s writer Joel Kim Booster. The film is set for release on June 3rd on Hulu.
The movie, a modern-day romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, is set in gay New York’s favorite summer vacation mecca - Fire Island. The story follows two best friends who set out to have a legendary, weeklong summer vacation, with the help of cheap rosé and a clutch of eclectic friends.
We also chat about his participation in the new studio recording of "Drag: The Musical" which was recently released in May and plans are already in the works for stage adaptation. The musical - by Drag legend Alaska Thunderfuck - tells the tale of two rival drag bars that go head-to-head for survival amid financial troubles. Nick stars alongside Michelle Visage, Bob The Drag Queen, Jujubee, Peppermint, Margaret Cho and more.
I’ve known Nick since we performed in the national touring company of CHICAGO the Musical together about 20 years ago. We all knew then he was headed for big things. AND - he’s a great guy. Take a listen to my conversation with the oh-so-talented Mr. Nick Adams.
In this week’s headlines:
• A leaked draft of a Supreme Court ruling has LGBTQ folks worried about the future of marriage equality
• Alabama’s new anti-transgender law makes treating trans minors a crime punishable with up to 10 years in prison
• Professional UK soccer player Jake Daniels came out as gay
• Out country artist Cameron Hawthorn released his latest single "Nothing Like A Cowboy"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today I’m talking to Emmy Award winner Kevin Spirtas - who has spent years, among many other roles, playing Dr. Craig Wesley on the iconic daytime drama "Days Of Our Lives."
Kevin recently returned to "Days" for a storyline that surprised many fans and, in many ways, is groundbreaking in nature. As hard core fans know by now, Dr. Craig Wesley, after many years of being married - in a heterosexual relationship - comes out as gay. And ALL kinds of drama ensues.
I think the storyline itself is important because I don’t believe a longtime character on a daytime drama has ever come out in mid-life like Kevin’s character does here.
Not only does Dr. Craig Wesley come out, but along the journey so far we meet the man he’s fallen in love with, and … well, so much more.
Hit the play button to hear Kevin and I chat about all the drama in Salem on "Days of Our Lives."
I want to remind folks you can catch up on this entire season of "Days of Our Lives" for free on PeacockTV.com. So make sure you tune in this week to see the how, whys and wheres Dr. Craig Wesley lands on his journey.
Here's the link: https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/days-of-our-lives
You can view Kevin's multi-Emmy Award winning series "After Forever" on Amazon Video here: https://amzn.to/3kvKqvH
Today my guest is Channing Luke-Silver, or as he's known in the remixing world - Lukesavant.
Lukesavant has just released his new collection of remixes consisting of the entire Madonna album, "Confessions On A Dance Floor."
Lukesavant has spent nearly 20 years remixing Madonna’s music. In fact, he heads up a group known as Madonna Remixers United which is the internet’s #1 source for underground/unofficial Madonna remixes and remix videos.
The group’s Facebook page is liked by 280,000+ people and followed by another 270,000+ fans.
To be official - because the music isn’t sold, only streamed, and it's created under a Creative Commons license, I’ll be free to share some of Channings’ work with you today as we talk about the hows and whys of remixing, why the gays love Madonna and more.
For more information about Lukesavant and the group, head over to the official website MadonnaRemixersUnited.com
Join me as I chat with Jackson Fox, the first openly transgender man to compete on the long-running reality competition, SURVIVOR.
In my exclusive one-on-one chat with the 48-year-old healthcare worker from Texas, Jackson opens up about the adventure of a lifetime that is SURVIVOR.
From coming out as trans to his tribe on the first night of the season to the realities of sleeping on bamboo, competing in challenges, and more.
As fans of the show know at this point - SPOILER ALERT...
Jackson was removed from the show early on in the game due to a health issue (that had nothing to do with being trans). Jackson goes into detail about how all of that played out, how it felt to watch it unfold with the television audience and more.
Hit the play button for my conversation with SURVIVOR's Jackson Fox.
In this week's LGBTQ news:
• Ariana DeBose made LGBTQ history at this year’s Academy Awards
• Florida’s Don’t Say Gay bill is just the tip of the anti-LGBTQ legislation iceberg
• The Las Vegas Raiders have released Carl Nassib, the only out active player in the NFL
• Former 'Bachelor' star Colton Underwood is trying to sell the TV rights to his upcoming wedding
• Plus new music from out recording artist Paper Citizen
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The dangerous practice of conversion therapy costs the US over $9 billion a year
• Florida’s anti-LGBTQ "Don’t Say Gay" bill passes - what is it really about?
• Same-sex marriage comes to Chile
• Utah's governor pledges to veto anti-transgender sports bill
• TJ Osborne kissed his boyfriend at the Country Music Awards after winning Duo of the Year
• The sad conclusion to the Jussie Smollett "hate crime" saga
• Plus new music from out pop/dance artist Nieri
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this episode:
• LGBTQ athletes represent at the Olympics
• Florida’s hateful Don’t Say Gay bill is progressing through the state legislature
• The percentage of LGBTQ Americans has doubled in the past ten years
• LGBTQ Oscar nominations and snubs
• Ryan Nealon’s soaring new pop anthem single “What Makes A Man”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this episode, I chat with the oh-so-charming Trevor LaPaglia about his terrific web series, “The Disappointments.”
“The Disappointments” is a darkly comic series that follows 3 gay best friends in their 50s dealing with the fallout of faltering careers and empty bank accounts as they figure out how to set themselves up to survive in the decades yet to come.
Metaphorically speaking, these guys suddenly find themselves standing in a room, looking at their their belongings, their careers, their unhappy personal lives, their reflection in the mirror and asking, ‘How did this get to be my life?’
Trevor LaPaglia plays “Dwight,” the very good looking younger boyfriend of “Ray."
“Dwight” is such a breath of fresh air in that he doesn’t over-think life. He knows how to pay his bills on time, he’s buying houses & renovating them, and is pretty much in control of his early 30s life. He’s like a big, furry puppy who isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants. And he’s totally charming in doing so.
Hit the play button as I chat with Trevor LaPaglia of "The Disappointments."
You can watch Season One of "The Disappointments" on YouTube.
Note: I recorded this interview with Trevor via Instagram Live, so some of the sound levels may sound a bit funky. I cleaned up what I could. Thanks in advance for understanding.
In this week's headlines:
• France bans the harmful practice of so-called 'conversion therapy'
• Florida Republicans are pushing new legislation being called the 'Don't Say Gay' bill
• Gay rights icon Jim Obergefell is running for office
• Some bad news for Ellen DeGeneres
• Adam Rippon got married on New Years' Eve
• The award-winning Western film short STEAM! premieres on Revry
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Researchers have discovered new "kick and kill" strategy to perhaps eliminate HIV
• Amid a huge shortage of blood, politicians and activists are calling on the FDA (again) to remove outdated restrictions on gay and bisexual men to donate blood
• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is running national ads touting her state's anti-transgender legislation
• MJ Rodriguez made history at the 2022 Golden Globes becoming the first transgender person to win a Golden Globe. Full list of this year's winners here - https://therandyreport.com/mj-rodriguez-makes-golden-globe-history-full-list-of-2022-winners/
• Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider keeps extending her amazing winning streak on the long-running game show
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
There was a lot in 2021 that was just heinous and I’m happy to leave it behind. But I did want to take a pause to look at some of the good news and big moments of 2021 for LGBTQ folks.
In this episode, I’m going to revisit some of the best songs, movies, TV and top LGBTQ news stories of the year (at least in my opinion).
I know folks like to make Top 10 lists, but one of the hallmarks of The Randy Report is brevity - Plus, if I’m putting my name on a “Best of…” list I want to feel strongly about them.
So I’m going to try to stick to Top 5’s in this show.
I won't give it all away but I cover what I think are the top LGBTQ news stories, top international LGBTQ news, top LGBTQ pop culture stories, top LGBTQ films, and music from terrific out indie artists like Eli Lieb, Milahroy, Shea Diamond, Kat Cunning, and alex.
Thanks for joining me as I revisit the year that was 2021.
Today I’m speaking with international pop star and actress Vanessa Williams, who is currently serving as one of the celebrity judges on the new reality talent competition, "Queen of the Universe" streaming on Paramount+, where drag queens from around the world sing LIVE - no lip-syncing here - as they compete not only for the title of Queen of the Universe but a $250,000 cash prize.
If anyone has the experience to dish out the appropriate advice, it’s Vanessa Williams.
A former Miss America - talk about a true queen! - she's a multi-platinum recording artist whose albums include The Right Stuff, The Comfort Zone, and The Sweetest Days, along with her chart topping number one hit “Save the Best for Last."
Vanessa has also conquered Broadway making her debut in the title role of "Kiss of the Spider Woman," scored a Tony Award nomination for her turn as the Witch in the Broadway revival of "Into The Woods," and returned for acclaimed performances in "Sondheim on Sondheim," "After Midnight," and "The Trip To Bountiful."
She’s also had great success on television starring as Wilhelmina Slater on the ground-breaking "Ugly Betty" as well as Desperate Housewives and many more TV projects.
I recently had the chance to talk with her about "Queen of the Universe," and her work as a founder of Black Theater United, which is working to bring inclusivity to theater communities across the country. Plus, she has starring role coming up in a staged concert of Stephen Sondheim’s "Anyone Can Whistle" at Carnegie Hall.
Full disclosure - as longtime listeners are aware, I’ve known Vanessa for years ever since we were music theater majors at Syracuse University. So, up front, you’ll definitely hear our friendship in the chat.
You can catch up on the first four episodes of “Queen of the Universe” now, and don’t miss the grand finale streaming on Paramount+ on December 30, 2021.
In this week's headlines:
• Chile and Switzerland approve marriage equality, and Tokyo takes a step forward
• Former 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett found guilty of filing false police reports regarding alleged fake hate crime
• Conversion therapy banned in Canada
• Another HIV patient appears to have naturally 'cured' herself
• Jeopardy! has its first transgender champion
• Which major sports leagues are supportive of the LGBTQ community?
• Out singer/songwriter Milahroy closes out the year with 'Only the Best'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Today I’m talking with Rich Burns, the creator of the new web series, "The Disappointments." In addition to writing the 11 part series, Burns also acts as co-director, co-executive producer and one of the four stars of the show.
"The Disappointments" follows three middle-aged gay best friends trying to figure out how to live their best lives.
Burns describes the show as a “darkly comic series featuring gay people in their 50s, who suddenly find themselves standing in a room, looking at their their belongings, their careers, their unhappy personal lives, their reflection in the mirror and asking, ‘How did this get to be my life?’ Disillusioned. Disappointed. And the clock is ticking…”
In addition to Burns, the series features Gedde Watanabe, James Campbell and Trevor LaPaglia. Steve Cubine and Burns share directing duties.
The first episodes of The Disappointments premiered on YouTube on November 8 and each Monday two new installments are released for a total of 11 chapters. The two-part finale will be released December 6.
Link to watch "The Disappointments" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Desfwm8o5iMFXcHXEMjKw
(photo: Ramon Christian)
In this week’s headlines:
• The US Navy christens a new ship named after iconic LGBTQ activist Harvey Milk
• LGBTQ people are much more likely to get vaccinated than the general population
• A Black transgender woman is at least the 46th trans person killed this year
• A conservative radio host made the asinine assertion that unvaccinated people today are treated worse than patients at the height of the AIDS epidemic
• A transgender teen in Tennessee is challenging his state's law banning him from playing on his high school's golf team
• The first-ever all-male team on 'Strictly Come Dancing' is racking up big scores on the dance competition
• TJ Osborne, of Brothers Osborne, made history at the CMA Awards this year
• PEOPLE Magazine named '911: Lone Star' actor Brian Michael Smith to their 2021 list of the sexiest men on television, the first time a trans male has been included
• And the new documentary 'Mayor Pete' offers an insider look at a presidential campaign
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Kal Penn, star of the "Harold & Kumar" movie franchise, casually came out this week as he mentioned celebrating his 11th anniversary with his fiancé
• The US State Department has issued its first passport with an X gender marker for a nonbinary American
• The Biden administration withdrew legal appeals filed by the Trump administration blocking same-sex couples from Social Security benefits
• "Pose" star Billy Porter has released his ready-for-realness memoir titled, "Unprotected" Link to Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GOW9zE
• And the new web series "The Disappointments" features gay men hitting the mid-life reset button
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Jon Gruden, head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, resigns amid a homophobic racist email scandal
• A gay couple was viciously attacked after leaving a gay bar in Essex
• Justice in Texas as the 4th and final defendant in a violent hate crime spree is sentenced to over 20 years in prison after luring gay and bi men into danger on Grindr
• Pete Buttigieg clapped back when Fox News talking head Tucker Carlson criticized the new dad for spending time with his newborns
• New music from out singer/songwriter/producer Michael Lazar "51/49"
• And my review of the acclaimed documentary “Through The Windows” Link: https://watch.revry.tv/details/36925
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The U.S. military will soon provide full veterans benefits to those who were ousted under the hideous Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy
• California is set to make stealthing illegal
• A gay-straight alliance at an Indiana high school filed a lawsuit over unequal treatment
• A transgender high school student made history at their homecoming celebration
• The University of Michigan marching band honored the school's LGBTQ+ Spectrum Center with a special half-time show
• And the Tony Awards returned celebrating the best of Broadway in a blaze of inclusion, diversity and stunning performances.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Colorado Gov. Jared Polis made history as the first out governor to get married while in office
• Out football player Carl Nassib made a game-changing play in his first regular season game as an out NFL player
• Parkland shooting survivor and gun legislation advocate Cameron Kasky came out
• RuPaul scored big at the Emmy Awards
• Out singer/songwriter alex shares his deeply relatable new single “Confrontations”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• We saw the first active professional baseball player come out as gay
• Moderna has begun phase two trials of its potential new HIV vaccine
• Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten have become parents of two newborn babies
• Emmy Award winner Billy Porter says he doesn’t care if he ever plays a straight role in the future
• And Nick Metos releases his bluesy new single, "Right Side of the Bed"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Team LGBTQ brings home the medals at this year's Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo
• Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib speaks to the press for the first time since coming out as gay
• A man in Florida who caused thousands of dollars in damage to a Pride crosswalk will not face hate crime charges
• Looking forward to Amazon Prime Video's upcoming reboot of 'Cinderella' starring Camilla Cabello and Billy Porter. Link - https://therandyreport.com/trailer-upcoming-reboot-of-cinderella-looks-like-a-ball/
• Out country artist Hayden Joseph's new summer bop 'Backwoods Bougie'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Luke Prokop, of the Nashville Predators, came out as gay becoming the first active player in the National Hockey League
• The U.S. Senate Thursday confirmed two groundbreaking LGBTQ appointees to the Department of Defense by unanimous consent
• Gay summer vacation destination Provincetown has seen a huge spike in COVID cases since the July 4th holiday weekend
• Plus, new music from out singer/songwriter Milahroy
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Talking with LGBTQ activist Aaron Baldwin about corporate support during Pride Month, pinkwashing (what is it?), how to best connect with our straight allies and more.
Aaron is a recognized LGBTQ activist who has led campaigns against LGBTQ workplace discrimination involving large corporations including Cirque du Soleil, Target and Rockstar Energy Drinks.
He’s also been an advocate for affordable access to HIV medications, marriage equality and environmental justice, and taken a significant role in the HIV/AIDS movement confronting HIV discrimination in the workplace.
Plus, he helped launch the first firm to offer life insurance to the positive community and served as the expert witness in the landmark HIV prevention discrimination case, GLAD v. Mutual of Omaha.
Today, Aaron is affiliated with Pride 365 - which works with businesses to bring an end to pinkwashing and to improve inclusivity in society and the workplace.
But I’ll let Aaron explain how and why all of that is important.
Read more about Aaron here: https://pride365.world/champions/aaron-baldwin/
And find more info about Pride 365 here: https://pride365.world/
In this week's headlines:
• Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders comes out as gay
• Supreme Court ruling addresses religious-based foster care programs & same-sex couples
• An accident at a South Florida Pride event results in tragedy
• Sesame Street has its first same-sex family
• History as the first transgender contestant heads to the Miss USA pageant
• A glorious new take on the iconic queer anthem 'I Am What I Am' - click here for music video https://youtu.be/WdWgUTL5a50
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Presidential Pride proclamations are back
• Congress votes to make Pulse Nightclub a national memorial
• Gay men in the UK will have an easier time donating blood
• A bakery in Texas experienced hideous homophobia for saying ‘Happy Pride’ - and then the internet stepped in
• Eli Lieb drops the perfect anthem for Pride Month 'Boys Who Like Boys'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• A 13-year-old student was brutally bullied in her school hallway as other students stood laughing and recording the incident
• A gay Black woman, Karine Jean-Pierre, made history at the White House this week
• We said goodbye to iconic LGBTQ activist & photojournalist Kay Tobin Lahusen as well as gay event producer Jeffrey Sanker
• A far-right TV host went on a wild rant about a Kellogg's cereal honoring Pride Month
• And I review the new Netflix mini-series HALSTON
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Catholic priests in Germany defy the Vatican and bless same-sex unions
• GLAAD looks at social media safety for LGBTQ users
• A 20-year-old gay man was beheaded by his own family in a brutal 'honor killing' in Iran
• The gay panic defense is banned in two more states…and counting
• Skittles defers to the true “rainbow” for Pride Month
• New music from out singer/songwriter Milahroy 'Daylight' (Link to music video: https://youtu.be/QeEvQAe2X-A)
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Scoring Joe Biden’s LGBTQ accomplishments during his first 100 days in office
• The AMA begs governors to let transgender kids be themselves
• There's backlash for Colton Underwood’s Netflix 'coming out' reality series and looking back on truly terrible gay TV shows
• Funny man Michael Henry artfully addresses body image and eating disorders among gay men Link to the video 'How do I look?' - https://youtu.be/Q4XEG5nFww8
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• President Biden appoints an out police chief to head up Customs and Border Protections
• A new vaccine shows enormous promise against HIV
• Polling shows Americans overwhelmingly oppose anti-transgender legislation
• Colton Underwood, star of 'The Bachelor,' comes out
• The third and final season of the ground-breaking series POSE will premiere in May
• And LGBTQ entertainment critics will have their say on the best in cinema from the past year at the Dorians Film Toast 2021
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• First-ever presidential proclamation for Transgender Day of Visibility
• Arkansas has passed a series of anti-LGBTQ laws in a week
• The Pentagon erases Trump-era ban on trans military service members
• Legal same-sex marriage celebrates 20th anniversary
• Lil Nas X pens a touching letter to his 14-year-old self Link to music video 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' https://therandyreport.com/new-music-lil-nas-x-montero-call-me-by-my-name/
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Japan takes a baby step towards marriage equality
• A transgender student won a large settlement in his discrimination lawsuit against a school district in Minnesota
• A pharmacist came to the aid of LGBTQ seniors in Brooklyn
• New polling shows strong support for the Equality Act
• Marvel Comics has announced a gay Captain America on the way
• And the LGBTQ tribe answers a phone call - link to Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/TweetChizone/status/1102653430051557376
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The European Union’s Parliament declared all 27 member countries an LGBT Freedom Zone
• GLAAD announces they are tracking the Biden administration’s progress on LGBTQ issues
• A 'Queer As Folk' reboot could be in the works
• Philadelphia performance artist and dancer Gunnar Montana celebrated National Barbie Day in a 'Super Gay' way
• Love in quarantine - Joshua Sade James' new song "I'll Wait For You" sings out for separated couples during the pandemic
• And Leslie Jordan wants the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, to know ‘the gays have your back'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A new Gallup Poll shows more people identify as LGBTQ than ever before
• Virginia has outlawed the use of the 'gay panic' and 'trans panic' legal defenses
• Houston police have arrested a man who assaulted and killed a man he met using Grindr
• The Equality Act begins its trek through Congress (again)
• The largest Protestant adoption and foster agency has announced it will open up its services to LGBTQ families
• And the creators of the acclaimed FX series POSE have announced the upcoming 3rd season will be its last
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today I’m speaking to the oh-so-charming Kevin Spirtas - one of the co-creators, writers and stars of the acclaimed LGBTQ TV series, 'After Forever.'
'After Forever' is the recipient of 6 Daytime Emmy Awards - the most Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform.
The first two seasons of the series received rave reviews for telling the rarely seen story of vibrant, active, diverse “grown-up” gay men... a group who tend to disappear from television and film once they are no longer 20- or 30-something, not returning until they are elderly and non-sexual.
The producers of the series recently released a documentary-style special episode titled, 'Riley’s Unforgettable School Project.'
This unique installment of the series centers around the character of Riley (Finn Douglas) who, while attending school remotely due to COVID-19, is tasked with creating a project about the most unforgettable person he’s ever met.
The special was shot remotely throughout the Fall of 2020 while the country continued the battle against COVID-19.
The creative team says they knew they couldn’t film Season 3 as intended due to COVID and they wanted do something creative to keep the 'After Forever' family and fans engaged.
The producers plan to resume production on Season 3 once it’s safe to do so in late 2021.
Also, the GLAAD Media Award nominations were recently announced including the news that 'After Forever' will be honored with a Special Recognition Award.
Join me as I chat with Kevin Spirtas about the new special “Riley’s Unforgettable School Project,” life imitating art, and more.
You can find 'After Forever' on Amazon Prime video. For more info, check out the official website for the acclaimed series here: http://afterforevertheseries.com/
Today I’m speaking with four-time Grammy Award-winner Olivia Newton-John and her daughter, singer/songwriter Chloe Lattanzi who recently released their new duet, “Window in the Wall.”
Produced by six-time Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb, “Window in the Wall” is not the first time this mother/daughter team has hit the recording studio. Their debut single, “You Have to Believe,” a remake of Newton-John’s #1 single “Magic” from Xanadu, with additional lyrics by Lattanzi, was released in 2015 and reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart.
“I’ve always recording duets and singing harmonies," says Olivia. "I had no plans to record at the time, but I knew from the second i heard the song I wanted to record it with Chloe."
Amid today’s current turbulence and chaos, Olivia and Chloe say they really felt connected with the song and its message of hope, love and understanding.
Join me as I chat with Olivia Newton-John and Chloe Lattanzi.
Link to "Window in the Wall" - https://lnk.to/WindowInTheWall
Link to Olivia's memoir "Don't Stop Believin" - https://amzn.to/37hYFho
Link to my interview with Olivia about her memoir: https://soundcloud.com/randyslovacek/interview-olivia-newton-john
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Country music star TJ Osborne comes out as gay
• Pete Buttigieg becomes first openly gay White House Cabinet member approved by the Senate
• President Biden issues memorandum promoting/protecting LGBTQ rights abroad
• Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says passing The Equality Act is a "priority"
• A white Florida man shoots and kills his Black lover but only gets one year in prison
• Out singer/songwriter John Duff drops his latest pop bop, "Do It"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Joe Biden becomes president and goes to work for LGBTQ Americans on Day One including reversing the transgender military ban, expanding workplace protections and more
• Pete Buttigieg introduced his husband Chasten at his Senate confirmation hearing for Transportation Secretary
• Dr. Rachel Levine could become the highest ranking transgender official in the U.S. government
• The FDA approved a new once-a-month injectable HIV medication
• The new queer mini-series 'It's A Sin' premieres to rave reviews
• Out singer/songwriter Kisos releases his gorgeous new music video 'He Didn't Want Me'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
As mentioned in the episode, you can email me at randyslovacek (at) gmail.com
In this week's headlines:
• What can queer people expect from Joe Biden's first 100 days in office?
• Donald Trump takes a final swipe at LGBTQ Americans
• North Carolina begins enacting LGBTQ protections (again)
• Russell T. Davis, creator of the new UK TV drama "It's A Sin" shares his thoughts on casting gay actors in gay roles
• A lesbian former pro golfer speaks up about #3 ranked Justin Thomas's 'faggot' remark during this weekend's tournament of champions
• Plus, two new commercials hit the gay sweet spot: 'Doritos - The Best Gift' https://youtu.be/OouiZHEC9do 'It's the Creme Egg Golden Goobilee!' https://youtu.be/MfykcmIAwx4
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
There was a lot in 2020 that was just heinous and I’m happy to leave it behind. But I did want to take a pause to look at some of the good news and big moments of 2020 for LGBTQ folks.
In this episode, I’m going to revisit some of the best songs, movies, TV and top LGBTQ news stories of the year (at least in my opinion).
I know folks like to make Top 10 lists, but one of the hallmarks of The Randy Report is brevity - Plus, if I’m putting my name on a “Best of…” list I want to feel strongly about them.
So I’m going to try to stick to Top 5’s in this show.
I won't give it all away but I definitely cover:
• the 2020 election cycle and how it impacted LGBTQ folks
• the forward progress of LGBTQ rights around the world
• standing up for transgender people
• films like 'Uncle Frank' and 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
• and music from terrific indie artists like Milahroy, VINCINT, mxmtoon, Robby Hart, and Jakk Fynn
Musician and now-author Branden James first captivated millions as a finalist on Season 8 of 'America's Got Talent' in 2013 where he received high praise from the judges for his emotional, operatic vocals.
During his time in the national spotlight, he hit more than one perfect note as he shared details of his coming out story and his broken ties with his religious family with the TV audience.
In his recently released memoir, LYRICS OF MY LIFE: MY JOURNEY WITH FAMILY, HIV, AND REALITY TV, Branden highlights the conflicts of growing up gay in a world that looked upon his true self and beliefs as an impractical, sinful way of life.
Through it all, he was surprised by one startling realization: how vital it is to be completely authentic in order to help others, as well as continue to heal himself.
LYRICS OF MY LIFE is authentically Branden sparing no details about his lack of stability as a young adult, estrangement from his close-knit family, and, despite it all, his unbreakable will to overcome adversity.
Searching for his own personal freedom, Branden finds reconciliation with his family, rediscovers his faith, and realizes that affliction and hardship are not what define us as human beings
Since his time on America’s Got Talent, Branden has performed for Pope Benedict and The Mandela Family in South Africa. He has also performed at The Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.
He currently tours internationally with his husband, Australian cellist, James Clark in a cello and vocal duo called Branden & James.
Join me as I chat with the terrifically talented Branden James.
LYRICS OF MY LIFE: MY JOURNEY WITH FAMILY, HIV, AND REALITY TV is available at all major booksellers including Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Koz1Q8
In this week's headlines:
• More LGBTQ candidates won elections this year than ever before
• US Supreme Court decision upholds high school transgender students' rights
• Switzerland is poised to legalize same-sex marriage
• Adoptions by same-sex couples in the UK has increased for the 3rd year in a row
• Isolated Asian country of Bhutan legalizes same-sex relations
• Emmy/Grammy winner Billy Porter has been announced to help usher in the New Year
• A coming out Christmas song by country artist Aaron LaCombe goes viral 'Uncle Carl (Came Out On Christmas)'
Link to the music video: https://youtu.be/zVIyJ_Psa3E
Link to Aaron's official website: http://www.aaronlacombe.com/ARL_2019/Home.html
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
World AIDS Day is held on the 1st day of December each year, and it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died.
World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.
Being diagnosed with HIV today means something very different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. HIV is no longer a death sentence. However, people’s attitudes can make living with HIV really difficult.
Some things from the 1980s and 1990s are worth revisiting, but HIV stigma isn’t one of them. It’s time to end HIV stigma.
During this episode of The Randy Report, I take a look into the history of the day, how the world looks at the ongoing epidemic, and where we are today in terms of treatment.
Take a listen, and feel free to share this show. Together we can make a difference.
What can you do? What is on the horizon in terms of HIV treatment?
Check out these links to find out:
www.worldAIDSDay.org
www.HelpStopTheVirus.com
In this week’s headlines:
• The Biden transition team has named LGBTQ White House veterans to prominent roles in the incoming administration
• The murderer of a transgender teen has been sentenced to life in prison
• High school teachers in New Jersey were caught dissing a queer colleague during a Zoom class
• Award-winning singer/songwriter Justin Utley released his first holiday single, “All is Bright" - https://justinutley.bandcamp.com/track/all-is-bright
• First Lady Melania Trump planned to light the White House in rainbow colors during Pride Month but the idea was shut down
• A new poll shows LGBTQ voters did NOT turn out in record numbers for Donald Trump after all
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today I’m speaking with award-winning author and artist Mike Curato, who recently released his debut YA graphic novel, FLAMER, a coming-of-age story that confronts ideas of homophobia, bullying, body image and coming to terms with identity in every sense of the word.
Curato's YA graphic novel follows 14-year-old Aiden Navarro who navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), as he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.
Unfolding over the course of the last week of Boy Scout camp in 1995, Aiden's story is heavily inspired by Mike's own experience as a Boy Scout (and eventual Eagle Scout) and his coming out as a teenager.
The Hollywood Reporter called FLAMER “the kind of book that might change its reader’s lives.”
FLAMER is available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/36UME0B
And at Bookshop.org here: https://bookshop.org/books/flamer/9781627796415
In this week's headlines:
• HIV diagnoses in the UK drop to their lowest levels in 20 years
• Norway expands hate speech laws to protect all LGBTQ citizens
• Hungary's lawmakers have drafted a constitutional change that effectively prohibits same-sex couples from adopting
• A citizens' petition in Poland proposes banning Pride parades
• Sarah McBride is set to become the highest ranking transgender legislator in the country
• Out political journalist Steve Kornacki shines on Election Night on social media as 'Korsnacki' and 'Map Daddy'
• Don't miss the upcoming gay holiday romance movie 'Dashing in December'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Support for marriage equality has reached its highest percentage ever recorded
• The United Kingdom’s Superdrug pharmacy chain will make access to PrEP through online doctors
• LGB Republicans have more internalized homophobia than queer Democrats. Link to report - https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgb-party-affiliation/
• A father in France drove 500 miles to threaten his daughter after she came out
• Heber, Utah makes it harder for residents to show LGBTQ Pride
• Strictly Come Dancing scored big in the ratings department as the reality competition featured its first same-sex couple
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
As a young actor, my first big break was being cast as the 'Magical Mr. Mistoffelees' in a brand new national touring company of the blockbuster Broadway musical CATS.
While I was 'living the dream' during those years in the 1980s, a nightmare called HIV/AIDS was taking thousands of lives from us. As a company, we wanted to do 'something,' so in 1987, we organized one of the first large-scale benefits performances by a touring company to help those affected by HIV. Amazingly, we raised over $36K in one night.
Fast forward to today, and another viral pandemic is here. A few months ago, one of my former CATS castmates reached out to say, "Anyone want to do it again?" And so, we did.
"With Love, Now and Forever! Cats4CovidRelief" premiered on October 23 and has so far raised over $21,000 to help those in the theater community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The video event is currently available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/TKmFNBpsj2o
Today, I'm talking to two of my closest CATS castmates, Grammy Award-winner Leslie Ellis and two-time OutMusic Award-winner Matt Zarley, about this recent company reunion, collaborating on this special, uplifting video event, and reminiscing about the experience that was CATS.
You can see Matt's moving video tribute featuring Leslie's gorgeous new take on "Memory" here: https://vimeo.com/463622446/aa0b820ad5
Since the release of his 2019 single, the oh-so-romantic "Dancing in the Living Room," out singer/songwriter Cameron Hawthorn has continued to release a string of top-shelf country anthems - from the most recent "To Break Hers" - a heartbreaking tribute to a previous relationship before he came out - to the sexually-charged uptempo "Oh Hot Damn!"
Now, the handsome country crooner has released his new EP 'Mustang.'
With an obvious knowledge and appreciation for classic country, Cameron brings a fresh, current flavor to his music that ranges from authentic emotional ballads to swaggering up-tempos.
Listen in as I chat with the handsome singer/songwriter.
You can find 'Mustang' at these sites: http://hyperurl.co/zgow27
Official website: https://www.cameronhawthorn.com
Follow Cameron on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cmrnhwthrn/
Follow Cameron on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/cmrnhwthrn
In this week's headlines:
• Two Supreme Court Justices made it clear they'd like to overturn marriage equality in the US
• A transgender woman was found shot to death in Puerto Rico making her the 6th trans person to die by violence in the territorty
• Charlie Carver, currently starring in Netflix's 'The Boys in the Band' says he came out as gay after a coworker slapped him for appearing gay in public
• Don’t miss the all-star benefit performance of 'The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America' - TheGreatWorkBegins.org
• Drag Out the Vote has now unveiled a new voter initiative: Divas for Democracy: United We Slay, a digital variety show bringing together some of the biggest names in theater and drag - https://www.dragoutthevote2020.org
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a fierce champion for LGBTQ rights, has died at the age of 87
• A Navy veteran sues the Veteran's Administration claiming he tested positive for HIV over 20 years ago and his doctors never informed him of the diagnosis
• A sportscaster suspended for using a gay slur on-air says he’s 'never said the word' before that moment
• A woman denied Social Security survivor benefits after a 27 year relationship wins in federal court
• New data shows the number of same-sex households rising in the US
• Burger King lays a whopper on Ronald McDonald for LGBTQ Pride
• Academy Award winner Jane Fonda reminds us what an awesome ally she is
• And GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Critics announces the best in 2020 TV entertainment
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this episode I chat with my longtime (and awesomely talented) friend, Rachelle Rak, or as she’s known to countless friends and fans, “Sas.”
A quick run-down of her lengthy resume includes her many Broadway Credits: Fosse, Catch Me If You Can, The Look of Love, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thou Shalt Not, Oklahoma!, and CATS.
Numerous TV appearances including Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms on Lifetime TV, and you'll remember her from the Broadway documentary Every Little Step: The Making of A Chorus Line.
There are two aspects to this chat: Two friends catching up on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected life, but also how the coronavirus crisis doesn't have to slow us down.
There are two aspect to this chat:
Two friends catching up on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected life, but also how the coronavirus crisis doesn't have to slow us down.
In addition to starting her own dance conventions, Ignite Dance Live (www.ignitedancelive.com) which have now gone virtual, she’s also starring in a new fitness series for Broadway On Demand called “Sas and Shred” (www.get.broadwayaccess.com) that she conceived and filmed in lockdown.
She’s started offering her own master classes (www.SasStorm.com) where studios around the country can book her one on one for their students.
Oh, and she’s written a musical that she’s workshopped with 15 veteran female Broadway performers.
Oh, and she’s going to college at almost 50.
COVID is clearly not slowing Sas down.
My favorite Sas-ism: "Stop worrying about how to do it better. DO it better."
Follow Rachelle Rak on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/rachelle.rak
In this week's headlines:
• The Trump campaign claims the Donald is the “most pro-gay president in American history” - but don’t fall for that
• A federal court rules in favor of a gay couple granting their daughter her legal US citizenship
• LGBTQ icon Marsha P Johnson gets honored in her home state
• Out singer/songwriter NIKO dropped his newest single "Try" dedicated to his partner
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Longtime LGBTQ ally Sen. Kamala Harris is Joe Biden’s pick for running mate in the 2020 presidential election
• Plus, Harris has named a proud Black lesbian political heavyweight as her chief of staff
• A judge in Kentucky says a photographer can legally discriminate against LGBTQ people
• Ricky Martin told OUT Magazine he once feared he’d never be a parent because of his sexuality, and now he’s a father of four :)
• Disney introduces its first bisexual character on 'The Owl House'
• And the top 5 "Gayest States in the Country"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• An openly gay Instagram & TikTok star was found murdered in a possible hate crime
• The world's first openly gay prince denounces conversion therapy
• The European Union denied funding to six Polish towns that say they are “LGBT free”
• Lifetime Channel has announced a gay romantic movie for the holidays and Hulu’s ‘Love Victor’ gets green light for second season
• What to watch now? How about four short films exploring the intersection of coming out and soccer? Link to The Male Gaze: Strikers & Defenders on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3acxCEK
• NYC-based singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger releases his new disco-themed single that drops the beat on body shame. Link to iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1525170853?ls=1&app=itunes
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this weeks' headlines:
• The family of a gay Sheriff's Deputy who died of COVID-19 has been denied benefits by insurance company
• Mexico City makes so-called 'conversion therapy' illegal
• GLAAD's new report shows gay representation on film hits a new high - but the rest of the news isn't so good
• Hallmark Channel announces its 2020 holiday lineup will include LGBTQ characters, actors and plot lines
• A twist on 'gender reveal parties' rewrites history in a good way
• Indie artist Abby K's gorgeous new single "Mom's Old Room" is dedicated to all the human butterflies in the world. "May they have the courage to transform and live their true beauty"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• For the first time, HIV appears to be eradicated using only medications
• Poland's anti-LGBTQ president squeaks out reelection
• White House press secretary raises eye-brows claiming Donald Trump's "pro-LGBTQ" agenda
• Chicago's Boystown may get a new name
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A new lawsuit challenges Virginia’s new law banning LGBTQ discrimination
• Atlanta's gay nightclub Heretic shut down over COVID-19 diagnoses after sweaty dance party
• A pro football player's homophobic Twitter rant backfires bigtime
• A small town council refused to recognize Pride Month, so activists staged a ‘Pride Ambush’
• Billy Porter breaks down another barrier as he becomes the first out Black man to cover ESSENCE Magazine Link - https://www.essence.com/feature/july-august-cover-star-billy-porter-is-a-national-treasure/
Plus, new music from out UK singer Paul Middleton LInk - https://smarturl.it/Paullove
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Growing up in Kentucky, a passion for music led Josey Greenwell to Nashville in pursuit of a career as a singer-songwriter at the age of 18.
In the midst of trying to stand out and discover his own unique sound, like many young artists, he was also on a journey of self discovery with his sexuality.
Today, I'm chatting with the handsome Mr. Greenwell about his journey in the music industry and how it affected his coming out, seeming to 'go back in,' a public backlash, and finally coming to self-acceptance and living his authentic life.
I also share a couple of his new singles ("102," "Cowboy") from his upcoming album, "City Games," scheduled for release later this year.
You can follow Josey on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/joseygreenwell/
Find him on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/IamJoseyG/
And check out his music on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77k1Y1e9Iu3P50lONC3vYf?si=tJSym_iVRFmxF5ScyQkkeg
In this "All Good Gay News" episode:
• The US Supreme Court rules LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace is illegal
• A federal judge ruled the daughter of a same-sex married couple was indeed born a US citizen after the State Dept tried to claim she was “born out of wedlock”
• Pride celebrations may have been canceled, but here's a list of virtual Pride events you can attend from your own home
HBO's 'Human By Orientation' - https://humanbyorientation.com/#/
Them's 'Out Now Live' - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZEL_lFVOcFVlmjhguk0IxQ
Global Pride 2020 - https://www.facebook.com/events/1541515102674768/
• Two awesome coming out stories - one from a Grammy-nominated recording artist, another from a world-class athlete
• What to watch this week including Netflix's 'The Politician,' HBO's 'Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn' and the Obie Award-winning 'The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me.'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Billy Porter shares his 'Message to America' Link to full video (warning - strong language): https://www.instagram.com/p/CBB593Slll0/
• A federal judge issued an important ruling for same-sex married couples
• Audible produces a free series of coming out stories titled, 'Coming Out Party: A Pride Celebration' Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/Coming-Out-Party-Audiobook/B0898CK44Z
• Veteran gay journalist Thomas Roberts has announced a free daily news show featuring 'gay good news' titled Thomas Roberts Live at 5 Link: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasRobertsLIVE/
• The Village People have had enough of Donald Trump and finally asked his campaign to stop using their music
• The co-writer/producer of Diana Ross's "I'm Coming Out" shares a revealing story about the song's history
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this episode, I'm chatting with the fabulous TV and stage actor Jamison Stern.
As a cast member of the digital series 'After Forever,' he was a part of the team that was honored with 8 Daytime Emmy nominations in 2019 and took home five - including Best Digital Series, Best Writing Team for Digital Series, Best Actor in a digital series and more.
Last week, the 2020 Daytime Emmy nominations were announced and it was more good news for the ‘After Forever’ crew - six nominations this year including - again - Best Digital Series and Best Writing Team for a Digital Series.
So, it’s terrific timing to sit down and chat with Jamison about the journey and success of the show.
One of the busiest actors in New York City, Jamison has appeared on Broadway, off-Broadway, and in just about every leading regional theater in the U.S..
He's starred in critically-acclaimed productions across the country of Big River, Little Shop of Horrors, The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged, Invention of Love, As Bees in Honey Drown, Around the World in 80 Days, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Title of Show, Sweet Charity and more.
He recently won rave reviews for his tour de force turn in Fully Committed at TheaterWorks in Hartford playing 33 characters - onstage alone. One critic wrote, "The production showcases an awesome star in Jamison Stern, who lights up the stage and fills the play with dozens of characters, even though he is completely—and gloriously—on his own.”
He also brings that creative output to his Instagram account. During the run of a show, he’ll become obsessed with new ways to include his followers in his theatrical journey.
Jamison is one of the actors who bring theatre to life for so many across the country starring in top-notch productions in cities like Hartford CT, Atlanta GA, Houston TX, and Seattle WA.
Hit play and you'll see why this is one of my favorite interviews to date on The Randy Report.
You can follow Jamison on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jamisonstern/
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Prosecutors in Uganda have dropped charges against 19 LGBTQ people held in jail for 49 days
• A ‘once every two months’ injectable version of PrEP has shown very positive results in clinical trials
• Albania bans so-called 'conversion therapy'
• NYC Pride has announced a huge 50th anniversary Pride television special featuring Billy Porter, Dan Levy, Janelle Monae, and more.
• The 2020 Daytime Emmy nominations are out with big love for LGBTQ actors and shows.
Here's the link to my recent interview with the Emmy Award-winning creators of the Amazon series 'After Forever:' https://soundcloud.com/randyslovacek/interview-emmy-award-winning-after-forever-creators-kevin-spirtas-michael-slade
• Out singer/songwriter Clinton John's new single "Cry" taps into those frustrating times when you realize you haven't gotten over that lost love. Link to download "Cry:" https://ffm.to/clintonjohncry
All that in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Brazil changes course on regulations that limit gay and bisexual me from donating blood
• A gay couple in Tulsa speaks out after a neighbor posts anti-LGBTQ signs his front yard
• Germany bans so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors
• Out CNN anchor Anderson Cooper announces he’s become a dad
• Two ground-breaking stars - Little Richard and Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy - pass away
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• A former police officer will receive a settlement after being denied a job because he is HIV positive
• Ohio teacher fired for having a husband
• Small steps forward for LGBTQ rights in Morocco
• The Trump administration is close to removing important anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQs from the Affordable Care Act
• Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix series Hollywood is a progressive, pro-LGBTQ reimagining of post-World War II Tinseltown
• New 'good news' podcast to help you sleep at night - UNSAD Podcast https://www.unsadpodcast.com
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A Texas couple tragically dies of COVID-19 within hours of each other
• Idaho's new anti-transgender laws are already being challenged in court
• Actor Leslie Jordan has become an Instagram sensation. Follow him at https://www.instagram.com/thelesliejordan/
• The new Netflix documentary 'Circus of Books' chronicles the journey of a middle-class, straight Jewish couple from everyday entrepreneurs to accidental activists for LGBTQ people
• A vintage photo of two men named 'Tommy' and 'Buzz' has captured the romantic imagination of the gay internet
• Huge stars will perform on the streaming event, Take Me To The World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration, in honor of Stephen Sondheim's milestone
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
A police chief is on administrative leave after telling his officers a Florida sheriff’s deputy died from coronavirus because he was gay
Georgia police use Grindr to setup allegedly false drug arrests
Ireland's openly gay Prime Minister is returning to medicine to help in the COVID-19 crisis
Trailblazing lesbian activist Phyllis Lyon died this past week at the age of 95
And leftover fabric from the AIDS quilt is being used to save lives during the COVID-19 threat
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The FDA issues new guidelines regarding gay and bisexual men donating blood
• Get ready to livestream a Global Pride celebration
• A new report shows anti-LGBTQ hate groups are on the rise in the U.S.
• Sean Hayes reflects on saying goodbye to 'Will & Grace' a second time
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today I’m chatting with OUTMusic Award winning singer/songwriter Justin Utley who just released his new music video and single, “American Nightmare,” where he plays a Jason Bourne-like action hero takes aim at conversion therapy, and the current state of our union’s blind allegiance with political parties and religion.
https://youtu.be/xmGzOok82u4
The single, which features an edgy rock-centric sound, is a different genre for the handsome singer who first rose to prominence in the country/pop/Americana realm. Justin explains, “This whole album has been about exploring edgier, darker themes that I’ve always wanted to take on but hadn’t because I was told to stay in my safe zone."
I first interviewed Justin back in 2012 when he had just won two OUTMusic Awards after being nominated for four that year. The honors were for his debut single, “Stand For Something."
He’s a highly sought-after performer who’s appeared on stages across North America and Europe. Along the way, he has shared the stage with top international acts including Dan Reynolds, Icona Pop, Tegan & Sara, Margaret Cho and Billy Porter.
In addition to taking stages by storm, Justin has also been an outspoken activist for the LGBTQ community working to outlaw so-called conversion therapy which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through debunked pseudoscience. Thanks in great part to Justin’s efforts, his state of Utah became the 19th state to prohibit the harmful practice.
Justin has appeared as a guest contributor on CNN, NPR, SiriusXM’s OutQ and MSNBC. He is a two-time recipient of the FBI’s “Inspiring Citizen of the Year” award, and “Artist of the Year” by SiriusXM’s OutQ Radio.
This past fall, Justin Utley released his third studio album, "Scars," a brutally honest, thought provoking collection of songs.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/scars/1479782203
In this week's headlines:
• A new study shows having an older brother could increase the odds of being gay
• Canadian Idol alum Gary Beals comes out and a drops new single
• Virtual dance parties online help to alleviate stress during the ongoing health crisis. LInk - https://www.instagram.com/mkik808/
• Talking about the coronavirus pandemic, certain risk factors for LGBTQ people in particular, and where dating apps fall in all this.
GLMA provides a directory for welcoming providers here: http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=939 The Human Rights Campaign has a list of LGBTQ-friendly medical centers and hospitals here: https://www.hrc.org/hei/search
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today, I’m speaking with Abigail Saguy - Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at UCLA - who’s written a fascinating new book, “Come Out Come Out Whoever You Are.”
The new book explores the evolution and history of how and why LGBTQ people “come out.”
Saguy’s new book offers background and details from the earliest of gay movements and chronicles how we got from there to here.
Over time, though, other marginalized groups have adopted a similar dynamic of “coming out” in their efforts to resist stigma and bring about social change.
The new book provides a deep dive into understanding how identity politics work in America today.
"Come Out Come Out Whoever You Are" is available on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3cZnlN4
In this week’s headlines:
• The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals issues important decision for those with HIV
• Disgraced former Rep. Aaron Schock comes out as gay
• Former Vice President Joe Biden’s plans to advance LGBTQ equality Link to The Biden Plan To Advance LGBTQ Equality in America: https://joebiden.com/lgbtq/ Link to Bernie Sanders LGBTQ Plan: https://berniesanders.com/issues/lgbtq-equality/
• Pro golfer loses sponsors after sharing homophobic meme on social media
• 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' cancels Sherry Pie after admitting to cat-fishing young actors nude photos and videos
• RuPaul’s scripted Netflix series 'AJ and the Queen' canceled after one season
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg ended his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Join me as I chat with the Emmy Award winning creators of the Amazon Prime Video digital series, 'After Forever.'
'After Forever' stars Kevin Spirtas (Dr. Craig Wesley on Days of Our Lives) and Mitchell Anderson (Doogie Howser, Party of Five) as a mid-life gay couple living in New York City who appear to have it all — until Jason’s untimely death forces Brian to think about his own future and ultimately his own mortality, without the love of his life. As Brian puts his life back together, Jason periodically appears to help him focus on his new life and moving on, most notably with his new boyfriend.
Spritas co-created and co-wrote the series with acclaimed playwright Michael Slade.
'After Forever' also stars several familiar faces from TV, film and Broadway stages like Colleen Zenk (As the World Turns), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), Anita Gillette, Mary Beth Peil and Tony Award winner Cady Huffman.
The lauded series features a diverse group of characters who find their way through life's constant changes, including relationships, love, and loss, in an often overlooked group - the mature gay man.
As Michael Slade told The Advocate, “We as gay men, after we’re no longer 35, we tend to disappear from popular culture until we’re Christopher Plummer — asexual down the hall with a cat.” The writing process was also cathartic for Slade, whose partner, Richard, died of cancer several years ago.
Season One of 'After Forever' was nominated for 8 Emmy Awards and won five including Outstanding Digital Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Digital Drama Series, and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
And Season Two has already been nominated for 10 Indie Series Awards including Best Drama Series, Best Ensemble Drama Series and a slew of acting, writing and directing nods as well.
Hit play as I chat (and laugh) with two very talented men.
For more info about the show, click over to afterforevertheseries.com.
In this week's headlines:
• National Guard units moving to promote LGBTQ inclusion
• A crowd in Croatia cheered at the burning of an effigy depicting a same-sex couple with a child
• The ‘Love, Simon,’ TV sequel will premiere in time for Pride Month
• One Million Moms is really mad Billy Porter’s heading to Sesame Street
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Two gay men were shot in Miami because they were kissing goodnight
• A new study shows men in same-sex marriages experience less stress than their straight peers
• Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh went after Pete Buttigieg’s marriage but Pete clapped back
• New report shows LGBTQ youth consider suicide even more than we thought
• And new music from Bridesmen
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg had a historic night at the Iowa Caucuses
• Voters in Switzerland overwhelmingly approved protections for LGBTQ people
• Virginia becomes first state in the South to approve statewide LGBTQ protections
• A beloved morning talk show host in the UK came out as gay
• A star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer is getting ready to climb to the top of the human pyramid
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Kentucky high school is being sued for outing a queer teen
• Professional ice hockey player Zach Sullivan comes out
• Freeform channel previews upcoming gay romantic comedy for Valentine’s Day "The Thing About Harry"
• Billy Porter's taking a stroll down Sesame Street
• LGBTQs and their allies score at the 2020 Grammy Awards
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Vice President Mike Pence spoke at a church where the ministers compared homosexuality with Satan
• HIV infections rates in the UK have declined dramatically since 2012
• Utah bans harmful 'conversion therapy' for minors
• A male stripper in Atlanta sentenced to prison for killing his secret straight-married lover
• Attending the 2020 GayVN Awards aka 'the Oscars of gay porn'
• RuPaul announced to host Saturday Night Live
• And a new docs-series on Apple TV+ explores how LGBTQ people made our way onto the TV landscape
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Marriage equality comes to Northern Ireland
• A gay conservative student who led a drag queen protest was found dead of suicide just hours later
• Blackmail forces a YouTube star to come out
• The truth behind rumors of backstage fights at NBC's 'Will & Grace'
• And the Oscar nominations are out and pretty much without the gays
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• A Grindr hookup in Michigan on Christmas Eve goes horribly wrong
• Britain’s most prolific rapist is sentenced to life in prison
• Grammy winner Sam Smith posts a shirtless photo on Instagram
• A transgender actress gets the lead in the upcoming reboot of 'Saved By The Bell'
• Recapping this year’s Golden Globe Awards
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
As we head into the roaring 20s, I wanted to take a look back at 2019 and the 20-teens to acknowledge the accomplishments, visibility and fierceness that the LGBTQ community has achieved so far in terms of politics, television, movies and pop culture.
Hit play as I acknowledge out athletes, representation in film and TV, and legislative achievements by the LGBTQ community.
As we head into the roaring 20s, I wanted to take a look back at 2019 and the 20-teens to acknowledge the accomplishments, visibility and fierceness that the LGBTQ community has achieved so far in terms of politics, television, movies and pop culture.
Hit play as I acknowledge out athletes, representation in film and TV, and legislative achievements by the LGBTQ community.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Two Dallas men used Grindr to lure gay men into violent attacks
• The first LGBTQ-welcoming senior housing opens in New York City
• An Elder at an anti-LGBTQ Missouri church has been charged with soliciting sexual favors from college guys
• The Netflix series “Special” is renewed for Season 2
• Plus, tips for introducing your significant other to your family during the holidays
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A journalist wrote a scathing piece about Mayor Pete Buttigieg and the mayor called his critic to listen (warning - strong language here)
• NYC sees a significant drop in new HIV infections
• A Palo Alto police brutality case reaches a settlement
• Gay panic defense could be bye bye in New Jersey
• Kasey Musgraves has a new ‘tres gay’ Christmas special on Amazon Prime
• Award-winning out singer Matt Zarley drops his take on the holiday classic, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
- Observing World AIDS Day this year
Link to Mark King's essay - https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/12/hiv-epidemic-forced-us-become-heroes-closest-friends-withered/
Link to JoeMyGod's essay - https://www.joemygod.com/2019/12/membership-a-memory-for-world-aids-day-2/
In this week's headlines:
• Sen. Kamala Harris calls Mayor Pete Buttigieg "naive" for relating his experience as a gay man to other marginalized communities
• Three federal judges have blocked a new rule announced by the Health and Human Services Department that would allow healthcare professionals to deny service to LGBTQs
• The Straight Pride event in Dallas was the biggest fail yet
• Netflix releases teaser video for RuPaul's upcoming scripted comedy series 'AJ and The Queen'
• Out singer/songwriter Tom Goss’s new album explores new emotional ‘Territories’
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg has surged to #1 in the latest polling for the upcoming Iowa caucuses
• Gay men in Malaysia have been sentenced to months in prison and being whipped with a cane for having sex at a private residence
• A gay teen heard the slur ‘faggot’ one time too many - and took care of it. Link to story at The Randy Report - http://therandyreport.com/a-gay-teen-had-enough-of-being-called-fggot/
• Two male dancers were featured on the UK's 'Strictly Come Dancing' and the world didn't end. Link to the story on The Randy Report - http://therandyreport.com/strictly-come-dancing-features-same-sex-partners-to-stunning-effect/
• Get ready small-town America - the queens are coming!
• Representation for the LGBTQ community on TV rose to an all-time high according to the 'Where We Are On TV report from GLAAD
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• A young man standing outside a gay nightclub in North Carolina is shot leaving him paralyzed, and people all over the world come together to help with his recovery. Crowdfunding link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hope-for-pedro
• A new report shows LGBTQ discrimination costs Jamaica over $11 billion a year
• A lawmaker won her bid to become the first female and first LGBTQ mayor of Bogota in Colombia, considered the second most important office in the country after the president
• On the 5th anniversary of his public coming out, Apple CEO Tim Cook has no regrets
• Award-winning writer/director Sebastian LaCause has a new indie film project - 'Holy Water.' Video pitch link: http://kck.st/35n6y2s Hustling trailer link: https://youtu.be/MWhbQ3nBDjU
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
‘The Third’ is a provocative, sexy new original series created for the gay-centric streaming platform Dekkoo.
The series follows Jason (Sean McBride), a young man who enters into a passionate three-way relationship with an established gay Palm Springs couple - Carl (Corey Page) and David (Ryland Shelton). But he quickly learns that “adding a third” could bring a whole new set of skepticism, jealousy, and secrets.
In this episode I chat with show creator Matthew Lynn, who fashioned some of the series after his own real-life experiences in a ‘triad’ or ‘thruple.’
Lynn was inspired to make the series to show the world there are different kinds of relationships that can work, none are wrong or right and all take some work.
'The Third' will be available for streaming on Dekkoo beginning October 24.
Dekkoo is a streaming entertainment platform much like Hulu or Netflix, but its focus is on LGBTQ-themed content. For $9.99 a month you can stream gay-centric movies, TV series, short films; genres include mysteries, dramas, comedies, romance, sci-fi - the whole gamut of pop culture entertainment.
In fact, many of the movies you've heard me discuss here on The Randy Report are currently available on Dekkoo.
You can sign up for a free 7-day trial to see if it's your thing, and for a limited time, when you sign up you can get 33% off your first 3 months by entering the promo code TheThird. (p.s. I get nothing whether you sign up or not - this isn't a sponsored segment)
Click here - https://www.dekkoo.com - for more info.
By now, we all know out Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon is witty, smart, inspirational, and utterly sassy. He is, after all, 'America's sweetheart.'
As the oldest rookie to qualify for the Olympics at 28-years-old, and the first openly gay American figure skater to compete at the Olympics, his path to success has been groundbreaking, although it hasn’t been without setbacks.
In his new memoir, 'Beautiful On The Outside,' Rippon hilariously reveals what it’s like to be an elite figure skater - from the glitz of sequined costumes to the unglamorous act of cleaning bugs off the ice at a competition, and all the hours of practice that led him to a spot on the Olympic team in Pyeongchang.
Your mom probably told you it's what on the inside that counts. Well, then she was never a competitive figure skater.
Rippon has been making it pretty for the judges even when, just below the surface, everything was an absolute mess. Traveling to practices on a Greyhound bus next to ex-convicts, being so poor he could only afford to eat the free apples at his gym, Rippon got through the toughest times with a smile on his face, a glint in his eye, and quip ready for anyone listening.
'Beautiful On The Outside' looks at his journey from a homeschooled kid in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a self-professed American sweetheart on the world stage and all the disasters and self-delusions it took to get him there.
Sure, it may be what's on the inside that counts, but life is so much better when it's beautiful on the outside.
Click here to order 'Beautiful On The Outside' online - https://amzn.to/2MKamTa
In this week's headlines:
• Allegations of sexual battery have led to the cancellation of a California high school’s football season
• A federal judge has struck down Tampa Florida’s ban on so-called conversion therapy
• The FDA has approved a second drug to be prescribed for PrEP
• A Russian man is suing Apple for $15k because his iPhone made him gay?
• And a Tennessee teen honored as part of his school’s homecoming royalty, graciously accepted in a sequin gown
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• A Tennessee teen commits suicide after being outed by fellow students
• The Trump administration tried to wipe out Pride crosswalks
• A suspect has been arrested in brutal crime where a gay man was tied to a minivan and dragged through the streets of Jacksonville
• Collegiate swimmer says he was kicked off Stanford’s swim team for being openly gay
• Tom Goss's new music video 'La Bufadora,' dives into domestic violence among LGBTQ couples
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Billy Porter makes history at the Emmy Awards
• Arizona’s Supreme Court rules it’s fine for businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people
• Democratic White House hopeful Pete Buttigieg got grumpy with the LGBTQ media
• A conservative lawmaker (who opposed LGBTQ rights because Jesus) charged with possessing child pornography
• Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness comes out as HIV positive
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A bisexual high school student in NYC is sentenced to 14 years in prison for stabbing one of his bullies to death.
• A gay man was threatened by a homophobe for wearing a pink yarmulke.
• Scientists have discovered a second genetic mutation that makes people immune to HIV.
• A new study indicates that people who use more emojis in their text messages have busier sex lives.
• Plus, new music from rising indie artist Parker Matthews
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Today I’m chatting with award-winning filmmaker Gerald McCullouch - whose acting work you know from movies like Daddy, the BearCity franchise, as well as his role of 'Bobby Dawson' on the hit TV series, CSI.
Gerald has spent years exploring and documenting the world of male strippers. A few years ago, he shared his documentary 'All Male All Nude' which took a look behind the scenes of Atlanta’s famous Swinging Richards strip club.
Now he’s back with a second feature-length documentary, this time titled, 'All Male All Nude: Johnsons.'
Here’s the official synopsis: Journey into the unique world of male stripping at a small gay strip club located in America’s Second Gayest City.
'All Male, All Nude: Johnsons' is set in Florida’s newest gay strip club, Johnsons, located in Wilton Manors, Florida and new home to the creator and owner of Johnsons - Matt Colunga, an award-winning bodybuilder, who has been in the male entertainment industry for 23 years and was introduced in the first documentary film.
The cast of characters in the film range from Matt, to a hunky 26-year-old who spends his days dressed as Spider-Man creating early memories for children at kid parties and then spends his nights stripping down to his G-String for gay men, to single fathers putting themselves through college with their stripping income, to entertainers in the adult film world.
The men who compose the heart of Johnsons are diverse, unique, and captivating.
'All Male, All Nude: Johnsons' will have its official premiere in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, September 15 at 6:30 PM at the Gateway Theater (1820 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304).
A pre-reception for VIP guests which will begin at 5 PM at the Modern Sixties Wine Lounge next to The Classic Gateway.
As well as an exclusively catered VIP afterparty following the premiere at Johnsons the club, complete with an open bar where guests are welcome to mingle with the chiseled centerpieces of the film.
Plus, guests attending the premiere will be treated to a special performance by acclaimed NYC musician Corey TuT performing songs from the film's soundtrack.
Click here for ticket information: https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/OSFF/Online/seatSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=3BFFF536-0021-4A50-B4FF-D5CCEE53D31B
Join me as I chat with my Instinct Magazine colleague, Corey Andrew.
In addition to the terrific writing Corey contributes to Instinct, he also has an international music career as an accomplished singer/songwriter and producer with songs that have been streamed over a million times.
Working together, Corey and I realized we have many interests and friends in common having both arrived in New York City at around the same time in the late 1980s. So, our perspective on many topics jives with each other.
When I asked Corey to join me for a chat for the podcast, I said I’m going to hit record and we’ll go from there.
Along the way, we touch on how Corey approaches writing, what he brings to his red carpet interviews, how music took his talents around the world, plus we chat on our connections to a certain famous Australian, and an Emmy nominated actor from the cast of POSE.
You can find Corey's music on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3L8WCD3SBSIQBjqCkXSHQG?si=Bz05dSzYTam8VV2RuOV3Ig
And make sure you check out his articles for Instinct Magazine here: https://instinctmagazine.com/author/corey-andrew/
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• 'Pose' star MJ Rodriguez honored as "Best Actress" in TV series at 2019 Imagen Awards which recognize positive portrayals of Latinx people in the media
• New ad spot compares eating ice cream with hugging your same-sex boyfriend in countries where homosexuality is punishable with prison time (what???)
• Illinois becomes the 5th state to include LGBTQ history in public school curriculum
• A trans student is kicked out of his Christian college for having top surgery
• A masseur suing Kevin Spacey for alleged sexual battery says other alleged victims have contacted him
All that and more in this episode of "The Randy Report"
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• An Ohio Republican lawmaker faced backlash after she blamed gays, video games, drag queens and more for recent mass shootings
• A New York City pastor is accused of scamming over $600,000 from two charities that help HIV+ drug addicts
• Kevin Spacey resurfaces for an impromptu performance in Italy
- Univision is about to premiere its first Spanish language broadcast television series featuring a gay couple as the lead characters
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Chatting with writer, performer, celebrity journalist and podcast host Dennis Hensley.
I've known Dennis for years. He's the guy you want to sit next to at a party because he's not only smart but always ready with an authentically witty line.
Dennis is a master of so many fields. From his popular podcast, 'Dennis Anyone?' (www.dennisanyone.net) to his very cool 'Lifecast' project where he interviews people and creates a podcast about their life - ergo, a 'Lifecast.' (www.getalifecast.com)
There are his many TV appearances on shows like Logo's "Gay For Play" game show starring RuPaul, "Fashion Police," and "The Big Gay Sketch Show."
He's a frequent guest host on Sirius XM and the author of several novels. And he recently developed a new party game called "You Don't Know My Life" with Jeb Havens. (www.YouDontKnowMyLife.com)
We have wanted to interview each other for a long time, and so finally, here we are. This episode turned into a 'battle of the interviewers' as we both kept trying to ask the other questions about their lives and projects.
I really had fun here.
In this week's headlines:
• The chief of Customs & Border Patrol told Congress an immigrant’s HIV+ status is enough to justify family separation at the border
• A 90s child actor made an AIDS joke on Twitter, and no one laughed
• George Michael’s ex trashed the deceased pop star’s mansion
• A major LGBTQ news website closes its doors
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg did an interview with a country music radio show, but the radio network refused to air the interview. Link to Blair Garner interview - https://soundcloud.com/user-755551091/blair-garner-mayor-pete
• Pop star Ricky Martin has joined hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans in protests calling for the resignation of the island territory’s governor
• Organizers of the upcoming Straight Pride Parade got more cease and desist letters after illegally insinuating major corporations were sponsors
• Oscar-winning queer-themed film, 'Moonlight,' was named the best film of the 2010 decade. Full list of '100 Best Films of 2010 Decade' - https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-movies-of-2010s-decade/
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The 2019 Emmy Award nominations have been announced and there’s good news for lots of LGBTQ artists
• A gay high school student in NYC has been found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing two of his bullies
• 'Straight Pride' organizers get a smackdown by Netflix's legal team
• Out rapper Lil Nas X keeps breaking records on the Billboard charts
• Charges against Kevin Spacey are dropped after his accuser invokes his 5th Amendment rights
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this episode, I chat with acclaimed singer/songwriter Tom Goss, who has just released his new single, "Quayside," from his upcoming album, Territories.
In a departure for the ‘guitar-toting troubadour,’ Goss explores new musical territory with “Quayside” (pronounced ‘key-side’) opting for contemporary synth-pop and guitar instrumentation.
The chill summer song shares the delicate story of entering into a polyamorous relationship.
I recently chatted at length with Goss about the new track and how his own perceptions of love and relationships shaped the narrative of the upcoming album.
A veteran musician of seven albums, Goss has played over a thousand concerts in over a hundred cities around the globe, and his music has been featured on ABC, HBO and Univision.
A college wrestler turned Catholic seminarian turned out singer/songwriter, Goss is well-known in the LGBT world for his music videos for “Bears,” “Round in All The Right Places,” and his cover of the Dusty Springfield classic “Son of a Preacher Man,” which reimagines the video as a poignant ballad about two gay teens.
Racking up more than 12 million views of his music videos, Goss has been praised by press outlets such as The Washington Post, The Advocate, The Daily Beast, Huff Post, Billboard and more.
His new single, "Quayside," is available on all digital download sites.
In this week's headlines:
• A former Mr. Leather Europe comes to the aid of an African lesbian refugee as she starts a new life in Manchester. To help Shadia, head to https://www.gofundme.com/a-new-life-for-shadia
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg announces largest campaign donations of any Democratic candidate for the second quarter
• A local church stepped up after haters shut down an LGBTQ teen prom
• A new study shows there's still a LOT of stigma to overcome regarding HIV
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's episode: • World Pride comes home to New York City • Donald Trump’s gay spokesman says the president’s anti-LGBTQ policies “just don’t matter” to him • South Florida LGBTQ organization accidentally honors men accused of gay-bashing • Country star Jake Owen claps back at anti-LGBTQ troll as he shares Pride Month tribute
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A wealthy Australian rugby player, stripped of his contract for homophobic social media, wants fans to pay his legal bills
• White House hopeful Elizabeth Warren has proposed allowing same-sex married couples be allowed to file amended tax returns for refunds
• A Texas couple found a touching note on their porch during Pride Month
• Terrorist threats at St. Louis Pride
• 'POSE' star Billy Porter is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• Ricky Martin helps kill a religious freedom bill in Puerto Rico
• Brazil’s high court adds homophobic and transphobic crimes to the South American country’s racism laws
• We remember that bisexuals are part of Pride Month, too
• Do your music preferences reveal if you like the top or bottom bunk?
• Grammy Award winner Billy Porter drops a new LGBTQ Pride anthem
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The Tony Awards were a tres gay affair
• The Trump administration is rejecting requests from US embassies around the world to fly Pride flags
• A gun scare involving a straight couple was the apparent cause for a panicked stampede at DC Pride
• A Missouri restaurant cancelled a wedding rehearsal dinner reservation after finding out the couple were of the same sex
• Out artist ROZES drops her new single “Call Me” in time for Pride Month
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• An Alabama mayor catches heat for calling for ‘killing out’ the gays
• A Tennessee prosecutor says he doesn’t prosecute domestic violence among same-sex couples because ‘it’s not really marriage’
• Taylor Swift calls for passing The Equality Act, which Joe Biden says he would make a top priority
• And YouTube Originals produced a new documentary exploring LGBTQ Pride across the country 'State Of Pride' https://youtu.be/_J48BIRaG7A
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Click here to sign Taylor Swift's petition for The Equality Act: https://www.change.org/p/support-the-equality-act
In this episode:
• Brazil’s high court says the South American country’s anti-discrimination laws have to include LGBTQ protections
• Kenya’s highest court ruled the African nation’s anti-homosexuality laws aren’t discriminatory
• Texas Republicans pass their anti-LGBTQ "license to discriminate” bill
• And the new trailer for the upcoming Downton Abbey movie reveals a gay romance amid a royal visit.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• The Equality Act passes in the House of Representatives
• Nevada bans the gay panic defense
• An Australian rugby player loses his $4 million contract thanks to homophobic social media posts
• FX's groundbreaking series POSE honored at Peabody Awards
• And the Elton John ‘musical fantasy biopic’ Rocketman premieres at the Cannes Film Festival
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
• Pharma giant Gilead will donate up PrEP medications for up to 200,000 American individuals in the effort to stop HIV
• Cuban gays stage an impromptu Pride march after the government cancels the annual parade
• A school in Indiana planned to deadname a transgender student at graduation
• Indya Moore becomes the first transgender woman to cover Elle Magazine
• And Matt Bomer plays a depressed gay weatherman in the upcoming movie, 'Papi Chulo'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The Trump administration grants healthcare providers like doctors and nurses the right to deny care to people
• A new medical study confirms previous research that undetectable equals untransmittable
• The Equality Act advances out of committee in the House of Representatives
• The GLAAD Media Awards honors Madonna
• Amazon series ‘After Forever’ cleans up at the 2019 Daytime Emmy Awards.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• GOP trolls attempt to smear Mayor Pete Buttigieg
• A valedictorian at Brigham Young University comes out during his graduation speech
• The president of Brazil told gays not to come to his country
• Disney cancelled its award-winning LGBTQ-inclusive series 'Andi Mack'
• The 2019 Tony Awards nominations are out including a Special Tony Award for Judith Light for her LGBTQ advocacy
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
A four-time Grammy Award winner, Olivia Newton-John is one of the world’s bestselling recording artists of all time, with more than 100 million albums sold.
Her starring roles in the iconic movies Grease and Xanadu catapulted her into super-stardom. Her appeal as a performer is timeless.
In addition to her music and screen successes, Olivia is perhaps best known for her strength, courage, and grace. After her own personal journeys with cancer, she has thrived and become an inspiration for millions around the world.
A tireless advocate for countless charities, her true passion is as the founding champion of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia.
She’s also been an amazing ally to the LGBTQ community for decades.
From performing around the world at gay pride events in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Sydney, to the largest ever concert at sea in 2018 when more than 5,000 LGBTQ fans sang along with her.
She was one of the very first major Australian stars to publicly come out for marriage equality in 2012 telling the world, “With respect to marriage equality, I believe that no-one has the right to judge and deny couples who love each other the ability to make a marriage commitment. Love is love."
And her Grammy Award winning music video for “Physical,” the first music video to win a Grammy, incorporated a gay storyline without blinking.
In her brand new memoir - Don’t Stop Believin’ - for the first time, she shares her journey, from Melbourne schoolgirl to international superstar, in this deeply personal book.
Don't Stop Believin' is available now - https://amzn.to/2SMo20H
In this week's episode:
• Mayor Pete Buttigieg continues moving up in the polls
• Totally not gay former congressman Aaron Schock photographed hanging with the gays at Coachella
• Converse offers new Pride sneakers in gay pride rainbow colors and pink/blue/white transgender colors. Click here to check then out: https://www.converse.com/shop/pride
• Three LGBTQ cult classic movies get the Blu-Ray treatment
• And Harry’s shave company goes transgender inclusive with its latest ad spot
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Openly gay Mayor Pete Buttigieg makes it official - he’s running for President in 2020
• A town clerk in upstate NY is forced to apologize for discriminating against a same-sex couple
• Gus Kenworthy got emotional as he accepted this year’s Point Leadership Award
• Ryan Murphy plans to turn the hit Broadway musical 'The Prom' into a Netflix movie event
• Plus - the LGBTQ films and TV I’m watching this weekend
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says 'no' to LGBTQ activists
• The Mormon Church reverses on LGBTQ parents & children
• Chasten Buttigieg makes a splash in Texas
• Sean Hayes is production a new animated series about a gay super spy
• CNN's Don Lemon gets engaged
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• A majority of Americans say their are more than comfortable with a gay or lesbian running for president
• The U.S. House approved a non-binding resolution Thursday morning rebuking Donald Trump’s plan to ban transgender military service members
• Wisconsin couple told to remove their Pride flag or be evicted
• New data shows there are more bisexual youth and they need our attention
• GOP lawmakers in Texas approved a bill on Monday that would allow state-licensed professionals to discriminate against LGBTQ people, or anyone they want to refuse services, based on their religious beliefs
• Netflix drops the official trailer for 'Special,' an offbeat comedy series about a gay man with mild cerebral palsy
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Openly gay presidential hopeful surges in a new Iowa poll
• Alabama lawmakers are trying to eliminate marriage licenses entirely because they don’t want LGBT couples to have them
A Missouri couple were turned away by a homophobic dance instructor
• Tennessee teens actually found acceptance and support as they prepared to attend prom together
• Digital series 'After Forever' gets a LOT of Daytime Emmy nominations
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this episode:
• The Equality Act is reintroduced in Congress
• Donald Trump finally fills appointments to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
• Utah moves towards a more effective hate crimes law
• Openly gay Mayor Pete Buttigieg qualifies for the first Democratic presidential debate
• Ireland’s gay prime minister meets with uber-anti-gay Vice President Mike Pence
• Out recording artist NIKO releases his new EP, 'RMNC 21'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's podcast:
• Utah's governor apologizes for legislature's failure to ban so-called 'conversion therapy'
• ’Empire’ star Jussie Smollett gets more bad news
• A Mississippi high school is trying to ban same-sex dates to prom
• Folks are surprised to learn that the iconic Mr. Rogers may have been bisexual
• And new music from country artist Cameron Hawthorn reminds of the romance of dancing in the living room
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this episode:
• Georgia lawmakers look to legalize LGBTQ discrimination
• The United Methodist Church doubles down on anti-LGBTQ animus
• Formerly homeless valedictorian kicked out of his home for being gay is thriving in college and just scored a Congressional internship
• Billy Porter brings political discourse to the Oscars' red carpet
• Out singer/songwriter Kisos shares his 'five stages of grief' with "Happily Ever After"
• Brooklyn Nine Nine’s Terry Crews got called out for saying kids of same-sex parents will grow up emotionally ‘malnourished’
• And formerly 'homeless valedictorian' Seth Owen is thriving in college setting up his own scholarship foundation. Copy/paste this link to apply: https://www.unbrokenhorizons.org
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this episode:
• A gay dating app hookup goes bad, really bad
• A federal judge rules in favor of same-sex parents who sought American citizenship for their son
• The Trump administration wants to decriminalize being gay around the world - really?…
• Jussie Smollett of 'Empire' arrested and charged for filing false police report
• You really should be watching Netflix's reboot of 'One Day at a Time'
• New music from out alternative artist Dylan Matracia takes things “Slow”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Media reports show Chicago Police believe actor Jussie Smollett may have staged his alleged homophobic attack
• A federal judge ordered the Pentagon to stop discharging US military service members who are HIV+
• Tony Award winner Ben Platt released his new music video and came out at the same time
• The NAACP Image awards snubbed the ground-ground-breaking TV series 'Pose'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Donald Trump says he wants to end the HIV epidemic within 10 years
• A state senator in Wyoming compared being gay to bestiality when she met with LGBTQ youth
• A new study indicates children raised by same-sex parents do better in school
• And, for the first time ever, a Disney character ever says the words “I’m gay”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Chatting with Steve Sims of Quest of Life Radio, a 24/7 radio station dedicated to LGBTQ musicians.
QLRadio just celebrated one year on the air with listeners in over 40 countries.
I chat with Steve about his passion for out musicians, how his nonprofit helps them make music, and what's on the horizon in QLRadio's 2nd year on the air.
Plus, some of the challenges of starting a full-on radio station. It's one thing to love out music, but to get 7 days of 24 hour programming on the air, brand your company and get the word out to people is a whole mountain to climb unto itself.
But Steve is doing it. Hit the play button as I chat with Steve Sims of QLRadio.
For more info, head over to QuestOfLife.org
In this week's headlines:
• Protester with a gun disrupts Drag Queen Storytime in Houston
• Anti-gay former county Clerk Kim Davis may have to pay big buck for denying same-sex couples marriage licenses
• New Jersey will soon have LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum in schools
• Empire star Jussie Smollett attacked in homophobic, racist assault in Chicago
• Arkansas Supreme Court reverses on Fayetteville city ordinance protecting LGBTQ people
• And my chat with the living legend and EGOT, Rita Moreno
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• Angola repeals anti-homosexuality laws
• Observing the International Holocaust Remembrance Day
• The 30th annual GLAAD Media Award nominations were announced
• And four star generals are still opposing Donald Trump’s transgender military ban
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's podcast:
• A lesbian couple, together for 40 years, were denied an apartment at a retirement home in Missouri because they are married
• Vice President Mike Pence is deeply offended folks are upset his wife has chosen to teach art at a school that bans LGBTQ kids and parents
• A gay Australian party got into hot water over rude instructions to photographers
• And Broadway legend and LGBT ally Carol Channing passed away this week at the age of 97
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Chechnya is hunting down LGBTQ folks again
• The American Psychological Association confirms that toxic masculinity is a real thing and its rooted in homophobia
• Wedding fashion giant David’s Bridal features a same-sex couple in their new commercial
• Mutual of Omaha agrees to stop denying coverage to gay men who use PrEP
• Adam Lambert revealed he has a cameo in Bohemian Rhapsody
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this episode of The Randy Report:
• The new Congress is sworn in with a record number of LGBTQ lawmakers
• Donald Trump scored a victory in court this week regarding his proposed ban on transgender military service members
• Comedian Kevin Hart’s homophobic tweets & jokes landed him on Ellen DeGeneres’ couch
• And Madonna surprised the crowd at the iconic Stonewall Inn on New Year’s Eve
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
As we say goodbye to 2018, I want to share my own take on the best that the year had to offer in terms of LGBTQ music, movies, television and pop culture moments.
Hit play to find out what resonated the most with Randy Report readers as well as the top LGBTQ headlines.
As always, I'd love it if you would share The Randy Report with your friends.
See you in 2019.
In this week's headlines:
• A neighborhood stands by their gay neighbors after the theft of a rainbow flag
• The Trump administration has begun kicking HIV+ soldiers out of the US military
• Ohio Gov. John Kasich did something no other Republican governor has done
• The world celebrates the 200th anniversary of ‘Silent Night’
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
Today I’m chatting with the oh-so-handsome and charming Mr. Matthew Camp, and I have to tell you upfront that this is one of my favorite interviews in a long time.
An intoxicating blend of good looking country boy with a side of danger, what I enjoyed most about chatting with him was how smart and thoughtful he is. It’s a disarmingly charming equation.
The social media celebrity - over half a million followers on Instagram alone - first attracted attention some years ago after moving to NYC and becoming a go-go boy. But starring roles in indie movies like “Getting Go: The Go Doc Project” (which was loosely based on his life) and “Sock Job” quickly sent Matthew’s star into a new orbit.
At the same time, he was encouraged by friends to design his own line of t-shirt and leather gear fashions. Matthew says he took a couple of classes in construction and pattern making a few years ago for the ABCs of it all, but admits to having an interest in fashion since he was a kid.
Plus, he launched a line of provocatively named fragrances (8.5, Transgression) that are inspired by and conjure up his memories of working in bars around sexy men.
A big proponent of the ‘sex-positive’ movement, he’s also an ambassador for Oraquick, the home HIV test. Matthew is big on encouraging people to know their status by getting tested on a regular basis and owning your own sexual health.
Matthew has a new video series project in the works - it delves into a person’s sexual personality by exploring formative sexual experiences from their past. The format will be a hybrid of documentary and experimental art film. AND - the producers are looking for folks to take part in the project on camera with Matthew.
So I’ll be chatting with him about that, what it’s like to have over half a million people follow your life, plus a few other things that come up.
If you would like to submit yourself to be considered for the new video project, you can submit yourself to the producers at CampChaosSeries@gmail.com.
You can (and should) follow Matthew on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/matthewcamp/
Hit the play button to listen to my chat with Matt Camp.
In this week’s headlines:
• New HIV diagnoses in New York City drop to a record low for the second year in a row
• Vice President Mike Pence gives a speech for World AIDS Day without mentioning LGBTQ people while offering wildly misleading information
• As George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States has died at the age of 94, I discuss his legacy on the AIDS epidemic
• A Virginia fireman lost his job because he married his husband
• Cute Polish couple propose in public more than 100 times to fight homophobia (https://youtu.be/gZZ0sQ4U91s)
• And new Christmas music from Tony Award winner, Levi Kreis (https://youtu.be/IPIrxBFBSqY)
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
-
A teenager is arrested for making threats of violence to two gay bars in Boston
-
Taiwan overwhelmingly says ‘no’ to amending their civil code to include marriage equality
-
The Trump administration is trying to take it’s ban on transgender military service members to the Supreme Court
-
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade made history with its first same-sex kiss
• Check out QLRadio's holiday benefit CD - https://questoflife.bandcamp.com/album/holiday-2018-a-benefit-album-for-quest-of-life-media-broadcast
QLRadio celebrates LGBTQ musicians as well as The Randy Report podcast (http://www.questoflife.org/schedule.html)
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker gets married to his boyfriend
• Michelle Obama snuck out of the White House to celebrate marriage equality
• Hate crime suspect in Brooklyn faces 15 years in prison
• A gay widower is being denied benefits by the Social Security Administration
• Acclaimed short film ‘The Real Thing’ really is the real thing
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• I break down the midterm elections on how LGBTQ candidates did as well as how the “Blue Wave” will affect our community.
• The US State Department denounces the hideous human rights violations against LGBTQ people in Tanzania.
• Hollywood legend Rock Hudson is getting a big screen biopic treatment by out super-producer Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon).
• And Colton Haynes surprised fans with a cover of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Today I’m chatting with actor and singer Jim Newman.
In addition to a lengthy Broadway resume (Hands on a Hardbody, Curtains, Minnelli on Minnelli, Steep Pier, Sunset Boulevard, and The Who’s Tommy), Jim is also currently ‘The Cowboy’ in a very iconic 70s/80s disco band you know very well.
Jim also works extensively in TV, film and web series.
In fact, Jim has been featured in two of my favorite award-winning web series - 'Hustling' and this year’s 'After Forever,' currently on Amazon Video.
Another digital series I’ve followed for a couple of years now is 'Daddyhunt the Serial,' which chronicles the story a hunky handsome ‘daddy’ we’d all like to date (played by Jim), and his younger boyfriend, played by BJ Gruber.
Since its debut in 2016, 'Daddyhunt the Serial' has become a big hit all around the world.
I recently got to chat with Jim about 'Daddyhunt,' his iconic disco band and how social media has become such a big part of being a working actor these days - in both good and bad ways.
Hit the play button and take a listen to my chat with this urban cowboy, Jim Newman.
Follow Jim on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jimnewmannyc
And check out 'Daddyhunt the Serial' on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/umRT0LSyf_w
In this week's headlines:
• Gay Tanzanians are living in fear after the commissioner of the country’s largest city called for a witch hunt to round up gay people
• Over 1,600 scientists have joined in protest over the Trump administration’s plans to redefine transgender people out of existence
• A notorious ex-gay therapist is caught trolling for sex on gay dating apps
• And a 'Grey’s Anatomy' star came out on social media minutes after his TV character experienced his first same-sex kiss
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• A religious ceremony celebrating the adoption of twins by a gay couple at a Pittsburgh synagogue was interrupted by an armed neo-nazi who shot and killed 11 people. Head to https://www.gofundme.com/tree-of-life-synagogue-shooting to donate to help the victims and families affected by the hate crime.
• Out actor Garrett Clayton is talking about the homophobia he’s encountered in Hollywood
• Caitlyn Jenner admits she was wrong to trust Donald Trump on LGBTQ issues
• LGBTQ representation hits an all-time high on television
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The Trump administration is proposing a new, narrow definition of gender that would virtually erase transgender Americans out of existence
• Nancy Pelosi says The Equality Act would be a high priority for a Democratically controlled House of Representatives
• Trump voters believe straight men face more discrimination than gays
• And RuPaul wants to make sure you sissy that vote!
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• The nation observed the 20th anniversary of the murder of Matthew Shepard
• Anti-LGBTQ forces in Romania faced an epic fail in trying to outlaw marriage equality
• New Jersey moves to protect transgender students
• The Trump administration requires foreign diplomatic employees' partners to be married in order to be in the US or face deportment
• Taylor Swift goes political speaking out for LGBTQ rights and Democratic candidates
• Facebook added coming out as a new "Life Event" option as the US observed National Coming Out Day
• New polling shows 70% of Americans support protecting LGBTQ folks from discrimination
Plus my review of the fantastic Broadway revival of 'Once On This Island'
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
'Sex and the City' star Cynthia Nixon fell short in her bid to become the Democratic nominee for governor in NY.
A Pennsylvania university will not let a gay man take his last two classes for his degree.
A new study shows same-sex couples are getting married at an older age than heterosexuals.
RuPaul and the Fab Five celebrated at this year’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
And singer/songwriter Davis Mallory's new progressive house track, "Lost," is a real find.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Today I’m chatting with Matthew Ohlshefski - who you may know better as YouTube’s Shirtless Violinist.
Matthew joins me today to talk about his wildly popular series of shirtless music videos showcasing his musical artistry.
Since 2016, the classically trained musician has combined the violin with sex appeal and a splash of humor channeling his passion for music into his own Uber-successful YouTube channel that’s garnered millions of views and has over 22,000 subscribers.
His music videos range from pop songs like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” Adele’s “Someone Like You,” Sia’s “Chandelier” to Gay Disney Fairy Tale remakes including The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast to soundtrack covers like The Greatest Showman, Star Wars, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Stranger Things.
Today, Matthew joins me to chat on how the ‘shirtless violinist’ came to be, plus some of the obstacles he’s faced along the way not only creating the videos but dodging some dodgy moves by internet trolls.
Make sure you check out his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCus8m2tLgpp1-yw6Rcpgoew/featured
In this week's headlines:
• An Oklahoma school district shut down after parents of students threatened violence on a transgender 5th grader
• That anti-gay Colorado baker is at it again - this time denying a cake to a trans woman
• Smart guy Matt Baume reminds us when 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' went gay for just one episode (Watch Matt break it down here - http://randyreport.blogspot.com/2018/08/that-time-when-mary-tyler-moore-show.html)
- A gay Afghanistan teen was denied asylum by Austria for not being ‘gay’ enough
• Plus, out musician Anthony Starble's new remix of "Paperweight"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A homeless gay teen becomes valedictorian of his class. Head to https://www.gofundme.com/hoyaseth to contribute to his college fund.
• Puerto Rico now allows transgender folks to change the gender on their birth certificates.
• The hit TV series 'Riverdale' is getting a gay romance.
• 'Supergirl' will have television's first transgender super-hero.
• Ryan Reynolds wants to see more sexuality in his 'Deadpool' movies
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• The Trump administration is raiding HIV/AIDS programs to pay for further family separations at the U.S. border
• Hawaii’s Supreme Court declines to review a bigot’s appeal after being found guilty is LGBTQ discrimination
• UK pop star Harry Styles admits, “There a little bit of gay in all of us”
• This year’s Emmy Awards nominations had a lot of love for the gays
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The governor of Maine becomes the first in the nation to veto an 'ex-gay therapy' ban
• An Ohio congressman is accused of turning a blind-eye to sex abuse
• Starbucks expands healthcare for transgender employees
• New Jersey adopts new trans rights
• Ohio lawmakers want teachers to snitch on trans students
• How Trump’s new Supreme Court could affect marriage equality
• Pro soccer player Collin Martin comes out
• And 'Panic! At the Disco’s' Brendon Urie also comes out
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• A gay man is awarded $18.4 million for a botched HIV test
• New web series “Fathers” imagines “Who would we be?” if AIDS hadn’t happened
• Tan France, fashion guru for Queer Eye, says his family thought the make better series converted straight men to gay
• There’s new music from out indie recording artist Aiden James
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• A new poll by Buzzfeed takes a deep dive into the LGBTQ community’s sexual and political behavior
• Ricky Martin wishes he could come out again
• Out singer/songwriter Starley drops her new track “Love Is Love” just in time for Pride
• Perez Hilton set to be the next celebrity host at Chippendales in Las Vegas
• And I share my thoughts on this year’s Tony Awards
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
Today I'm talking with Nevada state Sen. Pat Spearman who is running for the Democratic nomination in Nevada's District 4 for Congress.
The word "qualified" doesn't even begin to cover the senator's resume.
A Doctor of Business Administration, a Masters degree in Divinity, a 29 year veteran of the U.S. Army where she achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel, two landslide victories for the Nevada state Senate and she's the only LGBTQ candidate running in Nevada this election cycle.
Hit the play button as we talk about what's at stake this campaign season.
Out singer/songwriter Eli Lieb recently released his newest album, "The Nights We Lived."
With hit songs "Young Love," "Zeppelin," "Safe in My Hands," Eli has become a favorite for fans of indie pop music. And this new album is a introspective collection of songs that lies right in the sweet spot of mainstream pop music.
We talk to Eli about his music, his exit from Los Angeles, thoughts on the state of the music industry and more.
Check out my interview with handsome Russian artist/producer/InstaHunk Alex Abramov who has just released the first two volumes in a series of revealing art photography books titled, UNCOVERED.
Alex lives his life out and proud on his Instagram account where over 300,000 people (including me) follow him each day for a look at his woofy, furry goodness in action.
The hunky Russian has kept personal journals for more than 18 years and has drawn upon those memories to create UNCOVERED.
“My diary is about awareness of my homosexuality, about my experiences and explorations of the world: first feelings, first love, first sexual encounter,” says Abramov. “It’s also about human imperfection and struggle, drugs and fears, scars and past troubles.”
“On the whole, it tells of becoming the man I have wanted to be: a man who is able to inspire others to make changes for the better,” he adds.
Hit play to hear the oh-so-charming Mr. Abramov chat about his life and latest work.
You can find more info about Alex and his photography series at his official website www.abramovlex.com
In this week's headlines:
• Hate crime charges have been filed against the Miami Beach Pride day attackers
• Oklahoma has the dubious distinction of having the first anti-LGBTQ state law of 2018
• Arrow/Teen Wolf star Colton Haynes has filed for divorce
• The Trump administration continues its assault on the transgender community
• RuPaul is set to star in a new Netflix sitcom, "AJ and the Queen"
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report…
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Oklahoma and Kansas state legislatures pass anti-LGBTQ adoption laws
• A new survey of over 40,000 Americans shows acceptance for same-sex marriage has hit 61%
• Ireland moves to ban so-called "conversion therapy"
• Major League Baseball teams have scheduled special LGBT Pride Nights this season (head to https://www.outsports.com/2018/5/3/17228268/mlb-lgbt-pride-nights-2018-list for a complete list of MLB Pride Nights)
• Drag queen Ada Vox exits American Idol with her head held high
• Tony Kushner’s “Angels In America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes” became the most Tony-nominated play in history as the 2018 Tony Award nominations were announced
• Adam Rippon came to slay on the premiere of the all-athletes season of Dancing with the Stars
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Ada Vox becomes American Idol's first drag queen contestant in the Top 10
• A new study shows surprising results - gay male couples are least likely to part ways
• High school students in Massachusetts will soon have courses that will include LGBTQ history and literature by gay authors
• The Trump administration launches a new attack on transgender people
• Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle reaffirmed their commitment to LGBTQ rights
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Out actor/producer/writer Kevin Spirtas has spearheaded a new digital series set to premiere on Amazon Video April 24th titled, “After Forever."
With a tag line that reads, “A story about love, loss and new beginnings,” the series chronicles the journey of a gay couple, their group of friends, and how they deal with the losses in their lives.
Fans know Kevin not only from his long-running role as "Dr. Craig Wesley" on Days of Our Lives, and films like the Friday the 13th series, he's an Indie Series Award winner and garnered an Emmy nomination for his work on the digital series "Winterthorne;" plus there's his many appearances on Broadway in hits like A Chorus Line, Hairspray, Meet Me In St. Louis and The Boy from Oz where he stood by for superstar Hugh Jackman.
He’s also had a second parallel career as a producer of projects like a staged reading at the New York Shakespeare Festival starring Meryl Streep, and was on the producing teams that brought the Finian’s Rainbow revival as well as Priscilla Queen of the Desert to Broadway.
Kevin chats with me about "After Forever" in this episode of The Randy Report.
For more info about the show, head to the official website www.AfterForeverTheSeries.com
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Miami Beach Pride gay bashing
• Sen. Cory Booker calls out Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo on LGBT rights
• Newly-elected Alabama Sen. Doug Jones became the latest co-sponsor of The Equality Act citing his son Carson’s coming out as affecting his view on LGBTQ rights
• Out UK diverTom Daley speaks out against Commonwealth anti-gay laws
• Matt Bomer’s casting in upcoming film trans-oriented ANYTHING gets boos from transgender community
• And Randy Rainbow’s latest - “You Can’t Stop His Tweets”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Note: Podcast contains mature discussion of human sexuality
It’s no surprise that the most obvious trait that sets gay men apart from the rest of the world is the fact that we have sex with men.
But in truth, few of us ever had someone explain or teach us about gay sexuality.
Today I’m talking to popular “sex positive” YouTube vlogger Davey Wavey.
With over a million subscribers to his YouTube channel and over 400 million views of his videos, Davey Wavey has spent years covering LGBT topics relating to sex, relationships, coming out, dating, boys, and just about anything having to do with homosexuality.
Davey chats about his latest endeavor - a website called Himeros.tv which he describes as “an erotic playground for men who have sex with men to enhance their experience of sex and sexuality.”
Davey’s goal is to help gay men connect better with one another as well challenge men to learn more about themselves.
You can follow Davey Wavey on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/wickydkewl
And you can check out his new site here - www.Himeros.tv
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• MGM Resorts released a new collection of wedding songs for LGBTs from Kesha, Bob Dylan and more.
• The finale of Will & Grace aired this week with some surprise couplings.
• A new documentary of the life and legacy of Sir Ian McKellen - "Playing The Part"
• Maryland’s state legislature moves closer to banning so-called conversion therapy
• Anchorage, Alaska, says “no” to transgender discrimination
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio for the state’s policy that bars transgender people from changing their birth certificates.
• There will be NO questions about LGBTs in the 2020 Census
• "Roseanne" returned to TV this week but folks are conflicted about watching
• The NFL will have its first male cheerleaders in the upcoming season
• "Queer Eye" reboot has been renewed for a 2nd season
• Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility. I explain why we observe the day each year.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's LGBT headlines:
• Out Parkland high school senior Emma Gonzalez stunned the nation at the March for Our Lives with her powerful closing speech
• Donald Trump tried again this week with his ban on transgender soldiers in the US military
• Celebrities are buying out showings of the new coming out movie "Love, Simon"
• My review of out singer/songwriter Tom Goss live in concert
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Tony Award-winner Sammy Williams, whose groundbreaking performance of a young gay dancer in "A Chorus Line" stunned Broadway audiences, passes away at 69.
• HIV diagnoses hit a historic low in New York City
• A Texas newspaper removes a reference to a gay man’s husband in an obituary due to “religious beliefs”
• "RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars 3" finale leaves some fans stunned
• My review of the new coming-out/coming-of-age movie "Love, Simon"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals handed down an important ruling for transgender protections in the workplace
• Should we boycott Bermuda for taking away marriage equality?
• An out high school football star is targeted by the haters of Westboro Baptist Church but his classmates aren’t having it
• A gay couple found their wedding photo used in a political attack ad by the Tennessee state Republican Party
• Take two - Starkville, Mississippi, is getting it's first Pride parade
• The 2018 Paralympics have begun and there’s at least one out and proud Paralympian this year.
• Mindy Kaling's new series on NBC features a 16-year-old out character who's never seen the inside of a closet
• VICE follows a gay married couple in Atlanta that's making money from their social media following
• NBC's "The Voice" made history this week with the series' first transgender contestant
• Randy Rainbow takes on the NRA with his parody of "Kids" from the 1960s Broadway hit Bye Bye Birdie
In this week's headlines:
• Harvey Fierstein’s "Torch Song" heading back to Broadway
• California aims to make so-called “ex-gay therapy” illegal
• Georgia lawmakers are trying to legalize discrimination against same-sex couples wanting to adopt
• South Carolina looks to label same-sex marriage as “parody” marriage
• Defense Secretary gives Trump his recommendations for transgender soldiers
• 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals says Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTs from discrimination
• Anti-gay bakers in Oregon take their case to the state Supreme Court
• How many out LGBT Academy Award winners can you name?
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report podcast.
As the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang come to a close, join me as I celebrate the awesome accomplishments of the openly gay, lesbian and bisexual Olympians at these games.
Of a record 15 out LGBTQ athletes (including out men for the first time at a Winter Olympics), four athletes won a combined seven medals.
The number of out Olympians at these Games is more than double the seven from the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. In contrast, there were 56 out Olympians at the much larger Summer Olympics in 2016.
Listen as I recap the fantastic achievements of U.S. Olympians Adam Rippon, Gus Kenworthy and Brittany Bowe as well as Canada's Eric Radford, the Netherlands' Ireen Wust, Belgium's Jorik Hendrickx, Belle Brockhoff and Barbara Jezeršek of Australia, Swiss snowboarder Simona Meiler and more.
Since 2012, the creative team of Rick Copp, Joe Dietl and Ben Zook has made “Where the Bears Are” THE comedy/mystery web series accumulating over 40 MILLION VIEWS since it’s premiere and winning awards like “BEST GAY WEB SERIES” award from AfterElton.com and Queerty.
"Where The Bears Are" follows the exploits of 4 bear roommates sharing a house in the hills of Silverlake. It is often described as "The Golden Girls" meets "Murder She Wrote" with big, hairy, gay men.
The show has a worldwide fan base and the creators/stars have been flown to Europe, Australia, and Mexico due to the show's immense popularity!
Today I’m chatting with the oh so handsome Ian Parks who plays “Hot Toddy” on the series.
Ian is here to give us an update to what to expect in the upcoming season 7 as well as share why the crowdfunding campaign is so important to the series.
In this week's headlines:
• Bermuda becomes the first country in the world to repeal marriage equality
• The 2018 Winter Olympics open as the U.S. celebrates our first two out male athletes to compete at a Winter Games
• Sir Ian McKellen finds Kevin Spacey late-life coming out “distasteful”
• Plus, out singers Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens cover Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband"
Today I’m chatting with Parker Matthews who releases his new single, “Hit and Run” today.
A little background on Parker:
He was touched by the power of music at a very early age when he saw Whitney Houston sing “I Will Always Love You” on the 1994 Grammy Awards.
From focusing on creativity and music in school to staying up nights writing songs, he knew music would be a driving force in his life.
He also found solace in his music as his younger years were impacted by bullying and depression. Instead of letting the bullies win, he pulled himself up and became the artist he is today. He also uses those dark times as an inspiration to advocate for LGBTQ youth by supporting The National Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
With musical inspirations that include Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Adele, Jennifer Hudson and Jessie J, Parker says his music is about the message of human connection.
And speaking of connections, he was one of Music Connection Magazine’s 2017'S Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands.
Let’s first take a listen to his new single, “Hit and Run” and then chat with Parker Matthews.
"Hit and Run" is now available on all digital download sites.
In this week's headlines:
• Woofy Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy isn’t keen on Vice President Mike Pence leading the US delegation at the 2018 Winter Olympics
• Sir Ian McKellen celebrates the 30th anniversary of his coming out
• Two more men have come out accusing porn actor Topher DiMaggio of sexual assault. Is this a case of "he said/he said?"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Note: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are resources available to help. RAINN - https://www.rainn.org The Anti-Violence Project - https://avp.org The Human Rights Campaign - https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-assault-and-the-lgbt-community
In this week's headlines:
• Remember shirtless, hunky, handsome 2016 Taekwondo Summer Olympian Pita Taufatofua? He's making his bid to become the first Winter Olympian from Tonga (Link to his GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/help-tonga-to-the-winter-olympics)
• U.S. Olympic Figure skater Adam Rippon is not having Vice President Pence
• A giant in the world of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Mathilde Krim, passed away this week at the age of 91
• Bob Smith, the trailblazing first out standup comedian on The Tonight Show, passed away at 59
• West Point Chapel celebrated its first same-sex wedding between active duty service members
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s headlines:
• America has it’s first openly gay Winter Olympian - figure skater Adam Rippon
• The Human Rights Campaign released its annual report ranking state LGBT rights and protections
• A possible once a week pill for HIV patients looks promising in testing studies
• A Wisconsin school district is dropping its challenge to a transgender student’s lawsuit for bathroom privileges
• Bette Midler says "goodbye" to Hello, Dolly! on Broadway
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The U.S. Winter Olympic team has it’s first openly gay athlete
• Illinois’ ban on the so-called ‘gay panic’ defense has gone into effect
• NYC has its first openly gay and HIV+ City Council Speaker
• Newly-elected Alabama Sen. Doug Jones’ hottie gay son served up serious side-eye at his dad's swearing-in, and the internet loved it
• Another judicial nominee from Donald Trump is severely homophobic - what a shock!
• Ground-breaking TV series "The Fosters" will come to an end after this season
• And Alan Cumming will make history starring in a new CBS drama this season
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
Join Randy as he celebrates the best 2017 had to offer the LGBT community regarding:
LGBT film: "Call Me By Your Name," "God's Own Country," "Beach Rats," "Dream Boat," "Tom of Finland," "In A Heartbeat," "BPM," "No Place Like Home"
LGBT music from out artists Wrabel, Halsey, Eli Lieb, JoLivi, Rayvon Owen, Trey Pearson, Billy Porter
Pop Culture moments including the return of "Will & Grace," "Star Trek's" first same-sex kiss, the Disney Channel's first gay storyline, RuPaul's second Emmy win and the historic win at the Academy Awards by "Moonlight"
And good news LGBT headlines in the U.S. and around the world
This is a fun show to look back and feel good about the best 2017 had to offer the LGBT community. Hit Play.
In this week’s headlines:
• The US Supreme Court denied the city of Houston’s request to review a court decision saying marriage equality doesn’t mean equal benefits.
• Bermuda is the first nation to legalize then repeal marriage equality.
• Gay coming of age movie "Call Me By Your Name" continues to rack up awards and nominations
• My suggestions for end of the year charitable donations.
• New music from Tom Goss "Gay Christmas"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Author and lifestyle expert Candi Fox joins Randy for tons of decorating, travel, cooking and entertaining tips to make your holiday season the very best it can be. Some ideas to help save money, and some to help celebrate the holidays in new ways.
We also have suggestions for taking care of yourself and ways to reduce stress throughout the season.
Plus, we share some Christmas music from out musicians Ann Hampton Callaway, Bright Light Bright Light and Matt Zarley to make your season bright. Take a listen then go support these awesome out artists.
In this special World AIDS Day episode of The Randy Report:
• What is World AIDS Day?
• What exactly is HIV/AIDS?
• What's the latest development in terms of treatment for HIV/AIDS?
• What can YOU do on World AIDS Day?
Plus, we share excellent resources for information about HIV/AIDS.
Hit the play button and catch up a bit about why we still observe World AIDS Day.
In this week's LGBT headlines:
• Chile begins debate on same-sex marriage
• Hate crimes against LGBTs have doubled in five years in Russia
• Democratic senators introduce the LGBT Elder Americans Act
• A growing number of millennial men are more prone to identify as the more fluid “mostly straight” than use the term “bisexual"
• The highly anticipated gay-themed film, "Call Me By Your Name," leads the 2017 Independent Spirit Awards with six nominations and does great box office in its first week in domestic release.
• Pink and Channing Tatum challenge gender-norms in her new music video, "Beautiful Trauma."
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Australia’s mail-in survey shows a whopping 62% of Aussies support marriage equality
• Monday, November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. For more info, visit https://www.glaad.org/tdor
• Legendary gossip columnist and openly bisexual Liz Smith passed away this week at the age of 94
• Philadelphia gay-basher Kathryn Knott settles a civil lawsuit with the two men she helped put in the hospital after a violent gay bashing in Philadelphia
• Supposedly straight Republican Ohio state Rep. Wes Goodman resigns after reports of "inappropriate" consensual behavior in his office with another man
• Plus, I share two new documentaries I think you should see: "Rebels On Pointe" and "Dream Boat."
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• Political history was made in elections across the country this week by LGBT candidates
• A new poll in the UK shows gay men have an issue with masculinity
• Australia looks poised to legalize same-sex marriage, but there could be a snag
• A Las Vegas father shoots and kills his 14-year-old son for being gay. To contribute to a GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping pay funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/help-for-alexander-and-giovanni
• Pro soccer player Robbie Rogers, the first openly gay athlete in one of the “big four” professional sports, announced his retirement
• Star Trek star and LGBT icon George Takei accused of sexual misconduct
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey had a really, really bad week
• A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump’s ban on transgender service members in the U.S. military
• Don't miss the marriage equality documentary, “The Freedom To Marry,” now on Netflix
• The first openly gay winner of “The Voice Australia” released his latest single, a marriage equality anthem as the mail-in same-sex marriage survey comes to a close
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• Lawmakers in Egypt have drafted legislation which would criminalize homosexuality, making being gay punishable with prison time
• The Trump administration now wants to argue against LGBTQ protections at the U.S. Supreme Court
• Ryan Murphy’s new series "Pose" has cast a record number of transgender actors
• Arrow/Teen Wolf/American Horror Story star Colton Haynes got married in Palm Springs with lots of famous friends in attendance
• and my suggestions for some Halloween movies with a queer slant
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• California governor signs "first in the nation" legislation that will require training meant to help high unemployment among transgender people
• Donald Trump joked that Vice President Mike Pence wants to “hang" all gay people
•The "Yes to Marriage Equality" campaign in Australia appears to be leading
• Georgia state lawmaker considers quarantining HIV+ people
• Rentboy.com CEO goes to jail even as female escort websites continue
• Out Canadian country music artist Patrick Masse headlines Las Vegas Pride
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The National Parks service pulled out of an event where the rainbow flag would fly, for the first time, on federal land
• Donald Trump became the first sitting president to address anti-gay hate group’s Values Voters Summit
• Out actor Colton Haynes (Arrow/Teen Wolf/American Horror Story) shared his struggles with depression & anxiety
• In queer cinema "Tom of Finland" and "Professor Marston & the Wonder Women" open in theaters
• Randy Rainbow parodies the summer mega-hit “Despocito” with a sharp as nails commentary on Donald Trump
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
I posted this as a video this week on National Coming Out Day. I just realized I should share on the podcast also as every day is "Coming Out Day" for someone :)
Coming out inspires friends, family, and allies of the LGBT community to stand up for what is right, even in the face of discrimination, bigotry, and violence.
And on the most personal level, coming out improves our mental health, self-esteem, success, and happiness.
Even if the first step you can take is to come out to yourself, please know millions support your courage to live life authentically.
One of the most powerful moments I've experienced writing The Randy Report was when a regular reader reached out to me to come out on National Coming Out Day. I was honored that they trusted me to share the beginning of their journey.
Be brave. Be proud. Be you.
In this week's headlines:
• The LGBTQ community gets a one-two punch as the Trump administration goes after transgender protections in the workplace as well as giving a license to discriminate against LGBTs via "religious freedoms"
• California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation into law bringing outdated HIV laws in line with new science
• We take a look at one of the gay victims of the Las Vegas shooting massacre
• A new poll shows majorities in both political parties believe homosexuality should be accepted
• Ricky Martin wants to share his upcoming wedding with the world
• For the first time, a rainbow Pride flag will fly permanently over federal land
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that when an HIV+ person's viral load is undetectable there's zero chance of transmission to an uninfected person
• The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says trans military members who meet physical and mental requirements should be able to serve in the U.S. military
• Azerbaijan is now rounding up and torturing gay men
• A new musical based on the life and music of Cher is heading to Broadway
• Will & Grace triumphantly returns to network TV after 11 years
• Eli Lieb's latest single., "Kissing Your Tattoos," rings true
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Australian political leaders and celebrities announce support for marriage equality ‘down under’
• LGBT civil rights hero Edie Windsor passed away at the age of 88
• Defense Secretary Mattis issues new guidance on transgender military service members
• A new study shows younger guys think bald men are sexy
• The first U.S. trailer for the upcoming film, Tom of Finland
• RuPaul wins his second Emmy Award
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The Trump administration throws it’s support to an anti-gay baker from Colorado at the US Supreme Court
• A new study in the UK shows gay folks are still afraid to hold hands in public
• A new computer algorithm can determine sexuality by scanning a photo - not a good thing
• Ellen DeGeneres admits she was told to tone down the gay talk in the early years of her talk show
• Trans actress Laverne Cox books another network series
• Out recording artist Jeb Havens covers Pink's "What About Us"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report!
In this week's headlines:
• Progress for marriage equality in Australia and Chile
• More and more gay and bisexual men are escaping persecution in Chechnya
• Acclaimed web series, "Where The Bears Are," debuts its 6th season
• Facts, figures and more about National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 The Trevor Project’s 24-hour crisis hotline for youth - 1-866-488-7386 The Trans Lifeline - 1-877-565-8860
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer - and LGBT ally - Richard Marx has made a gorgeous debut as a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip with his limited engagement residency, “Satisfied: Only The Hits,” at Flamingo Las Vegas now through Sept. 2, 2017, and I get to talk with him.
Among his many achievements, Marx is distinguished for having written a #1 song in four different decades across various charts.
Having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and notching an amazing 14 #1 singles (his latest - Keith Urban’s #1 smash “Long Hot Summer”) both as a performer and songwriter/producer including “Hold on to the Nights,” “Satisfied” and “Now and Forever,” fans get to experience the pop/rock artist up close in an intimate Las Vegas showroom as Marx performs acoustic versions of his greatest hits backed by a gorgeous string quartet. The evening also includes the true, personal stories behind his hits.
His self-titled debut album went to #8 and spawned four Top 5 singles, including the chart-topping “Don’t Mean Nothing” earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. The follow-up, 1989’s Repeat Offender, was even more successful, hitting #1 and going quadruple-platinum with two #1 singles in “Satisfied” and “Right Here Waiting.”
Marx also has enjoys huge success as a songwriter and producer, with songs like “To Where You Are,” the first hit single from Josh Groban’s debut album, the NSYNC smash, “This I Promise You.” His collaboration with Luther Vandross, “Dance With My Father” earned him the 2004 Song of the Year Grammy Award.
And, of special interest to me, Marx is a staunch ally of the LGBT community.
We chat about one of his favorite music collaborations, his Las Vegas gig at the Flamingo, his terrific podcast “Song Talks with Richard Marx,” plus how and why he speaks out for LGBTs.
In this week’s headlines:
• The special session of the Texas legislature closed this week without passing a proposed anti-transgender bathroom bill
• A Missouri lawmaker thinks there’s a difference between human beings and the gays
• Kesha penned an open letter to LGBTs explaining the title track to her new album, Rainbow
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• The White House has approved guidance for booting transgender service members out of the U.S. military
• NBC not only adds four more episodes to the Will & Grace reboot, but has already renewed the iconic sitcom for a second season
• Animated queer short film, “In A Heartbeat,” charms millions in only four minutes
• Matt Joyce of the Oakland A's suspended for shouting anti-gay slur at fan
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• A new study shows hiv+ men who take antiretroviral medication on a regular basis have pretty much zero chance of spreading the infection to others
• President Trump gets plenty of pushback on his proposed transgender military service ban
• Convicted Philadelphia gay basher Kathryn Knott now says she was acting in "self-defense" when she shattered the jaw of a gay man in 2014
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• President Trump bans - via tweet - any transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military.
• The Texas State Senate has approved it's hateful, anti-transgender "bathroom bill"
• Plus, Eli Lieb drops his new single, "Shangri La"
In this week’s headlines:
• The Texas legislature is on it’s way to approving an anti-transgender “bathroom” bill
• Rhode Island becomes the 9th state to ban so-called “ex-gay therapy”
• Star Trek Discovery will feature it's first gay romantic couple
• We may soon find out if Academy Award winner Moonlight opened the door for more mainstream success for queer-themed cinema
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this episode of The Randy Report:
• The island nation of Malta approves marriage equality with a huge lop-sided Parliament vote
• An attempt to block health care for transgender military service members fails in Congress
• The filmed version of the recent Broadway revival of "Falsettos," currently being shown in movie theaters across the country, will be extended
• Pop duo Superfruit drops a new music video for their latest - “Worth It (Perfect)”
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's headlines:
• An anti-trans bathroom measure fails in epic fashion
• Germany is close to having marriage equality
• Chechnya resumes rounding up and torturing gay men
• UK Prime Minister Theresa May sends best wishes for "Happy Pride" in London
• Nelsan Ellis (TRUE BLOOD's "Lafayette Reynolds") passes away at 39
• New music from Superfruit "Bad 4 Us"
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week's headlines:
• The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review whether a Colorado baker can refuse to sell a wedding cake for a same-sex couple
• The Pentagon hits "delay" on allowing transgender recruits to join the U.S. military
• The Texas Supreme Court gets it wrong on same-sex married couples rights
• HGTV has it's first show hosted by a married gay couple
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s headlines:
• Virginia could elect the country’s first out transgender legislator this fall
• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs "license to discriminate" bill into law
• Military chiefs have asked for a six month delay in recruiting transgender recruits
• Six members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS resign saying that President Trump doesn’t care about HIV
• Broadway Bares takes this year's edition of the scintillating charity event back to college raising over $1.5 million in one night
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Canada's premier LGBT solo country artists, Drake Jensen & Patrick Masse, talk about their new, upbeat country song, “ Go Your Own Way,” meant to inspire young people who are bombarded with the message that they are “less than.”
The bright pop-country track has a liberating, anti-bullying message for young LGBTs in the closet, and also knocks down the damaging imaging in social media that perpetuates the idea of perfection, or that we aren’t good enough.
“The fact is we can do something about it. We can go our own way,” reads the press release for the single.
After just one week, "Go Your Own Way" has landed on the Top 10 Most Active Indies chart.
Jensen and Masse have also launched the “Go Your Own Way” Project on Facebook, a positive, interactive space encouraging folks to share photos and videos expressing how they "go their own way.”
It’s a case of Canadian East meets West as Jensen (from Ottowa) and Masse (from Vancouver) team up for to share a powerful, timely message.
I've been a fan of both artists for years, and I'm thrilled to share their new song.
"Go Your Own Way" is available on all digital download sites including iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/go-your-own-way-single/id1245399631)
More info at: www.DrakeJensen.ca www.PatrickMasse.com
Join me for "A Tale of Two Theatrical Adventures" as two longtime out actors have separate, but thrilling experiences with New York Theater on the same weekend. I followed both on social media as they shared the euphoria and elation of their personal milestones.
The first, Stephen Blackwell. As his 50th birthday approached, Stephen recently made the decision to venture forth to the Big Bad Apple for the first time and see his first productions on the Great White Way.
The other gentleman, Ed Dixon, has enjoyed a long, successful career on Broadway, off-Broadway and beyond. He’s an actor, playwright, composer and author. After more than four decades of great work, Ed was honored by the Drama Desk Awards for his latest project on the same weekend Stephen was experiencing NY theater for the first time.
At a time when it feels there’s so much doom, gloom and grousing on Facebook, I loved watching these stories play out in front of me in real time on the Book of Face.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:
• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is calling a special session of the Texas legislature to try an pass an anti-transgender “bathroom bill”
• The FDA has approved a generic version of Truvada
• Transgender leaker Chelsea Manning gave her first interview since being released from prison
• "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Dave Bautista has a message for homophobes
• Just a few predictions of who might win at this year's Tony Awards
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's LGBTQ headlines:
• Ireland elected it’s first openly gay prime minister
• Newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron stands up for gay men in Chechnya
• The 7th court of appeals rules in FAVOR of a transgender student in Wisconsin
• Illinois is about to ban use of the “gay panic” defense in courtrooms
• The Navy and the Pentagon honor Pride Month
• LGBT ally Olivia Newton-John on being positive in the face of personal challenges
• New queer film, "Handsome Devil," delivers a charming and charismatic coming-of-age story that's reminiscent of Dead Poets Society
All that and more in this “good news” episode of The Randy Report
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:
• Survivor’s of Chechnya’s "gay purge" describe the physical and mental torture they endured in their country's gay concentration camps
• Two gay men were whipped with canes in front of thousands in Indonesia for the crime of having consensual gay sex in private
• The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to global health funding could lead to the deaths of over one million people around the world fighting HIV/AIDS
• Luxembourg's First Gentleman represents at the NATO Summit, but the White House forgets
• The 2017 World OutGames cancelled only 24 hours before the opening ceremonies
• New music from acclaimed out singer/songwriter, Eli Lieb.
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines :
• Gay men in Chechnya are still being rounded up, tortured and killed, and guess what the United States is doing about it?
• Transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning is free after 7 years in prison.
• A Mississippi man is sentenced to 49 years in prison for the murder of his transgender girlfriend.
• Nevada bans so-called “ex-gay” conversion therapy.
• A new study shows facial hair plays a big part in perceived masculinity, sexual attractiveness and even the length of relationships.
• Short film "Wonderkid" tackles homophobia in competitive sports. Watch the full film for free at www.wonderkidfilm.co.uk/watch
All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.
Jai Rodriguez ("Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," "The Producers," "RENT") and Kendra Wilkinson ("Kendra on Top," "The Girls Next Door") chat about their new production of the hit off-Broadway play “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man” coming to the Las Vegas Strip this month. The play is good, clean, naughty, interactive fun, so what’s not to like?
I talk with Jai and Kendra about the play, what audiences can expect, why gay men and straight women make such great team mates in life, plus with 2017 being the 10th anniversary of the finale of "Queer Eye," I ask Jai his thoughts on the newly announced Netflix reboot of the iconic Emmy Award winning show.
In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:
• a Mississippi funeral home refuses to cremate a gay man
• The Equality Act reintroduced in Congress
• Donald Trump signed his “Religious Liberty” executive order without specific LGBT animus, but don’t exhale just yet
• President Trump’s anti-LGBT Army Secretary nominee withdrew from consideration due to his past homophobic, transphobic and Islamophobic comments
• Netflix releases Season 2 of the LGBT inclusive sci-fi series, SENSE8
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report
Tony and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter talks about his new album - "Billy Porter presents The Soul of Richard Rodgers."
The collection features new, soulful takes on classic Richard Rodgers songs from Broadway musicals including Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Babes in Arms, South Pacific, and The King and I, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and Lorenz Hart.
Billy is the very picture of a passionate Renaissance man - actor, recording artist, director, playwright and activist.
Broadway credits include Miss Saigon, Five Guys Named Moe, Grease, and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. He won the Tony Award, as well as the Grammy, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his groundbreaking performance of “Lola” in Kinky Boots. That was followed by joining the all-star line up for Shuffle Along.
Film and television credits include Barry Levinson’s "The Humbling" opposite Al Pacino, Sundance Film Festival features "The Broken Hearts Club" and "Intern," "Noel" (with Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams), "Shake Rattle & Roll" as Little Richard, "Another World," "Twisted," "Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU," "The Tonight Show" and more.
In 2014, Primary Stages presented the highly successful World Premiere of "While I Yet Live," Porter’s autobiographical play at off Broadway’s Duke Theater.
"Billy Porter presents The Soul of Richard Rodgers" is available now at all digital download outlets.
"Hello, Dolly!" is back on Broadway in a brand new, luscious revival starring the effervescent Bette Midler.
In this episode of The Randy Report, I share some history of the classic Broadway blockbuster including how some songs were once cut, and then, restored to the show.
Who knows the songs "Penny In My Pocket," "Love, Look In My Window," and "World Take Me Back?" All were once cut from "Dolly," - guess which one is back in the new revival?
BONUS >>>Listen in as I share Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams' performance of one of those "trunk songs," delivered in spectacular fashion, from when she wore the "red dress" in a major production of "Hello, Dolly!"
In this week’s LGBT headlines:
• Gay and bisexual men are being rounded up, tortured and killed in Chechnya. Go to this URL to sign Amnesty International's petition denouncing the horrific human rights violations: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/stop-abducting-and-killing-gay-men-chechnya
• A transgender contestant was dramatically outed on the CBS reality show, "Survivor."
• Virginia's Supreme Court slaps down anti-LGBT activists who attempted to remove protections for LGBT students.
• A University Of Washington study on LGBT aging shows, unsurprisingly, that marriage improves health and happiness among LGBTs.
• And indie actor/director Gerald McCullouch ("CSI," "Bear City," "Daddy")releases his new documentary, "All Male, All Nude," which goes behind the scenes at the country's only all nude, all male, gay strip club located in the heart of The Bible Belt.
In this week’s headlines:
• NBC, having already given the green light to a Will & Grace reboot, wants even more • I’ve got a favorite on this season’s The Amazing Race, and I bet you will too • New Mexico says “no” to so-called ex-gay therapy • Nebraska finally scrubs it's anti-LGBT adoption stance * And I talk to international supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford about his residency in Las Vegas as the Celebrity Guest Host for the World Famous Chippendales.
All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report.
In this week’s LGBT headlines:
• One of the stars of the hit TV series "The Walking Dead" came out as gay in a heartfelt video
• The world observed International Transgender Day of Visibility
• The Trump administration proposes cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal budget for HIV/AIDS research and prevention
• The upcoming Census may not count any LGBTs effectively erasing us from the data
• And the LGBT community lost an important pioneer and activist this week
All that, and more, on this episode of The Randy Report
Award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley talks about his new album, "The Estrogen Sessions," featuring his covers of his favorite music divas.
A Broadway veteran (A Chorus Line, Tommy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Billboard charting recording artist AND People Magazine's first out "Hottest Bachelor," Zarley recorded this collection of songs as a tribute to the divas who have influenced his recording career.
The hunky singer was honored with "Best Album" and "Best Single" accolades for his 2012 album, "Change Begins With Me," at the OutMusic Awards.
Listen in as Matt shares his covers of hits by Whitney Houston, Sara Bareilles, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, Pink and more.
For more info about Matt, check out his official website at mattzarley.com. And, of course, all of his music on iTunes.
In this week’s headlines:
• Reports say Bette Midler’s performance in "Hello, Dolly!" on Broadway is a killer, and that was almost the truth
• An 18 year old gay rodeo cowboy says he’s not going to be corralled back into the closet
• RuPaul is getting his own "origins" TV series
• Gloria Gaynor is headed to the Library of Congress
• Taiwan could be the first nation in Asia to legalize marriage equality
and more on this episode of The Randy Report
In this week's LGBT headlines:
• An Orlando business man is raising money for college scholarships in honor of the the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting last year
• An LGBT hater tore down and stomped on a Pride flag outside a Congressman’s office
• New Mexico is set to ban so-called "conversion therapy"
• Disney’s live-action reboot of "Beauty and the Beast" is on track to break box office records this weekend complete with Disney’s first gay character
• "Arrow/Teen Wolf" star Colton Haynes got engaged
• NYPD Officer Michael Hance, who captured hearts when he spontaneously danced with a Pride parade marcher, passed away of 9/11-related cancer
"Where The Bears Are" star Ian Parks talks about the upcoming 6th season of the award-winning 'mystery/comedy' web series.
A new reality show from LOGO, "Fire Island," focuses on beach life on Fire Island.
The Supreme Court u-turns on hearing an important case regarding transgender rights.
South Dakota passes the first anti-LGBT law in this legislative session.
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade denies, then reverses, on inviting LBGT Veterans group to march in this year's parade.
In the United States, 80% of long-term care for older people is provided by family members like spouses, children, and other relatives. But LGBT seniors are half as likely as heterosexual counterparts to have close family to lean on for help.
Where do LGBT elders find support in their golden years?
Emmy Award-winning host and New York Times bestselling author Leeza Gibbons joins Randy to talk about her advocacy on behalf of senior care and caregivers through such partnerships as the one she has with SeniorHelpers.com. Plus, she shares her path to success and how optimism is her driving force.
In this week's episode of The Randy Report:
• Yelp will now offer a new searchable attribute to help find gender-neutral restrooms • Log Cabin Republicans are surprised to be surprised by no-so-good-for-the-gays President Trump • The director of the new live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast" reveals the film will feature Disney's first-ever "exclusively gay moment" on film • RuPaul's Drag Race heads to a new network for Season 9 of the hit series • This year's Academy Award winner for Best Picture, "Moonlight," is about to get even bigger
Award-winning singer/songwriter turned movie producer Matt Zarley joins us to talk on the journey of his acclaimed musical short film, "hopefulROMANTIC."
The film stars Zarley, Jolie Jenkins, Chuck Seculla, and TV icon/LGBT activist George Takei.
Accepted into over two dozen film festivals, the film is part music video, part Broadway musical and part romantic movie - in fact, it's all of those things and more.
Zarley discusses the inspiration for the project, as well as the evolution of the film. Plus, he shares several songs from the movie soundtrack.
Join The Randy Report as I talk extensively with Chloe Lattanzi, who with her mother Olivia Newton-John, made history as the first mother/daughter team to hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Club chart with their new hit, "You Have To Believe."
Chloe talks about the genesis of the project, taking on the challenge of re-imagining her mother's 1980s #1 hit "Magic" into something new for their fans, and the Las Vegas-centric music video.
She also chats on her movie, Dead 7, for Syfy where she kicks zombie butt alongside Backstreet Boys Nick Carter, Howie Dorough & A.J. McLean, plus NSYNC's Joey Fatone.
Matthew Rettenmund, author and blogger for the popular LGBT blog Boy Culture chats with Randy about his two newest books - Encyclopedia Madonnica 2.0 (the ultimate book on the Queen of Pop) and Starf*cker, a memoir chronicling his life into and through the world of pop culture, founding a successful teen magazine and his obsession with celebrities.
The ultimate pop-culture enthusiast, Rettenmund has been obsessed with celebrities ever since he was born. Starf*cker documents Rettenmund's affection --in the case of Madonna, it's pure mania--for movie, television, and music personalities. From his years as a star-obsessed gayby to his contradictory careers in and as a teen-mag editor (names will be named), Rettenmund details and deconstructs his--and our--passion for celebrity.
Matthew talks on his years working on a teen fan magazine - dealing with teen and young stars like Zac Efron and boy bands.
Plus, we also talk about the approach and art of blogging.
Brandon Skeie (SHAY-AH) is an LA based singer-songwriter/artist with a strong presence among the industry’s creative community.
At the age of 22, Brandon Skeie has been featured in Billboard, Ryan Seacrest and MTV, over 3M SoundCloud plays, an active online fan base of 350K+ followers, a 15 week synch on E! and more.
After developing a huge following on his YouTube channel (almost 9 million views) including his spectacular cover versions of songs like Adele's "Hello," Brandon is poised for a strong 2016 with the release of original music, beginning with his new single "So Bad".
With concert dates stretching out over 2016, including New York City's Mercury Lounge, Skeie is prepped to take his music to an even wider audience.
Randy talks with Brandon about the inspiration of the new single, his creative process in the recording studio, his amazing vocal range, and how he views being an out musician in today's musical landscape.
Jeb Havens is an international recording artist and songwriter based in Los Angeles.
His music is a blend of catchy pop and raw emotional therapy. His YouTube channel, featuring his popular "Closet Covers" series has over 650,000 views, and captured the attention of Reddit, BuzzFeed, and the TV show “Right This Minute”.
Jeb's new album, HOME BASE, produced by Grammy-winning producer Andy Zulla, will be released February 17th, 2016, on all digital download sites.
Jeb shares many of the songs from HOME BASE, and talks about the creative process involved in creating the new album.
Jeb will host and perform at a record release party at Rockwell in Los Angeles on the release date. Plus, that's his birthday, so much celebrating to do!
“Seriously, someone get this guy a record deal already.” –BuzzFeed
Dancing with the Stars/America's Next Top Model champ Nyle DiMarco talks with Randy about his upcoming gig as next Celebrity Guest Host at Chippendales in Las Vegas at the Rio Hotel & Casino.
Along the way, Nyle shares some of his secrets to learning those amazing dance routines for DWTS; his plans for the Nyle DiMarco Foundation which aims to get American Sign Language learning access to deaf children and their families; the first time someone made a fuss about his most handsome face; plus, what his favorite fashion trend is.
Out artist NIKO premieres his new single, "2 Hearts," and talks about his music career.
Fusing a European sensibility with an international background, NIKO is an openly gay pop artist who brings a sensual take to Synth Pop, striving for a textural experience through clarity of sound and intensity of voice. From intimacy to escapism, fame to club culture, NIKO showcases a multifaceted persona through his own writing and production as he navigates through different thematics, inspirations and emotions.
Growing up in Milan, NIKO was naturally drawn to the city’s fashion and nightlife scene, where his earliest musical endeavors began as creative collaborations with underground DJs as a songwriter and vocalist. During a stint in London and Manchester where he co-wrote and recorded tracks with Joe Cross, producer of Hurts, he nurtured his passion for music production and decided to launch his career as a solo artist. He later set his sights on New York, which he credits for broadening his cultural perspective, inspiring greater depth in music diversity and where his debut single “2 HEARTS” was recorded.
Of 2 HEARTS, NIKO says, “2 HEARTS is a reflection on the human need to connect with ‘another half’. It’s about the moment when you let go of your fears and open yourself to love, embracing your emotions and “synchronizing” to another person’s heartbeat.”
Director/actor Gerald McCullouch chats on his new indie film, DADDY, and the upcoming BEAR CITY 3.
As an actor, Gerald ("Bones," "NCIS," "House") is recognized around the world for his 10 seasons as Bobby Dawson on “CSI," as well as his critically praised portrayal of "Roger" in the Bear City movies.
Thanks to the global and diverse fan bases of “CSI” and the Bear City movies, he was honored as one of the 100 most compelling people in OUT Magazine’s “OUT 100," and featured in The New York Daily News, LA Daily News, The New York Post, US Weekly and The Advocate, among others.
Gerald originated the role of "Colin" in the NYC world premiere stage production of DADDY and produced the critically acclaimed West Coast premiere, in which he also starred, receiving rave reviews.
DADDY The Movie fared equally as well with the critics. Here are a few quotes from critics:
CIFF: “Funny, erotic, and heart-tugging DADDY explores what a hot, beautiful mess friendship and loyalty are and how to age gracefully while kicking and screaming.”
The Film Reel: “It’s hard to say that the film is anything but wonderful…outstanding.. very powerful and filled with emotion…a fantastic film.”
Zone Culture: "Nothing short of miraculous… credit must be given to the talent of the Via-McCullouch team for making one of the most touching, heartwarming and believable friendships in the history of gay movies.”
Progressive Pulse: “Wonderful and beautiful performances…an impressive directorial debut”
More info on Gerald at www.gerald.biz
International superstar and multiple Grammy Award-winner Olivia Newton-John, with her friends Grammy nominee Beth Nielsen Chapman and SOCAN Award-winner Amy Sky, joined forces to create LIV ON, a collaborative, eleven-song collection which focuses on uplifting hearts burdened by grief while at the same time bring comfort to the listener.
Olivia Newton-John and her collaborators sit down with Randy to talk about the new album intended to aid & comfort those experiencing grief and loss while using the power of music to heal.
This inspiring new project grew out of the three artists’ personal experiences with loss and illness, which they all survived to “LIV ON” and celebrate each day with a depth of gratitude.
“LIV ON” – means “to thrive, to have hope and to remember.” The message is clear in the lyrics of the album’s title song:
Live on, Live on Brighter skies will come again Cry the tears you cry And then live on, live on Love is all we leave when we are gone...Live on
Loss and grief occur for many reasons - whether it’s losing a loved one, a relationship, one’s health, a pet, or a job, to name just a few. It’s important to remember that each person’s grief is as individual as his or her DNA – and there truly is no timeline for healing from loss.
Olivia, Beth and Amy called upon their personal experiences in creating this collection of songs which will aid, uplift and comfort those working their way through the maze of grief and loss.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter and actress Chloe Lattanzi releases her debut solo album, NO PAIN (co-written and co-produced with Jarrad Rogers), the follow-up to her #1 Billboard Dance Club hit, “You Have To Believe,” the acclaimed collaboration with her mother, international superstar Olivia Newton-John.
Chloe began the project when she was signed to Warner Australia at the early age of 17, as a creative outlet to express her personal battle with body dysmorphia and anorexia. Although some leaked demos created excitement for the project, it was eventually put on hold as Chloe addressed her inner demons.
“When I was making NO PAIN thirteen years ago, it was ‘never good enough’ in my mind. Perfection was important to me. Now, the state-of-mind I’m in, I can hear the beauty and the vulnerability of the journey I was taking when I was making the album, and I wanted to share it with the world. I’m proud of it now.”
Mike Wass, writing for Idolator says, “We’ve been blessed by the occasional stand-alone single (2010’s “Wings And A Gun” and 2011’s “Play With Me”) and a club-conquering duet with her mom. But none of those tracks rival the greatness of (NO PAIN). Chloe has a distinctive voice and, more importantly, something to say.”
Chloe’s Billboard debut, “You Have to Believe,” became the very first #1 hit on the Billboard Dance Club chart by a mother/daughter team. The music video inspired former Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter, to create a role for her in his successful zombie film, Dead 7, which premiered earlier this year on the SyFy Channel.
In 2008, Chloe garnered national attention on the MTV reality show Rock the Cradle, where she was the last female singer standing, coming in third in the finale.
Tune in as I share my "Top 5" lists of the best in LGBTQ music, film, theater and more from the year that was 2016.
• Top songs from out musicians Ty Herndon, David Hernandez, Jeb Havens, Halsey, and Tegan & Sara
• Top LGBTQ-themed movies: Moonlight, Retake, Other People, First Girl I Loved and King Kobra
• Highlights from Broadway including The Color Purple, Falsettos and Dear Evan Hansen
...and more
Broadway veteran Ed Dixon's latest play, "Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose," recently opened in New York City to rave reviews (The Huffington Post - "'Georgie' is a masterpiece!"). Ed joins Randy to talk about the background of the show and it's genesis to becoming the toast of the town.
Join Randy as he recaps the week's most compelling LGBT headlines:
• Florida pro-LGBT bakery Cut The Cake prevails in court after haters demand anti-gay messaged cake
• Trump administration pulls back on transgender protections - a sign of things to come?
• Tennessee state lawmakers file new legislation aimed at ignoring the Supreme Court's rulling on same-sex marriage
• Don't miss the premiere of DOUBT next week on CBS featuring Laverne Cox as the first broadcast television transgender series regular
• New music from uber-talented out singer/songwriter Eli Lieb - "Castles"