Stonewall Live!: Recent Episodes
StonewallLive
The best of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender book, film and media talk. . Each week we will bring you writers, filmmakers, actors, and media personalities.
Please tune in on Thrusday, September 15, 2022 9PM EST when Adam Zeboski, RN, MSN, CNL joins me for a discussion on his work with creating and equitable and acceesable community for gay men.Adam Zeboski is a registered nurse in San Francisco, with over 12 years of experience working and volunteering in the field of HIV & STI prevention. Adam is best known for his #TruvadaWhore social media campaign in 2014, combating sex stigma with accessible, sex-positive and at times subversive messaging to promote awareness and uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. This campaign was featured in a front page NY Times article and many other media outlets globally.He was recently featured on "Tub Talks" with Damon Jacobs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzr9j-87u6gYou can learn more about Adam Z at these sites:https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/15/health/advocating-pill-us-signals-shift-to-prevent-aids.html https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoadsToTalkAbouthttps://twitter.com/pupboneshttps://www.instagram.com/pup_bones
After years of steady work in film and television, and over 150 credits on his IMDB page, actor and comedian Jason Stuart has achieved a pinnacle of success many actors only dream of. “For the last few years, people have started to approach me and say, ‘You’re that guy,’” he explains with his characteristic gravelly laugh. Indeed, with guest-starring and supporting credits in everything from the Billy Bob Thornton starrer "Goliath" to Judd Apatow’s “Love” to “Sleepy Hollow” to “Tangerine” and “The Birth of a Nation,” Stuart has now established himself as one of those all-too-familiar faces who might just pop up anywhere.
www.jasonstuart.com
https://smile.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Im-Talking-Hollywood/dp/1771433930/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=shut+up+I%27m+talking&qid=1601170510&sr=8-2
Mark Turnipseed has risen through many hardships and come out on top. He shares his experiences from heroin addiction to triathlon and health and wellness coaching.
In his writing, photos, speeches and coaching, he brings the fact that it is better to be vulnerable an open and real into the light with a force of power that can only come through experience. His modeling shows pain, but also freedom. His speeches bring truth, but also hope. His writing shows a better world, a truer world, a reliable world. One that is cloaked in pain, but riddled with beauty and awe.
To spread this truth and show that it is possible to live in integrity and truth has become his mission, his cause and his strength.
For more information go to https://www.markaturnip.com/
His book can be pre-ordered at this link: https://www.trialstotriathlon.com/book
David P. Wichman is an author, speaker, sexual healer and entrepreneur who
just launched his poignant memoir, Every Grain of Sand. The story chronicles
David’s journey through sexual abuse, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction
and finally, recovery and purpose.
Driven by his deep compassion for people who need healing and human
connection, David found a calling in sex work. While working with seniors, the
disabled and those with severe intimacy issues, he discovered the profound
transformational power that sex work creates for both client and provider. In
2009, he founded his travel-companion company, the Male Adventure, through
which he has accompanied clients on life-changing adventures to all seven
continents.
Here is a link to his article on "How to Be a Male Escort" https://research.qut.edu.au/aboutmaleescorting/2016/05/15/a-male-escorts-perspective/
He is an activist, vocal ally, and grateful member of the LGBTQI2 and recovery
communities. David lives in the Coachella Valley area of Southern California with
his partner Todd and three rescue dogs, Petey, Panda and Sia.
Join me on Friday, Sept 11th, 2020 10:00AM CST when Charles Atkins (aka Caleb James) comes to Stonewall Live! We’ll talk about his upcoming book, Elixir as well as his growing collection of mysteries, thrillers and clinical books.
Elixir is a medical thriller of new discoveries, betrayal, murder, and greed. Click here to purchase https://www.amazon.com/Elixir-Charles-Atkins/dp/0727890506/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=elixir+atkins&qid=1576849198&sr=8-1
Charles Atkins, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, clinical trainer, and author of both fiction and non-fiction, both as Charles Atkins and under the pen name, Caleb James. He lectures and provides trainings and workshops, on topics related to mental health, mindfulness, and writing.
Al started writing articles in True Crime Case Files Magazine and is still a contributor to that one and Serial Killer Magazine. Since then, he has completed 12 true crime books for two different publishers (RJ Parker Publishing/Vronksy Parker Publishing in Toronto, Canada & WildBlue Press in America).
His bestsellers include Above Suspicion: The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, Blood Thirst: The True Story of the Vampire Killer of Canada, Deadly Betrayal: The True Story of Jennifer Pan, Last Man Standing: The True Story of Jack McCullough, the man that was put away for the oldest unsolved murder case in America, and has since then been released as he did not do the crime.
I grew up in New York City and was the class of 69 I was at Woodstock the filmore East , The Saint , The Studio 54 and was active with act up in the 80s later I went on to establish a club because of the AIDS crisis to demonstrate safe sex and it became very popular and was supported by GM HC the Gay Men's Health crisis because of my involvement of doing fundraisers every month I was on Gay cable network and I was asked to join tag the treatment activist group of act up where we developed the private protease Inhibitors that help prevent AIDS and now that I'm retired I thought I would write books keep myself busy and I put it on Amazon I have The sperm Builder diet Gay Culture USA all kinds of books and I made them cheap so people could afford them.
Bestselling author Joe Cosentino won Divine Magazine’s awards for best mystery novel, best humorous novel, and best contemporary novel of 2015. He is the author of the Jana Lane mysteries, the Nicky and Noah mysteries, and many romance novellas. As an actor, he has appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Jon Michaelsen is a writer of fiction in the mystery, suspense, and thriller genres. A southerner born a block away from the Chattahoochee River in SW Georgia, his family moved to Atlanta when he was a boy of ten, and where he remains today. His debut novel, Pretty Boy Dead--the first book in the Kendall Parker Mystery series--was selected as a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Best Gay Mystery. The second book in the series is The Deadwood Murders, available in e-book and paperback print via Amazon.com. Michaelsen is currently writing the third Kendall Parker Mystery, "Murder on Peachtree", which is expected to release sometime in early 2021, among other writing endeavors. He lives with his husband of 34 years and two monstrous terriers.
Matkai Burmaster is an actor/director and the co-founder of the streaming service Fearless (@watchfearless) which prides itself on being the home to inclusive movies and shows (women, LGBTQ, disabilities, POC, QPOC, indigenous, etc). This mandate is also a platform for independent films to get noticed where they might have otherwise not been seen.
Stories that showcase every voice. Watch movies and short films that celebrate the things that make us different - told by creators with something to say.
To see a partial list of offerings go to:
https://fearless.li
Join me on Thursday, May 7th at 9PM EST when I welcome Matkai Burmaster to Stonewall Live!
Scott McGlothlen is an American writer best known for The Bare InkSlinger - a bold and acclaimed blog on baring it all: mind, body, and soul. Inspired by his experiments and philosophies on living more transparently, his mostly humorous essays from daily life go to extremely vulnerable places by not only fully stripping down emotionally, but occasionally physically for the whole world to see. This wildly unconventional twist on living in total exposure has garnered a community of nearly ten-thousand readers, many who feel inspired to also experiment with transparency, vulnerability, and even body positivity.
Scott’s debut book, Breaking Glass Balloons: Short Stories of Sheer Embarrassment, has been hailed as some of his best work yet. This short story memoir takes his brutal honesty to new levels by recalling his most embarrassing moments from childhood on up to that pivotal moment that changed everything. With 4.9 stars on Amazon, readers have found themselves laughing out loud, occasionally tearing up, and connecting more deeply than they ever expected.
https://smile.amazon.com/Breaking-Glass-Balloons-Stories-Embarrassment-ebook/dp/B07RP244RM/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2EB3VV6CZIV9A&dchild=1&keywords=breaking+glass+balloons+book&qid=1586181525&sprefix=breaking+glass+balloo%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-2
We all have heard the line; "I have a book in me, just have to get it out." Raphie Klarfeld started this journey 5 years ago with an idea for a novel. From his background as a practicing psychiatrist he drew on not only clinical experiences, but his life as an open member of the LGBT community. The book is still unpublished; a murder mystery that spans the medical, social, and gender expression world of a Latino family.
Tune in to hear just how an idea gets from writer to editor to publishing.
Join us Thursday night, March 1st for our 4th Annual Oscar Event with Ruben Rosario at 9PM, here on my channel stonewalllive on blogtalk radio.
Rubén Rosario has spent more than 20 years dishing out his views on movies big and small at various outlets -- whether you want to hear them or not. Beginning in college newspapers and publications in Ohio, Florida and his native San Juan, Puerto Rico, he worked six years for the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival before covering film festivals for South Florida newspapers like The Miami Herald and The Sun Sentinel. In 2010, he landed a regular film columnist gig for the weekly newspaper Miami SunPost. He currently tears studio and arthouse titles alike to shreds in the virtual pages of MiamiArtZine and Punch Drunk Movies and has been a guest on WLRN's South Florida Arts Beat and The Online Movie Show with Phil Hall. He also writes local news for WSVN.com.
Rubén Rosario has spent more than 20 years dishing out his views on movies big and small at various outlets -- whether you want to hear them or not. Beginning in college newspapers and publications in Ohio, Florida and his native San Juan, Puerto Rico, he worked six years for the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival before covering film festivals for South Florida newspapers like The Miami Herald and The Sun Sentinel. In 2010, he landed a regular film columnist gig for the weekly newspaper Miami SunPost. He currently tears studio and arthouse titles alike to shreds in the virtual pages of MiamiArtZine and Punch Drunk Movies and has been a guest on WLRN's South Florida Arts Beat and The Online Movie Show with Phil Hall. He also writes local news for WSVN.com.
Write it down on your hand, your dog and your calendar: Thursday, March 1, 2018 @ 9PM EST.
Curtain UP! Ruben Rosario comes to Stonewall Live! to talk about the MiFo LGBT Film Festival. Join us Thursday, October 1, 2015 9PM EST on www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
The newly named MiFo LGBT Film Festival (www.mifofilm.com) kicks off its Fort Lauderdale edition October 9, 2015 with two weekends of dramas, comedies and documentaries that touch upon various aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life.
Presented by Merrill Lynch, Showtime and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Office of Film, Music & Entertainment, MiFo is one of the most highly regarded LGBT film festivals in the nation.
The 2015 MiFo Festival in Fort Lauderdale will take place on Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11; and on Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18. Screenings will be held at the Classic Gateway Theatre, 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard; Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street; and Opening Night at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.
There is meaning and momentum behind the new moniker. MiFo joins together the Miami and Fort Lauderdale LGBT film festivals under one umbrella and one brand name, to solidify South Florida’s leadership position in LGBT film and media. The Miami Festival recently celebrated its 17th year with record attendance, while Fort Lauderdale enters its 7th solid year with an unprecedented 45 films.
For more information got to www.MiFoFilm.com
The 3rd Annual Pink Flamingo Awards, benefiting the Miami LGBT Visitor’s Center will feature comedian ANT. The Pink Flamingo Awards honoring people, places and organizations that have demonstrated a level of excellence in our community throughout the year. This year's awards show is sure to be another entertainment extravaganza!!!
Hyper, irreverent, and just downright fabulous, ANT has steadily climbed the comedy hill to become one of the most successful comedians of our time. ANT is the only comedian to appear on all five seasons of NBC’s hit series, Last Comic Standing. He is remembered for his LOGO series, US of ANT as well as appearing on Celebi-Cadabra. ANT’s daily video blog, The ANT Colony, has taken the web by storm.
The 3rd Annual Pink Flamingo Awards Ceremony will be an evening affair at Jungle Island - Treetop Ballroom on September 24, 2015, 7pm - 10pm and will include an open bar Cocktail Reception, 3 course dinner and live entertainment featuring the evenings Emcee, celebrity comedian ANT! The Pink Flamingo Awards is the official annual fundraiser and directly benefits the LGBT Visitor Center.
I’ll be interviewing the Emcee for the ceremony, ANT this Thursday, 9/17/2015 at 9:30 PM EST joined by the Executive Director of the Center, Lori Lynch. For more information on the event, please go to www.pinkflamingoawards.com
Saving Julian is a darkly comic journey into the sad, strange world of ex-gay ministry. The novel tells the story of Paul Drucker, a 58-year-old psychology professor and part-time preacher. Author of Saving Our Boys from the Gay Menace, Paul is much in demand on the ex-gay lecture circuit, sharing the heterosexual gospel with those in need. As he tells his audiences, “there’s no such thing as a gay man. There are only men with unmet homoemotional love needs. And this can be fixed.” But when Paul is caught with Julian, a 21-year-old “escort” he found online, he knows his world is about to fall apart.
At the age of twelve, Mason Stokes thought he was a New York Jewish intellectual. Turns out he was just a gay southerner with a fondness for early-period Woody Allen. But since both options would have gotten him beaten up, he made other choices, devoting himself to quiet study, courtly manners, and non-threatening outfits.
At the age of twelve, Mason Stokes thought he was a New York Jewish intellectual. Turns out he was just a gay southerner with a fondness for early-period Woody Allen. But since both options would have gotten him beaten up, he made other choices, devoting himself to quiet study, courtly manners, and non-threatening outfits.
This led naturally to an English major (the last refuge of scoundrels), where he found himself obsessed with Russian literature, an obsession he abandoned after failing, on repeated tries, to make it more than halfway through The Brothers Karamazov.
Mason teaches at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Saving Julian is his first novel.
For more information please go to www.masonstokes.com
Seventy-five years after Joseph Stalin's reign of terror across Eastern Europe, entertainment journalist Greg Archer takes a step back from Hollywood and examines his Polish family's mind-bending odyssey of the 1940s. In the process, he exposes one of the most under-reported events of the 20th Century: Stalin's mass deportation of nearly two million Polish citizens to the Siberian gulags and the life-shattering events that followed. The book, Grace Revealed, takes you on that journey.
But the author's quest takes a dramatic turn. As he walks an emotional tightrope between the past and the present, can a serendipitous global adventure become a saving grace, heal the ancestral soul and bring justice to his family and their forgotten Polish comrades?
Greg Archer is an award-winning journalist, editor, cultural moderator and author. His journalism and man-on-the-street coverage of agents of change, arts, culture, travel and the entertainment industry appear regularly in The Huffington Post, San Francisco Examiner, Jetset Extra and on his popular YouTube portal. He has been a contributor to Oprah Magazine, The Advocate, VIA Magazine, Palm Springs Life, Bust, Prevention, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Monterey Herald and other publications.
The book trailer for Grace Revealed is at the link below:
https://vimeo.com/110959574
Lev Raphael Comes to Stonewall Live! Tuesday, January 6th, 9PM EST.
Lev Raphael has wanted to be an author since he was in second grade, and he's not only achieved his dream, he's published twenty-five books in genres from memoir to mystery to Jane Austen Mashup; had his books translated into nearly a dozen languages; appeared in two documentaries; won various prizes; done hundreds of invited talks and readings on three different continents; recently sold his literary papers (92 boxes!) to the Michigan State University Libraries (MSUL); been the subject of scholarly articles, papers and book chapters; and seen his work taught at colleges and universities around the country. Which means he's become homework. Who knew?
Born and raised in New York, he got over it and has spent half his life in Michigan. He's a pioneer in writing about children of Holocaust survivors, which he's been doing since 1978, longer than almost any other American author. He frequently tours with his books (check http://www.levraphael.com for his current schedule).
Assault with a Deadly Lie, is Lev Raphael’s eighth installment in the Nick Hoffman mystery series. The novel propels the series to a new level of danger and intrigue as Nick and his partner Stefan are catapulted out of their tranquil existence by shocking accusations.
A novel of suspense set in the academic world, Assault with a Deadly Lie probes the disturbing psychological impact of slander, harassment, stalking, police brutality, and the loss of personal safety. What will Nick do when his world threatens to collapse? How can he reestablish order in a suddenly chaotic life?
Join us on Tuesday, January 6th 9PM EST as Lev Raphael returns to Stonewall Live!
"Finding My Place: One Man's Journey From Cleveland to Boston and Beyond"
Judah Leblang is a Boston-based writer, teacher, and storyteller. His essays and commentaries have been broadcast on almost 200 NPR and ABC radio-network stations around the US. He is the author of a memoir, "Finding My Place: One Man's Journey from Cleveland to Boston and Beyond," and the writer/performer of "One Man's Journey through the Middle Ages," a performance piece based on his book, which he performed at Gay Games 9 in Cleveland in summer 2014, and at venues in Boston, Tampa, Toronto, and New York City.
“Finding My Place sees the author in wearing a 'WWJD' cap around Jacksonville, Florida (assuming it was the moniker of a local radio station) to an unfortunate car accident on the first day of kindergarten, to trying to fill out a muscle T-shirt at age 51 in the gay mecca of Provincetown, Massachusetts, Judah Leblang's journey of discovery blends comedy and drama. In this episodic memoir, the author sketches the world he comes from--a world of poppyseed kuchen, Indians baseball, and the great industrial city of Cleveland, Ohio, which seemed to be imploding in the 1960's and '70's-and the world he inhabits today, as a hard of hearing man with a funny name, navigating middle age.
For more of Judah's work, go to www.judahleblang.com
His book is available in paperback an Kindle version on amazon.com
"Read Looking After Joey with the expectation of laughing throughout, but there’s more to it than that. The social commentary is razor sharp, and the ultimate destination is surprisingly moving." - 'Nathan Burgoine, Out in Print
From the author of Bob the Book -- a funny, fast-paced, touching tale of love, laughter, family of choice and fabulousness!
Wouldn’t it be great if a character stepped out of the TV, into your life? Well, be careful what you wish for, because that’s how Calvin and Peachy end up looking after Joey. And teaching him everything he needs to know to be be a gay man in New York City. The big test? A fabulous party on Fire Island. But first, they have to get invited. This will involve a rogues’ gallery of gay Manhattanites, including portly, perspiring publicist Bunce van den Troell; theatrical investor Sir Desmond Norma; priapic publisher Stuart Bergman; and lubricant king Fred Pflester. Tender, witty and utterly deranged, Looking After Joey will make you wish that you, too, had a character at your kitchen table asking, “So, when can I have sex?”
For a hilarious video of the cover shoot please go to
http://vimeo.com/91786797
David Pratt is the author of two novels, "Looking After Joey" (Wilde City) and the Lambda Literary Award-winning "Bob the Book" (Chelsea Station). David's story collection, "My Movie," (Chelsea Station) includes both new work and short fiction published in Christopher Street, The James White Review, Velvet Mafia, Lodestar Quarterly and other periodicals.
Ruben Rosario Stonewall Live’s 3rd Annual Oscar Show Thursday 2/27 9PM
Love Movies? In a quandary of who to root for on Oscar Night? What is the MUST SEE movie this week? Who got snubbed and who got the Gold Ring? Ruben Rosario has the answers. Ruben has been a film critic for several years now in South Florida publications and many online sources.
His biting insights, careful observations and humor make him a delight to listen to.
Join us on Thursday, Feb 27, 9PM EST on Stonewall Live!
In the summer of ’77, while other boys in the Midwest were busy playing Little League and flocking to see Star Wars, young Kenny Walsh was obsessed with Chris Evert and Woody Allen movies — and daydreamed about moving to New York City. But when his family headed west from the suburbs of Detroit to Phoenix, it was the first in a series of events that set his Big Apple ambitions on the wrong course.
In this funny and moving memoir, Walsh recounts an idiosyncratic childhood that included an attempt to track down a crazed serial killer, a First Amendment battle with his fourth-grade principal, running the local KKK (that’s Kenny’s Kid Kare) babysitting service — and the mysterious disappearance of his father.
Post-college jobs took him to Hollywood and Washington, D.C. — where trouble followed ( stars, celebrity doppelgängers, anxiety disorders) — yet he still didn’t feel at home. Walsh finally arrived in Manhattan the week of his thirty-first birthday … but was tomorrow as wonderful as he dreamed it would be?
Kenneth M. Walsh is a writer and editor in New York City. He has a career in media that spans two decades, with reporting and editing gigs at the New York Times, the New York Post, the Orange County Register, and the Arizona Republic. His site — Kenneth in the (212) — is one of the country’s most recognized LGBT blogs. He is currently a contributor to The Huffington Post and the Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog.
Sean Strub became a pivotal force in AIDS activism through the fiery ACT UP (The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), raising crucial funding for—and participating in—many of their most notorious and effective demonstrations. He would become, in 1990, the first openly HIV-positive person to run for the U.S. Congress, and later become founder, publisher, and executive editor of the groundbreaking POZ magazine. BODY COUNTS documents the author’s own near-death struggle with AIDS and his Lazarus-like recovery in the mid-1990s after the discovery of game-changing protease inhibitor therapy.
At the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic since its earliest days, Strub shares his personal journey and dramatic evolution. His take-no-prisoners account names names. The author identifies the villains and hypocrites who thrived during this era, and acknowledges heroes who battled public apathy to bring the AIDS epidemic to the forefront. The author spares nobody in his assessment, offering a candid critique of where America fell short in its vision for ending the epidemic, including the responses by government, the gay community itself and the “AIDS, Inc.” infrastructure that has emerged over the past 30 years.
For more information and to order the book please go to http://www.seanstrub.com/
Doug Spearman, best known for his role as Chance on Logo’s groundbreaking series Noah’s Arc, is now wearing many hats as director, writer and producer of his own feature films, the first of which, Hot Guys With Guns, made a big splash on the festival circuit this year and has been picked up for distribution by Wolfe Releasing.
The film, a gay comedy-action thriller (and a contemporary homage to 1940’s film noir), is a distinctly “L.A movie,” in which local color and personalities are front and center. Upon the film’s screening at Outfest in Los Angeles, Spearman thought he’d either come out of the theater as a hero or the guy being chased by pitchforks.
Based on the reception to Hot Guys, it appears the pitchforks have been safely stowed away.
His next feature film project is Welcome, Sinners. “It’s An Affair To Remember. The forbidden love story and the choices you have to make,” he says.
Welcome, Sinners has started shooting on location in Philadelphia, where Spearman is joined by frequent collaborator and Noah’s Arc co-star Darryl Stephens. “Darryl’s the first person I give a script to,” Spearman proudly states. “He’s going to carry this movie in a way that he’s never carried a movie before. It’s going to be very interesting.
Preview for Welcome, Sinners https://vimeo.com/80287355
Trailer for Hot Guys with Guns http://youtu.be/C9VcSjTJHD4
For more information www.dougspearman.com
Charles L. Ross, author of Inside, comes to Stonewall Live! 10/19 Join us on my Internet radio show, Stonewall Live! Tuesday, October 19 at 9PM EST when Charles L. Ross, author of Inside is my guest. "INSIDE opens with the art director of a high-gloss shelter magazine finding the body of its editor-in-chief—a death by poisoning. But INSIDE isn't a murder mystery. It's a biography of a magazine—one called INSIDE. Not only does Ross show exactly how a well-toned magazine is put together, he presents a slew of characters—decorators, photographers, editors, lovers—who would be glad the editor-in-chief is dead.…Coolly observed, funny and touching." —Andrew Holleran, author of Dancer from the Dance
"Funny, gossipy, bitchy and oh so true, Ross's remarkably accomplished debut novel not only gets every detail of what it is like working at a successful trade magazine, he dramatizes the unimaginably petty jealousies and deviousness realistically and compellingly. INSIDE is The Devil Wears Prada of the decorating world." —Felice Picano, author of Art & Sex in Greenwich Village Charles L. Ross was the art director of Architectural Digest from 1978-1985. In 1987 he was founding art director of Veranda, a position he held through 2004. His writing has been published in GQ, Christopher Street and The Advocate, as well as a short story in a gay anthology. On Thursday, October 21 at 7PM meet Mr. Ross in person at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 1300 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, at 7PM for a book reading and signing. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the in-person event please go to: http://www.stonewallnationalmuseum.org/event/inside-a-novel-by-charles-l-ross-book-reading-signing/
A cop receives the worst news he can imagine…his life partner, Alex, has been shot on duty. But Andrew’s nightmare is only beginning as he arrives at the hospital. Alex's family blames Andrew for their son’s fate. Barred from entry, refused information, cruelly denied the opportunity to be there for his partner, and the chance to say goodbye, the law is not on his side and Andrew must fight for his right to love. And so begins the Wil J. Jackson movie, “The Denied.” In more than 30 states in the US you can lose your job, your home, and your right to care for loved ones just for being gay. “The Denied” looks at the pain and heartache a survivor of a tragic loss faced when his partner was killed in the line of duty. Actor/Director Wil J. Jackson joins us on July 11, 9PM EST to talk about this film and his work for equality. For more information about the movie http://www.thedeniedfilm.com and Mr. Jackson's website http://www.wiljjacksonactor.com
Our Naked Lives – Essays from Gay Italian-American Men edited by Michael Carosone and Joseph LoGiudice. After finding only two books on gay Italian-American experiences, Michael Carosone and his partner, Joseph LoGiudice set out to show the voices of their own experience; growing up in a rich ethnic society while maintaining a foothold on their gay identities and activism. With no representation of their lives in Queer or Italian-American literature they collected (and contributed) to a compilation of essays that showcase the intersection of an ethnic and sexual minority: Gay Italian-Americans. “An amazing collection of essays that finally addresses an experience so many of us share. Evocative, moving and entertaining, Our Naked Lives brings forth the stories of so many of us who’ve often felt left out in gay culture as well as Italian-American culture while simultaneously celebrates the richness of both.” – Michelangelo Signorile, Editor-at-Large The Huffington Post Gay Voices and Sirius XM Radio Host. Please join me on Thursday, June 20 9PM EST when Michael Carosone and Joseph LoGiudice come to Stonewall Live!
Tom Mendicino comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, June 13, 9PM EST Tom Mendicino’s debut novel, Probation. won the 2011 American Library Association’s Stonewall Honor Book in Literature. His newest work, KC at Bat, takes us into the young world of Charles Beresford and Kevin Conroy. Charlie Beresford would rather be doing anything this summer than hauling furniture for a moving company. Come September, he’ll be leaving for college, away from the awkwardness of Augustinian Academy, away from his father’s constant hints about prospective girlfriends. Then Kevin Conroy—the Mighty KC—joins the moving crew. A star baseball player bound for the big leagues, Charlie is shocked when cool, confident KC suggests hanging out, especially when KC asks him to stay over—and the happiness their connection brings Charlie. But the summer is changing Charlie—putting muscles on his skinny frame, compelling him to face hard truths, showing him how it feels not just to lose your heart but to break someone else’s. Funny, sweet, and moving, Tom Mendicino’s insightful coming-of-age story perfectly evokes that moment when you stop living life from the safety of the bleachers—and finally step up to home plate. Tom Mendicino’s stories have been published in the anthologies Best Gay Love Stories 2005, Best Gay Love Stories 2006, Best Gay Love Stories: New York City, Best Gay Love Stories: Summer Flings, Best Date Ever and Best Gay Love Stories 2010 (all Alyson publications) as well as The Mammoth Book of New Gay Erotica, (Carroll & Graf). He’s lived with his partner Nick Ifft, MD. He’d like to thank the good doctor for tolerating his obsessions with Major League Baseball (Go Phillies! Sorry, Dad), superhero comics, loud music and horror movies.
It’s never too late to find love A week after Chester (known as Chick) turns forty-nine he views his reflection in the mirror in his dining room and vows to get his "sorry ass in shape." One day as he is bending over to tie his running shoes, he hears someone coming up behind him and looks up to see the finest ass and legs in a pair of black spandex shorts he has ever seen. What starts out as a possible love interest becomes more than a friendship that helps Chick rejoin the human race. Running with George, proves that anything is possible through love dedication and a good hard sweat. Charles Lunsford comes from a long line of storytellers. He the first one to put pen to paper (or in this case, fingertip to keyboard). His grandmother, father, brothers, nieces, and nephews would regale everyone, wide-eyed with excitement, with stories of our family history. Like the wizard, in the Broadway show Wicked, said to Elfiba, “There are all kinds of stories that aren’t true…where I come from, we call it history.” Please join us on June 6 9PM EST on Stonewall Live!
Howard Cohen from FISP comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, May 16 9PM EST. The Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention provides educational programs for the general public as well as Police, EMS, Teachers, Professional Counselors and Community Organizations. On May 23 and 30 they are hosting the FISP Art of the Community Expressions of Hope Project. Expressly geared to the LGBTQA community this workshop will engage participants to create a multi-media theatrical production that will be used to educate and engage the community. Howard Cohen, a registered mental health counselor is one of the facilitators for the Art of the Community Expressions of Hope Project. He will be on my show to talk about the event as well as what is being done in the tri-county area in suicide prevention. For more information go to www.fisponline.org
my internet radio show, Stonewall Live! Here are Steve’s own words describing his literary life: Just in case you were wondering, dear reader, I was born in New York City and moved to South Florida at the tender age of five. (It was my parents’ decision so it’s not like I decided to take off on my own and say “See ya!”) I wrote my first book, The Enchanted Prince, when I was a second grader at South Beach Elementary School, and it was a critical success. (Uh, if you count the opinions of my teacher, Mrs. Alterman, the Rents, and my fellow seven-year old classmates.)
From that point on I was hooked, and spent a lot of time creating more stories. I was always fascinated with writing scripts that presented original stories, as well as my own take on established movies or series. I vividly remember an audio mash-up that a childhood friend of mine and I tape-recorded called "Damien’s Ominous Star Fever,” which was a cross-over story featuring characters from the films The Omen, Star Wars, and Saturday Night Fever. Don’t ask. Join me Thursday, April 25 9PM EST
Stonewall National Museum Celebrates April as Poetry Month with Gregg Shapiro and Neil Del La Flor, Tuesday, April 2, 7PM @ The Stonewall. Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events. Gregg Shapiro has had poems appear in numerous anthologies, including "Best Gay Poetry 2008" and "Poetic Voices Without Borders 2" - and in publications such as BAC Street Journal. He has work forthcoming in Court Green and Ganymede. Shapiro's book, "Protection"(2008, Gival Press), was recently featured in the First Books issue of Beltway Poetry Quarterly. Neil de la Flor is a writer, photographer, teacher and former fashion designer based in Miami, FL. His first book, Almost Dorothy (Marsh Hawk Press, 2010), won the Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize. Neil de la Flor is at once bitingly original, funny, and uncompromising." Marsh Hawk Press will publish de la Flor’s second solo collection, An Elephant’s Memory of Blizzards (April 2013),which has nothing to do with elephants or the memory or blizzards, but has everything to do with an elephant’s memory of blizzards.
Jonathan D. Lovitz is an accomplished stage & screen actor and community advocate perhaps best known for his seasons on MTV Networks' “Setup Squad" and "1 Girl 5 Gays" as well as a host & interviewer for MTV, NPR, BroadwayTV, The Red Carpet Network, VitaminShoppeTV and more. As a gay rights advocate, Jonathan travels the country speaking out for marriage equality, LGBTQ youth issues, and positive exposure for the community-- especially in the worlds of business and education. He is also a passionate supporter of arts education and often teaches theatre/dance masterclasses at universities and high schools nationwide, always finding a way to integrate messages of equality & acceptance with his students. Jonathan graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2006 and has been on an incredible journey ever since. He continues to spearhead events and activities that benefit the gay community nationwide, including his college speaking tour, appearances at Pride ceremonies across America, and campaigns with groups including The Trevor Project, GLAAD, Campus Pride, the NGLCC, and Freedom to Marry. He has been featured extensively for his work in magazines like Out, The Advocate, Instinct, and InTouch-- and has spoken out for the community on MSNBC, NPR, and countless online publications. Jonathan's lengthy career as a performer includes multiple Broadway national tours, regional theatre premiers throughout the US and Europe, as well as commercials and ads running worldwide.
Love Movies? In a quandary of who to root for on Oscar Night? What is the MUST SEE movie this week? Ruben Rosario has the answers. Ruben has been a film critic for several years now in South Florida publications and many online sources.
His biting insights, careful observations and humor make him a delight to listen
David Berger author of “Task Force Gaea – Finding Balance” comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, January 17 9PM EST. When Star Trek meets Greek Mythology, where graphic novels (comic books) meet childhood heroes, you get David Berger’s Task Force Gaea. A high school English teacher for twenty years, David Berger teaches AP English Literature and International Baccalaureate English to seniors, sharing his love of reading. Reading comics as a child sparked an interest in Greek mythology, bringing a love of fantasy fiction to life. Twenty five years in the making, Task Force: Gaea has grown from its infancy as a short story into a foundation for the future adventures of his four heroes.
In a world where every desire can easily be fulfilled, life is a luxurious escapade of excess and indulgence. Follow the exploits of eight gay men, who become four infamous couples, as their lives humorously intersect and tragically intertwine against the backdrop of the international gay party scene. These four couples scheme, maneuver, and struggle their way through a star-studded world virtually unknown to those on the outside. The HardBody Chronicles captures the zeitgeist of that moment and unveils the glamour and absurdity that enveloped it. From Miami’s stunning White Party to the inferno of naked flesh at the Black Party, from the 24-hour clubs of Ibiza to the joyous Morning Party on Fire Island, it was a time to celebrate life. For those who knew this period, this book will make you laugh, smile, and maybe cry. It is a bittersweet piece of history - served up beautifully by Smyth and Barbieri. Heighten your experience by following them at www.hardbodychronicles.com
Have You Heard the One about the Gay Jew in the Trailer Park? What happens when a lifelong apartment dweller decides the only way to achieve the American dream is to buy a mobile home? And how does a Gay Jew fit in with his trailer park neighbors? Maryland author and columnist, Milton Stern, answers those questions and more as he relates his adventures on his blog: “Have You Heard the One about the Gay Jew in the Trailer Park?” (http://gayjewmobilehome.blogspot.com/). With a mix of advice and lots of humor, Stern has been relating on a weekly basis how he made the decision to buy a mobile home and wishes he had done this twenty years ago. His followers have read about how is rescue beagle, Esmeralda, tried running away then proceeded to “redecorate” as only a dog could, how he had a meltdown trying to turn a small bedroom into an office, and how the crazies always find him, just to name a few of his adventures!
For two years Dr. Jay Asher wrote a monthly column for Gay and Lesbian Center in South Florida on gay and lesbian couples' issues. He also ran a bi-monthly support group for the Center for gay and lesbian couples for which he won an award. He has self-published a memoir, Sunny Boy, and two novellas, Love in Progress, a lesbian love story, and Brighton Beach Murder, about male prostitution. Dr. Asher's doctoral dissertation dealt with gay and lesbian adolescent suicide; he is the co-founder of H.A.T.C.H. (Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals). HBO did a documentary on his work with youth, Why Am I Gay? Author Jay Asher's novella, Love in Progress, is a Life-Lesson for all who love so hard that we willingly give away huge pieces of ourselves in order to maintain a relationship. His profound message is embued with universal truths that transcend gender. Jane's struggle as she bounces back and forth between old habits and the new path she's learning to walk is woven beautifully by the author.
Higher Education: Marijuana at the Mansion is a story of power, politics, and just plain bad manners at the uppermost echelons of university life, as told by a former first lady of three major American universities. It is a candid and often humorous portrayal of the noholds-barred corporate maneuverings of university leadership-of how sitting university presidents are clandestinely courted and stolen; of faithless relationships among top-level university officials; and of the hypocrisy of those who present themselves and their universities as society's moral beacons.
It is also the story of a marriage that could not withstand the pressures of public life and the debilitating illness of Ménière's disease, a little-known but devastating disorder of the inner ear that causes severe vertigo and hearing loss. The author landed in a heap of trouble when the Wall Street Journal reported that she had smoked marijuana in the Vanderbilt University chancellor's residence for relief from "an inner ear ailment," in addition to having caused "stirs on campus with her liberal politics." Clearly, this first lady of a university run by Old South conservatives was destined for a spectacular pratfall from grace.
Higher Education is a bravely told tale from a highly original perspective. It will captivate readers interested in the behind-the-scenes intrigue of American university politics and the current controversy surrounding the legalization of medical marijuana.
Constance Bumgarner Gee was the first lady and a faculty member at Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and Ohio State University. She currently lives, writes, and gardens on the bank of the Westport River in southern Massachusetts.
Romance author Eric Arvin comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, November 8, 9PM EST. Eric Arvin resides in the same sleepy Indiana river town where he grew up. When he was young he played with unicorns and gnomes and was named Queen of the Faery-folk at the age of five. He graduated from Hanover College with a Bachelors in History. He has lived, for brief periods, in Italy and Australia and most recently in the dark chambers of the Caverns of Arvinia. He has survived brain surgery and his own loud-mouthed personal demons, though it is a daily battle. Eric is the author of THE REST IS ILLUSION, SUBSURDITY, SUBURBILICIOUS, SIMPLE MEN, and various other sundry and not-so-sundry writings. Willy Shakespeare once said of him: "That bitch got talent!" He intends to live the rest of his days with tongue in cheek and eyes set to roam. For more information on Eric see www.ericarvin.blogspot.com
Trebor Healey is author of the novel Through It Came Bright Colors, a selection of the InsightOut Book Club and the winner of both the Violet Quill Award and the Publishing Triangle’s Ferro-Grumley Award for Fiction. His other books include the novel Faun, the short story collection A Perfect Scar, and a volume of poetry, Sweet Son of Pan. A Horse Named Sorrow, and Faun, are his two latest releases. A Horse Named Sorrow is simply, inexorably beautiful. It is sexy, cinematic, the prose itself an absolute joy to read, and often funny as holy hell. It is, at the same time, one of the saddest works I have ever read: piercing, poignant, and memorable.”—Maureen Seaton, author of Sex Talks to Girls: A Memoir "This magical tale about a boy unexpectedly turning into a faun is funny, poignant and erotic. Faun offers a wise meditation on our relationship to the earth as well as each other—and to our sexuality, which is the 'greenest' part of us all." —Mark Thompson. www.treborhealey.com
John Lindo, author of Collegiate Maneuvers comes to Stonewall Live Thursday, Oct, 25th 9PM EST. The year is 1994, and young intrepid New Yorker Jake Castile heads to the University of Michigan to begin his college career. But friendship soon gives way to infatuation, and Jake becomes increasingly uncomfortable with its implications. Completely overwhelmed by the torture stemming from his unrequited feelings, his emerging homosexuality, and his struggles with college life in general, Jake returns home to quietly end his own life. Collegiate Maneuvers is a unique coming of age story that resonates with the yearning that we all feel when searching for our true selves. It will take you back to your college days thinking, Did I do that? And then softly remembering with a smile. A great read. John Lindo was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from the University of Virginia and received a law degree from Boston College. He currently lives in Chicago with his partner. For more information please go to www..johnlindobooks.com
Keith Boykin is a popular TV commentator, inspirational speaker, and New York Times best-selling author. His new book is called For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Still Not Enough. Since the 2008 presidential campaign, Keith has provided political commentary for CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC, and he previously co-hosted the weekly TV series My Two Cents on BET Networks. Educated at Dartmouth and Harvard, Keith attended law school with President Barack Obama and served in the White House as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton, where he helped organize and participated in the nation's first ever meeting between a sitting president and leaders of the LGBT community. A founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition, Keith has spoken to audiences, large and small, all across the world. He delivered a landmark speech to 200,000 people at the Millennium March on Washington, and he gave a stirring speech about the AIDS epidemic in front of 40,000 people in Chicago's Soldier Field. All of Keith's first three books were nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, including his third book, Beyond the Down Low: Sex, Lies and Denial in Black America. Keith won the Lambda Literary Award for his second book, Respecting The Soul, while his first book, One More River to Cross, is taught in colleges and universities throughout the country. For more information on Keith's new book, please go to http://4coloredboys.com/and a YouTube trailer at http://youtu.be/CO_mG8FxfJM
Robert Levithan, author of The New 60: Outliving Yourself and Reinventing a Future comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, Sept 20thth 9PM EST. The New 60 is an exploration of approaching (and, eventually, arriving at) 60—an age that had once seemed beyond my reach. Aging in the 21st Century is an exciting new frontier. We are redefining its meaning as we live it. This is that journey. Anybody approaching 60 and feeling like they might have experienced the best part of their life NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK! They will discover an amazing truth: that in so many ways the best is yet to come. Levithan's story is truly extraordinary - and he tells it with great style! I read it in one sitting - and plan to make it a staple gift for anybody approaching the big SIX -O! – Stu Richardson Robert Levithan was born in 1951 in Manhattan. He is a committed New Yorker although time spent in Italy, Venezuela, Brazil and Santa Fe have contributed to his well being. Presently a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, he also facilitates groups at Friends In Deed—The Crisis Center for Life Threatening Illness—where he was Co-Chair of the Board for seven years. He also leads the Mastery Workshop. He is a columnist for The Good Men Project Magazine and a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post. He has written columns for OPRAH at HOME as The Design Shrink and for OUT.com and ADVOCATE.com. As an expert on living with illness, he has appeared on CHARLIE ROSE and FRESH AIR and is cited in numerous books and articles. He currently lives in SoHo with his muse, Sophie, a former seeing-eye dog.
In 2005, Dan Bucatinsky and his partner, Don Roos, found themselves in an L.A. delivery room, decked out in disposable scrubs from shower cap to booties, to welcome their adopted baby girl—launching their frantic yet memorable adventures into fatherhood. Two and a half years later, the same birth mother—a heroically generous, pack-a-day teen with a passion for Bridezilla marathons and Mountain Dew—delivered a son into the couple’s arms. In Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight? Bucatinsky moves deftly from sidesplitting stories about where kids put their fingers to the realization that his athletic son might just grow up to be straight and finally to a reflection on losing his own father just as he’s becoming one. Bucatinsky’s soul-baring and honest stories tap into that all-encompassing, and very human, hunger to be a parent—and the life-changing and often ridiculous road to getting there. Dan is perhaps best known for writing and starring in the indie gay romantic comedy All Over The Guy. Since 2003 he and partner Lisa Kudrow have been running Is Or Isn't Entertainment which produced the cult comedy The Comeback in which he co-starred with Kudrow as her publicist. They are now in production for the third season of the acclaimed docu-series Who Do You Think You Are? and have garnered critical and audience attention for their groundbreaking, web-to-TV version of Web Therapy for Showtime in which he Bucatinsky also stars.
Greg Hogben, author of The British Devil, comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, August 9th, 9PM EST. Greg Hogben was born and raised on the South Coast of England where he spent his school days learning how to get into trouble. But more importantly, he learned how to tell stories to get out of it. Greg is a huge fan of British humor and counts Stephen Fry and Jennifer Saunders among his comedy gods. You can contact Greg at greghogben@gmail.com or on Facebook. Join me at 9PMEST Thursday, August 9th www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Dale Lazarov, author of Good Sports, comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, July 12, 2012
GOOD SPORTS is a graphic novel that brings Dale Lazarov’s carnality and sweetness as a writer and Alessio Slonimsky realistic raunchiness as an illustrator to the “cocks in jocks” sports-themed gay erotic comics genre.
In GOOD SPORTS, a field hockey coach and his partner celebrate his team’s win by spending the day after the tournament having sex every possible way they can. In- between bouts of tenderness and high-stamina. the graphic novel flashes back to how the couple met as young sportsmen and won each other over both in the field and in private.
David Pratt, author of Bob the Book comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, June 28, 9PM EST. So what is a gay book?—A book attracted to books of the same gender! Meet Bob the Book, a gay book for sale in a Greenwich Village bookstore, where he falls in love with another book, Moishe. But an unlikely customer separates the young lovers. As Bob wends his way through used book bins, paper bags, knapsacks, and lecture halls, hoping to be reunited with Moishe, he meets a variety of characters, both book and human, including Angela, a widowed copy of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, and two other separated lovers, Neil and Jerry, near victims of a book burning. Among their owners are Alfred and Duane, whose on-again, off-again relationship unites and separates our book friends.
David Pratt won a 2011 Lambda Literary Award for his debut novel, "Bob the Book." His story collection, "My Movie," now out from Chelsea Station Editions, includes new work and draws on short fiction previously published in Christopher Street, The James White Review, Velvet Mafia, Chelsea Station and in several anthologies. David has directed and performed his work for the theater in New York City at the Cornelia Street Cafe, Dixon Place, HERE Arts Center, the Dramatists Guild, the Flea (as part of a workshop directed by Karen Finley), on WBAI-FM and in the New York International Fringe Festival. His collaborations with Rogerio M. Pinto include "Os Tres Porquinhos," "Chapeuzinho Vermelho," and "Branca de Neve," Brazilian Portuguese versions of, respectively, "The Three Little Pigs," "Little Red Riding Hood," and Snow White. David holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School.
Perry Brass, author of King of Angels comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, June 21st 9PM EST. King of Angels is a story about the unbreakable links between fathers and sons, about the search for identity and meaning in life, and about what 12-year-old boys do and talk about at a sleep-over. It is the coming-of-age story of Benjamin Rothberg, a 12-year-old master of “shape-shifting,” of changing identities while steadfastly grasping the unique features of his own. The child of a marriage between a passionate Northern Jewish father and a classic Southern WASP beauty, Benjamin must change identities from Jewish to non-Jewish, from being a smart, precocious self-aware kid to masquerading and “passing” as a regular boy, from growing into a sexually curious (and possibly gay) young man to experiencing a fragile adolescent innocence, almost in love with a pretty girl. Set in the haunting, enchanting landscape of Savannah, Georgia during the tumultuous early 1960’s, King of Angels differs greatly from most novels with an LGBT theme: it is about a significant and extremely compelling relationship between a father and son—told from the bond that both father and son feel, despite differences in generation, the many secrets that separate them, and barriers of temperament but not of basic character. This nourishing father-and-son relationship is something many gay men (as well as straight men) seek, but it has been sadly missing from most literature. From Savannah, GA, poet, novelist, playwright, and activist Perry Brass has published 16 books, winning numerous awards for his poetry, plays, and fiction. In 1972, he co-founded the Gay Men's Health Project Clinic, He is currently a coordinator of the Rainbow Book Fair, the oldest LGBT book fair in the U.S. For more information: www.perrybrass.com
Gene Probasco, author of Journey Out comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, June 7th 9PM EST. Journey Out: Memoirs of men coming to grips with their orientation is a collection of stories of men who made the journey of leaving a heterosexual marriage to pursue a same sex romantic relationship. A compilation of personal, intimate accounts of gay men from many walks of life, common themes of dual life, fear, anticipation, integrity, and transformation as well as self acceptance run throughout many of these men's stories. All these traits are uniquely human and experienced by all, so the reader finds himself/herself cheering for these men as each of them awakens to their own personal acceptance and understanding of who they truly are.
Gene Probasco delivers an authoritative; informative read which is truly unique, as this book is also full of facts & statistics on gay orientation that only serves to underscore the struggles of all gay individuals.
Journey Out is a celebration of finding and accepting oneself. Full of heartfelt and touching narratives from gay men of all ages, Journey Out offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it is to be gay in today's society.
Lewis DeSimone, author of Hearts History comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday May 24th, 9PM EST. In this beautiful and haunting novel, Lewis DeSimone, author of the acclaimed Chemistry, explores the hidden depths of love, the struggle to maintain a balance between connection and individuality. Edward’s illness is set against the backdrop of a sea change in gay culture, a time when AIDS is assumed to be simply a manageable condition, and when the drive for assimilation—through marriage, or the military—has begun to trump the distinct characteristics that were once a source of pride. Deftly shifting perspectives to paint a compelling portrait of a man and a community on the cusp of a critical transition, The Heart’s History offers hope that, despite the impossibility of ever achieving true oneness with another person, it is the attempt itself that grants life both joy and its deepest meaning. Lewis DeSimone is the author of the novel Chemistry (Lethe Press). His work has also appeared in Christopher Street, James White Review, Harrington Gay Men’s Fiction Quarterly, and the anthologies Charmed Lives: Gay Spirit in Storytelling, Best Gay Love Stories: Summer Flings, I Like It Like That: True Tales of Gay Male Desire, Second Person Queer: Who You Are (So Far), The Mammoth Book of Threesomes and Moresomes, and My Diva: 65 Gay Men on the Women Who Inspire Them. His contribution to the latter was highlighted on Salon.com and reprinted in Ganymede and Best Gay Stories 2010. He blogs regularly at SexAndTheSissy.wordpress.com and can be reached through his Web site, www.lewisdesimone.com. He lives in San Francisco, where he is currently at work on his next novel.
Mathew Sydney, singer-songwriter and fellow blogtalkradio host comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, May 17th 9PM EST. A consummate entertainer, Mathew Sydney has been a composer, actor and visual artist since an early age. His influences include classic rock giants such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and The Beach Boys; pop sensations such as Pink, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Maroon5 and alternative artists such as R.E.M, The B-52's, Neko Case and The New ographers.
Sydney began performing at open mics in 2005 and by 2009 he was headlining his own shows at coffeehouses and clubs. Not one to simply strum away on his guitar, Sydney engages his audience through storytelling, conversation and the occasional use of props and costumes. There is a story behind every song: sometimes funny, sometimes serious but always uplifting.
A dedicated supporter of his fellow independent artists, Sydney also hosts a weekly internet radio show on Indie Florida where he features music by and interviews other artists. His live performances are also structured in a variety show format, creating a showcase for audiences to experience other talented artists as well as Sydney's original music.
Sydney's latest studio project 'The Game' highlights his versatility as a composer with songs that feature elements of rock, jazz, folk, dance and psychedelia. In an age when an independent artist needs to be an expert in marketing, business and theater, Mathew Sydney is the complete package.
A Letter From The Bishop is about the friendship shared by three gay priests and how they react to their homophobic bishop's demand that all his priests read a letter ordering Catholics to vote against same-sex marriage. One of the priests objects to the bishop's demand. This alters his friendship with the other two and causes a show-down with the bishop. The answer to the question “Will he or won’t he read the anti-gay letter?” is revealed in the final scene. A Letter From The Bishop will have its first New York City reading at St. Clement’s Off-Broadway Theater, 423 West 46th Street, at 7PM on June 11, 2012. (Fort Lauderdale’s Stonewall National Museum and Archives hosted the first reading of the play on February 13, 2012.) Tony Adams wrote A Letter From The Bishop in November , 2011, with the realization and conviction that he had been ordained a Catholic priest for two reasons: to contradict the damage and misdirection of the homophobic American bishops and to encourage gay priests to come out of their closets. Having been a priest for many years and having spent four years in Rome, he is well acquainted with the ways of gay priests, bishops and cardinals. After retiring from a subsequent 25 year career in community development, he began writing for the LGBT media and is currently found online and in print at sfgn.com, bilerico.com, PRIDE magazine, The Mirror, 10thousandcouples.com and queernewyorkblog.blogspot.com. Tony and his husband Christopher have been together for 28 years and reside in Manhattan and Fort Lauderdale.
Greg Archer, author of Shut up Skinny B*tches comes to Stonewall Live!, Thursday, May 3rd, 9PM EST The Common Sense Guide To Following Your Hunger and Your Heart. In America, we no longer fear God, or the communists, but we fear fat, Diets don't work. Yet, millions of people struggle with dieting every year - some, their entire lives. Worse, they're pressured to look a certain way and be a certain size. "Skinny", they're told, is "in". And, only when they're skinny, will they fit in, be accepted, loved and have all of their dreams come true. Greg Archer takes us on a hilarious, truthful and always fabulous ride as we look at how and what we eat makes us what we are. Along with Maria Rago, PhD he has written a common sense and practical approach to eating well and living even better. Greg Archer is an award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Mainstreet Media's Good Times Santa Cruz. His profiles on celebrities, and health and eco patriots - near and far - have appeared in Oprah Magazine, the Advocate, Bust, and the Huffington Post. He also writes about the arts for the San Francisco Examiner and moonlights as a certified Spin instructor. Mocha Chais, Polish dumplings (with melted butter, of course) and thin-crust Chicago-style pizza make him very happy. For more information www.shutupskinnybitches.info
Matthew J. Beier is a novelist, screenwriter, photographer, and graphic designer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was nine years old, the film adaptation of Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park" (and, subsequently, the novel itself) inspired a passion for storytelling in him that branched in two directions: writing and movie making. This led him to film school at Chapman University in 2003, where he spent three semesters studying screenwriting, film production, and English before spending a final semester abroad at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. When Matthew isn't working, he enjoys tea, exercise, watching films, and spending time with his friends and family. For more information on Matthew please go to www.matthewbeier.com
Author and psychiatrist Charles Atkins comes to Stonewall Live! Thurs, April 19, 9 PM EST Dr. Charles Atkins is a board-certified psychiatrist, author, and professional speaker. He writes both fiction and non-fiction, including the Barrett Conyors forensic thriller series as well as books on Alzheimer's and Bipolar Disorder. His newest series is set in Connecticut and features two female sleuths, who fall in love with one another. The first--VULTURES AT TWILIGHT (Severn House) will be released in 2012. In addition to books, Dr. Atkins has written hundreds of articles, columns, and shorts stories for professional and popular magazines, newspapers, and journals. He is a former contributor to the American Medical Association's American Medical News, a consultant to the Reader's Digest Medical Breakthrough series, and his work has appeared in publications ranging from The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) to Writer's Digest Magazine. He has been twice featured in the New York Times, as well as many other publications. For more information please visit http://charlesatkinsmd.blogspot.com/
Jim Provenzano is the author of the novels PINS, Monkey Suits, and Cyclizen, the stage adaptation of 'PINS,' as well as numerous published short stories and freelance articles. The curator of 'Sporting Life,' the world's first gay athletics exhibit, he also wrote the syndicated Sports Complex column for ten years. An editor with the 'Bay Area Reporter,' he lives in San Francisco.www.myrmidude.org Jim also appears on Sirius/XM’s OutQ radio as a featured reporter. His fourth novel, Every Time I Think of You, captures the joy of finding love for the first time--with all the sweetness, comedy and tragedy that experience inevitably entails. And it does so with the audacity and brutal honesty to admit that yes, even the broken and imperfect among us deserve to experience everything that life has to offer. Kudos to Provenzano for daring to show that disability and sexuality aren't mutually exclusive, and that crips can be just as good in bed (or elsewhere) as their non-disabled counterparts." - Ray Aguilera, former editor of Bent Voices Join me on Thursday, April 12th as Jim Provenzano comes to Stonewall Live!
One of the leading pioneers in transgender issues in the workplace, Denise Norris, comes to my Internet radio show, Stonewall Live! on Thursday, March 22nd, 9PM EST. In 1993 she co-founded and organization, The Transexual Menace as a means of applying for Transgender Inclusion in what was yet to become the GLBT community. In addition to initiating actions against individuals and organizations whose policies and/or opinions are discriminatory to the Transgender community, it sponsors outreach and educational events for the LGBY and non-LGBT communities. As an analyst with Accenture, with the Global Transgender Inclusion Project, she has ensured that the company includes sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in their non-discrimination policy. On Friday, March 30, 2012 from 6-8PM Ms. Norris will be honored by The Stonewall National Museum & Archives with The Spirit of Stonewall Award as part of its celebration of Transgender History and Culture. The Stonewall is located at 1300 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL and the event is free and open to the public.
Author and singer-songwriter, Stewart Lewis grew up in Boston of hippie/bluegrass band parents. His career has spanned from acting in the Guiding Light to opening for Ani Difranco and Shawn Colvin. He has developed parallel careers in music and literature. He has three books to his credit; two books with gay publisher Alyson Books, and his latest work, the young adult-aimed novel “You Have Seven Messages,” out through Random House. For more information on his music and books go to http://www.stewartlewis.com/bio.html Stewart will be appearing in Ft. Lauderdale, on Monday, March 12th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts as part of a singer/songwriter showcase. For information on that please click http://www.chrystalhartiganpresents.com/2011/01/stewart-lewis-march-12-2012-broward-center-for-the-performing-arts/ Please join me on Thursday, March 8th 9PM EST when Stewart Lewis comes to Stonewall Live! www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Oscar Night Preview with Ruben Rosario Thu 2/23 9PM EST Love Movies? In a quandary of who to root for on Oscar Night? What is the MUST SEE movie this week? Ruben Rosario has the answers. Ruben has been a film critic for several years now in South Florida publications and many online sources. His biting insights, careful observations and humor make him a delight to listen to. Join us for this special pre-Oscar night show on Stonewall Live!, Thursday, Feb 23, 9PM EST www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Andrew Grey grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew's hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Andrew Grey’s tagline is “Making the World Sexier One Reader at a Time.” His latest release, “An Unsettled Range,” places an abusive parent, a son and a pair of gay ranchers in a whirlwind story that will keep you turning pages. Romance is alive and well and living in his books. For further information please go to www.andrewgreybooks.com Join us Thursday, Feb 16th 9PM EST as we talk love, romance and men on Stonewall Live!
-- I Rise, is the true story of Toni Newman's transformation from an effeminate, conflicted male to a proud, educated transsexual. You will follow Toni on her rise from a "sissy boy," a scholarship student, a business professional, an escort, a drag queen, a NYC prostitute, an LA dominatrix, and finally, a transsexual attending law school in order to help her transsexual sisters in need. Along Toni's journey you will see the highs and lows, as well as life-long quest for self-acceptance". Toni is ex playgirl magazine model and male fitness model turned Transgender to lose it all. Toni graduated from Wake Forest University in 1985 with BA degree. In the late 90's, Toni was the CEO of MPI Productions, producer of male/female fitness calendars, sold all over the United States and abroad.
Don Carrel has been living with AIDS since 1995. He suspects he was infected with HIV in 1981. Thirty years later, less than 2 percent of people with HIV worldwide have lived long enough to share their stories. While lying in a hospital bed with pneumocystis pneumonia — the most common form of death for someone with AIDS — Don had a riveting dream that would dramatically change his life and possibly the lives of more than 150,000 teenagers. After making a full recovery, Don set out to teach young people what they needed to know about HIV prevention so that they wouldn’t wind up in his shoes. His lofty goal: to stomp out AIDS. Sixteen years later, Don has thousands of thank-you letters from teens who have heard his compelling school presentations. Today, Don hopes to reach an even wider audience with his book, My Dream to Trample AIDS.
The Opera Boys come to Stonewall Live! Thursday, Dec 8th 9PM EST USA (Friday December 9th 1:00PM Melbourne, Australia time) Tony Shepard and Lionel Curtis are The Opera Boys .founders and hosts of Australia’s popular opera and cultural website named (of course) www.theoperaboys.com They began as presenters on a local radio show, reviewing arts and music and later used their love of opera and talents to start the now famous website. By 2009, they had reviewed about 400 arts /music events, and 125 opera's, their website became one of the largest in Australia. Still relatively unknown in their home country, except by the music arts community they now boast 300,000 listener/reader/viewers in 95 countries on all continents. They have recently started reviewing opera films by The Metropolitan Opera in NYC, posting their USA reviews through Facebook and their website reinforcing their motto to “be fabulous all the time, not just on weekends." Check out www.theoperaboys.com and tune in this Thursday, Dec 8th 9PM EST USA and Friday Dec 9th in Australia and 1300h for this fabulous couple and I do opera! www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Lev Raphael is the creator of the Nick Hoffman Mystery series, seven novels which revolve around Professor Nick Hoffman at the fictitious State University of Michigan at Michiganopolis. Newly released in ebook format, "The Edith Wharton Murders" and “The Death of a Constant Lover” tell the story of Nick Hoffman, an openly gay English professor, unavoidably involved in murders in the back-stabbing, cut-throat, and snarky world of academia. With laugh-out-loud wit, Lev Raphael takes us backstage to a world that boasts of intelligence and scholarly values while hiding the ugly truth. The son of Holocaust survivors and author of twenty-one books, Lev Raphael is a pioneer in writing fiction about America’s Second Generation, publishing his first short story about children of survivors in 1978. Twenty-five years of his stories were recently collected in "Secret Anniversaries of the Heart."
Wayne Hoffman, author of Sweet Like Sugar, comes to Stonewall Live! Tuesday, November 29, 9PM EST. Named by Publisher's Weekly as one of the year's notable novels, it breaks new ground in gay fiction. A young man wrestling with his faith, a man of faith wrestling with his youth. An unexpected friendship lies at the center of Sweet Like Sugar(Kensington Books), Wayne's new novel about fate, identity, and getting past our personal prejudices. But it’s also about Kurt Cobain, class stratification in the DC suburbs, Space Mountain, the Book of Esther, the war in Iraq, Israeli dance, Jewish summer camp, Barack Obama, Miami's bar scene, the Holocaust, interfaith relationships, immigrant communities in Jersey City, Will & Grace, crystal meth, kashrut, Sammy Davis Jr., and much more. Please join us Tuesday, Nov. 29th, 9PM EST for this memorable interview
“A Life Unchosen” is Beck Wood’s dramatic account of her life’s journey from an abused child to a lesbian author. From early childhood horrors to traumatic experiences with both parents, Ms. Wood emerges as a strong survivor from a sea of disappointments and tragedies. The compelling true story of a one person’s struggles to come to terms with being a lesbian, revealing hidden family secrets that spanned many years, overcoming alcohol and drug addiction, sexual abuse and a parent’s murder. Please join us on Thursday, November 17th, 9PM EST as I talk with Beck Wood on “Stonewall Live!” www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
UNWELCOME, the second novel in Michael Griffo’s Archangel Academy series, continues to establish a fresh spin on young adult vampire novels. Life as a newly-made vampire is challenging for Michael, even with the experienced Ronan to guide him. Michael’s abilities are still raw and unpredictable. The ancient feud between rival vampire species is sending ripples of discord through the school, and the new headmaster’s charismatic front hides a powerful and very personal tragedy. As Brania’s father and the leader of his race of vampires, the headmaster finds Michael and Ronan an unwelcome intrusion and wishes to rid the world of their rival race. Michael Griffo was born, raised, and has since relocated to New Jersey. He is an award-winning playwright and all of his plays have been produced throughout the country and in London. Two of his plays -- CLOUDY and 5G/10B -- have been published in Smith & Kraus's Best 10 Minute Plays for 2 Actors: 2005 and CLOUDY is licensed by Playscripts, Inc.
Rich Merritt comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, October 13, 9PM EST During the height of Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, Rich Merritt led two secret lives. Marines serving under him didn't realize their captain was a closeted gay man, and his small group of gay friends didn't know he made gay prn films while enlisted. In “Secrets of a Gay Marine Prn Star,” Merritt charts his struggle to repress his sexuality while living amongst the members of his ultra-conservative family and attending "the Fortress of Fundamentalism": Bob Jones University. His first encounter with another man ends with a knife being held to the throat of a woman who saw the two together. Being a Marine seems to appeal both to Merritt's narcissism and to his extreme low self-esteem. A self-avowed "adrenaline junkie" with (undiagnosed) depression, he tries to feed his ego by becoming a stripper, a male escort (briefly) and, finally, a p*rn star. Today, Rich Merritt is an attorney, blogger and speaker. He lives in New York City with his partner is a speaker at universities, law schoolsand other civic organizations about topics ranging from issues on gay and lesbian equality to fundamentalism. He has been a controversial figure since he was featured on the cover of the New York Times Magazine on June 28, 1998, which is Gay Pride Day in New York City, "Uniforms In The Closet: The Shadow Life Of A Gay Marine."
Robert Hofmann, author of “One Brain Cell Away From Retarded” comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, October 6th 9PM EST Robert Hofmann grew up in New Jersey and what a wild and crazy and wonderful life he has had. Between his family and his friends, he guides the reader thru many exciting episodes of his life. It is wickedly bitchy and hilarious! Everyone in Robert's life so far is a participant in this wonderfully funny and provocative story of his life. In “One Brain Cell Away From Retarded,” we are taken on yet another wild ride into Robert Hofmann’s hilarious world. Hofmann doesn't mind telling on himself either. He tells tales about himself as well as others. In his latest memoir he devotes one chapter about the loss of his dear Mother, which we can all relate to.
Other chapters are devoted to trailer trash, hot in leather, love and loss and other chapters dealing with parties, friends and "not so close friends", making fun of others as well as himself and just great reading. Please join us at www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive 9PM EST October 6, 2011
Victor Cody founder of Studio Cody comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, September 29th 9PM EST Victor Cody began his career as a professional photographer in 1994 working as a writer and photojournalist in Kansas City, MO for the largest gay magazine in the Midwest. Beginning with commercial work, his assignments have included interviews and photoshoots with Celine Dion, Melissa Ethridge, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge, Joan Rivers, Pauly Shore. During the 90’s Victor ventured into male modeling and perfected the art of posing and photographing the male nude. Today, Victor’s studio, Studio Cody, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has a client list that reads like a royal bloodline in the adult and male modeling industry. “My passion has now become my profession. I am lucky and extremely honored to be making my living doing what I love to do.” – Victor Cody www.StudioCody.com
Phillip Zimmerman, author of For The Convenience Of The Government; A Memoir of a Veteran Discharged from the United States Navy for being Gay, comes to Stonewall Live! Sept 22, 9PM EST Serving in the United States Navy during the 1980's, a golden opportunity became a dark nightmare for Petty Officer Phillip Zimmerman. For The Convenience of theGovernment is a memoir of a decorated veteran who was discharged from military service because of his sexual orientation and the discriminatory policies of the United States Government.
Petty Officer Zimmerman recounts his memories, fears and experiences, from a painfully lonely life as a teenager in Philadelphia to his meteoric rise as one of the most competent and capable Arabic and Farsi Crypto-Linguists in the Naval Security Group and the destructive end of a promising career.
This is one man's story about proudly serving his nation while coming to terms with a deep secret about who and what he really is.
Howard Zucker, creator of Self-Image Photography, comes to Stonewall Live! Thurs, September 15 9PM EST See Yourself Through My Eyes. Photography can have tremendous healing power in understanding our self-image. The image you see in the mirror is often based on misperceptions ?developed in the mind over time. This is an opportunity to see your true self and appreciate the positive aspects that ?your thoughts and inhibitions have been hiding. Although this process might seem uncomfortable at first, when you walk through it the benefits?can be remarkable. –Howard Zucker The words of Howard Zucker are meant to heal the wounds we all have about ourselves. Bringing together the eye of the photographer with the sensibility of positive self- awareness, Zucker has been able to use photography as therapy in enhancing self image. To see and hear a powerful testimonial to his work please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8edcs-MD4gY for more information on Howard Zucker visit http://www.momentumz.com
Vanessa Sheridan comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, September 8 9PM EST Vanessa Sheridan is America's leading authority on transgender in the workplace, helping business leaders solve problems by overturning the mysteries and cutting through the myths that surround the transgender phenomenon. She is the author of “The Complete Guide to Transgender in the Workplace,” a groundbreaking new business book – the first volume on this leading edge topic ever to be released in hardcover by a major publisher. Ms. Sheridan is a sought after speaker, trainer and consultant to businesses all over the country on the topic of gender expression and inclusion. For information on how Vanessa Sheridan can help your business or organization go to www.vanessasheridan.com Please join us on Thursday, September 8th 9PM EST for what will be a very memorable edition of Stonewall Live! www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
In his stunning debut novel, Hidden, Tomas Mournian captures the terror and raw emotions that runaway gay teens face after escaping ‘treatment’ facilities. The book is centered on the life of Ahmed a young queer boy whose homophobic parents unable to accept their son’s sexuality incarcerate him in Serenity Ridge a psychiatric hospital charged with ‘curing’ his queerness. We meet Ahmed as he’s just escapes the institution the physical effects of regular sedation and electroshock treatments still fresh on his body. Over the course of the novel we follow Ahmed as he escapes bounty hunters and becomes one of the lucky, taken into an underground network of safe houses designed to keep queer kids hidden and protected until people stop looking for them, or in most cases their 18th birthdays when legally they are able to escape their homophobic parents once and for all. Tomas Mournian’s previous accomplishments have included investigative journalism pieces into the real underground safe houses for LGBT teens who have escaped mental hospitals.
For nearly four years Jamie Nabozny endured antigay verbal and physical abuse by fellow students at his public high school in Ashland, Wisconsin. Students threatened him, urinated on him and when they found him alone kicked him so many times in the stomach that he required surgery. School officials were aware of the abuse, saying that Nabozny should expect it if he’s gay, and at another point telling him not to act so gay.
After attempting suicide several times, Nabozny dropped out of school and ran away. But the story was not over.
In 1995, Nabozny sued his former school, but a federal district judge ruled that a school cannot be held liable for the actions of students and that no equal protection claim was presented by Nabozny’s case. Lambda Legal took over his case before a federal appeals court, which issued the first judicial opinion in the nation’s history finding that a public school could be held accountable for not stopping antigay abuse. The case went back to trial and a jury found the school officials liable for the harm they caused to Nabozny. The case then settled for close to $1 million.
Eric Rosswood, author of My Uncle’s Wedding comes to Stonewall Live! Thurs, August 18, 9PM EST There’s so much to do now that Uncle Mike and Steve are getting married. Follow Andy on this enjoyable journey as he talks about his uncle's wedding, how it affects him, and the things he gets to do in preparation for the ceremony. And so starts our discovery of Eric Rosswood and his wonderful new book, My Uncle’s Wedding. After the passing of Proposition 8 in California, Eric began to devote the majority of his free time to working towards LGBT equality. He is currently a local chapter leader for Marriage Equality USA where he continues to educate the public on the importance of marriage equality and the 1,000+ (1138) rights that are denied to same-sex couples. Eric is the author of My Uncle’s Wedding, a children’s book about same-sex marriage published in 2011. He currently lives with his husband, Mat, and their two cats in Emeryville, CA. Visit www.MyUnclesWedding.com for more information.
It’s never too early to teach our nation’s children about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. And ‘My Uncle’s Wedding’ does just that, showing children that marriage is about love and family. Eric Ross perfectly demonstrates that LGBT families share the same values as any other family. Kate Kendell, Esq. -Executive Director National Center for Lesbian Rights
First introduced to the world in her sons' classic memoirs - Augusten Burroughs's Running with Scissors and John Elder Robison's Look Me in the Eye - Margaret Robison now tells her own haunting and lyrical story about family, madness, and the long journey home.
The Long Journey Home is a moving testament to the power of language. Her last interview with NPR has become a classic and now Stonewall Live! is proud to be able to bring you yet another interview with this amazing woman.
A poet and teacher by profession, Robison describes her Southern Gothic childhood, her marriage to a handsome, brilliant man who became a split-personality alcoholic and abusive husband, the challenges she faced raising two children while having psychotic breakdowns of her own, and her struggle to regain her sanity.
Be certain to mark your calendars and tell your friends about this groundbreaking interview, Thurs, August 11, 9PM EST www.blogtalkradio/stonewalllive
Joe Openshaw, Author of “Those Others; Navigating the Riddle of Homosexuality in 1965”, comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday August 4, 9PM EST The year is 1965. Eighteen year old Michael, a recent high school graduate, is sent to Washington DC from rural Tennessee to find direction for his life. Between January 31 and February 4, 1965 a series of articles regarding homosexuality was published in The Washington Post. The articles dealt with homosexuality from many aspects, including the social, medical, psychiatric, employment, legal and religious aspects. Most likely this was the first publication in the mainstream media that presented homosexuality in what at the time could be a fair and balanced way. Michael is forced to deal with issues regarding his sexuality, and he uses the information in the newspaper articles to further his understanding. But the misinformation of the times also leads to confusion. Those Othersis part novel and part history. It’s a window into mid-century LGBT life. The book by Joe Openshaw follows Michael, a young, all-American male from Tennessee, who is unable to get a college athletic scholarship or join the military due to his asthma. He goes to work for a family friend, now a Senator himself closeted who introduces Michael to the articles. Join me on Thursday, August 4 9PM EST as Dr. Joe Openshaw comes to Stonewall Live! for an interesting interview you won’t want to miss. www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Jason Stuart, comedian and actor comes to Stonewall Live July 28th 9PM EST
Jason Stuart has been making people laugh out loud with his hysterical performances all over the country since coming out in 1993. He has accomplished what few other gay comics have ever achieved: brutal honesty with humor in a world that’s not always kind. Stuart’s material about his experiences as a single Jewish gay man living in Hollywood is original, cutting edge and just plain funny. He has performed at all of the top comedy clubs & comedy festivals and hundreds of gay events & prides, colleges & universities, and even on Broadway.
Jason Stuart also produced and starred in his own totally improvised independent film 10 Attitudes. This award winning romantic comedy proved to be a huge success both in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to that, he just completed the remake of Edgar Allan Poe’s horror film, The Pit & the Pendulum where he plays the villain.
Stuart released his stand-up comedy CD, Jason Stuart: Gay Comedy Without A Dress with great success. In addition to that, his stand-up comedy special, Jason Stuart: Making It To The Middle for Here! TV is now available on DVD.
His groundbreaking stand up comedy and his versatility as an actor make his career an amazing ride.
Please join us on July 28th, 9PM EST www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Joe Dallin, author of Perfect: The Journey of a Gay Mormon comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, July 21, 9PM EST At the age of thirteen Joe Dallin, was faced with an ominous fact: that he was gay. The inner battle between his religious and sexual identities raged for ten years, nearly driving him to suicide. However, one night he realized that the monumental effort he had put into becoming a straight, mainstream Mormon man was not only an exercise in futility, but simply the wrong path for him. Around the next corner, he found the peace and happiness that had always been so elusive. Dallin writes of his attempts to corral burgeoning same-sex feelings while listening to his grandfather's rants about homosexual "pigs" or reading the Mormon scriptures' condemnation of them. His father offered a more liberating stance on sex – that it was natural and should be enjoyed, as long as it remained within the bounds of heterosexuality. His radical dress code (from "preppy, pretty-boy fag" to the Mormon temple garments) and secret love of boys bled through into his adolescence, where college life stealing glances at towel-clad muscled boys in the common bathrooms Joseph Dallin was born into the heart of Mormonism, Provo, Utah, and grew up in neighboring Orem. After living as a faithful member of the church, which culminated in a two-year mission to Texas, he came out as a gay man in 1998 at the age of twenty-three. He holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and currently resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. Perfect, with the exception of some name changes and minor alterations in chronology, is the true story of his journey. Join me on Thursday, July 21, 9PM EST at www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
First introduced to the world in her sons' classic memoirs - Augusten Burroughs's Running with Scissors and John Elder Robison's Look Me in the Eye - Margaret Robison now tells her own haunting and lyrical story about family, madness, and the long journey home. The Long Journey Home is a moving testament to the power of language. Her last interview with NPR has become a classic and now Stonewall Live! is proud to be able to bring you yet another interview with this amazing woman. A poet and teacher by profession, Robison describes her Southern Gothic childhood, her marriage to a handsome, brilliant man who became a split-personality alcoholic and abusive husband, the challenges she faced raising two children while having psychotic breakdowns of her own, and her struggle to regain her sanity. Be certain to mark your calendars and tell your friends about this groundbreaking interview, Wed, July 13, 7PM EST www.blogtalkradio/stonewalllive
Alex Sanchez is best known for his debut 2001 novel, Rainbow Boys, selected by the American Library Association as a “Best Book for Young Adults,” and praised by School Library Journal as a book that can open eyes and change lives. The success of that first novel led to two Rainbow sequels and the Lambda Award-winning middle-grade novel, So Hard to Say.His novel, The God Box, explores the intersection between sexuality and spirituality. His newly-released novel, Boyfriends with Girlfriends, focuses on bisexual teens. Alex received his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University and for many years worked as a youth and family counselor. He divides his time between Florida and Thailand. And you can visit him at www.AlexSanchez.com.
April Claxton, Author of “Good Night Just The Same” comes to Stonewall Live!, Thursday June 9th 9PM EST April Claxton is the author of 3 books, The Movement Within: 8 Steps To Ignite The Movement Within You, The Power of Self Love: A Mini Book and the highly praised children's book Goodnight Just The Same, as well as many inspirational messages available on “The Movement Within Face Book Page” Through writing, one of her biggest passions, April encourages, inspires and motivates adults and children to discover their value and necessity of Self. She enjoys speaking to adults but her heart truly opens with her younger audiences. As a victim of childhood emotional and physical abuse, Claxton strongly believes in and promotes the power and necessity of positivity within a child’s life. “Goodnight Just The Same,” is a book whose time has come to be written. There are families across the globe that no longer fit the “normal” stereotype of what a family is. This book teaches us that every family structure is “normal.” We have step-mommies and step-daddies. We have no mommies and no daddies. We also have two mommies and two daddies. Some of us only have one mommy, daddy or grandparent to raise us. No matter what the structure of your family is, it is important to note that a family is a family as long as it comes from love. It is about the feelings we feel when we go to sleep so that we have better feelings when we awake. To the moon every family is tucked in Just The Same. What people are saying: “It will help any child of any age go to bed and wake up feeling like they’re loved.” Join me on Thursday, June 9th , 9PM EST when I chat with this intuitive, productive and amazing woman, April Claxton, www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Veterinarian, Author, Playwright and Composer, Denny Hamann comes to Stonewall Live! On Thursday, June 2, 9PM EST. After composing two musicals that have been produced across the country, had a successful career as a Veterinarian, Denny Hamann gives us another chance to look into his world of wonder and fulfillment, “Purple Grass.” “Purple Grass” is the story ofa little gay lamb that lives in a flock where the norm is to like green grass, and a sin if you like purple grass and are surely going to hell. "Little Lamb" struggles with his deep-seated feelings, living in a world that says he does not belong. Not in his flock, not in his family, nor in his church. He does not belong because he likes "purple grass" and is rejected by all. Little Lamb ends up being bullied, rejected by his flock, and thrown out by Mom and Dad. It is a story of all marginalized men and women who are looking for a voice and a framework to believe that they are wanted, beautiful and not alone. His musicals, “A Tribute to the Memory of You” and “The Dream Catcher” deal with the journeys and challenges facing Gays and Lesbians in our world. Join us on Thursday, June 2nd 2011, 9PM EST at www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Born in New York City, international DJ Frank Wild now splits his time between his home-bases of San Francisco and Berlin. Frank's music creates an ambiance combining uplifting energy with a dark and nasty side; he's known for creating a total experience that keeps both your brain and your body moving. Club-goers in San Francisco have singled out Frank by voting him one of their city's top DJs. One of his devotees says: "Frank Wild ..... nothing but great energy pumps out of the speakers coercing me to stay on the dancefloor." For more information about Frank, please go to www.djfrankwild.com His next international event will be July 3rd in Madrid, Spain to celebrate Pride Weekend there. The show is called "The Tank." We'll be talking about his travels and performances on our podcast. DJ’s like Frank have become the leaders of our anthems, our voices and our energy. Come join me on Thursday, May 26th at 9PM EST as I welcome DJ Frank Wild to Stonewall Live!
Joe Knudson, author of “Living the Difference” Comes to Stonewall Live! Thursday, May 19, 9PM EST J.C. Knudson always knew he was different. But growing up in the small-town South during the 1960s and ’70s, he didn’t know what to make of his growing sense that he just wasn’t interested in the same thing as his friends—girls. Was something wrong with him? Could it change? And—most of all—were there others who felt the same as he did? Living the Difference is the first in a remarkable coming-of-age series that chronicles Knudson’s quest to understand himself and make his way in the world as a proud gay man. This raw, intensely personal book details his early efforts to inhibit his desires through marriage; seek out a community of like-minded people; start a career free from discrimination; come out to his family and friends; and find true love, once and for all. But more than just one individual’s unique story, “Living the Difference” is required reading for anyone trying to understand the twentieth-century American gay experience—in a time before widespread media acceptance and anti-discrimination laws. This heartening yet frankly realistic memoir will also give hope and understanding to those coming to terms with the sexuality of themselves or their loved ones. And its message—of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding—provides good counsel no matter the time or place. “This book joins others on the path for equal rights for homosexuals and other minority groups. Knudson is truly living the difference." --J.J. Thomas Join me on Thursday, May 19th as I welcome Joe Knudson to Stonewall Live, 9PM EST
Nils Taranger holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Film Production from the University of Central Florida, and is currently pursuing his MFA at UCF in the same field. He has written, directed, and/or produced several short films at UCF, including Broken Records, which played at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2010, and Castle Otttis, a personal coming-out documentary that played internationally. In German Romanticism, the blue flower represents the quest for the impossible, since blue flowers are not supposed to exist.A BLUE FLOWER is a documentary film following the lives of two individuals who are on a quest to cure their disease - one following conventional medicine, the other using alternative treatments. The film will be observational in nature, and will seek to compare and contrast the two journeys through interwoven storylines.This is not a film about science versus quackery, or faith versus reason. This is the story of two journeys towards one hope: that a blue flower exists. Please join me Thursday, May 12th 9PM EST as I welcome Nils Taranger to Stonewall Live!
There is an old saying that says, May you live in interesting times.. , Gay Konecky is one of the men of this generation that is making our times even more interesting. Gary Konecky is a life long gay and lesbian civil rights activist. He was one of the founding members of Long Island ACT UP. By profession, he is a practicing CPA and serves on the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants Professional Conduct (Ethics) Committee. He is also an interfaith minister who spends much of his free time exploring the mysteries of the Hebrew Scriptures and related literature. He has been working on a series of articles (which he is hoping will be published as a book) exploring the issue of sexual orientation in the bible. He is an active blogger has great presence in social media and a staunch supporter of Israel. His ministry website is: http://www.lovingministries.info/ Please join me on Thursday, May 5, 9PM EST as I welcome Gary Konecky to Stonewall Live!
Ruben Rosario, Thursday, April 28, 9PM EST Stonewall Live! Love Films? In a quandry of what to see this weekend? Look no further than the words of Ruben Rosario, Miami film critic whose review appear in many South Florida papers and online reports. Ruben, a native of Puerto Rico, has made the study of film, especially from independent sources, come alive with his reviews. He is a long time supporter of the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and his reviews can be read in the SunPost Weekly distributed in Miami and SunPostWeekly.com Have a favorite movie to discuss with Ruben? Want to know why foreign movies are so... well foreign? We'll have our call in line open and interactive chat working on Thursday, April 28 9PM EST www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Martin Wilson was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He received a BA from Vanderbilt University and an MFA from the University of Florida, where one of his short stories won a Henfield/Transatlantic Review Award. His debut novel, What They Always Tell Us (Delacorte Press, 2008), won the Alabama Author Award for best young adult book. The novel was also a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award, an Indie Next Selection, an ALA-ALSC Rainbow List Selection, and a CCBC Choices Book. His next novel should come out in 2012. He lives in New York City. Visit him at www.martinwilsonwrites.com His book, "What They Always Tell Us", features popular, smart, and athletic, James who seems to have it all. But the only thing James really wants is his college acceptance letter, so he can get far away from Alabama after high school. He's tired of the same old parties; the tennis team; his so-called girlfriend, Alice; his ex, Clare - and especially his quiet younger brother, Alex. In a town where secrets are hard to keep, everyone knows what Alex did at the annual back-to-school party. The only question is why. Thoughtful and moving, What They Always Tell us is a powerful debut novel about the bond between two brothers - and the year that changes everything
Emmanuel Ray is a London based "It" boy and Socialite, living the British equivalent of The American Dream! His column and book both titled "Diary of an It Boy" is being tipped as London's answer to "Sex In The City". Born and raised in extreme poverty during Sri Lanka's civil war, the young Emmanuel lived in slums and shanty towns and moved around with his family without a proper home. He dreamed about becoming a Fashionisto, while watching television programs such as Caryn Franklin's "The Clothes Show" and "Style with Elsa Klensch", while performing domestic duties in a house in a better neighborhood. His story of going from being a troubled child growing up in the slums of war-torn Sri Lanka to becoming a London Socialite and style guru is the subject of a documentary film being made by British film director Nirpal Bhogal. (Photo of Emmanuel Ray by Robert Player)
Join Stonewall Live! as we go to Broward College located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL as the Gay Straight Alliance presents "Alphabet Soup" an interactive discussion of the letters of the gender identity movement. I'll be speaking with students who identify as gay, straight and gender neutral as well as speaking with student leaders at the school about their views on issues facing young people today. I'll be broadcasting live from Broward College Central Campus Library Building 17 Room 425 in Davie, FL Don't miss this special one hour program on Wednesday, April 13th 5PM EST on Stonewall Live!
Actor, singer, model and now civil rights activist, Jonathan D. Lovitz comes to Stonewall Live! Monday, April 11, 10AM EST
(No this isn’t the SNL actor) With an extensive stage resume and Broadway chops, Jonathan D. Lovitz is now appearing on Logo –TV’s “Set Up Squad”. The reality show gives clients a crash dating makeover, transforming them from 'shabby & shy' to 'chic & confident'. Then they provide a real shot at love, breaking the ice for them in social settings. But -- what happens when our sexy "wing man” spends too much time focused on helping and finding love for others and not enough time on his own life? Find out in this highly charged reality series combining the most sizzling parts of dating shows with the juiciest elements of work place dramas. The show airs on LOGO-TV Monday nights. Check your local listings for times and dates.
Recently, Jonathan gained notoriety in the civil rights arena for gay marriage when he objected to being called for jury duty on the basis of inequality. “I raised my hand and said, ‘Since I can’t get married or adopt a child in the state of New York, I can’t possibly be an impartial judge of a citizen when I am considered a second class citizen in the eyes of the justice system.” He was dismissed from jury duty and the trend has continued with blogger Justin Luke calling for all gays to stand up for our rights and “Jury Block”.
Tune in Monday, April 11, 10AM EST when we talk to actor, model, singer and newly minted civil rights activist Jonathan D. Lovitz on Stonewall Live! For more information about Jonathan visit his website at www.jonathandlovitz.com
Eva Kraus is a 52 year-old woman with a male past. She spent the first 47 years of her life as the father of three grown daughters, serving 12 years in the U.S. military and climbing the corporate ladder in the finance business to become a senior executive in the automotive lending business. Since her transition, Eva found a second career in the beauty industry as an aesthetician and manicurist. She is in the process of starting up her own cosmetics and day spa business. Eva lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts with her partner of 2 years.
I found Eva on Facebook where her ‘Notes’ have been attracting attention with laughs and raised eyebrows. Entries such as “Somebody is one pissed off Trans Chick!” that deals with her online conversation with a gay male who doesn’t quite ‘get it’ yet. Tune in and you will hear more about that rant! Besides working on her job making the world even more beautiful, she an active member of SpeakOut Boston, a LGBT speaker’s bureau that goes to schools, businesses, churches to tell our personal stories and answer questions.
This will be a frank discussion (Not Safe For Work NSFW) so grab a drink, kick off your shoes and tune in on Thursday, April 7th, 9PM EST when Eva Kraus comes to Stonewall Live!
Join me at the Stonewall Library Museum Archive Booth at Pridefest 2011, Saturday March 12th and Sunday March 13th from 12 noon to 3 PM when I'll be talking to people about their experience at this amazing annual event. Pridefest 2011 takes place at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway in Oakland Park, Florida, March 12-13. www.pridesouthflorida.org Come by the Stonewall Library Museum& Archive Booth and tell me your story of Pride. The finished show, "Voices of Pride" will air on Sunday, March 13th @9PM EST.
A Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a former Captain in the Air Force after 9 years of service, a flight instructor, a published author, a public speaker, a television personality, an actor of television, stage, and film, a model, and a reality television icon; it’s quickly apparent that Reichen Lehmkuhl is a valuable voice to tell the story of gay life in America.
Once out of the Air Force, Reichen wrote and published a book, “Here’s What We’ll Say”, an autobiography that tells the story of his time as a gay cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, living in secret. The book also serves as an expose of what really happens to LGBT military servicemembers behind the closed doors of the U.S. Armed Forces. The book continues to be a resource for young and old LGBT readers looking into the lives of people overcoming great obstacles.
Since winning CBS' Emmy-award winning reality series, The Amazing Race, Reichen has been in the public eye appearing in the Here TV series, “Dante’s Cove”, “Days of Our Lives”, “The Drew Carey Show”, and recently in a new reality series called “A-List: New York”, where he stars as one of six cast members living extrodinary lives in New York City on the Logo Network.
"A young adult novel about a transgender girl—told from the perspective of the straight boy who falls for her—“Almost Perfect” is exceptional. The writing is sensitive, haunting and revelatory,” said Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Award committee chair Lisa Johnston.
In “Almost Perfect,” Sage Hendricks is the new girl at Logan Witherspoon’s school. She is very tall, a bit awkward and unconventional in manner and appearance. Logan is immediately drawn to Sage’s intelligence and humor; they need each other’s friendship, but Sage’s life is a mystery. Sage reveals she was born a boy. Outraged, Logan begins to question his sexuality and cuts his ties with his friend, when she needs him most.
This is Brian Katcher's second novel. His first, "Playing with Matches", was also met with acclaim as an important Young Adult novel.
Brian Katcher was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1975. He attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, before dropping out of society and bumming around Mexico for three years. He’s worked as a fry cook, a market researcher, a welding machine operator, a telemarketer (only lasted one day), and a furniture mover. He lived on an Israeli military base one summer, and once smuggled food into Cuba. When he’s not writing, he works as a school librarian. He lives in central Missouri with his wife and daughter. He still hasn’t paid the parking ticket he got in West Virginia in 1997.
Sean Strub is a longtime social justice activist, the founder of POZ Magazine (poz.com) and senior advisor to the Center for HIV Law & Policy's Positive Justice Project (hivlawandpolicy.com), combating HIV criminalization. Strub has been living with HIV for more than 30 years and serves on the board of directors of the North American regional affiliate of the Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (GNP+). He has been particularly outspoken in his promotion of the people with HIV empowerment movement, advocating for better education about and access to post-exposure prophylaxis and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
Join us on Thursday, February 24,@9PM EST at www.blogtalkradio.com/stonewalllive
Drawn from the secret, never-before-seen diaries, journals, and sexual records of the novelist, poet, and university professor Samuel M. Steward, Secret Historian is a sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the twentieth century. An intimate friend of Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, and Thornton Wilder, Steward maintained a secret sex life from childhood on, and documented these experiences in brilliantly vivid (and often very funny) detail.
Justin Spring’s latest book, “Secret Historian, the Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist, and Sexual Renegade” is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, a Finalist for the 2010 National Book Award, a Top 10 Biography of the Year on Amazon, an American Library Association Stonewall Honor Book for 2011, and a Top 10 Book of the Year in the San Francisco Chronicle.
"Too Often We Postpone Life, As If There Is No Deadline" Chris Glaser offers a new expression of his embodied, here-and-now, spirituality—his twelfth book, The Final Deadline: What Death Has Taught Me About Life. "Death forces us back on life, as a shut door forces us to find another passageway, a roadblock prompts us to take a detour, or a great loss encourages us to savor what remains." As a writer, Chris Glaser experiences deadlines as friendly reminders that something has to be accomplished by a given time. He views death as the final deadline, one that insists we "get it" or "get it done" – whatever "it is" – during our lifetimes. Glaser depicts Death as an inscrutable Zen master ready to teach us, a spiritual director eager to inspire us, a soul-friend reminding us that our life spans have sacred worth. Movingly, he recounts the deaths that have shaped his soul, opening readers' hearts to their own discoveries facing The Final Deadline. Chris was also Grand Marshall at Atlanta Gay Pride 2009.
Chris Glaser, after graduation from Yale Divinity School in 1977, was a pioneer in queer activism in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., seeking ordination as an openly gay man. This has led him to a variety of parish and campus ministries, and to a writing and speaking career that has produced twelve books and taken him to hundreds of campuses, congregations, LGBT centers, and AIDS groups. Part of his impetus was his awareness of "The Final Deadline"--death--and so comes his latest book by that title, subtitled "What Death Has Taught Me About Life."
Gale Chester Whittington’s triumphant memoir chronicles the author's teenage suicide attempt and then moves on to the real beginning of the Gay Liberation movement, pre-Stonewall, in 1969 San Francisco, where Mr. Whittington was fired for being openly gay. It's creative non-fiction, written like a novel, with a conservative alter-ego's thoughts inserted to keep it lively. CHF's groundbreaking openly gay philosophy—coming out en masse as a way to enlighten and change the world—leads his comrades to crown him “Gale the Liberator.”
The author wrote this book to set the record straight, because little about the 1969 militant gay movement in the San Francisco Bay Area has been detailed in print. While many brave activists have contributed to the cause before and since, a close look shows how the militant side of gay liberation actually began within the bowels of San Francisco a few months before the New York Stonewall uprising.
Spencer Lord worked for Mother Teresa in Calcutta after attending the University of Chicago. In 2008 he founded The Hyperagency where he created the cognitive exercises presented in "The Brain Mechanic." "Concise, accessible, and indescribably powerful." —David Geffen: cofounder of Dreamworks SKG
In an easy to read, and simple way, Lord explains the science & dynamics of Cognitive Behavioral Theory and how our spurious beliefs can be changed via 'self-enhancement.' This is the must read book to create self-change and build a sustained life balance." —Meghan Stabler: HRC board of directors
E. Robert Dunn began writing at the age of 14 and continued through his higher education in the Southeast where he currently resides. In addition to penning the science fiction series “Echelon’s End”, E. Robert has also written two off-Broadway plays, “LipSync” and “A Dragged Out Haunting”, and penned a local play entitled “VOiCES”. Just last year, E. Robert was a contributing writer to the online STAR TREK: Odyssey’s Season One Finale webisode [featured in STARLOG Magazine, January 2008, “Beyond Hidden Frontiers”, p.89]. Besides being a produced playwright and published author, E. Robert has had articles printed in local newspapers as well as medical newsletters. He has also graced many a stage by his given name: Eston Dunn.