GAY PRIDE MONTH TO FEATURE A PBS SPECIAL, THE LAVENDER SCARE

Award-winning, timely documentary The Lavender Scare had its PBS premiere nationwide on June 18 at 9:00PM, re-airing throughout June on digital channels. (For more details check local listings or pbs.org) Produced and Directed by Josh Howard, the documentary is based on the acclaimed book by David K. Johnson and narrated by Glenn Close featuring the voices of: Cynthia Nixon, Zachary Quinto, T.R. Knight and David Hyde Pierce.

Dr. Franklin E. Kameny writes, “Dear Mother, I received your very welcomed letter last Sunday. I hadn’t told you about my work situation because I didn’t want you to worry. The fact is, I was fired not because of a judgement upon me as an individual, but an entire judgement of a group of people. I’m certain you would agree that every American citizen has right to be considered on the basis of his own personal merit. I am a homosexual American citizen. Before I leave this earth I assure you that I will see to it that the second and third words of that phrase--American citizen--, are no longer ignored to people like me.” 

The Lavender Scare focuses on one of President Eisenhower’s first official actions, signing an executive order that said that sexual perverts cannot work for the federal government and sexual perverts specifically meant homosexuals. And so witch-hunts began and not just the federal government but jobs everywhere. 

Over the next four decades, during the longest witch-hunt in American history, tens of thousands of government workers would lose their jobs for no reason other than their sexual orientation.

In one interview of those effected, Joan Cassidy had to give up the chance to be the first female Admiral of the Navy Reserve due to the chance that the government would expose her because she wouldn’t be able to hide her being a lesbian. 

Kameny, who was set on becoming an astronomer, was the first to fight back with politics and activism to make a change via the Mattachine Society of Washington saying that it was not about national security or blackmail but about civil rights.

The documentary includes the raids at Stonewall with photos of the gay community refusing to “not take it anymore.” 

It was not until 1995 that President Clinton signed an executive order barring the federal government from excluding gays and lesbians from holding security clearances. 

During his term in office President Obama acknowledged Kameny for the protest that he lead in 1965 as act if courage.  Today, Kameny is recognized as the Grandfather of the Gay Right Movement.  Born on May 21, 1995, he died on October 11, 2011.  

I conducted radio interview with Josh Howard on the following link where he emphasized being able to have the documentary shown in schools throughout the nation.  www.blogtalkradio.com/merleswhirls/2019/06/19/whirl-with-merle

LESLEY GORE: After The Party

I wrote this article in 2006. My how the years pass so quickly.  

It'’s this season'’s final episode, “Left Hand Of The Goddess” of The L Word, when Shane is confronting her father’s lack of fidelity and departure. As in many of the L Word scenes there is a background song. This one entitled, “Words Don’t Say” is being sung by Lesley Gore (“Words we don’t say/Trying to hide night after night/Drifting away”) and one of several tunes from her new CD, “Ever Since”.

In the 60’s, Gore was one of the most successful solo artists of the “Girl Group” topping charts with: “It’s My Party”, “Judy’s Turn To Cry” and “You Don’t Own Me”, a song revived by Bette Midler in the movie, “First Wives Club”.

"“You know what I’m going to say when people ask me what I'’ve been doing for 30 years? ‘Practicing’”," said the now deeper voice and out-of-the-closet performer. Yes, just in case you haven’t heard, Gore told the world that she is a lesbian and has been with a partner for over 20 years.

Maintaining a constant touring schedule across the country, Gore'’s recent gig took place at Queens Theatre In The Park in New York City, where I had the pleasure of seeing the vivacious vocalist. The 90-minute show introduced many of her new songs and brought nostalgia to anyone old enough to recall the original “Bandstand”. “Ever Since”, the title song, is made to draw us back to “It’s My Party” (“All the weight of nights and days too long to list/All the parties I'’ve been to you were missed/ I'’ve waited ever since” bring us forward into the world that she now inhabits.
“
Better Angels”, written by Blake Morgan, was featured at the close of the season premiere episode of CBS’s hit show CSI:MIAMI as Horatio Caine (played by David Caruso) is visiting a confessional booth. Blake is both her pianist and arranger as well as the producer of her new CD.
“
You Don'’t Own Me” is an even newer rendition and sung in a jazzy ballad flare. This one seemed to have an added stanza of “You don’t own me/I want somebody who will be true/You don’t own me/You don’t own me and I don’t own you.

Leslie and her brother Michael were responsible for composing “Out Here On My Own”, featured in the Oscar nominated Fame. Perhaps it might have been a reflection of her personal life change (“Sometimes I wonder where I'’ve been/Who I am do I fit in/Make believing is hard alone/Out here on my own”).

A few of her other new songs were sung, but as she promised, she ran her former hits single-fashioned and not as a medley. For those who may have forgotten, they included: “She’s A Fool”; “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows”; “That'’s the Way Boys Are”; and “Maybe I Know”.

The stage performance adds a backup vocalist, while she and Blake do the backups on the CD version. Although I enjoyed the songs, I found that the live rendition gave a much fuller sound to each of her numbers. She’s still got it even at the age of 59.

Leslie Gore'’s West Coast tour will take her into San Francisco where she will be performing at the Brava Theatre Center, on Sat., April 22 and Sun., April 23. www.brava.org
April 15, 2006 - MGW Magazine

MELISSA ETHERIDGE IS OUT THERE ROCKING ABOUT M.E.

photo by John Tsiavis.

 A musical rocking good time is expected as singer Melissa Etheridge begins her tour to debut her new album entitled “This is M.E.”  with eleven brand new songs.  At present her hit single is called “A Little Bit of Me” and it’s simply a coincidence.   I interviewed Melissa getting some inside details. 

“It’s funny, I didn’t put that together until after I was calling it ‘This Is M.E.’ {regarding the single}.  Then we decided to use the photos of my fans as the album cover.  If you look closely you can see that my portrait is a makeup of digital photos of thousands of fans.”  ‘A Little Bit of Me’, keeps repeating, “There’s a little bit of me, in a little bit of you”.  Melissa points out “There is an activist part of me that believes that we realize that our diversity and uniqueness come together in one beautiful family.”  In the case of the photo, it is also a little bit of the fans in a little bit of her.  

“I just finished my solo tour and it was a blast.  Now, I’m going out with my full band in support of this record. Actually, most of my backing band is from New York City.  Jerry ‘Wonda’ Duplessis, who has an incredible studio, Platinum Sound, in the Theatre District, was a bass player for the Fugees and having done an amazing amount of stuff.  I talked him into going on the road with me as well as doing a couple of songs for me on the record, such as Monster and Do It Again.  I kept my drummer Blair Sinta.”  The rest is Wonda’s Platinum Sound consisting of: guitarist, Brandyn Porter; Arden Altino on the keys; and backup singers Angela Hunte and Ashley Loren. “This is the first time having background singers and I’m so crazy excited about it.”

“My brand new tour is full of insanely moving music.  I will be doing ten of the eleven songs since they have gotten such great reactions from my fans saying things like ‘This could be my possibly favorite album of yours.’ These fans go back 20 years and give me confidence to perform them.”

Asking about as to whether she wrote all of the songs on the album, Melissa said that she collaborated somewhat with the musicians but wrote all of the lyrics accept for “Do It Again” and “Ain’t That Bad” co-writing with Angela Hunte, a hip-hop artist.  “’Ain’t That Bad’ is more of a hip-hop-rock tune”, Melissa remarked.  For the song “Take My Number”, the original single, she said that she was trying to think which song should first be released before the album itself.  “Feedback was that it sounded more like an older song of mine that I would have done in the 90’s.  A comfort song.  It’s a sweet song with a story that I solo with my acoustic guitar.  “It’s a grown up ‘call me, baby’ song of how we’re going to date after a divorce.”

What is behind each song that she composes?  “It starts with an inspiration whether musical or an event going on giving me that feel of ‘I want to sing about this’.  Each song on this album was driven by my own personal idea”.

“’Who Are You Waiting For’, the only ballad on the record, was written for my wife, Linda, for our wedding. I actually sang that to her during our vows.  It was a wonderful moment. She is an amazing woman and we both cried.” The lyrics seem to point to Linda’s asking who Melissa was waiting for.  They had been friends for several years prior to their marriage this year.  “I’m not going to do that song as it is intimate and this show is pushing out! I’m going to keep that song for a while.”

Melissa also commented on her health being “just fine”.  “Ten years this October of being cancer free” and feeling that her food regiment is what keeps it that way. 

Melissa Etheridge will be performing at Town Hall in Manhattan on Wednesday, November 5^th.  Check out her website: www.melissaetheridge.com

FUNERAL OF LAUGHTER

Even if you have already attended church on Sunday, head over to St. Luke’s Theatre for a convivial and gay Italian funeral.   In fact, the title of the show is “My Big Gay Italian Funeral”.   Keep in mind that although the word “gay” connotes “male homosexual” the word is also defined as “cheerful” and “hilarious”.   In this case, this off-Broadway hit encompasses both definitions.

Anthony Wilkinson is the star as well as the playwright of a stereotyped Italian funeral having already done the same with My Big Gay Italian Wedding.   Whereas the wedding focuses on a same sex Italian wedding, this one focuses on the death of the patriarch Joseph Pinnunsiato.  

The play opens to this Staten Island located funeral parlor and funeral director, Maurizio Grande (Brett Douglas).  Chairs facing the down stage coffin with a place to kneel .   This is for the first viewing and various people will be popping in. 

It is best that I give a list of characters.  Angela Pinnunziato (Donna Castellano) is John’s wife.  There are three children, Anthony (Wilkinson), Peter (Brain Patrick Murphy), and Maria (Marissa Perry).   Anthony, who is older than Peter, are both gay.  Peter will be bringing his lover, Dominick Vitale (Mustafa Gatollari), who was formerly with Anthony.   This will be a focus on a ten year upset between the brothers.

Maria is single and seeing Rabbi Howie Horowitz.  I know… this is already sparking your laughter.  Not going to reveal more than this.

Then there is Aunt Toniann Naso, sister to Joseph, (Debra Toscano) and the one character that helps create the hilarity at the funeral (for us), Ondine Ozzupacci (Beth Dzuricky).   She is not related to anyone.  She is a member of the Tuesday Ladies Coffee Clutch.  Joseph owned a bowling alley and she had been bowling there for 25 years.   She will not only seem to grieve the most but make phones calls to whoever is in Angela’s cell phone list.  OY!  Oh yes, nobody knows who she is. 

A second scene will take place at a gay club in Brooklyn, ten years ago.  This gives us the opportunity to see bits of a drag show and meet Connie Scuccifuffio (Meagan Robar) and her lover, Lucia Fuccio (Liz Geracitano) who although not present lovers have remained friends of Anthony.

Kudos for Anthony Wilkinson the author and Sonia Blangiardo for directing this talented cast. 

Being Italian or knowing enough about Italians will most likely get you guffawing more.   Even if you’re not in this category, you “get it”.   The gay aspect of the script will sell itself.   

Bring tissues for both tears of laughter and the part that will bring other emotions.

FINISHING PHILLY

Having written a few on Philly, I still have one more focus...namely, the Q-Fest.  It was opening night for this GLBT film festival.

Philly is noted for having a “Gayborhood”, located in the downtown area.  My focus was on the Q-Fest, an annual GLBT film festival.  Opening night had the award winning movie called Elliot Love.  Expect it to be out on DVD. Festival went from July 12 to 22^nd with some other excellent movies and after parties. Movie venue was at one basic movie theatre.  You can see the fest by going to www.qfest.com. 

I checked into the luxurious Loews Philadelphia Hotel, located on Market and 12th.  This former bank, first sky scraper built in Philly, has some fabulous views of the downtown area.  City Hall is just a few blocks away going uptown and a the walk in the other direction will take you to Independence Plaza and ultimately Penns Landing with Reading Market just across the way.

I loved my room.  It was in a corner with an almost panoramic view.  Having a refrigerator is helpful for both leftovers and a supply of bottled water.  Being on a floor with access to the concierge club, I was able to have a nutritious breakfast each morning as the buffet was way above, "Continental".

A spa called Breathe is located in a huge fitness center. With a menu of massages, body treatments and facials, it was the later that I choose.  A most fabulous esthetician donned a facial that made my skin soft and supple.  Most of the facial centered on massaging it while putting on and taking off all kinds of skin care.  In addition, my shoulders and feet got a massage as well so that they wouldn't feel left out.

Sole Food is the name of the restaurant located on the ground floor, lobby level specializing in...seafood.
A chef's tasting included: Snapper Filet with calamari escabeche, swiss chard, red bliss potatoes, saffron aoili; Grilled Spanish Octopus with fingerling potatoes, melted leeks, citrus, chorizo vinaigrette; Pastrami Pork Belly of which the pork is in brine for 4 days, smoked 4 hours, covered with a pastrami crust and served with a roasted tomato jam; Seared Diver Scallops with freshly made ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and corn, served with salty corn and truffle butter; Grilled NY Strip Steak with trumpet mushrooms, crisp potato, bleu cheese, shallots and tomatoes.  

Garden Party 29 – Monday, June 18, 2012, 6:00-10:00 PM

The only LGBT tasting festival in the country will feature nearly 40 restaurants at a new location!

Garden Party started in 1984 as a backyard barbeque in the Center’s garden. This year, more than 1,500 friends and supporters will flock to Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 to celebrate Pride Week with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and enjoy food and drink from a variety of restaurants, caterers and food trucks. The event includes a VIP SECTION from 6:00-7:00 PM that will be attended by Center supporters and elected officials.

Guests will dine “al fresco” on the pier and watch the sun set over the Hudson River while enjoying an open vodka bar and bidding on delicious dining packages at the fabulous "Foodies” Silent Auction, a popular activity at this culinary event. This year’s auction is an epicurean’s paradise, full of tasty treats from New York’s finest restaurants. Guests will bid on wine pairings, champagne brunches, three-course dinners and more. But it’s not all food – there are more delightful items to bid on from John Barrett Salon, Gilt City and David Barton Gym, to name a few. Garden Party will also feature an exciting Raffle with items curated by THEATERMANIA.

The Center is proud to welcome back longtime supporter PRUDENTIAL as our Platinum Sponsor. Thanks to Friend Sponsors BLOOMBERG, CAPITAL ONE, CITI, CONTINUUM HEALTH PARTNERS, NEW YORK LIFE and WELLS FARGO ADVISORS; Social Media Sponsors SEAMLESS, DOT429 and TASTING TABLE; Exclusive Airline Sponsor AMERICAN AIRLINES; Media Sponsor GO MAGAZINE, GAY CITY NEWS, METROSOURCE and THEATERMANIA; and DIAGEO has returned as the event’s Beverage Sponsor, featuring BV Wines and Ketel One Vodka. The Center is also grateful for the support of the following participating Corporate Volunteer Teams: AIG-LGBT Employee Resource Group, Citi PRIDE Network-NYC, Credit Suisse OPEN Network, dbPride Americas, Gap Inc., GLOBE – Deloitte, New York Life – NYLPride, PepsiCo EQUAL, Thomson Reuters Pride at Work and VIACOM/Emerge.

As the only LGBT tasting festival in the country, Garden Party is a delicious start to Pride Week in NYC with nearly 40 participating restaurants and food companies, which include: 16 Handles,  508 Restaurant & Bar,  Amy's Bread,  Anejo Tequileria,  Aria,  Benny's Burritos,  Brick Lane Curry House,  Corner Shop Café,  Dell' anima,  Donatella,  Dos Caminos,  En Japanese Brasserie,  Esca,  Fonda,  Good Restaurant,  Grandaisy Bakery,  L'Artusi,  La Cremeria,  Li-Lac Chocolates, Mappamondo,  Mitchmallows,  Murray's Cheese,  North Square,  Oceana, Peanut Butter & Co.,  Poco,  Presidential Caterers,  Redwood Kitchenette & Bar,  Rickshaw Dumplings,  Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, Smörgås Chef,  Sonnier & Castle,  The Taco Shop,  The Treats Truck,  Tiffin and Thali,  Uncle Paul's Pizza and Café and Zampa Winebar & Kitchen.

For a full listing of restaurants and food companies, auction participants and to purchase tickets, visit gaycenter.org/gardenparty29.

***

Garden Party kicks off Pride Week in New York City and is the Center’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from Garden Party 29 will benefit the Center’s life-affirming and life-changing programs and services, and allows the Center to keep its doors open 365 days a year.

WHAT              The only LGBT culinary festival in the country, benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

WHO                Visit gaycenter.org/gardenparty29 for a full listing of food participants

WHEN              Monday, June 18, 2012

                        6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE           Hudson River Park’s Pier 46

West Side Highway and Christopher Street

New York City

HOW                Tickets begin at $85 and will be $100 day of event

Tickets are on sale exclusively through gaycenter.org/gardenparty29.

About the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center:
A beacon of hope for 29 years, the Center builds and supports our community through arts and culture, wellness and recovery, HIV/AIDS related services, family services and life-saving youth programs designed to foster healthy development in a safe, affirming environment. The Center envisions a world where LGBT people will no longer face discrimination or isolation because of who we are or who we love. We offer a welcoming home to 300,000 visitors each year and we are committed to serving all LGBT people through a variety of programs, services and activities that are designed to meet existing and emerging needs. The Center is many things to many people. We invite you to experience our home at 208 West 13th Street in person and online at gaycenter.org.