Since its founding, Chicago has always been a forward thinking kind of place.

As a city located by a river that ties the North and South and a railroad connecting the east to the west, Chicago is where people come to get their groove on!

Right now at the Chicago History Museum there’s a great exhibit “Out in Chicago” chronicling how people in the Windy City have organized their lives around their sexual desires and sense of self.

The first and largest exhibit of its kind, Out in Chicago gives visitors a powerful sense of what life was like for people before the words gay, lesbian, bi and trans came to be.

Back in the 1912, a lot of people knew that gay men wore red neckties to find each other, and pretty green dresses. Painting of George Ade and Orson Collins Wells by William Herman Schmedtgen. Schmedtgen insinuated that Ade and Wells were homosexuals by putting a red bowtie on Wells and the Chicago Athletic Club symbol on his fan. The painting hung at the all-male Chapin & Gore Tavern in Chicago for many years. Photo courtesy of the Chicago History Museum.

Joining us today are historians Jill Austin and Jennifer Brier who helped put together this amazing exhibit by mining the History Museum’s very own archives for hidden clues.

Listen as we talk to these fascinating women about “outing” historical figures, secret gay codes and how gay men cruised at the turn of the century.

Plus:

Did President Nixon accidentally help ignite the gay rights movement in Chicago? Was he really gay all along?

Chicago’s publishing past and the battle between gay publications.

Charlie Chaplin looked hot in drag in the film A Woman, made right here in own back yard at the Essanay Studios.

Red Neckties, the history of Lesbian Potluck Party Flyers, and what the future of your community will be like.

Featured Music:
Tom Goss – Back to Love – Till the End:iTunes

Last fall the nation held its breath as the U.S. Government finally accepted all of our gay and lesbian troops.

Just hours after “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, U.S. airman Randy Phillips, a 21-year-old gay member of the Air Force stationed in Germany, videotaped a phone call he made to his father and posted it on YouTube- nervous and exhausted, in his bedroom with a map of the world behind him, Randy told his dad that he was gay.

NOTE: THis podcast is available for download until Sunday Feb 4th, 2012 and made possible by the financial support of listeners like you. Upgrade your account to Feast of Fun Plus + and have access to all our award winning podcast.

The internet and the rest of the world fell in love with the raw emotion of Randy’s live coming out. The video reflected the relief felt by many as the discriminatory era of DADT came to an end. He later followed it up with a video coming out to his mother.

Identical cousins? Fausto and Randy do look a bit like each other.

Both videos became such sensations that we made our own video, Gay Soldier Comes Out to Pizza Man-LIVE, because we thought “Who is he going to come out to next?” How about the pizza guy?

Minutes after posting our parody, Randy tweeted to his followers “This is the best thing I have ever seen…I hope you get a billion views.” All of these videos have now gone viral.

Today we’re talking to Randy Phillips from his town home in Germany about what life is like after the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, were there any gay military parties and does he now have a boyfriend?

Listen as we ask Randy if he was worried that his coming out videos could have backfired.

What if his mom and dad rejected him?

How to look good in lederhosen.

And Randy has some new shirtless workout and cooking videos that take us from his frying pan and into the fire. Feel the burn!

Featured Music:
Lover (Music Video Edit) – Single – Tom Goss: iTunes

Although we like to think of the entertainers who make the music we love as one big happy family, in reality most of them don’t know each other very well and are probably quite anxious about their own success.

There is no doubt that because of the strong female musicians have brought the American music industry into the black and had it’s most financially successful year in decades.

With so much great music, why are the fans of artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga fighting with each other?

One particularly ungracious blog Help Mother Monster directs Lady Gaga’s fans to sites where they can attack Madonna and other musicians on a deeply personal level.

Then there’s Madonna’s condescending remarks, and her ongoing fight with Elton John whose already sworn his allegiance to the Gaga.

Does a celebrity catfight qualify as cardio?

Why is Lady Gaga letting her Little Monsters act like real monsters?

Or do they have a point? With all negative talk between Elton John, Madonna and Lady Gaga, one has to wonder if Madonna flipped her lid and forgotten that Express Yourself is her reductive version of Respect Yourself by the Staple Singers?

And what is up with Madona’s awkward humor in her video blogs?

Joining us today is the hilarious Nadya Ginsburg, best known for being a woman of a thousand voices on YouTube with her impeccable impersonations of Cher, Winona Ryder, Britney Spears and of course Madonna.

Nadya’s scored a hit with her one woman show the Madonnalouges and has landed an awesome job writing for her comedy idol Joan Rivers.

Listen as we recruit Nadya into trying to bring peace to the war between the fans.

Plus,

Madonna’s cold war with Elton John, her speech at the Golden Globes, the ABC news interview and the upcoming Halftime Show at the Superbowl. Will this be the gayest Superbowl ever?

And a very touching message just for Madonna and Lady Gaga, will these divas listen?

Featured Music:
Lila Rose – Obsession – Heart Machine:iTunes

Since so much media attention is lavished on obscure entertainers coming out, we’re inviting our friend, comedian Kristen Studard to come out on today’s show.

But what is she coming out as? Listen and find out!

Join us as Kristen takes us behind the scenes on Saturday Night Live and shares a touching story about her transgender best friend in high school.

Plus-

Who needs SOPA & PIPA? The U.S. Government shuts down the popular file-sharing site Megaupload.com, and arrests four of the sites developers in New Zealand.

Corporate Hollywood responds to yesterday’s Internet blackout, saying its an abuse of power when we shut down our own websites in protest, but it’s fine for them to shut us down when they want to.

Actually, some internet trends could make a very good book.

Will iBooks, Apple’s new free book publishing platformrevolutionize publishing or turn all future books into twitter?

A trans woman posing as a gynecologist treats dozens of women in the Czech Republic.

And are flaming tampons the new weapon of mass destruction?

Featured Music:
Haikaa: iTunes

Peter Mac as the legendary Judy Garland

Judy Garland– The legendary entertainer’s life has always been so tied to gay culture and the fight for LGBT equality that even today, forty years after her death, our celebrations and traditions are still influenced by the force of nature that was Judy Garland.

Gay men loved going to see Judy Garland's live show at Carnagie Hall in New York City. Her death helped to fuel the events surrounding the Stonewall riots and the birth of the modern gay rights movement.

Today we’re talking to Peter Mac, one of the best known Judy Garland tribute artists in the country. For over a decade Peter has been portraying the diva in his one man show “Judy and Me” and now he’s in L.A. for “Judy Takes Broadway” – a remarkable tribute to the diva’s love for the Great White Way.

Join us as we take a closer look at Judy Garland as a misunderstood artist, portrayed by the media as messy and tragic, when in fact she was a triumphant woman who used humor as way to cope with life’s enormous challenges.

Listen as we talk to Peter about why Lucille Ball called Judy the funniest woman she knew, Judy Garland’s podcast recorded on a Nazi Machine, how a gay scene developed around her Carnegie Hall show in New York and the influence her death had at the Stonewall riots.

[Originally posted on 06.16.11]

Featured Music:
Judy At Carnegie Hall – Judy Garland: iTunes

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Beep, beep! Today we’re talking to Erin Davies the lady who drives the now rainbow colored Fagbug! Erin turned her Volkswagen Beetle that had been vandalized with the word “Fag” into an art project and tours the country documenting people’s reactions to the unusual automobile.

Erin Davies has driven her Fagbug all over the continental United States.

Despite the challenges of naysayers, Erin finished the documentary and she’s here today to talk about why her community railed against her, life on the road and meeting thousands of people from all walks of life who shared their own stories of surviving hateful attacks.

Listen to Erin’s amazing story and find out what’s next for the unstoppable Fagbug.

Plus-

A New Jersey bridal shop refuses to sell a wedding gown to lesbian bride.

Will voters overlook or embrace Michelle Bachmann’s horrific ties to a convicted terrorist involved in the Ugandan Kill Gays Movement?

And congratulations to Chely Wright, the country music star and her lover tied the knot.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please help keep Feast of Fun alive so we can bring more shows for years to come. Donate

[Originally posted on 08.23.11]

Featured Music:
Ferron – Impressionistic DOUBLE CD: iTunes

Oral Roberts was the first televangelist and one of the most recognizable leaders for religious fundamentalism in the United States. The worldwide audience for his TV show was in the hundreds of millions. His followers claimed he was more famous than the Pope.

As a faith healer, Roberts banned from his church those whom he couldn’t cure, citing lack of faith.

At one point Roberts demanded $8 million to continue his ministry, saying he was going to hang out in his holy tower, a huge cross he had constructed, until he got the money or God was going to bring him home. At the last moment he got paid.

Oral Roberts was the Elvis of television evangelists, turning his religion into a million dollar business for politics and profit.

Randy feels a strong bond with his deceased uncle because they share much of the same experiences- growing up in a evangelical family, getting married and having children at a young age and then coming out as gay later in life.

Listen as Randy takes us inside one of America’s most famous religious families.

What drove his uncle to suicide and what inspires him to write letters in his memory.

Meeting Tammy Faye Bakker for the first time.

Why many gay men in Dallas love First Lady Laura Bush, despite her husband’s anti-gay politics.

And did Oral Roberts ever hear the famous joke about the “two gay guys named Bob?”

If you enjoyed today’s show, please help keep Feast of Fun alive so we can bring more shows for years to come. Donate

[Originally posted on 08.01.11]

Featured Music:
Jen Porter – Moving On… : iTunes | Amazon

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The War on Christmas, an endless battle for the real reason of the holiday season has been fought through the ages and been won time and time again, not by the little baby Jesus, but by Santa Claus.

From Constantine, to Martin Luther, to the present day, religious conservatives have tried to crush gift giving, merriment and inclusive winter celebrations in order to have the holidays be only about their religious beliefs.

But the real miracle of Christmas is that nobody can kill Santa, and not just because he never existed, but because Santa represents a universal need for people to exchange gifts, power and comfort during the difficult winter months.

Ah those kooky Dutch, here's a Christmas tradition of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) and Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) visiting the townsfolk. Christmas is a scarier holiday than Halloween.

Why didn’t Santa’s monstrous sidekick Krampus catch on in the United States the way it did in Germany and Austria?

Join us as we talk about the devilish Krampus, Black Peter the African slave reinterpreted as a chimney sweep, La Befana the Italian Christmas Witch and many other Yuletide folks you may not be familiar with.

Plus, Santa Claus, polar bears and Coca Cola and why Halloween has a lot more in common with Christmas than you may think.

[Originally posted on 12.05.11]

Featured Music:
The Krampus Song – The Krampus Song: YouTube

18-year-old comedian Miles Jai had had it “up to here” with people asking him to “like my status” on Facebook, so he made a video to poke fun at the phenomenon.

Miles’ energetic rant about his frustrations with social media touched everyone, and made him a viral video sensation with “Like Mah Satus.”

Today we’re talking to Miles Jai, about the awkward relationship we all have with our social media, and why some people come across as needy and desperate.

Listen as Miles talks about growing up gay as a military brat, handling his new celebrity and getting suspended from school for giving a guy in his drama club a Valentines Day Card.

And do people like his status updates more now that he’s the “like mah status guy?”

Plus

Like mah status if you love Japanese shit, and drive around in a Hello Kitty overdecorated car.

Hanson’s has a beer now– MmmHop anyone!

And unsolicited advice for Internet celebrities.

Featured Music:
Like Mah Status – Miles Jai: YouTube

Coco Peru - Photos by Peter Palladino, David Charpentier

Go see Coco Peru's show.

We had an awesome time last summer hanging out with Coco Peru, the star of such loved campy films as Trick and Girls Will Be Girls. All throughout the weekend, everybody wondered why she kept saying that people always tell her “she’s a very nice person.” Is Coco Peru really a very nice person or is she trying to put us under her drag-notic spell?

Join us today as we talk with the hilarious Coco Peru. Coco’s put together a brand new one woman show, “There Comes a Time” where she looks back at 20 years of being a drag queen entertainer and gives us a peek into her future.

Listen as we talk with Coco about her shocking near death experience as a teenager, before he came out to his parents, the impact of reality TV shows on solo performers, the power of dragnosis and why there will be so many puking scenes in Girls Will Be Girls 2012.

Plus–

Caution Exotic Animals- a man sets a zoo of wild animals loose and then kills himself.

Michelle Bachman’s insane, nautical themed fashion.

And our spoof video “A Gay Soldier Comes Out to the Pizza Man – LIVE” goes viral, leaving some confused people wondering why is Randy Phillips ordering a pizza all the way to Afghanistan?

[Originally posted on 10.20.11 to Feast of Fun Plus+, sign up today!]

Featured Music:
A Diferent Shade of Faded – Orison – Orison: iTunes

Remember that “Leave Britney Alone” kid from YouTube? A lot has happened to Chris Crocker since his video went viral.

Almost overnight, a young gay kid’s tearful rant on bullying and Britney Spears made Chris Crocker an international sensation. It also made the staff at YouTube and Google really nervous, wondering is this the face we want to represent our company?

Yes indeedy, an effeminate little teenager from the south made a giant multi-billion dollar corporation squirm.

Chris Crocker now looks a lot different from his former self, letting his natural brown hair grow in and adding 15 pounds of muscle onto his now very butch body. Why has Chris gotten so masculine all of a sudden?

Listen as we talk with Chris about his upcoming documentary “Me at the Zoo,” his porn career put on hold, acting with Don Johnson and Shangela in a failed pilot and why we all got frisky backstage at Pridefest Milwaukee.

Things got a little out of hand backstage at Pridefest with Chris Crocker.

Plus–

Does Britney Spears really refuse to answer any questions about the video?

Will Lady Gaga collaborate with Chris?

And why some guys have more cum than common sense.

[Originally posted on 11.09.11 to Feast of Fun Plus+, sign up today!]

Featured Music:
Taking My Life Back – Single – Chris Crocker: iTunes

One of the most beloved films featuring drag queens of all time is Girls Will Be Girls, where three actresses at various stages on the Hollywood food chain navigate the minefield of love, aging and ambition. The film features the raunchy ensemble of Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman and Evie Harris, all drag queens who had separate careers but were brought together like Charlies Angels to create a dynamic comedy trifecta.

We heard that after this photo was taken, Evie Harris had a three way with Shields and Yarnell. Photo by Dennis Hensley.

Although Girls will be Girls was a hit with critics and audiences, the making of a sequel was cost prohibitive. Now, thanks to digital video cameras and fundraising tools like Kickstarter, fans raised the funds needed to create the apocalyptic sequel coming out next year: Girls Will be Girls 2012.

Today we are joined by Jack Plotnick, the man behind Evie Harris sharing with us the anguished journey of actors in Hollywood trying to find meaning in their lives and the origins of Evie Harris, a washed-up, alcoholic, aging C-List actress.

What Coco Peru and Varla Jean Merman have to say about their co-star when she’s not around.

How being a sloppy drag queen got him working with Sir Ian McKellen on the Oscar nominated film Gods and Monsters.

Learning how to love acting and auditions as an actor.

And daily affirmations actor and trans folks can say to find the joy and purpose in life.

Featured Music:
Girls Will Be Girls Theme Remix – Billy Brooks – the B2 Mix

One odd type of television programing that’s really grown in the past years is the commentary clip show genre, where funny, insightful people share their thoughts on video clips in between commercial breaks.

It’s a great deal for TV networks, as it gives a new life to old footage that would otherwise just be collecting digital dust.

Today comedian and queen of commentary clip shows Becky Donohue joins us to talk about how they make these type of shows and how the success of online media companies like Google is turning San Francisco into the new Hollywood.

You can catch Becky at Fruit Punch Comedy Wednesday Nov. 9, at Rooster T. Feathers in Sunnyvale, CA.

Plus–

Kim Kardashian is too sad to work.

Is Herman Cain the new Clarence Thomas? And did Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel leak the news of his sexual harassment scandal?

Lesbian Haggis, Adult babies and Stinky Sexy Occupy Wall Street hunks.

And what Americans can do to get corporations out of Occupying Washington.

Featured Music:
Haikaa: iTunes

Mirror mirror on the wall, whose the trashiest drag queen of them all? Lady Bunny, that’s who.

Our favorite illiterate, raunchy, demented drag diva of Wigstock fame is back with a one wo-man show “That Ain’t No Lady,” jam packed with some of her funniest bits from the past decade including her tacky tribute to Amy Winehouse plus all the behind the scenes dirt from RuPaul’s Drag U.

Is your face her misfortune? Try Burma-Shave. Photo: BillyErb.com

Join us as we talk with Lady Bunny about wigs, costumes and fights with other drag queens.

Why RuPaul chose her to be her the Dean of her own University?

Occupy Wall Street, will Lady Bunny be joining in the protests?

Is University of Chicago’s Jersey Shore conference a symptom of the dumbing down of academia or just our lack of understanding about cultural studies?

Bunny’s smutty videos that got banned from YouTube.

And what career advice she has for her best friend, Lady Gaga.

Featured Music:
Lady Bunny – Firework: Site

George Lucas commissioned The Star Wars Holiday Special with hopes of keeping the movie fresh in people’s minds while he filmed the Empire Strikes Back. It aired on November 17, 1978 to dismal reviews and is considered by many as one of the most awful and hilarious TV specials of all time.

The special focuses on Chewbacca’s family grunting, moaning, while the featured cast of Star Wars performs unusual acts and well known comedy actors of the time engage in musical numbers.

George Lucas did everything in his power to make sure it was never seen again. But thanks to the internet, you can see the hilarious show anytime!

Today we’re talking to comedy writer and gay legend Bruce Vilanch, who worked as a writer for The Star Wars Holiday Special, and also on many lavish, campy TV specials of the 1970s including The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, The Cher Show, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

As Hollywood’s go-to guy for comedy writing, Bruce built a career writing for the Oscars and comedy legends like Bette Midler, Cher, Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers.

Listen as Bruce talks to us about the wonderful tacky world of TV specials from the 1970s and he also reveals that there is a documentary on the Star Wars Holiday Special in the works!

Plus Bruce answers all your questions:
Why did Bea Arthur get involved in the Star Wars Holiday Special?

What is it like writing for the Oscars?

What advice does Bruce have for Whoopi on Mel Gibson?

And the secret to Bruce’s longevity in the entertainment business.

[Originally posted on 07.21.10]

Buy Bruce Vilanch’s 1999 definitive documentary “Get Bruce!” on DVD on Amazon.

Featured Music:
Bruce Vilanch – They All Look Alike: Tunes

Lisa Lampanelli, the Queen of Mean does not hold back on anything or anyone, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, or penis size.

Her over the top brand of insult comedy carries the spirit of such comic legends like Don Rickles and Redd Foxx but sadly, most TV networks won’t air the racier parts of her act.

Fans can rest assured that her new DVD “Tough Love” delivers every juicy, dirty joke that’s too hot for Comedy Central, and even her wild Donald Trump Roast is included.

Listen as we talk the the Queen of Mean on why Donald Trump will never be the President of anything, except his own ego.

Plus, Andy Dick gets thrown out at the Adult Video Awards- what really happened? Her hilariously offensive jokes about Chaz Bono and George Takei and why laughing at yourself is the greatest love of all.

[Originally posted on 04.27.11]

Featured DVD:
Lisa Lampanelli – Tough Love (DVD): Amazon | iTunes

Featured Music:
Gaye Adegbalola – Gaye Without Shame: Amazon | iTunes

Bryan Safi always has a rainbow following him around.

One of the more popular segments on infoMania, the weekly satirical news-show on Current TV, is “That’s Gay” where comedian Bryan Safi takes a deliciously snarky look at gay issues portrayed in the media.

Thanks to Rei Sato who helped not only set up the interview, but provided us with the inspiration for the cover art.

Today we’re jumping in the gay jacuzzi with the hilarious Bryan Safi to talk about the terrible things he had to do to launch That’s Gay, all the behind the scenes dirt and the ridiculous idea of a magical gay best friend that can fix anything.

Also-

Why is Fred Karger, the first openly gay U.S. Presidential candidate a pro-pot, pro-choice, pro-Equality Republican?

Does Nancy Grace secretly kill children for ratings?

Winning an Emmy as a writer for Ellen.

And Bryan weighs in on the biggest news stories of the year so far.

Plus- Is Bryan Safi the voice of Randall, the narrator of Honey Badger Don’t Care? Find out!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please help keep Feast of Fun alive so we can bring more shows for years to come. Donate

Featured Music:
Horse Meat Disco III – Various Artists: iTunes

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Brandon Anderson and Jeremiah Clark- photo by Fausto Fernós

Even the Empire State Building got into the rainbow colored fun.

Despite the lack of floats advertising the latest cough syrup and mortgage refinancing services, the parade rolled right along and everyone once again discovered the true meaning of Pride. Stupid haters! Everyone knows if you want to stop any celebration, cut off the supply of booze.

Joining us today for a live music session are the hunky and delicious Jeremiah Clark and his pal Brandon Anderson who just wrapped up a 20 city tour across the country.

Listen as we talk with Brandon about lost love and Jeremiah tells us about his kooky southern mom Terry who named her dog Cooter.

Plus the hot news:

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been found guilty of trying to sell President Obama’s former senate seat. Jurors say it was tough to find him guilty because the grew to like him during the trail.

Cee-Lo Green dresses up in drag as Patti LaBelle for a tribute to the soulful diva at this year’s BET Awards.

Forced sex changes on baby girls in India.

A new genderless preschool in Sweden.

And a Russian cat gets caught barking like a dog.

Featured Music:
Jeremiah Clark: iTunes
Brandon Anderson: iTunes

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For many LGBT folks, coming out is one of the most important things they can do in their lives to be the best person they can be. But sadly, it’s not always so easy or obvious and for some, it could put their lives in danger. And then with social media, some wonder: “should I just get it all over at once and simply post a status update?”

What is the best way to come out?

Today we’re joined by manners and etiquette expert Steven Petrow. In his new book The Complete Guide to Gay & Lesbian Manners, Steven covers all the important milestones on gay life including friendships, sex, dating and tying the knot.

Join us as Steven chats with us about the ins and outs of being out at work, coming out to people you just met, online vs real life flirting and how to find out if coming out is helpful to you at all.

Plus,

Getting rid of that one night stand, or how to get him to come back for more.

Dealing with that moment when you realize the person next to you at a party is the same person you’ve been flirting with online for months.

And couples at social events: how to shine on your own while still being with the one you love.

Featured Book:
Steven Petrow’s Complete Gay & Lesbian Manners: The Definitive Guide to LGBT Life: Amazon

Featured Music:
Jen Porter – Closer to the Surface: iTunes | Amazon

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Marc Felion getting stuck with needles.

Why has this method of treatment been largely ignored when people in the East have used for thousands of years? Is it for real or just a bunch of woo woo.

Today we’re talking to our friend Michael Oliphant a comedy writer who took his life on a different course five years ago when he started to study acupuncture. He’s given up the late nights telling jokes in smoky bars and eating onion rings for an office where he pokes willing patients to help them heal.

Listen as we talk about skepticism, alternative medicine and the power of the human mind.

Can HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases be alleviated by acupuncture? Why do clowns wear hats and why do pirates wear golden earrings?

Okay, so maybe acupuncture is a little 'woo-woo.'

the hot viral videos: Amy Winehouse drunk comeback, the breakdancing gorilla and the Chinese bride who discovers her groom is gay on their wedding day.

Improved condoms soon to debut in Europe

And take our Google Rainbow Pride test! Can you unlock the secret words in Google’s rainbow Easter egg?

Featured Music:
Shayna Ferm And The Upper Deckers – Blonde: iTunes | Amazon

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Although nothing can compare to the thrill of going for the gold at the Winter Olympics, for speed skater Blake Skjellerup fighting for equality in his native New Zealand really gets him going.

Taste the rainbow.

The campaign was a huge success and over three thousand people sent letters to the Prime Minister urging him to meet with Blake, which he then did!

Now, Blake is touring across New Zealand and stopping at school to talk about acceptance and diversity.

Listen as we talk with Blake about his intense training regimen, getting on the box of Fruity Cheerios, meeting Justin Bieber, who has the best ass in sports, and what it’s like being the only openly gay man in the Olympic Village.

Featured Music:
Tom Goss: iTunes
Eric Himan – Everywhere All at Once: iTunes | Amazon

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Peter Mac as the legendary Judy Garland

Judy Garland– The legendary entertainer’s life has always been so tied to gay culture and the fight for LGBT equality that even today, forty years after her death, our celebrations and traditions are still influenced by the force of nature that was Judy Garland.

Gay men loved going to see Judy Garland's live show at Carnagie Hall in New York City. Her death helped to fuel the events surrounding the Stonewall riots and the birth of the modern gay rights movement.

Today we’re talking to Peter Mac, one of the best known Judy Garland tribute artists in the country. For over a decade Peter has been portraying the diva in his one man show “Judy and Me” and now he’s in L.A. for “Judy Takes Broadway” – a remarkable tribute to the diva’s love for the Great White Way.

Join us as we take a closer look at Judy Garland as a misunderstood artist, portrayed by the media as messy and tragic, when in fact she was a triumphant woman who used humor as way to cope with life’s enormous challenges.

Listen as we talk to Peter about why Lucille Ball called Judy the funniest woman she knew, Judy Garland’s podcast recorded on a Nazi Machine, how a gay scene developed around her Carnegie Hall show in New York and the influence her death had at the Stonewall riots.

Featured Music:
Judy At Carnegie Hall – Judy Garland: iTunes

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For his fourth birthday, C.J. got a signed photo from Prince Charming and Cinderella. He was thrilled.

These moms don’t care if their kids are gay, transgendered or just going through a phase, they just want them to grow up in a loving accepting society. So they are blogging about it, and want your support.

Today we’re talking to C.J.’s mom who writes the blog, Raising my Rainbow where she anonymously shares her story about raising her 4 year old son C.J. who love princesses, Barbie dolls, Alice in Wonderland and pretending he’s celebrity home style cook Paula Deen.

Listen as C.J.’s mom shares with us the messages she’s gotten from thousands of people from all around the world for being a mom who supports her kids to be whoever they want to be.

Plus–

Good News Everyone! DOMA, The Defense of Marriage Act or is done! The Obama Administration dropped a bombshell saying it will no longer defend the constitutionality of a federal law banning recognition of same-sex marriage.

Can Lady Gaga and Target avoid a Bad Romance?

The King’s Speech uses the same set as a British gay adult film.

Aretha tells Fantasia to calm down.

and protesters in Wisconsin get an unexpected pizza delivery from supporters in Egpyt.

[Originally posted on 02.24.11]

Advertise here

Featured Music:
Broni – Every Thought I’ve Had Since I Was 10: iTunes

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One ringy-dingy to rule them all. Why would anyone want AT&T to become telecom-titan once again? What does Lily Tomlin have to say about all this?

The battle to protect Network Neutrality is raging. Millions of people are up in arms over the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile, because it will leave just two large companies in control of the Internet and mobile broadband. Tech experts insist the merger will create higher prices, poorer service, the loss of thousands of jobs and most importantly, threaten free speech and openness on the wireless web.

AT&T has been fighting hard to convince the FCC to allow the merger and they’ve aggressively courted dozens of civil rights groups across the country to endorse it by promising increased functionality and speed, despite their dismal past record. Today the U.S. ranks 15th in the world in Internet speed and access, behind most European countries, South Korea and Japan.

One unusual LGBT rights group endorsing the merger is the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD. Their support of the merger is seen by many as a misguided attempt to curry favor with board members and one of their largest sponsors, AT&T.

Join us as we talk to-

Timothy Karr the Campaign Director for Save The Internet a non-profit coalition of over 2 million people seeking to protect Internet freedom.

Daniel Villareal, Queerty’s new day editor covering the story.

And Jarrett Barios, the President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation about the groups’ controversial support of the merger.

Listen as we try to convince Jarret Barios and GLAAD to reconsider withdrawing their support.

Plus, will the negative backlash over GLAAD’s support of their corporate overlords overshadow its important work with traditional media creators?

And what your Internet experience will look like in the future if we lose Net Neutrality.

Featured Music:
Tom Goss: iTunes
Eric Himan – Everywhere All at Once: iTunes | Amazon

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India Ferrah, Mimi Imfurst and Stacy Layne Matthews carve up some fun. Photo: Fausto Fernós.

Can I get an Amen around here? Today is Part Two of our special with the fabulous queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

A girl's gotta eat! Stacy Layne Matthews photo by Fausto Fernós.

How did this name calling all go down and why were some queens so unbelievably snotty during the taping of the show?

Listen as we find if “Booger Queen” Stacy Layne Matthews really buys “Heathers Queen” Raja apology during the reunion show?

Join us as we go inside the secret walled garden of glittery delights as Mimi Imfurst, India Ferrah and Stacy Layne Matthews share with us the behind the scenes secrets of the hit reality TV show.

Stick around as we unlock the liquor cabinet and get these girls to talk about what you need to do if you want to get on RuPaul’s Drag race.

Plus, once you get on the show, how do you make the most of your new-found success.

Also, find out which queens have had work done? Which ones should you watch out for?

And is it true if you piss one queen off, it will get you banned off the show for life?

Featured Music:
Party Girl – Single – Xelle: iTunes

Marc Felion, India Ferrah, Mimi Imfurst, Stacy Layne Matthews and Fausto Fernós

Drag- for some girls it’s not just a job, it’s an adventure. A revolution in drag is exploping thanks to the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Today we’re talking to three of the fabulous queens from the reality TV competition who all scored high in charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, and if you take the first letter of that list, these ladies give it in abundance!

India Ferrah's eye make-up is like a circus. Growl! Click to see the amazing detail.- photo: Fausto Fernós

Also joining us is Stacy Layne Matthews – whose first time on an airplane was flying from Back Swamp, North Carolina to Los Angeles to be on the show. Stacy also comes forward as being a transgendered woman.

Listen as we talk about how life has changed for all these queens now that RuPaul’s got them with her Midas touch? And point on the doll where RuPaul touched you!

Plus, MoNique’s drag queen body double, home schooling in drag at age of 12 and how to survive reality TV.

Today’s show is part one of part two, so come back tomorrow for more juice!

Featured Music:
Glamazon – RuPaul: iTunes

The European Council on Human Rights may have ruled that the Russian people have a right to hold a Pride Parade, but that didn’t stop the authorities in Moscow from banning it anyway by claiming they couldn’t protect the parade participants from the haters.

Dan Choi gets beaten up. In Russia you don't march in Pride Parade, Pride Parade marches on you.

But, the march was a huge success not only at an international level, but it also drew an unprecedented amount of attention from the Russian media, which here until now largely ignored the struggle for gay rights in the land of Tchaikovsky.

Today, Andy Thayer joins us fresh from his return from Russia (with love) to share his amazing story of participating in the Pride Parade and what it was like to face down hunky but violent Russian police officers and fascists.

Listen to today’s show to hear what Sir Ian McClellan had to say about the parade and find out what Adam Lambert tweeted while performing in Moscow on that very day.

Plus-

Sarah Palin’s tour bus gets tagged.

Shep Smiths’ struggles to wrap his head around Wiener’s wang.

Civil Unions go live in Illinois.

And boy are we maad at GLAAD and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce! Why are two of the nation’s largest gay lobby groups endorsing the AT&T merger, a move that’s most likely against their own interests?

Tom Goss: iTunes

Have you ever fallen for someone who pretended to be somebody else? Today we’re talking to visual artist and personal trainer Tim Webster about his online romance filled with lies and deception.

Tim Webster's apocalyptic paintings would make a great t-shirt design.

Our story is a bit reminiscent of Armistead Maupin’s novel, The Night Listener, based on the author’s real life experience of developing a friendship with, who he thought was a 13 year old boy living with AIDS as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse from his parents.

But, in reality, Anthony Godby Johnson was a character developed by Vicki Johnson, a woman who claimed to be the boy’s adoptive mother. Although many mainstream journalists suspected she was faking it, they were so enraptured by the powerful tale that they became complicit in perpetuating the lies.

Join us as we talk about Facetious disorder- fake Internet profiles, con artists and co-dependency.

Plus, how eating 6-7 times a day will help you build muscle and Tim Webster’s apocalyptic abstract art.

Featured Music:
Seth&Zakk – Snakk Pakk: iTunes

1960s Hollywood sex symbol Mamie Van Doren can still kick it! Photos by Alan Mercer and others.

At one point in Hollywood, Mamie Van Doren, along with Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, was considered one the most beautiful women on the silver screen. The three of the them were collectively known as the “Three Ms” and shared a special bond of sexy sisterhood.

Always at odds with the censors during one of America’s most conservative periods, Mamie Van Doren was known as the Bad Girl. Viewed as too darn hot, Maimie was sidelined to roles in B movies where she could show off her shapely feminine form.

Yeah he was that hot. Taken in 1954, Mamie Van Doren might have been one of the few women ever to get her groove on with gay actor Rock Hudson. Photo courtesy of Mamie Van Doren.

Today, Mamie Van Doren is as alive and kicking as ever and has a fantastic new Country music album “Still a Troublemaker.” The album features a trio with country music stars Lynn Anderson (I Never Promised You A Rose Garden) and Linda Davis.

Listen as we talk with Mamie about her amazing life and she gives us a rare look at dating many of Hollywood’s Golden age hunks, and even Henry Kissinger.

What was it like to be intimate with gay hunk Rock Hudson?

What did Joan Crawford really think about Marilyn Monroe?

Mamie shares it all on today’s show, you don’t want to miss it!

[Originally posted on 12.17.10]

Featured Music:
Mamie Van Doren – Still a Troublemaker: iTunes

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We met entertainment producer David Charpentier backstage, as a tornado roared through Pridefest, the world’s largest LGBT music festival.

The rain had been falling for hours and people had to be moved into shelters as the storm passed through the Milwaukee fairgrounds. We were fearing for our lives. And yet, after the storm passed, an amazing music concert blossomed like sunshine through the clouds.

As entertainment producer for Pridefest, David can handle just about any intense, scary or emotional situation with any artist, no matter how extreme the circumstances.

Now he’s managing some of the biggest drag queens in entertainment while living with Addison’s disease and type one Diabetes. How does he do it?

Join us as David shares the inside scoop on all the celebrities for the music festival- diva temper tantrums, strange riders and all the juicy bits on Mo’Nique, Shaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper, Patti Labelle, Natasha Beddingfield and Katy Perry.

Plus–

Lady Gaga will grab whatever is closest to her and slap it on.

Christopher Meloni will not be returning to Law and Order SVU.

and gay men who declare themselves straight acting are not really acting very straight because obsessing about your masculinity is one of the things that gay men do best.

Featured Music:
Shayna Ferm And The Upper Deckers – Blonde: iTunes | Amazon