LGBTQ

ART PHAG: OutMusic Awards postponed

POSTED: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag

Photo by Tona Brown

Hines rehearsing for the Trans Day of Remembrance performance

In my last Queer Bait column I featured trans organist T. Desiree Hines, who was scheduled to perform the opening segment at the 2010 OutMusic Awards in New York City. Since it was published, however, the show's creators have announced that the show (originally scheduled for Dec. 1) will be postponed, due to a major sponsor pulling out at the last minute. Now slated for spring, Hines believes the setback could actually be seen as a blessing in disguise. Since the announcement, she says the community has taken greater notice of the event, which could lead to even more funding. "This will give [the organizers] more means to produce a bigger and better event in the spring," she says. Until then, Hines is keeping busy with a regular performance schedule. She recently performed with trans violinist Tona Brown (also a scheduled OutMusic performer) at a Trans Day of Remembrance concert in Baltimore.

Music Lover

Posted 2010-12-08 04:12:37

This event will never see the light of day due to mismanagement of funds, the donor reneging "story" is a big fat lie.

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 7:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: OUTMusic celebration @ Tabu Lounge

POSTED: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 8:40 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag

Neal Santos

Desiree Hines

The OUTMusic Awards—a celebration of the LGBTQ community's contribution to the music industry—won't happen until next month in New York City, but Philly's getting in on some of the action first. Tonight from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Tabu Lounge (200 S. 12th St.), there's going to be a benefit to celebrate the LGBT Academy of Recording Artists (LARA), the show's organizers. Special guests include Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of LARA Deidre Meredith and Philly's own openly trans organist T. Desiree Hines, who will perform in the show next month. Hines says there's a $20 admission fee at the door, but that will afford you an open bar supplied with "vodka cocktails, wine and a little bit of food," she says. "And you get to support a great cause." A portion of the evening's earnings will benefit the Sponsor a Young Person Initiative, a program that aids youth abandoned by their families. See you there, girls and boys! For more on Desiree's contribution to the OUTMusic Awards, check Queer Bait in this week's issue.

PhillyChitChat

Posted 2010-11-18 12:22:16

This is one of the best photos of her, and really captures her essence.

Josh Middleton

Posted 2010-11-18 12:23:36

I agree, PhillyChitChat!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 8:40 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: Meet Mr. Gay Philadelphia

POSTED: Friday, November 12, 2010, 9:30 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag

Gulp ...

This weekend studly dudleys from towns across America are rolling into Philadelphia to fight for the title of Mr. Gay U.S. 2010. Hosted by Sirius/XM radio personality Frank Decaro and drag mistress Brittany Lynn at Voyeur Nightclub, this will be the first time Philadelphia has hosted the event — and the handsome gent representing our city hopes the home court advantage will give him the edge he needs to walk away with that sash. Twenty-eight year old sex biscuit Ryan Mattis has lived in Philadelphia for nearly eight years. He came here from Central, Pa to study accounting at St. Joseph's University, and is currently a homeowner near Passyunk Square. With his all-American good looks and butterfly-in-the-gut-inducing charm aside, he says he never considered himself the pageant type, but when a local travel agency approached him earlier this year about representing them in the Mr. Gay Philadelphia pageant, he thought he'd give it a shot. And he won.

It was his well-roundedness and non-stereotypical approach, he says, that helped him win the first time. "The point is to bring recognition as gay men being an everyday guy, and to be a role model for my generation and to the generations who came before us."And come on, let's cut to the chase, he can wear a swimsuit like it's nobody's business. "[Swimwear] is where I feel most confident," he says without a stutter. "Fitness is a big part of my life." Ouch! To get prepared for the big night, Mettis has amped up his workout routine and focused on eating right and getting plenty of shut eye. Though he's had several local businesses offer to donate clothing, he finally decided on a sharp suit from Metro Men's Clothing on E. Passyunk Ave.; and, as far as the swimsuit is concerned, he's keeping mum. "People will just have to come see that for themselves," he says. Double ouch ... The competition kicks off tonight at Q Lounge at a preliminary event where judges (Michael Musto, David Evangelista, Terry Noonan) will have a chance to eye-up the competitors before they take the stage for the final competition. At the main event each contestant will have a chance to strut their stuff in formal and swimwear before being whittled down to the five who will go on to the Q&A round. The winner will then go on to compete in the online International Mr. Gay competition. Mettis says his boyfriend of one year and several carloads of family members will be in attendance tomorrow night to offer their support. And if he wins, he says he wants to use his title to put himself forth as a rolemodel for the younger folks. "It's hearbreaking when you turn on the news," he says in reference to the recent increase in gay teen suicides. "I want people who are going through that to know that they're not alone and that things will continue to get better." Aw, he's hot and he has a sensitive side, too? He's got this thing in the bag. Good luck tomorrow, Ryan!

Preliminary Round, Fri., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., $10, Q Lounge, 1234 Locust St., 215-732-1800; Main Event, Sat., Nov. 13, 8 p.m., $35-$65, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772.

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 9:30 PM Permalink | 1 comment

HALLOWEEN: Take it like a man

POSTED: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 4:42 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ

Last week in our Arts section, Daniella Wexler told you about a slew of local Halloween haps, but that only scratched the surface. For the rest of the week we'll countdown the days to Halloween with a list of even more options to keep you spooked over the weekend.

To celebrate four years of tit-illating performances, the ladies making up the Liberty City Drag Kings & Burlesque are throwing a Halloween-themed costume fest at Tritone (1508 South St.) on Sun., Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. The Notorious OMG will be MCing the event, which will include a tassle-twirling competition, music by DJ evil v, and performances by current (Heather Coutts, Puppett L'Artist) and former (Lance Fennig, Roi Ovarian) LiCK members. This is definitely a party that'll allow your craziest costume fantasies come to life. Do it up!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 4:42 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: President Obama says "It gets better"

POSTED: Monday, October 25, 2010, 3:00 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag

Wow, this is huge. A few weeks ago I posted about Dan Savage's It Gets Better Project, where adults are asked to make videos relaying hopeful messages to young gay people who may be having a difficult time being out around their peers. Now 100,000 members strong, one of the newest video installments is from President Obama, who filmed his piece straight from the White House. That's pretty awesome, Mr. President. Thanks.

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 3:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: PGMC turns dirty 30

POSTED: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 5:30 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag

Philadelphia Gay News

An imminent big birthday has the boys in the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus shivering in their cumberbunds. The group is only turning 30, but you know the whole, "that's like a bazillion in gay years," schtick. But whatever the case, they're all set to drown out those birthday blues by doing what they do best — singing to their gay heart's content. For their 2010-2011 season they're reminiscing about days gone by in a series of musicals themed "Back to Boyhood," a dedication to their earlier years. The season kicks off with a selection of holiday classics in"Pa-Rum-Pa-Pum-Pum: A Boy's Holiday Story," and finishes up in June with a Backstreet Boy, 'N Sync spectacular, "Mmm-Bop: Best of the Boy Bands." For a full list of what they have planned in-between, check after the jump. If you haven't seen these fellows in concert yet, now's the perfect chance to swing by and say, "Happy Birthday." Just don't attempt singing it, that's totally their territory. Fa-La-La-La-La! Dec. 3-4: "Pa-Rum-Pa-Pum-Pum: A Boy's Holiday Story" Feb. 26: "Brotherly Love Presents 'Rat Pack Live!'" Apr. 16: "Cherish the Child" June TBA: "Mmm-Bop: Best of the Boy Bands"

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 5:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: Trust me, it gets better

POSTED: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 8:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | LGBTQ Art Phag

Kids can be major assholes. It's true. I'm sure you remember what it was like being picked on in school — and your only problem was that huge booger dangling out of your nose at recess. Yea, I know you had to hear about it forever, but imagine trying to be a gay kid. No matter how hard you try, there's no way you can get rid of that extra swish and careless wrist, it's there for good. But daggone it, that's something to be proud of. With homosexuality becoming a more prominent theme on television, and in movies and music, kids are beginning to come out earlier than ever before. This is great in certain aspects, but it also puts them right in line for some old-fashioned playground bullying. Gays have been at the brunt of too many jokes for far too long. It's time to make a change, to start instilling young gay people with a sense of pride at an early age. To get the ball rolling, Savage Love columnist Dan Savage has spearheaded a YouTube campaign, asking LGBTQ adults to convey a message that it may be tough being gay early on, but one day it will pass. It's called the It Gets Better Project, and it's based on one simple theme:

THE PLEDGE: We are the kids who have been bullied for being gay, lesbian, bi or trans. We pledge to stay open and strong. We are also the friends, family members, teachers, mentors, and allies of anyone who's ever felt like they didn't fit in, gay or straight. We pledge to talk to the kids in our lives to put an end to the hate, violence, and tragedy — and to offer advice on coping, strategies to make it better, and to remind kids that It Gets Better.

So far, tens of thousands of people, including celebs like Eve, Jakes Shears from Scissor Sisters and Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet (above), have made a contribution. Check out some of the videos HERE, and consider taking the pledge. The more support that gets generated, the less we'll have to deal with things like teenage suicides and hate crimes that stem from someone struggling to be accepted for who they are. We can turn this thing around!

ambiguator

Posted 2010-10-12 16:37:23

I love Dan Savage, and god bless him for starting this affirmative meme.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves, eh?

Consider:
Dan Savage: white
Sia: white
Jakes Shears: white
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: white
Eric Stonestreet: white

For white, middle-class, liberal urbanites, being queer is becoming socially acceptable. However, despite their over-representation in the mainstream media, those folks make up just one slice of the queer population.

For everyone else, queers of color, poor queers, queers in the country, conservative queers: I hate to break it to you, but it does not get better. And it will not get better until the lgbtqts(etc) civil rights movement figures out how to bridge the gap between these minority groups.

Josh Middleton

Posted 2010-10-12 17:12:22

You bring up some great points, ambiguator. It's hard to say it will get better for everyone, but every ounce of effort inches us closer to bridging the gap you mentioned between civil rights movers and minority groups. 

Thankfully, in my case and in many others, a lot of queer people choose to leave the small towns that inhibit them for larger, more accepting metropolises. Just like with everything, however, it's not always possible for EVERYONE to be able to make these transitions. We could only hope. 

And as for the buttload of whities I unleashed on everyone in the post, there are many people of color who have contributed from all over the country. Here are a few links to check. 

Here's one by Eve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaMdllWsqno&feature=player_embedded

And others:
http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com./#M0t6mjf9BiM
http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/video/entry/1429/
http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/video/entry/645/
http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/video/entry/671/

Thanks for your insightful words. I don't mean my response as a rebut, but more of an amicable different take. Have a good night.

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 8:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

DRAG ALERT: Q&A with Miss Richfield 1981

POSTED: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 10:18 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Theater



	The many faces of Miss R.

Tonight, Miss Richfield 1981 will begin dazzling Philadelphia audiences when she takes the stage for her one woman/cabaret/drag performance "Asians and Homos and Jews ... Oh My!" at the Society Hill Playhouse (507 S. 8th St.). In preparation for her first fling in Philadelphia, she filled out an emailed Q&A for us, even tweaking it a bit to make it more her own. What a diva. CP: Who is Miss Richfield 1981? MR: You're going to have to speak up. I'm on a pay phone at a Popeye's outside of Gary, Ind. I'm on my way to Philly and the bus is only stopping for a few minutes to unplug the toilet in the back. Darn those seniors and their diapers. So repeat the question and make it snappy. CP: Who is Miss Richfield 1981? MR: Speaking! That's me! A municipal beauty pageant title-holder from Minnesota, of course. Didn't you get my photos? CP: Why 1981? MR: It was the year I won my title, sweetheart. That's when I received my hand-glittered sash, my shiny tiara, and the power lawnmower. It was a beauty contest, so there was a prize. CP: Be honest, how many men did you have to sleep with to win that title? MR: Now I know a lot of you homos agree with that type of lifestyle, but girls in Richfield do not sleep their way to the top. I certainly couldn't have because I'm related to at least 70 percent of the town, my church pays for my bus fare, and I have an unfortunate gas problem that forbids intimate contact since November 1979. I hope all of your inquiries aren't this personal. Next question CP: Tell me what people can expect from your show? MR: A message. That's what I like — a show with a message. I realized that the world was changing when that handsome, distinguished hunk was elected president. Whew, he's a looker. And when I saw that even his dog was black, I decided to hit the road and help out. So come to my show ready to see life in a new way and learn what it is about your neighbors and street people that you really don't like. CP: I know a lot of your material is politically-based. What are some of the topics you'll be dishing about? MR: Hmm, this is really tough without my notes, but I'll do my best. Most of my show is about getting along. And I hope this isn't getting too close to home for you — you with all of your failed life choices and bad relationships could use a lesson in getting along, right? CP: Thanks for your concern, Miss R, but I'm thinking more about the country as a whole. Now if Obama were to name you "Czar of Tolerance," what are some of the first things you'd do in the position? MR: Steal a towel from the restroom. Could you just see it? Having a towel from the White House? I mean, put that thing on Ebay and retire. CP: Well, actually I was thinking more in line with political work. MR: Oh, yeah. Well, that would be the second and third thing I'd do. I guess I would free those handsome guys from Iran, try to get Dick Cheney's personal cell number, and outlaw children in the first 15 rows of planes, shows and buses. CP: Nice, now let's move on. Are you excited about coming to Philadelphia? What will you be doing while you're here? MR: I was in the Philly area a number of years back for the 52nd Annual National Lutheran Bingo Callers Convention. We had wonderful and affordable accommodations at the Club Body Center on Chancellor, as I recall. I remember it as a friendly place with sort of a late night clientele, and all the towels you needed. I hope it's still there. CP: I see you've been traveling all over the world. How have people received you in countries like Mexico and Shanghai? MR: For some reason, the foreigners seem to adore me. They smile and point and take photos of me. I just keep telling them that this is what freedom can do. And sadly I usually can't tell them apart, so I often use the names "Juan" and "Maria" and they often answer in that crazy jibberish. I don't get how they understand each other? CP: If you HAD to have a lesbian experience with Sarah Palin or Christine O'Donnell, who would you choose and why? MR: Hmm, I'm looking for a man, so I really don't care for that rumor to get started. But I'd love to hang with Sarah Palin because she's got the money and probably would take me someplace nice. CP: Who are some of the performers that have influenced your act? Your inspirations? MR: My two role models are Mother Theresa and that Christian gal on "The View." But I also draw heavily on the book "That Girl In Your Mirror," written by Vonda Kay Van Dyke, Miss America 1965. A good Christian woman who captured this esteemed title, Vonda had one lung removed, then continued on a career as a ventriloquist and mother! CP: What do you think about the work Lady Gaga is doing to further gay rights? Any other movers and shakers you admire? MR: I adore Lady Gaga. Anyone who can wear self-illuminating eyewear and fashion a gown out of Syran Wrap and good ol' American beef is my kind of gal. How she got hooked up with you folks is a mystery. Maybe it's the money? That's part of what keeps me coming back. And the fact that you boys always look so nice and have such nice singing voices. CP: Well, I think my laundry's almost done, so I gotta run. Any last thoughts? MR: Yes, thanks. I'd like to leave your readers with a thought from the Bible. This is something Jesus said at that last lunch, before things really went downhill: "It's important to be nice, but it's nicer to be important!" You can read more about Miss Richfield's performance in this week's Agenda section, or click HERE.

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 10:18 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: Fly That Flag, Sistah!

POSTED: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 4:30 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | LGBTQ Art Phag

lgf.org.uk

Today, Philadelphia; tomorrow, the moon!

In the mood to see gay history made today? At 1:45 p.m., during a ceremony to honor gay history month, Mayor Nutter will hoist a rainbow flag over City Hall — all the while being serenaded by the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus. This will mark the first occasion in Philadelphia's history that a pride flag has flown side by side with a municipal one. It's a pretty big deal. The event was spearheaded by Gloria Casarez, Director of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia. She will in attendance to welcome attendees and the line-up of officials scheduled to make remarks. Among the speakers will be Rev. Jeffrey Jordan from the Metropolitan Community Church, Rue Landau from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and, of course, Mayor Nutter. Other musical guests include the Philadelphia Freedom Band and the Voices of Pride. Couldn't there have been at least one drag performance? Check out the official itinerary of events after the big ol' gay jump. Program â begins promptly at 1:45PM Welcome: Gloria Casarez; Office of LGBT Affairs Remarks and moment of silence: Rev. Jeffrey Jordan; Metropolitan Community Church Vocal presentation: Philadelphia Voices of Pride More Remarks: Rue Landau; Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Brief announcements from: Elements Organization â 2^nd Annual Womyn of Color Conference Equality Forum â GLBT History Month Icons Project LGBT Elder Initiative â LGBT Elder Summit Philly Pride Presents â National Coming Out Day / Outfest Philadelphia Gay News â LGBT History Month series Remarks: Mayor Michael Nutter; City of Philadelphia Vocal presentation and flag raising: Mayor Nutter & the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus Closing musical presentation: Philadelphia Freedom Band

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 4:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ART PHAG: Gayborhood Games Winners

POSTED: Monday, September 20, 2010, 4:40 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ Art Phag

Photo | Neal Santos

Drag performance

Art Phag is back, bitches! On Saturday the Gayborhood Games kicked off to a packed house at Voyeur Nightclub (1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772). The event's creator Bruce Yelk says up to 35 singers, comedians, bakers and bartenders competed, but in the end only seven of those bad boys and girls walked away with the top prize. The next time you're in the Gayborhood, keep your eyes peeled for performances, treats and cocktails from this list of winning contenders:

Best Drag Act: Brenda Dharling

Outstanding Comedian: Di Hargrove

Outstanding Vocalist: Chat D

Outstanding Chef: More Than Just Ice Cream (1119 Locust St., 215-574-0586)

Outstanding Bartender: Kyle Stoudnour from Tavern on Camac (243 S. Camac St., 215-545-0900)

Outstanding Men's Salon: Charlie Salon (203 S. 12th St., 215-923-3123)

Outstanding Female Salon: L'etoile (4360 Main St., 215-483-2500)

Related:

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 4:40 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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What we're trying to do this weekend
CONCERT REVIEW: The Postal Service @ The Mann 6/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Sunny, Tony and the return of Do No Harm
CONCERT REVIEW: The Rolling Stones @ Wells Fargo Center 6/18 || Ian McLagan @ Tin Angel 6/17
Behind the scenes of local film A Man Full of Trouble
NOW SEE THIS: Salinger film trailer
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Indian fare rules, Dunder Mifflin lives on, Tom Jones is a god
REVIEW: Archer Live! @ the TLA 1/11
CITY PAPER WRITING CONTEST 2013: Send stories! Send poetry!
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Pink. Diner en Blanc 2. Breaking Glass and Milkboy at the movies. And so on.

About this blog

Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

Follow Critical Mass editors Patrick Rapa and Emily Guendelsberger on Twitter:

@mission2denmark | @emilygee

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