Group blogs can be a vital tool for making political activism more effective, so how do you use them to get your message out?
Today we continue our series of interviews with top GLBT bloggers with the Bilerico Project’s Editor in Chief, Bil Browning. Bill works with hundreds of writers to bring about change by pressuring companies and politicians to stop their hateful practices.
For gay, lesbian, bi and trans folks the internet has become a vital tool for making political activism more effective. How can you leverage the power of group blogs to get your message out?
Today, we continue our series of interviews with well-known bloggers with long-time LGBT activist and political writer, Bil Browning. He’s the founder and Editor in Chief of the Bilerico Project, one of the nation’s top LGBT community blogs.
Bill works with hundreds of writers to inform and bring about social change by pressuring companies and politicians to stop their hateful practices.
One powerful moment came last year as the Bilerico Project came under attack by the lawyers for RockStar Energy drink for posting an opinion piece about the companies ties to radio hatemonger Michael Savage.
Instead of backing down, Bilerico opened up a can of gay whoop ass, launching a successful boycott of the sugary caffeinated beverage which lead to the company cutting its financial ties to the talk radio host and donating overt 100,000 dollars to further LGBT causes. That’s how you do it!
Listen as we chat with Bil about why bloggers and musicians stay in the closet, the blog swarm targeted at HRC and when to pull the plug on a hot discussion that goes too far.
Plus, what will happen to the Indiana seat now that Senator Bayh has decided not to run for re-election? Also, the changing face of journalism and we even manage to get out of Bil his drag name!
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Former Naval Petty Officer, Second Class Sean Niven talks about the tragic stories of two men who suffered and died under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and his own personal loss with the unjust policy.
Plus: Susan Sarandon is puked on by drag queen, Apple cracks down on sexy apps from the iTunes music store, and Betty White may host SNL.
A recent poll by the New York Times shows that 71 percent of the American public support “gay men and lesbians” to serve openly in the military. President Obama has vowed to repeal the ban and even Admiral Mike Mullen the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff supports the lift, saying that service members should not be forced to “lie about who they are.”
Even Colin Powell, who as former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1993 advocated for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” now supports the lift saying “attitudes and circumstances have changed.”
Everyone except conservative politicians want to repeal the military’s ban. So why is progress on this issue moving so slowly? And more importantly what are the human costs to our service men and women?
Today we’re talking to former Naval Petty Officer, Second Class Sean Niven. We first spoke to Sean anonymously, under the name “Joel,” five years ago while he was serving in the navy on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) the original nuclear-powered aircraft vessel that inspired the name of the starship Enterprise in the popular TV and movie series Star Trek.
Sean joins us to tell us some tragic stories of two men who suffered and died under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and his own personal loss with the unjust policy.
Listen to this an all the hot news:
Susan Sarandon is puked on by a New York City drag queen.
Apple cracks down on sexy apps from the iTunes music store, pulling over 5000 apps in one week for what they call “overtly sexual content.” Male physique apps like Hunk du Jour are gone while more explicit “Playboy” and PlayGirl apps are still available. Why the inconsistency? What’s wrong with the Parental Controls?
The Tickle Cock Bridge is saved
And another win for a Facebook groups- rumors are flying that Betty White may host a Women of Comedy special on Saturday Night Live.
Featured Music:
Robert German – Sirens of Brooklyn: iTunes | Amazon | Site
2009 was a tough year. Major setbacks in marriage equality, corrupt banks, derailed health care reform make us ask “where’s the hope?” Chicago gay rights activist Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network joins us with some bold solutions to our biggest problems. Plus, he’s got breaking news on Boystown’s most corrupt cop, Officer Fiorito.
In the news: Sarah Palin gets a job as a commentator on Fox, a real-life Mrs. Robinson, tranny neanderthals and Mr. Gay China.
2009 was a tough year. Major setbacks in marriage equality, corrupt banks, derailed health care reform, and little support for gay rights from President Obama left millions of Americans asking where’s the hope?
And now in Federal Courts in California, a showdown on gay marriage is underway. Is it doomed like the vote for gay marriage in Maine?
Chicago gay rights activist Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network joins us with some bold solutions to our biggest problems. Plus, he’s got breaking news on Boystown most corrupt cop- Officer Fiorito.
Sources inside the office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez leaked to Andy that Ms. Alvarez will not prosecute the creep for framing gay people with false DUI charges just to rake in overtime to pad his big fat pockets.
Also- Sarah Palin gets a job as a commentator on Fox, surprising no one.
The incredible shrinking gay journalist.
A real-life Mrs. Robinson, Tranny Neanderthals and Mr. Gay China.
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Please nominate us in the 2010 Weblogs Awards for Best GLBT Blog and Best Community Blog. You have to scroll to the right on the website to vote, but it’s really easy to do and we would really appreciate your vote.
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On World Aids Day we talk with groundbreaking actor and activist Michael Kearns.
Before coming out of the closet was seen as a career move in the entertainment industry, Michael Kearns was the first Hollywood actor on record to come out as a gay man in the mid-seventies. Today Michael is re-staging his one man show “Intimacies” featuring six characters on the AIDS crisis of the early 80s.
It’s World AIDS Day, the international day of remembrance which raises awareness about the AIDS pandemic and honors the struggles and triumphs of people living with HIV.
Today we’re talking to groundbreaking actor and activist Michael Kearns.
In the mid 70s, long before coming out of the closet was considered a career move in Hollywood, Michael Kearns was famous for becoming the out gay model and spokesperson for the popular book, “The Happy Hustler” even though he didn’t write it.
Prompted by the AIDS-related death of “Midnight Express” star Brad Davis in 1991, Michael made history when came forward on television as being HIV positive at a time when so many people were afraid to divulge their status.
He later appeared on the TV shows Life Goes On and Beverly Hills 90210 as a man living with HIV.
Today Michael is re-staging his one man show “Intimacies’” for a 20 year anniversary tour. The show features six characters identified by the placement of a red scarf to tell six diferent monolouges on the AIDS crisis of the early 80s. Never in the history of theater has a red scarf meant so much!
Listen as Michael Kearns talks with us about why he came forward back then, why Hollywood still has a long way to go when embracing gay men and he reveals the juicy details of an affair he had with a major music celebrity.
Who was it? Listen to today’s show and find out. And we mean out.
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Grant Tracy Saxon- The Happy Hustler: My Own Story: Amazon
Michael Kearns- The Solo Performer’s Journey: From the Page to the Stage: Amazon
Michael Kearns- T-Cells & Sympathy: Monologues in the Age of Aids: Amazon
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Jim Bennet of GayCo, the gay sketch comedy troupe that sprouted from Second City is back with “The Audacity of Nope.” The skits touch on the feelings of many who worked in earnest to get Obama elected who now feel like they’ve been duped.
Plus: Microsoft’s awkward attempt at a viral video, Sarah Palin Glenn Beck as a possible future running mate and our Holiday T-Shirt Contest!
Marc Felion, Jim Bennett and Fausto Fernós - photo by Fausto Fernós
The setbacks from the last two elections and President Obama’s sluggish pace on gay rights have made many people lose the audacity of hope for change. Is it too late to say “Yes We Can?”
With so much at stake what’s there to laugh about?
Jim Bennet of GayCo, the gay sketch comedy troupe that sprouted from Second City is back with a new show- “The Audacity of Nope- or How I fell for a Pansy Scheme.” The skits touch on the feelings of many who worked in earnest to get Obama elected who now feel like they’ve been duped. Does President Obama’s voice sound like Ron Popeil’s for a reason?
As the Midwest Regional Director for Lamdba Legal- Jim also shares with us his own insights into the political climate.— into the progress for change and the recent failure and triumph in gay rights.
Listen as we talk about what everybody’s talking about:
Microsoft’s awkward attempt at a viral video may have captured a shoplifter on camera.
Sarah Palin considers outrageous TV host Glenn Beck as a possible running mate for the future.
Sara Palin’s book “Going Rougue” goes rougue and shoots Rachel Maddow.
Iron Chef potluck parties, lutheran hamballs, and why bacon is the new black.
And we’re launching out Holiday Contest! Win a Feast of Fun t-shirt simply by submitting great content to the fresh section.
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Mike Rickard – Sweat: iTunes
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Fashion photographer Adam Bouska and his partner, Jeff Parshley, founded the “NO H8 Campaign” to promote the overturn of Proposition 8. The campaign shows photos of people dressed in white shirt against a white background with their mouths covered in duct tape in silent protest and the words NO H8 emblazoned across their cheek.
The November 2008 election dealt an unsettling blow to the gay rights movement when voters in California narrowly passed Proposition 8 a measure to take away the state’s ability to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
After the measure passed, fashion photographer Adam Bouska and his partner, Jeff Parshley, founded the “NO H8 Campaign” to promote the overturn of Proposition 8.
The campaign shows photos of people dressed in white shirts against a white background with their mouths covered in duct tape in silent protest and the words NO H8 emblazoned across their cheek. Although it began with just photos of everyday people the campaign grew to include the enthusiastic participation of families, police officers, filmmakers, actors, musicians, celebrities, politicians and even Kathy Griffin.
Although some criticize the project as superficial, its anything but. The NO H8 Campaign has galvanized people on the internet to take a very active stand and to raise funds for this important cause.
Listen to the show to find out why Adam and Jeff were so inspired to start the campaign, what risque photos are too sexy to be included and how you too can participate.
And the Hate Crime Bill is finally passed and will be signed into law by President Obama, what does this mean for you?
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LifeLube Your Field Guide to Gay Men’s Health
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2009 GLAAD Media Award Nominee for “How Are You Healthy” ad campaign.
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Our live coverage of the 2009 National Equality March, where thousands of people marched on the nation’s capital to demand full equal rights for all GLBT people.
Almost a year ago, longtime gay rights activist Cleve Jones announced on this show that he was working on an action inspired by the late politician Harvey Milk, asking people from all across the country to demand full equal rights for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, NOW.
Last Sunday it really happened. Was the turnout a meager 250 thousand or a whopping quarter of a million?
Will the March re-invigorate the gay rights movement or was it just a great opportunity to see Lady Gaga out of her gyroscopic dress?
And most importantly, will President Obama listen to our demands?
Listen to today’s show as we give you highlights from the rally- Cleve Jones, StaceyAnn Chin, Kate Clinton and yes, even Lady Gaga.
Interviews with longtime gay rights activists like Equality Illinois representatives Art Johnston and Rick García, and a whole new generation of fun folks like Zach O’Connor, who started downloading the Feast of Fun podcast in 2005 while in high school- find out what happens to you when you’ve listened to the Feast of Fun during your formative years.
Click here for a photo gallery from Washington D.C. Got any photos to share? Upload them to the Flickr group and we’ll feature the best ones on the site.
Obama once again re-affirms his support for the gays, the only question is when?
Barney Frank calls the March “a colossal waste of time at best” and “the only thing they’re going to be putting pressure on is the grass.” Is he right or is he just smoking too much grass himself?
Gov Schwarzenegger signs a Gay Rights Bill and establishes Harvey Milk Day.
And the ultimate question:
What would you say if you had had the opportunity to speak to thousands of gay people?
Comment on today’s show using twitter- Include #fof1073 in your update for it to appear on the site. Learn more about hashtag searches in the Twitter Fan Wiki.
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Steamworks Gym, Sauna and Baths.
Visit Steamwork’s website and register to get a discount
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How Are You Healthy? Find out at Lifelube.org
A blog on sex, drugs, physical, mental and
emotional health, spirituality and more.
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Bill Pritchard, the Chicago community organizer best known for his nickname “The Mayor of Boystown” talks about the gay scene in Chicago, clears up misconceptions, the hot guys he hangs with and why he’s always wearing those suits.
If you live in Chicago, you’ve seen this guy all over the place, Bill Pritchard, nicknamed the Mayor of Boystown. Bill came to Chicago from Seattle, Washington for a regular day job but also ended up working a gay job as Sr. Vice President of Community Affairs for Chicago Pride.
Like him or hate him, Bill Pritchard is someone you should know.
Bill Pritchard on today’s show talking about the hot gay scene in Chicago, drag queens behaving badly, the hot guys he hangs with and why he always wears those suits!
Paris Hilton gets her ass whooped by an Italian drag queen.
Kanye West takes a year off for being a jerk and President Obama calls him a jackass off the record.
A Canadian human rights group pledges to help fight the cannibalism of African albino people.
Snuggies make New York Fashion Week.
Scientists warn that actual man-eating hybrid pythons may be lurking in the swamps of florida.
And sadly Dirty Dancing heartthrob and terrible drag queen Patrick Swayze dies at the age of 57. Nobody puts baby in the corner.
Comment on today’s show using twitter- Include #fof1056 in your update for it to appear on the site. Learn more about hashtag searches in the Twitter Fan Wiki.
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Get a FREE audio book at Audible.com
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Brad Thomas, former ringmaster for the Ringling Brothers circus and Chicago public school teacher weighs in on Obama speaking to the nations kids and working for diversity and non-violence in schools.
Step right up, step right up, we’ve got a fabulous show for you today!
Obama is set to deliver his Back to School speech on the importance of education to children on what is for many school districts, the first day of school.
But why do some parents have a problem with it? Some Republican parents claim the President is trying to politicize our nation’s school systems and they’re threatening to keep their kids home that day.
Brad Thomas, teacher for the Chicago Public Schools and former ringmaster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus joins us to weigh in on the controversy and to talk about education and life in the circus.
In California, parents sue the public school system over a diversity curriculum aimed to reduce violence in schools and raise awareness for GLBT people and their families.
As a teacher, Brad knows the value of diversity, tolerance and the cost of violence in schools, so how does he handle tough topics like Marriage Equality when it’s brought up by the kids?
Be sure to check out Brad and Teri Yaki as hosts of this year’s Night of a Hundred Drag Queens, the popular fund raiser for Equality Illinois, held at Sidetrack, one of the best gay bars in America.
How to dress up as Kate Smith this Halloween by recycling an old Grimace costume
A man loses his manhood.
And it looks like Lady Gaga is losing her’s too.
Make a comment on today’s show using twitter- Include #fof1050 in your update for it to magically appear on the site. To learn more about Twitter hashtags and how the work, please visit the Twitter Fan Wiki.
Visit out our sponsor:
Steamworks Gym, Sauna and Baths.
Visit Steamwork’s website and register to get a discount
on your next visit. Enter “Feast of Fools” on the promo
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Kristine W – The Power of Music: iTunes | Amazon
Kristine W – Be Alright (single): iTunes | Amazon
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Live podcast forum on Barebacking, risk, pleasure and the influence of porn. Taped at the Center on Halsted in Chicago, August 17, 2009.
On today’s special edition of Feast of Fun, we’re teaming up with Lifelube and Project Crysp in conjunction with the 2009 National LGBTI Health Summit to bring you Risky Business- a raw discussion with a live audience at the Center on Halsted on the sex and intimacy we crave and the risk we’re willing to take.
How do adult films with bareback sex affect our sexual desires and practices?
Are videos depicting sex without condoms a hot but safe way for viewers to find pleasure or is it a dangerous normalization of risk?
We have a panel of experts here to break down the ins-and-outs of condomless sex.
Tony Valenzuela, Writer and Activist whose work focuses on the politics of gay sex, subcultures and assets based perspectives. He’s known as AIDS activism’s most misunderstood man.
Mufasa Ali, Minister and Activist, as well as co-founder of ONYX, a leather group for men of color.
Dr. Braden Berkey, Clinical psychologist whose practice focuses on gay men, and the director of the Center on Halsted’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute.
Chuck Renslow, the founder of International Mr. Leather Conference and Convention, was in the audience to talk about why he recently banned bareback porn at IML and the future of the ban.
This is a frank talk about the kind of sex men have in real life and how they “seroadapt” or reduce sexual harm.
For many people, this is just the start of the conversation surrounding sex without condoms, it is not the final word. If you have any questions or insight, please leave a comment and keep the conversation going. Please be respectful and refrain from personal attacks, inflammatory remarks or general hysteria.
Make a comment on today’s show using twitter- Include #fofrisky in your update for it to magically appear on the site.
To learn more about Twitter hashtags and how the work,
please visit the Twitter Fan Wiki.
Check out today’s sponsor:
How Are You Healthy? Find out at Lifelube.org
A blog on sex, drugs, physical, mental and
emotional health, spirituality and more.
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