Congress Addresses Transgender Rights 6/08

Congresswoman Baldwin testified @ a groundbreaking
hearing before the House Education & Labor Committee’s
Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor & Pensions.
The hearing entitled “An Examination of Discrimination
against Transgender Americans in the Workplace,” was the
first in Congress dedicated exclusively to the issue of workplace
discrimination against transgender Americans.

Baldwin told her colleagues, “Corporate America & the American
people are way ahead of the Congress in acknowledging the basic
truth we hold to be self-evident… that all of us are created equal…
& the laws of the land should reflect that equality. It is high time
that America declare discrimination based on gender identity &
expression unlawful.” Baldwin’s statement continues in
comments……:)

View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

And The 2008 Winners Are...... :)

The Provincetown Film Fest ended its 10th anniversary celebration
of independent filmmaking by awarding the following:

The Audience Award for Best Feature Film was given to:
FROZEN RIVER , directed by Courtney Hunt

The Audience Award for Best Documentary was given to:
FLOW: FOR THE LOVE OF WATER , directed by Irena Salina

The Audience Award for Best Short Film was given to:
WHO I AM, directed by Whitney Peters

The John Schlesinger Award (first time filmmaker):
was given to Lance Hammer, director of BALLAST

We had a Blast! We met some amazing Celebs & Filmmakers
& saw some Fabulous Flicks. We look forward to seeing everyone
next year....:)
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Alan Ball Pushes the Envelope Again 6/08

In its East Coast Premiere, Alan Ball's Directorial Debut
in Towelhead goes beyond "American Beauty."
Jasira is a 13 year old Arab-American girl discovering
& acting on her sexual awakening. This movie will make
you squirm in your seat @ times as it takes you on a very
graphic & intimate journey. "Towelhead" challenges our
sexual morality & takes you to places only Alan Ball dares
to go......:) I met Alan Ball & producer Ted Hope (21 Grams)
& we'll have an interview with them before the film's release
Sept. 12th..... :) More Fest Dish & Buzz.....
View Our Film on Gay Marriage

Madonna's 'Filth & Wisdom' is Brilliant 6/08

Madonna makes her directorial debut in the US premier of
“Filth & Wisdom” @ the Provincetown International Film
Fest. Beautifully shot, it's the story centered on 3 flatmates
living in London in pursuit of their dreams. With a somewhat
biographical narrative, this hip dark comedy takes the audience
on an intriguing ride....Madonna Interview & Short Clip....:)
Scheduled for a North American release in October, we'll have
excerpts of a revealing Q & A with cast member Vicky McClure,
prior to its release. Check it OUT....:) More Fest Buzz to come...
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Pink Martini Sold-Out in Boston!!!

Pink Martini Update '08...:)
Pink Martini was Fabulous! They played 2 sets to a
sold-out audience @ Symphony Hall. Backstage we
hugged and caught-up as we munched on pizza &
birthday cake for Paloma, their amazing violinist.
Their New CD "Hey Eugene" is Perfection!!
Oh did I tell you Pink Martini will be playing @
yours truly’s wedding??? Details to follow…… :)

P-Town Film Festival Through Sunday.... :)

We're headed down to Provincetown for the Film Festival.
We'll be updating the BLOG with all the celeb dish & events. :)
Quentin Tarantino is this year's recipient of Filmmaker on
the Edge Award, Gael Garcia to receive Excellence in Acting
Award & Jane Lynch of "Best in Show"& "the LWord fame is
receiving the Faith Hubley Memorial Award.....

See You There.....!! :)

For Film Schedules & Tixs Info.....
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Homophobia in America…..

Homophobia will be an ongoing issue at OUTTAKEonline until the
hateful language and violence against the LGBT community ends….
Nothing is worse then dealing with an ignorant homophobic
person in your family. Be patient and try to work them through
the process. Share your stories of your trials and errors of dealing
with this person and we’ll print them to help others cope and learn
from your experiences. You are not alone. :)
Playing it straight when you're not, isn't going to cut it anymore.
It's not healthy for you and quite frankly it's not helping the
homophobe. All it's doing is keeping both parties from evolving.
Confrontations are difficult for a lot of people. Everyone reaches
a point when enough is enough and being yourself is the only
solution. It may seem unnerving in the moment but in the long
run, it's the best way! So be proud and strong to be you. :)
And never lose your humor Darlings! ......Blog HP

And the Winners Are…….

Best Feature: “Death at a Funeral”
Best Documentary: “For the Bible Tell Me So”
Best Short: “A Private Life”

Denise had a fabulous time covering the Film Fest
for us @ OUTTAKEonline :)
She looks forward to seeing everyone next year!!
Congrats on a Great Festival!!
Blog HP

View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

18 More Months of Bush??

The latest figures are out that opposition to the War in Iraq
continues to be the top issue of concern for the American
public. Do you think the candidates running for President
in 2008 are going to make a difference bringing the troops
home in the next 18 months? With all the mud slinging between
parties already, can we wait 18 months?? And with some of
these flip flop candidates what guarantee do we have
that anything will be amended with a change of command??
It's up to We The People... The buzz has started....
Pump up the volume America!!! Bring the troops home…..

JUST SAY NO.......NO MORE LIES!!!

OUTLOUD on Church Street, Nashville

Well my darlings, Nashville was delightful!!

Everyone was very friendly and the Gay community is thriving!
Check out OUTLOUD for your traveling and communication needs
I visited most of the clubs and bistros on Church Street....
And speaking of Church Street, Nashville is home to 800 Churches
mostly Christian.......

Blog HP

VICTORY!!! June 14th, 2007

Gay Marriage Remains the Law in Massachusetts!!!

Bravo my darlings, your noble efforts have paid off! The Con Con
voted down the amendment to the constitution. Gay Marriage
remains the law in Massachusetts....View our Trailer on Gay Marriage
The Amendment to the Constitution Has Been Defeated!!!

Historic Pix's of June 14th 2007.... :)

Back To The State House

The Opposition

All Ages in Support of Gay Marriage

The Media is on Hand...Of Course....

Waiting Outside for the 1PM Vote

Inside the State House Proud to Be Americans

VICTORY!!!

Shouts of Joy

It's Over..... It's Finally Over!!

The Amendment is Defeated....

We Won't Need These Anymore.....
Gay Marriage Remains the Law In Massachusetts
View our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Kathleen Turner & John Waters

(Herald photo by Jennifer Longley)

Kathleen was honored this year @ the P-Town Film Festival
with the Bacardi Peach Red Lifetime Achievement Award.
Wouldn’t it be the best if they made another oh so dark
comedy together again!!!

Bay State Stonewall Dems Event 6/ 08

Tonight Bay State Stonewall Dems & special guest Boston City
Council President Maureen Feeney invite you to join them in honoring
Community Activists Holly Ryan, Gunner Scott & Diego Sanchez @
The Union Club, 8 Park St., Boston from 6-8pm. There's so much @
stake for our community in the Presidential election, this is great
opportunity to get involved...... For more info & tixs....
Shawn Hartman, Co-Chair of the Bay State Stonewall Dems
& a delegate for the Dems Convention in Denver said:
"We are honoring Holly Ryan, Gunner Scott & Diego Sanchez
for the outstanding work they have done this year & for the last
several decades. They have done tremendous work advancing
H.1722, the Gender Identity equality bill. While they have been
recognized a lot in the past year, they really are to be commended
for their work before this past year in laying the foundation to be
so successful in their work this year."
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

BOSTON PRIDE 2007

No One Rained on Our 2007 Pride Parade! Thanks to everyone who
struck a pose for us @ OUTTAKEonline. :)

Blog Hp

Will the Candidates Address Gay Marriage? 6/08

The question isn't really will, it's when....:) We all watched
the Dems on LOGO last summer debate gay marriage.......
Disappointed by their anti-gay marriage position we still
worked our hearts & sweat for them & voted for the Dems in
our primaries. Now with gay marriage becoming the law in
California this issue is about to heat up big time...
Obama has always said he doesn't support gay marriage but
supports civil unions with all the benefits of marriage. In the
past months we have learned that civil unions globally have
created a new group of second class citizens providing only 1/3
the benefits of marriage. In recent months gay marriage &
LGBT rights have been avoided by the candidates in the media.
Obama has mentioned it a few times in primary acceptance
speeches.....And Hillary finally made a reference to the gay
community's quest for civil rights in her bye bye address....
As Hillary gets ready to campaign for Obama it should be
interesting to see if the Dems address our issues or just
continue to only fully support our community behind closed
doors......Updates to come........
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Elvis Sighting in Nashville!!!

Well my Darlings, this was an interesting experience for someone
who thought they would never visit the South. I followed the sea of
cowboy hats to the honky-tonk saloons & venues along Broadway
providing country/rock wannabees & hopefuls a chance to stab @
their dreams. They perform live from 11AM on…. & lots of street
musicians that you can’t help wonder ...."Are they on their way up
or down…..”

The other bit of knowledge you should know about, Nashville is
home to 800 Churches mostly Christian. They should view our
trailer on Gay Marriage. :) Then you cross the rail yard on
Church Street & continue on a few blocks & you’ll see gay flags,
clubs & bistros. More on the Gay scene to come….. :)

Blog HP

Hillary Officially Suspends her '08 Campaign

This will take some time for her followers to switch gears & support
Obama. To quote Hillary " Every moment looking back keeps us from
going forward....." Let's take a moment & reflect....Hillary.com
Dream Team or Dems Defeat....? Obama has his VP committee
with Caroline Kennedy as one of his advisers. Will seeking direction
from one of the oldest political families like the Kennedys bring
change to our country? Perhaps we're just in the midst of a family
feud between the Kennedys & the Clintons....:) Obama & Hillary
met Thursday night privately to discuss how they're going to work
together. For More Info... Wouldn't you love to have been a fly on
that wall.....:) So how will this play OUT? Updates to come....
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Congress Forms LGBT Equality Caucus...:) 6/08

Press Release: In a Capitol Hill press conference, Congresswoman
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) & Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) announced
the formation of the House of Representatives LGBT Equality Caucus.
Baldwin introduced the bipartisan caucus & its founding members saying,
“We represent different races, different genders, different sexual orientations,
different geographic regions, different generations & different parties,
but we share a common mission: to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual &
transgender (LGBT) equality.” Congressman Barney Frank, who is co-chairing
the caucus with Baldwin said, “With a Democratic majority in the House,
we now have both the opportunity & the responsibility to move towards
legal equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender.
This caucus will play an important role in helping shape the strategy by
which we do this.”
The mission of the LGBT Equality Caucus is to achieve the extension
of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of
hate-motivated violence, & the improved health and well being for all,
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
The Caucus will serve as a resource for Members of Congress, their
staffs & the public on LGBT issues. Congressional action this session
on legislation combating hate crimes & employment discrimination
based highlighted the need, & the desire people had, for more
information on LGBT issues. The LGBT Equality Caucus is one result
of those successful efforts. Updates to come.....
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Dems Fight to the Finish.... :)

Obama has received the magic number of delegates needed.
Hillary has not conceded. This has been an amazing ride & a
very emotional one for many. How Obama will appeal to Hillary's
supporters remains a mystery. With the polls continuing to show
Obama neck to neck with McCain this is a hard position for the
Dems. The only person who can rally her supporters to Obama's
camp is Hillary. I guess we'll just have to see how this plays out....
Updates to come......Can Obama Beat McCain...?
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage on November Ballot in CA?? 6/08

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen said a "random" check of
signatures submitted by the measure's sponsors showed that they
had gathered enough names for gay marriage to be put to voters.
Kate Kendell, executive director of the San Francisco-based National
Center for Lesbian Rights, said gay marriage advocates have already
launched a campaign to defeat the measure."There is just so much @
stake, now, in terms of what kind of state we are going to live in &
what values we are going to uphold," Kendell said. We went through
this in Massachusetts for 3 years. Hang in there....:)
CA Supreme Court Refuses To Stay Ruling Until After November
Election. Marriages begin throughout the state on June 17th. :)
There were 10 states & then 9. New Hampshire Attorney General
Kelly Ayotte announced that the state is withdrawing from participating
with the other states. Ayotte didn't elaborate but New Hampshire's
civil union law says the state will recognize a legal civil union or a
gay marriage from another state as a civil union... :)
So now Attorney generals of 9 states were urging the CA Supreme
Court delay finalizing its ruling to legalize gay marriage. The
homophobic states are Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan,
Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota& Utah. The attorney generals
said in court papers filed that they've an interest in the case because
they'd have to determine if their states would recognize the marriage
of gay residents who wed in California. They wanted the court to stay
its ruling until after the November election. California Attorney General
Jerry Brown urged the court not to grant the stay saying “The matter
has now been resolved by the State Supreme Court.”
CA Gay Marriage is still slated to begin June 17th.....:)
A new California poll favors gay marriage by a margin of 51% to 42%.
Voters oppose the idea of changing the California State Constitution
to define marriage as between a man & a woman. So with all the
noise about getting an amendment on the CA November ballot to
overturn the CA State Supreme Court Ruling, this poll reinforces
that such a measure would be defeated..... :) Poll Details.....
View Our Trailer on Gay Marriage