• Historic vote comes after gay Scouts and Scout leaders, with support from GLAAD and Scouts for Equality, collected more than 1.8 million signatures on Change.org petitions urging the organization to end its anti-gay ban;
• 16-year-old Boy Scout Pascal Tessier, whose older brother launched a Change.org petition urging the Boy Scouts to let his little brother earn his Eagle award, called the vote “life-changing.” Because of the policy change, Tessier, who is openly gay, is now eligible to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout;
• While the approved resolution ends the national ban on gay youth, the Boy Scouts still discriminate against gay leaders and parents, including Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, Kentucky dad Greg Bourke, and other Scout leaders who’ve launched Change.org petitions challenging the Scouts’ anti-gay policy;

DALLAS, TX – The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) today approved a resolution that will lift the nationwide ban on gay youth, but will continue to deny gay parents and adults the opportunity to participate in the organization.

The resolution was voted on by roughly 1,400 members of the BSA’s National Council and will take effect on January 1, 2014.

The historic move comes after more than 1.8 million Change.org petition signatures were amassed on campaigns launched by Scouts, Scout leaders, and Scouting parents, and supported by GLAAD and Scouts for Equality, urging the Boy Scouts to end its national anti-gay policy. 

Pascal Tessier, a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Maryland, perhaps has the most to gain from today’s historic vote. As an openly gay young person, Tessier’s Boy Scout council recently said that unless the Boy Scouts lift their ban, Pascal would not be able to earn his Eagle award. So Pascal’s older brother, Lucien Tessier, launched a petition on Change.org urging the Boy Scouts to end the national anti-gay ban so his younger brother can earn his Eagle award, just like Lucien did.

“Just a few hours ago, I was thinking that today could be my last day as a Boy Scout. Obviously, for gay Scouts like me, this vote is life-changing,” said Tessier, whose petition on Change.org received more than 128,000 signatures. “Like my brother before me, I now have a chance to earn my Eagle award — something that’s taken most of my life to achieve. Finally, Scouts are no longer forced to choose between upholding the Scout Oath and being open and honest about who they really are.”

Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell ignited a national movement last year after she was let go as Den Leader of her son’s Cub Scout pack because she is gay. Working with GLAAD, she started a Change.org petition demanding that she be reinstated, garnering more than 330,000 signatures. She led a second Change.org campaign asking the CEOs of Ernst & Young and AT&T, both of whom sit on the board of the Boy Scouts of America, to speak out against the organization’s ban on gay Scouts and leaders.

“When I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts last April, I was devastated,” said Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, who launched her campaign on Change.org. “Having to look my son, Cruz, in the eye and tell him that our family isn’t good enough was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Today is truly a watershed moment for me, but even more so for the millions of kids across this country, who will now be allowed to serve in the Scouts without fear of rejection. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, but until there’s a place for everyone in Scouting, my work will continue.”

GLAAD, which initially broke Tyrrell’s story and has been helping gay Scouts and Scout leaders affected by the policy share their stories, applauded today’s vote, but echoed Tyrrell’s call for greater inclusion.

“Today’s vote is a significant victory for gay youth across the nation and a clear indication that the Boy Scouts ban on gay adult leaders will also inevitably end”

“Today’s vote is a significant victory for gay youth across the nation and a clear indication that the Boy Scouts ban on gay adult leaders will also inevitably end,” said GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro. “The Boy Scouts of America heard from religious leaders, corporate sponsors and so many Scouting families who want an end to discrimination against gay people, and GLAAD will continue this work with those committed to equality in Scouting until gay parents and adults are able to participate.” 

Greg Bourke, a gay former assistant Scoutmaster who was removed from his son’s Boy Scout troop because of his sexual orientation, celebrated the historic move, but issued disappointment in the Boy Scouts for not lifting the ban on gay parents and adult leaders. Bourke had delivered more than 64,000 Change.org petition signatures to United Way Worldwide’s’ annual national Staff Leaders Conference in April, where he met with United Way leaders and urged them to denounce the BSA’s anti-gay policy and withhold funds should the Boy Scouts maintain its ban on gay youth and parents.

“This is an historic day in the 103-year history of the Boy Scouts of America — the day it finally found its moral compass and started down the long trail to equality in Scouting,” said Greg Bourke, who launched his petition on Change.org.  ”It is definite progress, but even with this approved membership change, gay adults like Jennifer Tyrrell and myself will continue to be banned from serving in the Scouts, even in units with our own children. There is no other word for that except discrimination.” 

Eric Andresen, who along with his wife Karen launched a petition on Change.org urging the Boy Scouts to award their son Ryan his Eagle award after Ryan was rejected for being gay, joined fellow Scouts and Scout leaders in recognizing the significance of this milestone

“What started as a Change.org petition launched by a rejected lesbian den mother from Ohio has transformed into a movement of Scouts and Scout leaders who have inspired more than 1.8 million signatures calling for change”

“We are relieved to hear that other Scouts will not have to suffer the rejection and expulsion that Ryan experienced, and we’re glad to see that the BSA is finally starting to see how harmful its discriminatory policies have been,” said Eric Andresen, who along with his wife Karen, launched a petition on Change.org in support of their son Ryan. “Had this policy been in place just 8 months ago, Ryan would already be an Eagle Scout, and he could’ve avoided so much pain.”

Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout and founder of the organization Scouts for Equality, praised the Boy Scouts for ending the ban on gay youth, and pledged to continue to work toward a day when all Scouts and Scout leaders are supported within the organization, regardless of their sexual orientation. Wahls’ organization waged multiple successful petition campaigns, including Change.org petitions urging Intel and UPS to withhold funding from the Boy Scouts until the anti-gay ban is lifted.

“Today’s vote ending discrimination of gay Scouts is truly a historic moment and demonstrates the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to creating a more inclusive organization,” said Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and Founder of Scouts for Equality. “Scouts for Equality is honored to be a part of the movement that has achieved a tremendous victory towards the fight for equality in America and we are proud to call ourselves Scouts. We look forward to the day where we can celebrate inclusion of all members and are committed to continuing our work until that occurs.”

“What started as a Change.org petition launched by a rejected lesbian den mother from Ohio has transformed into a movement of Scouts and Scout leaders who have inspired more than 1.8 million signatures calling for change,” said Mark Anthony Dingbaum, senior campaign manager at Change.org. “While today’s vote is a historic win for Scouts across the country, its also a testament to the incredible power everyday people have when personal stories are paired with innovative online organizing.”

The White House has released the list of the 10 openly gay officials it plans to honor on May 22 as “Harvey Milk Champions of Change.”

The event coincides with Harvey Milk Day, a commemoration of the first openly gay elected official’s birthday.

Established in 2011, the White House “Champions of Change” Program regularly spotlights ordinary citizens who are “doing extraordinary things for to their community, their country, and their fellow citizens.”

The list of those to be honored includes the Republican Mayor of Redondo Beach, California, Michael Gin, the first African-American lesbian to serve in a U.S. state legislature, Simone Bell, and the longest serving lesbian state legislator, Karen Clark.

In 2009, President Obama posthumously awarded Harvey Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

Milk, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, was assassinated on Nov. 27, 1978 by former San Francisco city supervisor Dan White.

The 2013 Harvey Milk Champions of Change:

• Simone Bell – Georgia State Representative, Atlanta, GA
• Angie Buhl O’Donnell – South Dakota State Senator, Sioux Falls, SD
• Karen Clark – Minnesota State Representative, South Minneapolis, MN
• Michael A. Gin – Mayor of Redondo Beach, Redondo Beach, CA
• Kim Coco Iwamoto – Hawaii State Civil Rights Commissioner, Honolulu, HI
• John Laird – California Secretary of Natural Resources, Santa Cruz, CA
• Ricardo Lara – California State Senator, Long Beach, CA
• Kim Painter – Johnson Country Recorder, Iowa City, IA
• Chris Seelbach – Cincinnati City Council Member, Cincinnati, OH
• Pat Steadman – Colorado State Senator, Denver, CO

Read more great articles at: www.EDGEontheNet.com

Glitz and glam are staples of LA PRIDE year after year. In fact, it would be safe to say that it’s a staple of every PRIDE event around the world. This year LA PRIDE really broke out the bedazzler and continued to shift the creative experience surrounding the LA PRIDE entertainment by offering some of the hottest and freshest artists on the scene.  From never-before seen visual art to premier performers you will want to see again and again, LA PRIDE celebrates diversity with a full cultural experience.

CSW is extremely excited to announce two of Friday Night’s highly anticipated performers, both of which are “Glitz and Glam”, personified. Indie/Electro-Rock duo, Uh Huh Her, will be gracing the stage and is guaranteed to perform an insane show that will have the crowd jumping.

Releasing their debut album in 2008, Uh Huh Her have gone on to participate in numerous international tours and have released several successful albums and EP’s, including 2011’s “Nocturnal” which contained “Human Nature”- a song included in the Twilight movie soundtrack.

CSW is also thrilled to announce that seductive songstress, Luciana, will be taking the stage Friday night to deliver what is sure to be a powerhouse performance. As both a singer and songwriter, Luciana has collaborated with the likes of Benny Benassi, Deadmau5, Taio Cruz and Kylie Minogue, and has released several hit singles such as “I like that”, “I’m still hot”, and, most recently, 2013’s mega-hit “U B the Bass”.

Saturday will be a night you do not want to miss this year at LA PRIDE. Alternative Hip-Hop act, Chiddy Bang, make their Pride debut and open the night and makes their LA PRIDE debut. The high-energy, charismatic pair of rappers, who are responsible for hits like “Mind Your Manners”

and “Breakfast”, serve their audiences with a unique array of sample-based music featuring various artists ranging from Ellie Goulding to Radiohead. With undeniable talent and electrical energy, the rousing set by Chiddy Bang will be the perfect set up to the night’s headliner.

Get ready for Pop-princess Ciara as she closes the Main Stage for the evening. With hits like “Goodies,” “Ride It,” and “Like A Boy,” Ciara is set to amplify the crowd with her stunning dance moves and nightclub bangers!

In addition to singing, Ciara is a Wilhemina signed model and cites the Jackson siblings as her inspirations. Ciara has collaborated on singles with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, Jazze Pha and has toured with the likes of Chris Brown and Rihanna.

Sunday is looking as equally promising featuring an eclectic mix of local performers and a soon-to-be-announced Sunday headliners. Internationally-known and acclaimed DJ Hector Fonseca will be spinning that night but you’ll have to check back on LA PRIDE’s Facebook page for details and updates on other performers!

Local talent lined up for LA PRIDE 2013 include Mike Munich, Countre Black, Hi Fashion, Connie Loves Juice and Nylon Pink as well as LA DJ’s DJ Pornstar, DJ Tony G, Derek Monteiro, DJ Drew G, DJ Lezlee and many others!

In addition to the amazing musical performances, LA PRIDE also offers a unique collection of experiences ranging from pop-up art installations to a sober oasis, as well a transgender beauty pageant. And for the first time this year, the PRIDE lounge will offer an outdoor ultra-lounge offering everything from artisan beers to specialty cocktails.

Special Exhibits at LA PRIDE 2013

Friday night is an entire night devoted to the ladies: LA PRIDE’s Purple Party. With performances on the Main Stage and DJ’s spinning throughout the night, the night celebrates the Lesbian culture. Friday night’s annual Dyke March takes place this evening; an event in which thousands of women gather and rally together in solidarity.

Club Papi teams up with LA PRIDE again this year for the exciting Latino Carnival Powered by Club Papi. With performers and DJ’s throughout the weekend, the Latino Carnival is an amazing addition to the already stellar entertainment line-up on the mainstage with performances by OV7 and Kat Deluna.

One of the highlights of the PRIDE week activities is the Friday night Transgender LA Pride Party. For the fourth consecutive year, the event will celebrate the talents of the various members the transgender community showcasing their artistic performances.

This year’s Erotic City will feature an amazing array of art exhibits and entertainment within the “Adults Only” walls. Hellraiser creator Clive Barker will be showcasing some of his works of never-before-seen art along with Tom of Finland. The exhibit provides an exciting atmosphere for curious onlookers as well as experts alike. Continuing the outdoor art theme, Install: WeHo presents “Good Queer,” an outdoor pop-up art village in the Undergroud Garage.

This annual art exhibit examines what it means to be a good queer in today’s society. The art is curated and juried work from within the LGBTQ community and is supported by the City of West Hollywood, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Pasadena Arts Council, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, California LGBT Arts Alliance and Frontiers Magazine.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, Bill’s Café is a sober oasis—a place where guests are encouraged to hang out and relax away from any outside influences. A drug and alcohol free zone, Bill’s Café provides guest with an outlet to enjoy the festival in a pure and organic way. Drag performers and DJ’s are going to be filling the space with tunes all weekend and this year are hosting a “No T, No Shade” dance party with music from DJ T. Rey!

First Park In America Named After Milk

Mayor Bob Foster and Vice Mayor Robert Garcia invite the public to the grand opening of the Harvey Milk Promenade Park and dedication of Equality Plaza, at 3rd Street and The Promenade, Tuesday, May 21, at 11 a.m.

“The Harvey Milk Promenade Park is an example of how a small, well designed open space can transform its surroundings and provide a profound purpose, “ said Mayor Bob Foster.  “The park also serves as a place where visitors can learn about Harvey Milk and our very own Long Beach leaders who battled incredible odds for the rights of the LGBT community.” 

Named after the late Harvey Milk, a San Francisco Supervisor and celebrated LGBT civil rights leader who was fatally shot while in office, the park features new signage, landscaping and enhanced paving, special lighting, seating and community chess tables. 

“I’m proud that we are opening the first park in Long Beach named after an openly gay person, and the first park in the nation named after civil rights leader Harvey Milk,” said Vice Mayor Garcia. “The focal point of the park is Equality Plaza, an area dedicated to recognizing local area LGBT leaders and their contributions to Long Beach and the gay civil rights movement.” 

The plaza includes a concrete replica of the soapbox on which Milk stood to inspire crowds when he spoke, and a 20-foot flagpole to fly the gay pride flag.   

Harvey Milk became the first openly gay person to be elected to office in California, and the first gay male elected official in American history. He brought mainstream attention and support to the LGBT movement with his courage and commitment to social justice. 

In 1978 Supervisor Milk came to Long Beach where he passionately encouraged people to campaign against a California initiative that sought to bar gays and lesbians from working in public schools.  Shortly thereafter, on November 27, 1978, Supervisor Milk and Mayor George Moscone were shot to death by a former supervisor who had recently resigned from the Board of Supervisors. 

The Park also brings new prominence to “Long Beach Recreation,” a historic Works Progress Administration (WPA) mosaic mural, located at the northern terminus of The Promenade in Harvey Milk Promenade Park. The monumental mosaic illustrates many local activities and pays homage to its original location at the former Municipal Auditorium (now home to the Convention & Entertainment Center). Originally installed in 1938, the mosaic was saved from demolition and installed at CityPlace in 1982. 

“The focal point of the park is Equality Plaza, an area dedicated to recognizing local area LGBT leaders and their contributions to Long Beach and the gay civil rights movement.”

Funded by the former Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA), the Park is part of the third and final phase of The Promenade Master Plan, which incorporated pedestrian-oriented improvements on the three blocks of The Promenade from Ocean Boulevard to the north side of 3rd Street, transforming a stark, underutilized, concrete pedestrian walkway and performance venue into a safe, friendly, and beautiful space for residents, visitors and business people in the Downtown to enjoy.   

The Promenade Master Plan included upgraded storm drains, new landscaping,  lighting and traffic signals, gateway signage, community chess tables, a dog rest area, bike racks and public art. Three new residential projects have been developed and multiple businesses have opened along The Promenade, along with a new and expanded Bikestation Long Beach. 

The Promenade Master Plan Improvements has succeeded at improving the pedestrian experience along these three blocks – providing safety, increasing aesthetic appeal and supporting a vibrant Downtown. 

This free event is sponsored by Mayor Foster, Vice Mayor Garcia, Long Beach Development Services, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, and the Harvey Milk Promenade Park Committee.  The Harvey Milk Foundation is scheduled to participate. Free two-hour parking is available at CityPlace. 

THE ICONIC QUEEN MARY luxury liner undertook its maiden voyage in 1936 and has been moored in Long Beach since 1967. For the second year in a row, she will host the major dance party event of Long Beach Pride weekend, as Poseidon rages on the ship’s decks the night of Saturday, May 18 from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Named primarily for the classical Greek god of the sea, the party’s title also makes a nod to the role played by the ship in the 1972 disaster movie, The Poseidon Adventure when Gene Hackman, Red Buttons, Shelley Winters and Stella Stevens walked her historic decks during the film’s pre-capsizing, outdoor scenes.

This year’s Poseidon event boasts a choreographed laser show and a Hunky Sailor Contest and all guests are encouraged to dress in nautical-inspired costumes. Returning to spin at Poseidon his second year is world-renown DJ Manny Lehman. He is joined by Ryan Kenney and the two will no doubt set the night on fire, with boat-rocking party anthems.

Lehman recently chatted with The Rage Monthly from a stop on his many international travels.

You’ve been on the Queen Mary before, what excites you most about playing this year’s Poseidon event?

I’ve been onboard quite a few times; I just love the history of that ship. I happen to be a huge Titanic fan and this falls into that passion I have for ships. I am excited about playing some great music on a historical ship—there is nothing like it.

Have you noticed anything unique about SoCal’s LGBT population compared to other parts of the United States or the world?

I love the Long Beach Pride festival, the aesthetics work so well and it’s really well situated and organized. It feels like an event as opposed to just a simple, thrown-together festival.

What are some of your other favorite cities around the world?

New York will always be first in my heart but Los Angeles is home; I have been in L.A. many years now. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and been in many great cities, something I would never have imagined would happen. My favorite cities are N.Y.C., San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Rio.

You have worked with some amazing singers: CeCe Peniston, Cher, Madonna, Sarah Brightman—what have been your favorite collaborations or songs?

I’ve done many fun remixes and production for divas we love and know and some we don’t yet know we love—but one of my favorites had to be Cher. It was the first big name I was able to remix and it was so exciting. “What do I do? Is she gonna like this?” All those questions are always prevalent when you do a remix, but that was the first big one so I was hypersensitive.

How have you seen dance music grow and develop over the last 20 years? Are there any current movements or artists you are especially excited about?

Dance music went from the underground, to a random hit-making machine, to a huge industry worldwide right now—Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is so huge. I’m excited to reignite the gay perspective, we need artists and songs that emerge from the gay underground subculture, not to just embrace radio artists. I look forward to working with the next new breed of this type of artist, as well as continuing to work with incredible artists like the Rihannas and Beyonces of the world. One of my biggest wishes was to work with Donna Summer, but due to her passing, I was never able to.

What would you say are the key factors or lessons that have helped you succeed in the music industry? What keeps you going?

My love of the creative process and passion for music keeps me going—all I can say is know and feel your music. Anyone can slap some tracks together, but if you feel it and take your passengers on an emotional journey, then you are on the path to fulfillment as a music person.

What can your fans look forward to at Poseidon? Will you be debuting any new music or remixes?

People look for fun progressive and energetic music to celebrate gay pride. I always have a few new mixes that I have worked on to showcase, so be on the listen for something a little different popping in here and there.

Have you noticed gay audiences responding differently to certain songs or music versus mainstream audiences? If so, why do you think that is?

That has always been the case. But I find as of late that there are a lot more songs in common in both communities. The whole pop, EDM and star divas have made it all more of a pop culture mash-up.

Beyond the DJ/Pride circuit, what are you working on for the near future?

I’m working on a few Manny Lehman singles, more remixes and production, as well as working to keep the DJ Manny Lehman brand strong!

In addition to Poseidon and other Pride-related events, the Queen Mary is offering special room rates during Pride weekend. To make reservations, for more information or to purchase Poseidon tickets go to queenmary.com.

The highly anticipated 6th Annual Pink Party will kick-off the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride weekend on May 17 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at 1st and Linden Ave.

Attendees will flood Downtown Long Beach’s East Village Arts District in a sea of pink as guests are encouraged to dress the part.

The event will be hosted by famed drag performer and 2013 Long Beach Pride Community Grand Marshal Jewels Long Beach, who also happen to be The Rage Monthly’s Orange/Los Angeles Counties Social Events Columnist.  The Pink Party will transform the outdoor venue into a pink extravaganza!

Jewels

DJs will be spinning high-energy dance music while famed Drag Diva Latrice Royale of RuPaul’s Drag Race 4 along with Detox, Delta Work, Raja, and Sonique entertains the crowd with a fabulous Drag Show you won’t want to miss.

Two outdoor bars, hosted by Hamburger Mary’s and Bliss 525, will serve up beer, wine and cocktails, while Downtown restaurants serve up food and Pink Hair and Nail Stations decorate your fabulous looks.

A portion of the proceeds from the Pink Party will benefit the Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Center’s Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment (MYTE) program.

Ticket Prices are $10 per person at the gate or online, or a discounted pre-sale offer of $16 for 2 tickets (online pre-sale only).

PRE-SALE ONLINE PURCHASES- Tickets can be mailed up until 5 days prior to the event or can be picked up at Will Call on Elm and 1st.  On-line ticket sales will conclude at 5pm on May 16th, but can be purchased at the event.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS: https://www.downtownlongbeach.org/sales/tickets

IT’S THE CODE: “SHE/HE’S FAMILY.” We are all part of a greater LGBT clan—I hope you all feel that. I sometimes imagine our beautiful family tree; it’s both strong and fragile. Ancient, enduring, precious, with so many stories, scars and ever-present blossoms, which cannot possibly be found by searching ancestry.com. I daydream about my tiny leaf on that gay ancestral tree and how its branches include greats such as Shakespeare, Sondheim, Wilde, Williams, Albee, Coward, Kushner and Hellman. Out near them on one branch of that mighty tree I’d have Robert Harling listed as a distant cousin.

Cousin Harling wrote Steel Magnolias, my all-time-favorite non-musical script, created from the book honoring his sister turned stage play. Wisely, he didn’t let the story out of his hands, writing himself the adapted screenplay when it was produced for the big screen in 1989. You all know the film starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts and Daryl Hannah. Filled with wit, humor and raw emotions, Steel Magnolias celebrates friendship and all the highs and lows of life—it’s a story that resonates the world over, with 17 translations thus far.

You can now see Harling’s masterwork at the Laguna Playhouse running for most of this month—and just in case you’ve been living under a rock—Steel Magnolias is about a group of friends who gather each week at a salon in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana. Owner Truvy dispenses shampoo and advice to Ouiser, the town curmudgeon (“I’m not crazy; I’ve just been in a bad mood for 40 years”), Miss Clairee, an eccentric millionaire with a sweet tooth and M’Lynn and daughter Shelby who is about to be married.

The Laguna Playhouse chose theatre veteran Jenny Sullivan to direct this production; this is my conversation with her:

What are you enjoying most about putting this show together?

Any time you combine chit-chat with hair and make-up, I am happy. [Laughing] I get to be with all the lovely women in this cast, several of whom are old friends I have worked with before. To be sharing this material with them—playing these women in this salon and having this much fun together—I feel like I am living out my childhood fantasy of doing my Barbie’s hair. We had our wardrobe fittings yesterday and this afternoon we are focusing on hair—the work that is happening in the salon has to look and feel completely natural. They have to be able to talk about what’s going on in their lives while all this hair styling is happening.

So in the stage version, the whole show basically takes place in Truvy’s salon?

Yes, in this room, in this magic space. That is what makes it a challenge and makes it so much fun.

If you were to play one of the characters, whom would you play?

Probably Truvy, I love to do hair. I’m always playing with my own. During auditions I took into consideration the kind of hair my ladies had. The problem for me is I don’t really have the ability to speak in Truvy’s dialect.

Some refer to the film version as the ultimate chick-flick, for me that just means it is meaty—it has real truth.

I love including the guys in this through the experience of the women, really exploring the deep emotions—both the humor and drama of it. Robert Harling has written a gorgeous play. Honestly, the cast doesn’t have to work hard to balance the humor and drama; it is really in the language of the play. If they take the text and pay attention to what they are saying and doing it’s all there. He has an amazing talent for using humor to reveal deep emotion or pain—Harling puts everything in the language. Once you memorize the lines, you’re already on first base with this show. The more real you can make it, the more fun the show is—it becomes a home run.

 ”Robert Harling has written a gorgeous play. Honestly, the cast doesn’t have to work hard to balance the humor and drama; it is really in the language of the play.”

If you could direct any play, what would you choose?

I have been fortunate to direct a number of my favorites including Death of a Salesman and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. I would really like to direct Angels in America; I would give anything to do that play. The show blew my mind when I saw it; stunning writing, extraordinary. Every time I work with certain actors I think, “If I could I would cast you.” It’s a tough play to put on, a big play to do.

I would also love to go back to the play I wrote that was first produced in 2001. An autobiographical play I acted in and directed about my dad, my brother and myself. I felt inspired by Steel Magnolias, Harling’s tribute to his family. It made me want to re-investigate my play, J for J.

Tell me about J for J.

About a year after my dad died I found a series of manila folders filled with letters written to my brother that started in May of 1944. My father started the file when my brother was just 18 months old and continued them until 1952 and he titled them Journals for Johnny (J for J). What was stunning about this, is that my brother was mentally retarded, so the letters start from the perspective of a parent thinking he has a perfectly healthy baby.

In the letters as time goes on, it becomes obvious that something is not quite right with him, then there was another child who died and then I was born. I wrote the play for a solo performance writing class. What I love about it is my brother, he was very funny. We did two years of readings and two full productions and my friend John Ritter was the guy to play him for sure. It was hard to go back to after my brother and John Ritter died—but I know I have some unfinished business still there.

How touching and fascinating; I hope you get back to it. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this production of Steel Magnolias?

I think it is good to remember this is now a “period” show, not a contemporary play. We know so much more about controlling diabetes today. In the ‘80s there were so many unknown factors and it was very difficult to manage. People died. Certainly, just like HIV/AIDS, it is important to honor them and remember what they went through.

That’s an excellent point, to remember and to celebrate medical advances. The next generation of plays will need to examine how people have come to live with these chronic “survivable” illnesses.

Steel Magnolias runs Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 26 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. For tickets and more information call 949.497.2787 or go to lagunaplayhouse.com.

A Few Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Louie brought his new girlfriend over and the nicest thing I can say about her is all her tattoos are spelled correctly.”

“I just sat there. I just held Shelby’s hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just peace. Oh God, I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life.”

“You know what they say: If you don’t have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!”

“Oh, Sammy’s so confused he don’t know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt.”

“The generation of men is like that of leaves. The wind scatters one year’s leaves on the ground, but the forest burgeons and puts out others, as the season of spring comes round. So it is with men: on generation grows on, and another is passing away.

Aging is something none of us can escape and it has become one of the pressing issues facing the Gay community with the advent of “Baby-Boomers” retirement. Many retirees are faced with the inability of living on their own and are looking to the long-term care market for solutions—with very few that address the LGBT senior’s needs.

On Tuesday, May 14, the documentary film Gen Silent addressing this issue, which will be presented by Greater San Diego Business Association, Scripps Hillcrest and Lifeline in the West Auditorium Scripps Mercy Hospital, followed by a panel discussion including expert panelists in the fields of long-term car.

For more information on this event call 619.296.4543 or go to gsdba.org.

GROWING Long Beach Pride over three decades into one of the largest LGBT celebrations in the U.S. hasn’t always been easy. Financial challenges, board member defections and deaths and leadership changes have posed challenges at times, even in recent months. But the show must go on, especially since “the show” draws nearly 100,000 people to the International City, and Long Beach Pride leaders are promising one of the best festivals ever in honor of their 30th anniversary. Appropriately, this year’s theme is “30 Years Proud.”

California’s third-largest Pride celebration will be held the weekend of Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 along Shoreline Drive in downtown Long Beach. It will feature hundreds of supportive vendors and exhibitors, five large dance areas and numerous activities for adults as well as for the youth in our community. There will also be abundant entertainment, including a sure-to-be-spectacular reunion of former finalists from both American Idol and The Voice.

In fact, an American Idol winner will be headlining the Main Stage on Saturday, May 18. Fantasia (aka Fantasia Barrino), who claimed the competition series’ highest honor in 2004, is set to perform at 9 p.m. Fantasia has undergone her own trials during the last few years, including financial and legal woes.

She just released a soul-searching new album, Side Effects of You and is launching her comeback starting with Long Beach Pride.

In response to the controversy over her supposed anti-gay remarks, she had this to say; “Anybody that knows anything about my history should know how I have been judged and talked about negatively from the first day that I hit the American Idol stage. However, I am not a judgmental person and never will be.I like to see people do what they enjoy and be with the person they enjoy being with. The LGBT community has been, and still are to date, my biggest supporters. Now…how you doin’?!”

Sunday, May 19 will feature a two-hour Main Stage set by American Idol alumni Kimberly Caldwell, David Hernandez and Paris Bennett, who will be joined by The Voice finalists Frenchie Davis, Jamar Rogers and Beverly McClellan.

Other performers scheduled during the course of the weekend include Diana King, Sara Peacock, Radio for the People, Corday and Adina Howard. The full concert line-up as well as other festival info may be found at longbeachpride.com.

The annual Long Beach Pride Parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 starting at Redondo Avenue and Ocean Boulevard.

Bixby Park traditionally serves as the parade’s epicenter, but thousands of people turn out all along the Boulevard to cheer the floats, marching groups, politicians and celebrities. Come cheer the 2013 Grand Marshals—The Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Founders, the Female Community Grand Marshal Sarah Rice, Male Community Grand Marshal, The Rage Monthly’s very own columnist Jewels.

Also being honored will be the Whitey Littlefield Community Bridge Building Award-winner, Helinda Chico, Morris Kight Political Grand Marshal recipient, Senator Ricardo Lara and Love in The Mirror founder, Jonas Corona in special recognition of his work with the homeless.

There is always plenty happening during Long Beach Pride weekend beside the festival and parade themselves.

HERE ARE SEVERAL CHOICE OFFERINGS:

RAINBOW CANDY RAVE 5TH ANNUAL TEEN PRIDE FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, MAY 17 FROM 4 P.M. TO 9 P.M.

Presented by Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride and California Families in Focus and located inside the Long Beach Pride Festival by the Rainbow Lagoon. Featuring carnival games; an Arts and Crafts area; a large relay bouncer; gladiator joust; chill lounge; DJ’s playing dance, electronic, Latin, reggae, techno and hip hop; dance contest; and youth-friendly resource booths. This is a free event for GLBTQ youth and allies 14 to 18 years old. School I.D. or another form of identification will be required at entrance. This is a tobacco, drug and alcohol-free zone with strict security. For more information contact angel.macias@cffocus.org.

1ST ANNUAL RALLY AND DYKE MARCH

FRIDAY, MAY 17 STARTING AT 6:30 P.M.

Long Beach women will take to the streets, with the goal of celebrating women and their rights. The events are inclusive of all women; straight, bi, lesbian and trans females are all encouraged to march in solidarity. Bring your signs! The protest and march will start at 6:30 p.m. near Broadway and Junipero Avenue and will march west ending at Hamburger Mary’s. The rallies welcome speech delivered by Long Beach’s own Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal and Key Note Speaker Robin Tyler will deliver the rally call. For more information e-mail info@artfulthinking.org.

6TH ANNUAL PINK PARTY 

FRIDAY, MAY 17 FROM 8 P.M. TO 12:30 A.M.

Presented by Downtown Long Beach Associates and sponsored by The Rage Monthly in the East Village Arts District. Dress in pink and kick-off LONG BEACH PRIDE in style.

Hosted by Jewels with a Drag Show featuring RuPaul divas Latrice Royale, Detox, Delta Work, Sonique and Raja. An evening of live music and dancing!

The Pink Party benefits The Center Long Beach’s MYTE Youth Program. For tickets and more information go to downtownlongbeach.org.

I LOVE A RAINBOW CONCERT

FRIDAY, MAY 17 AT 7:30 P.M.

I Love a Rainbow is presented by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and will feature the music of classical and contemporary lesbian, gay and bisexual composers at 525 East 7th Street (corner of Atlantic & 7th). Suggested admission $15 in advance & $20 at the door and for more information or to purchase tickets call 562.436.4047.

PLAY@MAYA.3 POOL PARTY

SATURDAY, MAY 18 FROM 12 P.M. TO 6 P.M.

LGB2Network’s 3rd Annual Play@Maya Pride Pool Party returns as another Rage Monthly-sponsored event featuring a summer music festival, with DJ George Figares direct from Miami and one of the most acclaimed DJs in the West Hollywood scene and NYC Transplant DJ Aaron Elvis.

As a special guest, Curtis Lovell II the American illusionist and escape artist known for his high-profile escape performances and corporation events; will be on hand to wow the crowd.

Buy your tickets now, this event sells out quickly! For more information or to purchase tickets, go to lgb2network.com.

ANNUAL LONG BEACH PRIDE RUN

SUNDAY, MAY 19 AT 8:00 A.M.

This 5K/10K run/walk presented by the Shoreline Frontrunners of Long Beach is open to people of all ages and abilities and will take place along the scenic Shoreline Bike Path of Long Beach. All funds raised by the Pride Run support Long Beach and Orange County LGBT youth, education and health organizations. For more information or to register go to lbpriderun.com.

COMMUNION ON THE BLUFF

SUNDAY, MAY 19 AT 9 A.M.

Presented by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 E. 7th Street on Ocean Boulevard (Bluff Park) near Redondo Avenue. An annual service, St. Luke’s “Pride Communion on the Bluff” begins just before the Pride Parade. Everyone is welcome to participate and/or just come by and feel the spirit moving among the people. For more information contact 562.491.3174.

 A Great Gatsby

Roadsters roar, flappers flap and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s words often leap literally from the page—in 3D no less–in Baz Luhrmann’s flashy new take on the classic novel.  Livelier than any previous screen version (notably the sleep-inducing 1974 iteration that starred Robert Redford and Mia Farrow), it is now playing nationwide and will open the Cannes Film Festival next week. 

If, like me, your primary exposure to Fitzgerald’s work was back in high school, there may be an initial, understandable hesitance to revisit it now.  I didn’t remember much of the writer’s lauded prose nor the plot’s details, and other pieces of required reading (notably Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Orwell’s 1984) made more of an impression on me at the time than The Great Gatsby. 

The stylish-to-a-fault Luhrmann has had some great successes (Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!) but his last epic, Australia, was a big flop everywhere but Down Under.  He definitely redeems himself artistically with his immersive, visually spectacular approach to the achingly romantic saga of Jazz-age gazillionaire Jay Gatsby’s love for married debutante Daisy Buchanan.

Luhrmann doesn’t direct the film so much as he meticulously choreographs it, from every large-scale dance sequence down to the opening and closing of dining hall doors, and even seemingly the individual steps Gatsby takes during walks out onto his pier.  The director receives superb support in this regard from choreographer John O’Connell and director of photography Simon Duggan.

As he did in Moulin Rouge!, Luhrmann employs a soundtrack of modern-day dance and hip-hop tunes plus a few period songs all supervised by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter (aka Mr. Beyonce Knowles, whose hit “Crazy in Love” makes an appearance here).

Most of them are used effectively to accentuate the racial and class distinctions of the 1920’s.

They aren’t as pervasive nor are they arranged as frenetically as songs by Madonna, Fat Boy Slim and other contemporary artists were in Moulin Rouge!  Luhrmann also wisely discards the winking, camp spirit that infused much of his earlier, Oscar-winning hit.

While the adapted screenplay by Luhrmann and regular collaborator Craig Pearce takes some liberties with Fitzgerald’s text (I don’t recall so many automobile races in the source material), it remains absolutely faithful to the ultimately tragic main storyline.

Gatsby’s readiness to spare no expense in his obsessive effort to reclaim Daisy’s affections and, subsequently, the past is heightened by CGI elements added to Catherine Martin’s already-lavish sets and costumes.  Of note, the screenplay and lead performances underscore a long-debated homoerotic dimension to the relationship between Gatsby and his neighbor, writer/narrator Nick Carraway.  This is fairly subtle in the new movie, even if Gatsby seems unusually intent on getting Carraway into his under-used swimming pool.

Speaking of the performances, Luhrmann has cast his Great Gatsby splendidly.  Leonardo DiCaprio, who looks better and better with age, has never been better as an actor than he is here.  As Gatsby, he runs the full gamut of personas and emotions.  He is by turns suave, insecure, aloof, desperate, omnipotent, vulnerable, childish, triumphant and broken.  It is hard to decide whether his best scene in the film is when he rages at Tom Buchanan in their over-heated room at the Plaza Hotel or when he nervously waits for Daisy’s tea-time arrival at Nick’s cottage. 

Former Spider-Man Tobey Maguire, still charmingly boyish at the age of 37, is an excellent foil as Nick, while Carey Mulligan conveys suitable innocence but is morally devastating in the end as the conflicted Daisy.  Relative big-screen newcomer Joel Edgerton (Warrior) may make the biggest impression as brutish, unfaithful Tom Buchanan.

Terrific supporting performances are given by Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker, Isla Fisher as the doomed Myrtle Wilson, Jason Clarke (recently seen in Zero Dark Thirty) as George Wilson and Aussie vet Jack Thompson who, in perhaps this version’s biggest departure from the novel, plays a kindly psychiatrist tending to a post-traumatic and “morbidly alcoholic” Nick.

Whether The Great Gatsby will redeem Luhrmann commercially will be known within a few weeks.  If nothing else, his invigorating vision of the literary classic should go over great in high school classrooms after it is released on DVD, maybe even better than the book itself.

Critic’s Rating: A-